2012-10-03CITY 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
October 3, 2012
Elizabeth Dunne (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey, David
Gardner, Charlie Mann, James Matz, Marilyn McCrory,
Bill Squibb
David Brewster, Pam Kampersal
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Dunne calls the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — September 5, 2012
Members review draft September 5, 2012 meeting open session minutes and provide
amendments to Maxner. Coffey moves to approve September 5, 2012 meeting open session
minutes as amended. Seconded by McCrory. Motion carries 5 -0 -2 with Gardner and Matz
abstaining since they did not attend the September 5, 2012 OSRC meeting.
Discussion ensues about to whom the letter from OSRC endorsing CPA should be sent, whether
to Wendy Pearl, Chair of CPA Committee, or in the form of a letter to the editors of the
newspaper. McCrory agrees to provide language that will highlight the OSRC's mission relative
to the CPA. It is agreed that a letter to the editor would reach a broader audience.
Principal Items of Business
Open Space & Recreation Plan Revision — Changes to Language re: Aquifer Resources —
Kampersal & Matz
Discussion ensues about how both Kampersal and Matz need to attend an OSRC meeting at the
same time to present their understanding of proposed changes to language re: aquifer resources
in City's Open Space & Recreation Plan. Matz states that he is in support of Kampersal's interest
in making language changes in this section of the plan, and mentions his telephone conversation
today with Kampersal and asked her to table the changes until they both can attend an OSRC
meeting. He reports that Kampersal has agreed to present a motion that exactly specifies the
language. Committee members concur with this approach, and discuss how the plan is due for
update in 2015.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 3, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
North Shore Academy — Update on J.C. Phillips Estate Cleanup & Next Phase — David
Mercier
Maxner notes that David Mercier of North Shore Academy could not attend the meeting and she
reads an email from him containing updated information on the J.C. Phillips Estate Cleanup and
the next phase. The email states that due to the inclement weather and student attendance they
have had difficulty getting to the site and that there has been competition with individuals using
the site in a destructive manner that they have addressed by removing fire pit and graffiti.
Maxner states Mercier's list of projects proposed for Phase II including: fill fountain and plant
garden, replace flower boxes and create outside art demonstrations but there are budget issues at
the school that could stall this phase. She notes that Mercier hopes to make OSRC's November
meeting.
Discussion ensues about asking for increased police presence to check area for non - productive
youth behavior at the site, especially on the weekends. Maxner offers to call the Chief of Police
to ask what could be done.
Discussion ensues about kiosk posters and durability of special paper and lamination used.
Trail Work by Eagle Scout Matt Ackerman off of Standley Street (adiacent to Sweeny's
Greenhouse)
Discussion ensues about trail blazed by Eagle Scout Matt Akerman that is located on the left side
of Sweeny's greenhouse and how sign marking trail has not yet been installed. Mann offers to
follow up with Akerman and E. Barber from City's Engineering Department regarding installing
trail sign at opening of stonewall.
Discussion ensues about Paul Sweeny having passed away and that his family will now be
making decision about the future of property. Maxner informs the Committee that the
Conservation Commission received a letter from Waring School offering to formalize City's use
of access on School property to the trailhead and parking on School lot in exchange for allowing
the school to continue use of the conservation land as its athletic field. is located She explains
that the Conservation Commission discussed this at its meeting last evening and members were
not amenable to that suggestion as it was not viewed as commensurate or a vital need of the
Commission or the City. Maxner will be working with the City Solicitor on a written response.
Discussion continues about whether Essex County Greenbelt and Waring School would
approach the Sweeny heirs about acquiring the property and if a residential subdivision was
possible on the property in the future.
Discussion continues on possible future use of Sweeny land and that possible 21E cleanup of the
land would likely be required due to the chemicals that have been used in the past as part of the
greenhouse operation.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 3, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Mann reiterates that he would follow up with Akerman about need for sign at trail that the Eagle
Scout blazed.
Branch Lane Access to Trail
Coffey explains her recent trip out to Branch Lane and the difficulty she had in trying to turn her
car around at the end and not encroaching onto the Benevento private driveway. She states the
need for better signage to identify that it is a public right of way to encourage trail access, as the
Benevento property is very intimidating at the end of the road. The Committee discusses whether
there is enough room for public parking and if it is allowed on Branch Lane. Discussion
continues about how action has to be taken to establish Branch Lane trail as a public way with
signage identifying access points and Mann offers to work with E. Barber to research the right of
way and find out what the City owns. Maxner mentions that she would investigate the history
related to contact with Benevento over this issue.
Parcel/Linka2e List for Land & Trail Access /Acquisition
Gardner explains that this item requires concentrated attention and the need for a subcommittee
to look at this closer and make recommendations to the Committee at large. The Committee
agrees. Discussion ensues as to members who would volunteer to site on the subcommittee.
Gardner, Dunne and Mann agree to work on this and will email each other on a time to meet.
Other Business
Committee Remembrance for Sylvan Menezes — Discussion /Action Items
Dunne agrees to follow up with Paul Earl on the Harbor Management Authority who had shown
interest in doing something more permanent to honor deceased OSRC and HMA member Sylvan
Menezes (i.e., bench or walkway memorialized with plaque). She adds that Harbor Fest held last
week was dedicated to Menezes' memory.
Community Preservation Act Committee and OSRC proiect priority
McCrory provides an update on the campaign progress noting recent endorsements that are
posted on the CPA website, lawn signs and need for volunteers at the Farmers Markets and sign
holding. She notes that it is Question # 4 on the ballot. Discussion ensues about OSRC's
priority for projects such as Greens Hill, more permanent protection around Norwood Pond, and
protecting access on Thissell Street that could possibly be implemented through CPA funds.
She distributes a sign up sheet to OSRC members for supporters and individuals interested in
displaying CPA lawn signs and volunteers for sign holding and Farmer's Market presence on
October 15 and 22.
Coffey notes that there is a need to better explain seniors' and moderate - income exemptions, as
there are a lot of misconceptions out there.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 3, 2012 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Trailhead at Bridge Street
Maxner states that she and Mike Collins have been coordinating with an Eagle Scout, Ben
MacDonald, who is working in a trail improvement project to access Greens Hill off of Bridge
Street. She suggests OSRC members drive by to take a look at the finished product. Maxner adds
that Eagle Scout Gabriel Buchsbaum is working on a natural history signage project to highlight
various natural features at a few open space and public parks. She notes they include the esker at
Phillips Estate, tide pools at Lynch Park and vernal pool at Sally Milligan. Coffey notes there is a
need or better publicity regarding Eagle Scout projects.
Parcels 27X and 27A
Discussion ensues about owner unknown status regarding 27X, with Maxner noting that John
Dunn will be getting back to her with a timeline of what happens from this point. Gardner notes
that the Ewing's have not returned his phone calls and he suspects that their interest has waned in
negotiating 27A.
Mann informs the Committee of the Trustee's latest newsletter highlighting a conservation
restriction for a trail link from Hannah Village apartments to Moraine Farm and Phillips.
Action Items For Next Meeting
Maxner summarizes action items resulting from tonight's meeting: Maxner will contact Police
Chief Ray regarding patrolling at Philips Estate; Mann, Gardner and Dunne will arrange a time
to meet as subcommittee; Mann will follow up with Matt Ackerman and E. Barber regarding
signage at Standley Street; Maxner will print out Open Space Reference Map for Committee
members; Maxner will research historical information for Branch Lane; Maxner will forward
Paul Earl's email address to Dunne for her follow up with him; McCrory will forward language
to Maxner and Dunne for OSRC CPA support member.
In response to Gardner's request, Maxner will work to get ZBA agendas to the Committee.
Scheduling
The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2012. Gardner motions to adjourn,
seconded by Matz. The motion passes 7 -0. Meeting adjourns at 8:46 p.m.