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2013-04-03CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Open Space and Recreation Committee April 3, 2013 Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey (Vice - Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, James Matz, Marilyn McCrory, Bill Squibb Pam Kampersal Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner Dan from New England Mount Bike Association, Jesse and Matt M. and their mother Sarah, Ben Rich and his father Herb Rich Jane Dooley Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Principal Items of Business Discussion with Dan from New England Mountain Bike Association — North Shore chapter Discussion ensues with Dan about previous project done by New England Mountain Bike Association and ideas for another project. Dan proposes a number of locations where maintenance or reconfiguration of trails could be done that would benefit Beverly Commons' property and provides Committee with a map of his proposals. Dan suggests ideas including a wet meadow trail and possible bog bridge beyond the house foundation (Greenbelt running race could be a possible concern since it occurs in area). Mann mentions gravel causeway and how nothing should be put in place to impact overflow of stream. Dan clarifies for Gardner that these are not Boy Scout projects but that they could be. He outlines project priorities from oldest to newest on his map presented to Committee including main fire road where OSRC members agree that it would be nice to have a permanent fix here. Dan suggests there could be 125' of boardwalk as a solution for crossing and he notes that there is beaver activity in area. McCrory mentions that the wet spots might be important, suggests that they should not be filled in and questions whether or not Conservation Commission approval might be needed. Mann notes that people have tried to do partial fixes here taking ad hoc actions and the area is a mess. Dan concurs and states that intent is to create a solution that does not disturb the wetland. A third area that Dan refers to includes a re -route of a trail by ECGA that is near gas line that goes from a low area to high ground and the trail is at the lowest spot so he suggests a better exit Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 further to the north that could be extended to come down off of high ground. A fourth proposal is a wood road where the lowest spot in the area is full of water and there are opportunities along the side that Dan states a new trail could be created that would not go through seasonal wetland. Gardner mentions that two years ago the Commission walked the trail that Dan had suggested for his previous project and it included moving a stone wall. Dan notes that the work was done and reiterates that he is looking for a new project to do this year. Discussion ensues about the Committee visiting the property to understand Dan's proposed projects. Dan emphasizes the need to do the first project he proposed to the Committee and that the property is owned by ECGA which is supportive of a solution in the area. Mann summarizes that Committee is looking ahead to develop a comprehensive plan that shows understanding of the area. He thought Dan's suggestions were appropriate but notes the impact of the wetlands and suggests that Dan's proposals should be included in a plan of all projects including the Boy Scout projects. Dunne inquires about vernal pool that occurs for four to six months on the road in Green Wood where the eight to ten feet of the road is messy. Discussion ensues about if a moveable bridge could be used for part of the year and moved to the side when it is dry. Dan states that if a bog bridge was used there may not be enough room to move it off to the side. He offers to investigate this as well as other ideas from OSRC, noting that his project #5 that includes Wood Lane is an area that is problematic. A sixth project that Dan suggests relates to how the trail has higher ground on either side and takes advantage of terrain but it is rocky and could be better. His seventh suggestion is related to the previous project done by his organization, would take an hour to complete and he believes it would avoid Wood Lane entirely and be used as a simple connector. The last project proposal from Dan he identifies as most complicated but would offer substantial improvement. Discussion ensues about how some vernal pools in the area may not have been cataloged. Brewster suggests that Amy Maxner could answer questions on the topic. Dan notes that vernal pools that were not identified by GPS are located incorrectly. He says when there is no priority habitat it makes it easier to do projects. Discussion returns to Dan's first proposed project as obviously needing attention with Gardner mentioning need to go to Conservation Commission and for OSRC to do a site walk. Dan reiterates that project #1 has a longstanding need and he believes this project and #7 could be done in one project day. Mann reiterates his belief about the boardwalk as appropriate and need not to disturb water spreading in the area. Discussion ensues about Dan's proposals being in the northeast quadrant of the property. Dan mentions that he is not in favor of flagging trails. Committee discusses how they could walk the property and review all eight of Dan's proposals during a weeknight since it is not dark until 7:30 p.m. OSRC agrees to close the loop on a date with Dan after OSRC members consult their calendars to set a date. Mann notes that he is impressed with Dan's understanding of the deficiencies in the area. Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 Discussion with Eagle Scouts on potential proiects Jesse Manfre, Matt Manfre and Ben Rich discuss with Committee ideas for potential Eagle Scout projects. Ben Rich mentions walk he did at Norwood Pond and potential for a project. Mann notes that Ian Beckman is in the final leg of work at Tanzella Hill that is scheduled for April 13 Discussion ensues about a Boy Scout project being done with Scott Houseman, and that Scout projects could possibly be done at Sally Milligan and Bald Hill. Mann provides a sign -up sheet for scouts to provide to Committee so the OSRC can review list of potential projects, prioritize them and get back to the Eagle Scouts. The two brothers tell OSRC that their Eagle Scout project completion deadline is November. Rich describes his walk at Norwood Pond and that the work he identified includes clearing trail of trash and fallen trees, trimming of overgrown bushes, fixing wet areas, repairing kiosk glass and poster, demarcating entrance better, and building boardwalk for boggy areas. Discussion ensues about house foundation and furniture strewn around the Norwood Pond area. Mann notes that this is a good project that requires a lot of work. He suggests Rich assess what realistically could be done and for the scout to develop a project list that can be finalized. Mann mentions that coordination could be done with the City to have trash removed from Norwood Pond area by scout be picked up by public works. Discussion ensues about how removal of big trees might not be appropriate for scouts to address. Brewster summarizes for Rich how the computer file for the Norwood Pond kiosk sign already exists. The Committee explains how Amy Maxner can answer any specific questions for scouts regarding these projects. Coffey moves to accept the project and mentions that Brewster and Mann would be point people on the project. Seconded by Dunne. Motion carries 8 -0. Discussion ensues with Jesse and Matt regarding the Committee's list of project priorities. OSRC members mention specific project ideas including at Sally Milligan with Gardner outlining work to be done on stone steps at Pearl Street extension and cutting down of sumac in meadow out back, and that another project could be to build a kestrel box. Brewster speaks to a possible maintenance project on Brimble Avenue behind Hannah School where trails exist. Coffey mentions the Open Space walks to the scouts as an opportunity for them to see areas discussed for scout projects (i.e., Sally Milligan Park at 2 p.m.). The Committee thanks the Scouts for their interest in participating in these open space projects. Acceptance of Previous Minutes — March 6, 2013 Members discuss amendments to minutes. Gardner moves to accept the minutes as amended. Seconded by Matz. Motion carries 7 -0 -1 with Mann abstaining since he did not attend the meeting. Earth Day Nature Walks — Discussion/Planning Events Mann reads latest version of Earth Day Nature Walks schedule and Coffey confirms details about walks that are finalized. Matz explains that he needs more information for his walk since Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 the contact at the Trustees of Reservations at Moraine Farm has said the walk should be in the afternoon. Matz agrees to send final description and time for his walk to Maxner. Discussion ensues about need to give a verbal assurance from the City to leader of walk at Lynch Park. Mann notes that Robert Buchsbaum's walk on May 19 needs a description. Coffey offers to take responsibility for getting the walk descriptions into the calendar listings with the Salem News and Beverly Citizen. In response to discussion about sign -up sheets for walk attendees, Coffey offers to look into "meet up" online posting capability. Potential Proiects to Partner with Trust for Public Land — Discussion/Develop Priority List McCrory describes conversation with Chris LaPointe of Trust for Public Land where she explained how OSRC was looking for a permanent Conservation Restriction for Norwood Pond on City -owned land, that this would not be eligible for Community Preservation Act funding and that the Committee is also seeking an easement from an abutter on privately owned land. She notes that LaPointe offered to meet on the North Shore. McCrory adds that the Trust for Public Land could provide some funding up front to help an organization purchase land and that the money is paid back to TPL. Discussion ensues about whether or not a CR would be something where TPL could provide assistance. Mann states that he would be willing to meet with LaPointe alone or with a small OSRC group. He notes that there could be a lot of properties in the City that are possibilities for acquisition and suggests the Committee could contact landowners to describe what the Committee has done and its priorities for future land(i. e., Fox Hill). McCrory explains that the Committee can propose projects to the CPA Committee as soon as that committee is ready to accept them. She mentions that CPA funding will start on July 1 st Gardner describes how the Mayor has approved funding to replace windows on carriage house. McCrory notes that 10% of CPA funding for open space has to be spent annually ($65,000 of $650,000 of total tax revenue with 25% state match). Discussion ensues about how there could be some landowner interest in selling their land relative to open space potential on parcels that OSRC has identified. Also that subcommittee has nearly finalized the parcels that it would recommend the Committee move forward with to determine if they are worth pursuing (i.e., 27A and if it is a buildable lot relative to wetlands or if there is owner interest in selling). McCrory suggests the Committee could determine a list of projects and if there is a need for appraisal. She adds that LaPointe and ECGA could assist OSRC in approaching landowners. The Committee agrees that the subcommittee should meet again to move this discussion forward. McCrory initiates getting a meeting organized with LaPointe and asks interested members to send her meeting dates via email. Brewster suggests that there could be an upcoming evening where OSRC members could investigate vernal pool activity and that Maxner could assist especially with what vernal pools are certified at Norwood Pond and their GPS location. Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 Other Business Community Preservation Act — Update on Ordinance Committee Progress McCrory reports that the draft CPA ordinance has been submitted to the City Council and referred to legal affairs. Discussion ensues as initiated by Squibb who expresses his disappointment that an open space seat has not been defined on CPA Committee and suggests OSRC approach City Council about open space having a seat on CPA Committee. McCrory reads cover letter from Ordinance Committee sent to City Council that describes members' thought who were not in favor of open space designated seat since they feel that the open space interest would be well represented by Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Conservation. Also, that the at -large seats on CPA Committee should be left open to citizens rather than assigned specifically to open space. McCrory states that she believes open space should be represented but not specifically through an assigned seat. She continues reading the letter with reference to committee members that were in favor of assigning an open space seat who stated that open space may not be represented adequately by Conservation Commission. She adds that the intent is to keep the seats open to residents that may not be serving on other City boards. Squibb reiterates his belief that a representative from OSRC should have a designated seat to bring the years of knowledge from the OSRC to CPA Committee. Discussion ensues about how OSRC could send a letter to the Ordinance Committee and that OSRC members could attend City Council discussion of ordinance. Mann notes that open space is part of City's Master Plan and part of the CPA categories. Updates Bathing Beach Lane — Right of Way Access Mann states that there still needs to be a meeting with Roy Gelineau about Bathing Beach Lane. He will inform Gelineau of OSRC's list of tax title properties with unknown owners that Committee believes should be considered by City for possible acquisition for open space. Greens Hill — Parcel 27X The Committee discusses how they could ask Maxner to try and get more specific information from J. Dunn on timeline related to 27X. Other rights of way and /or open space matters /issues /concerns Discussion ensues about maintenance opportunities that could be done relative to Boy Scout projects. Coffey suggests that in late summer or the start of the school year that she could write a newspaper article about the Boy Scout projects. Open Space & Recreation Committee April 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 Matz summarizes intent of tomorrow's meeting with Beverly Airport Commission relative to if there is a map illustrating whether or not there are oil sources or hazardous materials within watershed. He also refers to follow up meeting about ordinance being worked on with Planning Board and City Council and related public hearing on May 6. In addition, Matz describes a conversation that he had with Councillor Don Martin about rezoning that has occurred at Norwood Pond to protected municipally owned open space and related restrictions on how contiguous parcels would be protected against future development and OSRC's interest in a permanent CR. Scheduling The Committee decides to do a site walk at Beverly Commons on April 9 at 5:00 p.m. depending upon the weather. Mann offers to contact Dan of New England Mountain Bike Association to join walk to review his proposed projects. The Open Space and Recreation Committee's next meeting is on May 1, 2013. Brewster motions to adjourn. Seconded by Matz. The motion passes 8 -0. Meeting adjourns at 9:22 p.m.