2014-11-12CITY 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
November 12, 2014
Charlie Mann (Chairperson), Elizabeth Dunne, David
Gardner, Barbara King, David Long, Marilyn McCrory,
Sandra Stacey, Bill Squibb
James Matz, David Brewster
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Principal Items of Business
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update — Review Draft Survey, Work Plan and Next Steps
Discussion ensues about draft survey with suggestion to separate passive recreation and open space
information from active park recreation programs section. Maxner will provide comments to
Crosbie. The Committee provided comments to Crosbie via email after last month's meeting. A list
of priority parcels for open space has been included. Staff will do the greatest percentage of updates
to the Open Space & Recreation Plan which must be completed by June 2015.
Discussion continues on draft survey with comments to include inviting language, and how to
phrase question to identify if responders believe there is enough open space or would they like to
see more and in what parts of the City; especially as this relates to the priority parcels list. In
addition, questions will address how frequently users visit a particular open space and for what
activity, and what could be done to improve an area (i.e., trash barrel). A general comment box will
be included at the end of the survey.
At a public meeting (i.e., December 10 or 11 at City Hall), a link will be provided for people to do
the survey online at the open space website page or hard copy will be provided that can be
completed and dropped off at the library, and /or City's Planning Department,. Discussion ensues
about how to publicize the survey so the public will respond (i.e., use a PDF flyer), including
possibility of hardcopy at sites such as YMCA, Beverly bike shops and Atomic Cafe. The link to
the survey will be on the City's website home page, and OSRC Facebook page.
Si2nne — Subcommittee Report on Activities
Mann summarizes results of subcommittee meeting about how trail signage should be improved in
the City and how Cummings Foundation and Cell Signaling have offered to fund this signage. The
Commission has $1,000 in profit share from first ECGA trail run. Three components are being
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November 12, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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considered for signage: way- finding /location of trail heads on the street, updating trail head kiosk
signs with current trail layout, and trail intersection.
Discussion addresses completing a grant application based on existing formats that work and how
foundations typically have grant application templates that could be used. The Committee considers
what it wants to fund and graphics for up to 18 way- finding signs, and 5 or 6 kiosks that need
updating. The Committee will investigate graphics currently used for other municipalities' signs to
develop its own graphic as well as determine color and logo (i.e., frog). Maria Arcieri in the City's
Engineering Department can help with graphics. Signage lettering will have to be 3" high so
trailhead names can be read from a car. A map will be developed to identify where way - finding
signs should be located throughout the City.
Discussion ensues about need to update trail maps for new kiosk signs with existing graphics
including: Greenwood, Greens Hill, and Fox Hill. Also, the emerald necklace plan does not
differentiate open space and trails from other City properties and if it could be changed for easier
recognition by website users reviewing a master map. The Committee estimates amount of small
trail signs that might be required with numbering or lettering to define zones. There is also mention
of wheelchair accessibility on the trails. The Committee notes that use of G.I. S. maps in a graphic
presentation could be used for trailhead intersections. Mann offers to touch base with Roland
Adams, G.I. S. Manager. Discussion was on details associated with trail easement from Cummings
at 50 Dunham Road.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — October 1, 2014
Members provide amendments to Maxner. Gardner moves to accept the minutes as amended.
Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 8 -0.
Other Business & Updates
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — Update on Committee Activities/Meetings
Maxner reports that the CPC made project recommendations to City Council which were approved
last week so the first round of CPA funding has been completed. Discussion addresses use of CPA's
open space funds for Camp Paradise acquisition project for at least the first bond payment.
Community Gardens Relocation — Update
Mann updates the Committee on a site walk to address Waring School encroachment on Con Com
land and the need for community gardens relocation with Waring School staff, OSRC
representatives, City Planning staff, Conservation Commission representatives, and Ed Becker from
ECGA. He describes how the best outcome would be if the School's playing field could remain in
the same location and a land swap is done which would require a 2 /3rds vote from the Legislature.
He believes that a 3:1 swap ratio would be advisable. A trail loop would be identified in the
proposed community garden location and trail access would be increased. The result of the
proposed swap is that more land would be protected and the land currently used by the School for a
field would be restricted so no other use could be implemented in that area. Also, the Committee
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November 12, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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notes that the opportunity for parking in the School's parking lot would be formalized. Maxner will
be working with representatives from the School to prepare the package for Becker to approach the
heirs with this land swap proposal.
Discussion ensues about how developer Tom Carnevale has a purchase and sale agreement for the
property across the street (former Sweeney property) and the Conservation Commission is going to
be reviewing the wetland line. Carnevale has a conceptual subdivision plan for six to eight lots.
Maxner notes that Carnevale reported he had an LSP on site and arsenic has been found that has to
be cleaned up. Maxner has informed the developer regarding the proposed spot for community
gardens and public access as well as bringing in water to the gardens. The Committee mentions
importance of right of way remaining in existing spot. Discussion was on whether or not the
Commission would allow electricity to be brought to the community garden as well as use of a
greenhouse.
Update on state lifting designation for marine industrial use at Beverly's waterfront
Discussion ensued as to the public meeting held on future zoning change for Beverly's waterfront
relative to current designation by state as marine industrial (i.e., City pier to end where Jubilee
Yacht Club is located) and how it could incorporate mixed use (retail, residential, parking).
Greens Hill — 27X
Discussion ensues about this moving ahead in land court and advertisement in Salem News has
been placed.
Bathing Beach Lane
Mann updates the Committee on status of Bathing Beach Lane public access noting changes in
G.I. S. site and City having deeded access toward water at the bottom of hill at Bathing Beach Lane.
There is not a deeded right of way or private beach associated with subdivision and there is an
unknown owner situation. Three of four heirs are interested in cooperating with the City but one is
interested in financial solution (i.e., waiving back taxes). Mann has been working with City
Solicitor.
Adiournment
There being no further business to discuss, Gardner moves to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by
Mann. The motion carries 8 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at City Hall, 3 rd Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.