3-4-20 OSRC minutes - FINALCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: March 4, 2020
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: David Brewster (Vice Chair), David Alden -St. Pierre, Marilyn
McCrory, Todd Callaghan, Gregory Sharp, Wayne Miller
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Charline Mann (Chair), Elizabeth Dunne
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jenna Pirrotta, Environmental Planner
OTHERS PRESENT: Roy Gebhardt IV, Eagle Scout; Cael Dineen, Eagle Scout
RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury
Brewster chairs and opens the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
2. Members of the public opportunity to address the Committee
a. Roy Gebhardt IV, candidate Eagle Scout, Troop 49 - Eagle Scout Project at Norwood Pond
Roy Gebhardt IV, Eagle Scout candidate, presents his completed project at Norwood Pond to the
Committee. Gebhardt details the clean up along an existing trail at Norwood Pond and how he oversaw
the removal of an old fire pit, broken glass debris, and bittersweet vines. Gebhardt describes the sifter he
made with quarter inch chicken wire and wood frame, which was used to remove glass shards while
retaining the soil on -site. Gebhardt coordinated and oversaw 12 -14 volunteers including leaders who
assisted with the project. He delegated 2 -3 groups to keep all the project parts moving and there were 50
total project hours. Gebhardt noted all trash and debris was disposed of properly in trash bags. Also, in
order discourage future littering Gebhardt and volunteers made sure to completely deconstruct the camp
site. The scout leader suggests Troop 49 would like to seek out future projects with the Committee. Miller
and McCrory discuss an existing list of potential projects that the Committee has which may be suitable
for scouts to complete. Pirrotta will update the current list and have it ready for the future meetings.
b. Cael Dineen, Eagle Scout prospective candidate, Troop 49
Cael Dineen is before the Committee seeking information on what potential projects the Committee may
have. Members begin discussion on possible Eagle Scout projects. Callaghan suggests a bog bridge
project at the Commons, citing the Pole Swamp property as an example where such bridges are located.
For this type of project Dineen would need to seek out funding. Dineen expresses to the Committee that
he is interested in trail work. Members suggest Dineen visit different open space properties and see if he
has a favorite where he may want to do some work and then report back to the Committee. The
Committee shares their potential project list with Dineen for his review. Dineen outlines his time frame
for project completion, noting his preference is for Fall 2020 or Spring 2021. Dineen informs the
Committee he is in contact with Mann for potential projects as well.
3. Approval of Minutes
Members review the draft minutes from February 5, 2020 and offer edits. McCrory makes a motion to
accept the February 5, 2020 meeting minutes as amended. Callaghan seconded. The motion carries 6 -0.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
March 4, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
4. Principal Items of Business
a. Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report
There are no new updates.
b. Planning Board — Representative Report
There are no new updates. Per Miller, the Planning Board recently discussed the Webster Avenue
subdivision with members citing there are no new developments.
c. Conservation Commission — Representative Report
i. Cummings Center site walk at Norwood Pond
A couple members met with Pirrotta and Cummings Center staff for a site walk on February 19, 2020,
relative to a trail easement location required by an Order of Conditions. Members discussed the potential
installation of a bridge connecting the trail at Dunham Ridge to existing trails on the other side of
Norwood Pond. The Cummings Properties' Order of Conditions requires a payment dedicated for work in
the Norwood Pond area, and bridge /trail work was identified as a possible use of these funds.
ii. Community Gardens Relocation
Pirrotta notes that the Engineering Department will be filing an application with the Conservation
Commission for relocating the Community Gardens and describes a revised plan. Amenities at the new
site would be consistent with existing plots /amenities at the Cole Street gardens. The Engineering
Department is working on the plans and Department of Public Services will be completing initial work,
with the garden managers taking over after that. Members discuss concerns with the use of compost from
the City compost site, due to soil quality. Soil testing and funding is discussed. Callaghan expressed a
preference for paying for compost from Black Earth and will coordinate with other garden members to
gather a consensus of opinion. Miller informs the Committee that Full Circle Earth is relocating from
Long Hill and looking for a new permanent spot, particularly a greenhouse. Full Circle Earth is willing to
put solar on their facility and questions whether the community gardens could be a potential site for their
spring seedlings. Members further discuss garden projects, funding, legalities, coordination of projects
and leadership. Pirrotta will research these concerns and provide answers at the next meeting.
Sidebar: Members briefly discuss Camp Paradise and the future family /community opportunities for the
grounds. Miller informs the Committee of an offshore wind presentation he recently attended. Discussion
further ensues to the coastal flood maps, storm drainage systems, and upcoming solar farms. Miller
recommends members view JPL NASA website for more information.
iii. HMA: kayak racks at Dane Street Beach and Lynch Park
Pirrotta informs the members of an application submitted by Harbor Management Authority for the
installation of new kayak racks at Dane Street Beach, Lynch Park, and Independence Park.
d. Parcel Updates
i. Green Street Updates
Members discuss the parcel updates. A meeting was scheduled between the Mayor's Office and the
property owner, but was cancelled due to health issues. For the other parcel, there are no new updates.
ii. Bass River Water Front
No new updates. Members discuss potential riverfront water access.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
March 4, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
OSRC /Mayor meeting:
Meeting rescheduled to a tentative date between March 25 -27, 2020. The meeting will discuss parcel
updates, potential easements with other agenda items up for discussion.
5. Sgrin2 Walks
a. Potential Hosts /Topics
Members discuss potential walks in the following areas: behind Ayers Elementary School with Sarah
Corshia of Historic Beverly; Barbara Warren of Salem Sound will have two walks, 1) at the Pier and 2)
Dane Street Beach. Members also discuss other projects such as a bat -house building workshop,
Brewster's annual bird watch walk, and bike events.
b. Flyer & Outreach
Pirrotta will update the flyer based off suggestions and comments from the members during this meeting.
6. Other Business & Updates
a. Master Plan Comments and Updates
Per Pirrotta there are no new updates. Comments and suggestions were submitted to the Consultant. They
are reviewing all submitted feedback with Planning Department staff.
7. Future Agenda Items
Callaghan expresses interest in building an interactive coastal map for Harbor Management Authority
with public access and easements built in. Other members express an interest in such a map. This is to be
continued to the April 1, 2020 meeting.
Adiournment
Sharp moves to adjourn meeting at 9:11 p.m. Callaghan seconds. The motion carries 6 -0.
Next Meeting: April 1, 2020, 7 pm.