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09-07-16 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 7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Tyler Crosby Open Space and Recreation Committee September 7, 2016 Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Dunne (arrived at 7:12 p.m.), David Long, Marilyn McCrory David Gardner Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Wayne Miller (non- voting member who left at 8:50 p.m.), Tyler Crosby, Brian Crosby, Robert Pendrake, Colleen Ryan, Greg Sharp, Ben Hacker, Kerry Valery Jane Dooley Boy Scout Tyler Crosby describes his Eagle Scout project where he is proposing to clean up trails (i.e., rocks and trees covering trail) and installing some bridges on the fire lane near his house by the Beverly Golf and Tennis Club and /or clean up trails at Norwood Pond. Mann suggested another alternative of the trail at Greens Hill. Discussion ensues about how the wetland areas near the fire lane could be on private land and that research has to be done (i.e., GIS site). Mann recommend that Crosby create a map (with photos included) and bring it to OSRC to ensure that the proposed work area is within public jurisdiction. The timeline for the project is before the weather gets cold. Crosby is responsible for leading his 200 hour work project with volunteers. For the Norwood Pond proposal, Crosby would need to write a letter to the Conservation Commission about his project. The City could assist with tree removal on trail at Norwood Pond. Mann offers to walk the trail with Crosby to ensure everyone understands what work will be done and the location of work site. Crosby plans to come back to OSRC meeting on October 5. Waldorf School Cleanup of JC Phillips Preserve Colleen Ryan, science and nature coordinator at Waldorf School at Moraine Farm, describes how middle school students are interested in doing a community service project to clean up areas of the Phillips estate. She offers to spruce up the kiosk at the site. The work would be done as part of fall festival (Nov. 30). Ryan also offers to use the school's facility truck to remove garbage at the site, cleaning up glass and shoveling out fire pit. Discussion ensues about how cleaning up Open Space & Recreation Committee September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 and painting over graffiti at ruins would be researched as appropriate for the children to do and would be done using historic preservation best practice. Wynne will research file to find contact name at previous school that did similar work at the estate to understand scope of work and to identify if replacement photos for kiosk are available. It was noted that the trails are in good shape. There was also mention of stewardship of the site which could be part of the education experience. Brewster moves to approve Waldorf School at Moraine Farm to do a cleanup at the Phillips estate site. Seconded by Long. The motion carries 5 -0. Messina Property & City land behind Folger Ave — Bob Pendrake and Kerry Valery Residents from 44 Folger Avenue describe how they are interested in purchasing land behind their house and keeping it undeveloped through potentially doing a land swap with City owned land. Discussion ensues about how a goal for some of the land in the area could be permanently protected as open space. Also mentioned was if this area were more active open space this could discourage misuse of the area and reduce amount of trash. Discussion addresses how no cutting or clearing should occur on the City land. Committee indicated that the area is a high priority for the OSRC. The residents were notified that the OSRC is an advisory committee and any proposal for a land swap would have to go through the Mayor. Appraisals of the properties would be required. Research would have to be done to identify if the open space is registered as Article 97 conservation land. Discussion addresses how some extensive cutting has occurred on the City land for a view down the river. There has been encroachment on the City land so stewardship needs to be done. Suggestion that the OSRC revisit having an encroachment policy at its next meeting, in regards to a number of properties which are being encroached upon. 15/17 Leather Lane update — Gregory Sharp Gregory Sharp, 8 Leather Lane provided an update on how he has tried to purchase 15/17 Leather Lane although the property owner refused his offer of $850,000. He is waiting to see if she would accept it at a later date. The asking price is $950,000. Leather Lane is a private road that goes through both properties where #15 has a house and a lot of wetland and potentially may not be sub - dividable. While #17 is on both sides of the way and is likely developable on one side and would be subject to the OSRD Zoning ordinance. Mann informed the OSRC that ECGA has meet with the Metcalfs about preserving acreage on three nearby lots. The owners are interested in preservation, but there is some family interest in development on one of the parcels. Combining all these parcels would make it much more fundable and interesting to ECGA. Discussion ensues about whether or not there would be public access to the land. Also that ECGA as a grantee in the area does allow access to public trails for passive recreation. Discussion ensued about Pole Swamp Land where people traveling from the City owned land are Open Space & Recreation Committee September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 prevented from traveling on a private driveway to the public trails. There is another access on Valley Street from vacant private property to the public trails, but it is not well - defined or formally established. Approval of Previous Minutes McCrory moves to approve the July 6, 2016 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Dunne. The motion carries 3 -0 -2 with Long and Brewster abstaining. Principal Items of Business Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities Dunne moves for the City to pursue discussion of purchasing the Madore property with CPA funding and seeking the Mayor's approval. Seconded by Brewster. The motion carries 5 -0. The OSRC will write a letter of recommendation. Miller will mention it to the Mayor. Mann offered to make a site visit the upcoming Sunday. Mr. Sharp expressed interest. Wynne reminded that if the entire OSRC is attending a notice of a public meeting would be required. Brewster offered to share photos of the site from this spring. No action has been taken on Reeve property which is behind the golf course and has been listed for sale. ECGA is hosting an event in November and Mann is looking for another committee member to participate on a panel about acquiring open space with CPA funding. Signage — Subcommittee Report on Activities Maria Arcieri will continue to do the signage. Wynne will put comments and questions from Town officials about the proposed signage in a memo and forward to the Committee. Harbor Management Authority Access at Congress Street Congress Street development has set aside five parking spaces. The Harbor Management Authority has funding for cleaning up the parcel for public access. Since the CPA has already approved the funding, a letter of support from the OSRC is not necessary. Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities The HMA had submitted a CPA application for $25,000 for beach and waterfront access improvements. The total CPA funding for open space that the City has is $329,316 with FY' 17 monies. A joint application with the land trust could be done regarding Tanzella Hill proposed acquisition. Other Business/Updates Brought Forward by Committee Members /Staff Open Space & Recreation Committee September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 Sylvan's Bench Waterfront walkway has been dedicated. 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. Bass River Walkway Approval is expected for the trail and boardwalk. The Order of Conditions needs to be finalized. Mann will try to work with Rachael Abel about getting the trail done. DEP is investigating the City license for walkway behind Starbucks but there are no licenses for other two properties further up Elliott Street. The OSRC could write an enforcement letter regarding encroachment on walkway. Discussion addresses how in early 2000s there was a clear walkway but dumpsters and parking have encroached so pathway would be on paved area. Gardner had offered to investigate the plan at the Registry of Deeds and would like him to conclude that. OSRC determines should not enforce before we understand any restrictions on the parcel. Agendas of other Boards /Committees The OSRC would like to continue receiving agendas from other boards and committees. Letter from School Board about children riding bicvcles to school The OSRC will write a letter to School Board about its support for bicycling on safe routes and encouraging bicycling for school children. McCrory will draft on behalf of the OSRC. Semi - annual report in October Wynne will draft semi - annual report. Update on 27A The City Solicitor has reversed her position that this is not a buildable lot. It has been ruled as buildable. This could be a worthwhile CPA project for open space. It could be combined with the City's Greens Hill property. Encroachment policy protocol to follow The OSRC will discuss this at its next meeting. Vacancies on OSRC Open Space & Recreation Committee September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 It was noted that OSRC vacancies are for members from Conservation Commission, HMA and Recreation Commission. Although individuals with similar expertise could be appointed so this could apply to Greg Sharp who is interested in serving. He will submit a letter of interest that describes his expertise relating to the aforementioned committees. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 5 -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at City Hall, 3 d Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.