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02-01-17 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES SUBCOMMITTEE: DATE: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: RECORDER: Mann opens the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Guests: Boy Scout Service Proiects Open Space and Recreation Committee February 1, 2017 Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Dunne (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), David Gardner, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller Barbara King, David Long Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director Gregory Sharp, resident (observing) and Mario Tricomi, BSA Troop 2 Beverly. Jane Dooley The Committee discusses with guest Mario Tricomi, BSA Troop 2, service projects for Boy Scouts including boardwalk at Greens Hill trail which could require 200 hours to complete, noting that some high school students are already planning to participate. Components of the project include driving screws with power tools, assisting with placement of erosion control, clearing of Greens Hill trail and construction of boardwalk over wetland. Trash pickup on the existing Bass River path was also suggested. All funding and permitting for the Bass River boardwalk project is in place. Committee is waiting for High School students to follow -up about their project. Discussion ensues about how the youths will be supervised while they are doing the volunteer work and if the City will consider hiring a carpenter to supervise during weekday hours. An Eagle Scout project would provide an opportunity for leadership and project management. There was also mention of possible projects at Norwood Pond. Approval of Previous Minutes McCrory moves to approve the January 4, 2017 minutes as amended. Seconded by Brewster. The motion carries 5 -0 -1 with Gardner abstaining. Principal Items of Business Priority Parcel List — Subcommittee Report on Activities Any progress on a priority parcel previously discussed by Committee is at a standstill. Open Space & Recreation Committee February 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 4 Trail Si2na2e Program — Update on grant application Wynne indicated that the grant application has been submitted. Encroachment Protocol — Update on progress A meeting was held in December and the City Solicitor's office has been provided a draft of the suggested encroachment policy. Mann noted the Solicitor's reluctance to put a time limit in the encroachment policy, but the Committee feels follow -up is essential. There has been no follow - up yet. Wynne will send the Committee the latest version of the encroachment policy for review and editing. Dunne offered to lead the edits, including making it more concise and user friendly. Gardner recommended the example he shared from Canada. Discussion addresses if the Committee chair should request a meeting two months out with the Mayor to discuss OSRC projects /concerns, or possibly a standing meeting every 6 weeks. Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities McCrory explains the CPC is reviewing pre - applications for projects and determined that 12 are eligible. There are no open space projects. Discussion ensues about an open space application. McCrory expressed concern that the CPC had approved the use of CPA funds for a parcel appraisal and the acquisition of that parcel has stalled. Full applications for projects to move forward are due in April. Planning Board — Representative Report on Activities No activities to report. Coastal Resiliency Grant - Representative Report on Activities Wynne provides an update on the Coastal Resiliency Plan and Outreach the City is conducting. She discusses the information that has been presented to date regarding probability of inundation (i.e., probability for 2030 and 2070). The purpose of the plan is to identify infrastructure risk and prioritize where the City should spend its money to protect infrastructure. Data analysis and modeling have been done, using the Woods Hole Group. Similar work is occurring in Salem and Manchester. Other Business & Updates Bass River Walkway Discussion ensues about how there have not been any Conservation Commission decisions or Chapter 91 licenses issued so there is a need for OSRC members to speak to landlords with property along the edge of the Bass River relative to walkway. Only the Starbucks parcel has Open Space & Recreation Committee February 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 4 been redeveloped in the three parcel plaza. There would be benefit to shops from walking traffic when the trail is complete. Gardner offers to draft a letter. Sylvan's Bench This item will be discussed further at an upcoming OSRC meeting. Proiect Adventure Variance request Discussion addresses ZBA variance request for an internal landlocked lot within the property, having no frontage, and allowing for one building envelope. A prior request was made in 2014 and withdrawn. Mann notes there is a CR and APR on the land, the latter of which is a self - created hardship associated. McCrory notes she was disappointed with how the Committee's prior letter was portrayed as in support, and suggests the Committee submit a new letter. Mann mentions that ECGA will be submitting a new comment letter and the Trustees of Reservations will not. Brewster moves to resend the OSRC's prior letter, update it to the current year and include information on what disqualifies hardship. Seconded by Miller. The motion carries 6 -0. Mann will draft the letter. Presentation on living with coyotes / covwolves Discussion addresses interest from party who is seeking financial sponsors for speaker who will present information on living with coyotes /coywolves. As the Committee doesn't have funds, suggestion was made that BUT may be able to fund. Earth Day Walks The Committee discusses how it should develop new ideas for Earth Day walks (i.e., historic stonewalls). A number of ideas were collected, including: • Robert Buchsbaum may be available to do an Endicott College and /or fern walk. Engage someone from Endicott College to join. • An Eagle Scout or high school student could potentially do research and lead a walk. • Tie in with the Coastal Resiliency Plan; Gardner will explore ideas. • Coyote person • Kelleher Pond walk behind Hannah School, combined with history of ice industry • Tracing Chubb's Brook • Pollinators with Beverly Bees • Dunne will call Nancy Coffey to gauge her interest in participating again. • Stone wall walk with the Historical Society (Cove neighborhoods) Adjournment Open Space & Recreation Committee February 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 4 There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 9:02 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, March 1, 2017 at City Hall, 3r Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.