2012-06-06CITY 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
June 6, 2012
Elizabeth Dunne (Chairperson), David Brewster, David
Gardner, Charlie Mann, Marilyn McCrory, James Matz,
and Bill Squibb
Nancy Coffey, Pam Kampersal, Sylvan Menezes
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
David Mercier, North Shore Academy teacher
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Dunne calls the meeting to order.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — May 2, 2012
Members review draft May 2, 2012 meeting open session minutes. Members discuss
amendments with Maxner.
Gardner makes a motion to accept May 2, 2012 open session minutes as amended. Seconded by
Brewster. Motion carries 7 -0.
Principal Items of Business
Proposed student clean up proiect at J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve trail by Northshore
Academy
David Mercier, teacher at Northshore Academy operated out of the McKewon School, informs
Committee that his school runs a Youth Opportunities Class as well as an Abandoned New
England class where they explore hiking trails and historic sites. He explains that recently when
they were walking the J.C. Phillips Nature Preserve trail they noticed that the location near the
former Highover mansion is overrun with plants and there is quite a bit of graffiti and debris on
the site. He presents proposal to Committee about having students and teachers clean up graffiti,
debris, overgrowth and dirt from remnants of fountain area as a community service project.
Mercier adds that this project could be a focus for some of the summer school programming that
begins on July 11 relative to ecology and environmental health. Also, he offers as part of the
project to organize the directory board to include a trailhead map, brief written history of
Highover House, include pictures of site's former glory, and a small sign stating "Site Restored
by Northshore Academy ". He also mentions that Academy could do continued regular
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June 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes
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maintenance "check -ups" throughout the school year and that future maintenance could include
possibility of student created model of the Highover Estate through the school's art program.
Mercier explains that there would be no cost to the City and minimal cost to Northshore
Academy. He describes cleanup crew supplies as rakes, clippers, shovels, paint, trash/recycling
bags and gloves.
Discussion ensues with Committee about best practice to remove spray paint from architecture to
preserve historic patina at site rather than using proposed whitewash. McCrory, Mann and
Gardner recommend that Mercier contact City's DPW Commissioner Mike Collins for assistance
in selecting cleaning products and paint and to work in conjunction with City to clean up walls.
Mercier and Committee concur that students should not handle cleaning materials that would
work best to remove graffiti.
Gardner recommends that cleanup crew could place filled trash bags (Note: special trash bags
may be required that can be recommended by M. Collins) at the end of the driveway at the site
for pick up by the City.
Discussion ensues about which City department (i.e., Parks & Recreation) is responsible for the
site that was taken by the City as Maxner states by eminent domain. OSRC members express
enthusiasm for Mercier's proposal to clean up the site.
Maxner states that Mercier should communicate the project to City Council and the OSRC could
write a support letter to the Council as well. McCrory suggests Mercier could contact Trustees of
Reservation that oversees adjoining Moraine Farm that was once part of Phillips Estate for
historical information.
Maxner offers to work with Mercier regarding correspondence to the City Council and she offers
to draft a letter from the OSRC supporting the project. Squibb moves that Maxner write the letter
of support from OSRC for North Shore Academy cleanup project to City Council. Seconded by
Mann. Motion carries 7 -0.
Maxner also offers to contact M. Collins on Mercier's behalf. Mercier agrees to keep Maxner up-
to -date on status of project via email and will forward to her a draft letter containing information
on Academy support for cleanup proposal for her approval on content.
Open Space & Recreation Plan Revision — Changes to Language re: Aquifer Resources —
Update & Discussion
Matz addresses his motion made at the previous OSRC meeting regarding proposed edits to
description of North Beverly aquifers referred to in the Open Space & Recreation Plan that
interconnect Wenham Lake, Longham Reservoir, Beaver and Norwood Ponds. He refers to
assertion that Kampersal has made that the aquifer is not medium yield but high yield and is fully
potable. The Open Space & Recreation Plan refers to the aquifer as medium yield and non -
potable. Matz explains that he has not found any information to contradict that and as a
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June 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes
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hydrogeologist, environmental consulting professional he concurs with the classification as a
non - potable medium yield aquifer.
Discussion ensues with Matz referring to MassDEP — Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup map that is
used to assist with analysis of site relative to sensitive receptors, drinking water, open space and
wetlands. He explains that there is a significant difference between highly transmissive and high
yield aquifer so the North Beverly aquifer is still medium yield per DEP.
Matz addresses with Committee specific details on the map to decide whether or not the aquifer
is potable or non - potable and describes how the aquifer is classified as non - potable because there
are contaminated sites within the aquifer due to gasoline (i.e. Hess station site), solvents (i.e.,
Varian Semiconductor) and septic systems. So Matz notes that in Beverly's Open Space &
Recreation plan the statements that the aquifer is medium yield and non - potable are correct.
Discussion ensues due to Matz's explanation for OSRC to rescind its previous vote to send an
errata sheet to DEP to correct statements made in Open Space & Recreation Plan regarding
classification of aquifer. Matz recommends OSRC not correct any statements made in Open
Space & Recreation Plan.
Discussion was about new series of motions from Kampersal and that if any development were
going to occur near the aquifer, special permits would be required. Gardner mentions that there
are a lot of controls in place.
Gardner moves to rescind motion made on May 2, 2012 and for the Committee not to make any
amendments to the current existing language in the subject section of the Open Space &
Recreation plan upon further examination. Discussion ensued about how classification of aquifer
as non - potable could change in the future and Kampersal could present her motions to OSRC at
another time. Seconded by Dunne. Motion carries 7 -0.
Parcel/Linkne List & Land Access Action Items — Review & Discussion
Maxner distributes Excel spreadsheet that captures Committee's thoughts about parcel/linkage
list and land access that she organized moving from west to east through the City. She suggests
this topic could be OSRC's primary focus at its July 11 meeting. Maxner offers to put
information on FTP site to enable Committee use as a collaborative document for revisions and
updates and mentions that online GIS maps of Beverly could be used for this purpose.
Access Easement off Dunham Road to Norwood Pond — Discussion /Action Items
Discussion ensues about how Committee plans to communicate its interest in obtaining an access
easement off of Dunham Road to Norwood Pond for bicycle trails and connection with Greenbelt
land where members (i.e., Gardner, Mann and possibly Matz) would confer with Mayor about
best way to approach Cummings on matter.
Members discuss if City should approach property owner about easement along property line or
if request should focus on a formal conservation restriction at Norwood Pond where OSRC notes
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June 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes
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that request could be impacted by Mayor's interest in a possible overpass project in area. Matz
suggests that the trail easement be the first priority and if secured would help bolster the
argument for more permanent protection for Norwood Pond open space.
Discussion continues on if property owners at Cummings site and North Shore Music Theater
would be willing to do more than an easement in area. Gardner, who was charged by the
Committee at its last meeting to meet with the Mayor on the access easement proposal, agrees to
work with Roland Adams to develop a map that would illustrate an 8 -foot to 10 -foot easement.
Other ... (Other City Board 's /Commission's/Department's agenda items, proiects or
business related to open space and recreation — discussion and /or recommendations, if
an ...
Conservation Commission Agenda Item: 50 Dunham Road ANRAD:
Maxner explains that Conservation Commission continues to review the wetland delineation
application at the Cummings Dunham Road property and is waiting for a revised plan from
wetlands consultant. She adds that Commission hired a wetlands scientist to investigate the area
for functioning vernal pools which impacts 100 -foot No Disturb Zones around them. She expects
to receive a plan from the applicant in time for next week's Commission meeting that shows
their No Disturb Zones that will be discussed and the next steps are up to Commission discretion.
Maxner mentions that after ANRAD process when there is a project and NOI process this would
likely be time for City to negotiate for a trail. She notes that she'll provide R. Adams with
information on the vernal pools so they could be overlaid on City's Emerald necklace trail map.
Discussion was about impact of vernal pools on potential interchange and property development
although Maxner clarifies that these functioning vernal pools are not certified but can be
classified as vernal pools under City's local ordinance.
Conservation Commission Agenda Item: National Grid 44 -46 River Street NOI:
Maxner updates Committee about status of National Grid and River Street project where the
utility is coming back to Commission since there has been agreement on negotiated principles
relative to a new Notice of Intent. She notes that National Grid is proposing a walkway
perpendicular between Desmond's Boat Yard and Bass River. She notes that a full riverfront
walkway proposal would have been a deal breaker on moving the restoration project forward.
Discussion ensues about utility's plan to address coal tar issue and Bass River dredging with
steel sheet pile wall on water's edge, where material will be removed and replaced with fill and
covered with poly vinyl membrane situated under paved asphalt to contain coal tar hot spot and
restore riverfront. Maxner notes that buildings will be taken down and there would be a deed
restriction (i.e. an AUL).
Discussion ensues about how work on this project would not preclude a future walkway in the
area and Chapter 91 may be used for riverfront restoration area.
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June 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes
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Planning Board Update:
Matz updates Committee about Planning Board's recommendation to City Council to accept
changes in ordinance as relates to FEMA map, article numbering and zoning for accessory
apartments. He mentions new projects to be discussed at June 19 Planning Board meeting
include new parking garage at Cummings Center, and mixed -use facility next to Siam Delight on
Cabot Street.
Discussion ensues about public forum on Chapter 40R Smart Growth project near Montserrat
station at Kelleher's Pond for high density housing and proposal is for one to two bedroom
apartments with as few as 20 children expected.
Old Business
Community Preservation Act Campaign Strategy — Update & Discussion
McCrory reminds the Committee that the City Council voted unanimously to place CPA ballot
question on November election ballot. She notes that CPA planning committee is holding many
meetings and CPA was publicized during Earth Day walks. She asks Committee members to
assist with CPA outreach to public by volunteering at a table for this purpose at upcoming
farmer's market events. She mentions that there has been good newspaper coverage about
Beverly's interest in participating in CPA. Also, McCrory reports that she is compiling a list of
projects (i.e., Carriage House, Emerald Necklace trails and historic preservation) as well as
photos and information for the website to illustrate viability of CPA for the City.
Earth Day Walks — Recap on events so far
Maxner distributes thank you cards for Earth Day walk event leaders for Committee signatures.
She asks Committee to consider new themes and leaders that could be used for future Earth Day
walks (i.e., David Mercier after Phillips Reserve cleanup) and notes that K. Newhall would be
creating montage on OSRC website page of event photos.
Updates
Eagle Scout Proiect Updates — Discussion/Recommendations /Action Items — If Any
Maxner mentions that Matt Akerman has nearly completed his trail blazing project and will be
posting a "Please Enjoy This Public Way" sign that Eric Barber in Engineering has available for
Akerman to install. She explains that she has given initial approval for Gabriel Buchsbaum to do
natural history signage about natural features at a few of the City's open space parcels (i.e., tide
pools at Lynch Park and another project at Sally Milligan). She will keep the Committee posted
on these projects.
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June 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes
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Open Space Encroachment off Standley Street — Warin2 School
Maxner notes that she has a meeting on site with Waring School's attorney Tom Harrington next
week. She adds that there was discussion with school's attorney about Akerman trail blazing and
if trail went across the school's property.
Bathing Beach Lane
Maxner states that she does not have an update.
Greens Hill — 27X
Mann describes how form from Department of Revenue regarding owner unknown that could be
used to define City's ownership of Greens Hill — 27X was not easily accessible. Discussion
ensues about how Assessors could possibly assist with this matter. Maxner will follow up with
Bob Munroe relative to this April memo to the Mayor.
Other Business
Chapman's Corner — Open Space Easement
Maxner states that Gardner had done investigating in the field and found trail as proposed had
trees and landscaping added to the trail area and a portion of it was on ledge making it
dangerous. She notes that work is being done with the developer for alternative trail plan and
Beverly Land Trust and Conservation Commission met with project engineer at site to review
layout. She notes that the consensus is that the alternative is superior depending upon grades
being corrected, rear berm taken down, riprap removed for a gentler slope and walk defined to
opening in wall. She adds that Land Trust will do vegetation removal and walk will meander
around trees.
Maxner explains that next step is formal discussion at Conservation Commission meeting next
week where Land Trust has been invited to attend relative to controls and relocation of pathway.
She adds that Commission will take a vote on approval/consent letter and there could be soft
demarcation of trail entrance with bushes.
Discussion ensues about pathway used by residents through opening in wall to the Cove School
near proposed Chapman's Corner trail.
Fox Hill Trail
Mann mentions that Waring School senior class will help with lawn section of the project on
Friday and that trail blazing will occur on Saturday. He notes that Ciccoria tree is donating wood
chips for trail. Also, Mann states that he has precut wood bridge parts. Maxner explains that
parking for volunteers will be limited so carpooling or parking at soccer field nearby and
walking to trail site is recommended.
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June 6, 2012 Meeting Minutes
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Next meeting agenda items and scheduling
The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2012. McCrory motions to adjourn,
seconded by Brewster. The motion passes 7 -0.
Meeting adjourns at 9:18 p.m.