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04-03-19 OSRC MinutesCITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Open Space and Recreation Committee April 3, 2019 Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David Alden -St. Pierre, Todd Callaghan, Elizabeth Dunne, Marilyn McCrory Rick Grandoni, Wayne Miller, Gregory Sharp Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Jane Dooley Brewster opens the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Approval of Previous Minutes Brewster moves to approve the March 6, 2019 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 6 -0. Principal Items of Business Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities Discussion ensues with McCrory about location for future community gardens relative to CPA project application to prepare the land in vicinity of Waring School off Standley Street. Discussion with Mayor Cahill — Open Space Priorities Discussion ensues with the Mayor by first addressing a Greens Hill parcel and that the site was recently visited to visualize if a house was built on it. Mayor Cahill explains his concern about the City spending money to preserve open space wisely. He notes that Inspectional Services believes the property is buildable so the appraisal appears to be accurate. The Mayor describes effort that could be pursued to get funds to purchase the parcel. This could include applying for a PARC grant with a CPA application to help with grant's required matching funds. Mayor Cahill reiterates that the City will look further at purchasing the parcel. Also mentioned was an inquiry on status of filing a settlement related to an encroachment on City land. Another topic addressed was interest in finalizing the Norwood Pond trail, where an easement exists across Cummings property at Dunham Road but requires an easement across the Music Theatre property to the ECGA conservation land. Discussion ensues about the Conservation Commission condition related to occupancy at 50 Dunham Road ($50,000 in funds with some given to the City in advance). The funds would pay for Conservation Commission engineering costs. Mann mentions how ECGA land in Gloucester did not require full engineering for a trail Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2019 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 in the woods. The Mayor suggests that he and Wynne would meet with other Planning Department personnel to understand minimum engineering that would be required. Wynne reports on need to follow up with Music Theater personnel to understand where trail would be located relative to deeded easement. The Mayor concurs and offers to participate in communicating with the Theater staff. The Mayor also mentions conversation with Endicott College about possibility of permanent easement over the hillside. He will be meeting with the incoming College president and plans to address securing more permanent rights on the College property for the City. Discussion was on setting up a meeting with an abutting Beverly resident to the College property related to trail interest. The Committee notes how follow -up could be done with ECGA about any issues. Discussion ensues about status of chapter land parcel on Dodge Street. Also that ECGA has made an offer on Greenwood parcel. In addition, the Committee discusses use of trail by cart path. Discussion addresses property off of Leather Lane and question of rights and property owner's future interest. Also noted was where there is access off of Pole Swamp Lane and how more access would be good to Juniper Valley Court relative to existing trails and access to City owned land. The Mayor will pursue conversations with neighbors in the area. The Mayor mentions interest in a 700 -unit development off of Trask Lane and impact on the area. He describes work being done on the City's Master Plan and how the consultant has visited the Trask Lane area. The proposed 700 -unit project would be subject to the MEPA process as well as conservation commission jurisdiction due to wetlands. There could potentially be mixed used development such as industrial, commercial, and elderly housing opportunities in the area. Discussion addresses recent sale of former Ventron site on Congress Street. Wynne reports that the Bass Haven Yacht Club has offered to discuss with the City an opportunity for kayak access at its property on the Bass River. The Mayor mentions efforts to secure dredging funds for the Bass River up to the Hall- Whitaker Bridge. Mayor Cahill recommends organizing a group including the City's Grant Director to understand what can be done regarding erosion at Obear Park and if grant money is available. The Committee notes the public hearing for the Waring School land encroachment which will be rescheduled and notice posted. Other Business Review of draft letter for OSRD Site Plan #11 -18, off Thaxton Road & Grover Street The Committee agrees with content of the draft letter for OSRD site plan. The Conservation Commission will have conditions related to use of pesticides in the watershed. Discussion addresses how the Commission denied use of the cart path. Earth Day walks A draft flyer has been done. Schedule of walks by some leaders will be provided to Wynne. 63 Common Lane — Conservation Restriction Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2019 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 The City Council has approved the CR. Waring School Public Hearing The land swap has been moving forward. The conservation land trust is being altered but the remainder is staying intact. The Committee will be notified when the public hearing is scheduled. Next Meeting May 1, 2019 Adjournment Brewster moves to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 6 -0.