1990-02-12
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QUEENSBURY RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 12, 1990
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town
of Queensbury, held Monday, February 12, 1990, at the Queensbury Town Office
Building, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order
at 7:34 P.M.
PRESENT:
Commissioners Bly, Carusone, Simmonds, Sperry (7:55 P.M.), and
Teti
ALSO
PRESENT:
Councilmembers Montesi and Potenza, and Director Hansen
ABSENT:
Commissioners Labatore (Ex.) and LaBombard (Ex.)
VISITORS:
Patricia Borgos (Summer Youth Program Coordinator), Dave Hodgson
(Queensbury Environmental Advisory Committee/Bike Trail Network),
and 2 associates
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Carusone moved to approve the minutes of the December 11, 1989
meeting. Commissioner Teti seconded the motion and after polling all Commissioners,
the motion was unanimously approved.
COMMUNICATIONS - SUMMER PROGRAM REPORT DISCUSSION
The Chairman introduced Pat Borgos (1989 Summer Youth Program Coordinator)
and reported that the Summer Youth Program Report Committee had met previously
to discuss the report and had subsequently approved it. She praised Pat for an
excellent job and requested that she briefly summarize the highlights of the 1989
summer program. Pat reiterated that this summer's program attendance had been
a record and that both staff and participants seemed to enjoy themselves. Furthermore,
she highlighted some of the field trips and Chairman Simmonds pointed out that
she was concerned about remarks in the report regarding the bus schedule. This
was discussed and Pat also noted that attendance by Commissioners, in order to
view the program firsthand, did not seem to be working. She mentioned that it
would seem to be difficult for the Commission to analyze the summer program
because many of them (the Commission) had never visited the sites. The Director
reinforced Pat's comments and stated that for a number of years the Department
had done everything short of begging the Commissioners, with little success. After
praising Pat again, Chairman Simmonds, on behalf of the Commission, vowed to
improve the Commission attendance situation in the future.
A number of Commissioners questioned Pat on specifics with respect to the
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summer program and the Director distributed a handout which was a summary
of the staff's comments. Overall, the staff was pleased with the program and their
comments provided worthwhile critique for future improvements. The Chairman
thanked Pat one more time for a job well done and for all her work in helping to
make the Department's Summer Youth Program extremely successful.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR Y COMMITTEE PRESENT A TION
Chairman Simmonds welcomed Dave Hodgson and two associates who requested
to speak on behalf of the Queensbury Environmental Advisory Committee on the
subject of a community-wide trail system. Dave briefly pointed out the success
of the Warren County Bike Trail and, with the aide of a number of charts, presented
his committee's tentative plan for the development of a network of trails throughout
Queensbury. He mentioned that the trails would link populated portions of Queensbury
with the Warren County Bike Trail. In addition, his committee was attempting
to negotiate with Glens Falls for access on old railroad right-of-ways through the
city, which would connect with the Queensbury trails. His committee's plan also
proposed to tie in the towpath trail along the Feeder Canal, thereby making it
possible to either bike or hike from the Hudson River in the south all the way to
Lake George. Furthermore, he explained that this network of trails could be possible
only if many groups, organizations and municipalities cooperated together in a
joint venture.
Dave and his colleagues explained the maps/charts in detail and thereafter
requested questions from the Commission. A number of Commissioners inquired
regarding an estimated budget for the project and Dave remarked that at this time,
there were no funds. Furthermore, he pointed out that this idea was still very
much in the conceptual stage of development and planning. Nonetheless, his organization
hoped that the municipalities and other private organizations involved might provide
in kind services instead of funding (i.e. materials and labor, etc.). There was additional
discussion by those present with regard to project liability, use of Niagara Mohawk/D & H
right-of-ways and private donations of property, all of which were essential in
some degree to the total project.
Dave Hodgson briefly summarized the concept plan and pointed out that the
project would be completed over a period of years. He pointed out that the network
of trails was intended solely for use by hikers and non-motorized vehicles and that
usage by other types of vehicles (snow mobiles, motorcycles, etc.) would have to
be restricted in some fashion. There was additional discussion on use of Niagara
Mohawk right-of-ways and other easements from the D & H Railroad and the City
of Glens Falls. Again, it was pointed out that these areas along with Town of Queensbury
property in the West Glens Falls area were important if the entire system of trails
were to be linked together. Furthermore, he pointed out that his group still had
much work to do in the next year or 2 with regard to planning and making contact
with the different organizations who would be involved in this project.
Chairman Simmonds thanked Dave and the 2 associates for their presentation
and requested to know how the Commission could be of service. Dave explained
that his organization would be making a presentation to the Town Board and requested
that the Commission serve as support for that presentation. There were no further
comments and the presenters departed.
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WEST MOUNTAIN PROPERTY RECOMMENDATION LETTER
The Director briefly reviewed the West Mountain property recommendation
letter, which was included in the monthly packet and explained that at the December
Town Board meeting, Mike Brandt had agreed to donate 20 acres to be used as
parkland, instead of the 10 initially agreed on.
The Director distributed a copy of an article which had been printed in the
Post Star (1/27/90), which mentioned that West Mountain had given the Town of
Luzerne, 100 acres of mountaintop property, which was contiguous to the Town's
parcel. The Director explained his concern in that the Town would now have to
negotiate with the Town of Luzerne for access to the West Mountain project area,
including the scenic overlook at the south end of the mountain. He pointed out
that his intent was to make the Commission aware of this situation and also to
apprise them of the discussion with regard to a fire road access, which might be
located in this area. There was further discussion by the Commission with regard
to establishing communications between the two municipalities (at the Department
level) and it was suggested that Queensbury take the first step once final approvals
are agreed on.
Commissioner Sperry commented that she had overheard a conversation at
a social function to the effect that the Town (Queensbury) intended to pave the
walkway through the 20 acre parcel (walked by a number of Commissioners) and
that this would be used by fire and emergency vehicles as the access road to the
West Mountain Development area. A number of Commissioners mentioned that
they too had heard the same rumor because the Cormus Road access was supposedly
unusable due to a variety of reasons. Councilwoman Potenza said that, to the best
of her knowledge, that the Town Board had no intention of developing a paved fire
road through the 20 acre recreation park parcel. She also confirmed that the Cormus
Road/Luzerne Road intersections, because of steepness, was unusable by fire trucks
at this time. After further discussion, it was the consensus that under no circumstances
did the Commission want the fire/emergency paved access road located on the
Town's 20 acre park parcel. Councilman Montesi reiterated that he would carry
that message back to the remaining members of the Town Board.
MEETING DATE SCHEDULE
The Director reviewed the 1990 Commission meeting date schedule, which
was included in the monthly packet, and after a brief discussion it was approved.
The finalized schedule will be circulated to all Town Board members, the Post
Star and posted at the Town Clerk's Office. -
MASTER PLAN DISCUSSION
The Director briefly updated with regard to the status of the Master Plan
project and explained that the second draft submitted by Murman Associates had
been reviewed by the Steering Committee at a recent meeting. The overall consensus
was disappointment in that much of the information is old and needs to be updated.
In addition, both the Board and the Steering Committee are displeased with the
amount of incomplete and inaccurate information which is contained in the document.
The Steering Committee's plan of action, from this point on, is to meet with Mr. Murman
in attempt to get the document "back on track." Thereafter, Murman Associates
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will resubmit a more updated and accurate draft which will then be presented for
further comments at a public meeting.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Director reviewed his monthly report and updated the Commission on
the status of the School court lighting specifications and the Ridge/Jenkinsville
barn roof repairs. In addition, he elaborated on the interior repairs to the barn
facility which have been ongoing at the facility since December.
The Director briefed the Commission on his recent meeting with South Queensbury
Volunteer Fire Company personnel and explained the plans for the basketball court,
which will be constructed this spring. In addition, the Director mentioned a number
of other improvements planned this spring at this park site, including bleachers
for the softball field, a larger swingset, relocating the water hydrant and a new
drinking fountain.
The Director summarized the status of a number of winter programs and
there were questions regarding the ski trip program, aquaerobicise, and the use
of Gurney Lane for a variety of winter sports activities. The Director explained,
that considering the development of the latter facility and the cross-country ski
usage so far this season, that the Department would undoubtedly endeavor to improve
the ski trail conditions next year by budgeting for necessary track setting equipment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Director suggested the Commission adjourn to Executive Session to discuss
a matter regarding possible land acquisition. Those in attendance agreed and the
Commission moved to Executive Session at 8:51 P.M.
After returning to open session at 9:22 P.M., and there being no further business,
the Commission adjourned. The next meeting will be held on March 12, 1990, at
7:30 P.M., at the Supervisor's meeting room (upstairs) in the Town Office Building.
~/K.~
. Sharron SImmonds, Chairman
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen