1992-08-12
QUEENSBUR Y RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
AUGUST 12. 1992
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury,
held Wednesday, August 12, 1992, at the Gurney Lane Recreation Area (GLRA). Chairman
Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Auer, Labatore, Sperry and Simmonds
ALSO
PRESENT:
Director Hansen
ABSENT:
Commissioners Carusone (ex) Hersh and LaBombard (ex)
VISITORS:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Sperry moved to approve the minutes of the July 8, 1992 meeting.
Commissioner Labatore seconded the motion and after polling all commissioners, the motion
was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Director briefly reviewed the two items of correspondence which were included in
the monthly packet (Rainville &: Irion letters), and there was considerable discussion on
Dr. Irion's letter to the Supervisor (subject - bike riders on school grounds wearing headgear).
The Supervisors had requested input from the Commission and the Department before
responding to Dr. Irion. Overall, those in attendance were in favor of a School policy
(wearing protective headgear), but there was some concern over a Town wide policy and
the necessary enforcement, thereof. In summary, the Director was instructed to relay
to the Supervisor, that the Commission endorsed the School's efforts in this endeavor (school
policy).
HOVEY POND PARK UPDATE
The tentative 1992 Hovey Pond Park budget sheet was explained and reviewed and there
were numerous questions regarding the 30 day permissive referendum policy, a project
completion date and the total project cost to date. On site progress at the site was outlined
by the Director and there was discussion on the gifts/donations which have been promised
through the Friends of Hovey Pond and the Trout Unlimited groups. The Director reiterated
that because of the nature and complexity of the project i.e., many groups and departments
working together, that work at times seemed somewhat slow. Nonetheless, the project
was progressing and, hopefully, if there were no major snags, that a fall completion date
was not unreasonable.
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PARK EXPANSION DISCUSSION
J. Miller's park design services proposal (8/30/91), was reviewed and explained by the Director
and the status of the Board resolution which had failed to win approval (2/92), was again
discussed. It was pointed out that a majority of Board members, though in favor of more
development at Gurney Lane Park were opposed to further development at the
Ridge/Jenkinsville Park site. In as much as Mr. Miller's proposal addressed development
of both sites together, the entire resolution was never acted on (died for lack of a second).
However, just recently the Director had been advised that the Town Board might be receptive
to considering further development at the Gurney Lane Recreation Area alone. Subsequently,
it was suggested that a new resolution for just that site be drafted and resubmitted. There
were comments and discussion about Mr. Miller's proposal and the additional recreation
facilities which were proposed. Phasing the project was discussed and there was concern
with regard to the topography of the site and its suitability for further recreation facility
development. Commissioner Labatore expressed concern that the plan for expanding the
park facilities at Ridge/ Jenkinsville Park was not being considered at this time. The Director
explained that a number of Town Board members were, because of many factors, in favor
of developing a large park facility in the West Glens Falls area before adding to the
Ridge/Jenkinsville park site. There was further discussion on future site development
including how the Niagara Mohawk/Riverside Park proposal would affect the Department's
plans. How and where to use the subdivision/recreation assessment fund money was also
discussed and it was pointed out that this was a Town Board decision. Chairman Simmonds
summed up the discussion and the Director explained that he was hopeful of drafting two
separate resolutions and resubmitting them for Board perusal, shortly. A number of
commissioners asked to be contacted, so that they could be present when these items were
scheduled to be discussed (Town Board meeting) and the Director agreed to comply.
BMX FACILITY DISCUSSION
The Director relayed the BMX facility information which Ass't. Director Lovering had
gathered and it was explained that Mr. Myers (co-track director of the Rotterdam facility)
would be receptive to showing us the facility on either a Thursday or Friday night (6:00-8:00
p.m.), during their season. After further discussion, it was the consensus that a visit to
the BMX Rotterdam Track, on Thursday, September 3rd would be scheduled. The group
will meet at approximately 5:00 p.m., catch a quick bite to eat and then travel by Town
van to the site. The Director will send out a reminder notice and contact the Commissioners
who are absent tonight.
Commissioner Auer had a number of questions about the Commission's responsibility, funding
for programs/facility development and the status of user fees for programs/activities.
The latter has been discussed numerous times in the past and is even addressed in the Murman
Report (updated Department Master Plan). Commissioner Auer also asked about Recreation
Commission Committees and the Director explained and will forward him a copy of the
committee list as soon as possible.
MONTHL Y DEPARTMENT REPORT
The Commission briefly reviewed the monthly department report and there were comments
on park vandalism (nature trail mishap and the theft of the swim lesson canoe).
Chairman Simmonds again reminded all Commissioners that monthly attendance and
participation were extremely important and requested that the Department/Director be
contacted, beforehand, when a meeting conflict arose.
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There being no further business, the Commission meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The
next meeting is a special meeting (facility visit) and will be held beginning, at 5:00 p.m.,
on Thursday, September 3, 1992, at the Town Office Building.
~~~
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen