2010-02-03
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
February 3,2010
Elizabeth Dunne (Chairperson), Suzanne Beaudoin, David
Brewster, Robert Buchsbaum, Nancy Coffey, Pam
Kampersal, Marilyn McCrory, Bill Squibb
Sylvan Menezez, Michael Ralbovsky
Environmental Planner Amy Maxner, Associate Planner
Kate Newhall
Kathy Leahy Mass. Audubon, Sue Goganian, Director of
the Beverly Historical Society
Andrea Bray
Chairperson Dunne calls the meeting to order.
Kathv Leahv - Gloucester CPA Committee and Camoai2n
Buchsbaum introduces Kathy Leahy with Mass Audubon and member of the Gloucester CPA
Committee.
Kathy Leahy speaks about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) campaign that she worked on
in Gloucester, providing insight into methods that could be used to facilitate such a program in
Beverly. A few of the main points that she explained include:
. Gloucester passed the CPA on the third attempt.
. Gloucester passed a CPA program at the 1 % rate.
. She recommends organizing a comprehensive campaign rather that focusing on only one
or two facets of the program.
. She notes that it does not work to have one single interest group promoting this plan, all
stakeholders must be a part of the process.
. There are two ways to get the question on the ballot: (1) through a petition drive (obtain
10,000 signatures), or (2) have the City Council put the question on the ballot. She
recommends having the City Council place the question on the ballot.
. The website for information on the Act is www.ComminityPreservation.org
Leahy offers to come back after committees have been formed to talk about the details. She
provides an example of a bumper sticker, informational flyer, and also recommends using yard
signs to promote the initiative, and holding fund raising programs to help with promotion costs.
She explains that in Gloucester, they formed an official ballot committee with a Chair, a
Treasurer, and a Secretary, and that she was the Treasurer.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
February 3, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Leahy states that it is possible to have exemptions in the program, such as low-income and/or
fixed-income elderly residents. She adds that the program could exempt the first $100,000 of the
price of the residence. She clarifies that this is a surcharge on the property tax, not a percentage
of the value of the property.
Leahy recommends developing a pamphlet showing the value of the house and the required
payment under the CPA. She explains that the State is currently matching 30% of all moneys
raised under the CPA each year, and that the State funds are generated from the revenue raised
through the Registry of Deeds fees and surcharges. She states that the method by which the
funds are spent will be determined by a City Council ordinance, and the States specifies that 10%
of the total funds must be spent on each of the three main programs (housing, open space, and
historic preservation) and the remaining funds can be divvied up as determined by a committee
or carried over for future more expensive projects.
Leahy explains that there is State Legislation in the pipeline that would establish a minimum
State match of 75 percent of all moneys raised, and would allow adding to that through other
sources of fees (hotels tax, meal tax, etc.), and would allow allocation of funds for the rehab of
existing parks and playgrounds.
Leahy states that a City-wide vote is required to up the percentage after the program is in effect
for 5 years. She adds that this CPA program can be repealed but all repeal attempts have failed
so far.
Sue Goganian expresses support for this endeavor and wishes for the Historical Society to playa
role as well. She hopes to foster closer and more collaborative relationships with the City and
various boards and committees. General discussion ensues regarding strategies for re-
introducing the CPA to Beverly and what entities would be critical in playing a role in the
campaign and committee formation.
The Committee thanks Leahy for her time and willingness to share her experience and expertise
in this regard.
Approval of Minutes - January 6. 2010 Meetin2
The members review the minutes and make suggestions for amendments.
Voting members are Dunne, Brewster, Buchsbaum, Coffey, McCrory, and Squibb.
Coffey: Motion to approve the minutes from the January 6, 2010 meeting as amended,
seconded by Squibb. Passes 6-0-2 with Beaudoin and Kampersal abstaining.
New Business
Open Space Action Plan Expansion - Review New Goals and Objectives
Open Space & Recreation Committee
February 3, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Newhall states she has incorporated all of the recommendations from the last meeting and has
also assigned responsible parties. She asks if this final draft is acceptable. Members suggest a
minor amendment for the Waring School goal.
Newhall states that this is due by the end of the month and she will send it off with a cover letter
within a few days and will keep the Committee informed of how it is received by the State.
McCrory:
Passes 8-0.
Motion to approve the extended action plan as amended, seconded by Beaudoin.
875 Hale Street - OSRD Site Plan - Plannin2: Board ReQuest for Comments
Maxner explains the OSRD process with the Planning Board, noting that the applicant has
provided a yield plan, which defines the number of houses that they can develop under the
current zoning. She adds that this matter will go before the Planning Board next Tuesday and the
Committee has been asked for comments on the plans.
Maxner states that the minimum lot size for OSRD is 6,000 square feet, which can be increased
or decreased at the Board's discretion. Other dimensional requirements can be waived, including
the required open space percentage.
Maxner reads the Conservation Commission comment letter addressed to the Planning Board.
Maxner says the OSRC should provide any opinion or recommendation to improve the plan from
an Open Space point of view. Review and discussion ensues regarding the OSRD conceptual
plans, with members noting that the proposed detention basin is within the open space. Other
elements of the plan are discussed including the significant viewscape that the property provides
and views afforded from the property to the ocean. Discussion ensues regarding the goals of the
Open Space & Recreation Plan, which do speak to preserving properties with high scenic value
and members agree this property has those characteristics.
Members agree that points made in the Conservation Commission letter are germane to the
Committee's perspective and recommend that the comments on the open space calculations be
incorporated into the Committee's letter. Members suggest including a statement that reminds
the Board that maximizing protected open space and preserving the 100-foot buffer area around
primary conservation areas are key elements of the OSRD Ordinance. Members also agree that
the Board should consider waiving dimensional requirements of the lots and roadway rather than
sacrificing open space and buffer area requirements to achieve maximum development yield.
Maxner will draft the comment letter and check with Dunne, Coffey and Kampersal on final
format and delivery.
Old Business
Earth Dav Walks - Continue Plannin2: Schedule and Themes
Open Space & Recreation Committee
February 3, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Newhall states that all of the Earth Day walks will not conflict with the Beverly Main Streets
"Clean Sweeps" program, which will be held on April 17.
The members agree to meet on Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. to clean up Sally Milligan Park.
Buchsbaum suggests meeting on the Bonad side, and to bring trash bags and gloves.
Dunne offers to contact Michael Ralbovsky to schedule a reptile walk and Maxner suggests early
June.
Maxner states that she wishes to have this schedule finalized and ready to print by the end of
February.
The members review each item on the schedule to finalize the plan. Maxner will finalize the
draft flyer and send it out for Committee review to ensure accurate information and clear format.
Next Meetin2: A2:enda Items and Schedulin2:
Maxner states that the next meeting will be held on March 3.
Buchsbaum: Motion to adjourn, seconded by Dunne. Passes 8-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 9:20 pm.