2003-10-01Beverly Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 1, 2003 Meeting Minutes
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City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: Wednesday, October 1, 2003
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman David Gardner, Vice Chairman Robert
Buchsbaum, Elizabeth Dunne, Pam Kampersal, Paul
Knight, James MacNeil, Kathy Skrabut, and William
Squibb
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Ellen Flannery, Anthony Paluzzi
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
RECORDER: Phyllis Kennedy
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. He introduced Pam Kampersal, a
new member representing Ward 5.
ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Skrabut makes a motion to approve the meeting minutes of September 3, 2002 as written.
Knight seconds. (Buchsbaum and Kampersal abstain) All in favor. Motion passes 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Report on concept plan pro bono work for Green's Hill
MacNeil states it is still in concept phase. He stated he followed up with the MIT Regional
Planning Department but was unsuccessful. He also spoke to Peter Young of the NSCC but
was too late for this school year as they have already started a project. He explains Mr. Young
mentioned a group called Future Forests who does pro bono work but had no contact
information. Gardner asked if the Committee could put in a bid for next year. Gardner hopes
to have a group do a pro bono plan for Green's Hill to convert into a park as well as the
Brimbal Hill dump site as a dog park or playing fields. Gardner states that these projects need
to be pro-bono or funded and not be exorbitant in cost. Dunne states she has two contact
sources she can follow up on.
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Kampersal states she visited a home in Ipswich where environmentally friendly landscaping
was done and suggested that he Committee explore this idea. Maxner states that she was
aware of this project and volunteered to follow up with contacts at Coastal Zone Management.
Recap of public meeting procedures
Skrabut states that she e-mailed members a summary of the proceedings of a June 21, 2003
meeting of boards and commissions hosted by the City. There were a number of presenters
who talked about the parameters and guidelines of the open meeting law and how one needs to
conduct oneself outside of meetings. What she found interesting was that in the event of
accidental get togethers it is not permissible to discuss business. Gardner asked if it was
permissible to talk one-on-one if you should meet on a walk. Skrabut states that according to
the information provided, it is not permissible to discuss committee business one-on-one. She
explains each committee should have rules that are filed with the City Clerk. Buchsbaum said
he believes there is an Ordinance established for the OSRC. Gardner asked Maxner to inquire
about this. Lastly, Skrabut handed out copies of the "Riggins Rules." Discussion ensued
regarding e-mail, and how it plays a role in communication and the Open Meeting Law.
Gardner states he would like clarification about one-on- one discussion. Maxner stated as an
example the Conservation Commission members can take in information but can't talk to the
other members and can only have discussion at the meetings. Squibb believes the problem is
when you discuss how you would vote on a matter. Buchsbaum responds it is more likely
pertaining to regulatory commissions and that the OSRC is not making decisions but just
advising other city bodies.
NEW BUSINESS
Semi-annual council report and action plan presentation
Gardner states he put together a draft of the semi-annual report to the City Council to be
presented by MacNeil, Buchsbaum and Knight at the City Council meeting of October 20,
2003. Maxner will inform them of the time they are placed on the agenda. MacNeil suggested
showing the power point presentation. Skrabut suggested handing out the trail maps to the
Councillors. Gardner agreed the Committee should pass out the map and summary of the
action plan and asked Maxner to make 10-12 copies available for City Council members.
MacNeil asked about talking about future activities. Gardner will e-mail him the list of
proposed activities for the year. Skrabut suggested mentioning the private donor funding
obtained for the production of the trail maps, which cost about $700. Garder will e-mail draft
letter to City Council to Buchsbaum for his review and forwarding to Maxner to finalize.
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Discussion of Green's Hill Concept Plan
Gardner had listed major points of the concept plan to get the Committee's ideas in order. He
wished to identify some alternatives and develop something to show people at Ryal Side Civic
Association and to have a document to approach consultants with what the Committee has in
mind. It was agreed to have some general concepts for potential use before going to the initial
meeting with the Ryal Side Civic Association. Skrabut suggested taking an interested group to
the site rather than meeting at the Civic Center. Gardner says that is possible and then the
group could adjourn to the Civic Center.
Ideas discussed included a green lawn and roadway from Bridge Street to Green Street and
taking advantage of the path already there; having it fairly open and park like; keeping a few
areas where trees would be maintained; and trails for a woodland walk. Buchsbaum states that
this would need to be coordinated with the Conservation Commission.
Other suggestions from members included: clean up of the site, but some of this has already
done by the boy scouts; a sculpture made by the school children; a sledding hill; nature study
with access to river, tidal flats and salt marsh; and a ropes course. Gardner states it could be
organized around passive use and why that is appropriate due to the limited land and high
slopes.
Gardner states that he has an aerial photo of the area he thinks can be blown up. Gardner
wonders if topographic maps of sufficient size could be generated to be put on a presentation
board and on power point as well so that the Committee could start off with a plan that shows
the site and general description of the property. Gardner asks what major features should be
discussed. Buchsbaum suggested the natural features like the slopes, river, and woodland.
Gardner suggested the views as well, as you are up high and can see the train and urban
activity. Maxner suggested a general description of the flora, fauna and soils.
Dunne suggests having sketches showing the citizens how the school would relate to the park,
that they belong together.
Squibb asks where the walking trail was going. Gardner responds there is a trail there now,
and that a path runs from Bridge Street and terminates in a wetland on the north end. He states
that most of the trail winds along the edge of the slope along the river.
Gardner suggests showing graphics and talking about alternative uses with sketches showing
how the school would relate to the park. He suggests retaining a green buffer for the
Principal's concern. Gardner states another feature which may appeal to people is that this
would be part of the Bass River trail which would enable one to walk or jog starting at
Marciano's property on Elliott Street and access the Green’s Hill property by connected access.
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Buchsbaum asks about the timing of this idea. Gardner suggests arranging meeting with Ryal
Side Civic Association and inviting the PTO to come.
Buchsbaum suggests the Committee have a plan that allows us to do maintenance periodically.
Gardner replies he will talk about funding in general terms as it depends on what is put there.
Buchsbaum suggested a site walk, as several people have not been there. A walk was
scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m., to meet at Ryal Side School parking lot.
.
Election of Officers
Gardner states that the offices for Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary are up for election.
No new nominations are brought forward. Gardner and Buchsbaum state that they are both
willing to continue to serve as present officers; Gardner as Chairman and Buchsbaum as Vice
Chairman. Gardner states that Elizabeth Dunne is the Correspondence Secretary, however this
position has not been called upon within the last year, but suggested that this position be kept
on the record. Dunne agrees to continue to fill this position in case the need arises. Knight
moves to vote the present slate of officers for another one-year term. Squibb seconds. All
members are in favor. Motion passes.
Buchsbaum asked when member’s terms expire. Maxner will find out and e-mail this
information. Gardner states appointments roll over. Skrabut asks if a City Councilor
appointment is due to expire, that particular Ward Councilor should be notified. Gardner
believes that this would be appropriate.
NEXT MEETING AGENDA ITEMS AND DATE
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor, City Hall,
Committee Room.
Buchsbaum asked Knight to contact the Ryal Side Civic Association to arrange a meeting in
December regarding Green's Hill. Gardner states for the meeting on the 5th, the Committee
could review the power point presentation and graphics for that meeting. Gardner states since
the Committee is planning to do a presentation to the Kiwanis (also the Rotary, Lions Club, and
PTO's throughout the year), the Committee can talk about setting a date for that as well (power
point presentation, trail maps, action plan). Knight volunteered to help with this. Gardner
states the Committee could decide whom to start with and come up with a list of projects the
Committee can seek funds for.
OTHER BUSINESS
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Kampersal distributed flyers for a Wenham Lake Watershed Association workshop to be held
October 7, 7:30 p.m., at the Beverly Senior Center.
Gardner reviewed the Action Plan with Kampersal and provided her a copy of the plan to scale,
24" by 36". He passed out some extra copies to members and asked Amy Maxner to have
Gerry Marsella make two more copies for James McKnight and Elizabeth Dunne.
ADJOURNMENT
Gardner moves to adjourn. All members in favor. Motion carries 8-0. The meeting adjourned
at 9:25 p.m.