Illahee Community Club Annual Meeting 11/14/09 - Please attend!

The ICC's Annual Meeting of the Active Membership will be held on November 14th at the Sylvan Way Library starting at 1:30 PM.

All Illahee residents are encouraged to attend. The agenda for this meeting will include the election of new Directors to the Board. New committees and Chairs will also be presented. Up for discussion will be how to proceed after the Board of County Commissioner's denial of our appeal ( regarding the Timber's Edge Development) on October 12, 2009. Updates will be given on other issues before the ICC.

The newly elected Board of Directors will meet immediately after the annual meeting.

DOWNLOAD ILLAHEE COMMUNITY CLUB APPLICATION HERE

Missing Dog & ICC Membership Info - 11/4/09

Missing Great Dane. We have been asked to pass the following note on:

Please keep your eyes peeled for the gray/white (blue merle) Great Dane w/purple collar. She is a stray that has been wandering for over a week. She is extremely skinny now and skittish. She has been seen in traffic on Wheaton Way, as well as Sheridan, Cherry Ave, Halvorson, Callahan, Trenton, and Illahee. She has been spotted in Harrison Hospital parking lot, YMCA and Albertson’s parking lot. I spotted her at 1617 Sheridan Ave scratching at door. I went and knocked and no one answered but there was a Great Dane inside. I think she is seeking out other dogs. I want to set up a spot (probably church off Sheridan) to set out food on a routine basis to lure her. Maybe someone could make contact w/Albertson’s personnel and see if they would be willing to keep eye out and call us? Lastly, I would like to organize a search and rescue effort for this weekend if she is not caught by then. Could everyone spread the word and let’s help organize this and rescue this poor girl of the dangerous streets please?

I will be at WSP Academy in Shelton rest of this week, but will be checking my messages (360) 509-5347 and email: BlackDogLady22@gmail.com and Teresa’s cell (360) 731-8826.

Thanks, Liz
Collar of Hope – All Breed Dog Rescue

ICC Membership? In the last Update (11/2/09) we included the Appeal Letter being distributed in the area around the Timbers Edge development. We have had some questions about how one becomes a member of the Illahee Community Club and what the purpose or the charter of the club is.

Application for Membership. We have attached the application for membership to this email and attached it below but without the pictue of the community dock on it.

For 2009 or 2010? We were asked whether a person would need to pay for both 2009 and 2010 if they were planning on attending the November 14th meeting (at 1:30 pm at the Sylvan Way library). The answer we received was that any membership received in the final quarter would cover the rest of the year and the following year.

Purposes of the ICC? The purposes for which the ICC was reorganized are listed on the attached application. In earlier years it was a 501.c.4 organization, which is more of a social organization. In 2008 it reorganized to become a 501.c.3 non-profit corporation with the IRS and the State of Washington with an emphasis on restoration and preservation.

Why Get Involved? We were asked why residents should join the ICC? The short answer is we have found that a small community doesn't get much respect from government officials and county staff unless they are organized. Some of us have found out that the county doesn't really care about a small salmon stream like Illahee Creek, or the underlying aquifers. If the community hadn't completed some studies, and paid for them through resident's donations, we would have had increasingly devastating impacts to Illahee Creek. Those studies, and the Port of Illahee studies, helped get some areas down-zoned, though Timbers Edge was "grandfathered" with a higher density. The ICC was also successful in eliminating a new stormwater outfall at the community dock and getting the developer to use bioretention features to clean the stormwater. With the new Community Plan we are hoping for no more costly legal battles after Timbers Edge and residents can work at restoration and preservation of our community and its natural features, which are many.

ICC Opportunities. The reorganized ICC is a young organization that is open to those who would like to help and participate. There is a list at the bottom of the application form for areas where help is needed.

Please Complete and Send In. The ICC would like to have all residents become active (voting) members.

Jim Aho

DOWNLOAD ILLAHEE COMMUNITY CLUB APPLICATION HERE

Possible Appeal of BOCC Decision? - 11/2/09

Commissioners' Denial of Community Appeal. On October 26, 2009 the County Commissioners signed the denial of the Community's appeal of aspects of the Timbers Edge project. Once that document was signedthe community has 21 days in which an appeal can be submitted.

Will the Community Appeal the Decision? That is the question that has been asked by many as the article in the Kitsap Sun said the residents were upset with the decision.

Decision Up To Community. It appears, from the information sheet being distributed, that the Illahee Community Club Board of Directors is leaving that decision up to the Illahee Community.

What Happened That Was Upsetting? That is the other question we have been asked and we will attempt to answer it. We know the commissioners did not address all the issues raised by the community, which was one problem. The second appears to be, what has been described as the "wishy washy and weasel word" language of the new condition proposed by the developer and essentially repeated word for word in Commissioner Brown's added condition to the project. Evidently the Community had suggested more definitive language and an added condition, but their request was totally dismissed or ignored. They expected that at least one of their recommendations to be included in the final writeup since Commissioner Brown requested the Community comment on the Developers new proposal. And what was worse was when Commissioner Brown chastised their lawyer for not commenting on the new proposal, which led many to wonder if Commissioner Brown had even read the Community's input. They feel without definitive language in the proposal there are no assurances Illahee Creek's baseflow will be protected. We think that is a fair summation of what happened, based on talking with those who attended the hearing and our viewing of the recordings on BKAT. We have taped the meetings in case anyone is interested.

Mailed Written Decision? We think the written decision will soon be received by the parties of record. We obtained a pdf file of the decision and have attached it to this email for those who won't get it.

Community Appeal Letter. The letter being distributed and sent out to residents and others interested in what is happening in Illahee is provided below. It is self explanatory. It will be interesting to see what the community decides to do.

Jim Aho

ILLAHEE COMMUNITY CLUB - P.O. BOX 2563 - BREMERTON, WA 98310

TO OUR NEIGHBORS ~ The recent decision by our Board of Commissioners approving the Timber’s Edge Project isastonishing. Not seriously considering many issues the ICC brought forth in our appeal on behalf of the residents of the Illahee Community is unacceptable. The Commissioners added modified conditions, but then used ambiguous unenforceable language (with the goal of, with the intent of, to the extent feasible), and then discounted the other six appeal items, and possibly far more serious issues to many residents, such as road and traffic safety, possible storm water runoff, and Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) standards.

The Illahee Community Club (ICC) voted to continue to support the community’s desires with the Timbers Edge project providing sufficient financial support is received or pledged.

The estimated cost for this next round of legal endeavors will be roughly $15,000, and somewhat less if we only appeal to the Shorelines Hearings Board (SHB). In order to reach this goal, we are in need of immediate and pledged financial contributions. According to our attorney, we have 21 days to respond with legal action once the Board of County Commissioner’s written denial has been received by our counsel. The appeal deadline date appears to be November 19, 2009.

We need to advise everyone that this will not stop Timbers Edge, but rather will hopefully allow it to be further conditioned to minimize its negative impacts. We also hope it may help convince the developer to acknowledge the community’s desires and build a lower density development as stated in our Proposal Letter to him. As stated by an Illahee resident “If Mr. James would accept the Community’s proposal, the Illahee Community will help him sell his homes.”

The ICC Board has already pledged nearly $1,500 to show their support. Several have committed to $30 a month for 6 months, while others have pledged outright gifts of $200 & $300. If just 75 families gave $200 we would meet our goal. If 25 gave $200 we should have enough for the SHB appeal.

Any contribution is appreciated during these tough times. And we thank you now for anything you are able to give!! We would like all of you to become Active (voting) Members in the ICC. A yearly membership per individual or family is only $10, and in joining us you can add you name to the many who support our vision and purposes.

Our annual meeting will be November 14, 2009 starting at 1:30 pm at the Sylvan Way Library. Timber’s Edge issues will be addressed at this meeting along with other community issues.

Should by some magnanimous decision by Mr. James, the developer, agree to the community’s desires and build a lower density development with sustainable environmental choices, we would only need a portion of the pledged funds to pay the legal fees to that point, with any remaining going to support those issues which we have defined by our vision and purposes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ICC is a non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductable, as allowed by law.

Financial support in the amount of $_____________ is pledged to the ICC.

We Pledge this: Monthly _______ ( 6 months) Monthly ________ (12 months)

One Time Contribution $ ________________

Name _________________________________ Email ____________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________ Zip Code __________

Phone Number __________________________

PLEASE MAIL THIS TO THE ICC (to address above) OR BRING TO THE ANNUAL MEETING.

COMMENTS APPRECIATED AND DESIRED

Miscellaneous Items - 11-1-09

Illahee Bear. After our last update we haven't had anyone else contact us regarding seeing the bear that has been reported in the Kitsap Sun. Please let us know if it is still around so we can let residents know where it might be. We normally do routine water quality checks well inside the Preserve and those collecting samples would like to know if the bear is still around. We have attached the links to the recent articles that have appeared in the Sun.

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/28/bears-spotted-near-illahee-bremertons-west-hills/

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/31/whats-bringing-bears-to-kitsaps-neighborhoods/

Illahee Shores Fire. We were sad to hear of the fire Saturday morning and the fact that a person died, and even more tragic is they think it was a homicide. The story was on the front page of Sunday's Kitsap Sun which is linked below, with an update on the possible homicide to appear in Monday's paper, also linked below.

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/31/much-loved-country-musician-feared-dead-in-fire/

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/nov/01/breaking-news-illahee-fire-believed-to-be/

Illahee Pictures. We received some nice digital pictures of Illahee from Greg Price and we will include them in this and future updates.

Jim Aho

Wildlife & Miscellaneous - 10-26-09

Turtles. We received the following photos with the note below:

Turtle found by my grand daughter in Illahee Creek about 1/4 mile upstream from the culvert. Is this a western painted turtle? Native or someones lost pet? Of course the turtle was returned to where it was found, but made for interesting discussion.

Young Spike. The young deer are maturing as shown in the attached photo and accompanying note below:

This little spike was in our yard on Fir Dr last Sunday. He sampled everything in our yard and wandered off after about an hour.

Port of Illahee Commissioner Position. We just heard that Don Deitch has resigned his Port of Illahee Commissioner position due to health issues, and that the Port is looking to fill the position at their November 12th meeting. Anyone interested in being a candidate for completing Don's term until the next Port Commissioner election in 2011 needs to get their information to the Port ASAP. The Port point of contact is Dennis Sheeran. Dennis can be contacted by email docsmsret@msn.com or phone 692-6971.

Bear Questions? There are a number of people who are wondering if the large black bear that has been seen in the greater Central Kitsap area, and evidently passed through the heart of the Illahee Preserve, will possibly end up staying in the Preserve, since it is a rather large un-inhabited forested area. We think it would be good to know if the bear has been sighted leaving the area, or if it may still be in the area. Let us know if you have any further information that we can pass on.

The Same Bear? One person is wondering if this is the same bear that was reported early last week. See the note they sent to us:

On Oct 19, midday, a bear was sighted crossing Central Valley Parkway, somewhere around Fairview Jr High. All the students were apprised of the situation. I feel sorry for the bear who encountered the jr high students! (LOL) but we used it as a teachable moment and encouraged them to ALWAYS WALK HOME WITH A FRIEND. You can never been too careful!

Another Sighting. Just after writing the above paragraph we received the following information:

Bear at Fraizer's Fairfield Orchards - Chris Fraizer owns the yellow house farm (once owned by Al Kurkoski) on Sylvan Way just west of Illahee State Park. Today he told me he had a big black bear in his yard eating the fruit on his apple trees. He called animal control and they said if he wanted to get rid of the bear then he should get the apples off his trees. Animal control wouldn't come and do anything.

Illahee Community Meeting on November 14th. We have been asked to remind residents that the annual Illahee Community Club meeting is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Saturday, November 14th at the Kitsap Library on Sylvan Way.

Jim Aho

Wildlife Update - 10/25/09

Black Bear Sightings.  A large black bear was sighted at 2:30 am Sunday morning in back of a Helena Drive residence along a green belt, and presumably the same bear in back of Nobles Lane residences at 7:50 am.  We assume other reports have gone into the Department of Fish & Wildlife and hopefully something will be published in the paper as it seems this might be more of a transient bear rather than a local bear.

 

Eagle Picture.  The attached photo was taken along the South Fork of Illahee Creek.

 

Jack just saw this Eagle swoop into our American Elm- which incidentally, according to Jim Trainer, is the 8th oldest in the state.  I've attached the photos.

 

Our Shih Tzu was attacked several years ago, but either shook it off or she was too heavy.  Dr. Relling confirmed it was an eagle by the claw punctures around her neck- one just missing her airway.  Later on we discovered the scratches on her ID tags which may have been why she wasn't killed immediately.

 

Side Note.  A few years ago we heard about an eagle nest that fell out of a tree near the Illahee Preserve and in the nest there were a number of pet collars from animals evidently carried to the nest by the eagles.

 

Illahee Beach Watchers.  We were happy to see that at least three Illahee residents are taking the Beach Watchers Class being offered by UW Sea Grant and WSU Extension.  There were over 50 who attended the first class that is being held at the Norm Dicks Center.  We will let you know more about the program as it becomes available.

 

Squirrel Report.  We received the following squirrel report.

 

Yesterday while backing out our lawn mower I was momentarily starred down by a small brown squirrel.  At first it appeared she had a large nut or some kind of food in her mouth.  But, we quickly realized it was a baby!  She scurried away, but later we got a better look when she came out from under the VW.  The baby wasn't in her mouth, but hanging on with his tiny feet wrapped up and around momma's neck.  Way kewl!  (sorry no picture she was too quick)

 

White Black Tail Buck.  We had a report of a very white (albino markings) black tail buck and are hoping that someone will be able to get a picture of it and forward the picture so we can pass it on.

 

Beach Nourishment Informal Appeal Denied.  The informal appeal of the Illahee Beach Nourishment project was denied by the Dept of Fish & Wildlife.  Both the Port of Illahee and the Illahee Community Club are deciding what to do next.  A formal appeal needs to be filed within 30 days which would be by November 13, 2009.

 

Send Info In and We Will Pass It On.  Please send us info such as the bear sighting reports and we will pass them on to the community.  We have roughly about 400 who receive the updates (blind copies) and we hear it is the wildlife updates they most like to get, so please help us with any reports you think your neighbors would like to hear about.

 

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 10/20/09

Stray Dog?  We just were sent an email with a picture of a dog that showed up at an Illahee residence.  If anyone knows who this dog belongs to please call Rodney Mansfield or send us an email and we will pass the info on.

 

Passing of Long Time Residents.  We are sad to report the passing of two long time Illahee residents - Ron Grunden, age 78, on September 19, and Ed Fisher, age 95, on October 13.  Attached are the links to their obituaries in the Kitsap Sun.  It was from Ed Fisher that we were given a glimpse of the number of salmon that came up Illahee Creek to spawn in the early 1900's.  There is a notation in the Illahee Community Plan that "He also remembers scooping salmon out of Illahee Creek (then referred to as Lamotte's Creek) and bringing them home where his mother would smoke and can the fish for the winter."

 

 http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/08/ronald-dean-grunden-78/

 http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/16/jacob-edward-ed-fischer-95/

 

Timbers Edge Decision Appeal?  We have been asked if the Illahee Community is going to appeal the Commissioner's Timbers Edge decision.  We haven't been able to get an answer yet to that question.  We were told the written decision has to be prepared and sent out and then a 21 day period begins, during which an appeal must be filed.

 

Illahee Preserve Logs.  When the new parking lot at Almira was put built it was felt that the non-marketable logs should be put to some use, and they were therefore set aside.  It was good to see that a good use was found for them, and that the story made the front page of the Kitsap Sun.  Below is the link to the story.

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/15/volunteers-pitch-in-to-help-keep-kitsap-warm/

 

University Point Dock Approved.  We reported on the hearing for this private dock in an earlier update, and attended the first hearing.  The hearing was continued to get the Suquamish Tribe's input, and from what we hear other testimony was also given.  Below is the story in the Kitsap Sun that the dock was approved by the Hearing Examiner.

 http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/06/dock-for-home-near-illahee-approved/

 

Illahee Community Club (ICC) Annual Meeting.  We just got word that the Illahee Community Club's annual meeting will be held on November 14, 2009 at the Kitsap Regional Library on Sylvan Way, beginning at 1:30 pm.   The ICC meets quarterly with meetings in Feb, May, Aug, and Nov, with November being the annual meeting.  

 

ICC Membership.  Any Illahee resident is eligible to be a member and the dues are only $10 a year, which we understand will cover the rest of this year and 2010.  We have attached the membership form.

 

Jim Aho

Wildlife & Miscellaneous - 10/15/09

(Note that this Update began to be written over 2 weeks ago so some of this is dated.)

 

Wintering Waterfowl Returning.  It seems a little early for our wintering waterfowl to be returning (early October), but it may only seem so since we have had such nice weather this fall.

 

American Wigeon Back 10/2/09.  We were surprised to see a flock of wigeon at Schutt's Point on October 2nd.  We don't know if they are still there or were just passing through, since we haven't been in town for awhile.

 

Common Loons in Fall & Spring.  We see common loons passing through every fall and spring, but never very many.  Attached is a picture of three.

 

Seals Back.  The seals are back on the area floats.

 

Pacific Tree Frogs.  There seem to be lots of small pacific tree frogs around this year, but not many of the bright green variation as shown in the attached picture.

 

Blue Dragon Flies.  We were surprised to see so many large blue dragon flies this summer.  This one landed on the Illahee Road while we were on a walk.

 

Deer.  This deer was seen on Sunset.  We heard from one couple who came back from an extended trip to find two deer had taken up residence in their back yard under an apple tree and had decimated their garden and other foliage.

 

Power Outage.  Thanks for the photo of the downed power lines a few Sunday's ago (10/4/09).  For many residents the power went out at 10:30 am and didn't come back on until 12 hours later, at 10:30 pm.  Those who walked down Illahee Road to see what the problem was, found the crews ready to go to work, but the Aspland crew that needed to cut down the tree hadn't shown up.  Many were asking why the Power Company couldn't use their chain saws on the wayward maple, but were told it was a union thing.

 

Beach Watchers Program.  There was a nice article in the Kitsap Sun regarding the beach watchers program that was going to be offered in Kitsap County.  Attached is the link to the article.  The deadline is Friday (10/16/09) for signing up so if you are interested call quickly. http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/08/beach-watchers-will-keep-their-eyes-on-kitsaps/

 

Timbers Edge Decision.  We came back from a trip to find the following article in the Kitsap Sun:  http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/13/commissioners-approve-big-illahee-development-cond/

We aren't sure exactly what happened as it appears the Commissioners either did not receive the Community Brief sent in to the county (i.e., it wasn't forwarded to them), or they didn't read it.  Either way, it is hard for the Community, who worked on the brief with their lawyer, to understand how this could happen.  It also leaves many wondering what to do about it.  As we understand it, the ICC Board will be meeting soon to discuss what the options are.  We will keep you posted on what we know.

 

Jim Aho

Timbers Edge Decision Monday Evening - 10/11/09

Important Decision Monday.  The Illahee Community's future look will in many ways be decided on Monday, October 12, 2009, when the County Commissioners decide on how to rule on the Illahee Community Club's (ICC) appeal of the Hearing Examiner's Decision that approved the Timbers Edge project.

Many Concerns.  The community concerns are many and they have been presented in earlier updates.  The big ones are the the small lots (mostly 3400 sq ft), the number of houses (112 on roughly 12+ acres), the traffic on a small roadway (Fir Drive), stormwater issues, sewer issues, and the impact on Illahee Creek and the underlying aquifers.  

Complex Appeal.  Because there are so many issues the chances of the Commissioners making a decision favorable to the community appears remote based on what we have seen so far.

ICC Brief.  At the last Commissioners meeting the two sides were asked to prepare briefs regarding the Modified Proposal introduced by Commissioner Brown.  The ICC was given until Friday to complete their brief.  At the Commissioner's work study session this past Wednesday none of the Commissioners had seen the brief even though it was sent to the Board person on Friday, and therefore there was no discussion regarding the Modified Proposal and the submitted briefs. 

ICC Brief Attached.  We are attaching the brief the ICC attorney, Ryan Vancil, sent in.

Attendance at Commissioner Meeting Important.  We have been asked to remind community members that attendance at the Commissioner meeting is important.  The Commissioner meeting starts at 7 pm on Monday evening October 12, 2009.  Decision only agenda items are normally at the end of the meeting.  Comments can be made after the decision when 3 minutes is allowed for public comment.  The meeting agenda is always posted on the county website.

Update Being Sent From Midwest.  We just were able to get sustained internet services while traveling in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, so much of this information is gathered from emails provided to us.

Jim Aho

Beach Nourishment Hearing Report - 10/1/09

Informal Hearing Held 10/1/09.  The informal hearing of the the Illahee Beach Nourishment project was held at the DFW offices in Port Orchard on Thursday (10/1/09).

 

Illahee Attendees.  The Illahee Community Club (ICC) members attending were Jim Brady, Don Jahaske, Linda Hinde, Judith Krigsman, and Jim Aho, and consultant Dale Thoemke.

 

Primary ICC Issue #1 - Siltation.  The primary issue for many of the Illahee residents living near the mouth of Illahee Creek is the excessive siltation that is destroying shellfish, clam and oyster beds.  Pictures showing the gooey mud that exists north of the mouth of Illahee Creek were presented.  It was noted that the depth of the silt under the nearshore float of the dock is 32 inches at the south end, and 24 inches at the north end.  The concern is that by placing the dredged material, which contains silt along with sand and pebbles, on the beach we are increasing the sedimentation problem in the area and further damaging the shellfish.  Dale Thoemke noted that it doesn't take much sediment to damage eel grass and shellfish beds.

 

Primary ICC Issue #2 - Human Intervention.  The other issue that was presented was trying to understand why we are trying to interject human intervention into an area that has not been documented as needing "beach nourishment."  The response was that all beaches need sediment and because littoral drift is moving sand down the beach, then any extra sediment in the area should be placed on the beach, evidently because you can never have too much sediment.  We tried to explain that our problem with Illahee Creek already is excessive sedimentation caused by unmitigated storm surges, and we really don't have a sediment deficiency problem.  In other words, why would DFW propose human intervention into a natural process that has not exhibited any problems? and especially when that human intervention will accelerate or exacerbate the siltation problem further?

 

Community Input?  So far, from the people who we have talked with, the concensus is this is a really dumb idea.  We generally try to stay neutral when reporting, but we have to agree that we don't understand the rationale behind this project.

 

Results In November.  The results of the Port of Illahee informal hearing in Olympia, and the Illahee Community Club informal hearing today in Port Orchard, will be issued in November 2009.  If the informal appeal fails, and they most often do, then either or both groups could file a formal appeal that would go before a judicial person. 

 

Your Thoughts?  The ICC would like to know your thoughts on this issue.  Please let them know by responding to this Update with a short note so they know how the community feels about it.  If it is just a few waterfront owners around the mouth of the creek who are concerned and others could care less, then the ICC needs to know it.

 

Jim Aho

Illahee Beach Nourishment Appeal Thursday in Port Orchard - 9/30/09

Informal Appeal of Illahee Beach Nourishment Project.  As stated in an earlier Update, the Illahee Community Club's request for an informal appeal of the Illahee Beach Nourishment project was finally approved.  We promised more information on the Illahee Beach Nourishment project, so this is what we know.

 

Connected to the Dredging of Illahee Culvert.  The county has a blanket HPA (hydraulic Project Approval) to dredge out all culverts in the county.  The "Illahee Beach Nourishment" project is a new HPA to take the dredged material and place it on top of the Schutt's Point spit in the name of "beach nourishment."  We think this is to be done once a year for five years, though some of those attending the Port's hearing last week on the same subject, thought they heard it could be done twice a year.

 

How Much Material?  We have been asked how much material is being dredged.  The permit says ~50 cubic yards from the downstream end of the culvert.  The material is to be placed on top of the spit in a row 100 feet long by 10 feet wide according to a drawing.  The height would be 18 inches, and if done once a year for 5 years would make it 7 and a half feet high, and double that if it is done twice a year.

 

How Does That Help the Beach?  That is the question we are trying to understand.  The natural movement of beach sediment is to the north in what is called a drift cell.  It is a natural process that probably keeps the Schutt's Point spit area beach sediment intact.  Does the spit need help?  We haven't noticed any problems, and other than just wanting to dispose of the sediment onto the beach rather than in a gravel pit, we don't understand why it is being done.

 

Littoral Drift.  Littoral drift is what we know this movement of sediment to be, though it has other names.  We have attached the wikipedia link if you want more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longshore_drift

 

Attendees?  The Illahee Community Club voted at its last meeting to file the informal appeal.  There were several community members at the Port's informal appeal hearing in Olympia last week.  Illahee residents are welcome to come and express their thoughts. 

 

Beach Silting Problem.  We have talked with a number of residents who have been concerned for years with the silting that has been going on at the beaches from the storm surges of Illahee Creek, and the damaging affect the silt has on clams and oysters. 

 

More Beach Silt?  Some of them are concerned that dumping the culvert sediment, which contains more silt is only compounding the problem.  We are hoping some of them will be able to tell the DFW Appeals Coordinator what is happening to the shellfish now because of excessive sediment, not to mention a proposal to add more.

 

The Ghost Net Guy to Attend.  Dale Thoemke, the ghost net guy, was invited by an Illahee resident to attend.  We are hoping that he, as a diver, will be willing to talk about the damage silting does to shellfish.

 

Port Orchard Hearing Thursday,1 PM.  The meeting is being held at the DFW offices in Port Orchard, which is much better than having to drive to Olympia.  The time is 1 pm.  The offices are at 502 High Street, Suite 112, in Port Orchard.  The DFW phone number is (360) 874-7258 if you need more information.  Or you can call me, Jim Aho, at 479-1049.

 

Jim Aho

Legal Issues Update - 9/28/09

TIMBERS EDGE

 

Timbers Edge Decision?  There was NO decision at Monday evening's County Commissioner's meeting, much to the disappointment of those in attendance, on both sides. 

 

Discussion Focused on New Conditions Proposed by Applicant.  Seems Commissioner Brown wanted to make some modifications to two of the Hearing Examiner's Conditions based on a new proposal by the applicant at the Hearing 4 weeks ago.  He had been working with DCD staff to come up with new language to reflect the applicant's new infiltration proposal.

 

Copies Passed Out.  When the discussion began, Commissioner Brown had copies of the modified conditions passed out to the other Commissioners and to those in the audience.  It was difficult to review the new conditions on such short notice since we didn't have copies of the old conditions, though we think we understand it now.  The explanation of what was happening, was not clear to many of the Illahee residents attending, and it also appeared to take the other Commissioners by surprise.

 

Attorney Comments.  Following some discussion, the attorney for the applicant (Timbers Edge) and the attorney for the appellant (the Illahee Community Club) were allowed to comment.  Mr. Templeton, the Timbers Edge attorney, basically agreed with the conditions but we felt back-peddled on some items.  We wanted to review his comments this evening, but the meeting was not on BKAT as scheduled, and was therefore not recorded by us.  Mr. Ryan Vancil, attorney for the Illahee Community Club, said the language of the modified conditions was not very clear as to what would be allowed and went on to say that issues like this should go back to the Hearing Examiner, where they can be properly discussed.  He also reminded the Commissioners that this new modification covered only one of the issues of concern to the Illahee Community.  Based on the discussion that followed, it appears Mr. Brown had picked this one issue out as his primary focus of the appeal, and didn't appear to be concerned about any of the other issues.

 

Friday Deadline.  The two sides were given until close of business on Friday (10/2/09) to respond in writing to the new conditions that were proposed.

 

Copy Provided.  We have scanned the handout as an image attachment and will try to get a more readable copy later.

 

 ILLAHEE BEACH NOURISHMENT

 

Thursday (10/1/09) Illahee Beach Nourishment Hearing.  The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) HPA Appeals Coordinator, Lisa Wood, has scheduled the Illahee Community Club's informal appeal to Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the WDFW field office in Port Orchard, which is at 502 High Street, Suite 112.

 

Letter Attached.  We have attached the letter regarding the hearing.  We also hope to have time to provide the community more information on what is being proposed, but right now our attention is on responding to the curve thrown us at the Commissioners meeting.

 

Jim Aho

Important Legal Proceedings - 9/26/09

TIMBERS EDGE APPEAL

Commissioners' Decision on Monday! The County Commissioners will decide Monday (9/28/09) on the Community's appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision regarding the Timbers Edge development. The decision is scheduled for the end of the regular 7 pm Monday Commissioner's meeting, which is held in the Commissioner's Chambers at the County Administration Building in Port Orchard.

Please Attend. The Illahee Community Club is asking for a good attendance at this meeting even though those in the audience can just listen to the Commissioner's discussion and their vote. This vote will be telling as to whether the commissioners are more concerned about an aquifer and salmon stream and the community's desire to protect them, or a high density development above the stream corridor.

Commissioner's Vote? Some think that when the applicant offered up a new infiltration plan during the appeal, that this gives the Commissioner's a good reason for sending (remanding) the project back to the Hearing Examiner. Should that happen, we hope it would go to the new Hearing Examiner, rather than the old one.

Status of Community's Letter to the Developer. The developer, Mr. Jim James, has asked his engineer to "provide him advice for his consideration." Mr. Kuhlman, in an email to the Illahee Community, said the community proposal lacks enough detail for him to provide the necessary information to Mr. James; he goes on to argue for sewers rather than septics; and wants "a more quantitative proposal and explain how your revised proposal will more properly address the environmental issues associated with our development than is done by our proposal."

Response After the Commissioners' Decision. The ICC Board evidently will respond to Mr. Kuhlman in the time period following the Commissioner's decision, pending what the decision is.


ILLAHEE BEACH NOURISHMENT INFORMAL APPEAL

Persistence Pays Off. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) consented late Thursday (9/24/09) to hear the Illahee Community Club's informal appeal of the "Illahee Beach Nourishment" project. Late Friday afternoon DFW was trying to set up the informal appeal hearing for next week in Port Orchard at 10 or 10:30 a.m. on either Thursday (10/1/09) or Friday (10/2/09).

Two Informal Appeals Filed. The Port of Illahee also filed an informal appeal on the Illahee Beach Nourishment project and the hearing was held on Thursday (9/24/09) in Olympia. The Illahee Community Club's appeal was denied at first because the Certified Letter was lost for 9 days somewhere in Olympia, and was receipted one day beyond the appeal deadline date.

Calls by Illahee Citizens Make a Difference. Because of the persistence of Illahee citizens to the Post Office and DFW the issue went up the chain of commands, and eventually to one of the state's Assistant Attorney Generals, where it was decided to allow the informal appeal to go ahead. We think it was the right decision because neither the Post Office or DFW knows what happened to the letter for 9 days.

More Information Later. We will try to provide more information on the 5 year Illahee Beach Nourishment appeal later.

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 9/21/09

Shoreline Meetings Tonight (Monday 9/21/09) & Thursday (9/24/09). The Illahee community has been blessed with 3 miles of shorelines. We want everyone in Illahee to be aware that the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is in the process of being updated and that informational meetings are being held nearby. Attached is the information that was posted on the Kitsap County website.

County Hosts Shoreline Update Outreach Meetings

Stakeholders Asked to Join Kitsap County Shoreline Management Plan Update Advisory Group

(Port Orchard) - Kitsap County is required to update its Shoreline Management Master Program (SMP) by 2012. The Washington Department of Ecology is providing funding to conduct the update. The SMP is a comprehensive land and water use management plan that includes policies and regulations for use and development of Kitsap’s shoreline. Kitsap County has about 230 miles of saltwater, stream and lakefront shorelines that support diverse environmental, economic, and recreational uses. The Department of Ecology ultimately approves the updated plan, but citizens and County government cooperatively develop an updated plan that is proposed to Ecology. We planned several information outreach meetings to kick-off this effort, and encourage stakeholder participation in an advisory group to guide these efforts. The meetings start at 6:30 PM and wrap-up at 8:00PM.

Meetings are scheduled at these locations:

• Tuesday, September 15, 2009
  Kingston Fire Station
  26642 Miller Bay Rd NE, Kingston
• Monday, September 21, 2009
  Keyport Bible Church
  15270 Washington Ave NE, Keyport
• Thursday, September 24, 2009
  Kitsap County Fairgrounds, The Eagle’s Nest
  1200 NW Fairgrounds Rd, Bremerton
• Tuesday, September 29, 2009
  Seabeck Christian Conf. Center “Dining Hall”
  15395 Seabeck Hwy NW, Seabeck
• Monday, October 5, 2009 at the
  Kitsap County Administration Building, Chambers
  619 Division St., Port Orchard

Illahee Preserve Parking Lot Logs. We received the following update from Vic Ulsh on the status of the log pile next to the new Illahee Preserve parking lot along Almira:

Logs at Almira

Lori Raymaker has made arrangements with Kitsap Community Resources and AmeriCorp to cut up the logs at the Almira parking lot at Illahee Forest Preserve. They will cut the logs as fire wood for those in need. Target date for their big work party is Friday, October 16th. They also expect to be available to do a few other chores while their personnel are on-site. I suggested weeding the rain garden (it will need it again by then). I plan to meet with Lori and a rep from KCR at 9AM on Wednesday, October 14th to go over a game plan, especially hoping to have them avoid driving over the sidewalks to get to the logs.

Brownsville Appreciation Day (BAD) on Saturday (9/26/09). You have undoubtedly seen the signs for Brownsville's Appreciation Day on September 26, 2009, so don't forget our Port of Brownsville neighbors to the north on Saturday. The link to their web site is attached below.

http://www.portofbrownsville.org/wether_events/events/BAD/bad.html

Passing of John King. Illahee lost a good friend on September 8, 2009, when John King passed away. A number of us enjoyed talking with John as he worked on his vintage cars in the Sunset Avenue area. His obituary link is attached.

http://kitsapsun.com/news/2009/sep/10/john-d-king-83/

Lost Cat - Was it Found? We have been asked if the lost cat was ever found. We have not heard what happened, even though information was passed on. If you have any information, please let us know so we can pass it on.

Send in Information. Keep sending us your information and we will try to pass it on.

Jim Aho