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
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September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes
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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
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September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes
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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
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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
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September 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes
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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.