Loading...
12-07-16 OSRC Min (2)CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Mann opens the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Approval of Previous Minutes Open Space and Recreation Committee December 7, 2016 Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David Gardner, Barbara King (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), David Long, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller Elizabeth Dunne Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Jane Dooley Gardner moves to approve the November 1, 2016 minutes as amended. Seconded by Brewster. The motion carries 4 -0 -2 with McCrory and Long abstaining. Principal Items of Business Priority Parcels List The OSRC addresses requests to the Mayor to set up a meeting about priority parcel project (i.e., Madore /Tanzella Hill). Mann has been working with City staff to try and get momentum going on the project. The OSRC also mentions a parcel next to Pole Swamp. Also if there is potential for donations for acquisition of open space. Discussion ensues on Mayor's focus on priority parcels that would be buildable. The OSRC notes how one or more of the abutters may be interested in buying the Madore /Tanzella Hill parcel. Also, inquired about procedures relative to City staff meetings to raise key issues with the Mayor. The OSRC discusses how information on priority parcel can be communicated or reiterated to key stakeholders (i.e., through providing a map). The OSRC also addresses details associated with conservation restriction and /or protection under Chapter 97. The OSRC discusses if the Committee should speak to the City Councilor David Lang about its assistance with the Madore /Tanzella Hill parcel. Mann has orchestrated walks with a number of City personnel through the property. The Committee could send an email to the Mayor on the matter and Wynne could provide assistance. The OSRC is interested in pursuing CPA funds to purchase the priority Madore /Tanzella Hill parcel. Wynne describes City staff discussions about acquiring contiguous parcels to enhance open space network based on availability and urgency. Open Space & Recreation Committee December 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 Mann reports on ECGA open space conference where open space committees from the North Shore participated. A copy of his conference presentation will be sent to the OSRC. Si2nne — Subcommittee Report on Activities The sub - committee had a recent meeting on signage to move this forward. Also noted was how the representative from Salem Sound Coast Watch had shared proposed graphics for educational signage. Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities Wynne provided an update on the Folly Hill project. There was discussion of an approved mixed -use project in front of MBTA garage on Rantoul Street and neighbor concern about future loss of green space and if there is possibility for improvements at Goldway Playground across Rantoul Street. Community Preservation Committee -- Representative Report on Activities The CPC will hold an annual informational hearing tomorrow night at the Beverly Public Library to receive public input on community preservation. The OSRC notes need for awareness that it is working on trying to bring open space projects forward. Other Business & Updates -- Brought Forward by Committee Members /Staff Bass River Walkway Gardner reports on area behind Starbucks which is obliged to maintain the walkway associated with Chapter 91 license. There are remnants of the walkway up to haircutting salon to the west. Amy Maxner is researching and will provide details to Gardner. More focus is likely once the Greens Hill trail is finished in the spring. Sylvan's Bench Wynne will contact Paul Earl regarding the bench. Also mentioned was that a mural is going to be painted associated with the harbor walkway. Working Groups — breakout sessions to prepare work products Priority Parcels — letters and script for landowners Gardner distributes two letters that could be sent to property owners that have parcels of interest to the OSRC. Open Space & Recreation Committee December 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 Encroachment Protocol — Draft protocol and sample cover letters The Committee discusses example of encroachment protocol used in Wellesley which was sent to the City solicitor for review /feedback relative to encroachment on City property. The OSRC reviews language on building of retaining walls, indoor structures, driveways, blocking access, and installing misleading signage. Also noted were the different levels of protection under the City's various departments (i.e. public services, recreation, and school — agencies that manage City land). The OSRC notes that the Beverly Conservation Land Trust is the steward of its own property, not the City. Discussion ensues about whether this would be a policy or an ordinance and that the City solicitor could opine. The OSRC notes the importance of policy /process for follow -up after an encroachment letter is issued as part of enforcement in trespassing /encroachment cases on City land. The building inspector is primarily involved in enforcement related to Zoning and the Building Code violations, but does not enforce encroachments on City -owned land. There was also mention of process for identifying encroachment. The OSRC identified a need for input from other City agencies as well as the City solicitor to establish an encroachment protocol /policy process. This policy could be used in situations such as cutting of trees on City land and related enforcement of payment of fines or replanting of trees. Wynne will develop a revised draft based on the Committee's comments on encroachment protocol. The OSRC notes when encroachment can impose a safety hazard. Members also volunteer to contact other municipalities to understand how they carry out enforcement relative to encroachment issues. Members will review encroachment protocol policy from Rockport, Ipswich, Martha's Vineyard and Lexington for future Committee discussion and to create a draft policy which could be reviewed by other City agencies and for legal input. Gardner moves that a letter should be written from the OSRC to the City Solicitor that hereby notifies you that two encroachments have occurred on City property: 1- Leech Street, Assessor Map 4 -15, City property was paved without permission. 2- Open space on Tanzella Hill, Assessor Map 4 -18H, where property owner has admitted to cutting trees on City open space property without permission. We request that both owners be notified of this violation and need to restore the affected encroachments on the property. Seconded by King. The motion carries 7 -0. Mann will send Wynne photographs of both violations. Si2nne — Identify needs and responsibilities for EEA Recreational Trails grant application Wynne has sent representative from Salem Sound Coast Watch examples of the signage design developed by Maria Arcieri for the OSRC. Discussion addresses how educational signage with a similar look could be placed throughout the City. The OSRC is working on uniformity with its wayfinding and trailhead signs. It was decided that the educational signs can be a different look. Open Space & Recreation Committee December 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 The City's grant director is available to assist with the grant application effort for trail signage and wayfinding. For the grant application, the Committee will have to determine a rough budget, how to achieve 20% match, create project timeline as well as list of people and organizations to pursue for support letters. There is a February application deadline, and grant director will attend the next OSRC meeting. There was discussion on condition of kiosks and where trailhead signs could be located around the City. Miller explains where trailheads are or should be located: 3 at Beverly Commons, 3 at Sally Milligan, 2 at Norwood Pond, 1 at JC Phillips Preserve, 1 at Greens Hill, 2 at Cove School, 2 at Fox Hill, 1 at Whitehall, 1 at the Kennels (Preston Place), 1 at Standley Street easement. The OSRC suggests that site visits could be done to identify sign positions. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Gardner moves to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Seconded by Brewster. The motion carries 7 -0. The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at City Hall, Y Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.