10-04-17 OSRC MinutesCITY 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 7:03 p.m.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
October 4, 2017
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair arrived
at 7:28 p.m.), David Alden -St. Pierre, David Gardner (left
at 8:45), Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller, Gregory Sharp
Rick Grandoni, Elizabeth Dunne
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Nathan Lackie, Boy Scout
Jane Dooley
Wynne notes she printed out a chapter of the Open Space and Recreation Plan of 2016 for new
members to review the stated priorities.
Trail Maintenance Spreadsheet: Possible Boy Scout projects
Discussion ensues with Boy Scout Nathan Lackie about possible trail maintenance and signage
projects. Another scout (Cameron Abell) will do the trail clearing at Tanzella Hill. A project at
the Phillips reserve could be painting over graffiti, or possibly cleaning the pachysandra off of
the granite stairs. The Committee considers the possibility of adding pressure treated steps down
the hill.
The Committee suggests to Lackie that he go to Phillips reserve, take photographs and prepare a
project proposal. The OSRC describes what steps he should to present his project proposal to the
OSRC and the Conservation Commission. Mann notes that he should send his proposal to
Wynne or himself so they can circulate for review to the OSRC.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Alden St. Pierre moves to approve the September 6, 2017 minutes as amended. Seconded by
Miller. The vote fails to carry at 3 -0 -3 with Gardner, Sharp and McCrory abstaining.
Principal Items of Business
Community Preservation Committee
McCrory notes that the CPC will be holding its annual public hearing in the next week to address
any questions regarding the Community Preservation Act. Pre - applications are due on November
9, 2017. Eligible project applications will be due on January 11, 2018. The CPC is synchronizing
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 4, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
its schedule with the City Council's schedule relative to fiscal year. The OSRC discusses if any
open space parcels could be purchased in a matching contribution /partnership scenario with use
of CPA funds. Mann notes they should also reach out to properties that might be donated as gifts.
They discuss whether the Beverly Conservation Land Trust might be interested in partnering to
acquire open space parcels of interest. Miller will look into it. Mann mentions a subcommittee
might be formed. McCrory notes that the pre -app is due immediately after the next meeting, but
it is a simple form.
Planning Board
Wynne reminds the OSRC there is a site visit is scheduled for October 14, 2017 at 8:30 a.m.
relative to Webster Avenue OSRD property adjacent to the ECGA property. She confirms that
Essex County Greenbelt Association has been contacted about their interest in acquiring the open
space parcels. She describes the newest 5 th scenario proposed by the applicant and the OSRC
discusses the options.
Also mentioned was 199 -211 Rantoul Street project and how there is relatively little to no open
space on the parcel. After Committee discussion, Gardner moves that the OSRC write a letter to
the Planning Board requesting that they consider requiring a pocket park for public use on the
Rantoul Street property site due to the density of the property as a condition of the Board's
approval. Miller amended the motion that it should be a condition of approval. Discussion
continued. Mann recused himself from signing the letter. Seconded by Sharp. Mann recused
himself from the discussion. The motion carries 5 -0 -1 (Miller abstained).
Recreational Trails Grant — Kick off
This grant has been announced officially by the state and contract will be set up procedurally. As
of now, the OSRC should not begin to log time or expense toward the grant. Discussion ensues
about how the grant will fund materials (i.e., trail signage). Also, noted was that volunteer hours
shall be tracked. The OSRC should review and send any comments back to Wynne.
Priority Parcel List Discussion
This topic was addressed during CPC update.
Other Business & Updates
Greens Hill Trail Opening
Discussion ensues about Greens Hills trail and legal piece (agreement between property owner of
driveway that encroaches on the City property) which needs to be completed so trail entrance can
be finished with remaining CPA funds. The Committee addresses how a request for extension
relative to the CPA funds should be done due to timing when the project could be completed.
They also agree that they will not request an amendment to the grant application at this time for a
revised work program.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 4, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Bass River walkway
Mann notes that the Planning Director has given permission to the Committee to talk to the
property owners relative to the Bass River walkway. Gardner requests a meeting with the
Planning Department to discuss a plan for outreach. The OSRC discusses who the appropriate
representative for the City is, in an effort to reestablish the walkway behind the businesses for a
continuous walkway in the upper river basin. The Committee is interested in seeking permission
from individual owners to create a walkway and possibly provide an easement (liability would
have to be determined). Mann suggests to place this on the agenda for a future meeting with the
Mayor.
Other Business
The OSRC considers if a 30- minute presentation should be done in a public forum (i.e., library)
to raise the public's awareness about what open spaces are available in the City. In addition, if an
area college student could assist an OSRC subcommittee with design of the presentation that
would include photographs and video illustrating how people use the open spaces. Also, if a map
of Beverly's open spaces could be posted in a municipal building. McCrory mentions the ESRI
Story Maps as a possible tool. Sharp discusses role of volunteers, particularly youth, in educating
others about the City's open space. Wynne suggests involving college students or others with
graphic skills.
Norwood Pond
Mann recognizes Alden St. Pierre for clean-up work at Norwood Pond. Discussion ensues about
vacant parcel that was for sale on Elnew Avenue near the Norwood Pond trail. McCrory asks if
anyone had followed up with the neighbors. Wynne notes she believes the property has sold, but
will look into the response to neighbors.
Discussion ensues about what groundwork could be done at Norwood Pond (i.e., boardwalks and
bridges) and ideal time of year to do the work (i.e., when pond is frozen) relative to easement.
Conservation Commission approval would be required prior to work beginning on these projects.
Alden St. Pierre is prepared to take the lead on pulling this information together.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, McCrory moves to adjourn at 9:03 p.m. Seconded by
Alden St. Pierre. The motion carries 7 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at City Hall, Y Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.