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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.