2013-09-04CITY 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
September 4, 2013
Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey (Vice -
Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David
Gardner, Marilyn McCrory, Sandra Stacey, Bill Squibb
James Matz
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Eagle Scouts Jesse and Max Manfree, Ben Rich and his
father Herb Rich
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., Conference Room A, 3 rd Floor
Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street.
Principal Items of Business
Members welcome new member Sandra Stacey
The Committee introduces themselves to and welcome new OSRC member Sandra Stacey, Ward
5 representative.
Proposed Eagle Scout projects
Eagle Scout Jesse Manfree describes to OSRC his proposal for an Eagle Scout project to build 10
bat houses with assistance from his Boy Scout Troop 2 and notes that bats eat many mosquitoes.
Manfree suggests Sally Milligan, Fox Hill, Birch Plains Park as possible locations for the boxes.
He mentions that bats select trees as their habitat, which he learned from Internet research.
Brewster recommends Manfree speak to Jane Winchell, Curator of Natural History at the
Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, noting that Winchell's research was in bats and she could
offer insight on the proposed bat house building project.
Manfree describes how he visited the City's parks where he has considered locating the bat
houses and he photographed trees. Coffey suggests that the bat houses should be on the edge of a
grassy opened area. Mann recommends that the bat houses be near an open field up high to
prevent vandalism. Discussion ensues about how the boxes should be painted with dark colored
paint or not painted at all.
Maxner notes that Fox Hill is off of Tall Tree Drive and is a Conservation Commission property.
She recommends Manfree provide a presentation to the Commission once the properties are
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September 4, 2013 Meeting Minutes
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identified for the project. She adds that the Parks and Recreation Department should be consulted
regarding Sally Milligan Park. Maxner states that she does not foresee any problems as long as
the project goes through the proper process relative to stewardship of properties where the bat
houses might be located.
Discussion ensues about Manfree writing a paragraph that could be included on the OSRC
website explaining the project and importance of bat houses.
Discussion ensues about how the bat houses should be installed on trees in such a way to ensure
that the trees do not grow around and engulf the boxes. Dunne suggests a book that outlines
details associated with bat house construction and placement.
Manfree discusses project paperwork with the Committee and notes he would start the project as
soon as possible. OSRC members ask Manfree to take photos to update the Committee. In
addition, members inquire if the Scouts would be interested in assisting with any video
production that could be done on the project to be shared via local cable television access station
as a means to promote the work accomplished by the Scouts.
Eagle Scout Ben Rich describes his project proposal to clean up overgrowth mainly at the
beginning of the Norwood Pond trail as well as to work on the gate off of Dodge Street to make
it more attractive, install four signs that will indicate distances for parts of the trail (based on his
estimates), install walking platforms over muddy areas (using non - pressure treated wood), and
disassemble a fire pit that should not be located on the trail.
Discussion ensues about if Roland Adams, City GIS Coordinator in the Engineering Department,
has the coordinates that Rich needs for the trail distances and Maxner suggests it is likely.
Discussion addresses need for Adams to plot distances and that Rich could meet with Adams.
The Committee addresses what work cannot be done on private property noting that access to
Norwood Pond is over a private lot on Elnew Avenue that is for sale so the trail needs to be cut
on City land to intersect with the existing trail. Rich notes that he was not planning on working
on the entrance trail. Brewster suggests a crew could be added to do work at a similar time. Rich
mentions that he has a few years to do the project since he is 16 years old and hopes to do the
work in the fall or next spring.
Discussion ensues about walkway proposed for construction in wetland that would require a
presentation to the Conservation Commission. Dunne recommends Rich take a look at the
walkway done off of Greenwood Avenue that is used by mountain bikers and notes that there is
room for horses to get through. Mann mentions that a clean up day is scheduled by mountain
bike association at 8 a.m. on Sunday at Greenwood Avenue gate that Rich could attend to
observe trail maintenance. Discussion addresses what type of lumber would be used and that
pressure treated could be used, another possibility is cedar but longevity might not be as great.
Mann recommends the Committee decide upon a background color and font to be used for
signage so it has a uniform look. He suggests Rich consult with the Committee before he works
on signage. Maxner explains that when Eagle Scout Gabriel Buchsbaum did his signage just a
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September 4, 2013 Meeting Minutes
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white background was used. The Committee notes that they should get a copy of the files that
Buchsbaum used to update signage when it weathers. Brewster suggests a backup copy of
signage graphic file be provided to the Committee for any signage generated.
Discussion ensues about lawn refuse that was seen on the property near the trail at Norwood
Pond that could be privately owned. The Committee also addresses how Rich could check in
with Maxner to keep his project moving forward. Brewster recommends the kiosk map at
Norwood Pond be refreshed. Discussion ensues about the recent trail run that occurred on ECGA
and City land at the Beverly Commons.
Eagle Scout Max Manfree speaks to his proposed project where he would be building and
putting up two picnic tables at Sally Milligan Park near the Cross Lane entrance in left -hand side
clearing and another nearby clearing. M. Manfree also offers to produce carry -in, carryout signs
to post at the park entrances and areas throughout the park. Lumber for the picnic tables will be
donated (i.e., from Gove Lumber or Home Depot), the tables would be partly assembled before
hand with the remainder of assembly completed onsite.
Gardner explains that as a resident of the area he periodically picks up trash at the park and he is
not entirely sure that picnic tables are an appropriate project since some youth abuse the park and
generate trash especially in the area suggested for the picnic tables. He recommends that blue
bird boxes could be built for installation in the park. Mann concurs and notes that the City does
not have a maintenance budget for the open spaces. Mann states his opposition to encouraging
people to hang out in the park since it could exacerbate the trash and abuse problems (i.e., lean -
tos, vandalism and fire) that are causing a negative impact. He encourages trail building,
maintenance, signage or birdhouse building as well as possibility of blazing the Elnew Avenue
trail near Norwood Pond.
Discussion ensues about how the carry -in, carryout signs generally get defaced. Brewster notes
that it is essential to have more signage. He concurs that the Elnew Avenue trail could be a good
project.
Maxner suggests that Bruce Doig could recommend City parks that could work and have
maintenance budgets for Eagle Scout projects. Discussion ensues about possibility of Eagle
Scout project work on property near school department properties such as Hannah Elementary
School, Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School, Centerville Elementary School, Bald Hill and
Harbor Master area. Coffey mentions that locations that are visible from street in a busy place
would be best for locating picnic tables.
M. Manfree will reconsider his options and speak to Doig for ideas to ensure there is longevity
for his project. He has until November 30 to finish his project so he'll check in with Maxner
with his project ideas. Gardner suggests that Doig may have benches that M. Manfree could
install for him.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — Au2ust 7, 2013
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Members provide Maxner with amendments. Coffey moves that the August 7, 2013 minutes be
accepted as amended. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 5 -0 -3 with McCrory, Gardner and
Stacey abstaining since they did not attend.
Acquisitions: Letter to Landowners
Mann explains that subcommittee was unable to meet between OSRC meetings. He mentions
that he sent a draft letter to ECGA's David Santomenna and spoke to him regarding what ECGA
does with landowners and properties the organization has interest in. Mann describes how
Santomenna had offered to do a joint letter with OSRC and notes that the City would not do a
joint project with ECGA the intent is to flush out joint interest (i.e., City of Gloucester using
CPA funds) and states that OSRC would have more interest in a greater number of properties
than ECGA.
Mann states that there is a list of properties that are of interest to OSRC including tax taking but
notes that the list should be re- prioritized now that CPA has come into the picture.
Norwood Pond Trail Easement Options
Discussion ensues about action item to contact the Cummings Foundation about the easement at
the Dunham Road property and if OSRC should ask the Mayor to contact the Foundation.
Discussion addresses how there is a small piece of North Shore Music Theatre property that
could connect to the Norwood Pond trail and that the easement would be along the side of the
pond. Gardner offers to speak to the Mayor about a natural walking and bicycling pathway
easement along the Cummings property to the pond. Brewster notes the frequent use of the Shoe
pond easement /walking trail.
Maxner states that if the easement were acquired then this could blossom into the importance of
protecting City -owned land. Mann suggests that the only liability for Cummings with the
easement is that the public would be on its property.
Discussion on potential trail si2nne
Mann refers to his photographs of Salem's Forest River trail signs that contain a green
background and logo. He notes that OSRC has discussed where trail signage could be located
and mentions the benefit to identify the number of trails in Beverly. Discussion ensues about the
use of the OSRC's frog and fern on signage. Discussion addresses natural colors used for signage
by other environmental organizations such as brown for AMC. Mann suggests the Committee
members peruse signs on the Internet to identify those that they find attractive and recommends
they print out examples for the next Committee discussion. Mann describes the effectiveness of a
trail sign in Salem at a trailhead.
Discussion addresses looking ahead for the Committee to agree upon a signage design and
possibly create a graphic file, then the OSRC could possibly pursue grants to pay for the signs
since CPA funds might not be available to fund signage.
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Discussion on Pole Swamp Lane
Coffey relates to Committee her email conversation with realtor /attorney related to issue of
privately owned streets and City as an abutter who said he would have to look at deeds. Mann
notes a similar discussion with his business colleague who thinks if the City is an abutter to a
right of way that is for abutters and the City residents to access. He adds that City Solicitor Roy
Gelineau could opine on specific areas (i.e., Bathing Beach Lane, Pole Swamp Lane) for
recreational uses. Mann summarizes that these situations involve access to some City property
where City residents would have to pass over a private way.
OTHER BUSINESS
Community Preservation Committee update
McCrory reports that there have been two CPC meetings and next step is to develop guidelines in
a six -month timeframe to review and accept projects. She notes that CPC is reviewing examples
of project review criteria that are used by Gloucester, Newburyport, Hamilton, etc. that will be
discussed at the next CPC meeting.
Maxner notes that there was consensus at the last CPC meeting that a few pages of criteria can be
developed to evaluate and review projects and will include an application sheet to get project
review underway. McCrory states that guidelines will include how to evaluate open space
projects so she suggests it would be valuable for OSRC to weigh in on the draft criteria. Mann
concurs with process of evaluating projects already done by other communities. Gardner
suggests once OSRC prioritizes its list of potential projects then it could provide that to the CPC.
Discussion ensues as to if the City would be interested in acquiring 17 acres in conjunction with
Trustees of Reservations from Project Adventure, which already contains a Conservation
Restriction. The Committee also discusses Gloucester's success with CPA funds for projects.
Gardner offers to contact the Trustees personnel and possibly add discussed acquisition to the
OSRC subcommittee's parcel list. Discussion addresses how OSRC would convene in executive
session to converse about potential acquisitions outlined on subcommittee parcel list.
Discussion on National Grid walkway
Discussion addresses National Grid site after recent work was completed including a 10 -foot
versus 4 foot fence and location where a walkway was supposed to have been situated on the
site. Maxner explains that she emailed the National Grid project engineer and referred to the
cryptic note on the approved plan about the walkway. She adds that Mann drafted a letter to the
Conservation Commission stating that the OSRC had a plan that is approved and he explained
that what is being built out in the field is not compliant with this plan. The letter asks the
Conservation Commission to bring the discrepancy to the attention of the applicant and asks the
applicant to remedy the situation.
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Discussion ensues about the impact of the Utility's current fencing at the site on the abutting boat
yard property. Maxner notes that the Conservation Commission will be staying on top of the
National Grid project noting the importance of riparian plantings survival at the site.
Publicity for OSRC activities
Discussion addresses conversations members had with BevCam, representatives relative to
publicizing OSRC but membership and camera operation training time by OSRC may be
required. Coffey offers to write letters to Monserrat College of Art and Endicott College to
identify if there are any film production students that would be interested in a publicity project.
Mann suggests mountain bike cyclists could film a trail ride with narrative or background music.
Discussion on future of Camp Paradise
Maxner notes she will work to schedule a meeting with David Santomenna at Greenbelt to
discuss Camp Paradise. Mann summarizes how the Committee was split 50/50 about whether or
not it was worth pursuing acquisition of 12 -acre Camp Paradise site. He notes that ECGA is not
interested since it is not contiguous to any of its property groups and the price of $1.5 million.
Mann concurs with ECGA's position on the property for similar reasons such as it is not
contiguous to the City's land, it is landlocked and the parcel contains a building.
Discussion ensues about if the appraisal is correct for the parcel that would have seven buildable
lots and that the appraisal matches the assessed value. Gardner refers to a map he developed of
the parcel and illustrates how to get to the rail trail in Danvers if OSRC could get an easement to
the property. Maxner states that if the property did go to a developer, OSRD would be triggered
so 50% of buildable area, not including wetlands, would be set aside as open space. The
Committee notes that OSRD does not mandate a public access easement.
McCrory opines how open space is not all for trail use and recreation but is to preserve land
especially for wildlife habitat. Gardner notes that the adjacent property at 30 Foster Street is
already approved for a 5 -lot cluster subdivision. Maxner explains that OSRD is predicated on a
by -right plan compared to what would be allowed under a conventional subdivision. Mann
mentions that ECGA had recommended the appraiser.
Gardner suggests that the property on the Bass River (27A) is a lot more valuable since it would
complete a circuit and the return on investment for the City. Dunne notes that there is a pond on
the Camp Paradise site and questions if it should be preserved. The Committee will revisit the
Cape Paradise discussion after a meeting with ECGA.
Other Business
Mann reiterates the New England Mountain Bike Assoc. Trail Clean up Day on September 8 at
the Beverly Commons.
On another topic, he expresses dismay about fire and related damage that occurred at Sally
Milligan Park relative to the young adults that are partying and leaving trash on the City trail
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property. Discussion ensues about how enforcement action relative to the abuses (i.e., teepees) in
the City park property can prove difficult. The Committee describes how friends of the parks
organizations could walk the properties to survey if there are abuses. Mann stresses the
importance of dismantling the teepees immediately after they are discovered on City property.
Mann reports on how to move the 27A acquisition forward by having an appraisal done and his
discussion with a contact that could provide a quote on the cost to develop a formal report.
Coffey suggests before the next OSRC meeting, the Committee develop questions it would ask
the mayoral candidates relative to open space concerns and issues (i.e., Brimbal Avenue and
Norwood Pond).
Mann explains that neighbors at Marion Avenue have paved a section of the Leech Street right of
way and using it as their personal vehicle parking. Maxner suggests that this be brought to the
attention of the City Solicitor. Mann agrees to get the photos and information to Maxner to pass
along to the Solicitor.
The Open Space and Recreation Committee's next meeting is on October 2, 2013. Gardner
moves to adjourn. Seconded by Coffey. The motion passes 8 -0. Meeting adjourns at 9:10 p.m.