6-3-20 OSRC minutes - FINALCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: June 3, 2020
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden -St. Pierre, Todd Callaghan, Elizabeth Dunne,
Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller, Gregory Sharp
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
1. Call to order
Jenna Pirrotta, Environmental Planner
Elizabeth Keary - Soule, Shawn Mahoney, Ned Barrett
Sharlyne Woodbury
Mann chairs and opens the meeting at 7:00 p.m. This is a virtual meeting, held in accordance
with Governor Baker's Order on temporary changes to Open Meeting Law during the State of
Emergency due to the national crisis of COVID -19.
2. Members of the public opportunity to address the Committee
a. Elizabeth Keary -Soule — The Trustees, Long Hill Update
Keary -Soule returns to the Committee updating members on the developments at The Trustees'
Long Hill property at 572 Essex Street. Her presentation includes current and historic images to
detail the changes. She discusses the recent vista clearings including tree removal, as trees in the
area had become overgrown. During the spring of 2020, the vistas were restored to open up the
historic long -range view. Keary -Soule informs the Committee that this is a multi -phase effort.
They are looking to have a more welcoming experience for visitors and they would like to
increase their event space capacity at Long Hill. Events they are interested in hosting would be
small weddings, nature groups, small classrooms, etc. Keary -Soule briefly details some
renovations to the historic home and outlines the parking options and route connections
including turnaround spot, accessible parking for the public, and ADA accessibility options are
discussed. Mann inquires if the property will be members only. Keary -Soule assures their
properties are open to the public and will remain so. Shawn Mahoney inquired about the public
gatherings during COVID -19. Despite the social distancing efforts, the public may still enjoy the
area except that the parking area is currently closed. Sharp inquiries about the collections at Long
Hill and how they reflect current goals of the gardens. Keary -Soule outlines the library
collections, the art collections, and the botanical collections.
b. Shawn Mahoney — Bald Hill, unauthorized work
Mr. Mahoney is a resident abutter in the area of the Bald Hill open space. His concern tonight is
seeking assistance to maintain and enforce the preservation of the property. He has called the
Beverly Police, who spoke to enforcement of people having fires in the area. Mahoney speaks to
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the public building bike jumps, digging holes, and recent fire activity in the area. Mann would
like to put together a guideline of activities that are permissible within Beverly open space areas.
Mann also informs Mahoney they do not have much power with policing or enforcing as this is a
recommendation committee. However, they are in support of keeping Bald Hills clean and
accessible. Members advise Mahoney begin the process by contacting his ward representative.
Mahoney presents photos of the destruction to the area.
Mann asked for members to create a subcommittee to get this process started. Miller, Mann,
Alden -St. Pierre, Dunne, and Callaghan volunteer.
c. Ned Barrett — Bald Hill trails
Barrett comments on the increased use of the Bald Hill open space particularly with young teens
expressing interest due to COVID-19, and having limited other options due to closures of other
spaces. As part of a school project associated with the adjacent Centerville Elementary, Barrett
and his son cleaned up some of the trails on the property. Barrett is eager to ease any nuisance in
the area and keep it properly maintained. He would like to explore creating new trails that would
open up some of the unused area. Mann informs Barrett that a sub - committee will define the
appropriate uses for the area and asks that any activities be put on hold until guidelines for
appropriate activities are established. Members and the public discuss the area further in regards
to the increased activities. Brewster expresses concern at the limited size of the property and
adding too many trails. Members and the public agree to go for a site walk at a date to be
determined.
3. Approval of Minutes
The Committee reviews the May 6, 2020 meeting minutes and offers edits. Brewster moves to
accept the May 6, 2020 meeting minutes as amended. McCrory seconds. The motion carries 8 -0.
4. Principal Items of Business
a. Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report
McCrory provides an update on Community Preservation Committee (CPC) activities. There are
minimal activities at this time. The CPC completed review of the project applications. Final CPC
recommendations were sent to the City Council. Emergency housing funds were included in the
recommendations. McCrory informs the Committee that her term as the CPC representative is
expiring July 31, 2020 and offers the opportunity to any interested members to serve on the CPC.
b. Planning Board — Representative Report
Miller provides an update on Planning Board activities. There are minimal activities of interest to
the Committee at this time. The finalization of the Master Plan is still delayed due to COVID -19.
c. Conservation Commission — Representative Report
i. Bass River — Moynihan Lumber
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Pirrotta updates the Committee on items of interest from the Conservation Commission
activities. The Commission received OSRC's letter discussing the possibility for a temporary
easement and installing a fence to create a public access way along the Bass River waterfront.
Pirrotta provides a copy of the updated plan from the last Commission meeting. Moynihan
Lumber representatives are considering the idea of creating an easement, but also need to look
into Chapter 91 requirements. Members discuss the easement, what the maintenance cost to the
City would be, and recommendations to support the idea. Members discuss additional funding
options.
d. Parcel Updates
i. Green St Updates
27A - The meeting with the Mayor and the property owner was cancelled and will need to be
rescheduled, with a date pending.
27X - Members discussed the installation /construction of the fence and removal of the retaining
wall.
ii. Other
Members discuss acquiring an unbuildable parcel where there could be benefit to be wetland
protections. A local resident, Wendy Pearl, expressed concern that neighbors were dumping yard
waste near the wetlands. Members will further discuss the parcel.
5. Trail work approval near wetland resource areas
a. Purpose & need
This agenda topic was addressed in the earlier discussion on Bald Hill.
b. Subcommittee & next steps
This agenda topic was addressed in the earlier discussion on Bald Hill.
6. Other Business & Updates
a. Master Plan Comments and Updates
This is on hold until further notice, per Miller's earlier update.
b. Public Outreach
Members discuss ideas for increased public outreach and awareness. Alden -St. Pierre comments
on the social media pages he updates regarding OSRC activities.
Members discuss updating or adding a few signs in the open space areas to clearly define to the
public that they are responsible for cleaning up their trash and to provide information on
appropriate activities, etc. Members comment that a recent Eagle Scout project at Sally Milligan
Park, where clean-up efforts were destroyed. Members note a lot of tent activity, trash in the
area, and hunting. Potential Eagle Scout projects are discussed with suggestions that the Troops
coordinate with Nathan Currie for possible participation in building his new trail. Callaghan
suggests a clean-up project at the Pole Swamp property for an Eagle project. Members discuss
the possibilities and funding options.
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c. CZM grant application
Pirrotta provided a draft letter for the Committee to review and consider submitting in support of
the City's grant application for a feasibility study for coastal vulnerability efforts at Obear Park.
Callaghan informs the Committee that his office is the entity providing the funds and will abstain
from voting.
Alden St. Pierre moves to accept grant letter as drafted. Dunne seconds. Callaghan abstains. The
motion carries 7 -0 -1.
7. Future Agenda Items
Pirrotta mentions there are several members with upcoming expiring terms that will need
reappointing. McCrory reiterates her CPC seat is expiring as of July 31, 2020.
Adjournment
Brewster moves to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 p.m. Callaghan seconds. The motion carries 8 -0.
Next Meeting: July 8, 2020, 7 pm.