1986-11-10
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QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
NOVEMBER 10, 1986
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission
'of the Town of Queensbury, held Monday, November 10, 1986 at the
Queensbury Town Office Building, Queensbury, New York. Chair-
woman Little called the meeting to order at 7:37 P.M.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Granger, LaBombard, Lemery, Little,
Martin, Teti, Councilwoman Monahan and Director
Hansen
ABSENT:
Commissioner Bly (ex.)
VISITORS:
Greg Moran (Post Star)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Teti moved to approve the minutes of the
October 20th, 1986 meeting. Commissioner Granger seconded the
motion, which was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS
Chairwoman Little distributed copies of the Commission's
monthly letter to the Supervisor/Town Board and also gave out
copies of an informative article, "Parks Face Squeeze Play"
which appeared in the October 1986 issue of American City &
County.
Inasmuch as the other correspondence enclosed in the monthly
packet, dealt with the Gurney Lane Pool, the Commission chose to
review those materials later on in the meeting.
HOVEY POND PARK DISCUSSION
Chairwoman Little elaborated on her correspondence to the
Town Board and explained her discussion with the Supervisor re-
garding Hovey Pond Park. In essence, the Board agrees with the
Commission regarding the need to hire an engineer for the project,
however, it was suggested that the Commission provide a complete
scope of services list first.
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Commissioners Martin, Granger and Lemery (Hovey Pond Committee)
agreed to draft a list, including cost estimates, but it was
pointed out that an engineer would be more accurate in estimating
the cost of specific portions of the project. Therefore, in order
to save time, Chairwoman Little agreed to talk with the Supervisor
and get a list of engineers, one of which the Committee could talk
with, informally, in order to put figures to the items planned for
in the project. The Chairwoman agreed to provide the list of
engineers within a few days and the Committee agreed to complete the
scope of services list in time for the December Commission meeting.
GURNEY LANE POOL UPDATE
The Director reviewed the correspondence which was enclosed
in the monthly packet and there was discussion on the pool filter
elements and the situation in regard to the level of water at the
pool. Councilwoman Monahan and the Commission commended the
Director regarding his initiative in writing a letter (pool water
level) outlining the Department's apprehension, to the engineer.
The Commission also asked about the final inspection of the
facility by appropriate individuals, including the Town's Build-
ing Department, Fire Marshal and electrical inspector. The
Director was unaware of the necessity of these inspections and
also about the subject of written warren tee documents on specific
pool items, but he will check on both topics and will report back
at the next meeting.
Correspondence from the Town's Fire Marshal was reviewed and
the Commission was upset about the situation. It was suggested
that the Director research the facts, including: the initial
review of the plans for the facility, which included the stove
and were approved by the Fire Marshal previously, and determine
if anything could yet be done to change his opinion.
SUMMER PLAYGROUND ANALYSIS
Chairwoman Little suggested that a committee be formulated
to evaluate, in more detail, the past summer playground program.
In light of the registration and attendance figures, in the 1986
playground report, it would seem there may be other factors which
have negatively influenced participation at some of the summer
playground locations. She suggested surveying the public in re-
gard to the possible busing of participants to one central location,
as an alternative to the present program of neighborhood sites.
Councilwoman Monahan mentioned that the Town Planner had just
recently sent out a survey, which should provide some input re-
garding recreation in the Town. The Commission expressed hope
that the Planner would share the recreation information received
and Chairwoman Little, Commissioner Lemery and the Director all
volunteered to form the committee and undertake the pr~gram
analysis.
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DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director's Report, including the monthly budget update
was reviewed and there was discussion on the insurance line item
and revenue accounts. The Director could not answer why the
insurance account had been overspent but w~ll check with the
accounting department and report back.
There was discussion on winter programs and the Director
explained that the Department's informational flyer advertising
the complete winter program of activities, will not go out until
the first of December.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Commission adjourned to executive session at 8:43 P.M.
to discuss personnel related matters.
Returning to open session at 9:23 P.M., Commissioner Lemery
suggested that for the next Commission meeting, that all Commis-
sioners develop and prioritize a list of future recreation pro-
jects, for the next meeting, and this was agreed on by all in
attendance.
Based on the discussion in executive session, Commissioner
Granger suggested that inasmuch as this was budget time, that it
might be appropriate for the Commission to draft a letter to the
Town Board in support of the Recreation Director. The Town Board
will be reviewing administrative salaries in the very near future
and such a letter would be beneficial in helping the Board evalu-
ate the Director's performance. commissioner Granger made the
motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Martin and unanimously
approved. Chairwoman Little was directed to write and send the
correspondence.
Commissioner Granger requested to know if the Glen Lake Park
Association had been contacted regarding the broom ball/parking
usage on Glen Lake. The Director relayed that he had contacted
the Association and that they had no objection to the program.
There was some discussion on the Ridge Road property and the
Director pointed out that the southern boundry, as depicted in the
conceptual plan by the L.A. Partnership, was somewhat inaccurate.
The Director was asked to research this and report back in December.
The Commission also inquired about the funds being received
by the Town, as a result of the recently adopted subdivision regu-
lation (money in lieu of land for recreation use). The Commission
felt it was important that the public know that this money was
being put into a reserve account for future recreation projects.
The Director explained that he was unaware of exactly where and
how these funds were accounted for, but would attempt to find out
for the next meeting.
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Commissioner Martin brought up the topic of a School/
Recreation Department joint project in regard to the creation
of a workout/exercise room at the school. There was discussion
regarding the cost, legality of a joint venture and the need for
such a facility in light of other similar facilities, such as the
YMCA/Nautilus. The possibility of other joi.nt ventures (i.e.
lighting tennis courts) were discussed at length and it was sug-
gested that this could possibly be considered and listed along
with the other projects, which the individual Commissioners were
developing for the next meeting. Commissioner Martin volunteered
to stay in touch with school officials regarding this project and
it was agreed that possibly a joint meeting, in the future, might
be advantageous.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:47 P.M. The next meeting will be held on Monday, December
8th, 1986 at 7:30 P.M.