2006-10-04
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: October 4, 2006
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Buchsbaum (Chairperson), Elizabeth Dunne
(Vice-Chair), Pam Kampersal, David Brewster,
Suzanne Beaudoin
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Nancy Coffey, Bill Squibb
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner
OTHERS PRESENT: Renee Mary, Mary Rodrick
RECORDER: Andrea Bray
Robert Buchsbaum calls the meeting to order.
City Ordinance – Open Space Plan
Kampersal calls the group’s attention to the City Ordinance which states that the
Conservation Commission is responsible for the development and updating of the Open
Space Plan.
Kampersal mentions that the Conservation Commission was also originally responsible for
maintaining the Open Space when Commission’s were first formed. Beaudion adds that she
has noticed ATV damage at some of the sites.
The members discuss the responsibilities of both the Conservation Commission and the Open
Space and Recreation Committee and the overlaps in duties. Buchsbaum suggests that the
Commission be apprised of this language in the Ordinance and for the Committee to request
their assistance in the update effort.
Approval of Minutes
The group reviews the minutes and makes suggested changes.
Brewster motions to approve of the minutes with amendments. Seconded by Dunne. All
members are in favor. The motion passes 4-0.
Updates
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Rights-of-Way
Tall Tree Drive:
Maxner states that she provided the City Solicitor with the information on
the right-of-way for Tall Tree Drive. He is moving forward in resolving this issue and refers
the members to the letter from Solicitor Gelineau in their packets in that regard. Brewster
states that the fence cuts across the right-of-way between the two houses. He adds that there
is not much dry land in that 50’ path. Maxner states there will be a site inspection, and will
be sure to inform Buchsbaum of it so that he can attend.
YMCA:
Maxner states that Tina Cassidy is working on the issue and trying to get a
response from the YMCA. Maxner notes that the easement must provide easy access and a
safe transition off the berm and into the public space as required by the Committee in its
comment letter.
Newspaper Articles:
Buchsbaum states that there is nothing new, except that Nancy Coffey
has offered to write an article on rights-of-way. Brewster states that he wishes to write about
some of the unusual wildlife that he spots around Beverly.
National Grid:
Buchsbaum states that he has no update, and he will be in contact with
National Grid to schedule a site inspection to discuss the potential trail route.
Membership on Committee:
Maxner asks Buchsbaum if Ellen Flannery is officially off of
the Committee. Buchsbaum notes that he spoke to her and that she will not be back and she
offered to seek other members from the Planning Board. Kampersal asks if the Committee
can invite Mary Reilly from the Conservation Commission to join. Maxner states that is an
idea but was wondering if it would be easier for Bill Squibb to step in as the Conservation
Commission representative and look for a Ward 3 resident to fill Bill’s seat.
Buchsbaum and Brewster both state that they invited someone to sit in on the meeting, but
they could not make it tonight.
Norwood Pond Clean Up and Signage:
Buchsbaum states that he would like to reschedule
that task, as he and other committee members were unable to attend the previously scheduled
one. The committee discusses possible dates for the event. Maxner suggests Sunday,
November 5,at 1:00 p.m. The committee agrees to meet on that day. Brewster suggests that
the Committee invite the City Councilors to attend. The members agree with Brewster’s
suggestion. Maxner offers to draft an invitation to the City Council. Dunne advises the
group that a step ladder will be necessary to hang the disks. Buchsbaum offers to bring the
ladder and hammer and nails.
AMG Property
Buchsbaum notes that he spoke to Scott Houseman regarding the ZBA decision letters on
AMG variance. He adds that Houseman advised him that there was a verbal agreement to
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offer some of AMG’s land into Conservation Restriction. There is nothing in writing
however which was most likely designed by the applicant to be outside the formal variance
language. Dunne states that a verbal promise was made by the applicant on more than one
occasion. The group discusses possible ways to approach the AMG and Sean Healey and
begin the proceedings to get that land under Conservation Restriction.
Old Business
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Section 3 and 4: Buchsbaum asks the members if anyone has any major issues on Sections 3
and 4. Kampersal states that she has some questions. She points out many discrepancies and
makes suggestions for changes. Buchsbaum states that these 2 Sections should be considered
finished after Kampersal’s changes are completed.
Buchsbaum notes that he has some questions on Section 4, regarding extent of the sewer in
the Cove neighborhood, and the statement about the impaired water bodies. Kampersal
states that she has worked with Frank Killilea in this regard and will double check with him
on the sewer issue. She states that the DEP has the authority to declare impaired water
bodies and that is where her information came from.
Section 5: Buchsbaum states that Section 5 is finished.
Sections 8 and 9: Buchsbaum states that he wishes to review Sections 8 and 9. He adds that
he made some amendments to these sections. Brewster asks if the two tables can be
combined into one table and refered to it as “Sections 8 and 9”. Buchsbaum states that we
need to follow the format that is specified in the guidance documents from the Department of
Conservation and Recreation. Kampersal states that she is happy to see the two tables
combined. Brewster adds that the first columns can be in Section 8 and the latter columns
could be included in Section 9.
Section 8 Action Plan: Buchsbaum states that he wishes to decide which set of goals the
members would like to use. Brewster states that the old list of goals is obsolete and the new
set should be developed. The group reviews the goals. Buchsbaum suggests using two over-
arching goals; (1) to protect critical and scenic resource areas, and (2) to enhance public
opportunity for outdoor recreation.
Suzanne Beaudoin arrives at 9:00 p.m. Maxner and Buchsbaum provide her with an update
on the meeting’s progress.
The group discusses the format for the tables in Sections 8 and 9. Discussion ensues and a
third over-arching goal is considered to address public education. Buchsbaum adds all of the
objectives and action items will fall under these three goals. The group decides to add the
third over-arching goal as education. Beaudoin suggests having grid lines on the tables.
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Brewster suggests color coding the columns of the tables. The members review each
objective and action item as it pertains to the three over-arching goals, and make some
amendments.
Grants:
Buchsbaum notes that he has a call in to Ed Becker of the Essex County Greenbelt
Association, and he will follow up on a training session for applying for grants.
New Business
Trail/Open Space Map:
Maxner notes that the supply of trail maps has reached a critical
low point. She adds that she would like to have new maps printed once the Committee has
made amendments. Buchsbaum suggests that the new maps not divide the Sally Milligan
Park into estates but simply show it as one unit. Buchsbaum asks if a new map can be
created easily. Maxner asks if a digital format of the trail map is available. Buchsbaum
offers to check with the original printing company to ascertain whether the map is in digital
format. Beaudoin suggest that the committee check with Montserrat College of Art as a
printing resource. She notes that the college has some type set machines in their print
making shop.
Semi-Annual Report to City Council:
Maxner states that once she makes a few
adjustments the report will be ready for Buchsbaum to present. She suggests that
Buchsbaum comment on the section on the Committee’s dwindling membership noting that
it creates some difficulty in forming a quorum. Maxner adds that she will amend the report
for the City Council meeting and arrange a time and date on an upcoming Council agenda for
presentation.
Property Maintenance:
Kampersal states that Eddie Winslow, who attended some of the
Earth Day walks, offered to help clip back some trails on Open Space parcels. It was there
that he offered to help. Buchsbaum states that property maintenance should be a priority on
the Open Space Plan. Kampersal adds that the Essex County VELO people have also offered
to help. Buchsbaum advises the group to make property maintenance a priority for the
group. He urges the members to call their City Councilors anytime they wish to call
attention to required maintenance in their Ward.
Future Earth Day Walks:
The members agree to discuss this at the next meeting.
Former Members Gift:
Buchsbaum notes that he would like to do something nice for Tony
Paluzzi and Patricia Adams to thank them for their commitment to the Committee. The
members discuss possible gifts for them as well as inviting them to the holiday dinner
Airport Site PIP Meeting:
Kampersal advises the members that a public involvement
th
meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the clean up activities
on the Airport sites within the watershed.. The meeting will be held at the Second
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Congregational Church on Conant Street. She stresses the importance of this issue and urges
the group to attend.
Next Meeting Agenda Items and Date:
Buchsbaum states that the next meeting is
st
November 1. He then reviews the action items and issues for the next meeting.
Brewster motions to adjourn. Seconded by Kampersal. All members are in favor. The
motion passes 5-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 9:45 p.m.