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07-07-16 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES BOARD: SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Mann opens the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Discussion — 15/17 Leather Lane Open Space and Recreation Committee July 7, 2016 Charlie Mann (Chair), Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Barbara King, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller (left at 9:04 p.m.), Bill Squibb David Brewster (Vice Chair), David Long Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Gregory Sharp Jane Dooley Gregory Sharp, 8 Leather Lane, describes how he has lived in the City for a year and a half. He was recently informed that the owner of 15 and 17 Leather Lane intended to install sewer connection which would allow possible development of the parcel at 17 Leather Lane. There is currently a house located on 15 Leather Lane. Mr. Sharp explains that he is involved in a real estate negotiation with the property owner with two options (1) his buying the 15 Leather Lane house and 12 acres or (2) his buying 5 acres and a portion of 17 Leather Lane not including wetlands. He has no updates on price being negotiated with the property owner. Mr. Sharp states that he is hoping for the Committee's support for CPA application for placing the parcel in conservation status if he can agree to a price for the parcel with the property owner. Discussion ensues about how there is back land in the area of interest which ECGA is in discussion with another property owner where some family members want to preserve parcel and others want the area developed. There is interest from Leather Lane neighbors relative to private funding to preserve a portion of the 15/17 parcels. Discussion addresses whether a current conservation restriction in the area has public access. Leather Lane is currently a private road so if City CPA funds are sought there has to be a public benefit to preserve a parcel in the area. A connecting walking trail runs through the 17 Leather Lane property and connects to a right of way at another property owner's land. Mr. Sharp suggests that since he does not have a viable purchase option, there is more than one option on the table that could be acceptable to all parties. He notes that he has a buyer for the house. Sewer is needed because the septic system likely will not pass Title 5, so a new sewer connection is being considered because it makes more economic sense. The 15/17 Leather Lane parcels would trigger OSRD and more than two houses could be considered as part of future development. Open Space & Recreation Committee July 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 Mr. Sharp speaks of 7 Leather Lane, a property with unknown owner, and that the proposed sewer connection would impact the private lane. Mann states that this parcel was submitted to the City for possible tax title taking and it takes a year(s) for the City to go through that process. According to Mr. Sharp, the City Engineering Department specified that an easement search would have to be done. In addition, if this is a sewer lateral, a contractor may not be required to file a plan. Discussion addresses regulations controlling properties on a private lane relative to sewer connection. It was unknown if Bryant Ayles, Finance Director, has taken any action on the unknown owner property list. Mr. Sharp speaks to the 800 acres at the Pole Swamp Lane area at Beverly and Manchester town lines. He questions what can be done to preserve the open space in the area. The Committee mentions how there are a lot of wood lots in the area which could be written into one deed. The area is fairly landlocked which creates a level of protection. Mr. Sharp mentions the large estates as most vulnerable to development. Mr. Sharp states that he would consider being an at -large member for the Committee and will attend one to two meetings before committing to becoming a member. Discussion ensues about a regional open space plan and if OSRC could meet with chairmen from other open space committees in neighboring municipalities relative to preserving open space on Cape Ann. There was also mention about recent meeting at Seaside Cycle in Manchester about use of open space for cyclists, equestrians, and cross country skiers and interest in a regional trail in Cape Ann that interconnects existing trails. This effort could include a meeting with assistance from MAPC, and ECGA to identify players and next steps for preserving open space. In addition, discussion was on possibility of purchasing an easement from Juniper Street to Pole Swamp Lane for public access. Annroval of Previous Minutes McCrory moves to approve the June 6, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Miller. The motion carries 6 -0 -1 with one abstention. Principal Items of Business Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities Discussion ensues about one of the parcels on the list that was pursued by ECGA. Also, the Folly Hill property which has been marketed for sale. It is not eligible for OSRD due to zoning district. This parcel could be sold as a whole or in pieces and it is located next to the golf course. There is a lot of wetland in the parcel. The zoning would allow for 500 units but 350 units is possible with the wetlands and other constraints. Mann reports on Parcel 4 -21 site walk with Environmental Planner Amy Maxner and City Councilor Scott Houseman and how this potential purchase is not a priority for the City although it is a gateway to Tanzella Hill. The City is getting a second price on the property appraisal. Open Space & Recreation Committee July 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities As a result of the City survey many residents were not aware of trails or where they could go on open space properties. There are three components for signage: wayfinding signs, trailhead signs, and kiosks (Greenwood and Greens Hill will be updated). Maria Arcieri, graphic designer working in the City Engineering Department designed the sign mock -ups after meeting with Mann and Wynne. Discussion ensues about what color the signs should be including green, brown, light brown and blue. Also, if numbers should be assigned for trails (i.e., at intersections) and if this information could be contained on the Open Space website. The Committee notes that some businesses in the community might contribute to the cost of creating signs and Beverly Land Trust might help fund some of the signs. Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities — 122 Cross Lane OSRD Site Plan Discussion addresses hiking trail public access and location for open space area. The OSRC had no further comment on this site plan. Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities The CPC approved partial funding for Pete's Park renovation, Vittori Park playground structure, walking trail at Beverly Emergency Management site by the airport, Harbor Management and a potential Congress Street park. The Conservation Commission reviewed Greens Hill trail proposal and application will remain the same with technical details identified and approval sought for plan as is. The Commission will review the plan again on July 12. Other Business/Updates Brought Forward by Committee Members /Staff Sylvan's Bench Waterfront walkway was dedicated and the Committee will talk to Harbor Management about funding the Sylvan Menezes wooden bench and bronze plaque (language needs to be defined). Permission may be required from the state. Greenwood / Stone Ridge Road resolution Discussion ensues about where the bicycling community can park after hours to access trails and respect for private property. A flyer on the matter will be distributed and put on Open Space Facebook page. Bass River Walkway Open Space & Recreation Committee July 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 A representative from the state is willing to do a site visit. There is a Chapter 91 license pertaining to Starbucks property. The Committee will research history of trail in the area proposed for the Bass River walkway. Executive Session McCrory moves to go into Executive Session at 8:54 p.m. to review the Executive Session minutes from June 1, 2016 meeting. Seconded by Squibb. The motion carries by roll call: Charlie Mann, yes, Marilyn McCrory, yes, David Gardner, yes, Barbara King, yes, Bill Squibb, yes, Wayne Miller, yes, Elizabeth Dunne, yes. King moves to accept the June 1, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Gardner. The motion carries 6 -0. Gardner moves to leave Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries by roll call vote: Charlie Mann, yes, Marilyn McCrory, yes, David Gardner, yes, Barbara King, yes, Elizabeth Dunne, yes. The Committee reconvenes in open session at 9:00 p.m. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, McCrory moves to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 6 -0 since Wayne Miller left the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.