1991-05-13
QUBBNSBUR Y RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
MAY 13. 1991
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury,
held Monday May 13, 1991, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New
York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Hersh, Labatore, LaBombard, Simmonds and Sperry
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering
ABSENT:
Commissioners Carusone (ex) and Teti (ex)
VISITORS:
Wan ita Hoag
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS FROM VISITORS
Chairman Simmonds welcomed Wanita Hoag, Thunderbird Drive, Queensbury, who explained
that she was here this evening primarily as a spectator.
MASTER PLAN - PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
The Director highlighted the results of the public information meeting which was held
on May 2nd, at the Queensbury Activity Center. The meeting was conducted, in order
for the public to have a forum to comment on the draft master plan being written for
the Department by Murman Associates.
Approximately 45-49 individuals were present to hear a chronology of events from R.
Murman, S. Simmonds and the Director. The meeting lasted over 2 1/2 hours and many
in the audience spoke and commented on a variety of topics including: program/facility
fees and charges, additional pool facilities, passive recreation programs, non-resident
usage of facilities and Round Pond. The meeting was tape recorded, so that Murman
Associates could incorporate the remarks/comments into the final draft of the plan. Prior
to the document being completed, the steering committee will get at least two more
chances to review the document and the public will be invited to comment one more time
at a second public meeting later this fall.
Overall, the Director was moderately pleased with the public turnout including the input
which was received that evening. He reiterated that this plan will only be as good as
the public input which is expressed and then incorporated into the plan.
SUMMER PROGRAM UPDATE
The Director briefly summarized some of the Department's summer program plans and
explained that the summer brochure would be out to the public in the next two weeks.
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In addition, the pool/park facilities at Gurney Lane would be open for public swimming
beginning Memorial Day and that a full complement of guards were already working to
get the park's facilities in shape. Amanda Maine will again be back as the swim lesson
coordinator for both pools. Like Patty Borgos, who is returning as Summer Youth Program
Coordinator, both of these gals do a first-rate job in their respective program areas.
A number of Commissioners expressed concern about resident vs non-resident pool usage
at Gurney Lane and there was considerable discussion regarding program fees. The
consensus was that the Department, sooner or later, will have to look more closely at
the overall financial situation and probably institute a schedule of fees and charges to
offset the cost to staff and operate the many programs which are offered. This is inevitable
and was recommended by the Director in the 1982 Department Master Plan. The new
Murman Associates plan will undoubtedly cover this area in some detail.
DIRECTOR/ ASS'T. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Ass't. Director Lovering explained details about the new sailboarding program which is
planned for and will probably be held at Round Pond (Queensbury Country Club beach
site). A request has been sent to the Club's Board of Directors requesting permission
to use their beach facility for this program.
The Director briefed the Commission on a number of topics including: the situation with
the Glen Lake canoe access, the scout project at R/ J Park and the problem of improper
public behavior due to alcohol consumption by groups who reserve the pavilion.
Chairman Simmonds suggested that the upcoming meeting would be a good time to begin
our "summer on-the-road tour" and after further discussion, it was decided that the June
meeting would be held at the usual time at the Ridge/ Jenkinsville Park Barn (maintenance
facility).
There being no further business, the Commission was adjourned at 8:06 p.m. The next
meeting will be held on June 10, 1991, at 7:00 p.m., at the Ridge/Jenkinsville Park Barn,
off Jenkinsville Road.
~~~
Sharron Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen