10-7-20 OSRC draft minutes - FINAL (2)CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: October 7, 2020
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden-St. Pierre, Todd Callaghan, Elizabeth Dunne, Wayne
Miller, Marilyn McCrory, Gregory Sharp
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jenna Pirrotta, Environmental Planner
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Cahill, Darlene Wynne, Nathan Currie
RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury
Mann chairs and opens the meeting at 7:04 p.m., noting that it is a virtual meeting as allowed
during the State of Emergency declared due to the national crisis of COVID-19.
1.Mayoral Agenda discussion items
questions and discuss parcel updates.
a.Green Street update
The Committee discusses the outstanding items needed to complete the trail head access at the
27X parcel. Mayor Cahill agrees that Department of Public Services staff should complete the
work so that the public knows where to access the open space. Mayor notes that Community
Preservation Act funds could be sought for the neighbori
not yet been able to reschedule a meeting with the property owner to discuss, but will continue to
work on this.
b.s Point update
Callaghan describes that the Harbor Management Authority is aware that the Bass Haven Yacht
Club has previously expressed interest in transferring a parcel of land to the City. If the parcel is
not donated, it could be an economical purchase, and lead to additional public waterfront
connectivity and to the skate park. Denise Deschamps was previously contacted by the yacht
club regarding the potential parcel transfer. ffice will follow up on the parcel.
c.Norwood Pond update
The Committee recounts past discussion between Darlene Wynne and the property owners
regarding a flexible trail easement in back of the buildings. Mayor Cahill agrees that a potential
easement in this area is worthy of revisiting, but that the conversation would need to be restarted,
as it has been about a year. Mayor suggests reaching out to Bill Haney to set up a discussion
between Mann and Mayor Cahill.
d.Endicott trail update
Mayor Cahill recaps the possible easement opportunities behind Endicott College, including low,
middle, and high. Mann suggested that the lower option may be the easiest for Endicott to
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October 7, 2020 Meeting Minutes
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approve. Mayor recommends the City seek an easement higher on the property and notes that a
trail would not diminish the value of the land. Mayor Cahill will reach out to Dr. DiSalvo, as he
is regularly in contact with him.
e.Pole Swamp update
Mayor suggests there are no updates on this property and that he will ask his assistant to contact
the property owners regarding a potential easement.
f.Cabot Street parcel
Members discuss a possible opportunity for future public access at a location through
Community Preservation Act funds. There is a combination of public and private ownership in
the area. Members and the Mayor discuss the future possibilities of the property and will
maintain vigilance for any potential access.
g.Congress Street
Callaghan notes that the Harbor Management Authority may be able to contribute matching
funds. It still needs to be clarified who owns the land as the end of the street appears to be a
Members discuss the neighbors use of on street parking
as well as the abutters maintaining the paper road. Mayor Cahill thinks this is a good opportunity
to explore but notes that items will need to be prioritized with limited capacity of many City staff
and volunteers.
h.Sally Milligan Trail update
The Committee provides an update on the creation of a potential new trail at Sally Milligan Park.
The new trail location is outlined for the mayor to review. The mayor agrees this trail would be a
great connector to the existing trail system. Mayor Cahill inquires about the procedure for
approving a new trail. Mann notes that the trail will require review by the Conservation
Commission, and that a wildlife inventory would be taken in the spring.
i.Waring School update
Members bring to attention the encroachment issue of the soccer field on City property. Mayor
Cahill comments that he wants to assist in achieving as favorable a compromise as possible.
and
recaps the discussion of a possible landswap and the necessary steps needed including a
unanimous vote by the Conservation Commission for the court to determine if this is allowed for
a property held in public trust. The Mayor will set a meeting with the heir of the estate and
members of the Conservation Commission to see how concerns may be satisfied. Members
provide feedback and further discuss the athletic program offering work arounds to the practice
and official playing fields.
j.Mayoral conclusion
Mayor Cahill concludes his time applauding the dedication of the Committee to the preservation
of green and open spaces. He expresses his intention to return to the next Committee meeting to
provide an update on the agenda items discussed.
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Mayor Cahill and Wynne exit the meeting at 7:51 p.m.
2.Approval of Minutes
Sharp moves to approve the September 2, 2020 meeting minutes as presented. Callaghan
seconds. The motion carries 8-0.
3.Principal Items of Business
a.Community Preservation Committee Representative Report
McCrory provides updates on Community Preservation Committee activities. McCrory
encourages members to attend the October 8, 2020 meeting and refresh their knowledge of the
application process. Pre-application packets are due October 29, 2020 with confirmation for
eligibility scheduled for December 17, 2020. McCrory discusses the Briscoe Village for the Arts
and Seniors project including complicated funding that includes housing tax credits and state and
federal grants.
Members discuss the use of Community Preservation Act funds for acquisition of the 27A parcel
and potential for Greenbelt to reach out to the property owner to assist with acquisition or project
management. Mann will compile a synopsis of the timeline on the past discussions with the
property owner up to the present.
b.Planning Board Representative Report
Miller reports the last Planning Board meeting included discussion on a four-lot subdivision in
Ryal Side as part of the extension of Livingston Avenue. Discussion also focused on potential
impacts to wildlife habitat. The layout was changed from the original proposal, which relocated
the work outside of Conservation Commission jurisdiction.
The Master Plan recommendations are still delayed due to COVID-19. The Planning Board is
aware there are several comment letters from the varying municipal committees and the public.
c.Conservation Commission Representative Report
Pirrotta provides an update on Conservation Commission activities of potential interest including
City repair work on the seawalls at Lynch Park and at other public access areas along Lothrop
Street. Pirrotta notes the repairs are funded through FEMA grants. Callaghan inquires if the
public will have the opportunity to weigh in on seawall repairs for public access. Most notably
the steps to the beach at Abbott and Ocean Streets are in disrepair and are a public safety
concern. Part of the existing stairs are crumbling along with other areas of the walkways where
the stones are eroding. Pirrotta will confirm if work on the steps is proposed.
d.Parcel Updates
Discussion on parcel updates were addressed in the conservation earlier with Mayor Cahill.
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e.Harbor Management Authority Updates
Callaghan provides an update on Harbor Management Authority (HMA) activities. Callaghan
informs the Committee that the recently installed kayak racks have filled up and additional racks
are being considered for installation. The new waterfront signs for public access points are ready
for installation. There will be no Harborfest this year due to COVID.
4.Trail Discussion
a.Outreach
Alden- St. Pierre provides updates on his posts on the Facebook and Instagram accounts
providing photographs from the various open space properties. Members discuss bootleg trails
with spray painted trees. Callaghan notes that several of the white diamond trail marker signs at
Beverly Commons had been removed recently and that some signs also went missing in Sally
Milligan Park. Callaghan and other members volunteer time to replace the vandalized markers.
5.Other Business & Updates
a.Master Plan updates, if any
Miller provided an update on this item earlier in the meeting. Miller notes that City Council
recently approved the creation of a City Sustainability Director position, which was funded by a
donor. Donor funding would decrease in the future, with a larger City match required.
b.2021 Meeting Schedule
Pirrotta reports that she will draft the 2021 schedule for posting. The typical first Wednesdays of
the month and no meeting in August seem to line up well with the 2021 holiday calendar.
Members do not report any issues.
c.Annual Report
It is time for the Committee to prepare and submit the 2020 Annual Report to City Council.
Mann inquires if anyone would prefer to read the Annual Report. Alden- St. Pierre volunteers to
read the report at an upcoming Council meeting. Pirrotta will work on updates to the report since
last year and will circulate a draft to the Committee for review and comment.
6.Future Agenda Items
Miller will coordinate with the Mayor on an action item list to keep everyone on point for
discussion and tracking.
Mann asks Pirrotta to please include Harbor Management Authority updates on the agenda going
forward.
Adjournment
Callaghan moves to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. McCrory seconds. The motion carries 8-0.
Next Meeting: November 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.