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1987-02-09 QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 1987 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, February 9, 1987, at the Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Acting Chairman Granger called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioners Bly, Granger, LaBombard, Lemery, Martin, Teti, and Director Hansen ABSENT: None VISITORS: Supervisor Fran Walter, Councilmen Borgos, Kurosaka, Monahan, and Montesi, Elaine Wilson (Recreation Department Secretary), and Greg Moran (Post Star) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Lemery moved to approve the minutes of the January 12th, 1987 meeting. Commissioner Teti seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS/REMARKS FROM VISITORS Acting Chairman Granger welcomed the Town Board members and introduced the new Recreation Department Secretary, Elaine Wilson. As a point of information, Post Star reporter, G. Moran, officially protested the meeting, stating that the meeting was not duly advertised and requested that the minutes reflect this. 1987 RECREATION CO~~ISSION DATES The tentative schedule of 1987 Commission meeting dates was reviewed, and after some discussion, it was decided to defer approval of the dates until the March 9th meeting. JOINT SCHOOL/RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DISCUSSION Commissioner Martin updated those present regarding the status of the joint meeting between the School District and the Recreation Commission, relative to a future co-operative -2- recreation project. Acting Chairman Granger suggested that a Commission sub-committee be formed, and Commissioners B1y and Lemery volunteered to join and assist Commissioner Martin at the upcoming meeting. SOUTH QUEENSBURY FIREHOUSE PARK DISCUSSION Director Hansen distributed background information on the South Queensbury Firehouse Playground Project. He presented a shopping list of park equipment, including cost estimates, which are being considered for the site. The Director advised the Commission that the list would be discussed with South Queensbury Fire Company personnel and thereafter a recommendation to the Town Board would follow. DIRECTOR'S REPORT The Director briefly reviewed his enclosed monthly report and there were comments on the New York State Recreation and Park Society Convention which is scheduled in April. The Director pointed out that funds had been allocated in the 1987 budget and that two or three individuals could attend. Commissioners Martin and LaBombard expressed interest in attending the conference and the Director will determine the actual budget figures and make the necessary request/registration. Supervisor Walter mentioned that in order to qualify for the saving, the registration material had to be approved by the Town Board at their next meeting on February 24th. The Director will complete the necessary paperwork and submit it on or before that date. The Commission briefly discussed the Hovey Pond Project and Acting Chairman Granger mentioned that he was quite en- couragedby the progress made to date by D. Morse, the engineer, for the project. A subsequent meeting with the engineer has been scheduled later this spring. The Director updated the Commission on all winter activities and Supervisor Walter requested additional information on ice rink attendance. The Director explained that 3 of the 6 rinks which the Department maintains were unsupervised and therefore attendance figures were not readily available. However, based on the condition of the ice, it was obvious that all the rinks were being used, some more than others. Cross-country skiing usage at Gurney Lane was also dis- cussed and the need for a ski trail grooming machine was sug- gested. The Director will attempt to borrow the Glens Falls Recreation Department's machine, if available, yet this season. Commissioner LaBombard moved to draft a letter of appreci- ation to former Recreation Commission Chairman Betty Little thanking her for her years of service to the Town and the -3- Department. Commissioner Lemery seconded the motion which was unanimously approved, and the Acting Chairman was directed to write the letter on behalf of the Commission. Supervisor Walter pointed out that the Town Board had previously drafted a Resolution of Appreciation for Mrs. Little. Councilman Montesi advised the Commission that he had given the Director information regarding possible federal funding for future recreation projects. The Director acknowledged receipt of the funding information and will review the material and report back as quickly as possible. Commissioner Lemery moved to adjourn to Executive Session, at 8:05 P.M., to discuss personnel and land acquisition and Commissioner Martin seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. After returning to open session at 8:41 P.M., Acting Chairman Granger distributed the Recreation Commission's Immediate and Long-Range Planning Goals as it pertains to future recreation projects. Each of the planning goals was reviewed and there was discussion regarding the cost to remove trees, at the Gurney Lane park facility. Councilman Borgos suggested that the Department contact a local logger (Gary Nelson) as a possibility, and the Director agreed to initiate the contact. The Commission requested information regarding the status of the park on Ridge Road and were advised that representatives of the LA Group would meet with Town personnel, on the 13th of February, to present cost estimates for the first phase of the project (softball fields and parking). Town Board members also updated the Commission regarding the new Town Office Building addition and the additional storage space which the Department would gain. ~--_.._.._---~-- The Commission and the Town Board discussed the need for more communications between the two groups and it was agreed that an annual or semi-annual joint meeting be scheduled on a regular basis. The Supervisor pointed out that Councilmen Kurosaka and Monahan were the Town Board's liason to the Recreation Commission, and that they presented a verbal report after each Commission meeting. The Commission agreed to correspond in writing as often as necessary and the Town Board vowed to address the Commission's questions and concerns as quickly as possible, also in writing. Councilman Borgos brought up the subject of outdoor coin- operated public telephones at a many recreation areas as possible, including the Queensbury School location. The Director will investigate the possibility of this equipment and will report back as soon as possible. It was suggested that this topic should also be discussed at the upcoming Commission/School joint meeting. -4- Councilman Montesi mentioned some of the results of the recently completed Town-wide planning survey, a portion of which pertained to recreation, and the Director will distribute copies of the results as soon as they become available. Commissioner Lemery questioned the Town Board regarding the vacancy on the Commission and was assured by the Supervisor that this appointed position would be filled as soon as possible. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:18 P.M. The next meeting will be held on March 9th at 7:30 P.M.