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.