11-01-17 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 7:08 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Open Space and Recreation Committee
November 1, 2017
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), Marilyn McCrory,
Wayne Miller (via phone), Gregory Sharp
David Alden -St. Pierre, David Gardner, Rick Grandoni
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
McCrory moves to approve the October 4, 2017 minutes as amended. Seconded by Brewster.
The motion carries 5 -0 (Mann, Brewster, McCrory, Miller, Sharp).
McCrory moves to approve the September 6, 2017 minutes as amended. Seconded by Brewster.
The motion carries 4 -0 (Mann, Brewster, Dunne, McCrory).
Brewster moves to approve the October 14, 2017 minutes as presented. Seconded by Sharp. The
motion carries 4 -0 (Mann, Brewster, Dunne, Sharp).
Trail Maintenance: Boy Scout projects
Discussion ensues about trail maintenance that Boy Scout Cameron Abell did at Tanzella Hill,
including adding the switchback at the top and cleaning out brush. Mann notes that wording for
sign on Bathing Beach Lane needs to be defined because the City has the specific right to pass
over the private way. Wynne notes that the City Solicitor's office could be consulted.
Mann notes that another scout Nathan Lackie will walk Phillips Preserve this weekend relative to
proposed work that he could do there. The OSRC considers what product could be used for
graffiti removal. Also, what technique should be used to clean steps. Wynne indicates that
Lackie should submit a written proposal to the OSRC and also that presentation to the
Conservation Commission will be required. She adds that Abell should also submit his proposal
to the OSRC for the file.
Principal Items of Business
Open Space & Recreation Committee
November 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Community Preservation Committee
The OSRC discusses how project pre - applications are due November 9, 2017. Mann and Miller
will develop a summary on possible proposal for land acquisition for open space by the Beverly
Conservation Land Trust. Wynne notes that, due to timing, this may be an out -of -cycle
application. McCrory suggests that Mann may need to speak with the land owner again before
submitting a pre - application. They discuss how to best approach the land owner.
Planning Board
Wynne notes that the Planning Board recommended Concept E for the Webster Ave OSRD,
which was the same plan the OSRC preferred and incorporated the OSRC's recommendation.
Mann mentions that ECGA may be interested in acquiring that open space. He notes there may
be future trail projects as a result. Mann comments that this would be another good outcome of
the OSRD Ordinance.
Wynne also apologizes for not writing OSRC letter to the Planning Board regarding
consideration of a pocket park on the Rantoul Street property site. She notes that Miller did raise
the OSRC's concern at the Planning Board meeting.
2018 Meeting Schedule
The OSRC considers if they could alternate between full committee meetings and subcommittee
meetings rather than the once a month meeting schedule (11 times per year). Mann notes that it
does take a subcommittee to really move things forward. He says that he likes the idea but wants
to have the input of the full board, noting a number of absent members.
Wynne notes that subcommittee meetings could be held with smaller groups that do not
constitute a quorum so the meetings would not have to be posted and could be in different
locations. Brewster notes that things do come up and is concerned with not having a meeting
scheduled. Wynne adds that the decision to have a full or subcommittee meeting would need to
be made early enough to post a meeting and ensure a quorum. Mann asks about keeping 11
meetings and adding 6 subcommittee meetings. Sharp notes this time is hard for him; but
weekends are easier. Other alternatives were discussed, including a short full meeting and then
subcommittees on the same night. McCrory suggests keeping the regular meeting schedule, but
having the option to cancel if nothing pressing is on the agenda.
The OSRC discusses possible subcommittees (i.e., implementing the recreational trails signage
grant, public information / outreach, priority parcels, and Earth Day Walks). They discuss other
projects that would be kept in the full meetings. The OSRC will define subcommittee
membership once the whole Committee is present at an upcoming meeting.
Bass River Walkway
Mann asks Wynne what contact information he can give for the landowners. She notes that
Gardner has requested a meeting with the Planning Department to discuss liability and
Open Space & Recreation Committee
November 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
maintenance. Mann says a meeting is probably not required, noting he has sample liability
language. Discussion ensued on who would create and maintain the walkway. Suggestions
include a CPA grant (not eligible because not city -owned land), the Harbor Management
Authority, grassroots, or private property owners. Wynne suggests it could be an Earth Day clean
up annually. Wynne suggests that if they feel a meeting is necessary with the Planning Director,
to send Aaron Clausen an email request.
Sylvan's Bench
The OSRC discusses what type of brass plaque would be used and where it would be located.
Wynne notes that permission would be needed from MADOT to locate a plaque on its property.
McCrory suggested a rock with a plaque would solve that. Harbor Management could possibly
provide funds for the plaque. Wynne suggests writing up a short proposal.
Discussion ensues about having a social gathering for the December meeting.
Greens Hill trail next steps
Wynne notes that they will be seeking an extension for the CPC grant for another year. She
describes that a legal process is occurring since the owner filed for adverse possession (which is
retroactive). A friendly settlement agreement is being finalized with the City for a permanent
easement. A trail opening is hoped for in the spring. Discussion addresses continued interest in
27A to preserve the land on a buildable lot.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by
Miller. The motion carries 6 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at City Hall, Y Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.