2000-04-03CITY OF BEVERLy, MASSACHUSETTS
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTF~
BOARD OR COMMISSION:
DATE:
PLACE:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
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RECORDER:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 3, 2000
Beverly Public Library
Chairnmn David Gardner, Vice-Chairman
Robert Buchsbaum, Charlie Raymond,
Kathern Tracy, Bill Squibb, Claire
Thomson, Ellen Flannery
Anthony Paiuzzi, Guido Lauranzano,
Richard Baker
City Planner Tins Cassidy
Tins Cassidy
Gardner calls the meeting to order and explains that the furst item on the
agenda scheduled for discussion was a status report on the computer
mapping. Baker could not attend this meeting, so Gardner briefly
updates the members on Baker's continuing effort. He hopes that the
maps will be completed by the May meeting.
Next, Katie Busse presents three maps to the committee as she promised
at the March meeting. The maps include a natural resources map and a
map showing where natural resources and wetlands areas overlap. She
states that several changes need to be made to maps to finalize them,
and will add train lines to provide additional reference points on the
map. She asks if the scale of the maps are usable by the committee.
Members agree that the scale in use seems workable. Gardner suggests
that the maps be reviewed by Baker to see if this information can be
overlaid on the map he is preparing.
Next, Pare Kampersai addresses the Board as a member of the Norwood
Pond Association. She explains her concern about the impact of future
build-out of existing industrially-zoned land at Norwood Pond that could
result if an overpass is built. The association is afraid that a future City
Council might vote to rezone the parcels owned by the City around the
pond; at the moment the land is zoned for open space and recreational
use.
She states that the site provides four-season recreation activities, has a
complex ecosystem, an old growth forest, and might be a possible
emergency drinking water supply in the future. She says the pond will
die if it is not maintained. She offers to guide the committee on a tour of
the area. Buchsbaum asks if there are any certified vernal pools on the
site. Kampersai states that there are.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 3, 2000 meeting
Page two
Kampersal discusses the association's concern about the condition of the
dam on the pond, and says the City has until the first of May to respond
to a report issued by the Department of Environmental Management on
the condition of the dam. She notes that there are currently no Best
Management Practices in use on properties around the pond.
Ron Johnsen, Brimbal Avenue, states his opinion that destroying
wetlands in the area will damage the pond, and there is no buffer
between the pond and the developed area. Renee Mary, Hale Street, says
that she heard the pond could be used as a drinking water supply.
Members decide to hold a site visit to Norwood Pond on Saturday, April
29, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. Members will meet on Elnew Avenue.
Next, Ed Becker, Executive Director of Essex County Greenbelt
Association ("ECGA-) addresses the Board. He distributes copies of an
outline of discussion points (see attached). He says that F, CGA owns
thirteen properties in the City and holds conservation restrictions on five
others. Most acquisitions are by outright gifts of land and conservation
restrictions, which he describes as legal easements.
Becker explains ways to protect land (by regulation, planning and zoning,
and by acquisition) and to acquire it (outright gift of land, gift of
conservation restriction, purchase or bargain sale, and limited
development).
He outlines ways that land acquisitions can be financed. Those methods
include local efforts (dedicated bond authorizations, capital budgets,
dedicated funds, the Community Preservation Act, and land swaps and
transfers of development rights). He notes that the Community
Preservation Act, which is expected to be approved by the State
Legislature sometime this session, will require that 10% of collected real
estate transfer taxes be dedicated for open space, affordable housing,
and historic preservation. The remaining 70% can be spent on any of the
three goals, with the allotment percentage decided by local option.
Beverly will need to decide a) whether to adopt the Community
Preservation Act, and b) whether to establish a local land bank to
administer open space funds.
State tools for land acquisition include matching grants (such as the
Self-Help and Urban Self-Help programs), direct purchase by an agency,
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 3, 2000 meeting
Page three
an Open Space Bond, Land Water Conservation Funds and budget
allocation. He explains that Land Water Conservation Fund grants are
funded with the proceeds from off-shore oil leases granted by the federal
government.
He notes that private land acquisition financing options include local
fundraising campaigns and direct contributions or seed money from land
trusts.
Becker suggests if the City decides to develop a land conservation
program, the steps would or could include the completion of an open
space and vacant land inventory that is prioritized according to
importance. He notes that he reviewed the criteria selected by the Open
Space and Recreation Committee and liked them. The City might then
contact the owners of land on the inventory list and host landowner
forums or small hosted gatherings to explain the financial advantages of
preserving open space. He suggests that ECGA could sponsor a
landowner forum for the City, and distributes a sample agenda for such
a forum. Buchsbaum asks if ECGA has ever encountered concern from
landowners when they are contacted to attend such a meeting. Becker
answers that that is usually not the case.
Buchsbaum asks Becker's opinion as to whether the committee should
finish the inventory before holding a forum. Becker says that is one
possibility, but the committee may also decide to concentrate on
identifying owners in one area of the City as a beginning. State
Representative Michael Cahill suggests that the first forum be a forum
targeted toward parcels under threat of development.
Becker adds that on-going dialogue with private property owners is also
very important and can be effective in preserving open space parcels.
Tom Scully asks Cahill if he thinks some version of the Community
Preservation Act will be approved by the legislature this year. Cahill says
that he hopes so. He explains that the Senate currently favors a real
estate transfer tax, and the House of Representatives supports an
override of Proposition 2 ¼. Scully asks if the Governor is likely to sign a
preservation act. Cahill says he does not know, but that in the past the
Governor has stated his opposition. Cahill says that the Community
Preservation Coalition is actively lobbying house representatives and
conference committee members, and Becker suggests that legislators
need to hear from citizens who support the bill. Members discuss the
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 3, 2000 meeting
Page four
need to communicate citizens' support for the bill and agree that the
committee should draft a letter of support.
Flannery:
motion to ask the Chairman to prepare a letter of support on
behalf of the committee expressing its support for the
passage of a community preservation act bill this legislative
session. Motion seconded by Thompson, all members in
favor. Motion carries.
Cabill offers to organize a meeting with conference committee members
to lobby for passage of the act. Members agree to contact Scully if they
are interested in attending such a meeting.
Gardner states that the inventory is still somewhat incomplete, but
should be finished within the next two weeks. He suggests that when
the committee meets next month it should discuss the inventory and
begin prioritizing the parcels.
Cassidy will obtain information from the assessors' office on lands
currently classified as conservation, forest, or open space in accordance
with State law. She will bring this information to the next committee
meeting.
Members discuss an agenda for the next meeting. The meeting will
include reviewing the completed inventory, beginning prioritization of
parcels, and developing a possible list of invitees for a landowner forum.
Scully offers space at the library for a landowner forum if needed. Cahill
says that he will try to schedule a meeting at the Statehouse for a date
during the first two weeks of May.
Gardner notes that the topic of forming subcommittees will be placed on
hold for now.
Gardner asks members if they have reviewed the draft minutes of the
March meeting, and asks if there are any suggested corrections.
Buchsbaum notes the correct spelling of Katie Busse's name.
Buchsbaum:
motion to accept the draft minutes of the March 6,
2000 meeting with the above correction, seconded by
Squibb. All members in favor, motion carries.
Gardner notes that the next committee meeting will be held on May 1st.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
April 3, 2000 meeting
Page five
Thompson:
motion to adjourn, seconded by Flannery. All membes
in favor, motion carries.