1993-02-10
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 1993
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the
Town of Queensbury, held Wednesday, February 10, 1993, at the
Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman
Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Carusone, Hersh, Labatore and
Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering
ABSENT:
Commissioners LaBombard (ex) and Maine (ex)
Dr. Braico (Trout Unlimited)
VISITORS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Labatore moved to approve the minutes of the December
9, 1992 meeting. Commissioner Carusone seconded the motion and
after polling all commissioners, the motion was unanimously
approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Simmonds introduced Dr. Braico, who was present to outline
and discuss the Trout Unlimited (TU) organization proposal for a
handicapped fishing access structure at Hovey Pond. Dr. Braico
displayed construction drawings and explained that the original
design plans were of a handicapped fishing pier erected by the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service on a Tennessee impoundment. The TU
organization has modified and scaled down the structure based on
the Hovey Pond (HP) situation and the area's handicapped population
needs. They (TU) have also been in contact with an Albany based
nonprofit construction firm (Barnraisers) who specialize and are
interested in assisting with this quasi volunteer project.
Dr. Braico outlined the TU proposal including the material cost
estimates and the Commission requested further explanation on the
size of the fishing platform, its location and how the structure
would be supported/secured. There was also considerable discussion
on TU's plan for fund-raising and the Director pointed out that the
Town Attorney had been contacted and had cleared their proposal in
terms of Town liability (donation/solicitation). The Director
requested permission to have the design plans reviewed by an
engineer and Dr. Braico agreed. There was considerable discussion
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on TU's list of necessary supplies/materials and Dr. Braico pointed
out that the cost estimates were based on straight retail prices.
In fact, the total estimated amount to be expended ($3150.) should
be considerably less especially, if any of the materials needed are
the same as those indicated on the "shopping list" (Friends of
Hovey Pond). These items and services (shopping list) were
solicited on behalf of the Town for the Hovey Pond project and
should, therefore, be usable by the Town, accordingly.
Dr. Braico displayed an example of a fund-raising poster including
information and explained details about the National Conservation
banquet (TU's primary fund-raiser). TU's donation of trees to be
planted along Glenwood Avenue was also discussed and the
Commission/Director reiterated that the decision with regard to the
quantity and variety of trees to be planted had been agreed on
sometime ago. That decision had not changed and it was anticipated
that the of trees (oaks and maples) previously order by TU would be
received and planted sometime this spring. The Commission thanked
Dr. Braico and his group for their efforts in helping to bring this
project to fruition.
The Director reviewed the items of correspondence included in the
monthly packet (1993 meeting schedule, updated committee list,
Hudson Pointe/Michaels Group letter and Beautification Committee
minutes/map) and there was discussion on the Hudson pointe P.U.D.
and their dedication of land for park use proposal. It was pointed
out that a formal dedication of land, if that were their option,
would happened at the next stage (Planning Board review). At that
time, the Recreation Commission's recommendation would be solicited
and a final decision (recreation fees or parkland), by the Town
Board would be forthcoming.
HOVEY POND UPDATE
The design drawings of the footbridge, prepared by Morse
Engineering, were presented/reviewed and the Commission was briefed
on the bridge structure including size, type of materials, location
and the installation schedule. It was explained that the
preassembled bridge would be ordered this spring (March or April),
and then be installed (by crane from Glenwood Avenue), sometime in
May/June depending on weather and site conditions. As with the
handicapped fishing access and the use of donated materials, here
again, some of the items donated as per the " shopping list"
(concrete, wood, stone, etc.) could be channeled to this park
structure, thereby, reducing the Town's project expenses.
Information with regard to park signs and the historical time line
was also discussed and the Director relayed that he and the Town
Historian (Marilyn VanDyke) were working jointly on these items.
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Chairman Simmonds commented that Commissioner Carusone had
volunteered to chair the ad hoc committee coordinating the Hovey
Pond project (volunteer groups). He agreed to contact M.L.
Gosline's group prior to the March meeting to insure that their
presentation at that meeting is both orderly and productive.
PROGRAM FEES AND CHARGES
The Director outlined in detail the three page Swim Pool/Swim
Lesson User Fee Information analysis which was included in the
monthly packet. He reminded the Commission that the Department had
been given the responsibility of generating increased revenues
through program user fees and charges in 1993. Pool admission and
swim lesson fees were the two major program options selected (to
generate revenue) during the budget process. Subsequently, the
user fee information sheet detailing a variety of factors in both
operations was compiled and included 1992 registration/attendance
figures, cost of operation and revenue projections for both
options. The report also suggested a number of program factors to
consider including the question of residency/nonresidency, the
logistics of registration and the collection of fees. In addition,
other factors, which in the past were of minimal concern, now
because of a user/program fee, become variables which are quite
important. Those include; weather, refunds, cancellations, make-up
classes and fiscal accountability. There was also concern and
discussion on the philosophy of user fees and whether or not the
Department's goal should be "zero based budgeting" (no out of
pocket cost to maintain the day to day pool operation). After
further discussion, it was the Director's recommendation that the
Commission wait until they receive additional information before
proposing a fee structure for swim lessons and pool admission.
Comparative information as well as figures from other area
municipal and private organizations had been requested and would be
outline in chart form at a later date. At that time it would then
be appropriate to evaluate all available factors, options and
information in order to propose a swim program fee schedule which
would meet the needs of the Department/Board.
The topic of resident/nonresident usage was mentioned and here
again there were mixed feelings as to how Glens Falls (GF)
residents should be classified for the purpose of using Town
swimming facilities. A number of commissioners questioned whether
it was even the commission's decision and the Director pointed out
that the commission was obligated to at least make a
recommendation, The final decision including the actual fee
structure would, of course, be the Town Board's responsibility.
After considerable discussion, the consensus was that, if there was
to be a differentiation of fees (resident and nonresident fees),
then a GF resident should be considered a nonresident.
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DISCUSSION-COMMISSION OFFICERS
Chairman Simmonds mentioned that at present, no commissioner had
been appointed as vice-chairman, since Commissioner Sperry's
resignation. Inasmuch as this is an important position, she
suggested that a candidate be nominated tonight to fill the
vacancy. The Director reminded everyone that the April meeting was
traditionally the meeting at which officers were elected and it was
suggested that the group postpone their nomination until then.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The members of the Commission (Labatore, Auer & Hersh) and the
Director, all of whom attended the recent joint School/Commission
meeting on 1/21/93, briefly relayed the topics of discussion that
evening. The Director had prepared an agenda and there was
discussion on usage of school facilities and how, if the Department
instituted fees and charges, the use of those facilities would be
affected. Overall, the School representatives were supportive of
the Department's need to offset the operating cost of swimming
related programs including those offered at the School pool, and
the consensus was that a participant user fee would not be
inappropriate. Those attending the meeting on the 21st were in
agreement that a joint meeting such as this should be an annual
occurrence.
Commissioner Auer briefly reported on the actions of the Summer
Program Review Committee and distributed a one page review sheet.
The Director will respond in writing to the committee suggestions
at a later date.
DEPARTMENT REPORT
Assistant Director Lovering highlighted a number of items in the
Department's monthly report and it was mentioned that the use of
the facilities at the Gurney Lane Recreation Area had increased
substantially. A number of commissioners commented about the usage
and also mentioned that the facilities were reported to be in good
operating condition (ski trails, ice, etc.)
The Assistant Director also mentioned the success of the recent,
free bowling program (300 participants) co-sponsored with the Lake
George Bowl.
Commissioner Auer requested an update on the status of his 12/9/92,
letter/suggestion regarding the development of a Department "new
idea/program" form. The Director distributed and explained the new
form which had been developed as a result of Commissioner Auer's
suggestion and there were no further comments.
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There being no further business, the Commission meeting was
adjourned at 8:41 p.m. The next meeting will be held on March 10,
1993, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Supervisor's meeting room
(#37), at the Town Office Building.
~X:~
Sharron Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen