2011-09-07CITY 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
September 7, 2011
Elizabeth Dunne (Chairperson), David Brewster, Nancy
Coffey, David Gardner, Pam Kampersal, James Matz,
Marilyn McCrory, and Sylvan Menezes
Bill Squibb
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Dan Streeter, New England Mountain Biking Association
Charlie Mann
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Dunne calls the meeting to order.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — July 6, 2011
Members review draft July 6, 2011 meeting minutes. Members discuss amendments with
Maxner.
Gardner makes a motion to accept July 6, 2011 open session minutes as amended. Seconded by
Coffey. Motion carries 7 -0 -1. Kampersal abstained since she did not attend July 6th meeting.
New Business
Beverly Commons Trail Improvement Proiects — Essex County Greenbelt & New England
Mountain Biking Association -- Discussion Regarding New Trail Location
Maxner states that Dan Streeter from New England Mountain Biking Association had made
attempts to flag the new trail identifying areas in the stonewall that currently are in disrepair that
can serve as an access point. She had emailed the Committee to encourage members to take a
look at it. Gardner had done this. He was in favor of either of the two locations and asked when
stones are relocated if the side with lichen could remain facing up.
Streeter provides photographs for the Committee to review of main stones to be moved where
stonewall had collapsed on proposed trail. One large ledge outcropping with significant lichen
growth that was identified on initial site walk was avoided. He states the intention is to provide a
trail that is longer and has attractions to make it interesting. He says once the trail is established
it becomes obvious to others where trail goes and is sustainable crossing the wall in an elevated
location. Dunne agreed that trails are quickly adopted.
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September 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 5
Gardner makes a motion to accept one or the other openings in the wall. McCrory asks for
discussion on this motion.
Discussion continues and Streeter says they will brush in the old trail, they will avoid moss and
lichen, the old roadway or cart path would be used as a crib wall but no change or excavation
would occur. Signage would be put up as needed. McCrory states signage or communication to
members, possibly in Association's newsletter, should include information on use of trail
highlighting OSRC's concerns outlined in Committee's letter especially no riding roughshod
over wall. Streeter responds that he would not publicize new trail much to keep use manageable
and he would emphasize respecting moss and lichen on rocks and trail in general.
Streeter adds input about how another proposed trail could get people off of Wood Lane.
Committee members thought this could be addressed later on. Another project he mentions is
bridge project on Boulder Lane where he asks OSRC for letter of support since Association is
anticipating submitting a recreational trails grant application to try and get funding to pay for
$2,000 in materials for a 100 -foot bridge.
Committee takes action on Gardner's motion to accept the proposed trail with one or the other
openings in the wall. Seconded by Brewster. Dunn notes that OSRC would like to look at the
second part of the trail proposed by Streeter. Motion carries 8 -0.
Coffey makes a motion for the OSRC to write a letter of support for New England Mountain
Biking Association to write a grant application to build the bridge. Seconded by Gardner. Motion
carries 8 -0. Streeter will provide a template letter for the Committee once they are ready to
submit the grant application.
Recreational Trails Grant -- $1,021 to build a trail on Fox Hill (off of Tall Tree Drive) —
Discussion re2ardin2 the timeline and tasks of the project.
Maxner states that the Fox Hill trail blazing grant was awarded from the state with $1,021 slated
for materials. City has until September 2013 to complete trail. A wetlands permit application will
be put before the Conservation Commission for the proposed work, and GPS work will be done
with Roland Adams for the final location of the path and volunteers will be organized to get the
work done. Essex County VELO cycling group is the primary source that has pledged
volunteers.
Updates
Tall Tree Drive Easement
Maxner reports that a final surveyed plan and easement amendment language is in B. Munroe's
hands to approve, and once the homeowners signs off on it, it can move forward for City Council
approval. She hopes this could be completed in next couple of months.
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September 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 5
Back to New Business:
Emerald Necklace Trail Map — Update on Map Revisions
Gardner states that map is online and can be printed in 8 '/z by 11 -inch format and trail detail can
be enlarged on the screen and printed in a larger scale format as well. Brewster suggests this
information could be included in the "what's new" section on Beverly website. Coffey offers to
notify Beverly Citizen about availability of map.
The map is reviewed, and discussion about Cross Lane being labeled as Common Lane on map
is noted. Gardner says he'll notify Roland Adams of any changes at end of year. He asks
Committee to review and if many changes are discovered then he'll suggest to R. Adams that
they should be made right away. Gardner mentions that he gave Mayor an earlier version of map.
Maxner agrees to send thank you letter from Committee to R. Adams that will be personally
signed by Dunne.
Updates, continued:
Bathing Beach Lane — Right of Way Access Update
Maxner states that she emailed B. Munroe about Right of Way access and received no response.
Mann says there is only one house on Bathing Beach Lane is occupied and that is during the
summer.
Maxner notes that B. Munroe has determined that Bathing Beach Lane is a private way so it has
to be decided how the City would get access.
Pole Swamp Lane Parcel Transfer to the Conservation Commission
Coffey notes that she recently spoke to Mayor about transferring Pole Swamp land to the Con
Com and agrees to follow up since B. Munroe got a letter from the Mayor about it.
Chapman's Corner/Manor Homes at Whitehall — Access Pathway to Open Space Parcel
Maxner will consult with Leah Zambernardi about access pathway and retention pond to see if
she has heard from developer or engineer.
Norwood Pond — Trail Encroachment — Discussion /Action Items
Maxner states that she has not followed up to schedule a site walk with R. Adams to GPS pond
site and view three large compost piles that should not be on pond trail for the past few years.
Brewster mentioned how Beverly High School students are being put to work during their study
hall hours for community service projects. Discussion ensues as to possible projects that could
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September 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 5
be taken up by the students. Brewster notes that a fair amount of adult supervision is most likely
required for most projects.
Greens Hill — Parcel 27X
Gardner notes that he spoke to Mayor about a neighboring parcel to 27X. And will report to the
Committee during an executive session should any other information come to light.
Community Preservation Act Exploratory Group (CPA)
McCrory suggests that purchase of that parcel would be a signature Community Preservation Act
project. Menezes mentions that Harbor Management Authority has $20,000 budgeted that would
be a start towards purchase. He adds that there is a question about legal frontage for zoning.
Other ... (Other rights of way and /or open space matters /issues /concerns)
Waring School
Maxner says she spoke to grounds management director at Waring School who is aware school
is using City land for recreation fields. According to deed to City, Conservation Commission is
responsible. Discussion about school not understanding that it is abusing use of land. Donor
wanted it used as passive land not active recreational. There has been Committee member
discussion with Ed Becker of ECGA.
This matter will be put on next month's OSRC meeting agenda and background information will
be provided in Committee packet for discussion.
Old or Other Business
Open Space Plan /watershed protection overlay district
Kampersal mentions that the definition of the aquifer between Norwood Pond and Wenham Lake
in Open Space Plan needs to be corrected. She refers to DEP letter about bringing watershed
protection overlay district up -to -date.
Discussion ensues regarding the current aquifer designation and the information brought forward
by the Beverly Safe Drinking Water Alliance relative to its proposed revisions to the Watershed
Protection Overlay Ordinance.
Maxner will check into process of amending the Plan and put proposed revised text and letter
from DEP in the Committee's packet for discussion at October OSRC meeting.
Harbor Management Authority waterfront festival
Menezes mentions that waterfront festival will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 from 2 to
5 p.m. to celebrate rebuilding of piers and wharf behind former McDonald's site.
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September 7, 2011 Meeting Minutes
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Two posters needing refurbishing at Philips and Norwood Pond
Maxner states that cost to laminate posters that need to be refurbished would be almost $300.
Discussion about less expensive solutions including printing directly on plastic. Maxner will
email a file of posters to Brewster who will investigate alternative solution.
Thank you notes for Earth Day Nature Walk event leader and former OSRC member
Maxner presents thank you notes for Committee to sign for Earth Day Nature Walk event leader
Darren Brown and former Committee member Suzanne Beaudoin.
Next meeting agenda items and scheduling
The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2011.
Gardner motions to adjourn, seconded by Brewster. Passes 8 -0.
The meeting is adjourned at 9:00 pm.