2016-01-06CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Open Space and Recreation Committee
January 6, 2016
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Barbara King (arrived at
7:10 p.m.), David Long, Marilyn McCrory, Bill Squibb
Sandra Stacey, Wayne Miller
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
McCrory moves to approve the December 2, 2015 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by
Brewster. The motion carries 7 -0.
Principal Items of Business
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft, OSRC Follow Up
Allison Crosbie is working on updates on inventory of open space for latest version of draft plan
which will be reviewed by the Committee with changes identified. The only outstanding piece is
environmental justice issue. The action table will highlight where funding could be found. The
goal is to get the plan done ASAP working with the Committee and state. Mann asked for a
status draft be provided to the Committee, showing the changes.
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
No update.
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — Representative Report on Activities
CPA Activities
The Committee is planning for round three of funding. The annual public hearing will be held on
February 4, 2016 at City Hall. Pre - applications are due up to March 4, 2016 which are used to
determine eligibility of CPA funding. Applications for eligible projects are due May 26, 2016.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Discussion ensues about what open space parcels the Committee could possibly bring forward
for CPA projects. Gardner offers to contact property owners to see if there is interest for the City
to purchase potentially unbuildable parcels with CPA funds designated from open space reserve
or undesignated CPA funds. The CPC will need an appraisal for any property where the
Committee identifies interest. The building inspector would issue findings as to what is an
unbuildable lot. The OSRC subcommittee will reconvene to discuss potential parcels.
David Brewster asks if any potential open space projects have come up in the Planning
Department. Discussion addresses how Camp Mitchman property owner is interested in keeping
the property in educational use rather than selling to developers, while maintaining the residence
on the site. Discussion ensues about future of community gardens in Beverly and if there remains
potential at Standley Street development. The Committee will continue to support the community
gardeners in their effort to find a new garden location in the City. A future subdivided Waring
School parcel is discussed, but not likely an open space candidate.
Greens Hill Trail Improvement Project
Discussion addresses how a second surveyor has identified a 9 -foot discrepancy on property line
resulting in higher engineering costs (more than the $900 the OSRC has budgeted for surveying).
The City engineer has benchmarks for Green Street. The Memorandum of Understanding
agreement is being drafted by Amy Maxner and should be done at the end of the month. A trail
with a boardwalk is planned for the site and drainage will be addressed. CPA funding is allocated
for the project. Discussion ensues on site visit at Greens Hill and trail in from Green Street to the
marsh already exists. There was also mention that encroachment is happening on the City's open
space with one resident's driveway on Green Street.
Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities
Discussion was on Essex Street (Kelleher Pond and the parcel behind Essex Crossing)
conveyance to open space that went before City Council which has been referred to the Legal
Affairs Committee. The path will be gravel and grass and connected to Essex Street, and a gate
will be put in the back at the field to Hannah School. The developer provided a $10,000
endowment for Parks and Recreation for maintenance. The Committee will draft a letter
recognizing the positive outcome of the OSRD and supporting the open space conveyance.
Discussion addresses open space in the back of the Boyles Street parcel which will be
maintained in a natural state. Six to eight new pine trees are being planted along the back border.
A walking easement will be put in place for a path around the perimeter of the property.
Also, the Jewett Street subdivision public hearing was continued. Discussion ensues on language
that would be used for signage describing City easement access off of the private way to Sally
Milligan Park.
Review of Modification to Special Permit and Site Plan Review for 10 -12 -16 Congress Street
Ventron
Discussion addresses how the 10 foot walkway is the same size as originally planned (within the
powerline easement) and there is public access. Wynne will research who is responsible for
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
maintaining the walkway. There will be 5 public parking spaces available. The underground
parking will not be developed. 62 units are planned for the site, instead of the 72 prior.
Discussion ensues about how clean up was done at the site. Also, if any amenities such as
benches are planned for the walkway. Committee will draft a letter expressing their
recommendations to the Planning Board.
Discussion ensues on work progressing for walkway where Sylvan Menezes memorial bench
will be located at the Beverly Harbor shoreline.
Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities
The Subcommittee is going to meet in a week.
Other Business & Updates
Jonathan Salt
Jonathan Salt was not available to attend the meeting and is interested in connectivity of bicycle
rides and walking trails.
Scheduled Walks
Discussion was on need to determine dates for Earth Day walks. Brewster offered to coordinate
and receive walk ideas from OSRC members (i.e., geocaching and mountain bike ride, Moraine
Farm, trail work at Norwood Pond). Publicity for the walks will be done including on the OSRC
Facebook page.
New Business
Discussion ensues about need to relocate Sally Milligan Park trail off of potential private
property and to circumvent heavy underbrush. If the Committee does a site walk it would be
posted. Discussion addresses Pole Swamp Lane and interest in establishing a public right of way
for walking path. The Committee notes how some properties along Ancient Way have blocked
off access and this could occur with a new house proposed to be built on Brackenbury Lane that
is being reviewed by the Conservation Commission. David Gardner offers to write a letter to the
Conservation Commission in support of preserving the Ancient Way.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Gardner moves to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Seconded by
Dunne. The motion carries 8 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, February 3, 2015 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.