01-03-18 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: January 3. 2018
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair),
Elizabeth Dunne (Brewster and Dunne arrived at 7:07
p.m.), Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller (via phone),
Gregory Sharp, David Alden -St. Pierre, David Gardner,
Rick Grandoni
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Todd Callaghan
Jane Dooley
McCrory moves to approve the November 1, 2017 meeting minutes. Seconded by Miller. The
motion carries 4 -0 -3.
Annual Election of Officers — Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary
McCrory moves to nominate Charlie Mann to continue as Chair. Seconded by Gardner. The
motion carries 9 -0.
Mann moves to nominate David Brewster to continue as Vice Chair. Seconded by Alden St.
Pierre. The motion carries 9 -0.
Brewster moves to nominate David Alden St. Pierre as Secretary. Seconded by Mann. The
motion carries 9 -0.
Principal Items of Business
McCrory introduces Todd Callaghan, Beverly resident and ecologist, who expressed interest in
the OSRC. He notes that he is a trail runner and mountain biker. The Committee members
introduce themselves and discuss what role he could possibly volunteer for on the OSRC.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Subcommittees - Finalize and set priority tasks for 2018
Discussion ensues about establishing subcommittees (i.e., parcel priority list, signage) to
accomplish discrete tasks of the OSRC. These groups must have less than a quorum of members
(4 or less) and would create their own minutes. It is anticipated that subcommittees could meet
every other month from the full Committee meetings. The Committee discusses Bass River
walkway and how support from the City is key before OSRC members approach property
owners.
The OSRC holds a roll call vote to go into Executive Session at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Bass
River walkway: Mann, yes, McCrory, yes, Alden St. Pierre, yes, Grandoni, yes, Dunne, yes,
Brewster, yes, Miller, yes, Sharp, yes, Gardner, yes. Todd Callaghan stepped out during the
Executive Session. At 7:40 p.m. the OSRC returned to open session.
Discussion continues on proposal to have subcommittee meetings every other month with regular
OSRC meetings held on alternative months. The Committee defines members for
subcommittees. The following OSRC members will serve as chairs for the subcommittees: Mann
- trail signage and public communication, McCrory - priority parcels, Brewster - Earth Day
walks, and Gardner — Bass River walkway.
Greens Hill Trail discussion - Mann summarizes status of Greens Hill trail and associated legal
case that has reduced the size of trail entrance. Notes that trail entrance still needs to be finished
and how the City will move a retaining wall.
Planning Board Request for Comments — OSRD Site Plan Application, Site Plan Review
for 20, 30, & 40 Webster Ave
Discussion ensues about final site plan submission for OSRD. The Committee had previously
weighed in on a preferred plan and some members had attended a site walk. The OSRC notes
how the location for trail does not correspond with earlier request and is not conducive for a
walking trail. Also, that there is a detention basin in the open space which obliterates where trail
would go through. Discussion addresses possibility of creation of a new trail on the ECGA land.
Issues include the easement related to trail location, 6' chain link fence, and shape of detention
basin in open space (also within the 100' wetland buffer zone). Wynne will draft a letter to the
Planning Board outlining the OSRC's comments and circulate to the Committee.
Other Business & Updates
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities
All 8 preliminary project applications received by the CPC this year were determined to be
eligible. Full applications are due next Friday. The applications are for housing, park and
recreation as well as historic restoration.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Sylvan's Bench
Discussion ensues about OSRC sending a letter to Harbor Management regarding proposal for
plaque on a rock in memory of longtime contributing resident Sylvan Menezes.
Other updates
The Committee notes that deadlines for land grants are upcoming and related actions associated
with potential acquisitions.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Grandoni moves to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Seconded by
Dunne. The motion carries 9 -0.
The next meeting of the Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee will take place on
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at City Hall, 3r Floor Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.