1991-09-09
QUEENSBUR Y RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9. 1991
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury,
held Monday, September 9, 1991, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbuty,
New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:07.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Carusone. Labatore, Simmonds and Sperry
ALSO
PRESENT:
Councilman Montesi, Director Hansen and Ass't. Director Lovering
ABSENT:
Commissioners Hersh (ex), LaBombard and Teti (ex)
VISITORS:
Jim Miller
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
PARK DESIGN PRESENTATION - MILLER ASSOCIATES
Jim Miller, Miller Associates was introduced/welcomed and displayed his park design drawings
of Gurney Lane and the Ridge/Jenkinsville Road Park. Mr. Miller had previously submitted
a design services proposal (8/30/91) and has been working with the Director to implement
the second phase development of each of these parks. Mr. Miller relayed that he had studied
all the topographical data available, as well as having reviewed/walked the sites and that
the drawings (sketch plans) presented were the results.
The Commission reviewed the drawings and the Director pointed out that that the effort
and work presented this evening were in keeping with the "bricks & mortar" theme, as
suggested by the Town Board. There was considerable discussion and the Commission
questioned Jim on the specific facilities he was proposing at both sites. These included
parking, cost estimates, length of time to construct and interfacing with the master plan
report. Mr. Miller explained the physical characteristics of each site and he and the Director
responded to the inquiries. As a final point of information, the Director relayed that his
investigation had revealed that an architect such as Mr. Miller was more than sufficient
(allowable by law), to design these type facilities. Use of an engineer to design the project,
undoubtedly at a much higher cost was an overexpenditure that was unnecessary.
Councilman Montesi commented on the use of an architect vs. an engineer and also relayed
the Supervisor's displeasure over not using the Town Engineer (Rist Frost) for this project.
The Director/Commission argued that not only was an architect less expensive, but in this
-2-
type of project, it would have been unconscionable to have misspent Town funds in this
instance (using Rist Frost on this project). The Commission unanimously agreed to move
forward with these projects and instructed the Director to communicate this to the Town
Board.
COMMUNICATION
The items of correspondence which were included in the monthly packet, were briefly
reviewed and the Commission was pleased with the letters from residents complementing
the Department. There was discussion on the upcoming Master Plan meeting and the
Supervisor's negative comments on the document. The Director mentioned that the latest
Murman's invoice for payment was being withheld and that legally, the Supervisor/Town
Board should not do that. He explained that even though they may not agree with the
document, or that it needed to be corrected, Murman had, nonetheless performed as per
the contract.
PARK PLANNING: PRIORITY LIST
The Commission reviewed their revised Park Planning: Priority List and commented that
although things had been started, the project plans had been stalled somewhat by Supervisor/
Town Board intervention. They also commented that the Commission's priority list and
the Boards seem to be different.
The Commission briefly discussed the possible purchase of the 5.87 acre McDonald property
(tax map #60-2-7.0 and it was the consensus that due to the cost ($35,000.), such a purchase
was not of primary concern at this time. The Director will relay that information to the
Supervisor/Town Board.
COMMISSION MEETING CHANGE DISCUSSION
The Commission discussed the need to possibly change the day of the meeting, in hopes
of increasing monthly meeting attendance for commissioners as well as Board members.
After further discussion, the Commission agreed unanimously to change the monthly meeting
day from the second Monday to the second Wednesday of each month. The Director was
instructed to notify all parties concerned and will institute the change with the next meeting
in October.
DIRECTOR/ ASS'T. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director left to attend the Town Board meeting next door and the Ass't. Director
distributed the 3 page 1991 summer program registration recap. He highlighted and explained
many of the programs and answered questions from the Commission.
There being no further business, the Commission was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. The next
meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 1991, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the
Supervisor's meeting room (#37), in the Town Office Building.
~i~
Sharron Simmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen