2000-02-07City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
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RECORDER:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
February 7, 2000
Beverly City Hall
David Gardner (Chairman), Anthony Paluzzi,
Charles Raymond, Guido Lauranzano, Claire
Thompson, Rathem Tracy, Robert Buchsbaum,
Ellen Flannery, Bill Squibb
Richard Baker
David O'Connor (Cecil Group), State
Representative Michael Cahill and Assistant
Moira Coyle
Jeannine Dion
David Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Aoproval of MeetinK Minutes
Flannery:
Motion to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2000 meeting, seconded
by Tracy. All members in favor, motion carries.
Overview of Recent Events
Gardner stated that a three page leuer on the Committee's recommendation regarding
open space acquisition priorities. which was ~nalized at the last meeting. was submitled to
City Council. The Council has asked tile Open Space and Recreation Con~nittee to make
a presentation at this evening's meeting. Gardner stated he will be making a slide
presentation ou behalf of the Committee regarding several parcels of interest iu the city.
The presemation will be approximately 10-I5 minutes in duration.
Gardner stated he, Tom Scull>' and Tina Cassid3, met with Mayor ScanIon and the Mayo'
was receptive and supportive of the Committee's recommendations.
Buchsbaum stated tile pmlrayal in tile Salem Beverly News was not correct. tte stated
there are several properties worthy of being protected.
Cassidy slated that the City mix5 be able t,~ pt~rsue an Urban Self-tlclp grant li'om lhc Stale
to help with lhe acquisitkm of one or more of the parcels.
Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes
February 7, 2000 Meeting
Page 2
Gardner introduces David O'Connor from the Cecil Group. O'Connor presents an
overview of the requirements, responsibilities and schedule fur preparing a revised Open
Space and Recreation Plan. The overview describes who is responsible for each section of
the Open Space and Recreation Plan and a schedule for completion of the report.
Gardner asks O'Connor if he has a copy of the 1995 Open Space and Recreation Plan.
O'Connor responded that he is not sum but will check his office and let Tina Cassidy
know if he needs a copy. Cassidy states she would be happy to send a copy to O'Connor.
O'Connor states that the City of Westford, Massachusetts was able to receive 65%
reimbursement for athletic field construction because they were part of a school
renovation plan. Buchshaum asks if that pertains to existing schools. O'Connor responds
that it may be reimbursable if it is a renovation of an existing facility. He states he could
clarify this.
O'Connor explains that those properties which are most important to the city - those
which are vulnerable to change - must be identified.
O'Connor states that when the draft is complete the Committee should solicit public
conu-nent. Key city agencies should provide comments and a public meeting is
recommended to discuss the plan.
Cassidy suuports the concept of a public meeting. She states when the goals and
objectives for the upcoming master plan were developed in June of 1998 it was done
through a series of workshops.
O'Connor states that letters of support should also be included in the report. The more
support the report receives. the better.
O'Counor states that if there arc deficiencies in the report pointed out by the public, they
must be dealt with.
Gardner asks how in~portant it is to get in line lbr thnding. O'Connor responds that
demographics have a lot to do with funding. He states that it doesn't hurt to have the
legislative delegation fulb' in thvor and have a well thought out plan in place.
Gardner asks what the Cecil Group needs from the Open Space and Recreation
Committee. O'Connor responds that he would like to review the 1995 report before
commenting.
Cassidy states she xvould start working on Section V/haventolT of Lands of Conservation
and Recrealinn Interest) and Section VI Communitv Goals and will start with the
.\ssc~sor's ,>llice to obtain the inli>rmation nccdcd.
Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes
February 7, 2000 Meeting
Page 3
O'Connor says tile Committee needs to nmke sure the groundwork needed lbr the report
is done. lte states the Five Year Plan is where everything is synthesized.
O'Colmor states he will interview City Planner Thin Cassidy oll the Goals and Objectives,
and slates a draft should be ready by the end of February.
Flannery asks if the deadline could be moved to March 6th. Everybody agrees it would be
fine to move the deadline to March 6~h.
The quarterly update presentation to the City Council is scheduled to take place on March
20, 2000.
State Representative Michael Cahill states that the Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs emphasis community involvement. He asks if anyone has spoken to personnel at
that office to smooth the way for an upcoming application. Cassidy responds that she e-
mailed Jennifer Jillson Soper and asked for the latest Urban Self Help application. She
states she will touch base with Soper and let her know what the Committee is up to.
Tracy asks if the Open Space and Recreation Conm~ittee should be soliciting conm~ents.
O'Connor responded that comments should be solicited from associated agencies (i.e.
Planning Board, Conservation Commission, etc.), the public and State Representatives.
Fracy asks when tILls solicitation for comments should occur. O'Connor answers that it
should happen after the draft sections are completed.
Lauranzano states it would be helpful to have a list of agencies. O'Connor responds that
he could provide a list to the Open Space and Recreation Committee.
Buchsbaum adds that it would be positive to obtain endorsements fi'om Essex County
Greenbelt, DEP and the Massachusetts Audubon.
Flannen.':
Motion to recess tile meeting for the City Council meeting, seconded by
Thompson. All members in li~vor, motion carries.
City Council Meetin,o
Cassidy introduces hcrsclfand zhe members of the Open Space and Recreation Committee
to the City Council and the public. Cassidy states the Committee has prepared a
presentation which will be given by David Gardner, its Chairn~an.
Gardner outlines tile cvahlation criteria the Committee used xxhen reviewing the
properl los:
Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes
February 7, 2000 Meeting
Page 4
· opportunities lost
· neighborhood impacts
· inl?astructure
· linkage to other open space
· cost and tlanding
· parcel size
· type of control
· active/passive recreation
· visual benefit
· natural resources
· consolidate existing open space
Gardner states the properties under review are the Santin & Hill properties, Green's Hill,
the Dallas (Symes) properties, Bartlett Estate, the Carbone property on Eisenhower Road,
Morton Thiokol and Johnson's Tree Farm.
Gardner states the Open Space and Recreation Committee recommends acquiring the
Santin & Hill property to protect Sally Milligan Park, and Green's Hill.
A member of the public asked if the Open Space and Recreation Committee is trying to
buy the properties. Cassidy responded that these are preliminary recommendations of the
Committee and it would be up to the Mayor, City Council members and others to decide.
Gardner states the City will likely have to move quickly on acquisition of these parcels.
Mayor ScanIon states he is hoping to get help from State Representative Micliael Cahill on
State funding. Councilor Don Martin asks ira drainage report is available on the Dallas
proepny. Mayor Scanlon states he is detemfined to fix all the drainage problems in the
city.
City Councilor Maureen Troubetaris states that if open space is next to a school the city
might be able to receive 65% reimbursement. Troubetaris asks if the reimbursement
applies to purchasing a piece of property. Cassidy responds that she is not sure. Scanlon
states he will review the possibility.
Members return to the conli~rence room.
Paluzzi:
motion to reconvene the regular meeting. seconded by Flanncry. AH
membors in favor. motion carries.
Gardner asks if there are any comments from Coinmittee members.
Open Space and Recreation Committee Minutes
February 7, 2000 Meeting
Page 5
Buchsbaum states the Committee needs to get to the business at hand - the report.
Gardner infom~s members that two items on the next agenda will be 1) presentation to the
City Council in March and 2) Open Space and Recreation Plan update.
Flannery:
Motion to adjourn, seconded by Tracy. All members in favor, no one
opposed. Motion carries.
The meeting is adjourned at 8:55 p.m.