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2014-03-05CITY 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 March 5, 2014 Charlie Mann (Chairperson), David Brewster, Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Marilyn McCrory, Sandra Stacey, Bill Squibb James Matz Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner David Long — At -Large member candidate, Steve Sloan — Trustees of Reservations Jane Dooley Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Principal Items of Business Potential Open Space Acquisition Projects: The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) and Moraine Farm Steve Sloan of TTOR explains that TTOR had submitted a Pre - Application with the CPC and the project was determined eligible for CPA funding. He explains the elements of the project, which include the City's acquisition of the development rights for 11 acres of unrestricted land at the Moraine Farm, and gaining of a public walking easement through the property. He notes that the full CPA funding application is due on May 1 st Sloan explains that Building Envelope 1 on the Project Adventure parcel, which was included in an early iteration, was not included because after due diligence it was discovered that an Agricultural Preservation Restriction encumbers that parcel and it requires State Department of Food and Agriculture's approval to subdivide within the APR. He notes that the State is not inclined to subdivide the parcel if there is no clear benefit to the agricultural assets or operations of the property. The holders of the restriction, ECGA and TTOR, have the ability to maintain a trail for public use and there is design for that and part of it would go over Project Adventure land and would connect Conant Street with Phillips Preserve. This is proposed as part of CPA application; in exchange for the proceeds of sales of restrictions, the TTOR would grant a right of access to residents of the City and maintain trail. Discussion addresses how an additional 38 acres, held by the Batchelder Trust would be donated to TTOR once an endowment can be funded, towards which this CPA funding will go. Open Space & Recreation Committee March 5, 2014 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 Discussion ensues on importance of publicizing this project proposal to increase City officials' and public understanding of intent of the CPA application. Sloan offers to provide information to Maxner about the historic value related to the Olmsted landscape to share with the CPC and OSRC. OSRC members suggest that Sloan speak to Historic District Commission. It was agreed that support letters from OSRC and Historic District Commission could be helpful for potential project approval. The Committee mentions the importance of demonstrating clear public benefit (i.e., TTOR managing public access) rather than trying to include all uses found in eligible CPA categories (i.e., recreation). Discussion ensues as to options for PR. The Committee mentions interest in walking the property possibly with Sloan and CPC. Discussion ensued as to possibility of incorporating walks on the Farm with the OSRC's annual Earth Day Walk events. The Committee also mentions interest in walk in forest area that could end at the red barn. Sloan agrees to come to the Committee's April 2" d meeting to review the draft CPA funding application with members and gain feedback and input. Acceptance of Previous Minutes — January 8, 2014 Gardner moves the January 8, 2014 minutes be accepted. Seconded by Brewster. The motion carries 6 -0 -1, with McCrory abstaining as she did not attend that meeting. Semi - Annual Report to the City Council McCrory gives an update on her presentation of OSRC semi - annual report to the City Council. She notes that President Guanci inquired as to the OSRC's knowledge of Camp Paradise disposition, to which she replied that the OSRC was aware of the impending sale and its support of preserving the property for recreation use. Mann offers to follow up with Guanci about Camp Paradise and Moraine Farm to explain the ins and outs of both projects. Earth Day Walks Discussion ensues about the possibility of Earth Day walks at Moraine Farm and Long Hill with potential dates starting in April. The Committee discuss that Jessica Kagle could do a child - oriented walk. Maxner reminds Committee that members need to commit to attending at least one walk to ensure there is an OSRC member at each. Brewster offers to contact Derren Brown relative to expertise regarding Olmsted landscape. Maxner will contact Erika Sonder, botanist, who has done walks and Paul Erikson for his tidal pool walk. Nancy Coffey will be approached about doing a historical walk and if she could partner with Ed Myskowski, who does geology walks. Si2nne — Discuss Developing Sign Template and Grant Application Package The Committee notes that this needs to be addressed and there is mention that ECGA is working on signage for its purposes. Open Space & Recreation Committee March 5, 2014 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 Nomination of Vice -Chair After some discussion, Brewster and McCrory agree to consider offering their services to fill this role and report to the Committee at its next meeting so a vote can be taken. Other Business & Updates Community Preservation Committee — Update on Committee Activities/Meetings This was covered during discussion with Sloan. Potential Open Space Acquisition Projects: Priority Parcel List Mann updates the Committee about Bathing Beach Lane, as he met with the heirs who own the land and their attorney and three of the four heirs are interested in providing an easement for the City. Discussion was on City's community gardening program and when land is needed for cemetery. Maxner states that work is being done to find a new location near Waring School and Standley Street. Next Meeting Agenda Items of Business Maxner notes that the Leach Street encroachment has been brought to the City Solicitor's attention. Adjournment Gardner moves to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by Squibb. The motion carries -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at City Hall, 3 rd Floor Committee Room at 7:00 p.m.