2015-10-07 (2)CITY 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
October 7, 2015
David Brewster (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Dunne, Barbara
King, David Long, Marilyn McCrory, Sandra Stacey, James
Matz and Bill Squibb arrived (7:20 p.m.)
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Gardner
Amy Maxner, Environmental Planner
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Allison Crosbie, Associate Planner
Jane Dooley
Brewster calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
McCrory moves to approve the September 2, 2015 meeting minutes. Seconded by King. The
motion carries 7 -0 -1 with Dunne abstaining.
Principal Items of Business
Planning Department Staff Introductions & OSRC Staffing Changes
The Committee thanks Maxner for the stellar job that she has done supporting OSRC and
welcomes Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director who will be taking over OSRC
responsibilities.
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft, OSRC Follow Up
Crosbie reports that conditional approval has been received for the updated plan. Discussion
ensues about facility inventory forms for each property by Ward, which were distributed to the
Committee members by Ward representation to complete. Also mentioned was that as part of the
action plan funding sources have to be identified for each item. Discussion addressed
applicability of CPA funds, state land grant, land trust partners, ECGA, TTOR, private
fundraising partners, PARC grant, potential funding from the Beverly Water Supply Board,
federal land conservation, Harbor Management Authority, local business partners and private
foundations (signage funding), Recreational Trails Grant program, DCR, and DOT /Complete
Streets, and Urban Forestry Initiative. Crosbie requested the OSRC email her with any additional
funding ideas.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 7, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Other information that has to be expanded for the plan is environmental challenges, including
environmental equity and forestry. Discussion ensued on whether open space and recreation
areas are evenly distributed within Beverly, particularly as it relates to income, and how to
identify the areas most in need. Discussion was on importance of addressing invasive species in
the City's forests and whether there is need for a visionary maintenance program. The Committee
notes that the bigger open space in Beverly is accessible by anyone though it is not evenly
geographically distributed. They also discussed parks as open space. Crosbie will look for
examples from comparable communities to answer the question. In addition, that CR for
Norwood Pond was completed.
McCrory commented on the OSRC not receiving Zoning Board of Appeals meeting notices.
Maxner will raise it within the City.
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
The Signage Subcommittee has not met recently.
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — CPA Plan - Open Space Section Discussion,
Update on 2nd Round Application Decisions, OSRC Assistance with Permitting Greens Hill
Trail Improvement Project
McCrory reports on CPC's recommendations on funding including Greens Hill Trail. The CPC is
drafting a CPA plan to help determine priorities. The open space section will contain language
from the Open Space Plan, and identify goals and priorities for use when the CPC evaluates an
open space application for CPA funding. The draft section will be sent to the Committee for
feedback. Discussion addresses acquisition and preservation of open space.
Allowable uses under CPA for open space are acquisition (i.e., Camp Paradise); creation (i.e.,
rehabilitating a brownfield); preservation; rehabilitation and restoration on properties that were
acquired with CPA funds; and make capital improvements or repairs. Discussion ensues about
how Greens Hill Trail is being CPA funded as a recreational trail under recreation CPA category.
Maxner notes that she had a DOR document that deals with what the City Council does with
CPC recommendations as it relates to the importance of a CPA plan. Mann has nearly finished
the Notice of Intent for the boardwalk and trail work for Greens Hill which could be discussed
during hearing at the Conservation Commission's meeting on November 10.
Priority Parcel List — Form Subcommittee to refine list of priority parcels
Dunne reports that refining of list is in process. Discussion ensues about the former Ventron site
and property owners being open to offers, restrictions about condominium development versus
single family residence relative to contamination, and Conservation Commission addressing
property owners' interest in rip rap for deteriorating seawall.
Other Business & Updates
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 7, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
OSRC Semi - Annual Report to City Council — Preparation for October presentation
The Committee reviews draft OSRC Semi - Annual Report, which highlights CR for Norwood
Pond, and OSRC support for Community Gardens. Maxner will make necessary edits and
coordinate with Charlie Mann on placing report on an upcoming City Council agenda.
Community Gardens and Conservation Commission land
Discussion ensues about how the Community Gardens may be managed on Conservation
Commission land on Standley Street relative to location, structures, roadways, soil conditions,
etc.
Planning Board and Great Estates Committee updates
Matz explains how in November he will begin serving on CPC as Planning Board representative,
replacing John Thomson, and another Planning Board member will need to be appointed to serve
on the OSRC. The Committee thanks Matz for his contribution to OSRC, and he likewise thanks
Committee for opportunity to serve.
Discussion ensues about Planning Board project at 50/54 Boyles Street relative to open space in
new development with private way, and 11 -15 Sunnycrest Avenue has approved yield plan.
There was mention of efforts to draft a new ordinance being undertaken by Great Estates
Committee to provide guidance in development in areas of the City where great estate structures
and period homes could be preserved.
Earth Day Walk publicity in Recreation Department brochure
The OSRC will work toward publicizing Earth Day Walks in Recreation Department brochure
that is published in January.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Matz moves to adjourn at 8:30 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, November 4, 2015 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.