Miscellaneous Items - 4/25/09

More Deer Photos.  We received some more deer photos taken in the Gilberton area.  Below is the text of the email.

 

Continue to enjoy your updates and photos even though I don't live in Illahee.  Attached are some photos of a mostly white buck that has been around for a while.  The photos are a little "fuzzy" because I went to 20X digital zoom since my camera will only go to 5X optical.  The DSC0260  photo is from late last summer and clearly shows his spike horns.  The rest were taken last week and he has clearly grown larger.  I wonder if this deer may be the result of a cross between a native Black Tail and one of the white deer that are grown at the Bed & Breakfast across from 3rd on Illahee.  I know that these white deer have "escaped" before because the wife and I helped the owner herd them back onto his property.  I'm sure there have been other sightings in the area?????????

 

Loon.  We have had a loon around here that was first seen on April 2nd and again on April 24th.  We usually see loons in the fall when they pass through and again in the spring.  We are wondering if this is the same loon that was seen earlier this month and wonder if it is staying around, nesting, in the area.

 

Wigeon.  Another strange bird sighting was a mated couple of wigeon that seemed to be hanging around in the area.  We were hoping to get a photo and don't know if they are still around or decided to go north.

 

Timbers Edge Appeal Filed.  We were able to get a pdf file of the appeal that was filed on Friday by the Illahee Community Club.  It evidently was a collaborative effort that reads rather well considering there were a number of people working on it.  Let us know your thoughts and we will pass them on.  We were also reminded that the Club is collecting funds for the appeal and hope that by posting it to the community, that it may bring in additional funds.  The pdf file is attached.

 

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 4/23/09

Canada Goose Nest.  Our neighbors have a Canada goose that has been faithfully sitting on a nest for the last three days.  We tried to see if we could see how many eggs there are as she leaves the nest for about a half hour each morning, but she had covered them up with small feathers and nesting material.  We were hoping to monitor the nest until the eggs hatch but will be out of town for a week.  If someone else has a similar situation and is willing to take photos, we will pass them on.

 

Deer Photos.  Attached are some photos that were sent in after the dead deer photo.

For all those that were upset about photos of the dead deer, here are some photo's of a very lively one in my back yard.

 

Illahee Dock Inquiry Inspiration for Squid Jigs.  During the winter months the Illahee dock is often lined with squid fisherman.  We have been monitoring the squid fishing there for years and this year especially noted the wider hooked squid jigs were much more productive than the old style that has been around for years.  After the article in the Kitsap Sun, we know they are not only locally produced, but their inspiration was from a trip to the Illahee dock.  The link for the story is:

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/apr/20/squid-jigs-made-by-bremerton-couple-hit-the-big/

 

Timbers Edge Appeal.  We understand there are several persons working on the Timbers Edge appeal to the County Commissioners that is due on Friday, 4-24-09.  We will try to get a copy, since it will become a public record, and pass it on as an attachment.

 

Illahee State Park.  We have been asked what can be done to help make sure Illahee State Park is not mothballed or turned into a homeless camp.  We aren't sure how to respond, but did notice in the Kitsap Sun a short article on Wednesday that the House passed a measure to add a $5 "opt out" fee to annual vehicle registrations in order to keep our state parks open.  The bill then goes to the Senate.  The Park's Commission hopes the new fee will add $20 million for parks.  We will continue to try and monitor this, but could use some help since we will be out of town for a week.

 

Jim Aho

Wildlife & State Park Info - 4/18/09

Recent Photos.  In the past few days we have been receiving a number of wildlife photos.  In this update are some bird photos.  Deer (alive) photos will be sent in a later update.

Killdeer Nest & Killdeer.  The first three photos were evidently taken on Thursday.  Following is text of the email we received.

Here are some pictures of our Killdeer and her nest.  She first scolded me, then tried to lead me away with the old broken wing trick, then she watched as I took pictures of her babies.  Where's Waldo:  In picture 10 can you find the nest?

Eggs Hatch.  On Friday we received the fourth photo and the following text:

3 of the 4 eggs hatched today.  The chicks are even harder to see than the eggs....

Eagle on Nest.  Today we received the eagle nest photos and the following text:

Attached are photos of an eagle sitting on a nest in Manette taken 4/18/09.  The Lombard Poplar tree has just begun to leaf out in the past 2 days.  I expect we should be getting very near hatch date for this nest within the next week or so (assuming 35 day incubation period). 

Plans for Homeless in Illahee State Park?  In Saturday's Kitsap Sun there was an article about the cut in social services that contained one solution that was being proposed which is to recommended Illahee State Park be used to house the homeless if the park is going to be mothballed.  We thought Illahee residents might like to look at the linked article.

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/apr/17/groups-preparing-for-the-rollback-of-health/

Thank You!  Thank you to all for sending the photos.

Jim Aho

Illahee Preserve & Misc Responses - 4/17/09

Preserve Issues.  We just received the following email regarding something happening (Friday morning) at the Illahee Preserve:

 

On the way to Lowes passed the new Illahee Preserve parking lot and noticed a large fabric object just inside the gated area. Looked like a collapsed tent.

On the way back from Lowes noticed sheriff and numerous other people gathered near the fabric. Just got a glimpse in passing by.

 

Homeless Camps?  We think the gathering is a planned meeting to discuss what to do with the homeless camp sites that have been discovered in the Illahee Preserve. 

 

The Issues.  Some think that with the economic downturn that the homeless should be allowed to camp in the Preserve.  The Illahee Forest Preserve group, while being understanding of those wanting to help the homeless, is concerned about the fire danger to the Preserve and the surrounding urban area.  The Preserve is 460 acres and the surrounding forested areas would bring the total to approximately 600 to 700 acres that would be in jeopardy if there was a fire.  This is major public safety issue that needs to be responded to quickly.

 

Questions Regarding the ICC.  We routinely have been asked about the Illahee Community Club.  It would be nice if they had a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document, and we will ask them about producing one. 

 

Answers on the Application Form?  In the meantime we looked at their 2009 Application for Membership form, and found it listed the purposes of the organization, that answers many of the questions.  The application containing the purposes is attached.

 

Financial Support of the ICC.  Contributions to the ICC can be sent to the Post Office address noted on the attached Application Form.

 

Additional Reports of Car Break-Ins.  See the following of others who were impacted by the car break-ins:

 

We live on Olive Ave. off Rest Place. We also had our vehicles ransacked and had items stolen. My husband's backpack , seahawks jacket, and mis. items were taken. He forgot to lock his truck. My sons car also was gone through. I guess we all need to be aware of who is walking through the neighborhoods.

 

Deer Photo.  We apologize to those who were upset with the picture of the dead deer along the road.  We were asked to resend the update as there were those who could not read it with the picture at the bottom.  Let us know if you would like us to do that for you.

 

Jim Aho

 

Miscellaneous Items - 4/16/09

Illahee Car Prowling.  A reminder that there are car prowlers around.  We highlighted Terry's last sentence as it is a good reminder that Illahee is not immune to problems.  See the following:

 

You may want to send a reminder out to the community to be diligent in their efforts to keep their homes secure.  I live on the Rest Place off Roosevelt.  On Thursday night, I had a GPS unit and a few CDs stolen out of my truck.  I had planned on taking my daughter to Girl Scouts that night so didn’t lock my truck.  Ended up my wife took her so I didn’t get back to my truck.  Anyway, when I came out in the morning, I found my center console opened and my notebook lying on my seat.  The  GPS unit and CDs were gone. They didn’t bother with my baseball glove or umbrella so they were selective about what they took. 

My guess is that either it was a kid, or just someone walking the road at night that looks for open vehicles.  Even though we think our community is safe, there are those out there that shake up our lives and remind us that we are not a secure as we hope.

 

Timbers Edge Post Cards.  The county sent out about 600 post cards to "persons of record" noting that the Timbers Edge project was "approved with conditions."  Most of those receiving the cards had signed petitions opposing the development, which is why the number was so high.

 

Decision on the County Website.  The post card went on to say the "Decision" could be viewed at the county website which was given as:  www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/he.  Many had problems locating the decision and tried to use the Application Numbers given on the Notice.  The decision was down on the list and was noted as "Case 080828-068."  They certainly don't make it easy to find the decision, much less to read and understand it on a computer monitor. 

 

Non-Computer Users.  There are a number of people who do not have access to computers or the internet and have been unable to access the decision.  We have suggested they call the county for paper copies.  We don't know what the county response has been.

 

Appeal to be Filed.  The Illahee Community Club will be filing an appeal to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on behalf of Illahee residents, which now has a new deadline of April 24, 2009.  They are collecting money to pay for the appeal and would appreciate any help residents can provide. 

 

Bird Reports.  The American Wigeon (ducks) left the area in late March and early April.  The ravens have been seen venturing toward the shoreline area, but they only stay a short while as the crows, that seem to be concentrated along the shoreline, create quite a raucous when they see them, and seem to chase them away.

 

Deer Reports.  Not many deer reports coming in, but that should change soon as the local gardeners start planting their gardens and the deer discover them.  And as soon as we wrote the above we had the attached photo emailed to us.

 

Jim Aho

Community Meeting Results - 4/9/09

Results of Monday's Meeting?  We have been getting numerous inquiries as to what happened at Monday's meeting with regards to Timbers Edge and whether it was decided to file an appeal with the County Commissioners.  We have been told if we put out a timely update, the questions would not be necessary.

 

April 9th Deadline Met?  We have also been getting emails wondering if the April 9th deadline was going to be met.

 

Monday Meeting Results.  Attorney Ryan Vancil discussed the HE decision and the next options open to the community.  It was stated that the ICC would only carry an appeal forward if it was the community's wishes, and if there was sufficient financial support.  The attendees at the meeting then voted to appeal the Hearing Examiner's Decision and furthermore committed to cover enough of the costs to get the process started.  (Note that we are hesitant to discuss the exact dollar amounts in this email, so call us if you want that information.)

 

Additional Funding Required.  While there was a good showing of funds received and promised, additional funding of approximately $900 will be required to fund the Commissioners Appeal, and even more funds will be required for possible later appeals to the Shorelines Hearings Board and/or Circuit Court.

 

Send Checks To.  The ICC is requesting the additional financial help to cover the appeal to the Commissioners and is starting a fund for the legal issues.  Checks can be sent to:  Illahee Community Club, P.O. Box 2563, Bremerton, WA 98310.

 

April 9th Deadline?  The April 9th deadline was extended to April 24, 2009 because the HE decision was distributed to only those residents residing along the newly proposed sewer that is within 200 feet of the saltwater shoreline, and not to the other parties of record.  The rest of the community should be receiving their notices on Friday or Saturday.

 

Community Members Noted Error.  Community members were the ones who noted the distribution error and reported it to the county both by email and in person on Tuesday, 4/7/09.

 

Community Desired Timbers Edge Development.  At the Monday meeting residents were quick to point out they were not against development of the properties, but again not lots smaller than legacy lots (legacy lots are 40' by 90' or 3600 sq ft and many of the Timbers Edge lots are 3400 sq ft), and a development that threatens the demise of Illahee Creek as a salmon stream. There were also those concerned with the existing stormwater problem at the end of Nobles Lane that affects those in the Rue Villa area. 

 

Community Goal?  The goal of some members is to see if the community can come together with what kind of development they can support so that maybe they could avoid another legal battle, since settlement is one of the ultimate goals of the Shoreline Hearings Board, and it would be prudent to work toward that end earlier, rather than later and after spending thousands of dollars in legal costs.

 

Will They Be Successful?  Some of those wanting a settlement are more hopeful than others.  There was an earlier group that tried to work on a possible agreement at a meeting called by Kitsap County, that was not successful.  We wish this new group more success than the last group.

 

Your Thoughts?  Let us know your thoughts on these matters. 

 

Jim Aho

Reminder of Timbers Edge Meeting - 4/6/09

Meeting Tonight (Monday 4/6/09). We have been asked to remind everyone of the Illahee Community meeting tonight to discuss whether to appeal the Hearing Examiner's approval of the Timbers Edge project to the County Commissioners. The deadline for filing an appeal is 4/9/09.

Place - Library. The meeting will be held at the Kitsap Regional Library located on Sylvan Way.

Time - 6:30 pm. The meeting will start at 6:30, but members will be there at 6 pm to answer questions.

Lawyer Present. The lawyer who represented the Illahee Community Club, Ryan Vancil, will be attending the meeting to answer questions.

Funding Questions. As we understand the financial situation it is roughly as follows:

In 2008 approximately $20,000 was expended to cover filing fees, expert witnesses, and lawyer fees for the Illahee Outfall hearing and appeals and the Timbers Edge hearings. The costs exceeded contributions but was covered by a very large contribution at the end of the year.

In 2009 the ICC is essentially starting out with a zero balance, which means an appeal will need to be covered by contributions before it can go forward. The ICC Board of Directors has essentially said they will carry out the wishes of the community as long as it conforms to the purposes for which it was organized and it is supported financially.

Other Questions? There will be members available to answer other questions at tonight's meeting.

Comments Received. We received a comment from a resident this weekend who is worried the residents don't understand the adverse impact that this development will have on the Illahee community if this project goes ahead as planned.

Another Comment. (Paraphrased) We need to remind people that we are not against development. This project as currently configured will likely permanently damage the ability of Illahee Creek to support salmon. A development of lesser density and more infiltration will result in most neighbors supporting the project. The developer had the choice and decided to ignore the community's input and the impact on Illahee Creek.

Jim Aho

Reminder of Timbers Edge Meeting - 4/6/09

Meeting Tonight (Monday 4/6/09)).  We have been asked to remind everyone of the Illahee Community meeting tonight to discuss whether to appeal the Hearing Examiner's approval of the Timbers Edge project to the County Commissioners. The deadline for filing an appeal is 4/9/09.

 

Place - Library.  The meeting will be held at the Kitsap Regional Library located on Sylvan Way.

 

Time - 6:30 pm.  The meeting will start at 6:30, but members will be there at 6 pm to answer questions.

 

Lawyer Present.  The lawyer who represented the Illahee Community Club, Ryan Vancil, will be attending the meeting to answer questions.

 

Funding Questions.  As we understand the financial situation it is roughly as follows:

 

In 2008 approximately $20,000 was expended to cover filing fees, expert witnesses, and lawyer fees for the Illahee Outfall hearing and appeals and the Timbers Edge hearings.  The costs exceeded contributions but was covered by a very large contribution at the end of the year.

 

In 2009 the ICC is essentially starting out with a zero balance, which means an appeal will need to be covered by contributions before it can go forward.  The ICC Board of Directors has essentially said they will carry out the wishes of the community as long as it conforms to the purposes for which it was organized and it is supported financially.

 

Other Questions?  There will be members available to answer other questions at tonight's meeting.

 

Comments Received.  We received a comment from a resident this weekend who is worried the residents don't understand the adverse impact that this development will have on the Illahee community if this project goes ahead as planned.

 

Another Comment.  (Paraphrased) We need to remind people that we are not against development.  This project as currently configured will likely permanently damage the ability of Illahee Creek to support salmon.  A development of lesser density and more infiltration will result in most neighbors supporting the project.  The developer had the choice and decided to ignore the community's input and the impact on Illahee Creek.

 

Jim Aho

Illahee State Park - 4/3/09

State Park Information Received.  We received some more information regarding the mothballing of some of our state parks and a letter that was sent to the state regarding Illahee State Park.  We had previously provided links to local articles in the Kitsap Sun, the Bremerton Patriot, and the CK Reporter regarding Illahee State Park being on the mothball list.

 

Seattle Times Article.  The first is an article in the Seattle Times entitled "Would you pay $5 to keep state parks open?"  It talks about one of the proposals on the table to help fund the parks so they won't be mothballed.

 

Lawmakers eye $5 car-tab fee to keep state parks open

 

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has identified more than 47 state parks that could be closed temporarily or, in some cases, transferred to cities, counties or tribes to maintain.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008946248_parksclosing30m.html

 

 

Illahee Resident Letter.  The second is a very well written letter by the Barchecks that is the best we've seen.

 

Subject: Mothballing of Illahee State Park

We read with great concern your proposal to close Illahee State Park and others.  Our neighborhood borders the park and we and many of our neighbors use the park regularly year round.  We see the dock being used by the taxpayers of the Bremerton/Silverdale area for fishing, crabbing and diving.  The oyster and clam beds are used for shellfish harvesting in season.  Many families enjoy the picnic areas and playground facilities.  Illahee State Park has a limited number of camping spots so the potential for revenue collection is also limited but that doesn't mean the park is not getting used.  Your ill fated attempt at collecting parking fees for park entry of a few years ago showed that the taxpayers expect their parks to be funded as a part of the taxes they pay.  Most think that there is enough money in the state budget to get the job done even in an economic downturn.  Illahee State Park is unique because it is close to an urban area so it is very convenient for a large number of people that do not have access to a natural area where they live.  Closing other more remote parks would have less of an impact on the taxpaying public.
Closing the park will make it susceptible to crime and vandalism which could spill over into our neighborhood which is just across the street from the park.  It will become a magnet for the homeless to set up camp since it is within waking distance to food stores and other services.  Closure will make it less desirable and/or unsafe for regular use by the people in our neighborhood even if they are allowed walking entry.  All of this will depress property values and tax revenue from our neighborhood.
Please consider these issues in determining whether you turn Illahee State Park from an asset into a liability for the taxpayers of Kitsap county and Washington state.

Sincerely.
Andy and Sandi Barcheck

 

Thank You!  Thank you for sending in the information so we can pass it on.

 

Jim Aho

Timbers Edge Meeting Next Monday - 4/1/09

We just got back from a trip to California and now its time to catch up on some urgent Illahee issues.

 

Community Meeting Called.  We received notice that a community meeting has been called for 6:30 pm Monday evening, April 6, 2009 at the Sylvan Way Library to discuss what options are available now that the Hearing Examiner approved the Timbers Edge project and denied the communities contention that the project will have significant impacts to the aquifer and Illahee Creek.

 

Legal Questions?  We understand there are many questions regarding the legal process and whether legal options are available once a Hearing Examiner approves a project and denies community concerns.

 

Next Step.  We also understand the next step is to appeal the decisions to the Board of County Commissioners, and that this needs to be done before any other appeals can happen.  The cost of filing this appeal is $500 and it needs to be done by April 9, 2009.

 

Notice Received?  Many in the community who received notice of the August 2008 hearing are wondering why they haven't received a copy of the Hearing Examiner,s decision. While we received an email copy, we also have not yet received a written copy.

 

Limited Notification?  It appears the only people who received notice of the decision are those within the shoreline  sewer area along Illahee Road. 

 

Adjacent Property Owners NOT Notified.  There appears to be no notifications received by those living next to the proposed project.  We just checked on the Nobles Lane area and evidently there are some who are unaware that the project has been approved.  One person said there are only three residents on the street who receive the Kitsap Sun and there was nothing in the Bremerton Patriot on the project.

 

Notify Your Neighbors.  Since the county has failed to notify those most affected by the development, it is up to residents to let your neighbors know about the project being approved and the community meeting to discuss what to do next.

 

Lawyer To Attend.  We understand Ryan Vancil, the lawyer who represented the Illahee Community Club, will be in attendance to provide options and answer legal questions.

 

Legal Representation Costly.  We have been asked to note that last year approximately $20,000 was spent on legal costs by the Illahee Community Club (ICC) and that any decision to continue with a possible Timbers Edge appeal will require financial support from the community. 

 

Past Success Reason for Hope?  The ICC wants to thank those who helped in 2008 with the successful Illahee Outfall appeal and settlement and hope that if a Timbers Edge appeal is approved that it will also be successful.

 

More Information?  We have based this update primarily on recent emails and may have missed some important facts or information.  If so, please let us know and we will pass it on.

 

Jim Aho