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04-06-16 OSRC 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 7:10 p.m. ADUroval of Previous Minutes Open Space and Recreation Committee April 6, 2016 Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Dunne, David Gardner, Barbara King, David Long, Bill Squibb (arrived at 7:35 p.m.) Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Jane Dooley Brewster moves to approve the March 2, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Long. The motion carries 4 -0 -2 with Mann and King abstaining. Squibb had not arrived yet. Principal Items of Business Pole Swamp Lane Discussion ensues about how Gardner had done a site walk at Pole Swamp Lane with the City Solicitor and other City officials a month ago relative to complaints from neighbors who can no longer access Pole Swamp through Juniper Street due to transfer of property at the end of the street. The Conservation Restriction did not grant public access across the property and the new owners are not allowing it. Gardner had sent an email to City Councilor Scott Houseman regarding legal research. A follow -up memo was also sent to the Mayor. Wynne will follow -up with the City Solicitor. Discussion addresses how access to Pole Swamp from Beverly Farms could be possible by staying on the Williams property and coming out on Pole Swamp Lane. There is thought that an old right of way exists located at old Pole Swamp Lane and there is interest in resurrecting it. The City Solicitor would like the title search done by a professional. The OSRC discusses whether or not Leather Lane could be an alternative access. In addition, if OSRC would consider sending a letter to the Conservation Commission about the high water on the trail due to beaver activity. The City owns many parcels (wood lots) in the area. The Committee discussed whether effort should be made to get conservation restrictions beyond Article 97 status for parcels in the area. Open Space & Recreation Committee April 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities The Sub - Committee has created a list of parcels that would be of interest for a conservation restriction or purchasing, including those which could be targeted for CPA funds. A meeting occurred with the Mayor and guidelines were established including script language that the Sub - Committee members can use during telephone calls. Open Space & Recreation Plan Update -- Update on Status of Draft Allison Crosbie has nearly completed the update and is waiting for letters of support from the Mayor, Planning Board, and City Council before sending updated plan to the state. 2016 Earth Day Events Discussion was on the schedule for Earth Day events, and response to events posted on the OSRC's Facebook page. A clean -up is planned for Stop & Shop side of Bass River. The Committee discusses the expected outcome of the survey of the 27X parcel relative to the City's property line (in anticipation of future Greens Hill passive recreation use) and 27A. Gardner leaves the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities Proposed Zoning Amendments Wynne updates the Committee on economic development package (i.e., artist live work, distillery, brewery, and winery, maker space - light industrial co -op space) heard by the City Council and approved by the Planning Board. Also discussed was the proposed IR Overlay District change, which is the removal of 8 or so parcels from the overlay district so retail would not be allowed at the Holton site. One of the property owners has submitted a plan before the zoning plan has changed. The Planning Board does not support this removal change. The change would no longer allow new retail business on those lots. The Committee inquired as to whether or not the current use at the parcel where the motorcycle shop is located (which is grandfathered) would continue if the property was sold. Other Business & Updates The Committee discusses the North Shore summit that occurred at Seaside Cycles with area trail groups relative to regional planning and if a large proposed commercial development would impact trails in the Gloucester/Manchester area. A study has been funded. This discussion reiterated the need for conservation restriction versus Article 97 status for parcels in the area. The North Shore taskforce of MAPC has discussed if there is a need for a regional trail plan between Gloucester, Manchester, Beverly and Danvers to Peabody. Discussion ensues about if a gravel and asphalt bike /walking path could be located to create trail connectivity in vicinity of Open Space & Recreation Committee April 6, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 train station and area commercial properties as well as on Balch Avenue and around the edge of the high school property. This would require permitting from the Conservation Commission. Discussion addresses whether or not CPA funds could be used for trail signage. Or if businesses could be approached to fund trail signage. Work yet to be done on the proposed trail signage is deciding on a color (i.e., brown similar to state park signage) for wayfinding and trailhead signs. For the kiosks the maps need to be redone with updated trail information (i.e., Greens Hill and end of Standley Street). Also, some of the major intersections should be numbered for the trail maps. Maria Arcieri from the City's Engineering Department would be available to do the graphic design and could use the existing frog logo. The Committee mentions how the Greens Hill trail could be done this summer. Discussion ensues about a project application for CPA funds (i.e., $50,000) for Camp Mitchman to do a summer food and gardening program with potential for a yearlong program: Garden School at Mount Mitchman. This project was approved as an eligible CPA activity by the CPC. The CPC is seeking information from the state CPA organization about Chapter 61 land relative to this project proposal. Discussion addresses if the City would get value from the project if a conservation restriction were part of it. Also noted is that no action plan is in place for moving Beverly's community gardens activity. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 6 -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.