06-06-18 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD:
SUBCOMMITTEE:
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RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:06 p.m.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
June 6, 2018
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Alden -St. Pierre, Todd
Callaghan, Elizabeth Dunne, Marilyn McCrory, Wayne
Miller, Gregory Sharp
David Brewster (Vice Chair), Rick Grandoni
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
Members of the public opportunity to address the Committee, if any
None.
Approval of Previous Minutes
Sharp moves to approve the May 2, 2018 minutes as amended. Seconded by Callaghan. The
motion carries 7 -0.
Principal Items of Business
Planning Board
No open space related items have come before the Planning Board.
Community Preservation Committee
Mann notes he spoke to owners of 27A parcel relative to CPA funds being potentially available
for acquisition of open space. He expects to receive a copy of the owners' appraisal for the
property which has been deemed a buildable lot since three years ago. He says it still has to be
determined if the new 50 -foot No Build Zone adopted in the newly revised local wetlands
ordinance would impact development.
Criteria for what is a viable open space project as determined by the CPC was discussed. This
parcel meets environmental value as well as other related criteria for CPA open space projects.
27A is expected to be a viable project. CPA Pre - applications would be due in November.
Discussion ensued on how an acquisition of 27A would add to the Bass River Walkway and
provide connectivity to City -owned property. Committee discussed if any money is available to
redo a 27A appraisal.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
June 6, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Committee discussed another parcel at the entrance of Greenwood Road (if an appraisal was
done this would require outside funding, i.e., Essex County Greenbelt Association) which is
another potential candidate for open space acquisition. Also mentioned was public access
relative to Project Adventure land if it becomes available for acquisition and that it abuts the
Trustee of Reservations land. Discussion ensues about if there are any possibilities with open
space at a Folly Hill project.
Review of CPA Plan — Open Space Section
Committee discussed reviewing the CPA Plan Open Space section. It includes goals and
priorities from the Open Space and Recreation Plan (i.e., protect public access to waterfront
areas, protect water supply and land for open space). There was mention of public community
garden areas in the City.
Alden -St. Pierre moves to approve the plan as amended. Seconded by Callaghan. The motion
carries 7 -0.
Subcommittee Report
Recreational Trails Grant
Mann explains that three kiosks will have GPS maps updated where trail numbering will occur.
He notes that United Sign has the sign graphics. The Committee would like to get the signs
installed in the fall.
Earth Day Walks
Discussion ensued on what approaches the Committee could take to determine ideas and follow
through on Earth Day walks throughout the year.
Public Information
Discussion addresses the Committee's interest in keeping its social media (i.e., Facebook)
accounts up to date.
Priority Parcels
The subcommittee will plan a future meeting.
Bass River Walkway
Mann will set up a meeting with key property owners.
Other Business & Updates
Harbor /Waterfront Plan Update
Open Space & Recreation Committee
June 6, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
A recent meeting resulted in a variety of opinions about the future of the harbor /waterfront. The
consultant will be conducting stakeholder interviews this summer. An open house will be held in
September to give the public an opportunity to review a plan.
Encroachment Policy Discussion
A draft encroachment policy has been sent to the City solicitor for review.
Land Grant Application
This grant is available for land purchases made by the City and initiated by the Conservation
Commission. There is an application deadline in July and any applicants have to pay for an
appraisal for any land where there is acquisition interest. Reimbursement is from 52% to 74%
and requires City approval. There are bullet points and a scoring mechanism. Also noted was
funding that has become available for additional kayak racks at the City's waterfront.
Other Business
The next OSRC meeting will be held on July 11, 2018.
Trail Cleanups on City land
Cummings Properties will allow access to Norwood Pond through its easement on its site.
Discussion ensues about ECGA's intent to work with Conservation Commissions across the state
regarding trail boardwalks.
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the OSRC adjourned at 8:45 p.m.