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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.