05-04-16 OSCR MinCITY 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 7:05 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Open Space and Recreation Committee
May 4, 2016
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair arrived
at 7:40 p.m.), Elizabeth Dunne (arrived at 7:07 p.m.),
Barbara King, David Long, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne
Miller (participating remotely)
David Gardner, Bill Squibb
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
Long moves to approve the April 6, 2016 meeting minutes. Seconded by McCrory. The motion
carries 4 -0 -2 with McCrory, Miller abstaining. Brewster had not arrived yet.
Principal Items of Business
Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities
Discussion ensues about letter template from ECGA regarding interest in land, and
appropriateness of letter coming from Greenbelt relative to the OSRC priority parcel list. ECGA
has expertise, relationships and in some cases abutting property. Also, tax deductions have gotten
higher for land donation so outreach could be done to landowners or tax attorneys.
A permitted plan of 27X was approved by the Planning Board and recorded.
Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities
No activity has occurred since last month. Work to be done includes updating of all kiosks, and
new trail maps for Greenwood, Greens Hill, and Phillips reserve.
2016 Earth Day Events — Subcommittee Report on Activities
The clean -up day went well where 60 bags of trash were picked up by 20 attendees along Bass
River. Brewster mentions that the Moraine Farm walk went well with 25 attendees. The next
Open Space & Recreation Committee
May 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
walk is on Saturday at Long Hill at 9:00 a.m. On Sunday, May 15 the West Beach walk will
occur. The first week in June is the dragonfly walk.
Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft
The final revised plan is on the website and has been submitted to the Planning Board (it will
review further at its next meeting), and City Council. Once Allison Crosbie receives
recommendation letters from the Planning Board and City Council the final plan will be
submitted to the state. The City can apply for grants with its draft plan. Discussion ensues about
if there would be interest in publishing the plan in hard copy for possible placement at the City's
libraries or City Hall.
Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities
The Planning Board approved the initial review phase for 122 Cross Lane OSRD. Also
mentioned were rental units with 6 planned for Hardy Street, and 90 units /5 stories /108 parking
spaces for Rantoul Street. It was noted that Beverly will have two more commuter rail trains
coming through the City daily.
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities
The CPC approved project applications as eligible. Two open space with one requiring a
conservation buyer. The Garden School has submitted an application with parts of its project as
eligible for survey relative to historical preservation work on the building. There is a purchase
and sale agreement with the owner. The City was informed that the Chapter 61 status will not
continue if it is a non - profit use; however, members asked for further clarification. Research will
be done with DOR about Chapter 61 compliance (i.e., notification and 120 day timeframe). The
closing on the property is expected before July. If this does not occur commercial taxes will be
paid for the year.
In addition, the CPC was presented with 5 project applications for the Recreation Department,
and one from the Harbor Management Authority ($25,000 for Congress Street beach and
waterfront access improvement — kayak ramp). The Beverly YMCA is interested in a fitness trail
on its property that would be open to the public and a CR may be needed to preserve the trail in
perpetuity. Other project applications were for historic preservation including from Beverly Golf
& Tennis Club, and Beverly Historic Society.
Other Business & Updates
Other Business/Updates Brought Forward by Committee Members /Staff
Discussion addresses how the City signed paperwork associated with Greens Hill, and survey is
complete. Also, clean up was done, and work is being done on the NOI. This project will likely
be pushed out until fall.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
May 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Camp Mitchman Update
This property was discussed above.
Beverly Commons Parking
The ECGAtrail run will be held in Beverly Commons on August 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Letter from Stone Ridge Road residents -- Salvatore & Andrea Russello
Discussion addresses letter from Stone Ridge Road residents who are experiencing people
parking and traveling across their property to access Beverly Commons Conservation Area. The
OSRC will communicate with Glen Urquhart School to discuss Saturday day parking in the
School's parking lot to alleviate the situation for these residents.
ECGA workshop update
An update was given on workshop about acquiring land to conserve open space, and possible
need in the future for the Committee to seek expertise relative to land acquisition.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Seconded by
Dunne. The motion carries 7 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.