2010-03-03
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
March 3,2010
Elizabeth Dunne (Chairperson), David Brewster, Robert
Buchsbaum, Nancy Coffey, Pam Kampersal, Sylvan
Menezes, Marilyn McCrory, Bill Squibb
Suzanne Beaudoin, Michael Ralbovsky
Environmental Planner Amy Maxner
Andrea Bray
Chairperson Dunne calls the meeting to order.
Approval of Minutes - February 3. 2010 Meetin2
The members review the minutes and make suggestions for amendments.
Voting members are Dunne, Brewster, Buchsbaum, Coffey, Kampersal, and Squib.
Buchsbaum: Motion to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Squib. Passes 6-0.
New Business
Conservation Commission - February 23. 2010 A2enda - Discussion and comments on
a2enda items relative to Open Space Action Plan
Maxner states that all of the items on the agenda were continued until March 23,2010 therefore
the Committee still has time to submit comments if it wishes. She notes that Dave Gardner has
prepared a draft comment letter that Committee can consider.
The members discuss the procedure related to Dave Gardner's letter concerning to the Open
Meeting Law. Dunne asks if members believe that comment letters should be a consensus
document. Members agree that it should and discuss that fact that timing on other Boards'
meeting may require that the Committee meet separately from its regular meetings.
Menezez: Motion to open discussion on the letter drafted by Elizabeth Dunne, seconded by
Buchsbaum. Passes 7-0.
Discussion ensues regarding whether the Ancient Highway is a Conservation Commission issue
and whether it has authority to require it on the plan. Squibb states that the Commission can
Open Space & Recreation Committee
March 3,2010 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of3
require it as part of project approval but he suspects that some feel if they push this issue the City
could be open to a lawsuit.
The members review the letter and make suggestions for amendments.
Coffey: Motion to accept the letter as amended and to approve further amendments by
Maxner and Dunne and to send this letter to the Conservation Commission, seconded by
Brewster. Passes 7-0.
McCrory arrives.
Old Business
Earth Dav Walks - Review final Pr02ram Schedule
Maxner states that she will be preparing a press release and getting the schedule to the papers
this week. She adds that she will print a few bunches and get them into the libraries. Members
remind Maxner to forward copies to all the co-sponsoring organizations. Maxner agrees to email
Greenbelt, Historical Society and Salem Sound Coastwatch.
Schedule Site Walks - Trial Markin2 at Beverlv Commons. Other Trail Maintenance
Maxner states that Sally Milligan trail clean up is scheduled for April 24th and that could be an
opportunity to do trail marking too.
The members discuss the method for marking the trails and agree that this is something that
should be done.
The members schedule the Beverly Commons trail marking for Sunday, April 11, at 1 :00 PM.
Maxner agrees to send a reminder email on the Friday before the trail marking date, and to bring
the spray paint and templates.
Updates
Ri2hts ofWav/Open Space
Bass River Walkway behind Stop & Shop: Brewster states that he visited the walkway last
week and it is in terrible shape and that he was uncomfortable while on his walk and left.
Maxner states that she is in the process of talking to Steve Frederickson because the McDonald's
has obligations under its Site Plan Review permit. She notes that Stop & Shop have similar
obligations under their Chapter 91 permit with the State. Members ask Maxner that she contact
DEP to inform them of non-compliance with the Chapter 91 license. Maxner agrees.
Tall Tree Drive: Dunne agrees to contact Tom Alexander to ask for an update.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
March 3,2010 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of3
YMCA: Maxner asks Dunne to ask Tom Alexander about the YMCA's obligation to provide 6
free membership scholarships.
Greens Hill- Parcel 27X: Maxner states that the last update was that Tina Cassidy was to write
a letter to the abutters to provide them an explanation of what the City was planning to do. She
adds that there are back taxes of $6,500 owed and the City will take the property which is only
assessed at $4,500.
Other Items
. Menezes states that the City now has all permits in place to begin the work on the wharf
and floats at the Old Ferry Landing site, and work began last week.
. Coffey states that she would like to advise the R yal Side residents about the Earth Day
Walk on the Bass River.
. The members discuss the problems with dog owners that do not pick up after their dogs.
. Members agree that it is appropriate to discuss forming stewardship groups to oversee the
open space parcels with people attending the Earth Day walks, in the attempt to mirror
efforts of the Salem Sound Coastwatch "Adopt-A-Beach" program
. Maxner suggests that the members attend the Planning Board meeting on March 16 for
the public hearing on 875 Hale Street and OSRD. Much discussion ensues regarding this
Issue.
. Dunne asks Maxner to follow up with Bob Munroe regarding the transfer of property to
Con Com on Pole Swamp Lane
. Dunne and Coffey agree to discuss approach to Waring School encroachment on Con
Com land and possibly speak with Judith Cronin
. Kampersal asks Maxner to inquire about getting a new "No Dumping" signs out at Elnew
Avenue
Next Meetin2 A2enda Items and Schedulin2
Maxner states that the next meeting will be held on April 7.
Coffey suggests holding a CPA discussion at the next meeting. She adds that the members need
to consider which people will work on this and possible strategies.
Coffey:
Motion to adjourn, seconded by Dunne. Passes 8-0.
The meeting is adjourned at 9:00 pm.