2013-02-06CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Open Space and Recreation Committee
February 6, 2013
Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey (Vice -
Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David
Gardner, James Matz, Marilyn McCrory, Bill Squibb
Pam Kampersal
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Moody - Scout Master Troop 2, John, Debbie and
Justin Tramonti, Ian Beckman — Eagle Scout, John
Beckman, Scott Houseman — Ward 4 Councilor
RECORDER: Jane Dooley
Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m
Principal Items of Business
Presentation by Eagle Scout Candidate — proposed trail blazing at Whitehall Circle open
space parcel — Justin Tramonti
The Committee and Maxner introduce themselves to the attendees. Justin Tramonti describes his
proposed Eagle Scout project to blaze a trail in the open space near Whitehall Circle. He says it
would be a walking trail to be used by citizens, residents in the area and students at Cove
Elementary School. Tramonti explains that the major aspects of the project are filling in holes
along the trail to level uneven terrain, clear brush and bramble to make the trail walkable, and
pick up trash.
Tramonti notes that he met at the trail site with Ms. Maxner and Scott Houseman about the
proposed trail. The proposed workdays are April 6 and 7 with backup dates of April 27 and 28.
He states that labor for the project will be drawn primarily from his Boy Scout troop with 15 to
30 people participating daily for one to two days. He adds that scouts, including Webelos, and
their parents as well as friends and relatives will be volunteer workers.
Tramonti mentions that materials and supplies will include fill from the City and general tools
such as tarps, barrels and trash bags to collect cleared debris, work gloves for the volunteers,
rakes, shovels, clippers, wheelbarrows and several electric tools. He adds that a weed whacker or
heavier machinery to cut through brush may be rented.
He says that once approval for the project is received the trail would be marked or flagged in the
field and this designation will stay up for the term of the project to identify where scouts should
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February 6, 2013 Meeting Minutes
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clear. During the possible two workdays, Tramonti says that volunteers will be broken into
groups focusing on trash cleanup, filling of holes and brush removal. He notes that the volunteers
will provide their own transportation to the site.
Tramonti addresses safety issues explaining that only the adult leaders would use the electric
power tools. He will also prepare a safety demonstration for the volunteers on proper clothing to
wear during the workdays such as boots, long pants and long sleeved shirts, and work gloves.
Tramonti states that he will also provide information to volunteers on how to protect themselves
against ticks and dangerous vegetation.
In addition, Tramonti will be notifying the Cove School about how they could use the trail as an
educational tool and he will create flyers about the area to notify residents. Tramonti describes
the path the trail will take through the area and how the wetlands will be avoided.
In response to McCrory, he clarifies that the trail will be on the open space parcel at Whitehall
Circle. Tramonti notes that there would be a temporary entrance during the project work and that
a more permanent entrance would be defined.
Discussion ensues about significant briar that has to be cleared at the entrance of the trail.
Gardner suggests that the path could be finished to the north first. Maxner explains that there
would be an intersection at Tramonti's trail and the trail that the developer was required to build.
Squibb suggests a "T" be placed in Tramonti's trail at the stonewall opening since clearing
would be done on the other side and this would define access to trail on other side.
Discussion addresses use of flags on the trail tied to trees versus paint on trees since it takes a
long time for paint to clear away. Mann suggests that paint could be used. Tramonti concurs with
Mann that trail would be flagged early on in the project before work begins so Committee could
walk the trail. Discussion continues on whether or not Tramonti would use paint on trees to mark
trail and the importance of complying with AMC trail recommendations. Tramonti says the
marking is still being debated for the trail. Also, the length is being determined in the 5.9 acres of
open space.
Tramonti explains that cleared material would be spread in the area outside of the trail. Maxner
notes that if there are larger pieces of debris Mike Collins would ask the scouts to drag it to a
certain spot for the public works crew to pick up. In response to McCrory, Tramonti mentions
that he took "before the work begins" photographs of the area to identify holes that would be
filled in and he notes that he is mindful of the wetlands. Discussion ensues about making the trail
accessible to people nearby.
Scott Houseman, Ward 4 Councilor and Board member for Beverly Land Trust explains that a
conservation easement is jointly held with the Beverly Conservation Commission and the Land
Trust, notes that Mike Collins suggested that the trail entrance be made handicap accessible, but
that may be another phase for another scout's project. He adds that another phase of this project
could be to build a bridge that would join across the wetlands and the two trails. He refers to a
photograph of a bridge in the Harold Parker state forest in Andover. He adds that Land Trust has
modest funds that could be contributed to pay for building materials.
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Maxner mentions that Tramonti was before the Conservation Commission last week and Con
Com intends to write a support letter for the project. She suggests the OSRC could do the same.
Mann agrees to write a support letter. Tramonti states that David Lang, the Con Com's Chairman
signed the project beneficiary sheet, and asks if Mann could do the same. Mann signs the
beneficiary section. Maxner states that she would email letters from the City's boards to
Tramonti. Tramonti thanks the Committee for its time and support.
Discussion With Other Eagle Scout Candidates — Potential Proiects
Ian Beckman describes to the OSRC how he needs to have a project done before May.
Discussion ensues about Eagle Scout trail project that Matt Akerman did on Standley Street,
clearing the trail and putting up a sign to mark the trail. Mann suggests that Ian could review the
OSRC priority list and he could walk areas to decide his preference on a proposed project.
Discussion ensues where Mann recommends that Ian could finish Tanzella Hill trail and
describes where the five -acre parcel is located. Mann notes that a fair amount of clearing is
needed and there are cross camber slopes. Maxner shows Ian the trail area on the GIS system
denoting City -owned property. Gardner states that he believes the project would be good for
Ian's timeframe since it could be completed quickly. Mann describes how he has roughed the
trail and mentions access and frontage on Bathing Beach. Houseman mentions that the bridge he
proposed is a quick project and that this was mentioned to Con Com in a future context that
could be presented to the Commission.
Maxner recommends Ian take a walk on Tanzella Hill. She mentions that there are houses being
constructed in the area so this prompts putting in the trail sooner than later when the
neighborhood is in flux. Discussion ensues about how spring is the time for scout projects when
there is need for cleanup especially with fallen trees. Also that Eagle Scout projects are done by
individuals, for example, where one scout clears a trail and another builds a bridge. Mann and
Moody exchange emails for future reference.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — January 2, 2013
Members communicate amendments to Maxner. Gardner moves to accept the minutes as
amended. Seconded by Coffey. Motion carries 8 -0.
Parcel/Linkne List for Land & Trail Access /Acquisition — Update from Sub - Committee,
Priority List
Mann explains that the Sub - Committee is no longer meeting and that the priority list of parcels is
in good shape regarding possibilities for land and trail access /acquisition. He offers to email list
to OSRC again. Gardner also agrees to email his priority list to Maxner for OSRC distribution.
Sally Milligan Park — Follow Up Re: Fort Structure
Brewster describes how he approached the builder of the fort structure, told him about OSRC
vote that it should be taken down and offers the individual opportunity to take fort down.
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Brewster reports that the person is not interested in doing that so he told the individual that
someone else such as an Eagle Scout would take the fort down. Discussion ensues about scout
troops that have expressed interest in projects and Dunne will reach out to her contact. Also that
fort material could be carried down to parking area for M. Collins to have removed. Discussion
addresses how members believe that projects, such as the fort structure, are vandalism of City
property and Committee decides it would not write an article in the newspaper about the issue at
this time.
Earth Day Nature Walks — Discussion/Planning Events/Review Article for Beverly Life
Magazine
Discussion ensues about Robert Buchsbaum being willing to do a walk although it would not be
connected with any of the low tides. Gardner offers to speak with Paul Ericson, marine biologist,
to see if he is interested in a walk possibly on April 20, 21 or May 18 or 19. Coffey mentions that
Erika Sonder would be doing tree identification and mushroom hunting on her walk and she
offers to email Maxner related language. She also says she is flexible about her history walk
around Lynch Park. Other walks discussed include Brewster's bird walk after May 11, his Shoe
Pond walk on May 26 at 9 a.m. and Coffey offers to ask Darren Brown to assist. OSRC and
Maxner also discuss Moraine Farm, and how they want to showcase Fox Hill trail. McCrory
offers to contact Buchsbaum about dragonfly walk during second week of June. In addition,
Maxner will contact Mike Rabolvsky about a reptile show /walk as he has done in the past. The
Committee also gives Maxner edits to Beverly Life Magazine article language. Discussion
ensued about OSRC providing a courtesy photo.
Other Business
Committee Remembrance for Sylvan Menezes -- Update
Dunne notifies the Committee that she is leaving early to attend to family and says once bench
and base material is known she would contact Karen Menezes about language for plaque.
Community Preservation Act — Update on Ordinance Committee Progress
Maxner explains how the Ordinance Committee is meeting for the third time tomorrow with
membership, appointment and insurance section drafted. She states that the OSRC letter about
recommending that an OSRC member serve on committee should be completed and ready for
consideration. Discussion ensues about how there is opposition to having an OSRC member on
the committee so this would not tip the scales on specific interest in a CPA category with the
remaining four seats open to people at large that demonstrate skills, expertise or interest in the
four categories of CPA.
Maxner states that five seats are prescribed by statute including Conservation Commission,
Planning Board, Historic District Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Housing
Authority and appointments are made from members on those individual boards. She adds that it
is yet to be determined how the remaining four seats will be appointed (i.e. by the City Council
and /or the Mayor). She notes that explanation was given about how Con Com is focused on
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wetlands permitting rather than passive recreation and open space and that the OSRC is able to
fill this gap in concentrating on open space preservation and trail connections, etc. Discussion
ensues about Planning Board's role relative to plans presented to the City. Gardner emphasizes
the importance of having people serving in the four seats with expertise in open space oversight.
Discussion addresses the CPA categories and how 10% of funding is guaranteed for open space,
historic resources, and community housing annually, and if there is money left over recreation
can be a category. Discussion ensued about how OSRC's desires for land acquisition and
preservation could be communicated to Planning Board and Con Com.
Updates
Bathing Beach Lane — Right of Way Access
Maxner notes that new assistant solicitor has started working for City. Mann offers to call Roy
Gelineau about list of properties in tax taking and notes that he has no response yet on Bathing
Beach Lane access. He also offered to call Endicott College about how to approach trails.
Greens Hill — Parcel 27X
Discussion ensues about title examiner following up on next steps for 27X. Gardner moves that
the Committee invite J. Dunn to its March 6 meeting to explain what is going on with Greens
Hill — Parcel 27X. There was no second on the motion. Discussion continues about the
importance of getting action taken on 27X to fulfill OSRC interest regardless of action that will
be taken on all of the City's tax taking parcels at once. Mann offers to work with Gardner to
document paper trail on the number of requests Committee has made on 27X in the past seven
years. Maxner volunteers to speak to J. Dunn on the matter. Discussion addresses the protracted
process with tax taking even when this moves to land court.
Other rights of way and /or open space matters /issues /concerns
Whitehall Trail
Matz and Maxner agree to walk the Whitehall trail at some point in the spring to assess the
condition of the trail leading from the street to the stonewall and open space parcel.
Trail easement on 50 Dunham Road property, permanent CR for Norwood Pond
Discussion ensues about need to get trail easement on 50 Dunham Road property and
consideration of permanent conservation restriction for Norwood Pond area. Matz suggests a
draft permanent CR proposal be prepared for presentation to City Council by analyzing what has
been done before. Members discuss importance of support from City Council and Mayor on
matter as well. Matz offers to get information from Kampersal. OSRC addresses how CR has to
be held by a third party or transferred to the care and custody of the Con Com.
Scheduling
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The Open Space and Recreation Committee's next meeting is on March 6, 2013. Brewster
motions to adjourn, seconded by Matz. The motion passes 7 -0 -1 since Dunne left meeting early.
Meeting adjourns at 9:10 p.m.