1995-12-12
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 1995
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury
held Tuesday, December 12, 1995, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury,
New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Auer, Hersh, LaBombard, Schachner and Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT: Councilwoman Pulver and Director Hansen
ABSENT: Commissioners Carusone and Maine
VISITORS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Schachner made the motion to approve the minutes of the November 1 and
November 3, 1995 special meetings. Commissioner Hersh seconded the November 1st minutes
and Commissioner Auer seconded the November 3rd minutes. Commissioner Schachner
pointed out that one of the visitors names was spelled incorrectly (Hobbes). The Director
will see that the official minutes reflect the correct spelling and after polling all
commissioners, the motion was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATION AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
The Director reviewed the items of correspondence included in the monthly packet and
there were comments on the Comprehensive Land Use meeting memo. Commissioner Auer,
on behalf of the Commission, volunteered to accompany the Director and also attend.
Commissioner Hersh remarked that he was still concerned about the Warren County (W.C.)
Bike Trail extension and Councilwoman Pulver pointed out that the Town and not the
individual was the applicant. Furthermore, she explained that at this point it was only
a ''letter of commitment" and that the Town would administer the funds. She pointed out
that Jim Martin (Community Development) was "very involved in helping them" (Hodgson
group) and that a committee would be set up to oversee the project.
The Director briefly explained the remaining items of correspondence including the W.C.
Youth Bureau funding memo, the Supervisor's change in workday request, the Hovey Pond
Park '95 recap (B. Eddy), P. Beland's letter of support (bike trail) and the Homebuilder's
Association request. There was considerable discussion with regard to the Homebuilder's
Association proposal (payment of recreation fees) and a number of commissioners expressed
concern if the present system was changed. They questioned who would be responsible
to keep track of the payment of fees and at what point in the process (site plan review,
building permit, etc.) should the fee be levied. It was the consensus that it did not matter
at what point the fee was paid in actuality, the cost would be included somewhere in the
homeowners cost. The Director reiterated that the fee was imposed initially as a means
to offset the added burden of new residents on the Department's park and recreation
facilities. Therefore, requiring the payment of the subdivision fee prior to issuing a building
permit or certificate of occupancy was unwarranted and might have to be refunded at a
later date (subdivision fails and no homes built). There were mixed sentiments on behalf
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of the Commission regarding the "best" point at which the subdivision fee should be levied.
Chairman Simmonds suggested that the Director research the town code and have copies
of the appropriate law for review and discussion at the next meeting.
BIG BAY ROAD PROPERTY
The commissioners reviewed their draft letter in response to the offer of dedication of
land (Gross property - Big Bay Road) and instructed the Director to have it typed in final
form and distributed to all parties concerned. Likewise, the Capital Improvement Park
Planning memo in response to the Supervisor's letter was reviewed, discussed and approved.
This too will be retyped and forwarded to the Supervisor/Town Board along with the revised
(10/95) park planning-priority list.
HUDSON RIVER PARK UPDATE
The Chairman updated the Commission on the status of the project and the Director
explained the situation with regard to the archeological survey. The Hartgen Archeological
Associates firm has been retained to conduct a stage 1A archeological literature review
and evaluation of the park site. Chairman Simmonds commended the Director for his work
and efforts with respect to keeping the Hudson River Park project on track.
1996 COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE
The Commission's schedule of 1996 meeting dates was briefly discussed and accepted as
tentatively drafted. The Director will insure that all interested parties (Board, Post Star,
etc.) receive a schedule immediately after the first of the year.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE DffiCUSSION
The revised draft copy of the Commission's bylaws was presented by Commissioners Auer
and Schachner and it was explained that the committee would be meeting again to review
and discuss the document. Additional comments from other commissioners were, of course,
welcomed and would be incorporated in the final bylaws draft. The committee will continue
revising the draft and should have a final document ready shortly.
DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT
The Department's monthly report was reviewed and the hours of operation for winter
activities at the Gurney Lane Recreation Area were questioned. The Director also explained
the situation regarding the other outdoor skating areas.
The Director relayed Bill Miller's (ENCON) request to possibly conduct a trout derby at
Hovey Pond sometime in June. In this instance, they (ENCON) were interested not only
in stocking the pond/derby, but also conducting an instructional clinic for children. The
Director explained that he would be very interested in co-sponsoring and conducting this
type of event and relayed that to B. Miller. A final decision by ENCON regarding their
participation and involvement would be made in the spring.
There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The
next meeting will be held on January 9, 1996, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's
conference room (#37), at the Queensbury Town Office Building.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen