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2002-11-12 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: Beverly Open Space & Recreation Committee SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: November 12, 2002 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: David Gardner, Cynthia Modugno, William Squibb, Kathy Skrabut, Robert Buchsbaum, Elizabeth Dunne, Anthony Paluzzi, Charles Raymond, BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Ellen Flannery, James MacNeil OTHERS PRESENT: Amy R. Ellert-Maxner, Thomas Scully RECORDER: Diane Presutti 1. Mr. Gardner calls the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. 2. Mr. Ed Becker of Essex County Green Belt addresses the Board Mr. Gardner welcomes Ed Becker of the Essex County Greenbelt. Mr. Gardner recaps on last month’s meeting of October 7, 2002, and their discussion regarding how the Committee should go about raising funds, grant writing, etc. He introduces Mr. Becker to the Board and explains that Essex County Greenbelt owns various parcels in Beverly and Essex County. Mr. Becker begins by thanking the Committee for inviting him. He explains that the Essex County Greenbelt is a non-profit land trust. They came into existence in 1961 acquiring and protecting open space. The ECGB has been involved in the acquisition and protection of nearly 11,000 acres. They work just in Essex County. They work directly with landowners for land protection, possible easements, etc. They also work with other organizations to acquire land for protection, easements, etc. They are basically in the real estate business to purchase land for protection, and focus on land that is of ecological, cultural or scenic importance. They also look at ways of creating links with various open space properties to form “greenbelt” connections, as well as participate in expanding on lands already protected. The land is not necessarily owned by ECGB but may be owned by the city or state. The ECGB is a membership organization, and has about 3500 members at present. They receive about 60% of their financial support from the membership. They also raise funds through grants. Collaborative land purchase projects are plenty. It is very rare for a single entity to purchase a parcel due to high costs so they help to form partnerships to facilitate these transactions. Mr. Gardner asks Mr. Becker to explain the options they employ to raise money. Open Space and Recreation Committee Public Meeting Minutes November 12, 2002 Mr. Becker explains that their advantage is having a large membership, which helps fund the operation of the organization, as does income off the investment of an endowment they have. They also do some grant writing for projects where there is a very high chance of success. They write about seven grants a year, and may be awarded four. They also apply for specific projects, and just received a grant to update their maps. As for purchasing property, they have their own funds they try to raise, which includes private individuals. As a private organization, they have the ability to work quickly. They constantly work with various agencies and keep tabs on various funds they may be eligible for. They fully investigate all avenues of funding. There was a new environmental bond passed this summer of over 700 million dollars put into a capitol fund for a variety of programs with over 250 million dollars available for land acquisition and protection. This is the first bond passed since 1996. They have acquired a lot of property themselves; however, they have put in as much effort for the land to be acquired by cities and towns. ECGB works to provide financial and technical support, and work to understand the priorities and objectives of involved parties. Mr. Gardner also asks if working with the Open Space Committee to obtain parcels for protection would be possible. Mr. Becker states that each year they may have approximately 40 active projects and another 40 projects in preliminary stages. They may complete on average 15 or more projects a year. In 2001 they completed 29 projects. Mr. Gardner asks Mr. Becker if the Open Space Committee can act as volunteers to help the ECGB such as title searches, etc. Mr. Becker states absolutely. He also suggests composing a list of priority parcels they wish to pursue and communicate with him to collaborate information that the ECGB has previously obtained in purchasing the parcel. Mr. Gardner also asks how close they need to keep the information regarding a parcel they may have an interest in. Mr. Becker comments through experience he finds it’s always best to be upfront and public with most of your processes as you can. Not necessarily divulging specifics of negotiations, but letting the public know what you are focusing on and why. Mr. Gardner asks for questions from members of the Board. Mr. Paluzzi questions the competition from developers wanting the same parcel. Mr. Becker responds that they always have to be one step ahead of the developers. He also states that developers also do their own homework and know if the land can be developed or not. He also advises the Board to go slow and always keep their areas of concentration in focus. Ms. Skrabut asks that one the city or town acquires a parcel, does the ECGB work with them to develop financial plans, goals and future use. The ECGB does some advising and they also recommend groups who develop management plans. 2 Open Space and Recreation Committee Public Meeting Minutes November 12, 2002 The ECGB is currently behind on its own properties. The Committee is welcome to come to various meetings and workshops, but writing management plans would be challenging for the ECGB’s small staff at this time. Ms. Modugno asks if there are a lot of open space committees who write their own management plans or do land trusts that join in. Her research shows numerous land trusts that do maintenance plans. Mr. Becker responds that it is usually the Committees that are most active at that time in the project and would develop the management plan. Mr. Gardner asks that when you acquire a gift of a property you also want some funds to maintain it through the years. The ECGB always has to have financial resources in order to be effective stewards of the lands. Whenever a parcel has a conservation restriction they always ask for a contribution to the endowment fund. They also use a formula to determine the amount of money they may need to maintain the parcel and that runs about $12,000 to $15,000. It also depends on the property owner accepting the condition of conservation restrictions. They not only depend on contributions from property owners but also run campaigns specifically for their endowment fund for maintaining properties. Mr. Scully states that the Trustees of Reservations may require extensive maintenance pertaining to structures. Mr. Becker states that they will avoid properties with structures because of the cost of maintenance stating that the ECGB has thousands of acres with a staff of six to manage them. Mr. Gardner asks if the ECGB would help in the process of acquiring funds for Beverly from Beverly. Mr. Becker states that they would help in developing the materials needed for a specific initiative, how to conduct a campaign, etc. Mr. Gardner asks if the ECGB uses their funds to help other campaigns. Mr. Becker responds that they have funded projects and provided items such as printing and postage. Mr. Gardner raises the topic of the new Beverly Land Trust and asks Mr. Becker what his thoughts are regarding this. He states that Mr. Buchsbaum is on the Board. Mr. Becker responds not knowing what direction the BLT is taking. Mr. Buchsbaum responds that the Board is in discussion over different tactics and is currently studying neighboring cities and towns and programs they have in place. Having a strategic plan and finding funding sources are among the first items to be addressed. Mr. Gardner states that some time back a Land Trust did exist in Beverly. Mr. Becker states that there are parcels previously owned by the previous Beverly Land Trust, which are now owned by ECGB. He states that the Land Trust was dissolved around the 1980s. 3 Open Space and Recreation Committee Public Meeting Minutes November 12, 2002 Mr. Gardner questions why are they bringing back Beverly Land Trust and directs his question to Mr. Buchsbaum. Mr. Buchsbaum states that there are parcels that the ECGB has no interest in that are still valuable from the Land Trust’s point of view. He also states that Mr. Becker was very helpful when he addressed the Beverly Land Trust Board emphasizing working together and staying away from controversy. Mr. Becker explains that as long as other organizations lock up the land with the same conservation goals they’re satisfied. He also states that Hamilton-Wenham, Boxford and Marblehead have their own land trusts. The Boxford Open Land Trust (BOLT) is very active having land constantly available, while others may be less active. Mr. Gardner states that BOLT may be good to contact for educational purposes. Ms. Modugno states that it would be good for BOLT to meet with Beverly Land Trust rather than this Committee. Mr. Gardner states that all three groups could possibly work together. Mr. Paluzzi addresses Mr. Becker regarding tax advantages when purchasing and conserving land. Mr. Becker states that giving away a parcel has tax advantages. He also states that it varies from town to town and property to property. He continues that the ECGB also advises in those situations and encourages the Committee to call ECGB any time. Mr. Becker then excuses himself to attend another appointment. 3. Approval of Minutes of October 7, 2002 Mr. Gardner present minutes to Ms. Maxner for typing of trail blazing on November 9, 2002. Ms. Ellert-Maxner distributes minutes of October 7, 2002, to all members present. The Board takes a few moments to review the minutes. Ms. Skrabut motions to accept the minutes of October 7, 2002, seconded by Mr. Paluzzi. Motion carries unanimously. 4A. Status of Trail Maps Reproduction by Mr. Paluzzi Mr. Paluzzi presents a map for review printed by The Paper Crane. The Committee members were very impressed with the pocket-sized map. In particular, the brown paper it is printed on gives it a historic look. Mr. Gardner addresses Mr. Paluzzi regarding cost. Mr. Paluzzi states that each map may cost around $2 to print, but not much more. Ms. Dunne addresses Mr. Paluzzi in including scales on the map and feels it is definitely needed. 4 Open Space and Recreation Committee Public Meeting Minutes November 12, 2002 Mr. Gardner asks Mr. Paluzzi to ask The Paper Crane for a final print that includes scales and legends, and states that the Committee will review it again at next month’s meeting. Mr. Scully states that he can display the final map on the internet. 4B. Mr. Buchsbaum presents Sally Milligan Management Plan Mr. Buchsbaum presents various maps showing vernal pool, land use, surficial geology, wetlands as well as an aerial photo. He addresses the Committee stating that the latest revision of Management Plan will be e-mailed to them. The plan present is not the latest revision. Ms. Ellert-Maxner provides Mr. Buchsbaum with a copy of her land management plan written for Choate Farm in Danvers for his review. Ms. Modugno asks how the land is protected and asks that it be included in the plan. She also states that while attending a meeting in Wenham on November 9, 2002, there was a woman who does help with this particular plan development. Mr. Buchsbaum also states that the Massachusetts Audubon does compose management plans for a fee. Ms. Dunne questions the history of the stonewall as it is very well constructed. Ms. Skrabut motions to approve release of Mr. Buchsbaum’s management plan for review, seconded by Mr. Paluzzi,. Mr. Gardner asks Ms. Ellert-Maxner to address a letter asking the Conservation Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission to respond by January 1, 2003. 4C. Ms. Modugno presents Phillip’s Estate Mr. Scully and Ms. Modugno present a picture of a scenic view from Phillip’s Estate. They wish to recreate this view and state that the building had burned down sometime in the 1960’s. Mr. Gardner questions if a Management Plan exists for the Phillip’s Estate. Mr. Scully states there may be one. Ms. Modugno reviews with the Committee the November 9, 2002 meeting in Wenham. She states that Ipswich uses funds raised from hotel taxes and roll back taxes for their open space expenses. They spoke on trail management, abandonment as well as volunteerism/liability insurance. Mr. Gardner asks Ms. Ellert-Maxner to provide update on Greenhill project at the next meeting. 5. New Business Mr. Gardner suggests that their next meeting on December 2, 2002, also be their end of year dinner. The Beverly Golf & Tennis Club is recommended for their dinner with the Beverly Depot Restaurant as an alternate. The time will be 6:30 - 7 p.m. 5 Open Space and Recreation Committee Public Meeting Minutes November 12, 2002 Ms. Ellert-Maxner agrees to make reservations for the Board and will get a head count via e-mail. The January meeting date is also set at this time. The meeting will be held on January 6, 2003. The meetings for 2003 will be held at the Beverly Public Library. Mr. Buchsbaum recommends that the land abutting Hannah School be on the January agenda. Mr. Paluzzi motions to close public meeting, seconded by Ms. Modugno. Motion carries and public meeting is closed at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Paluzzi motions to go into Executive Session and not to return to public meeting. 6