2015-07-01CITY 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
July 1, 2015
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, David Long, James Matz,
Bill Squibb and Marilyn McCrory
Barbara King, Sandra Stacey
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Jane Dooley
Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Members provided Maxner with amendments for June 3, 2015 minutes. Brewster moves to
accept the meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Squibb. The motion carries 6 -0 -1 with
Matz abstaining as he was not present at that meeting.
McCrory arrives.
Principal Items of Business
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update — Review draft
Maxner notes that the draft Plan will be sent to the State shortly. The Conservation Commission
will write a letter of endorsement. Discussion ensues on comments from Conservation
Commissioner Robert Buchsbaum relative to Commission's role in conservation restrictions.
Also discussed was maintenance of trail kiosks, groups interested in maintenance of trails, signs
for public land regarding public access to waterfront, protection of open space in urban areas of
city, use of pesticides and herbicides, Greenscapes program, and reduction of water use.
Discussion addresses map updates to show City -owned land (especially along Pole Swamp Lane)
relative to City -owned open space inventory and how reference map should be used. Members
suggest edits to the 7 -Year Action Plan relative to Buchsbuam's comments and the Committee's
general discussion. Maxner will share with Crosbie.
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
Mann states there is no update as subcommitee members' schedules have been too busy and
conflicting.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
July 1, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — Update on 2 nd Round Applications
McCrory states the CPC has begun reviewing the Round 2 applications starting with the Historic
category, and will probably move on to Recreation projects at its next meeting. Discussion
ensues about the $149,000 CPA open space reserve from FY' 14 and FY' 15 Open space CPA
revenue for the next year is expected to be roughly $800,000.
Identify Potential CPA Open Space Projects — Review & Discussion
Discussion addresses parcels on 11 -15 Sunnycrest slated for an OSRD subdivision, and if
neighbors could have come forward to advocate for its preservation as open space (under OSRD
50% of the area will remain as open space).
Discussion ensued as to inventory of open space parcels identified by the OSRC through
reviewing Assessor's list for land of 5 acres or greater that did not contain buildings. There are
other parcels that could be added to this list. OSRC could initiate taking action on property that is
of interest to the City now that there are CPA funds for open space acquisition and bonding
potential.
Mann reports that ECGA has provided a list of its open space priorities in Beverly to the Mayor
and Planning Director. Mann suggests the Committee review these properties to develop its
approach and perhaps form a subcommittee to work on this task. It was noted that discussion has
occurred with City officials and ECGA relative to great estates. Mann will forward the latest list
developed by OSRC. Mann notes that communication should occur with Mayor to ensure
duplicate effort does not occur.
OSRC Assistance with Permitting Greens Hill Trail Improvement Project
Mann notes he is working on a Notice of Intent for Greens Hill trail improvement project to
obtain Conservation Commission approval.
Other Business & Updates
Mann asks Maxner if the boardwalk at Norwood Pond was part of the Order of Conditions for
the new building. Maxner will check.
Matz provides an update on the three OSRD projects before the Planning Board, noting that the
Committee has written comment letters to Planning Board on these projects. Discussion ensues
about getting water service for future community garden on Standley Street. Members ask that
they be cc'd on all agendas that are generated out of the Planning Department. Maxner will
coordinate that, noting that the ZBA is staffed out of the Building Department which is locatd a
the Memorial Middle School.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
July 1, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Mann notes that Project Adventure withddrew is application to the ZBA, and believes that the
organization is back in discussion with TTOR.
McCrory asks Maxner to find out if the City responded to Camp Mitchmans' owner email about
intention to sell. Maxner will report back.
Earth Day Walks — Review
Members discuss the good turnout for the last Earth Day walks that were held this summer.
Next Meeting Agenda
OSRC will review list of potential open space parcels at its September meeting, get updates from
signage subcommittee as well as on Open Space & Recreation Plan and Greens Hill NOI.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Gardner moves to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Seconded by
Matz. The motion carries 8 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.