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
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April 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.