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2006-04-05 CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: April 5, 2006 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Buchsbaum (Chairman), Suzanne Beaudoin, Tony Paluzzi, Pam Kampersal, David Brewster, Bill Squibb, Elizabeth Dunne BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Ellen Flannery, Patricia Adams STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner RECORDER: Andrea Bray Robert Buchsbaum, Chairman, calls the meeting to order. Approval of Minutes Paluzzimotions to approve the corrected minutes, seconded by Brewster. All members are in favor. Motion carries 7-0. Article in Mass Audubon “Connections” Buchsbaum distributes the Mass Audubon “Connections” Periodical and calls attention to the article entitled “Financing Community Character”, stating that this subject is pertinent to the Committee’s goals. The members take note of the article and briefly discuss logistics for a CPA campaign. Old/New Business Updates Rights of Way Updates YMCA: Maxner states that she was advised by City Planner, Tina Cassidy that o she is waiting to hear back from Tom Alexander, the Attorney for the YMCA about opening the right of way by making a path on top of the berm. Sally Milligan Park: Maxner presents the letter she wrote to the abutters living in o the newly built houses on Jewett Road. The letter addresses the signage and kiosks that will be erected soon, as well as the paper roads which are public rights-of-ways.. Chairman Buchsbaum signs three letters prepared for the owners of 20, 22, and 23 Jewett Road. Attached to each letter is a map of the park showing the trails, boundaries and paper roads of the Sally Milligan Park. Beverly Open Space & Recreation Committee April 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 2 Newspaper Articles The group reviews the Earth Day article and suggestions are made for minor amendments. Dunne suggests beginning the piece with an invitation, i.e. “We invite you to join us for…”. The article is amended and approved. Maxner will contact the Beverly Citizen and the Salem News to run the article. Dunne requests that Maxner contact the Boston Globe to place the article in the Thursday “Globe North” section. Maxner agrees to look into it. Earth Day Planning The Earth Day Flyer is discussed and some modifications are made. Beaudoin expresses an interest in distributing the flyers in the schools. She volunteers to speak to the Superintendent about school distribution. It is agreed that a number of copies can be ready by Friday. Maxner states she has been in contact with Jill Buchanan, outreach and marketing coordinator for the Essex County Greenbelt, and they will be hosting a Geo-Caching event ndth on April 22 Earth Day in addition to their mountain biking event on May 13 and they have inquired if the Committee would help in advertising. Committee members are happy to thnd advertise the May 13 mountain biking event for Greenbelt, but feel the April 22 Norwood Pond walk should headline for the Committee. Vitale Land Swap Comment Letter Elizabeth Dunne distributes the letter that she drafted regarding the swap of the Vitale land, which is currently under Conservation Commission control. All members read the letter and discuss the content, as well as the potential risks associated with converting this space for use as playing fields. Kampersal expresses concern for setting precedent with this transfer, and for possible damage to the water supply, which may result from the change in use for this land. She states that once the land is being used for playing fields someone might wish to add lavatories or concessions at some later date. These scenarios are discussed at length by all members, as well as the properties offered for potential exchange. Much discussion ensues, and the members agree that the letter will include the Committee’s recommendation to leave the Vitale property under Conservation Commission control. Dunne agrees to redraft the letter. Regional Open Space Network Meeting Buchsbaum reads his summary of the meeting to the group. He notes the meeting covered Conservation Restriction monitoring, as well as other land protection techniques. He Beverly Open Space & Recreation Committee April 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 explains some topics covered that directly addressed elements found within the Open Space Plan update. Semi Annual Report to City Council Maxner agrees to request time at the April 17 City Council meeting for the Committee’s Semi Annual Report. Kampersal volunteers to speak at the City Council meeting about Earth Day and the report. Updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan The map depicting open space is spread on the table for all to view. The members study the map while discussing the highlighted open space. ?? Section 5 inventory of land of open space interest: Buchsbaum states the list of open space is sorted by Ward and distributes for the members to review. Kampersal states that some of the Ward boundaries have changed and the list might need adjustment as some open space is now in a different Ward. Kampersal comments on Ward 5, stating that the land surrounding the airport should be added to the list. She also mentions the landfill across from the North Shore Music Theater. The members discuss the prioritization of the parcels and agree to denote five parcels as a priority. They are: in Ward 2 public access to the water, in Ward 4 land behind the Hannah School, in Ward 5 Norwood Pond, and in Ward 6 Pole Swamp Lane and the land behind AMG which was promised by AMG when they applied for a variance. ?? Section 4: Buchsbaum’s many revisions to section 4 are distributed for review. Changes include additions regarding landscape character, water resources, and wetlands. Members are pleased with the revisions. Buchsbaum recaps some of the concerns for open space, which include hazardous waste, erosion, pesticides, and protection of water supplies. Buchsbaum reiterates the importance of completing this Open Space Plan by the end of June to keep the City eligible for state funding by having this document in place. Action items are reviewed. Maxner will complete the demographics section with the help of Tina Cassidy, Planning Director. Buchsbaum will update the parks and recreation section. Kampersal will rewrite section 4 G and other various parts of the document. Each Ward representative will work on the list of open spaces for their assigned wards. Dunne will look over Section 6. Beverly Open Space & Recreation Committee April 5, 2006 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 Election of a Vice-Chair Maxner suggests that the Committee should elect a vice-chair. Buchsbaum asks if anyone would like the position. Dunne asks what responsibilities would be expected. Maxner states that the Vice-Chair must be ready and willing to fill in for Chairman Buchsbaum in the event of his absence. After some discussion Dunne volunteers for the position. Buchsbaum asks if all are in favor. All members are in favor, no one in opposition. Schedule next meeting Maxner notes that the next meeting will be held May 3, 2006. Brewster states that the Committee will be meeting on April 22, 2006 for the Norwood Pond walk. Squibb motions to adjourn, seconded by Paluzzi. All members in favor. Motion carries 7-0. Meeting is adjourned at 9:45 pm.