2015-09-02CITY 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
September 2, 2015
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Gardner (arrived 7:35 p.m.), Barbara King, David Long,
Marilyn McCrory, Sandra Stacey, Bill Squibb arrived (8:05
P.M.)
Elizabeth Dunne, James Matz
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
John Fallon, Community Garden Group
Jane Dooley
Mann calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Members provided Maxner with amendments for July 1, 2015 minutes. King moves to accept the
meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 8 -0.
Principal Items of Business
Planning Board Request for Comments — OSRD Site Plan Application, initial review for 11-
15 Sunnycrest Avenue — applicant: PD Building, LLC
Discussion ensues about the Conservation Commission's comments on OSRD relative to how all
conceptual plans remove any development in buffer zone. The Committee addresses whether the
6,800 square foot detention pond easement is allowed in 3.29 acre open space parcel. The
Committee notes that 11 Sunnycrest Avenue house will remain in subdivision while 15
Sunnycrest Avenue will be torn down. Members review and discuss the OSRD conceptual plans.
Maxner notes the ownership of the project's open space is not known at this point. Discussion
ensues about how the Committee could express its interest in public access trail to the open space
in the development. Discussion ensues as to the landscape architect's analysis letter, noting that
she visited the site in the winter with snow cover. Members agree the architect should revisit the
site during the growing season.
Gardner arrives at 7:3 5 p.m.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
September 2, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Brewster moves that the Committee write a comment letter including the points as discussed.
Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 6 -0 -1 with Gardner abstaining. Maxner will provide
the Committee with copy of the OSRD from zoning ordinance.
Standley Street Gardens Definitive OSRD Site Plan — OSRC review, public comments to
Planning Board if any
John Fallon introduces himself, explaining that he is working with the Community Garden
Group to help design the gardens at the Standley Street open space site. He notes he has been
attending Con Com and Planning Board meetings to familiarize with the City processes.
Discussion ensues as to Gardner's recommendations for a comment letter to the Planning Board
on the Standley Street Gardens definitive OSRD site plan. Members agree that some points of
inquiry should be directed to the City Engineer, including the following:
• Recommend an appropriate water service size that can accommodate anticipated garden
use of up to 2 acres of growing area;
• Provide an opinion as to the need for a meter vault and the best location for it;
• Determine appropriate design specifications for the gravel drive to accommodate 4-
season vehicular traffic by the garden users and perhaps emergency vehicles if such need
is ever contemplated /needed.
Maxner notes the Conservation Commission will be submitting comments to the Planning Board
and is willing to accept care and custody of the open space. McCrory moves the Committee write
a letter to the City Engineer and cc the Planning Board on the points and questions as discussed.
Brewster seconded the motion. The motion carries 7 -0.
Squibb arrives at 8:05 p.m.
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft, follow up OSRC
Action Items
Maxner explains the State has reviewed the draft Open Space & Recreation Plan and
conditionally approved it through 2022. This allows the City to participate in state grants but
final payment of grants would be withheld until the plan is finalized and completed. Maxner
reviewed the State's suggestions for revisions and additional information needed (i.e., research
and statistics). She notes the State has asked for funding sources to be identified for goals and
objectives action plan. The Committee agrees to email Maxner ideas as to potential funding
sources. Maxner notes that the ADA evaluation forms for the parks and open spaces may need to
be updated, research will be done with Recreation Department to determine if the existing
completed forms are sufficient. Members recall visiting the parks and open spaces and filling out
forms for the last update and note they are willing to take on that task if need be. Maxner will
double check with Allison Crosbie on the need for this.
Maxner notes the draft plan will be taken to the Harbor Management Authority for feedback.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
September 2, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Mann notes he received correspondence from George Whitney on the former McDonald's site.
Maxner explains the Conservation Commission has received a public records request from Mr.
Whitney on the same topic, and notes the City Solicitor will make a formal response to him.
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
Mann notes there are no updates to report, but that he met Maria Arcieri in the Engineering
Department who will be happy to assist in the graphic design of the proposed signage.
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — Update on 2 nd Round Application Decisions
OSRC Assistance with Permitting Greens Hill Trail Improvement Project
McCrory reports that the CPC voted to fund the Greens Hill Trail Improvement Project, with the
condition that proper permitting for the boardwalk be completed with the Conservation
Commission. She explains that four Recreation Department projects were approved by the CPC:
Lynch Park and Dane Street Beach ADA Paths & Beach Chairs, Cove Park tennis court
replacement and Dane Street Beach Playground Structure.
McCrory explains that the CPC also voted to dedicate additional funds to the Community
Housing category to try to establish a pot of money to fund creation of housing units. McCrory
notes the City has $140,000+ in the open space category and the CPC will determine which CPA
reserve category (i.e. open space or general reserve) should go toward Camp Paradise yearly
bond payment (approximately $58,000 annually for 10 years). The Committee concurred that it
should make an argument to the CPC for the need for reserving the open space funds and
endeavor to prepare project applications to submit in upcoming rounds.
McCrory notes that the CPC has agreed on the need to develop a CPA Plan for Beverly and will
start that process this month.
Priority Parcel List — Form Subcommittee to refine list of priority parcels
Mann notes that Greenbelt had forwarded him a priority list of parcels for protection and asked
for his input. Mann had provided thoughts per the OSRC priority list and the Open Space Plan,
but Greenbelt had edited out ownership information. Members discuss the need to be on the
same page as Greenbelt and City administration on this topic. Mann notes the will resend the list
with his original edits
Other Business/Updates Brought Forward by Committee Members /Staff
Mann reminds every one of the OSRC's comment letter to the Con Com about a trail easement
from Endicott College as mitigation for the proposed roadway. Maxner notes that this may be
part of the Commission's approval, but the public hearing is still open and the NOI is still under
review.
Annual Election of Officers — Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary
Open Space & Recreation Committee
September 2, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Currently the OSRC officers are Charlie Mann, Chair, David Brewster, Vice Chair, and Liz
Dunne Secretary. McCrory nominates Charlie Mann to continue as Chair. Seconded by King.
The motion carries 8 -0. Charlie Mann nominates David Brewster as Vice Chair. Seconded by
Gardner. The motions carries 8 -0. Gardner nominates Marilyn McCrory as Secretary. Seconded
by Mann. The motion carries 8 -0.
OSRC Semi - Annual Report to City Council — Preparation for October presentation
Maxner reminds the Committee is it time for the semi - annual report to be prepared. Members
offer thoughts on items to include: Earth Day walks, trail easement with Cummings Center,
Greens Hill, Open Space & Recreation Plan update activities, and Waring School land swap.
Maxner provided an update on how Waring School has drafted an action plan related to the land
swap and Memorandum of Understanding that will be approved by the City solicitor, which will
eventually need Con Com and City Council approval, and go to EOEEA and to the Legislature
for approval. Planning Board ANR plan endorsement is needed to separate the parcels. The
School will pay for the document work, working with Greenbelt in drafting a CR for the
swapped land, and construction of parking spaces to the north, as well as blazing trails
meandering around the new community gardens and keeping access open.
McCrory notes that September 26t' is official Public Lands Day.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, McCrory moves to adjourn at 9:00 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, October 7, 2015 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.