2005-02-02
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: February 2, 2005
PLACE: Beverly City Hall
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Buchsbaum (Chairman), Bill Squibb, David
Brewster, Patricia Adams, and Suzanne Beaudoin, Ellen
Flannery (arrives 8:20 p.m.)
ABSENT: Elizabeth Dunne, Paul Knight, Pam Kampersal, Anthony
Paluzzi, James MacNeil
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner, Planning Department
RECORDER: Amy Maxner
Chairperson Buchsbaum calls the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Buchsbaum states a quorum is
not present, so voting on minutes will have to be deferred. He states that informal discussion can
begin on agenda topics.
Norwood Pond Conservation Restriction Letter
Buchsbaum states that he plans on speaking with Ed Becker about this topic in more detail but
Becker has offered his guidance in formulating a CR document. He states that in his discussions
with Dave Gardner, Gardner mentioned reviewing a map that the Mayor presented of the land
parcels adjacent to the proposed overpass off of Brimbal Avenue. Maxner states that she has
tried to track this map down, but is unsure when it was produced. She will try to follow up with
Tina Cassidy who may know where the map is.
Members discuss elements of the letter. Buchsbaum states that the Committee may want to think
about adding language addressing Article 97 protection to provide the Council with a choice
between protection mechanisms. Maxner states that she spoke with Tina Cassidy about the
Committee’s idea for a CR on this property, and Cassidy advises that the Committee be prepared
to answer questions from the Council, which may include concerns over future City needs with
regard to that property. She states the Committee may want to so a little more homework with
regard to future needs of the City from a utility/water services point of view – these things may
need to be included into the language of the CR. She provides copies of an email sent by
Kampersal regarding her suggestions for the letter.
Members are unsure if they have the latest draft of the letter. Maxner states she will email it to
all members tomorrow.
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February 2, 2005 Meeting Minutes
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Buchsbaum states that without a quorum, and especially in Kampersal’s absence, this item
should be tabled and members should review the letter for next meeting.
Natural History News Paper Articles
Buchsbaum states that this idea was discussed at the last couple of meetings, and recalls that
Kampersal was going to do a piece on Norwood Pond.
Adams states that she passed this by the Parks & Recreation Commission, but there seemed to be
little interest in this idea.
Members agree that Dave Gardner should do a brief piece on the history of the Committee as he
was the first Chairman. Adams agrees to ask Gardner if he would be willing to write an article.
Brewster states that he was thinking there should be a set format for these articles, which could
possibly look like the kiosk presentations drafted by Buchsbaum. He states that maybe a photo,
natural history, site history and trail map could accompany the piece and would capture people’s
interest. He is willing to write a piece about Greens Hill.
Buchsbaum states that the Beverly Conservation Land Trust may be interested in contributing.
Maxner agrees to contact Stella Mea Seamans about this.
Buchsbaum and Brewster agree to work on something to do with birds to work into the articles.
Signage update – Beaudoin, Dunne
Beaudoin states that the Committee has not met recently, but she is working on perfecting the
details and coloration of the frog & fern logo. The Committee will try to meet toward the end of
the month and hopefully have more to report at the next meeting. She also states that once those
details are worked out, it will be a matter of getting enough money together to have them
produced. Maxner states that the BCLT offered financial help with this. Beaudoin agrees to
follow up with Jane Brusca on this.
Kiosk Material
Buchsbaum states that the kiosk at the Phillips Estate needs material, as it stands empty at the
moment. Brewster states that at this point some material, even if it is not the full-scale
presentation, could work for the interim. He suggests getting a few things in like the rules and
regulations and short description of the site history and natural history.
Open Space Residential Design Ordinance (OSRD)
Buchsbaum states he attended the most recent Planning Board public hearing on the draft
Ordinance and refers to his agenda letter, which provides a list of issues that the Planning Board
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February 2, 2005 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
is looking for public input on. He states that whether this should be optional or mandatory seems
to be the most contentious issue. He states that the Planning Board will be discussing this again
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at its February 8 special meeting.
Flannery arrives.
Approval of Minutes
Buchsbaum states the minutes should be voted on now that there is a quorum. Members take a
few minutes to review the minutes.
Squibb moves to approve the January 5, 2005 meeting minutes. Seconded by Adams. All
members are in favor. Motion carries 6-0.
OSRD Cont.
Buchsbaum suggests that the Committee provide its consensus on whether it should be
mandatory or optional. He asks for a show of hands in favor of mandatory – all members are in
favor – Flannery abstains.
Buchsbaum asks the Committee its consensus on the 2-acre minimum. There is no strong
consensus on this issue either way, and members do not offer a formal vote.
Buchsbaum asks if the Committee agrees that no more than 25% of the wetlands should be
counted toward the open space acreage. Member agrees with this percentage, all members are in
favor – Flannery abstains.
There is a short discussion regarding inclusion of affordable housing. Members ask Maxner to
get the formula that determines what qualifies as affordable housing.
Earth Day 2005
Buchsbaum states that planning activities for Earth Day should be discussed.
Maxner explains she met with Rinus Oosthoek, Beverly Main Streets, and he suggested that
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Earth Day should be held Saturday or Sunday April 23 or 24 at the Ellis Square, following the
Street Sweep. She asks members their opinion on this idea as opposed to her original idea of
April 30th. Discussion ensues regarding these dates and members agree that the event should
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take place on Saturday April 30 at Lynch Park for the following reasons:
?? It will coincide with Little League team photos sessions, which guarantees
instant foot traffic as at least 250-300 kids and their parents will be in and out
of the park;
?? Little League constitutes the target audience that needs to be captured for this
type of event;
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February 2, 2005 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
?? Parking is convenient;
?? It will not compete with April vacation week;
?? It will not compete with Household Hazardous Waste day
Maxner agrees to contact Oosthoek and inform him of the Committee’s decision. She hopes that
Main Streets would still be willing to participate on that date.
Members ask Maxner what help she will need. Maxner states she will provide a list of things
that need to be done and email it to members for their input.
Other Business
Buchsbaum asks if there is any other business that needs to be discussed. Squibb states that he
would like the issue of public access to trails out behind Tall Tree Drive to be looked into. He
provides a map that calls out the cart paths on a deed. Members ask Maxner to look at the
Planning Board file to see if there was a requirement for public access to those trails. Maxner
recalls researching this a couple of years ago and did not find any such requirement. Flannery
suggests that Maxner talk with Tina Cassidy as she may recall the issues that surrounded the
trails. She also suggests reviewing the Planning Board decision on the subdivision.
Buchsbaum states that if the Planning Board file provides no information, research at the
Registry of Deeds may be needed. Squibb states he would be willing to go to the Registry to
research this topic.
Adjournment
Flannery moves to adjourn. Seconed by Beaudoin. All members are in favor. Motion carries 6-
0.