2008-06-04
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
June 4,2008
Robert Buchsbaum (Chairperson), Suzanne
Beaudoin, Nancy Coffey, Elizabeth Dunne, Sylvan
Menezes, Bill Squibb
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
David Brewster, Pam Kampersal, Michael
Ralbovsky, Marilyn McCrory
Environmental Planner Amy Maxner, Associate
Planner Kate Newhall
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Andrea Bray
Chairperson Buchsbaum calls the meeting to order.
Acceptance of Minutes - Mav 7. 2008 Meetin2
The members review the minutes.
Squibb motions to approve the minutes, seconded by Menezes. Beaudoin abstains.
Motion passes 5-0-1.
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Newhall and Maxner review the latest revisions that they made in response to the States
comments on the draft plan.
Newhall provides an overview of her response to the State describing the ways that open
space is important per comment # 1.
Maxner explains that comment # 4 requested a list of chapter 61 land and lands under
CR, and chapter 61A (agricultural/horticultural). She lists all of the properties, including
Moraine Farm, Beverly Tree Farm, 309 Dodge Street, 17 Lakeshore, and 20 Webster
Avenue. She adds that there are two 61b properties (recreational) including 16 Farms
Lane, and 36 Foster Street.
Newhall states that comment # 5 requests a description of priorities for SCORP and she
provides a brief analysis for this requirement.
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June 4, 2008 Meeting Minutes
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Maxner states comment # 6 stated that Chapter 8 must stand alone as a narrative. She
adds that she made these corrections while leaving the table in Chapter 9 as it was.
The members approve these responses and thank Maxner and Newhall for preparing
these revisions.
Brief discussion ensues the remaining revision required related to the ADA accessibility
reviews. Buchsbaum states that all members who have yet to submit their reviews should
do so as soon as possible and forward to Newhall. Newhall states that once she is able to
compile the reviews she will organize and format this section for Committee review and
approval.
Watershed Resource Issues
Buchsbaum states that he invited David Lang, Chairman of the Conservation
Commission, and LSP and a ground water expert, to come to the next meeting to discuss
water resource issues with the Committee.
Earth Dav Walks
The members discuss the Earth Day Walks and agree that they need to have at least two
people when coordinating a walk with Greenbelt as the crowds are typically too large for
one leader.
Newhall states that through the Heritage Commission kiosk grant, there will be new signs
made for Sally Milligan Park, Beverly Commons, and Tall Tree Drive, and these signs
will need to be unveiled during next year's Earth Day Walks so that special thanks can be
given to the sponsors and public relations element of the grant can be fulfilled. She adds
that the sign maker will install the signs.
Maxner suggests that the coastal walk next year should focus on coastal processes.
Coffey suggests featuring local flora and fauna next year. She explains that although
fascinating and a huge hit with the children, Mike Rabolvsky's walk dealt with exotic
species and parents on the walk mentioned they would also like to see local species be
highlighted.
OSRD
33. 36 & 37 Beaver Pond Application
Maxner states that the Planning Board chose a preferred plan for the Beaver Pond parcel,
that being Conceptual Plan # 6.
Buchsbaum asks why the PB agreed to the plan with only 7% protected space.
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June 4, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 5
Maxner states that Richard Dinkin and John Thomson voted in opposition and wanted the
full 50%, but the rest of the Board disagreed and felt that the applicant worked well with
the Board and members were satisfied with the results.
Buchsbaum suggests that the Committee write a letter to the Planning Board expressing
their disappointment with this finding. The members agree to send the same letter to the
Planning Board and the City Council and to copy in the ZBA. Buchsbaum agrees to ask
Kampersal to write the letter.
Proposed Amendments to OSRD
Maxner states that the City Council has closed there public hearing on the OSRD
amendments, and referred it back to the Legal Affairs Committee for further deliberation.
The Legal Affairs Committee will come back to the full Council with a final
recommendation relative to the proposed amendments.
Squib suggests providing comments to the City Council Committee regarding their
opinion on the proposed amendments.
Maxner will inquire as to whether it is appropriate for the Committee to provide
comments to the Council at this point and will email members of her findings.
Semi-Annual Report to City Council
Dunne states that she made her presentation and the Council thanked her for her time but
they had no questions or substantive comments.
Website
Newhall states she has not done additional work on the website since the last meeting, but
will add things to the site as they come up. She thought that an expose of the Earth Day
Walks would be a good way to recap the series and garner interest for next year.
Coffey and Buchsbaum offer to provide some photos for the web site. Coffey states that
Dave Brewster may have several photos that he could share as well.
Ri2hts-of- Way
. YMCA - Maxner states that this issue is on the City Council Agenda for June 9 at
7:00 p.m., and that Planning Director Tina Cassidy will provide verbal
chronology of the issue. Maxner suggests the members contacting the Ward
Councilors in advance of the meeting.
. Tall Tree Drive - Maxner states she will email Gelineau and Buchsbaum and
others to re-schedule a site inspection.
. National Grid - Maxner agrees to email her contact at National Grid indicating
that parking as it exists is sufficient in the Committee's opinion and that a walking
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June 4, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 5
bridge over the stream is something the Committee can work on to get
constructed.
Kiosk Installation
Newhall states that she can determine her total budget and contact the sign companies
after she receives the contract for the grant. She adds that they have 12 months to
complete this, and there is not enough cash to hire a graphic designer so the Committee
will be responsible for this.
Buchsbaum states that Mary Reilly is willing to do this.
Squibb suggests contacting Kampersal's husband's company on Corning Street to get
estimates.
Newhall states that Essex National Heritage has provided specs for all of the signage and
design so that these will be more of a sign as opposed to a kiosk with roof tops.
The members discuss the layout and design for the signs as well as some ways to prevent
vandalism.
Ea2le Scout Projects
Maxner state that they need to GPS the trails at Centerville.
Newhall suggests having the trails there marked by the Eagle Scouts.
Maxner states that she and Liz Dunne prepared a letter of commendation for Gabriel
Fernandez on behalf of the Committee for Buchsbaum's signature.
Newspaper Articles
Newhall states that soon there will be lots to write about with the new signs and newly
cleaned trails.
Coffey offers to write an article about the Tanzella property, and a letter about the newly
landscaped Bass River water walkway behind the new Starbucks on Elliott Street.
New Business
Field Trips to Parcels of Open Space interests
Buchsbaum suggests a field trip to the handicapped assessable playground at the Beverly
School for the Deaf and the Livermore property near the NSMT. The members agree to a
walk on Sunday, June 22 at 10:00 AM.
Trail Day
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June 4, 2008 Meeting Minutes
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Coffey says that she spoke with Josh Johnson, a member of a local biking group, who
offered to organize a group to blaze trails at the Beverly Common.
Committee Make Up
Buchsbaum acknowledges new member Sylvan Menezes, the Committee's representative
from the Harbor Management Authority, and the members welcome him.
Buchsbaum states that he has been the chair for at least four years and he is ready to step
down. He adds that Dunne would be great as the next chair. He states that he would be
interested in staying on as a committee member. Coffey states that she would be
comfortable as a vice-chair and not a chair.
Maxner states that the role of the chair is to facilitate the meeting, not to be an expert on
everything.
There being no further business before the Committee, Coffey moves to adjourn,
seconded by Beaudoin. Motion carries 6-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 9:00 PM.