OSRC minutes_ 09.07 CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE: None
LOCATION: City Hall; Council Chambers
DATE: September 7, 2022
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: David Alden-St. Pierre (Chair), David Brewster(Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne, Gregory Sharp, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne
Miller, Charlie Mann, Alison Dudley,James Passanisi
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Todd Callaghan; Robin Didinado, Parks & Recreation
Representative
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Victoria Healey, Associate Planner
OTHERS PRESENT: Todd Rotondo, Ward 1 Councilor
RECORDER: Sharlyne Woodbury
1. Call to Order
Alden chairs and opens the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
This is a hybrid meeting with special meeting format as required to honor Governor Baker's
Executive Order declared due to the national crisis of COVID-19.
2. Discuss Principal Items of Business
a. Community Preservation Committee— Representative Report
McCrory provides the updates. September 29,2022 7-9 pm is the CPC meeting to discuss
funding round with preapplications due October 27, 2022. Those deemed eligible will be invited
to submit full applications. CPC recently published a CPA plan with updates from 2022. Healey
provided the OSRC updates to McCrory. Those updates are included in the CPA plan as an
abbreviated description for the OSRC goals.
b. Planning Board— Representative Report
No updates at this time. Members will discuss at the next meeting.
c. Harbor Management Authority Updates— Representative Report
No updates at this time. Members will discuss at the next meeting.
d. Conservation Commission— Representative Report
No updates at this time. Members will discuss at the next meeting.
Sidebar:
Brewster asks Ward 1 Councilor if he has anything.
Councilor Rotondo discusses the Lindsey Park eligibility to create a community garden. They are
looking to coordinate with Ward 1 Civic Association. This project has mayoral support. Green
Open Space&Recreation Committee
September 7,2022 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Beverly is interested in assisting with the community garden creation. Future projects include
mobile food markets, donations to Apple Village, Beverly Bootstraps, etc. A water source is
presently owned by the city to assist with irrigation.
Brief discussion on the easement connecting Apple Village to the County Way extension.
3. Annual Report to City Council
Simon street parcels, Moraine Farm, green street progress. Members discuss the completed
projects to include for the report. Alden will create a draft summary list for the report. Included
in the report will be concerns from first responder Captain Matt Hart. Their primary hope would
be the trails are better marked and maps updated. Currently waiting on new GIS person to
ensure the first responders have access to updated maps on their IPADs. Miller is also happy to
speak with the GIS regarding the app "What 3 Words".
4. Scott Hufford— Bass River Loop Green's Hill signage
Rotondo serves on the HMA alongside member Todd Callaghan. He discusses the loose parcels
related to the disconnected pieces of the Emerald necklace. They will meet with the owner to
determine how best to connect the trails.
S. Sally Milligan Bridge RDA
Healey provides the updates. This item can be on the meeting for the Conservation Commission
(ConsCom) if they will pay for the legal add for the RDA. Next steps are determining funding for
the bridge. Healey has a meeting with MassTrails 9/15/22. The application was not accepted.
The issue with the application rejected because the bridge would be more than what the
current needs are; part of which includes ADA accessibility. Healey suggests applying to CPC for
funding. Mann suggests looking into the Norwood Pond Trails funding. Alden notes that funding
is only for Norwood Pond. Alden suggests first step is to get the bridge approved. There is
potential to seek funding from NMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association). Current bridge
condition is a plank.
6. Eagle Scout project(s) presentations/updates
Healey sent correspondence to Sebastian Brouillette for his project, which he has permission.
Alden will meet with Trabulsi to further discuss the status of his project.
Sidebar:
Miller brings up Greenwood trails that are badly worn down and suggests really closing them
down. Members are concerned the public will create their own trails. Miller notes people are
blocking trails for a variety of reasons. The trails are eroding and require maintenance.
Members discuss best methods.
Mann discusses the connectivity from the hair salon to the Bass River behind Starbucks.
Rotondo and HMA are working to establish the connectivity.
Open Space&Recreation Committee
September 7,2022 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
7. Norwood Trail Update
Mann provides the updates. The paperwork started. Mann is researching a surveyor in order to
complete the NOI.
Sidebar:
Alden asked if there are any updates on the Open Space Plan. Healey submitted the plan to
Melissa Cryan at the state 7/15/22. Communication as of August from Cryan noted review will
not be completed until later in the fall. McCrory inquired if there is a letter from the state
confirming the plan is not reviewed but still eligible for funding. The project still in holding
pattern.
8. Parking Discussion: concerns for open space and recreation access
Mann informs the committee the Waring School increasingly is seen as a default parking lot
for the public to use trails. Alden reviewed parking at most parks and open spaces. Parking was
found inadequate for demand. JC Phillips has decent parking compared to other open spaces.
Miller inquires if once Moraine Farm is open to the public, will the public be able to access
more parking thru the farm. Mann discusses the possibilities.
Members discuss what best options are available to assist with parking. Continued
collaboration with schools, city signage directing parking, are minimal options. Mann suggests
the committee mark on maps and make suggestions where the city could manage parking for
those open spaces and locations most used by the public. Alden asks the members if there
would any areas where the residents would have pushback on increased parking. Rotondo
suggests collaborating with the Parking &Traffic Commission, Sgt Michael Henebury for these
areas and concerns. Brewster notes the biggest parking issue is the base of the Beverly Salem
bridge.
Sidebar:
Healey informs members there are no Endicott Trail updates and no updates on the blanket
approval NOI form from ConsCom.
Dudley informs the members there is a meeting September 8, 2022 for the Simon Street park
with the abutters. She will provide updates after the meeting.
Healey informs the members pickleball received a $200,000 grant. Funding to be used at Birch
Plains (near soccer fields by the Beverly Airport). They must go before ConsCom for approval
since the land is contaminated.
9. Approval of Meeting Minutes
a. May 4, 2022
Motion: Mann moves to approve the minutes as presented. Miller seconds. The motion
carries 9-0.
Open Space&Recreation Committee
September 7,2022 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
b. June 1, 2022
Motion: Mann moves to approve the minutes as amended. Miller Seconds. The motion
carries 9-0.
c. July 6, 2022
Motion: Dudley moves to approve the minutes as amended. Miller Seconds. The motion
carries 9-0.
10. Adjourn
Motion: Brewster moves to adjourn. Miller seconds. The motion carries 9-0.
Meeting adjourned 8:50 p.m.
Next Meeting: October 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.