1988-03-21
QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 21, 1988
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission
of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, March 21, 1988, at Chairman
Granger's business office location, #10 Harlem Street, Glens Falls,
New York. Chairman Granger called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Granger, Lemery, Lettus and Teti
ALSO
PRESENT:
Councilman Montesi, Director Hansen and Recording Secretary
Wilson
ABSENT:
Commissioners Bly (Ex.), LaBombard (Ex.) and Simmonds (Ex.)
VISITORS:
Mr. Robert Leaver (LA Group)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Director apologized to the Commission for not having sent
out the minutes of the previous meeting prior to the monthly packet
being sent out and explained that this was due, in part, to the
renovation work at the Town Office Building and the Department's work
load.
Commissioner Lemery pointed out that the location site, stated
in the 2/22/88 minutes, needed to be amended to reflect that the
meeting was held at Chairman Granger's business office location
rather than the Town Office Building. The Director again apologized
for the oversight and assured the Commission that the official minutes
would be corrected to reflect this change.
Commissioner Lemery moved to approve the minutes of the 2/22/88
meeting (including the amended change of location). Commissioner
Teti seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners, the
motion was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Commission reviewed the copy of the Trout Unlimited newsletter
which was included in the monthly packet. The Director again briefly
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summarized the 2/3/88 joint meeting and explained that there were
mixed feelings as to whether the comments in the newsletter warranted
a response. The Director offered to draft a response, however,
after further discussion, (creating a stream vs. a pond), it was
decided that a written response was inappropriate at this time.
Councilman Montesi assured those present that he would relay the
Commission's sentiments to the Town Board with regard to Hovey Pond.
Furthermore, if representatives of the Trout Unlimited Organization
attended a Town Board meeting, he would be able to address the
situation.
Councilman Montesi updated the Commission on the initial
construction plans for the project and his discussions with D. Morse,
Project Engineer. He explained that the, Engineer has been in contact
with a local contractor regarding gravel, matting material and the
fill material that is available from the sewer project. Councilman
Montesi also relayed that the Highway Department will raze the Hovey
Pond building as soon as the Parks and Recreation Department removes
all the equipment and supplies being temporarily stored there. The
Director confirmed that he had been contacted regarding demolition
of the structure and anticipates that the work will be completed
shortly.
The Director updated the Commission on the status of the other
park projects including the WGF/Riverside Park property access and
the School/Town cooperative project. It was mentioned that the Town
was awaiting a response from Mr. Carey (No. Distributors) to the
letter from the Town Attorney which reaffirmed the Town's legal
position, regarding the right of way. Town Counsel Mathias reaffirmed
that the deed granting the Town a 50' right of way, through Mr.
Carey's property to the Town-owned parcel on the Hudson River, was
still valid. The Director relayed that the Attorney expects a
reply shortly.
The status of the School/Town project was reviewed and the
Director explained that the Town Board, at their upcoming meeting,
would approve a joint agreement between the 2 organizations with
regard to usage and liability. The Director also responded to
questions about àthletic facility lighting at the School and relayed
that negotiations between the Town Supervisor and the School Super-
intendent were still ongoing.
Regarding School pool usage for the coming summer, the Director
advised the Commission that the facility, which is used extensively
for lessons and other aquatic programs, would, because of repairs,
not be available this season. The Director assured the Commission
that the Department would still be able to offer a varied summer
program of swimming related activities at the Gurney Lane facility.
RIDGE ROAD/GURNEY LANE PARK PROJECT UPDATE
The Director presented a short synopsis of events as it pertains
to LA Group's planned development of the Ridge Road and Gurney Lane
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Parks. He reviewed the details of previous meetings and pointed
out that Phase I of the Ridge Road Park project had been completed.
He presented previous correspondence between the LA Group and the
Town which showed conclusively, that the development of both park
master plans was behind schedule. The Commission briefly questioned
the Director and Councilman Montesi with regard to the Town's con-
tinuing with this firm. There was additional discussion pertaining
to capital funding for these projects and shortly thereafter, B. Leaver
(LA Group) arrived to present his firm's concept plan drawings of
the Ridge Road and Gurney Lane Park facilities.
B. Leaver reviewed his firms's progress regarding both parks
and explained the specifics of the Phase I Ridge Road Park facilities.
He pointed out that, initially, the cost of these facilities was
estimated at over $300,000. The project was subsequently trimmed
and the cost for the park facilities, planned for in Phase I, was
reduced to $150,000. However, the revised project cost escalated
because of unplanned expenses for the water well drilling, the
maintenance/storage building and the need for additional underdrainage
which was deemed necessary. Mr. Leaver explained that these additional
items were not included in the initial contract estimate and have
resulted in the project cost, to date, approaching the $300,000.
level. A number of Commissioners voiced their concern with the
project cost figures that Mr. Leaver mentioned and there was con-
siderable discussion regarding the subsequent phases which are planned.
Mr. Leaver next reviewed the specifics of the Ridge Road Park
concept drawing which he presented. The Commission discussed the
items depicted on the plan including the cross-country ski trails,
the entry/egress roadway and the other athletic facilities, and it
was agreed that the entire Commission should have a chance to review
the plan before a final recommendation was made. The Director
again reminded the Commission that Mr. Tierney, a park neighbor, had
also requested to be advised so that he might be present at Commission
meetings where the Ridge Road Park project was to be discussed. After
some additional discussion, it was the consensus that the entire
Commission should be given the opportunity to review Mr. Leaver's
plan and then discuss the alternatives at the next meeting. This
was agreed on and the Director was instructed to send out copies of
the plan to all Commissioners to review.
The Commission perused the Gurney Lane Park concept plan and
here again, it was decided that the entire Commission should be given
the opportunity to review the plan before making a recommendation
to the Town Board. The Director will also duplicate this plan and
send it out for review prior to the next meeting. The Commission
thanked Mr. Leaver for his presentation and assured him that they
would get back to him with recommendations regarding both projects
as quickly as possible.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director distributed copies of the 1987 Summer Youth Program
report and requested that the Program Review Committee (Commissioners
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Lemery, LaBombard and Lettus) meet to review and discuss the
report prior to the next Recreation Commission meeting. Committee
Chairman Lemery agreed and requested that the Director contact
Commissioner LaBombard, who was not in attendance, regarding the
Committee meeting.
The Director updated the Commission on the status of the
Department's capital fund accounts. He also reiterated that there
would be a shortfall in the Department's operating budget with
regard to major project items planned at a number of park sites
this coming summer.
Councilman
walking tour of
view the site.
soon as terrain
Montesi suggested that the Director schedule a
the Gurney Lane facility for those who wished to
The Director agreed and will schedule the tour as
conditions warrant.
The Director briefly reviewed his monthly report and highlighted
information about the 2 new Department employees, the 1 ton truck,
which the Department will purchase, and the conflict with regard
to the upcoming state conference dates. The Director explained
that this year's conference is scheduled during the school's spring
vacation week and that he would be unable to attend because of a
previous commitment. As an alternative, the Director requested to
attend the national conference which would be held in Indiana some
time in October. The Commission agreed that this would be a worth-
while alternative and suggested that the Director make the necessary
application when the time comes.
The Director reminded the Commission that the regularly scheduled
April meeting would probably have to be cancelled also because of
the spring vacation. The Commission concurred and agreed to postpone
the April meeting until Monday, May 9th. Councilman Montesi and
the Chairman both reminded the Commission that it was important that
each member review the concept plans for both parks and be prepared
to discuss them at the next meeting.
Commissioner Lemery requested an Executive Session at 9:11 P.M.
to discuss personnel matters. Commissioner Lettus seconded the
motion and after polling the Commission, the motion was unanimously
approved.
Returning to open session at 9:19 P.M., and there being no
further business, the Commission adjourned. The next meeting will
be held on Monday, May 9th at 7:30 P.M.
alrman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen, Director