05-03-17 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: May 3, 2017
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne (arrived at 7:12 p.m.), David Gardner,
Rick Grandoni, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller (left at
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
8:37 p.m.)
Barbara King
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Gregory Sharp
Jane Dooley
The Committee members introduce themselves to the new members.
Approval of Previous Minutes
McCrory moves to approve the April 5, 2017 minutes as presented. Seconded by Brewster. The
motion carries 7 -0.
Principal Items of Business
Earth Day / Spring Walk Series
Discussion ensues about how a walk needs to be rescheduled.
Priority Parcel List
Mayor's Meeting Update
The OSRC will meet periodically throughout the year with the Mayor. The recent meeting with
Mann and Wynne included an update on Folly Hill property. The Committee discussed whether
there was an open space that could be preserved. Also, the Peterson property will be developed
as an OSRD. Other topics included the draft encroachment policy, Pole Swamp Lane access, and
parcel priority list (which the Mayor would like to be the topic of a future meeting). Discussion
ensues about 27A parcel.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
May 3, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Discussion addresses how there are some City officials in favor of Tanzella Hill property for
potential City open space but there is not unanimous support. There was also mention of status of
easement at Endicott College.
Pole Swamp Lane trail
Discussion ensues about south end access of the trail and letter sent to the Mayor and City
solicitor relative to alternatives for finding access to the trail and the City's ownership right.
Sally Milligan trails
The Committee discusses how major trails could be marked logically (i.e., using blazing on
trees) including intersections. Photos could be used at kiosks to identify trail locations. The
OSRC mentions the accuracy of ECGA maps which are included in its trail guide.
Encroachment Protocol
The Committee reviewed comments from Environmental Planner Amy Maxner on draft
protocol. The Planning Department would be the public contact for the protocol /policy
statement. Discussion addresses items such as when a survey might be used to define property
lines, and when an encroachment is identified, what should be done and who would be involved
to establish a course of action. Also, if the protocol would have to be adopted by City Council.
Community Preservation Committee
The CPC has received 10 applications with one that is not eligible. There are 9 projects (historic,
affordable housing and recreation) for $1.2 million which will be reviewed in May and June with
recommendations to City Council by June 30. The CPA plan is in formal draft form and will be
circulated amongst committees and boards.
Planning Board
An update was given about action to reduce the mixed use commercial requirement from 25% in
developments in the downtown that would include a core pedestrian area for active uses. Also
being addressed for developers is another layer for lower level of housing affordability.
Coastal Resiliency Grant
The last public meeting is on June 10 at Lynch Park. All of the flooding and inundation
potential has been mapped relative to City owned infrastructure (i.e., sewer pump station,
seawalls, roadways).
Other Business & Updates
Semi - Annual Report
Open Space & Recreation Committee
May 3, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Discussion addresses how an annual report, rather than a semi - annual report, would be
appropriate for the Committee but change in charter for OSRC would be required.
Bass River Walkway
The Committee will address further once the boardwalk is completed.
Community Service Proiects
Thirteen high school students and their parents recently worked on Bass River trail clearing it
from Green Street. Another effort was done on Tall Tree Drive to remove weeds and trash.
Bass River walkway
Future discussion will occur related to Bass River trail and boardwalk project.
Sylvan's Bench
Research will be done to get a status update.
Other discussion
The Committee discusses Congress Street property relative to potential for open space
acquisition parcel. Also, if there are any remaining open space parcels off of Sam Fonzo Drive.
In addition, they indicate interest in discussing what open space could come from the Folly Hill
development at a future meeting. Also, members note that the Waring School resolution of
encroachment is progressing.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Dunne moves to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Seconded by
McCrory. The motion carries 7 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at City Hall, Y Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.