2002-01-07
City of Beverly
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
January 7, 2002
PLACE:
Beverly Public Library
MEMBERS PRESENT:
William Squibb, Charles Raymond, Anthony Paluzzi, Ellen
Flannery, David Gardner, Cynthia Modugno, Kathleen
Skrabut
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Robert Buchsbaum, Guido Lauranzano, Kathern Tracy
ALSO PRESENT:
Acting Planning Director Debra Hurlburt, Director of
Community Services Tom Scully
RECORDER:
Karen Bradley
Gardner calls the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Acceptance of Minutes: December 3, 2001 dinner meeting
Skrabut:
Motion to accept the draft minutes of the December 3, 2001 meeting, seconded by
Paluzzi. All members in favor, no one opposed. Motion carries 6-0 (Flannery not
present yet).
Old Business
Update on Land Acquisitions
Gardner explains that he spoke with Henry Bertolon, the owner of the former Carbone/Bartlett
Estate regarding the possibility of utilizing trails around the perimeter of the property. He states
that the proposed plan for the property is a gated senior community. Gardner states that Bertolon
seemed receptive to the idea so long as it does not have any impact on the value of the property.
He states that he will contact Bertolon to schedule a site walk on the property.
Update – Trails Map
Paluzzi states that he and Tracy have not been able to meet since the last meeting, therefore there
is nothing new to report. He states that they will meet sometime next week.
New Business
Welcome – Debra Hurlburt
Gardner welcomes Hurlburt as the new Planning Director and wishes her well in her new
position.
Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes
January 7, 2002 meeting
Page two
Letters of Thanks – Mayor Scanlon and Tina Cassidy
Gardner hands out letters he has drafted to Scanlon and Cassidy commending them for their
efforts in assisting the Open Space and Recreation Committee. The committee reviews each of
the letters.
Paluzzi suggests that each member of the committee should be listed including former member
Richard Baker.
Hurlburt states that she will draft both letters for Gardner’s signature to include the names of the
entire committee.
The committee discusses sending an appreciation gift to Cassidy. Hurlburt suggests framing an
aerial photo of a specific area of land in Beverly of significance to the Open Space and
Recreation Committee. Hurlburt states that she will investigate options for this type of gift and
get back to the committee on her findings.
Flannery arrives at 7:25 p.m.
Invitation to Mayor Crean
Gardner states that he would like to invite Mayor Crean and the City Councilors to a future Open
Space and Recreation Committee Meeting. The committee is in agreement that this is a good
idea.
Hurlburt suggest putting together a summary explaining why you want the City Councilors to
attend.
Gardner states that he will draft a letter inviting the Mayor as well as the purpose summary to the
City Councilors for the February meeting and email it to Hurlburt for her review.
Discussion – Draft Action Plan 2002
Gardner states that Buchsbaum’s comments have been incorporated into the draft and stresses
the importance of recruiting volunteers to complete some of the goals for the plan. Gardner
explains the layout of the Action Plan and provides an overview.
Upon review of the Parks and Playgrounds section a discussion takes place regarding the
Henderson Road Site. Hurlburt suggests contacting David Lang to discuss the feasibility of
utilizing that site as a potential playing field. Scully states that the committee should also contact
Weston & Sampson for assistance on this matter.
Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes
January 7, 2002 meeting
Page three
Upon review of the Administration Process section Squibb states that the Conservation
Subdivision draft is moving forward. Squibb states that the Open Space and Recreation
Committee should fully support and take an active role in the review process.
Next the committee reviews the Ward/Neighborhood Projects section of the Action Plan.
Gardner asks that each Ward Representative should review their respective ward section and
revise if necessary since he is of the opinion that the schedule of needs should be refined.
Gardner asks Hurlburt if she has any comments or suggestions at this point.
Hurlburt states that the Middleton Jail residents are a good source of labor for any necessary
volunteer work.
The committee reviews and discusses the volunteer mail-out brochure that was drafted by
Gardner. The committee agrees that a telephone number is necessary on the brochure to ensure
that someone can leave a message.
Hurlburt suggests forming subcommittees to finalize the Action Plan. She also suggests
organizing ward events that incorporate some of the work elements of the Action Plan. Hurlburt
nd
states that she was involved in an Earth Day event, which is April 22, in another community
and suggests that this is a good way to encourage public involvement.
Gardner states that finalizing the trial signage is necessary. Hurlburt states that she knows of a
vendor to order trail markers and will forward that information to Gardner.
A discussion takes place regarding the volunteer mail-out brochure. Skrabut states that defined
tasks must be in order prior to recruiting any volunteers. Locations for placement of the mailer is
discussed; the public library, city hall, local business, and in the newspapers were a few of the
locations mentioned.
The committee next reviews comments made by Cassidy. The committee is in agreement that
her comments should be incorporated into the action plan. Squibb states that acknowledgment of
the CPA should be included in the funding section of the action plan.
Gardner states that he will send out copies of the draft action plan with a cover letter inviting the
City Council to the February meeting. He states that he will also send copies to the following:
Mayor Crean, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Parks and
Recreation and Harbor Management.
Other Business
Gardner states that he would like to appoint a volunteer coordinator at the next meeting. He also
states that ward meetings should begin sometime soon through to the spring for the purpose of
collecting sites of interest within each ward.
Open Space and Recreation Committee minutes
January 7, 2002 meeting
Page four
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 11, 2001.
Adjournment
Paluzzi:
Motion to adjourn, seconded by Flannery. All members in favor, no one in
opposition. Motion carries 7-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 8:40 p.m.