2002-06-03
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITEE:
DATE: June 3, 2002
PLACE: Beverly Public Library
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: David Gardner (Chair), Robert Buchsbaum, Ellen
Flannery, James MacNeil, Cindy Modugno, Anthony
Paluzzi, Charles Raymond, Kathleen Skrabut, Bill
Squibb
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Elizabeth Dunn, Kathern Tracey
OTHERS PRESENT: Debra Hurlburt, City Planner
RECORDER: Kathleen Skrabut
Chairperson Gardner calls the meeting to order at 7:10P.
Old Business
1. Acceptance of Public Meeting Minutes
Squibb: Motion to accept the May 6, 2002 public meeting minutes as written;
seconded by Modugno. All members in favor; no opposition. Motion carries.
2. Acceptance of Executive Session Minutes
Modugno: Motion to accept May 6, 2002 executive session minutes as written,
seconded by Raymond. Two abstentions: Paluzzi and MacNeil; no opposition. Motion
carries.
3. Trail Map Update
Buchsbaum indicates the potential for assistance with production of the map offered
by two graphic designers (owners of “The Paper Crane” in downtown Beverly).
Paluzzi circulated a trails map booklet produced by the town of Danvers.
Gardner will supply Paluzzi with accumulated information regarding the trails map
project; Paluzzi will contact Tracey to acquire any additional documents.
4. Signage
Dunn notified Gardner by email that the process of exploring signage options is still
.
underway. Dunn will provide a verbal report at the July meeting
5. Mission Statement
Following review of current mission statement, Skrabut submitted a motion to retain
the mission statement in its current form; seconded by Paluzzi. All members in favor;
no opposition. Motion carries.
6. Action Plan Update
Gardner distributed the draft of a potential supplement to the OSR Action Plan that
identifies possible priority sites and linkages. Committee members will review for
additions/deletions/corrections; tabled for further review at July meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
1. 2002-2003 DEM Recreational Trails Program Grant Application
Committee discussed the grant as a possible source of funding for property
acquisition and/or trails development.
Buchsbaum raises questions regarding visitor use of Beverly’s existing trails.
Potential grant focus centered on Sally Milligan, Phillips, Green’s Hill improvements
and/or additional parcel acquisition.
Buchsbaum and Gardner will contact Peter Brandenburg at DEM to determine which
of the above projects would be most viable as a grant proposal. Grant submission
deadline is July 26, 2002.
2. Biodiversity Day Activities Summary
Buchsbaum reports that activities conducted at the Hannah and Ryal Side schools
were extremely well attended and successful, particularly in view of significant
parental involvement. Other activities, however, had minimal citizen participation.
Discussion tabled until the September 2002 meeting re: number and variety of
community education activities to be undertaken by this committee.
Numbers of interesting and rare species were identified and will be submitted to
Biodiversity Day organizers and local newspapers by Buchsbaum.
3. Henderson Road Planning
MacNeil reports that efforts are underway to assemble a variety of perspectives
on how to use open space at the Henderson Road - Vitale fly ash property most
effectively. Construction of playing fields appears to be an appropriate approach
to the use of this space in view of pressing needs in the city. Meetings and
discussions have been occurring and the following options are under
consideration:
a. 3 “long” fields (all-purpose field for lacrosse, soccer, football – 800’x500’ oval
with moldings around field edges) positioned in side by side configuration
b. 4 “long fields” positioned with roads and parking in between the fields
MacNeil indicates that a meeting with Mayor Crean’s assistant has been
proposed to discuss issues associated with this project. It is also important that
New England Power be engaged in these discussions prior to the development
of an engineering plan for this site.
4. Tracey Resignation
Gardner reports that he has received notice of Kathern Tracey’s resignation from
the Open Space and Recreation Committee. The committee expresses its deep
regret at the resignation of this valuable and highly-contributing member.
Next Meeting
The next Open Space and Recreation Committee meeting will held Monday,
July 15, 2002 at 7P. No meeting will be held in August. The September date will
be determined at the July meeting.
Adjournment
Squibb: motion to adjourn; seconded by Flannery. All members in favor; no
opposition. Motion carries.