2014-01-08CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Open Space and Recreation Committee
January 8, 2014
Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Nancy Coffey, David
Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Sandra Stacey,
and James Matz arrived at 7:20 p.m.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Marilyn McCrory & William Squibb
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
OTHERS PRESENT: David Long potential At -Large OSRC member, Scott
Houseman Ward 4 City Councilor
RECORDER: Jane Dooley
Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Principal Items of Business
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — November 6, 2013
Members review with Maxner previously discussed amendments to the November 6, 2013
minutes. Coffey moves the minutes be accepted as amended. Seconded by Brewster. The motion
carries 6 -0 since Matz had not arrived yet.
Draft Semi - Annual Report to Council — Review and Approve
Members discuss additional language for draft semi - annual report. Maxner will try to have this
placed on the City Council's January 21, 2014 agenda.
Request for Support Letter from Kestrel Education Adventures — Discussion /Approval
Discussion ensues as to Kestrel's search for a facility that could be used for their Education
Adventures programming. Maxner notes that Jessica Kagle asked for a letter of support. Mann
agrees to contact Kagle to understand what would be helpful to her.
Potential Open Space Acquisition Projects: Priority Parcel List
Mann explains the Trustees of Reservation's acquisition priorities relative to parcels as the
Moraine Farm.
Matz arrives at 7:20 p.m. Ward 4 City Councilor Scott Houseman arrives and joins the audience.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January8, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Discussion ensues as to the comparative benefits of acquiring Camp Paradise vs. preserving
parcels at Moraine Farm, with Mann asking that the OSRC members send a list of pro's and
con's for each based on this discussion so that he can assemble and present to Mayor Cahill.
Mann agrees to provide Mayor Cahill with the Committee's list of priorities for open space
acquisition.
Discussion ensues about upcoming Community Preservation Committee meetings on January 23
(informational meeting), February 14 (pre- application deadline), followed by the CPC's
deliberation of eligibility for a full CPA project application. OSRC members discuss whether the
Committee should write a letter of support for TTOR's application for CPA funding. Gardner
offers to work on a motion for the Committee's consideration.
Mann moves on to explain that Ward 1 City Councilor David Lang is interested in moving
forward on protecting Parcel 27A on Greens Hill, and Mann suggested securing funds for a
formal appraisal on that parcel.
Mann reports that he, Coffey and Gardner met with R. J. Lyman, a real estate attorney in
Beverly, to discuss public access over private rights of way where the City has frontage.
Discussion ensues as to the avenues that are available to the City for securing access rights.
TTOR Moraine Farm CPA Pre - Application to CPC
Gardner asks to read his motion for consideration. Gardner moves that the OSRC support the
acquisition of land of the Moraine Farm complex for open space for use of the citizens of
Beverly since this parcel is the highest open space priority and that the Committee supports
TTOR in preparing pre - application eligibility determination and a full application for CPA
funding. In addition, the OSRC shall write a letter of support to accompany TTOR's
applications. Seconded by Coffey. The motion carries 7 -0.
Si2nne — Discuss Developing Sign Template and Grant Application Package
Discussion ensues as to the low probability of finding pro bono graphic design work from
Montserratt College of Art and the Committee notes that all that is needed is selection of a color
and a graphic for signage. Members agree to search online for examples of signage that include
signage for main streets, trail head and trail intersections.
Other Business & Updates
Coffey explains that this meeting will be her last as she is stepping down from her At -Large seat
on the OSRC. The Committee members thank Coffey for all her hard work and valuable
contributions to the OSRC and the City through the years.
Expanding Publicity of OSRC Activities — Discussion /Action Items
The Committee agrees to address this at a later time in favor of concentrating on the immediate
open space acquisition priorities as discussed this evening.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January8, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Other Business Brought Forward by Committee Members — If Any
Mann asks members for their thoughts as to open space priorities to present to the Mayor.
Discussion ensues as to priorities that this Committee has been working on. Mann agrees to
package this list into a letter to present to the Mayor.
Next Meeting Agenda
Items of Business
Maxner summarizes homework for members, including research signage for street, trail head and
trail intersections. In addition, OSRC members will send Maxner thoughts on pros and cons of
Camp Paradise versus Moraine Farm.
Adjournment
Matz moves to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Seconded by Gardner. The motion carries 7 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, Februarys, 2014 at City Hall, 3 rd Floor Committee Room at 7:00 p.m.