2004-07-07
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: July 7, 2004
PLACE: Beverly City Hall
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: David Gardner (Chairman), Bill Squibb, Robert
Buchsbaum (Vice Chairman), Kathleen Skrabut,
Elizabeth Dunne, Anthony Paluzzi, James MacNeil,
Paul Knight, Pam Kampersal, Suzanne Beaudoin, &
Ellen Flannery
ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner, Planning Department; David Brewster
(new representative of Ward 1); Patti Adams (new
representative of Parks & Recreation Commission)
RECORDER: Jeannine Dion by tape
Chairperson Gardner calls the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Skrabut moves to accept the June 2, 2004 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by
Paluzzi. Knight and MacNeil abstain. Motion carries 9-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Signage update – Beaudoin & Dunne
Dunne states that they have not been able to meet yet, but will try to set up a time to meet
by the end of July or mid August. Maxner states that she will be on vacation the week of
th
July 12 and hopes that it could be scheduled after that.
Koisk update – Kampersal
A question was raised regarding the status of the bill submitted by Kampersal’s husband’s
firm for the kiosk materials. Maxner states that she will follow up with Connie Kennedy
to see if it has been submitted yet.
Following up on a question asked at the last meeting, Kampersal states that her husband
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July 7, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
has put in 40 hours of in-kind service so far which is useful information for in-kind service
matches for grant applications.
Beaudoin states that the site visit to determine kiosk locations went well. The group
identified the following locations:
Ø Sally Milligan Park – a small sign should be placed at the bend of Bonad
Street and the kiosk should be placed farther up the path so as to not
interfere with the driveways to the new houses, and one at the entrance on
Cross Lane;
Ø Greens Hill – 1 should be placed a little ways from the rear of Ayers Ryal
Side School;
Ø Norwood Pond – 1 should be placed at the point off of Elnew Road where
two trails converge
Tanzella update – Maxner, Gardner
Gardner states the developer came in with a Preliminary Subdivision Plan, which showed
nine houses and three other buildable lots. It required several waivers. In an informal
meeting with the neighbors there was a request for the developer to come in with a cluster
idea. He explained that there have been several meetings and at the latest meeting,
Richard Dinkin, Chairman of the Planning Board, stated he would not grant any waivers
for the plan. There will be another meeting with the developer on July 13, 2004 to discuss
a revised plan.
Gardner states the preferred approach would be for the developer to design around the
open space land first to protect it and then put the houses in after that.
Sweeney’s land – potential for community gardens – Maxner
The members discuss the lack of space for cemeteries and the possibility of the community
gardens being taken for cemeteries. There are questions about the process.
Gardner states that people often do not consider the alternatives and he believes that there
is an opportunity to develop some alternatives in this case as land is limited in Beverly.
Gardner states he will speak with Peter Seamans and find out more information on this
topic and prepare an update for the next OSRC meeting.
Sally Milligan Plan Finalization – Buchsbaum
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July 7, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Buchsbaum provides an update regarding Sally Milligan. He states that the vernal pool
was certified. He recommends the removal of brush in the vernal pools and will find out
who could provide that service. Buchsbaum wrote a letter to Bruce Doig (Parks and
Recreation director) describing some of his thoughts about managing the Sumac.
NEW BUSINESS
Review of OSRD
Gardner states Scott Houseman (Co-Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals) and John
Thomson (Vice Chairman of the Planning Board) prepared the draft Open Space
Residential Design draft Ordinance (OSRD). The Committee members review the
(OSRD) Site Plan Ordinance and provide comments and revisions.
Kampersal moves to increase the buffer zone to 100 feet from 50 feet. There is no
second. Eight members are opposed. Flannery abstains. The motion does not carry.
Maxner states the developer has the choice between doing an OSRD or a conventional
subdivision and explains that Scott Houseman is supportive of making the OSRD
mandatory and that is how the draft is written at present.
Gardner suggests that the Open Space and Recreation Committee is an advisory
committee only but can make a recommendation that the OSRD be made mandatory.
Knight moves that the OSRC recommend that the Open Space Residential Design be
mandatory. Seconded by Buchsbaum. Flannery abstains. All members are in favor.
Motion carries 10-0-1.
Gardner states he will draft a recommendation letter and incorporate items voted on in the
discussion this evening and will E-mail it to the members of the committee for review and
approval.
OTHER BUSINESS
Gardner states this is Kathy Skrabut’s last meeting on the OSRC and thanks Kathy
Skrabut for all of her help and assistance and wishes her well. Members are sad to see her
go and thank her for all of her hard work and energy.
Kampersal states that the Brimball/128 Overpass project is a matter that needs to be
discussed. Gardner states that it will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
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July 7, 2004 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Dunne moves to adjourn. Seconded by Paluzzi. All members are in favor. Motion carries
11-0. The meeting is adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place on September 1, 2004.