2014-12-03CITY 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
December 3, 2014
Charlie Mann (Chairperson), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Barbara King, David
Long, Marilyn McCrory, Bill Squibb
James Matz & Sandra Stacey
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Scott Houseman, Ward 4 Councilor
Jane Dooley
Chairperson Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Principal Items of Business
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update — Work Plan and Next Steps
Maxner reports that Allison Crosbie finalized the survey and email addresses are being
assembled to announce the survey and public meeting. She discussed with Planning Director
Aaron Clausen about scheduling a public hearing for January 7 at the regular OSRC meeting.
The survey will be available to the public prior to the meeting.
Maxner has compiled a list of accomplishments under the previous 7 -Year Action Plan. Members
agree that a Powerpoint will help facilitate discussion. Main sections of the presentation could
include a brief introduction to the Committee, it purpose and mission, explanation of the Plan, a
list of accomplishments since last open space plan and reasons for updating. Also included at the
hearing would be a map of the City's open space such as Conservation Commission parcels,
City -owned land and trail information. In addition, that copies of plan's Executive Summary
could be available in hard copy for hearing attendees.
General discussion ensues as to the agenda for the meeting and Powerpoint elements. Mann and
Brewster agree to draft a presentation and share with Maxner and Crosbie.
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
Mann explains that there is no update since the subcommittee was too busy to meet. There is
funding available for this purpose but no sponsor notation would be included on way - finding
signs, street intersections and trailhead signs, and kiosks with original graphics. Maxner explains
that Maria Arcieri in the City's Engineering Department is ready to help with sign graphics.
Mann notes that once the OSRC has the count of signs and pricing on graphics can be provided
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December 3, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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by vendors, a grant applications can be written (i.e., Cummings and Cell Signaling corporate
giving department).
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — Update on CPC Activities/Meetings /2 ° d
Round Application Process
McCrory summarizes that CPC is looking to boards and committees for feedback and input on
CPA project priorities (i.e., needs, possibilities, and resources). She encourages the Committee
to attend a public hearing that will be held in January. She provides an outline for the second
round application process, including anticipated application deadlines and timeframes.
Discussion ensues on OSRC's priorities including funding open space land acquisition and
creation (i.e., possibly transforming brown fields), and possible conservation restrictions.
Gardner notes that Harbor Management Authority may have interest in using some of its funding
for Greens Hill lot 27A appraisal. Gardner notes that December 8 1h is the due date for response on
27X relative to City's public notice on tax title taking.
Discussion ensued as the Committee's need to provide priority parcels to the CPC with rationale
for their protection. Maxner suggests OSRC outline the OSRP's main objectives under the
Action Plan for the CPC and tie in how specific priority parcels would meet those objectives.
Discussion ensues about how CPC has not spent all of the CPA funds currently available and that
CPC has established the pre - applications deadline for February 13, 2015. Discussion addresses
how there is competition for the CPA funds and McCrory notes that the CPC advises applicants
to prioritize projects.
Maxner states that CPC has established an out -of -cycle application process for unexpected
emergency projects. It is agreed that the OSRC needs to converse with property owners of
potential parcels in preparation for future acquisition.
Acceptance of Previous Minutes — November 12, 2014
King moves to accept the minutes. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 7 in favor, 0
opposed, 1 abstention. Brewster abstained since he did not attend.
Other Business & Updates
Waring School Field Encroachment on Con Com Land — Resolution U
Maxner states that the Conservation Commission in coordination with Waring School has drafted
a mitigation package and it will be placed on December 9, 2014 Conservation Commission
agenda for discussion and consideration.
OSRC Semi - Annual Report to City Council
Discussion ensues as to the Semi - Annual report due to the City Council. Mann and Maxner
agree to draft the report and get time on a February Council agenda.
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December 3, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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Bathing Beach Lane
Mann notes he will provide a draft letter to the City Solicitor to update on the situation.
Mann offers to host an OSRC holiday event on December 17 at 7:00 p.m. at 21 Riverview
Street. Maxner will post to keep in compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
McCrory notes that Greenbelt will be hosting a Land Conservation Forum scheduled for
December 6, 2014 from 9:00 a. m. to 11:00 a. m. in the Gould Barn, Topsfield.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, McCrory moves to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Seconded by
King. The motion carries 8 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Council Chambers for the public input
meeting on the OSRP update at 7:00 p.m.