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03-02-16 OSRC MinCITY 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 March 2, 2016 David Brewster (Vice Chair), David Gardner, David Long, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller, Bill Squibb Charlie Mann (Chair), Barbara King, Elizabeth Dunne Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Jane Dooley Brewster opens the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Approval of Previous Minutes Gardner moves to approve the February 3, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 4 -0 -2 with Long and Miller abstaining. Principal Items of Business Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft A public meeting will occur tomorrow with Gloucester Crossing. Attendees will be given a survey asking them about what open space parcels they use in the City, and what type of open space where they would like access. Discussion was on two vacant parcels in the City that were previously maintained and there is interest in resuming maintenance. Also, that the Recreation Department will be submitting an application for a CPA funded project for Pete Frates Park so it will be fully accessible. This information will be added to the plan. 2016 Earth Day Events The Committee discussed an offer it had received where a City park could be cleaned up as part of an Earth Day event possibly along the Bass River shoreline or Obear Park. This action could include a dog walking group (former OSRC member Sandra Stacey could be contacted). Darrin Brown from the Beverly Historical Society plans to do an Earth Day walk on JC Phillips Preserve and Frederick Law Olmstead properties on Saturday, April 30 at 9 a.m. The walk will start at the Cape Ann Waldorf property and lead to Phillips estate. Nancy Coffey will do the West beach walk during one of two weekends following April 30 and timing will be based on the tide. Open Space & Recreation Committee March 2, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 Dave Brewster volunteered to do a bird walk related to migration on May 15, 8 a.m. at Long Hill. Robert Buchsbaum has offered to do a dragonfly walk at the beginning of June (4 or 5) at Beverly Commons starting at Greenwood Avenue. Discussion ensues about possibility of holding a geocache walk that could occur at Sally Milligan Park on May 21 or 22. Also discussed was whether or not a vernal pool walk could occur at open space by Whitehall Circle. A flyer of the walks will be produced and posted on the City's website and OSRC Facebook page. Also, publicity may possibly occur in the Salem News. Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities Memo from City Staff The priority parcel subcommittee of the OSRC met with the Mayor to review the priority list and discuss procedures relative to soliciting when there is interest in acquisition for open space parcels. Wynne referred to her staff memo that outlines how volunteers be clear that they are not representing the City when initially inquiring whether or not a property owner is interested in selling or gifting parcels to the City. The Mayor supports the OSRC doing this work but he would like status check -ins from the Committee. Gardner suggests that he will speak to Mann about possibility of a script that could be used when property owners are approached by Committee members in this matter. He adds that legal work (i.e., by the City solicitor) would be part of a defined process. Gardner notes that he sent a memo with his ideas to Mann and recommends that other ideas from staff and /or Committee members could be compiled as part of coming to a consensus on process. This process could involve telephone calls and letters. In addition, discussion ensues on two projects that have been submitted to the CPC which have been led by a volunteer relative to City -owned land. The City has indicated that going forward, all such projects shall have a City lead as part of the process. The Committee discusses whether or not a trail could be located at the Sunnycrest development relative to wetlands and liability where trees have fallen. There was also mention about conversation and /or correspondence with Endicott College relative to a trail at the back of the College property. Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities Review of proposed projects: 122 Cross Lane OSRD Initial Review Discussion ensues about yield plan and the developer being allowed to blast ledge as well as alter the topography at the site as part of building up to four houses. An existing house that has been vacant at the site will be removed. An acre of open space is expected as part of the development. Also, discussion of the access to Sally Milligan Park from the property. Open Space & Recreation Committee March 2, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 Gardner moves for the Committee to write a letter to the Planning Board stating that the Open Space and Recreation Committee has reviewed the project and recommends that Concept Plan A is preferred provided that the Do Not Disturb areas are part of the open space. This plan best preserves the current natural street scape and character of Cross Lane. A recommendation in the letter could ask for consideration to move east line on Lot 3 to accommodate a potential future trail to avoid wetlands. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 6 -0. Other Business & Updates Community Preservation Committee (CPC) — Representative Report on Activities A public hearing was held to gather input and ideas on CPA projects including interest in site as a public park if Windover does not develop. Also mentioned was open space funds relative to Camp Paradise bond. Investigation is underway to identify whether or not signage and lumber for kiosk repair would be eligible for CPA funding. Discussion addresses how maps and other printed information on trailhead kiosks facilitate safe, productive public use of open space. This type of CPA project application could include request to fund wayfinding signs. Other sources of funding (commercial donors) could be sought for this purpose. The Committee reviews definitions such as capital improvement that would add value to a property. Discussion ensues on how signage reminds users to stay on trails to preserve property so they could be viewed as necessary. Kiosk repair is proposed for Sally Milligan Park, Phillips Preserve, Greens Hill, Greenwood. New Rnsiness Discussion ensues about annual North Shore Trail Summit on March 24, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. There was also mention about the path cut in vicinity of Kelleher Pond outside of mitigation area as part of Parks and Recreation parcel, and as open space from as part of the Essex Crossing OSRD and subdivision. Also, that a parking spot will not be added off of Jewett Road relative to access to Sally Milligan Park. Discussion was on great thicket wildlife refuge federal program and that comments on potential locations can be submitted by March 4. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Gardner moves to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 6 -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.