10-03-18 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
October 3 2018
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden -St. Pierre (arrived 7:07 p.m.), Todd Callaghan,
Elizabeth Dunne, Marilyn McCrory, Gregory Sharp
Rick Grandoni, Wayne Miller
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Kyle Gallucci, Jenn Gallucci, Claude Burr
Jane Dooley
Members of the public opportunity to address the Committee, if any
Eagle Scout project — Kyle Gallucci, his mother Jenn Gallucci, and Claude Burr from
Troop 49
Eagle Scout Kyle Gallucci describes how woods behind North Beverly School which have
muddy and worn out areas could be maintained as part of a conservation project. Mann suggests
a possible Eagle Scout project which is a new ECGA trail in Beverly Farms. The trail would be
flagged with some raking and clearing done. This proposed trail is part of the Webster Avenue
OSRD. Mann adds how the Greenbelt project would provide an opportunity for the scout to
reach out and present the project concept to Greenbelt personnel. The presentation could be
briefly presented to the City Council as well although this is not mandatory. Mann offers to
email a copy of map showing trail and offers to walk the proposed trail location with scout and
troop personnel. The ECGA project involves some moving of rocks, clearing brush, and raking.
Trail flags have been installed indicating the Greenbelt line.
Discussion ensues about how prior scout projects have involved building trails behind the
YMCA and how some bridges were built. Another project opportunity could be to replace
bridges or boardwalks at the Norwood Pond trail. If any of these projects would involve
Conservation Commission land then approval from the Commission would be necessary.
Discussion addresses how a scouting project team would include adults so power tools could be
used by them. The scout will email Mann to schedule a time to walk the proposed trail. As part
of his scout project, the scout will have to write a proposal report and seek approval from scout
district personnel. The scouting group notes that spring time would be best for doing an Eagle
Scout project where the scout leads a team as project manager. The scouts usually manage to get
donations of lumber if they are pursuing a woodworking project. Mann and Alden -St. Pierre will
correspond with the scout and troop.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Approval of Previous Minutes
Callaghan moves to approve the September 5, 2018 minutes as amended. Seconded by McCrory.
The motion carries 7 -0.
Principal Items of Business
Priority parcels — update on status
Discussion was on appraisals for two parcels that the Committee is interested in recommending
to the City to acquire for open space including 27A and 195 Greenwood. The Committee reviews
CPA pre - application process as it would relate to acquisition of a priority parcel if CPA open
space funds were pursued. There was also mention of level of detail in construction bidding to
estimate an accurate cost for a project (i.e., driveway).
A third property (long, skinny parcel — 240 feet wide) at 309 Dodge Street across the street from
the tree farm and next to ECGA parcel is also being considered for open space acquisition. The
parcel currently has Chapter 61A agricultural status and the City could potentially get right of
first refusal if the property is put on the market. Although the property owner could take the
parcel out of Chapter land status and pay full taxes for 5 years before putting it up for sale and
sell the property. If this action is undertaken the City would not have right of first refusal.
Discussion ensues about an OSRD and yield plan relative to proposed development without
waivers. Also mentioned is the value of Dodge Street parcel if access is limited and relative to
wildlife habitat. Discussion was on potential conservation restrictions on some properties at Tall
Tree Drive that would be ideal for trails.
The Committee will create a presentation to be given to the Mayor relative to its open space
acquisition suggestions. Discussion addresses work being done on harbor plan and compliance
with Chapter 91 regulations. Also mentioned was how the Committee thought an open space
presence was important as a harbor plan is devised. Discussion ensues on area for walkway and
how it would not overlap with development areas. Also noted was the importance of
incorporating boat slips along with harbor shoreline access for paddle boarders and kayakers.
Wynne will research what public meetings the Committee members could attend relative to
harbor planning.
Discussion was on if there could be a public landing spot near 27A although not in the salt marsh
at Bass River. Mann will speak to Aaron Clausen about topics raised by the Committee regarding
harbor planning.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Planning Board — Update
OSRD Initial Review Application for off Thaxton Road & Grover Street (Parcel 95 -8) —
Hickory Street Realty Trust
Discussion ensues on how developer is proposing three versus four lots and all access would be
from Thaxton Road. Alternative analysis is underway to determine which lot will be removed
from site plan.
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report
The CPC will hold its annual public hearing on October 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Beverly Golf
& Tennis Club. This is an opportunity for the public to share its ideas for possible projects which
may be funded in part by CPA monies. The application deadline for the first round of CPA
funding is November 1, 2018. One -page pre - application will be submitted by parties interested in
pursuing CPA funded projects. Mayor's approval is required if the City is involved in an
acquisition. An out of cycle application can be submitted beyond the scheduled CPA project
funding deadlines /cycle. Discussion addresses how one proposed project is for 75 family,
affordable housing units (3 -story building which would include Harbor Light Community
Partners office). There was also mention of Girl Scout Camp Paradise parcel that was acquired
by the City and is being paid for by bond with monies coming from CPA general fund reserves.
Also noted was the value of smaller open space projects.
Other Business & Updates
Encroachment Guidelines — Update
No update was presented.
Tall Tree Drive — dog waste
Miller needs to provide an update. Maria Arcieri from Engineering Department may be able to
develop a sign sketch.
Waring School encroachment update
A couple of years ago the City Solicitor opined in writing about how land swap could not occur
between the School and the City. The land is in a trust which designates passive use only so
proposing an active use is not a possibility. Dunne offers to draft a letter from the Committee
advising that the active use in the Waring School encroachment should cease. Wynne will
distribute this draft letter to the Committee for review. Discussion addresses whether or not
anyone should park on Standley Street to access passive use parcel.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
October 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Social Media Subcommittee — Update
Alden -St. Pierre shows the Committee his posted video of photos that had been posted on
Instagram and Facebook. Discussion ensues about if the Committee should seek to distribute this
information beyond the OSRC Facebook page.
Other business
Other items discussed were the Essex County Open Space conference in December. Also,
parcels signs and if an Eagle Scout could help install along with OSRC members. Next OSRC
meeting is November 7, 2018.
Adjournment
Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:49 p.m. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 7 -0.