Appendix A - Minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

Myopia Hunt at Curzon’s Mill Bridge

 

                                                           

                                                         

 

 

     

OSC Minutes

January 9, 2002

 

Attending:   Madelyn Cirrina, Mickey Culve,r Dawne Fusco, Mary Lee Mahoney, Annie Madden, Patricia Reeser,  Janet Thibeau, Leigh Stoecker, Don Bourguard

 

 

 

1.                  BioMap  -Dennis McNamara of Mass. Fish and Wildlife

Reviewed WN’s biomap, explained F&W’s interest in contiguous and preferably large parcels. Some money left for this fiscal year.  Next yearly likely less. He is to check whether F&W would have any interest in any portion of the Cherry Hill parcel.

 

2.                  Open Space Plan Update planning

Janet reviewed the extent of the rewrite that is needed.  Everyone is encouraged to participate in this important project. We decided to redo a town wide survey (Annie, Patricia, Dawne, with help from Janet and Tracy)  Other sections were delegated.  Mickey and Janet to work together to keep us organized, much of which will happen via email.

 

3.                  Budget request for next fiscal year.

With the rewrite of the OSPlan, our budget request will need to be higher than our usual $500.  Estimates were between $3500 and $5,000.  Annie to get budget from Tracy of the first OSC year when first plan was done.  Mickey to get some estimates from Opportunity Workshop for survey mailing, booklet prep, copying, etc.  Leigh offered to format and type!!

 

4.                   Cherry Hill

Rick Thurlow shared that “we are in the ballpark”.  The negotiating subcommittee is to meet in the next 2 weeks to go over details.  We requested that the Thurlows have a written or specific proposal for us to discuss, if at all possible before the meeting. Annie is to contact Angela Thurlow about the easement on the Victorian House property.

 

 

5.                  Invitation to participate:  working meeting – creation of statewide Open Space Plan, January 17, 7-9 p.m. at Trustees of Reservations, Beverly

 

 

6.         Next meeting – Wednesday, February 6

 

 

 

 

OSC Minutes

February 6, 2002

 

Attending:  Madelyn Cirrina, Mark Cosentino,  Mickey Culver, Dawne Fusco, Annie Madden, Patricia Reeser, Leigh Stoecker, Don Bourguard

 

1.                  Cherry Hill 

Rick Thurlow presented his families decision to forgo the offer made to

the Thurlow family on behalf of the Town by the Cherry Hill Subcommittee

            for 14.8 acres on Cherry Hill and Moulton Streets. They have decided to

work with an as yet unnamed developer, though a P&S has not yet been
signed.  The Cherry Hill Subcommittee will meet on February 13 to discuss further.

 

2.                  Land Bond Protocol

Annie to begin an outline draft and send to Patricia and Leigh for initial

review.

 

3.                  OS Plan Rewrite

Survey 

Printing later in the week, in the mail next week.

Organization and delegation of tasks

Mickey reviewed  the website and spreadsheet of future tasks and time-

table.  Committee members signed up for various assignments.  A date

for a public forum is April 3rd.  Annie to inform Selectmen of our

Intention to update the plan, with progress to date.

Budget

Budget reviewed.  Some costs for printing and mailing have been less

than initially estimated.  Budget request can be reduced to $2500 from

earlier submitted $3000 figure.

 

Budget notes:                Print report    1200

                                                Binders 165

                                                Assemble           75

                                                Print survey      200

                                                Postage(surv)   187

                                                Total                1827

           

                                                Usual budget    500

                                                                        2327 

                                                Revised budget request  $2500

           

4.         Next Meeting    March 6, 2002

 

 

OSC Minutes

March, 6, 2002

 

Attending:  Anne Madden, Dawne Fusco, Leigh Stoecker, Mary Lee Mahoney, Madelyn Cirinna, Mark Cosentino, Mickey Culver, Don Bourguard, Jim Sperelakis

 

 

1.                  Cherry Hill / Dunn

Formal Cherry Hill notice of release from 61A has been received for a sale pending for 1.4 million.  The subcommittee has been authorized by the Selectman to approach the potential buyer to discuss possible cooperative approach. 

 

Dunn negotiations are ongoing.  The committee discussed and unanimously agreed that acquisition of the entire 71 acre parcel had preference over  the acquisition of a smaller back partial piece being considered for a well site.  Benefits included ability to substantially reduce large buildout, larger area of scenic meadow contiguous to Pipestave, including existing trail, as well a promising well site. 

 

Mary Lee to write a memo to the Planning Board about the value of a

trail that crosses the Knowles property, in hopes that an easement might

be negotiated with the new owner/developers.

 

2.                  OS Plan Rewrite

Survey

            200 in so far, deadline extended.  Tracy is tabulating, Leigh and Annie are             compiling narrative content.  Goal is to have the survey ready for

            presentation at Forum on 4/1.

Public participation

Plan researchers are encouraged to seek out the input of

            relevant departments, and experts.  Please send all resource names to

            Annie for listing in the Plan.

Rewrite

            Underway.  Send content to Mickey Culver for updating of the Website. 

            Leigh who has agreed to format and type requests that you highlight

            new material that you cut in to the older Plan.  If substantially rewritten,

            let her know that. Mickey will post specific instructions on this on the

            Website.  Also, please check the State’s new Plan Guidebook which is

Posted ont the website, especially about the sections that for which  you are responsible.  Dawne reports that she and Ray have made a lot of

progress on the maps.  Don and Mark are at work on parcel lists. 

 

 

 

April 3 Open House  (publicity, invitations to boards)

Memo regarding the Forum  to go to all members of Town committees, boards and commissions.

            Flyer to be posted.  Copies will go to the press to encourage public parti-

            cipation.

 

3.                  Mass. Open Space Plan Meeting

“Janet Thibeau and I attended a workshop on the creation of a statewide Open Space Plan on January 17the.  It was hosted by the Trustees of Reservations at Long Hill Reservation in Beverly.  Many of our open space committee counterparts from our Essex County neighbors were there, along with Ed Becker of Greenbelt, members of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, and other members of the state open space planning committee.  Essentially, the planners made a presentation of their plan, provided a summary of the data/information/ideas/etc. on which the plan was based, and then asked all in attendance to comment.

Unfortunately, the facilitator of the workshop (Jeff Davis of UMASS) was nowhere near the caliber of our own resident facilitator (Janet), and so the meeting wandered and meandered—with several heartfelt soliloquies from one gentleman on the dangers of worldwide over-population.  (I promised Janet that I wouldn’t tell him that she was pregnant with her fourth child!)

However, it was interesting and instructive to see that the State has a very ambitious plan for saving open space—particularly those areas identified on the Biomap on which the plan appears to be founded. Much to the consternation of open space advocates from cities like Beverly, very little attention was paid by the plan to small, isolated parcels in high-density population areas.  Funding for open space was of paramount concern—and all in attendancewere asked to lobby our state legislators.”

Reported by Leigh

 

 

4.                  Mass Land Trust Coalition Conference

March 23rd, in Worcester.  Many interesting sessions very pertinent to our work. Patricia is interested in attending.

 

5.                  Environmental Bond

Committee agreed to send letter endorsing the efforts of the Coalition

For the Environmental Bond, with cc to Stanley and Tarr.

 

6.                  Committee expenses

Warrant signed for survey printing and posting expenses which will come

out of this fiscal year’s budget.  If you incur any expenses in work on the Plan, be sure to save original receipts.

7.                  Biodiversity Days – 2002

 

Per Kate Day, via Mary Lee Biodiversity Days 2002, sponsored in our region by the Parker River Clean Water Association (PRCWA).  I've been asked to serve as the coordinator for this region, and West Newbury is one our towns.  This annual statewide event, sponsored by Bob Durand and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, drew over 30,000 participants in 232 towns and resulted in the identification of over 2400 species statewide last year. The goal of the program is to create a statewide species registry, and to provide a catalyst for ongoing biodiversity and habitat inventories, with the use of data for local

conservation planning.  This year, Biodiversity Days will be celebrated May

31-June3.  An important goal is to foster collaboration between a wide range of

conservation interests, schools, fish and game groups and citizens with an

interest in species identification and protection.  PRCWA would like to host a series of walks at Mill Pond/Pipestave on Sunday, June 2, in collaboration with Essex County Greenbelt.  I thought this would make a nice opportunity to celebrate the success of the CR as well. I've spoken to Barbara Raiche, who has ok'd the use of the Mill Pond building that day.  Deb and Alex Hamilton have expressed an interest in leading a walk, and Judy Winchell may lead a mushroom walk that day.  I'm hoping to get a couple naturalists on board too---the idea would be to host a series of public walks to learn about and inventory the huge variety of plants, animals and birds in the Pipestave/.Mill Pond area. It would be great to make this a town-wide event, get the school involved, and help make this a celebration of the passage of the Greenbelt CR.  I'd be happy to come in and chat with the Open Space Committee about this--Deb has offered to bring it up with the Con Com.  Barbara is excited about having the Mill Pond Committee in on sponsorship as well.  Greenbelt is putting a mention of the date and event in their spring calendar.  The Committee agreed to endorse or cosponsor this effort.

 

 

8.                  Next meetings   April 3rd -  OS & R Plan Forum

  April 10  - working meeting

  April 24  - working meeting

  May 1st  -regular meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 April 3, 2002                                   

Open Space and Recreation Public Planning Forum

 

Minutes

 

Present (among others):

Annie Madden

Rick Parker

Adelaide Janes

Janet Thibeau

Tracy Blais

Dick Preble

Patricia Reeser

Wendy Reed

Leona Preble

Dawne Fusco

Barbara Raiche

Felicity Beech

Leigh Stoecker

Frank Mather

Jennifer Solis

MaryLee Mahoney

Chris Wile

Nelson Valverde

Don Borquard

Jim Sperlakis

Richard Berkenbush

Ray Cook

 

 

 

Welcome

Annie Madden, Chair, Open Space Committee

 

            Several reasons to update the 1996 Open Space & Recreation Plan:

Ø      An updated Plan makes West Newbury eligible for state funds

Ø      The 1996 Plan has informed the town’s actions on land in the

                         past five years, and we hope the updated Plan will do the same for

                         the next five years.

 

Accomplishments of the Open Space Committee and Town Board/Committees since 1996:

Ø      Acquisition of the 56-acre Mingo Property — now the Riverbend Conservation Area.

Ø      Passage of a $5 million land bond

Ø      Acquisition of the 100-acre Craven parcel on Brake Hill

Ø      Passage of the “Scenic Roads By-Law

Ø      Reconstruction of Indian River Bridge

Ø      Trail Work at Riverbend

Ø      Land-Use Plan for Pipestave Hill

o       Development of soccer fields

o       Conservation Restriction

Ø      “Preserving Family Land” Workshop

o       Clark Gowan’s Land Trust

o       Atherton Property

 

Updating the Plan

 

A Community Survey mailed to all households in West Newbury in March 2002 received a 20% response.  The results, compiled and tallied by Tracy Blais, are attached.

 

Discussion

Facilitated by Janet Thibeau

 

1.  Trails

 

Concerns/Recommendations:

 

l  Trash

 

l  ATVs and trucks are destroying trail bed

   —  Need gates to prevent vehicles from driving in

 

l Little Crane Pond

   —  Improve road/bridge to open up area for recreational use

   —  State Fish & Game has jurisdiction over this land

                       

l  Post trails, list rules of use, enforce rules

 

l   Encourage landowners to allow public access to trails on their property

    —  Community Preservation Act (see below) could allow us to make a cash payment

    as incentive for use of the land      

    —  Mass General Law says landowners cannot be held liable for injuries on trails

    —  What about vandalism — who is liable for destruction of property?

    —  We must develop a strong management plan before approaching landowners

    —  Landowners might be able to use “61 B Recreational Land” as a tax break by allowing use of trails on their land.

 

 

2.  Wooded Areas/Corridors for Wildlife

 

Corridors

Our efforts have focused on contiguous linkages within West Newbury.  We are starting to make connections with Groveland.  However, an environmental study may be needed to identify true wildlife corridors through town. 

 

Mapping

The Town has recently purchased full-color aerial views of the entire town.  We will soon acquire oblique pictures to show elevations.

 

61A

We must bear in mind that Chapter 61 A designation does not provide permanent protection of open space.  According to analysis by Ray Cook, 727 acres have come out of 61A in five years, a rate of 145 acres per year.  At this pace, all acreage will come out of 61A in 11 years’ time. 

 

It is important to note that some of that acreage has been purchased/acquired by the Town and/or Greenbelt.  A very rough estimate of  the number of acres being lost to development is about 35 acres per year.

If a tally is made of privately held lots of 10 acres or more for 1996 through 2001, the sums are 3,654 and 3,241 acres respectively — representing a loss of 413 acres over five years.

 

3.  Recreation

Athletic Fields

In 2001, funds for 3 all-purpose fields and 2 softball fields at Pipestave Hill were approved at Town Meeting, addressing the town’s field requirements through at least 2007.  Survey results demonstrated some interest in the development of tennis courts and of a sledding hill behind Page School.

 

Signage

 

4.  Land Acquisition

 

Question: 

How are parcels of land targeted as “priority parcels?” 

 

After a careful inventory of all open lands was made in Summer 2000, a wide-ranging committee comprised of Open Space Committee members, Planning Board Members, Con Com Members, and long-time town residents identified 12 criteria — environmental sensitivity, viewshed, hilltops, school site, etc. — that makes land worth preserving.  Approximately 40 properties are included on the “priority parcel list,” all of which meet one or more of the 12 criteria. 

 

Many landowners are now reaching an age that may result in multiple parcels of land becoming available simultaneously.

 

5.  Community Preservation Act

 

Passed by the State Legislature in 2001.

If we added a 3% surcharge on property taxes, West Newbury would raise $160,000 per year for

 

 

This is an interesting tool for raising open space funds with a low impact on individuals:

$364,000 average house

 

 

Other information about the Community Preservation Act:

 

 

6.  Merrimac River

Access

Townspeople do have access to the Merrimac River in several locations:

 

 

All need three access points need work — especially parking and boat launch sites.

Erosion

Homeowners along the river contribute to erosion by cutting trees and brush to improve their views. Boat owners contribute by going at high speeds and creating large wakes.

Difficult to monitor both erosion-causing activities.

 

 

7.  Water Resources

 

In an effort to become independent of Newburyport, several properties are in the early stages of acquisition for the purpose of developing water wellfields: 

 

 

Use of land for water wellfields does not preclude its use for passive recreation.  The two uses dovetail nicely together.

 

New state regulations prohibit boating on reservoirs.

 

 

8.  Management of Town-owned Land

 

The Town now owns close to 700 or 800 acres of open space.

 

Should we consider hiring an individual (a Ranger-type person) to manage the land, working with volunteers?  Could CPA funds be used to fund such a position?

 

Currently, a town-wide trail system is being developed by volunteers, who are also managing and maintaining some of the trails.

 

West Newbury should take a “holistic,” town-wide view of trails and open space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSC MINUTES  5-29-02

 

 

Attending :   Mickey Culver, Madelyn Cirinna, Annie Madden, Dawne Fusco, Janet Thibeau, Leigh Stoecker, Mary Lee Mahoney,  Patricia Reeser, Don Bourguard, Mike

Mokrzycki

 

Biodiversity Days – Kate Day

Kate gave a brief run down of events scheduled in the area.  OSC has cosponsored this event.

 

Cherry Hill  -  Annie and Patricia

            Annie and Patricia reviewed the Cherry Hill proposal.  Discussion took place. 

It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously that the Open Space Committee supports the purchase of two lots and the receipt of two gifted lots (for a total of 4 lots) for a total price of $495,000.00 to be raised via the Land Bank Bond  ; but  if the contract between Great Woods Post and Beam, Cherry Hill Nursery, Inc. and the Town is not signed before the Special Town Meeting on June 6, 2002,  the Committee in that instance recommends that the Town exercise its right of first refusal, and purchase the entire parcel for $1,400,000.00.

 

OSC Plan Priorities   -   Janet and all

Janet reviewed her summary of the plan’s major points to date previously sent out by email, with editings from Jim Sperelakis, who was unable to attend.  She will review again, and draft again. We reviewed and discussed some of the maps, which are looking very good. Therewill be more discussion at the next meeting on maps.

           

Process from here

            Mickey reviewed the Plan’s sections to date , and we discussed responsibilities

            for the summary, typing, editing.  Mike to take a look at the survey results and

            work on writing up a presentation of the data. 

 

 

Next Meeting- June 5 
            Reorganization

                                    Continued work on Plan

                                   

           

 

 

                       

Open Space Minutes, 7/17/02

 

Attendees

Anne

Dawne

Madelyn

Patricia

Mike

Janet

Mark

Don

Leigh

 

Topics covered

·         committee reorganization

·         Priority parcel review for Open Space Plan

·         Conservation restrictions update

·         Open space Plan update

·         Grant proposal

·         Environmental Bond Rally

·         Next meeting

 

Committee reorganization

The committee voted unanimously to accept MaryLee Mahoney’s and Leigh Stoecker’s resignations. 

 

The committee also voted unanimously to recommend that the Selectman make Mickey Culver and Mark Consentino full members and Don Bourguard and Mike Mokrzycki associate members.

 

Next step:  Anne will notify the Selectman of our recommendations.

 

Priority parcel review for Open Space Plan

We reviewed the current priority parcel list and town map.  Based on the review, we

·         Added and deleted parcels from the list

·         Identified parcels to preserve/protect as well as ones to preserve/establish trail easements

Next step:  Map subcommittee will update list and map accordingly.

 

Conservation restrictions

The Town does not have a master list of all conservation restrictions.  As a result, the Map for the Open Space Plan will not include all conservation restrictions.

 

Next step:  Make identifying all conservation restrictions a goal within the Open Space Plan.

 

Open space Plan update

We received drafts of Sections 1,2,6, and 9 for review.

We agreed the Plan should include a list of accomplishments  from the last Plan update. 

To get feeback on the Plan, we will put the draft online and give Town boards hard copies.

 

Grant proposal

Don has identified potential grant for funding trail mapping and marking.

 

Next steps:  Don will work on grant.

 

Environmental Bond Rally

The Environmental Bond Rally will be July 23rd.

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 6 at 7:30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Space Minutes, 8/6/02

 

Attendees

Anne

Dawne

Mickey

Patricia

Mike

Mark

Janet

 

 

 

Topics covered

·         committee appointments

·         Nichols conservation restriction

·         ’98 STM Open space Expense account

·         Sargent land gift

·         Ball field water supply

·         Open Space Plan review

·         Next meeting

 

Committee appointments

The Board of Selectman approved the appointment of Mickey Culver and Mark Consentino as full members and Don Bourquard and Mike Mokrzycki as associate members.  Congratulations!

 

Nichols conservation restriction

The committee voted unanimously to support the Nichols property conservation restriction.  The property is located on Church St.

 

’98 STM Open space Expense account

The committee voted unanimously to request that the balance of the Article 6 STM 4/98 account ($592.19) be carried forward.

 

Next step:  The letter formally making this request has been sent to Tracy Blais.

 

Sargent land gift

The committee voted unanimously to support the Sargent land gift.  The property is located west of Indian River.

 

Next step:  Anne will send a letter of support to the Board of Selectman.

 

Ball field water supply

We learned that there may be some issues locating a well for irrigating the ball fields at Pipestave.  The Pipestave Ball Field subcommittee may request that they be allowed to pump water from Mill Pond to irrigate the fields.

 

Next step:   We will monitor this situation.

 

Open Space Plan review

We reviewed the following parts of the Open Space Plan: 

·         Section 1 Plan Summary

·         Section 2 Introduction

o       Statement of Purpose

o       Planning Process and Public Participation

·         Section 5 Land Inventory

·         Section 6 Community Vision

o       Description of Process

 

Next steps:  Work on the Plan continues.  Mike has agreed to work on survey data and narratives.

For our next meeting, please review Section 9 (5 year plan) and Table 5-A Part 2 (Priority Watch List).  Both are available on the web site. 

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, September 4 at 7:30.  We will continue our review of the Open Space plan and any other items that arise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Space Minutes, 9/2/02

 

Attendees

Anne

Dawne

Mark

Patricia

Mike

Don

Janet

Madelyn

Mickey

Leigh

 

 

 

Topics covered

·         Cherry Hill update

·         Pipestave fields water supply update

·         Nichols conservation restriction

·         Daley property

·         Elwell property

·         Open Space Plan review

·         Open Space Plan timetable for completion

·         Next meeting

 

Cherry Hill update

The Board of Selectman approved the curb cuts.  Provisions have been made to ensure drainage is to pond and not on to town parcels.

 

Next steps:  The Planning Board will be reviewing the Form A lots mid month.  The environmental report is on its way.

 

Pipestave fields water supply update

The Field committee is meeting tomorrow.  Based on feedback regarding the use of Mill Pond as a water source, the committee may now be looking into using the existing wells on the Dunn property instead.

 

Next steps:  We will continue to monitor this situation.

 

Nichols conservation restriction

The Selectman accepted the Nichols conservation restriction.  The sale of the house is pending.

 

Daley property

Jim Sperelakis has talked to Mr. Daley regarding the parcel behind the American Legion as a possible site for a town park.  We like the town park concept but need to know more information.

 

Next step:  Jim will attend our next meeting to discuss this idea in more detail.

 

Elwell property

The Planning Board is having a hearing on September 17 to discuss a common drive on the Elwell property (Map R-6, Lot 17)located west of Indian River.  We are interested in discussing trail easements for this parcel.

 

Next step:  Anne will send a letter to the Planning Board requesting trail easements.  Member(s) of the Trails subcommittee will plan to attend the meeting and provide update at our next meeting.

 

Open Space Plan review

We reviewed the following parts of the Open Space Plan: 

·         Section 5E: Watch List

·         Maps

 

Mark has agreed to be our photo editor.

 

Next steps:  Work on the Plan continues.  Please refer to the timetable below. 

 

Open Space Plan timetable for completion

To ensure that the Plan maintains momentum and get finished before the holidays, we created a timetable for completion.  The timetable is listed below. 

 

Who

What

When

Everyone

Submit hard copy or e-mail of each part of the Plan to Leigh

Between now and  September 6

Leigh

Assemble the Plan and complete macro level edit

September 9 – September 13

Leigh, Anne, Mark, and Janet

Review draft of Plan

September 17, 2:30 – 4:00 at 1910 building

Leigh, Anne, Mark, and Janet

Revise Plan

September 17 – October 25

Leigh

Final Edit

Edits complete November 8

TBD

Plan goes to printer

November 11

TBD

Plan is distributed for review by Town committees, key residents

November 18

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30.  We will hear about the Daley property, the Elwell property and any other items that arise.

 

 

 

 

 

OSC Minutes 10-2-02

 

Attending:  Jim Sperelakis, Mickey Culver, Mike Mokrzycki, Madelyn Cirinna, Patricia Reeser, Annie Madden

 

 

1.             Jim Sperelakis re: Daley propery

Jim reviewed his vision for a Town Common or Park, with specific interest in the Daley Property, a place for picnics, gatherings, grass and beautiful trees, a village green.

Property available, not under 61- A.  22 Acres in two parcels.

3 percs, 2 on the back and 1 on the front. Contiguous to Bacheldor playing fields and the civic center.  Open agricultural fields, and woods. Appraised for 350-370k in 1998, a recent offer reported at 785K.  Concerns regarding wetlands, access for road, future usage, not visible from road.  Possible mixed use with affordable housing in the back.

               

Jim is going to explore this idea further with the Planning Board, Housing Authority, Conservation Commission. Consider an appraisal.

 

2.             Ordway CR

The Open Space Committee voted unanimously to support the CR for the Ordway property on Turkey Hill Road, to be held by ECGA.  Letter of support sent to the Board of Selectmen.

 

3.             Elwell Property       

Discussion took place relative to trails, and how to proceed with town wide trail system development. Committee decided to devote an entire meeting to this topic in the winter.  The trails subcommittee will research other town trail associations, bylaws, in preparation for such a meeting. Subcommittee to continue discussion with Elwell family, walk the property with them, and get back to full committee. 

 

4.             Pipestave

No new news on water sources.  Fields are in and appear planted.

 

5.              Open Space Plan

Leigh, Annie and Janet met to continue the second edit.  Much new material has been submitted, and some will be sent back out for fine tuning.  We are on timetable. Leigh needs the latest versions of maps for inclusion in her comprehensive draft. Edit group to meet again on October22, Tuesday, 7:30 pm.

 

Leigh contacting the State DCS regarding the previous ADA Self Evaluation which is a required submission for this plan.

 

6.        Notice:       “Meeting Community Housing Needs”  Using Ch.40B and other tools to reach your community housing needs and open space goals.

October 19th, 9-2, Pingree School.

 

 

7.             Next meeting, November 6, 2002

       

 

 

Open Space Minutes, 11/06/02

 

Attendees

Anne

Mark

 

Patricia

Don

 

Madelyn

Janet

 

 

 

 

 

Topics covered

·         Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

·         Indian Hill Street Property

·         OS&R Plan

·         North Shore Open Space Committee Network

·         Grant award

·         Next meeting

 

Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

We need more information about this parcel

 

Next steps:  Patricia and Madelyn will contact people to see how much a title search would cost.

 

Indian Hill Street Property

Cherry Hill Trust has a parcel on Indian Hill Street and they have sent a 61A notice to the Board of Selectman.  The plan is to have 5 lots with driveways (price: $950,000) or 4 lots ($770,000.)

 

Next steps:  Patricia will contact developer to explore easements.Anne will contact the Board of Selectman requesting that we be informed of 61A notices as well as notices regarding abutting land.

 

OS&R Plan

The good news is that most sections are in final revisions.  However, the following sections are still in draft form:

·         Section 7A (Patricia)

·         Section 7B (Mickey?)

·         Section 7C, 8, and 9 (Janet)

·         a map highlighting the geographical areas for Section 5, and

·         infrastructure map .

 

We also agreed that the key to the parcel map would be put on a separate page.

 

Next steps:  Continue revisions.  Madelyn will review private parcel descriptions from Section 5.

 

North Shore Open Space Committee Network

The North Shore Open Space Committee Network is meeting on Saturday, November 9 to discuss Municipal Stewardship of Open Space.

 

Grant award

Mark and Don submitted and were awarded a trails/land map grant.  Congratulations!

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30.  We will discuss priorities for the grant and any other items that arise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Space Minutes, 12/4/02

 

Attendees

Anne

Leigh

Don

Dawne

Janet

Patricia

Mike

Mark

 

 

Topics covered

·         Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

·         Indian Hill Street Property

·         OS&R Plan

·         Trail Map Project

·         Common Pasture Meeting

·         Retirement party

·         Upcoming projects

·         Other

·         Next meeting

 

Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

This parcel has 11 acres.  The ownership is unknown and taxes have not been collected for some time.  Greenbelt is interested in the parcel as it is adjacent to 2 other Greenbelt parcels.  According to Tracy, the Town has no line item for title searches. 

 

Next steps:  Madelyn to contact Jane Wile to see if she is willing to do the title search.  Anne to ask Selectman, Tracy and Town Counsel to pursue title search.

 

Indian Hill Street Property

Patricia contacted Peter Creighton about a potential easement.  He’s planning to do a 5 lot development with 2 common drives.  Permitting is being handled by someone else in the company.  After describing the easement, Peter said he may be willing to discuss it but it’s not a priority for him.

Next steps:  Patricia will contact Rick Parker to review our vision for this parcel.  Contact Angella and Cawleys in January.

 

OS&R Plan

The good news is that most sections are in final revisions.  However, the following sections are still in draft form:

·         Section 7A (Patricia)

·         Section 7B (Mickey?)

 

The maps are done but still need to be integrated into files and have titles put on them.

 

Next steps:  Dawne to ask Mark to send maps to Leigh.  Sections 7A and B completed by Jan. 8.

 

Trail Map project

Discission about the trail map project will be tabled until January. 

 

Next steps:  Mark will bring existing maps and information about other parcels to help us decide best focus for maps.

 

Common pasture meeting

Don attended this meeting that dealt with parcels from  I95 to West Newbury.  They are working to inventory the parcels and do land management plan for each parcel/area.

 

Next step:  Monitor progress and ownership of parcel on Scotland Road in Newburyport.

 

Retirement party

There’s a retirement party for Marge, Janet and Dave on Friday, Jan 17th from 5-8PM.  Tickets are $20 and are available at the library or from Tracy.  Please come if you can.

 

Upcoming projects

Next year’s priorities will be trails – with ramp up in Feb and CPA, which is on a long term radar.

 

Next steps:  Contact Don if you want a copy of the Managing Conservation Land book.  ($12.95)

North Shore Open Space Committee Network

The North Shore Open Space Committee Network is meeting on Saturday, November 9 to discuss Municipal Stewardship of Open Space.

 

Other

In talking with Peter Creighton, Patricia learned that he was annoyed regarding how the Cherry Hill parcel was handled.  He doesn’t feel like he was kept in the loop.

 

Next steps: 

·         Patricia to draft letters of thanks to Rapucci, Thurlow family, Dunn family, Peter Creighton, Elsop family, Greenbelt, Walker family, Atherton family, Nichols family, Ordway family, and any other people/organizations we have worked with this year. 

·         Mark to draft letter to MVPC.

·         Anne to write letter to the editor.

·         Leigh to format letters.

 

Based on Anne’s request, the Board of Selectman  agreed to send 61A notices to relelvant boards.

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30. 

 

Open Space Minutes, 1/8/03

 

Attendees

Anne

Leigh

Madelyn

Dawne

Mike

Don

Patricia

Janet

 

 

Topics covered

·         OS&R Plan

·         Barry Kaplan’s slides

·         Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

·         Indian Hill Street Property

·         Cherry Hill land clearing

·         Budget for next year

·         Managing Conservation Land Books

·         Mill Pond Parking lot

·         Trails update

·         Land updates

·         Retirement party

·         Next meeting

 

OS&R Plan

Patricia is working on Section 7A.   Mickey is working on Section 7B

Next steps: 

·         Leigh to send survey narratives and section 4 to Patricia and Section 5 to Don.

·         Anne, Leigh and Janet to meet Friday Jan 24th for next editing at my house.

 

Barry Kaplan’s slides

We received a collection of Barry’s slides of West Newbury and the presentation from October 2000. 

 

Next steps:  Leigh to give to Mark to use in photo collections in Plan.

 

Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

Jane Wile has agreed to do the title search fro this parcel.

 

Indian Hill Street Property

Patricia talked to Rick Parker and the Planning Board is unaware of activity on this parcel.  Cherry Hill Trust owns the 15 acres.

 

Next steps:  Anne will tact Angella.

 

Cherry Hill Land Clearing

Mr. Augusta has complained that trees were cut on this parcel.  It is unclear whether My Rapucci or Newburyport Water did the cutting.

 

Next step:  Monitor cutting.  Anne to contact Mr. Augusta to see if he would be willing to let us use photos of his work for the Plan.   Some of his work in the gallery across from Glenn’s.

 

Budget for next year

We will request $500 for next year.

 

Managing Conservation Land Books

Don received the Managing Conservation Land books.  If anyone wants a copy, see Don ($17.60)  We will charge account for one copy and donate any extras to the library.

 

Next steps:  Madelyn will get from for reimbursement.  Everyone should read sections on trails for our trails discussion at next meeting.

 

Mill Pond Parking Lot

The parking lot is not being plowed regularly.

 

Next steps:  Anne to review management plan for Mill Pond and request the area be plowed regularly.

 

Trails

The Riding and Driving Club is meeting January 15 at Joan Cameron’s (16 Bricket St) to discuss trails.  Anyone interested in welcome.

 

Next steps:  Trails subcommittee (Mike, Mark, Don and Mary Leigh) will work on proposal for managing trails in town.

 

Land updates

update

·         Sargent land: A CR has been set up with the Conservation Commission and has been approved by the Board of Selectman.  The number of acres is currently unknown.
Next steps:  Dawne to get map of the parcel.  Open Space to keep file of CRs.

 

·         Knowles property:  According to Mary Leigh, the developer is Kopka from North Hampton.  They are still working on a plan that would include over 55 housing and 40B.
Next steps:  Monitor as plans get defined.

 

·         Bob Kelly’s White Acre Farm: No one knows of any formal plans, but there may be plans for 1-2 houses for his children with access via Kimball.
Next steps:  Monitor as plans get defined.

 

Retirement party

There’s a retirement party for Marge, Janet and Dave on Friday, Jan 17th from 5-8PM.  Tickets are $20 and are available at the library or from Tracy.  Please come if you can.

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 5 at 7:30. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Space Minutes, 2/5/03

 

Attendees

Anne

Madelyn

 

Dawne

Mike

 

Don

Janet

 

 

Topics covered

·         Town Park update

·         OS&R Plan update

·         Update on tree clearing near Cherry Hill

·         Preliminary trails discussion

·         MACC Environmental Conference

·         Over 55 housing meeting

·         Parcel updates

·         Map space

·         Next meeting

 

Town Park  update

Jim Sperelakis presented information about the potential of creating a town park on the Daly property on Main Street.  One option would be to use the entire parcel as a park.  The other would be to use the front 8 1/2 acres as a park with the rest of the parcel used for some other purpose (possibly 55+ housing)

 

The committee supported the concept in principle, but would need more information about appraisals, access to the parcel and wetlands before making a final decision.

 

OS&R Plan

The committee finalized the goals and 5 yr. Action plan.

 

Mr. August would be willing to let us use one of his works for the Plan (perhaps we could use it for the cover?).

 

Next steps:

·         Mike to send Leigh tables 5.1 and 5.2 asap.

·         Don to send Leigh the following 3 items: a blank copy of the parcel map, 2003 open space map methodology,  and open space map summary of lands asap.

·         Janet to modify Section 5 format.

·         Leigh, Anne, and Janet to meet next week to review.

·         Someone (Anne?)  needs to contact Mr. Augusta to determine the best way to incorporate one of his works.

 

Preliminary trails discussion

The trails discussion was postponed until the next meeting.

Update on tree clearing neat Cherry Hill

Anne and Judy met with Mr. Augusta and  looked into the tree cutting near Cherry Hill.  They determined that the trees were on Newburyport water land.

 

Next steps:  Mr. Augusta plans to follow up with Newburyport.

 

Next steps:  Leigh to give to Mark to use in photo collections in Plan.

 

Parcel Map R6, Lot 28

Jane Wile has agreed to do the title search fro this parcel.

 

MACC Environmental Conference

The Massachusetts Conservation Commission will be holding their annual environmental conference Saturday, March 1 in Worcester.

 

Over 55 housing

There is a meeting Feb. 27 at 7PM to discuss over 55 housing in town.  Ann Gardner from Atlantic Retirement Community will be presenting information.

 

Parcel updates

The committee voted unanimously to advise the Selectman to release Lot 2C on Turkey Hill Rd.

 

On Kimball Road, Mr. Kelly is planning to extend Kimball Road and provide side road with 7-9 houses.  He may maintain Myopia trail

 

Also on Kimball Road, the Hurlds may also be planning a development (# TBD), as might the Travers.

 

Next steps: 

·         We need to get more information about a parcel on Garden Street. 

·         Anne to contact Planning Board to request that if the parcels on Kimball Road are developed, that the Town preserve existing trails over these parcels (Don to provide specific details of existing trails to Anne).

·         We will monitor the Brienze property on Middle Street.

 

Map space

We are still working to find a permanent spot in the 1910 building for our maps.

 

Next meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30.

 

 

 

 

OSC Minutes 

3-5-03

 

Attending:  Leigh Stoecker, Patricia Reeser, Dawne Fusco, Madelyn Cirinna, Don Bourquard, Mike Mokrzycki,    Annie Madden

 

1.                  Open Space and Rec Plan

 

A)                Update timeline-  Faster and sooner
           

B)                Final edits

Patricia to begin first total edit. Mickey to do second reading after Patricia.  Janet  revamping Section 5.

Annie to draft Section 8

C)                Photos, maps, etc.

Mark to draft map with “neighborhood” labels for section 5

                        Mark to make sure that we have a list of map credits.

Mark to draft up a base map for use in Section 9, Action Plan

Mark to hand off collected photos to Annie, for first pass at

Arranging them in the Plan.  Grange mural for the front.

Augusta piece for the front piece. 

 

D)                Arranging printing

Madelyn will check with Tracy as to who printed the Town Report.  Then she  and Dawne to get quotes from that printer and others.     170 pages, perfect bound, color cover, 1 color front piece, and 4 color maps, otherwise all black and white, printed on two sides.  Also, cost out a fold out map or two  (Open Space and Bio Map)

E)                 Expensing

Remember to save any original receipts, and fill out expense forms 
(Annie has).

 

2.                  Preliminary Trails Discussion

 

A)                Cherry Hill- Indian Hill easements.    Angela Thurlow

Declined our interest in an easement.  Deb Hamilton is working with Land Resources on the Indian Hill-Cherry Hill piece.

B)                 Don, Mark and Mike will continue as the standing subcommittee of the

OSC.  Will work on charge to the sub committee that was drafted by Don and Annie.  They will consider a call for more members.

 

3.                  Mill Pond nomination of Barbara Raiche for Citizen of the Year

Voted to endorse this unanimously.  Annie to notify BOS  (done 3-10-03)

 

4.                  Concern discussed regarding change in status of the Hill Top Circle / Craven

Right of way.  Don to get copies of the two assessors maps and other supporting information  to Annie. Annie to write to BOS.

 

5.         Next meeting – April 2, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSC  Minutes    4-2-03

 

Attending:  Mickey Culver, Leigh Stoecker, Madelyn Cirinna, Don Bourquard, Dawne Fusco, Mike Mokrzycki, Mark Cosentino, Annie Madden

 

 

1.                  OS&R  Plan

Section 5,  fact checking

            Reviewed and sections delegated for fact checking.

Final edits

            Patricia has done first pass reading, Mickey will do second read.

Photo placement

            Discussed,  still need more photos of community events such as

            the road race, Christmas tree farm, youth athletics.  Please get

            any photos to Leigh

Maps

            Mark continues to work on these.

Printing

            Dawne has done some initial investigation and has a very initial

            quote.   Committee agrees to use color for photos and maps if

final estimates allow.

 

            Timeline:

                        4-16, Wed.:     All facts, maps and edits to Leigh

                        4-21, Mon:       Compilation to Annie and Janet by email

                                                for final reads

                        4-25. Fri,         10:00am at Leigh’s,    edit group

4-28  week:      Mail to DCS, ECGB,  distribute to dept’s

Mid May:       Review returns, final edits, compile

                        And get to printer.

 

2.                  Indian Hill Parcel Update

Planning Board working with the developer to include trail easement.

3.                  Hill Top Circle- Craven right of way

Don investigated and learned that the original deed for the “Brake Hill” subdivision dated June 16, 1975, includes a right of way “so that the public may pass and repass over said area…”  Thanks to Don for his

investigation.

Turkey Hill Rd., Lot 2D,  61A release is before the BOS

OSC voted unanimously to inform the BOS that we have no objection to the waiver of first refusal on this lot. Annie has sent memo to BOS.

 

4.                  Hike-  Brake Hill and Groveland Town Forest

Sunday, May 4,  1:00 PM     Meet on Wood Street, Groveland

 

5.                  Heritage Landscape Inventory Workshop, Saturday, April 5, Bridgewater

Tools to help you identify, evaluate and plan for the preservation of

heritage landscapes in your commutnity.

www.preservationmass.org

 

6.                  Document storage

The Fin Com has agreed to allow us to put a file cabinet for our documents in the meeting room that has been known as the Fin Com room.  The OSC voted to expend funds to acquire 2  2drawer locking file cabinets, with a horizontal flat file for maps.  Madelyn will investigate catalogs and procedure for procurement.  Annie to confirm with Sherrie Gadd.

 

8.            Think about next year’s committee makeup

 

9.             Other

Don gave a brief review of Trail Subcommittee meeting, minutes to follow from him. 

Mike gave a brief review of the Kelly parcel development.

 

 

10.               Next meeting,  May 7, 2003,  7:30 PM