1-2-19 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
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Mann opens the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
January 2, 2019
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden -St. Pierre, Elizabeth Dunne, Rick Grandoni, Marilyn
McCrory, Gregory Sharp
Todd Callaghan, Wayne Miller
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Dooley
Members of the public opportunity to address the Committee, if any
No one from the public was present.
Approval of Previous Minutes
McCrory moves to approve the November 7, 2018 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by
Alden -St. Pierre. The motion carries 7 -0.
Brewster moves to approve the December 5, 2018 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by
Sharp. The motion carries 7 -0. Mann request the revised draft be circulated to the Committee
before posting.
Principal Items of Business
Recreational Trails Grant Work Session
Discussion ensued about what size and layout would be used to update the kiosk maps. GIS files
prepared by City staff will be used for the maps which will be installed (where possible in any
existing kiosk frames) at JC Phillips, Norwood Pond, Sally Milligan, etc. Sharp will use his
computer program to make the edits and convert the files into pdf format in preparation for
printing, unless the City's Graphic Designer Maria Arcieri is needed to assist.
Also discussed was including historic information on a OSRC webpage instead to reduce some
of the information on the kiosks and how it could be linked to the webpage at the kiosk by QR
code or other means. The Committee discussed what text (common names in addition to Latin)
and photographs should be included on the kiosk signs. Information about the conservation
restriction at Norwood Pond will be added. Also needed is editing of tick and Lyme disease
awareness information.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 2, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 3
Open Space rules and regulation wording was discussed to simplify. Wynne will check with City
solicitor regarding language associated with hunting. She will also provide a list outlining the
outstanding items on this project. Miller will be consulted regarding trail numbering status.
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities
McCrory reports that final CPA project applications are due January 10, 2019. One of the
recreation projects has been deemed ineligible.
Planning Board — Update
Wynne notes that there are no open space related items at the moment.
Open Space Acquisition — discussion on evaluation process
Discussion ensued about need to define an evaluation process. Wynne will participate in an
internal meeting with City staff in next two weeks that could address such a process. Also
mentioned was Order of Conditions for Cummings property at 52 Dunham Road and if any
funds could be provided now regarding the Norwood Pond trail and benefit for conservation
land. A check -in with the Mayor would have to be done to understand if a Committee member
could approach Cummings. Also mentioned was if the North Shore Music Theatre could be
contacted regarding providing an easement to cross their property to complete the Norwood
Pond Trail.
Alden -St. Pierre mentioned he had attended a meeting where he learned about Ipswich's open
space procedures. The Committee discussed learning more about how they, and other
neighboring communities, get funding for open space. It was noted in Ipswich they receive funds
through private grants. Mann notes there is a process for applying for grants from foundations.
Wynne will consult with the Mayor and City's Grants Director.
Annual Election of Officers Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary
The Committee will vote on officers at its February meeting.
Other Business
Discussion was on settlement reached on 27X and how this needs to be filed in court. The trail is
being used although entrance is not officially opened yet.
Discussion ensued on priority parcels list and how the Committee believes it has done a good job
ranking prospective open space parcels suitable for acquisition. However, there are varying
opinions on fair appraisal value for one parcel among City officials, and the importance of
weighing best use of City money for open space acquisitions when there are limited funds. Mann
expressed frustration with expending effort to pursue open space parcels when it is difficult to
achieve goal.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
January 2, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Adjournment
Brewster moves to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Seconded by Alden -St. Pierre. The motion carries 7 -0.