02-06-19 OSRC MinCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECORDER:
Mann opens the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Open Space and Recreation Committee
February 6, 2019
Charlie Mann (Chair), David Brewster (Vice Chair), David
Alden -St. Pierre, Todd Callaghan, Elizabeth Dunne,
Marilyn McCrory, Wayne Miller, Gregory Sharp
Rick Grandoni
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
Callaghan moves to approve the revised December 5, 2018 meeting minutes. Seconded by
McCrory. The motion carries 8 -0.
McCrory moves to approve the January 2, 2019 meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by
Miller. The motion carries 7 -0 -1 with Callaghan abstaining.
Annual Election of Officers Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary
McCrory nominated Mann as Chair. Seconded by Miller. The motion carries 7 -0 -1 with Mann
abstaining.
Alden -St. Pierre nominates Brewster as Vice Chair. Seconded by Mann. The motion carries 7 -0-
1 with Brewster abstaining.
Mann nominates Alden -St. Pierre as Secretary. Seconded by McCrory. The motion carries 7 -0 -1
with Alden -St. Pierre abstaining.
Principal Items of Business
Community Preservation Committee — Representative Report on Activities
McCrory reports that review has begun of CPA project applications and one has been approved
for a large housing project which was moved forward to the City Council. Discussion was on
possibility of ECGA applying for CPA funds for an open space project.
Planning Board — Update
The Planning Department is selecting a consultant for the City's master plan.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
February 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Earth Day Walks
Wynne suggests that the OSRC coordinate with others in the City that are planning Earth Day
activities. The Committee review the list of prior earth day walks. Mann offers to do a walk at
Green's Hill. Former member Robert Buchsbaum or perhaps Nancy Coffey could serve as
speakers on a walk. The Kelleher Pond walk with Historic Beverly was not held in prior years
and could be rescheduled this year. Discussion was on whether or not for profit organizations
would be interested in getting involved (i.e., reptiles, paddle boards). The following members
committed to organize a walk.
LOCATIONS
TOPICS
SPEAKERS
OSRC Coordinator
Green's Hill
Charlie Mann
Kelleher Pond / Hannah
Exploring new City open
Marilyn McCrory
Marilyn McCrory
School
space behind dev't; tie in
Historic Beverly ( ?) — Terri
w/ Ice Industry?
McFadden is retired I
believe; Abby Battis
(Darlene Wynne - may be
oppty to talk about OSRD
dev't)
Birds
David Brewster
David Brewster
Pole Swamp Lane or
Tree Identification
Gregory Sharp
Gregory Sharp
other location
Norwood Pond Trails
David Alden -St.
Pierre
The following people were identified as possible partners or speakers:
• Julia Long — CEAC
• Barbara Warren — Salem Sound Coastwatch
• Russ Cohen
• Erika Sonder
• Mike Rabalsky (Reptiles — Liz Dunne will contact)
Update on staff meeting with the Mayor
Wynne reports on a staff meeting with the Mayor. She notes the Board and Administration are
not as far apart as it appears regarding preserving open space parcels. She also followed up on
proposed expansion of the Norwood Pond trail system, noting that would require Conservation
Commission approval and that the Cummings organization has not yet triggered the requirement
to contribute funds associated with a conservation approval. She added that the proposed trail
would go through the North Shore Music Theater property and an easement would be required
unless the trail is directed around this property. She has had initial conversations with the NSMT
who is not sure they would allow the trail where it is proposed currently. Mann offers to speak to
Conservation Agent Amy Maxner to understand what the Conservation Commission would
require regarding trail development around Norwood Pond.
Wynne mentions how the Mayor had visited the 27X parcel and saw the boardwalk that was
built. Also noted was how the Mayor had seen 27A parcel and he wants to understand details
about buildability and sea level rise associated with the appraisal for the parcel.
Open Space & Recreation Committee
February 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Wynne will follow up individually with OSRC members about other possible trail projects. She
notes discussion with the Mayor about Chapter 61 properties where there are 7 left in Beverly
and most of the property owners have a conservation interest. The Assessors department will
notify the Mayor if any of these 7 are no longer interested in remaining in chapter land status.
Also, Aaron Clausen has met with the sustainability person at Endicott College.
Other Business
Update on Eagle Scout projects
Discussion was on how an Eagle Scout is planning a boardwalk project for Norwood Pond. Also
under discussion with another Eagle Scout is the proposed trail at Webster Avenue to Essex
County Greenbelt land. Mann has flagged a trail line. For Norwood Pond, he suggests that a
boardwalk could be built across swamp and notes that he could ask Maxner about if that would
be allowed.
Mann recommends how donated split rail fence sections should be used for installation at
beginning of Greens Hill trail if the City cannot get resolution on the settlement. Members
discuss that this process can be used elsewhere such as at Kelleher Pond trail off the cul -de -sac.
Miller notes how he approached house of property owner that had been complaining about dog
waste at Tall Tree Drive trail but hasn't found anyone home. Some of the OSRC members have
been on trail and haven't seen evidence of the problem.
Update on National Grid Chapter 91 license and review by the Conservation Commission
Mann mentions that National Grid has submitted an application to consolidate its licenses and as
a result is making some changes, which are before the Conservation Commission. He adds that
they have removed the cage at the end of the path on the Bass River.
Update on Parcel 27X
This discussion occurred earlier.
Recreational Trails Grant Work Session
Discussion ensues about finalizing the trail numbering plan that Miller has developed for
placement on trees where needed in the City's open spaces (i.e., Sally Milligan, Phillips estate,
etc.). He is using vinyl flooring remnants with hand drawn identifying marks to create durable
trail markers — which he shows to the Committee. Miller is focused on accurately tracking via
GIS where trail markers will be placed in case replacement is needed in the future.
Discussion was on how the wayfinding signs could be ordered now. The kiosk signs still need
mapping information. Updated information from Roland Adams on Greenwood trail has to be
given to the Committee.
The Committee reviewed colors, fonts, animal photos, and content (i.e., tick awareness) for the
wayfinding signs. All members, but especially Sharp and Miller, will track their hours that they
are spending on this work associated with the grant requirements.
Land Grants
Open Space & Recreation Committee
February 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
Discussion ensues on land grants from the state that have application deadlines in July.
Next Meeting March 6, 2019
Wynne mentioned the Mayor is scheduled to attend this meeting. Mann notes he will be absence
and asks if the Mayor could attend in April.
Adjournment
McCrory moves to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Seconded by Alden -St. Pierre. The motion carries 8 -0.