12-05-18 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD: Open Space and Recreation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: December 5, 2018
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden -St. Pierre (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Todd Callaghan,
Elizabeth Dunne (arrived at 7:13 p.m.), Marilyn McCrory,
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Wayne Miller, Gregory Sharp
Rick Grandoni
Darlene Wynne, Assistant Planning Director
Mayor Michael Cahill, Michael Coughlin, Bike Committee
Jane Dooley
Members of the public opportunity to address the Committee, if any
Michael Coughlin mentions interest /support to assist with trail and street markings for bicyclists.
Approval of Previous Minutes
The OSRC will take action on November 7, 2018 meeting minutes next month.
Principal Items of Business
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities
The CPC is reviewing applications for CPA projects.
Discussion with Mayor Cahill — Open Space priorities
Mayor Cahill speaks to discussions that the City officials have been having with ECGA as part
of transition to ECGA's new president Kate Bowditch since former president Ed Becker retired.
The Mayor mentions overarching theme about what open space parcels are priority (i.e., identify
top opportunities not to miss and not over - assign value relative to use of scarce resources —
currently CPA funds rather than capital expenditures). He notes analysis done on easement
restriction opportunities and use of CPA funds which was done with Camp Paradise purchase.
McCrory mentions how state grants can be leveraged (PARC). ECGA's Chris LaPointe had
mentioned use of PARC grant in aforementioned meeting with City officials.
Discussion ensues about appraisal of 27A property and how to reach a meeting of the minds. The
Mayor notes his belief that an open space parcel is not a priority when it is unbuildable, where
access to an adjacent parcel already exists, and if it is deemed to be not at risk. He emphasizes
that the City spends its funds for the greatest gain. Mann reviews process discussed with City
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December 5, 2018 Meeting Minutes
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officials about identifying open space parcels with potential for acquisition and preservation and
vetting if they are to be pursued. He mentions spring meeting where Greens Hill and Greenwood
Ave parcels were given the nod by the Mayor and Aaron Clausen from the Planning Department
to pursue. The Mayor describes how appraisals had been done on the parcels and decisions have
to be made as to whether the City would want to acquire them. He notes access on Greens Hill
via 27X parcel. Mann explains that public survey results (147 responses) emphasized resident
interest in waterfront access, so he says the 27A parcel was high on the Committee's priority list.
There was agreement that the Committee was interested in the City finding funding for the
appraised value of 27A. Discussion was on legal clarification of 27A as a buildable lot.
The Mayor speaks to City officials' decision to use CPA funds for Camp Paradise. He states his
interest in open space preservation and cites areas protected or improved since taking office (i.e.,
Greens Hill, Camp Paradise, and area around Norwood Pond). He reiterates the importance of
the City deciding which open space parcels should be prioritized and where action should be
taken to move forward. Miller describes how the OSRC has a process associated with
prioritizing parcels, communicating with City officials to identify when an appraisal should be
done, and if funding should be pursued. The Mayor responds stating that the City officials have
not agreed to a priority list of open space parcels. Dunne describes the Committee's frustration
with identifying potential open parcels and not getting buy -in from the City officials. Brewster
notes how 27A, especially when it was considered unbuildable, was a good second step to the
City's acquiring 27X.
The Mayor agrees that the priority open space parcel list from the Committee is legitimate. He
suggests that he could meet with Aaron Clausen and Darlene Wynne to discuss the priority list
for open space. He notes that there could be open space opportunities associated with the Folly
Hill future development. Also, he doesn't want the City to spend funds on open space parcels
piece meal and then have a chance to acquire another parcel and have funding become an issue.
McCrory recommends that the City officials outline what criteria they perceive meets
consideration for open space parcel acquisition. She raises the possibility of Ventron site and
how it could be a park and could qualify for state funding. The Mayor notes that the City
received a bid for a restaurant on the former McDonald's property, but depending upon what
happens the Ventron site could be considered although there are differences of opinion of its
value. He notes that parking is an issue in the waterfront area that needs to be addressed.
The Mayor suggests he would review the OSRC priority parcels with planning staff. Afterwards
this information could be brought to the Committee by the Mayor. Callaghan suggests that the
true cost of acquisition of the Committee's identified top priority parcels should be evaluated in
terms of funding. The Mayor describes meeting with ECGA representatives relative to cost of a
few different privately owned parcels for acquisition or easements. Discussion also addresses
working with Endicott College on a permanent easement where the Mayor would meet with the
interim president.
Mayor Cahill departed the meeting and the Committee continued discussion. It was noted how
historically the City officials' priority list has not aligned with the Committee's priority list, and
this has continued causing confusion as to what steps the OSRC should be taking. The OSRC is
interested in having a defined process communicated to it so it can achieve some success to get
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December 5, 2018 Meeting Minutes
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the City's sign -off on priority parcels for preserving open space. Members noted how the Mayor
has the ultimate decision on the City acquiring open space and that the OSRC is a volunteer
advisory committee with no budget limits their ability to move any priority parcels forward. The
City's CPA designated funds for open space is currently $500,000. Discussion ensues about
value of small open space parcels versus offsetting /mitigating development by preserving some
land as open space. Mann noted that OSRC Chair should be made aware of ECGA meeting with
City officials.
2019 Meeting Schedule
Callaghan moves to accept the 2019 meeting schedule. Seconded by Alden -St. Pierre. The
motion carries 8 -0.
Planning Board — Update
The Cross Lane OSRD open space (60,000 s.f.) is slated to be accepted by City Council. The
Conservation Commission has outlined a trail which connects into Sally Milligan.
A cease and desist has been issued as part of the Webster St. OSRD development where filling
was done on cart path within the designated open space area to be conveyed to ECGA.
Conservation Commission will require the area be restored.
Essex County Open Space Conference — Takeaways
Discussion was on effectiveness of conference volunteers and sessions held this year (i.e.,
climate change).
Recreational Trails Grant
Kiosk signs require editing
Discussion was on how kiosk sign language can be edited (i.e., new trail names) which
consistencies (i.e., funded by DCR) and new logos that need to be included, as well as references
to awareness of ticks (i.e., Lyme disease). There were suggestions to update maps and include
animal images. Also mentioned was suggested use of international standards especially as it
relates to colors used on the maps.
Trail numbering plan status
The trail numbering plan is especially directed to new users of the trails. The indicators will be
inexpensive and easy to install. Discussion ensues about where trail arrows could be installed.
Also mentioned was need to develop a trails map for Philips reserve. The Committee notes
wording associated with dogs on trails and use of firearms.
Adjournment
Brewster moves to adjourn at 9:21 p.m. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 8 -0.