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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.