2010-12-01CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
December 1, 2010
Elizabeth Dunne (Chairperson), David Brewster, Nancy
Coffey, Pam Kampersal, Robert Buchsbaum, Sue Beaudoin
and Bill Squibb
Marilyn McCrory, Sylvan Menezes, and Michael
Ralbovsky
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Charlie Mann
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Dunne calls the meeting to order.
Approval of Minutes
Members review and make suggestions for revisions to the draft October 6, 2010 meeting
minutes.
Coffey makes a motion to approve the October 6, 2010 minutes as amended. Seconded by
Kampersal. Motion carries, 5 -0 -2 with Brewster and Buchsbaum abstaining.
New Business
October 19, 2010 & November 30, 2010 Conservation Commission Agendas
Maxner states that many items were closed out for the October 19 and November 30 agendas.
She notes that one project that has open space impact is located at 96 and 102 Cherry Hill Drive,
a 10 -acre parcel owned by the Flatley Company that has not been developed. Thirteen years ago,
this property was used as a staging area for another property where construction occurred. Some
stripping of topsoil, loam and vegetation happened and the site was left that way.
She explains that in the interim, pioneer wetlands (1.5 acres) formed in the area that was left
excavated and open. The Flatley Company discussed with the Conservation Commission the
possibility of filling the wetlands to allow for development at this property and to protect an
adjacent parcel.
She notes that there are trails on top of the parcel located at the corner of Cherry Hill and Sam
Fonzo Drive that are used by ATVs and trail bikes. The parcel to the north is split in two and is
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December 1, 2010 Meeting Minutes
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on a slope. Kelleher Construction went through the RFP process for one part and is working with
Flatley to develop the property. The other half would not be developed and could be put under
restriction. No public hearing has been held.
Maxner notes that the Conservation Commission scheduled a site inspection for this Saturday
December 4 th at 8:30 a.m. to look at the lot where the wetland has been flagged. There is an
aviation easement at the end of the airport runway and steep hill. The Commission has not given
any indication about how they feel about Flatley's inquiry about filling the wetland.
OSRC members discussed that this is a nuisance and degraded low -value wetland, is likely
located on the highest point in Beverly, and there is water that runs off in the area. The 10 -acres
of developable land is reduced to five -acres due to the wetland. Members agree that this project
is not one that fits with the Committee's mission and seems to be more a wetlands issue than
open space.
The next Conservation Commission meeting is on January 4, 2011, the day before the OSRC's
next meeting on January 5 Maxner noted that the OSRC's consensus was not to weigh in.
Continued or Other Business
Update on Tall Tree Drive Recreational Trails Grant Application & Easement
Maxner reminds the Committee and explains to Mann that there is a Conservation Commission -
owned parcel at the end of Tall Tree Drive and the frontage was lost when the street was
developed; it became part of the frontage for one of the developed parcels. A draft easement has
been reviewed to gain access across the property. Maxner notes that a sketch is being finalized
by the Engineering Department so this can go before City Council for approval and the easement
can be recorded.
Maxner states that Associate Planner, Kate Newhall, has submitted a Recreational Trails Grant
application to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for funding to blaze trails and
establish a walkway from the street. A kiosk has already been installed at the trailhead. Maxner
provides a summary sheet written by Newhall highlighting the key elements of the grant
proposal.
She notes that grant awards will be announced in early summer 2011. Partnering is being done
with Essex County Velo to do the labor on the trails including building two stream crossings,
blazing the trail and laying woodchips. The grant application specifies crushed stone and a brick
border along the easement section.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) — Update from October 7, 2010 & November 18, 2010
Meetings
Maxner provided a written synopsis of what happened at the November 18 meeting that will be
attached to these minutes. The Chamber of Commerce and Beverly Main Streets were notified of
this meeting but they did not respond.
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December 1, 2010 Meeting Minutes
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Dunne noted that 10 or fewer people attend every meeting. Buchsbaum suggested a signature
project (i.e., Lynch Park) could show people how CPA could be used. Beverly tried to pass CPA
seven years ago with a 3% surcharge on property taxes to be matched by state but it did not pass.
It was noted that CPA money could be used for historical preservation, open space, recreation,
and affordable housing. Every year 10% of the funds have to be spent on each category and the
remainder can be saved to roll into a larger project that falls under one of the categories.
The next CPA meeting will be held at the Beverly Farms Library on January 20, 2011 at 7 p.m.
Agenda topics will include: develop list of partners and groups that could benefit from CPA,
develop project list, explore webpage options, identify Campaign leader and decide on the
structure of CPA group.
Members discussed how it would be nice to have political support from the mayor for CPA and
the importance of having a well- known, neutral person leading the CPA campaign committee
that is a good communicator.
Dunne noted that the OSRC couldn't spearhead the CPA campaign as a city committee.
Cemetery Walk — held Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. — Collaboration with
Beverly Historical Society — Update
Brewster provided an update on the cemetery walk where there were 10 participants. Darren
Brown was the walk leader. Brewster thought the walk was successful but he would have liked it
to have been publicized more.
OSRC Semi - Annual Report to City Council — Presentation Date — 12/20/10 TTBD
Maxner notes that the OSRC semi - annual report has to be submitted to the City Clerk for
presentation at the City Council's December 20 meeting. Coffey notes that she would be able
to attend that meeting and provide a presentation if Dunne cannot make it. Dunne agreed to
check her schedule and get back to Coffey.
Other discussion items related to Committee business
Essex County Greenbelt shared $1,000 of the profit from the August Beverly Commons Trail
Run with the OSRC. Dunne agrees to write a thank you letter.
Updates
Greens Hill — Parcel 27X
Maxner explains to Mann that this tax title parcel is of open space interest and is currently on a
list of title examinations being commissioned by Finance Director John Dunn.. This is the first
such property in the research process that is of interest to the Committee. Dave Gardner helped
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December 1, 2010 Meeting Minutes
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to prioritize the parcels of open space interest and has maintained communication with J. Dunn
in this regard.
Members discussed the process of advertising tax title parcels where appraisals would be done. It
was noted that Woodland Avenue resident is against the transfer of one such parcel.
Dunne stated that the land behind Endicott College could be designated for trails.
National Grid — Trail and Stream Crossing
Maxner hasn't heard from National Grid on this. She suggested that this proposal could be
abandoned if the Tall Tree drive access comes to fruition.
Other
Mann asked what was the best way to research public property deeds in Beverly related to
Bathing Beach Lane. He notes that the potential for a great loop trail along the Tanzella Hill
property would be a great amenity for this neighborhood. Members suggested he call Dave
Gardner as he had done extensive research on this very topic. Mann notes that the Cecil Group
master plan discusses the perimeter of the golf course that is several miles long, he is interested if
a trail loop by the Bass River could be completed and he offered to help blaze trails, if necessary.
Maxner announces that Robert Buchsbaum is stepping down as a member of OSRC after serving
on the Committee for 11 years. He notes that he will be available to the OSRC to share his
historical knowledge. Members thank Robert for his service and expertise and express their
regret that he will be leaving.
Maxner notes that the Mayor, by the New Year, should appoint James Matz, representative from
the Planning Board to the OSRC. Maxner will check with the Parks Commission to see if there is
anyone interested in serving on the OSRC.
Next meeting agenda items and scheduling
There being no other business before the Committee this evening, Buchsbaum motions to
adjourn, seconded by Squibb. The motion passes 7 -0.
The meeting is adjourned at 8:45 pm.
The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2011.