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2013-06-05CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Open Space and Recreation Committee June 5, 2013 Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey (Vice - Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, and Marilyn McCrory David Gardner, Pam Kampersal, James Matz, and Bill Squibb Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner Jane Dooley Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Principal Items of Business Acceptance of Previous Minutes — May 1, 2013 Members give amendments to Maxner. Discussion ensues about dumping on public land (i.e., on sides of trail at Norwood Pond). Brewster moves to accept the minutes as amended. Seconded by Coffey. The motion carries 5 -0. Earth Day Walks Discussion ensues about average attendance at walks, that there were some new participants and repeat visitors, as well as the importance of continuing to have future walks be kid- oriented (i.e., hands -on tide pooling, and orienteering). Coffey suggests the Committee designate an OSRC member to go on each of the Earth Day walks next year as it was unclear whether anyone from the Committee was able to attend the Lynch Park Tidal Pool walk. Discussion ensues about successful newspaper article on the Earth Day walks and potential to use the online news service Patch to publicize OSRC events. Coffey mentions that a walk attendee had said that more publicity for walks would be useful. Maxner notes that she has thank you cards for members to sign for Earth Day walk volunteers. Brewster notes that he observed reflective tabs on trees marking Norwood Pond main trail and thinks that the OSRC official markers secured with galvanized nails should be used to mark trails, or possibly paint. Brewster mentions that he and Gardner marked the Greens Hill trail. Members agree that Beverly Commons is due for refreshment of its trail blazing markings and agree to schedule a time in the fall to do that. Open Space & Recreation Committee June 5, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 Potential Proiects Mann mentions the next step related to OSRC's list of projects is to reach out to property owners with letters. He explains David Santomenna's suggestions as to how to write letters that indicate enough interest without giving the impression that the subject parcel is a "must have" and thereby inflating the owner's expectations of land value. Mann suggests these letters could inform landowners of Beverly's participation in Community Preservation Act, which is a new source of funding, and the City's interest in particular properties for open space purposes. Discussion ensues as to whether to write this letter in collaboration with ECGA, with members agreeing that perhaps this time the OSRC shouldn't since ECGA targets properties that are 10 to 20 acres or larger. Maxner suggests that an initial project for CPA funds might be signage. Mann describes signage used in Salem located on a main thoroughfare that points to a trail with an additional sign used at trailhead. He adds that the City could use more "Please enjoy this public way" signs. He describes walk done with Paul Earl of Harbor Management Authority who was unaware of extent of Greens Hill trail. Discussion addresses signage that could be done relative to Eagle Scout projects and that they could include simple laminated sheets similar to what North Shore Academy students did at Phillips Estate that included historical information. Members agree that research should be done to understand what proposals for signage CPA has funded in other participating communities. McCrory offers to look into what CPA allows for funding signage and she says she is not sure that CPA signage could be used on existing land. Mann notes that the Cummings and Biolabs websites mention what types of projects they would fund. Maxner notes that she does not know if DPW has funds for signs. Mann suggests Maxner call M. Collins. Discussion ensues about how OSRC can use the City map to identify the number of signs that would be appropriate for main thoroughfares, trailheads, kiosks and trail markers. The Committee notes that a large number of signs could become expensive so priorities would be for Sally Milligan, Beverly Commons, Greens Hill and Beverly Farms of off Essex Street. There was also mention of potential need to identify parking locations near trailheads. Maxner suggests she could meet with R. Adams to determine what main roads need trail signage. Mann suggests that map #11 -08 -3A could be used and that a graphic could be added to the trail signs. Discussion ensues as to how newspaper articles could be downloaded to the OSRC website. In addition, Mann notes that he would draft an open letter to be included in the newspaper outlining the Scout projects done with OSRC. Discussion ensues about how Eagle Scout Ian Beckman could add information to such a letter. Maxner explains that Gabriel Buchsbaum is doing natural history signage relative to esker at Phillips Estate, glacial erratics, and vernal pools at Sally Milligan. Open Space & Recreation Committee June 5, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Old/New Business CPA Ordinance Update Discussion ensues as to progress on the CPA Ordinance with Mann noting he attended the Legal Affairs Committee and there seems to be strong support for one of the at -large seats designated to the OSRC. McCrory notes that is her feeling as during City Council meeting Councilors voiced support. Members note the importance of attendance at June 17 City Council meeting when the final vote will be taken to show support. Public Access at Bathing Beach Lane and Pole Swamp Lane The Committee also addresses how to get public access on a private way such as Bathing Beach Lane and Pole Swamp Lane. Maxner recommends a new letter be sent with the Committee's questions on the matter to City Solicitor Roy Gelineau with points that could be addressed in a written response. She adds that the new Assistant City Solicitor Ryan Blake might be assigned to this matter. Mann suggests that a local attorney could be asked for a quick opinion on the matter, pro bono, and he offers to write a letter. He mentions that he asked J. Dunn if he had time to address the owner unknown tax title properties and was informed no action had been taken yet. Committee Membership and Term Expirations Maxner informs members that Pam Kampersal is not seeking reappointment and her term runs out in August of this year. Maxner asks the Committee to network to find potential representatives from Ward 5 and that City Councilor Don Martin should be contacted relative to this appointment. Concept Plan for Route 128Brimbal Avenue Overpass Maxner provides color copies of the concept plans for Phase I (to be done in 2014) and Phase II for Route 128 overpass that includes widening of Brimbal Avenue and restructuring of Sohier Road exit off of Route 128 and plans for Dunham Road side. She adds that she investigated data layers on Mass. GIS relative to areas around Norwood Pond and vernal pools and provides a map that shows the Norwood Pond open space, certified and potential vernal pools and the areas of Route 128 slated for improvements. Site Plan for Dunham Road Discussion ensues about possibility of Cummings granting an easement for walkway /trail along Norwood Pond. The Committee also mentions the possibility of an easement behind Endicott College. Maxner passes out the thank -you cards for Earth Day leaders for members to sign. Action Items Open Space & Recreation Committee June 5, 2013 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 Maxner notes that an action list should be reviewed for what is expected for the next meeting: ➢ Maxner offers to develop a template Roland Adams for open space signage along main roadways; ➢ Mann and Coffey offer to draft a letter of thanks to Eagle Scouts; ➢ All members offer to research templates for signage; ➢ All members offer to research other proposals for signage that other cities and towns have funded through CPA; ➢ McCrory offers to research what CPA can fund relative to signage; ➢ Brewster and McCrory offer to make contact with BevCam as to possibilities for press coverage on projects /walks etc.; ➢ Maxner will contact ECGA for boilerplate language for landowner outreach letter; ➢ All members will try to help find Ward 5 people interested in serving on the Committee (i.e., perhaps a Norwood Pond advocate); ➢ Maxner agrees to draft letter to Norwood Pond abutters regarding dumping of yard waste; ➢ Brewster notes that he will print off new posters for Phillips and Norwood kiosks on the special paper that he used last time. Brief discussion ensues as to Eagle Scout projects including Ben Rich having identified 1- to 15 things he'd like to address at Norwood Pond, and Jesse and Adam Manfre looking to perhaps erect blue bird boxes and manage the Sumac at Sally Milligan Park. The Open Space and Recreation Committee's next meeting is on July 3, 2013. There being no further business to discuss, Coffey moves to adjourn. Seconded by McCrory. The motion passes 5 -0. The meeting adjourns at 9:05 p.m.