2013-11-06CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
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RECORDER:
Open Space and Recreation Committee
November 6, 2013
Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey (Vice -
Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David
Gardner, James Matz, Marilyn McCrory, Sandra Stacey, Bill
Squibb
None
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Jessica Kagle
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Principal Items of Business
Kestrel Education Adventures — Discussion with Jessica Kagle Re: Environmental Education
Opportunities in Beverly
Jessica Kagle describes her Kestrel Education Adventures environmental education non - profit
organization, through which she works primarily with school children in K- 5concurrently with the
public school's science curriculum programs. Students study habitat on publicly owned land and
research information about watersheds. She explains this year the organization is interested in
working with fifth graders in Salem and Beverly to study ecosystems throughout open space areas.
Kagle presents a video of Beverly public school students who visited Greens Hill to discover and
explore habitat.
Discussion ensues about findings from education days, which are sent to teachers after field
programs. Kagle tells the Committee that she is looking for suggestions for a space /facility that is
not being used for a "get outside" center where people can walk into and learn about areas that can
be explored and where teachers can meet for trainings with the Kestrel team. Discussion addressed
possible use of Camp Paradise property in this capacity. Kagle explains the organization's current
maximum monthly rental expenses and Kestrel's role in highlighting value of public spaces for the
City. In addition, Kestrel would like to create living displays illustrating the ecology of the area.
Discussion addresses if bathhouse at Dane Street, McKay School, Memorial School, airport
buildings, old McDonald's and Bell Market buildings or a location in Salem Willows would be
possibilities. The Committee directs Kagle to, Mike Collins — Commissioner of Public Works and
Engineering, and Bruce Doig — Director of Parks and Recreation.
Discussion ensued as to the possibility of Kagle running an Earth Day walk for OSRC this spring
focused on family exploration. Kagle announces an upcoming nature clase at Chebacco Woods and
Open Space & Recreation Committee
November 6, 2013 Meeting Minutes
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that flyers will be posted at Beverly open space areas. Maxner agrees to email Kagle Mike Collins'
and Bruce Doig's contact information. Kagle thanks the Committee for its time and
recommendations.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — October 2, 2013
Discussion ensues about more summarization of discussion and information in minutes to provide a
broad overview of what occurs in OSRC meetings. Members provide Maxner with amendments to
the October 2, 2013 minutes. Gardner moves the minutes be accepted as amended. Seconded by
Brewster. The motion carries 9 -0.
Community Preservation Committee Draft CPA Proiect Evaluation Criteria
McCrory and Maxner explain how the Community Preservation Committee has developed CPA
project evaluation criteria that will be brought to the boards that the CPC will represent to the
public. The document includes general criteria and category specific evaluation criteria for open
space, historic preservation, community housing and recreation for projects that CPA funds.
McCrory explains that for open space, the criteria addresses evaluation of projects that provide
access to open space by acquiring land or easements, provide opportunities for passive recreation,
make capital improvements or extraordinary repairs for properties acquired with CPA funds. Also
preservation of wildlife habitats, ecosystems and landscapes that contain biodiversity, variety of
habitats, wildlife corridors, etc... are part of consideration.
Discussion ensues about invasive species control as coming under restoration. Members discuss
and agree that obtaining conservation restrictions, even when public access is not allowed, should
be included as one of the criteria for open space category. McCrory states that she will bring this
recommendation to the CPC.
Maxner explains the CPC is holding a hearing on December 12 to unveil the criteria and application
process.
Potential Open Space Acquisition Proiects
Discussion ensues about OSRC planning list on potential open space acquisition projects. Maxner
updates the Committee about meeting with City officials and David Santomenna from ECGA
regarding Camp Paradise property that has been appraised at $1.4 million. The Girls Scouts
organization is interested in a conservation buyer. Bruce Doig, Santomenna and Maxner visited the
site relative to Parks and Recreation use for the property. Maxner notes that Doig indicated he
would speak to Girl Scouts about lease agreement for a year so research can be done on CPA
funding and grant opportunities for the Recreation Department to acquire the land. ECGA is not
interested in acquiring the Camp due to the lack of contiguous open space properties and funding.
Discussion ensues about value of Camp property relative to future recreation uses and need for
funding to come from other sources than the City. Discussion addresses goal for Committee to meet
Mayor elect to outline OSRC's top priorities.
Signne — Review Templates for ROW's/Roadways & Open Space Lands
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November 6, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
The Committee reviews templates for open space signage and notes that details are needed at
specific locations where these signs would be installed throughout the City such as if there are any
nearby poles that could accommodate signage. The Committee discusses possible resources for
funding including recreation and trails grant or local colleges and businesses that might be
interested in community outreach project.
Other Business & Updates
Expanding Publicity of OSRC Activities — Discussion /Action Items
The Committee notes the need to add information on City's website notifying users of public open
space if they see abuses or vandalism of property that City should be informed. Also, that creating
videos of City's open space could be done as part of Eagle Scout projects.
Other Business Brought Forward by Committee Members
Discussion ensues about access to the Tanzella Hill area. The Committee discusses interest in
public having the right to pass over rights of way and if the City has any interest in buying the small
strips of land from heirs. Discussion addresses if the City Solicitor should be consulted for
clarification.
Maxner updates the Committee on right of way on Leech Street and speaks to City Solicitor's
response to her letter on the matter. She notes that Engineering Department has said this is a City
right of way, which she reported to the City Solicitor who notes that a universal approach is
required to deal with these problems and he doesn't have time to address.
Gardner reports that 27X was addressed in Land Court on September 26 and an examiner has been
assigned, so this is in process. Also, he will approach the Mayor -elect about the Cummings property
walkway. Gardner notes that the meadow at Sally Milligan is being taken over by sumac and
inquires about location of bluebird box in the park. Discussion ensues about if the Committee would
receive a report from Eagle Scouts after projects are completed.
Adiournment
Matz moves to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 9 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at City Hall, 3 rd Floor Committee Room at 7:00 p.m.