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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061224 - Correspondence from Bert Loomis re: Abandoned Trail Nine Golf Course RECEWED BERT LOOMIS JUrd 1 2 2024 235 Edgewood Dr. Port Ludlow,Washington 98365 •360-437-0901 •bertl@cablespeed.comJEFF EREON COUNTY C S edr a'L.3N E 1 June 10, 2024 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 RE: Abandoned Trail Nine Golf Course As of today, the golf course cart path is open to the general public with heavy daily traffic - including walkers, dogs, bike riders, golf carts and even an occasional motorcycle. This has greatly increased the likelihood of a fire risk to the area. The following questions need to be addressed for the eminent protection of the Edgewood Village homes, and ultimately the greater Port Ludlow area: Why did you allow the 82 acre course to be abandoned without following the requirements of the MPR Development Agreement allowing for public input before the making your closure decision? Why has the County not required PLA to have a written buffer agreement (that has been approved by a qualified expert) to protect the abutting properties from fire? Does the Fire Marshal have a written plan for addressing a wildfire on the course? Please give me a date that my neighbors and I can meet with you to get these urgent questions answered. Sincerely, Bert Loomis • • • _ w e r time^' :.. vy gyp. r',V h f , y, ,.-^.".'"*A ;� Ski^ . • t _ 1,. : a,"° > f d ,w,n a :4. 4 , '11117. • I• ^. • .' C A' 1 y♦ ` , ` Y1N 'Y ,S. t 44 '{ev j 2± fit . �fl 17 + t tL v y 1 • l�J ',1,','t:.14., 7`i, ' '' 1,.,l e,,i_.,:l.,,-;,..,,,,,,!, ,,... , if ,44. C .. ! , :r hi ' 'lk:,,. .,:., :...,,....,.,. ..,:-..„;., .0........„,. ..‘„;,.:.:"fjt y f rr,"y` .µ: ,t _,. ...,..... . j w4 t,. .. . . , . tt., ...,.„.,s.y,.. ...- ......,,,-.., _:-.,, ,..„.„,....„....„.„,.., ,.... '& '-' n .„.•.:4:...:. ,....;„.......,....: - . ..„.,:„ ,c.,,,,,. .4i17,...?,„:,,T.,,, ,,.. .:,.. ..4.4::„;.:,,...,,,,:;.e,....:...,.5,,,..,„, ,,,„..,.:.-:,,.., . .,..„,...,•;,...„,., .....,.. , .„,..:..4, ,. , 4... .„. . , , . . , ,.... . . ,,,„, . ,,,,4..;'*;', ., • . •', -.,:. ' . •--'-'-,-. . • / : -. : ''. ' ,'..'",'.•"..,....F,' ,. ., i �.. .s-. •k,�l t.4i� e Zti ,•"' A VIEW OF THE ABANDONED CART PATH WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MOWED BUFFER? ; eg,- -y . _ `fir • f �..�r '`-. > • '4 • .. . t 2 Rti.69 F, .. 14,E G.'-'1'q4 7 4 +! - .. .. • r-',-,,,2i':'''''''4, ..;"."4'';'",i'l.t'V'''''„,,,*-...w'4..1'.,. .7.t.'4'.,,,,-4-1`e,': -' '' ' , ' ' ' %i".f" , .' s . ' .!"'''' ' . . $ Y r• � sl �f� M yr tS a� tt a•.,t i ,y` '' ri f., o" n � r , .�„ fi{ sip ft :x$$ � g reY'4 r 1. W y A VIEW OF THE ABANDONED CART PATH WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MOWED BUFFER? BERT LOOMIS 235 Edgewood Dr. Port Ludlow,Washington 98365 •360-437-0901 •bertl@cablespeed.com June 10, 2024 Mark McCauley Jefferson County Administrator P.O. Box 1220. Port Townsend, WA 98368 RE: The abandoned Trail Nine wildfire hazard issue 1 found the email comments from you, Phil and the Commissioner regarding the wildfire issue to be inaccurate. The June 4th email from the County Fire Marshal, Phil Cecere: "The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) has not been finalized and adopted and would contain recommendations for defensible space, but advisory only and not require an application of code or neglect of application as is alleged." "Bottom line we have advisory guidelines, but no hard code sections to cite and no ongoing violations of code that I can support." "I see no legal way that any dereliction of duty or misapplication of code has occurred." "With the above being stated I see no reason to require an in-person meeting and no additional guidance could be provided at such a meeting." The June 5th email from the County Administrator, Mark McCauley: "I have full faith and confidence in the County Fire Marshal and his opinion regarding your defensible space concerns. And, you have not provided any information or analysis why the Fire Marshal's analysis is not correct. The County has no basis for intervening or being involved with your dispute with Port Ludlow Associates." 15.05.020 Administration and enforcement of code. (e) The fire marshal shall enforce regulations and conduct activities related to fire prevention and fire safety, in coordination and cooperation with law enforcement agencies, fire districts, and other agencies within unincorporated Jefferson County Loomis legal file 1 (f) The fire marshal shall conduct all necessary enforcement action and proceedings pursuant to JCC Title 19 to enforce the International Fire Code as adopted by this chapter. In such actions and proceedings, reference in JCC Title 19 to "director" shall be a reference to the fire marshal or their designee, and reference to "department" shall be a reference to the department of community development; Over the past fifteen years, I have repeatedly reached out to County Commissioners, Administrator, Fire Marshal and DCD regarding this issue and have been totally ignored. A typical email exchange between Loomis and Brotherton regarding the alleged wildfire mitigation plan for the abandoned Trail Nine Golf Course between PLA and the County: (6/30/22) Loomis to Brotherton: "Greg, as the County Commissioner representing the PL Community,please explain your statement that 'as far as I know this was settled years ago". "Provide copies of all'documentation that supports that statement. I believe that to be demonstrably false". (6/30/22) Brotherton to Loomis: "Bring me a community that says it's a problem and we can talk. Twenty emails from you does not constitute a community problem and I have never heard about this Issue from anybody else." (6/30/22) Loomis to Brotherton: "Greg, Stop with the excuses and do your job! This is not a popularity contest. As I have repeatedly requested, provide copies of all documentation that supports your statement 'as far as I know this was settled years ago. "Note: I am still waiting for that documentation. Why did Jefferson County and PLA fail to comply with *Section 3.906 Major Revisions, as required by the terms of LP Development Agreement (10/4/99)? *Note: The abandoned 83 acre Trail Nine Golf Course represents 6.92% of the 1200 acre and a clear "Major Revision" as defined in Section 3.906. Why was the Port Ludlow community deprived of our right to appear before the hearing examiner? "Major Revisions shall be processed as a hearing examiner decision (Type B), with a required public hearing prior to the decision. Public notice and appeal opportunities shall be provided to all persons on the PL MPR Roster". Unfortunately, there has been a long history of the County placing the interest of PLA ahead of their obligation with respect to protecting our Community's interest. Loomis legal file 2 , The most recent example is the County's entry into a five year extension of the original Development Agreement on May 13, 2013. That provided PLA with a valuable continuation of preliminary plat approval vesting, without requiring PLA to address its failure to complete the build-out by 2020. At the present rate, completion is going to be in late 2044, resulting in the County and the Port Ludlow Community losing millions of dollars annually. This pandering by the County to PLA must stop. The County continues to support an obvious incompetent developer whose failures like the abandoned golf course will continue to adversely impact our community's property values, quality of life, tax • revenue and the protection of our properties. It is past time we have leadership from our elected County representatives. Please advise me as to the County's plans to address PLA's failures and the solutions to assure the completion of the "Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort" in compliance with the MPR Development Agreement. Sincerely, 42A7tiC"-NA: Bert Loomis Encl: Loomis legal file 3 Just a tew examples of how Commissioner Brotherton views the abandoned Trail Nine issue 1. From: bertl(a cablespeed.com Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 To: Greg Brotherton <GBrotherton@co.jefferson.wa.us> Subject: Re: Really! --- abandoned Trail Nine fire hazard Greg, Stop with the excuses and do your job! This is not a popularity contest. "Please provide copies of all documentation that supports your statement that "this was settled years ago." 2. From: "Gres Brotherton" <GBrotherton@co.jefferson.wa.us> To: bertl@cablespeed.com Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 Subject: RE: Really! --- abandoned Trail Nine fire hazard Bring me a community that says it's a problem and we can talk. Twenty emails from you does not constitute a community problem and I have never heard about this from anybody else. Other issues that I am dealing with, like the sale of fireworks in Port Ludlow for example, I heard from a lot of people about. As you can see, I stayed with that until the situation was resolved. 3. From: bertl@cablespeed.com Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2022 To: Greg Brotherton <GBrotherton@co jefferson.wa.us> Subject: Re: Really! --- abandoned Trail Nine fire hazard Greg, As the County Commissioner, representing the Port Ludlow Community, please explain why you "don't feel qualified to speak to a mowing,plan" and "as far as I know this was settled years Over the last 13 years I have repeatedly contacted you, your predecessor, DCD, the Fire Marshal and Prosecuting Attorney regarding the Trail Nine issue. To date, your response has consistently been to either ignore the problem, or claim it's not your job. Please provide copies of all documentation that supports your statement that "this was settled years ago." I believe that to be a false statement. Apparently, your priority is to protect PLA's interest, versus the interest of the Port Ludlow Community that pays you salary. June 5, 2024 Email: to Loomis from Mark McCauley, Jefferson County Administrator "Mr. Loomis, I have full faith and confidence in the County Fire Marshal and his opinion regarding your defensible space concerns. And, you have not provided any information or analysis why the Fire Marshal's analysis is not correct. The County has no basis for intervening or being involved with your dispute with Port Ludlow Associates." "As such a meeting isn't warranted." "Mark McCauley" <MMcCauley@co.jefferson.wa.us> June 4, 2024: Email from Phil Cecere, Jefferson County Fire Marshal Good Afternoon Mr. Loomis, After a deep research of your ongoing concerns about defensible space between your home and the abandon trail nine golf course I have come to the following conclusions: The fire marshal is required by JCC codes (sections shown below) to apply the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Washington State. The IFC does not have any provisions for defensible space, so there is no dereliction of application of code. The Wildland Urban Interface code (WUI) does have provisions and requirements for defensible space and vegetation management. The WUI would have been applicable as of March 15, 2024 (not 2009), however in the 11th hour the state voted to not adopt it and suspend WAC 51-55 until a future time (probably tied to the redevelopment of the DNR risk map). The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) has not been finalized and adopted and would contain recommendations for defensible space, but advisory only and not require an application of code or neglect of application as is alleged. Trying to apply CALfire code, Hawaii fire code or National Forest code methodology is misplaced at best. Bottom line we have advisory guidelines, but no hard code sections to cite and no ongoing violations of code that I can support. I see no legal way that any dereliction of duty or misapplication of code has occurred. PLA could voluntarily alter the verbal agreement and increase the maintenance of defensible space beyond the 12-14' including cart path. Up to a 30' fire break could be an acceptable and reasonable accommodation, the 100' slope suggestion is pretty ridiculous for the conditions presented here. This would take an agreement between PLA and the Loomis' HOA associations and would not have a county sponsored component or requirement. With the above being stated I see no reason to require an in-person meeting and no additional guidance could be provided at such a meeting. I wish you the best with navigating or modifying your agreement with PLA. Feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns, Phil Cecere, CBO, CFM Building Official, Fire Marshal Jefferson County Community Development 621 Sheridan St. Port Townsend Wa 98368 360-379-4461 THE ABANDONED TRAIL NINE GOLF COURSE I . _.:. • .. . ✓ %°• '-' 's'L w.. 7f--, .1 ,4 • p"'a , i - r M! I r , ^• v \ .. , A• . (, K die s.� , tt h� r n, v;. i, s. ""�f' ,`y: • 7• 7 :ice.. * yr. ..i L =*- '11 i ,�' y+ - .. , . , -+1 b VV `� i ,, +�, •:,i'..fib: •b - :.k< V "', t . Y� VV� i` t,�i S WM7.k:3, 1 >, i r i , l ��{ �� �. t ' y +R`}y�Y .k�' d i'Jr.. fir y`' 4 F',d+ .N 40 w{ Y g Ot t ' 3fil' F'°i"T- ',,1 ",i' f . s a4 ( ,, t s S°r`ff 0,. 1` S •yh :A 3 .,yid : f �a�M•+��, �� '-'- • . L , • '�' 'Fi K i d �� o;'Y�e , '''.' `11" ? t i - Y JYS '' '' �'1 1 ' r c F`au "1 4 �`�11..; fir" j lx v ry •�'1 ✓r r { � �... \, a f i�.d' e� d ,'�3.' x 4 %';,-� �& k.. V. . �r�,..—, J��--' �k,. duy. ,,. A j � `d 'i'' t --" x �;: ai a ej,, rT _ 4 ''c n� ° ,i'" � °' ' e ,p fit,.� l vtilk r` {, fP �.t Y iy ' x v`K >tt�t�f� yY f \ ;�"�+? ,yam } SAT � ''S >i` '.i`'• ,P.F d' , a44$. : .t T+ s,; ,„a n r• t i t t' �4, lV' .z I1 . '�# :a�. ..k . ��` r :,e. .. >i l.J ,.. _'A0>.^ i'. . i7. sw r 6,;, �. \r '-7c ut. .��. 3v`S14d �^'!^,11� '?.,, ..�k. .ems .y�?°,.y3ie I A view from the cart path facing a home on Edgewood Drive I I I m imiliori 4iod I amaQ Ma 5E6 poo �°3 — r'�h + ^ rw a ).-, •,'' 1.04,0ef4; ,-* shr9W p, ., `r, RJ ....ate":�' _— I s r i+� is . Y I ... ep fJ1 .rf '� 'r��.:. r ry t A at Y: ...._ ......„:7_ __.._,, _ I,: a v e* �r- Y 1 •a . 1 —_z_ k_ _ ___ _—. tier Vc1 = + ;. t1 µ. -... ,. . , .,.., ,,—. II ,. ‘, . _ _ II _ F sN \\ 4 r' 'r ' 1 \ ,- si,. I x .., f '` / , 1 . •• ..or I I I I Loomis Home 235 Edgewood Drive I Port Ludlow, on the "Trail Nine" Golf Course 1', .�.;.. .4r. ,, '11'. d, , ,' . 1 t'is`r r er t 1:,..4 Y ..fir. 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JJ. pauopueqv i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Abandoned Trail Nine course (2018) I I 'lir I 47 ol k. t.• ,i}„ , ' ' ' ' a,' ' e' '414.1t'll ‘ 1 , ..,. .r,,,,, ' •, Tlf' A ... I + ' ,',0' • t , jit,It )• , „i, ilt ' I • .ii. i 'i • , 4 1 1 I i ,1 • M: - ' I . , „x i' ,,,' I _ e f• -,i,' * . . , I • • I -- , k , I + ,,+„,,,,++•+ I I , . t ,.. . ' It i I ! , i • ,,,, , . ' . i i • • I I r I i , I . , , , ' ` , • • • I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I View from the Loomis home facing the I abandoned Trail Nine golf course (2017) Note: This is an example of the annual I noxious weed invasion I n „ a'i . . . ( I a Y,1 t VI � 1 i� i I 1,1 1) � 1 1 0p' ► �1 , 1 1 1' 1 1 ! 11 u 4 I I ;r i ' ! I 1 , 4 1 1 IC iii i '', '% * r . 4 1 ' ' , , ,' 1 �� ' (� ► II +y NI I�+ , , 1 di I t MM " M + h N 1 a vi 14 , i J I IN,,, i ' 'III l'i, 41 IIS 01 11 �� )A1 410 1 fl � U ' 1 , It f 4 110 OF' Ig .iik ' ( fit11,1 I ' , ', , i,. 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"'it, ' '' ••441c14 lf*If 1 4t r' M r ' • vyr Y • cAtA.t vW a V'r +fh a t.,A� ni'�^ a !t d ' { ` 1'/7 dfF ! t t ag 1k� 3 { � :itt''Frr..ff.,; •N,s� v d ,�"`" 'I"" te �i,%jr `Fp^�• '._I'N��:. 4 ,i., �./S,'( * ••J x�� , n` t�� I `�¢ y 4.1 • • • I • • / I I I Another Golf course view from the Loomis home (2022) i . I . , ,. •„. , ore:- ( ' „.k.r',,,'- � .1., :f e 4. . T yY ,t-, .* * F , f ,4. 4 ., ,I 1.,,, . . ,. ., • • 4 ,,.. .•;,. .••• ... t .1 , ..,,r,,i. .. ,_ , t 4 f . ti , tit, . �i• . ♦ 1` rr lr ,. 1, 8 .r fit. + • .•�, il� 1 ,. y E ' r' Yes. k' 1 4 ?, f',+ t r, G •• 4y 3 xt i P Y ' 1' }T i • , S.Y I I c , ." it 1 Fa y y{�{1j� t Y f T •rY1{{I� ' ' 1.' 4.4. $1•, Ai, .1 , '� n r.r--Ti' ,� .I' t 1/4 ,',0 ,. S L r,, • If• -,i 1, �\ .� y r `, i ' , .. 4 Si. r C:. t'.., bFn,. �r I I I I I I I I j I I I I I I I I Bert Loomis ' 235 Edgewood Drive Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 437-0901 ben I a cablespced.com May 27, 2024 Phil Cecere ' Jefferson County Fire Marshal 621 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 RE: The abandoned Trail Nine golf course violations and fire hazard issues 1 The purpose of this letter is to address the abandoned Trail Nine course and its impact on the Edgewood Village. Over the past fifteen years, I have sent multiple ' letters and emails on this subject to the County Fire Marshal, and DCD. Unfortunately, to date, these questions have not been answered. Please explain: 1 Why there is not a written mowing agreement between PLA and the County on the abandoned "Trail Nine course"? Please explain why the County took the advice of Fire Chief Brad Martin that the ' 8 foot mow strip in conjunction with the 6 foot cart path is adequate." This is inconsistent with the opinions of two qualified Wild Fire Experts cited below: ' At the recommendation of the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Hass, a tour of the abandoned course was conducted on September 11, 2018. ' Accompanying Mike was Kelvin J. Thomas a retired Forrest Service wildfire expert, Doug Henderson and Steve Hammond all Port Ludlow residence. After the tour they met at my home to debrief me. The takeaway message from Kelvin was ' that the "recommendations of Chief Martin were woefully inadequate and the mowing plan proposed by Bert was very reasonable. " 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Morris C. Johnson, "(10/10/18) Bert, I still believe the information I emailed you earlier is your best defense to question the treatment recommendation outlined by the Fire Chief. In his explanation, he offered no evidence on how he decided on the 8 ft size requirements... So, as I understand this is based on his opinion and not science. The grt122 would disagree with this recommendation. Let's chat. " Morris C. Johnson is a research fire ecologist at the US Forest Service, PNR Station, in Seattle. He earned a B.S. degree in Urban Forestry from Southern University and a M.S. degree in Forest Protection and Ph.D. degree in ' Ecosystem Analysis (Fire Ecology) both from the University of Washington. He is an affiliate professor at the University of Washington, School of Environmental Forest Sciences. (206-732-7852) NOTE: Both wildfire expert I contacted have categorically Chief rejected Martin's ' eight foot mow strip recommendation. I have proposed a mowing plan on a small portion (5 acres) or 6% of the 83 acre abandoned course. CITED WILDFIRE EXPERTS: USDA Forrest Service 5.11 Wildfire Defensible Buffer Zones Zone 1 . A minimum of 30 feet is needed for firefighters to protect a structure from wildfire. On a slope increase the distance to 100 feet downhill of the structure. ' CAL FIRE - - 100 Feet of Defensible Space is the Law In January 2005 a new state law became effective that extended the defensible space clearance around homes ' and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire. ' AWARE & PREPARE www.noozhawk.com (03/12/17) "100-Foot Buffer Zones ' Key to Keeping Wildfires from Your Home Defensible spaces and maintaining visibility not only limit spread of flames, but make responders'jobs easier." ' How wildfire-prone in Sacramento region prepare for fire season --- creating a defensible space is vital. Daniela Pardo (06/25/18) "Defensible space is the number one thing that they can do around their home," said Folsom Fire Chief ' Felipe Rodriguez. "Clean up the perimeter - consider a 30 to 100-foot buffer." 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 Please explain why Jefferson County elected to rely on a local Fire Chiefs recommendation of an 8' buffer, and ignore the opinions of highly qualified Wild Fire experts? Note: Kelvin J. Thomas (a retired Forrest Service wildfire expert) actually inspected the site at the request of and with Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Hass. After Kelvin's site inspection, his opinion "was that the "recommendations of Chief Martin were woefully inadequate" and "the mowing plan proposed by Bert was very reasonable". Fifteen years and still waiting for answers. It's time for the County to protect the interest and safety of the Port Ludlow Community. Sincerely, 0211,t Bert Loomis C: Josh Peters, ' David Johnson Enc: r I I i 1 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 MOWING PLAN TO REDUSE THE FIRE HAZARD ON 1 THE ABANDONED TRAIL NINE GOLF COURSE Bert Loomis 01/28/19 1 UProposed solution: Enclosed is a proposal for cleaning up and maintaining a small portion (5 acres - 6%) of the 83-acre abandoned Port Ludlow Trail Nine course (owned by PLA). 1 A map is attached showing the area and its relationship to the Edgewood homes. I • The site must be mowed on the last weeks of June, July, August and September. • The site shall be mowed to a maximum grass height of 6 inches. • PLA shall arrange an annual site inspection for the first week of June, with 1 representatives of Jefferson County DCD 1 NOTE: 1 PLA created this wildfire hazard by abandoning the Trail Nine Course. They have adequate commercial mowing equipment used to maintain their abutting U 18 hole golf course. 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In his opinion,an 8 foot mowed strip along a small portion of the cart path(1%)percent of the eighty-three (83+)acre course is an adequate fire buffer. This is inconsistent with the 30— 100 foot ' buffer recommended and/or required by every published report that I have read. Chief Martin's statement is of particular concern-that an"8 foot buffer is adequate, ' when it is only 27%of the universally accepted 30 foot minimum requirement. ' Especially since there is an extreme amount of accumulated 4 foot+ grass/weeds on the abandoned course, and 99%of the course has never had an 8 foot mowed strip along the cart path. In my opinion,this is a complete failure by the Fire Department, Jefferson ' County and the property owner(PLA)to seriously address the fire danger to our community. 1 #1 September 11, 2018 At the recommendation of the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney, Mike Hass, a tour of the abandoned course was conducted on 9/11/18 from 1:00 pm—3:00 pm Accompanying Mike at his suggestion was Kelvin J. Thompson a retired Forrest Service wildfire expert and Port Ludlow resident. In addition,Doug Henderson and Steve Hammond accompanied Mike and Kelvin on the tour. After the tour Mike,Kelvin, Doug, and Steve met with Bert at his home on Edgewood Drive to debrief him. See their declarations for specific comments. Generally the takeaway message from Kelvin was that the"recommendations of Chief Martin were woefully inadequate" and"the mowing plan proposed by Bert was very reasonable" see their declarations for specific details. #2 Oct 10, 2018 Good morning Bert. I just received your information on the abandoned golf course. I ' still believe the information I emailed you earlier is your best defense to question the treatment recommendation outlined by the fire managers. In there explanation,they offer no evidence on how he decided on the size requirements other than stating,"there was consensus" for the 8 ft mow strip. So as I understand this is based on their expert Loomis file notes 10/21/18 I I I I I 1 I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I I Abandoned "Trail Nine wildfire mitigation research page 2 of 2 I opinion and not science. The gtr122 would disagree with this recommendation. Let's chat when you have time. Morris C. Johnson,Research Fire Ecologist Forest Service PNW, Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Lab,400 N. 34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103 #3 (8/30/18) ' "When we completed the tour,there was consensus that the 8 foot mow strip PLA is doing, in conjunction with the 6 foot cart path (totaling an average of 12-14 feet)is an acceptable barrier to the conditions we observed." Brad Martin Fire Chief ' #4 USDA Forrest Service 5.11 Wildfire Defensible Buffer Zones Zone I. .A minimum of 30 feet is needed for firefighters to protect a structure from wildfire. On a slope, increase the distance to 100 feet downhill of the structure. ' #5 CAL FIRE---100 Feet of Defensible Space is the Law In January 2005 a new state law became effective that extended the defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This defensible space also provides for ' firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire. AWARE & PREPARE www.noozhawk.com (03/12/17) "100-Foot Buffer Zones Key to Keeping Wildfires from Your Home Defensible spaces and maintaining visibility not only limit spread of flames, but make responders' jobs easier." ' #7 How wildfire-prone neighborhoods in Sacramento region prepare for fire season --- Icreating a defensible space is vital. Daniela Pardo (06/25/18) "Defensible space is the number one thing that they can do around their home," said Folsom Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez. "Clean up the perimeter—we ask that they consider a 30 to 100 foot buffer." #8 Austin American— Statesman. Texas Bastrop County (07/26/12)"The long-accepted maxim that homeowners should have a defensible space of at least 30 feet around a 1 home to help protect it from wildfires should be greatly extended, according to the final report on the 2011 Bastrop County wildfire." ---"In the newly released report,Ridenour stops short of recommending a larger vegetation-free radius around a home but points to ' California law that requires 100 feet of defensible space." ' Loomis file 10'21!18 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Abandoned "Trail Nine" wildfire mitigation research page 3 of 3 1 I www.hawaiiwildfire.org/s/2016(2016)Division of Forestry and Wildlife,Department of Hawaiian Home Lands,This Community Wildfire Protection Plan(CWPP)was ' developed by the ... knowledgeable and engaged community in which the awareness and Zone Two extends 30 to 100 feet out from buildings," 1 #10 Wildfire risk reduction Florida Interagency Coordination Center(2017) Wildfire Protection Plan Zone 3 (60-100 feet).... #11 FIRE SEASON GUIDE 2018-2019(www.lop.org/document) ' "A public service in wildfire prevention brought to you by the U.S.Forest Service, ...prepared. Can the firefighters locate your house quickly day or night? ... Provide at least 100 feet of defensible space" ' #12 Kittitas County Wide Fire(02/18/09)maintaining a buffer(defensible space)from 30 to ' 100 feet wide around a... or privacy), misperceptions about wildland fire risks,and the lack of awareness of their shared .... with guidance from the handbook Preparing a Community Wildfire Note also review these cites: Riverview Community Group, a non-profit Washington Corporation,vs. Spencer& Livingston/Deer Meadows Golf, Inc.,In The Supreme Court of The State of Washington (No. 88575-3) [11/20/2014]. & RCW 76.04.495 "Negligent starting of ' fires or allowing extreme fire hazard or debris-Liability"RCW 76.04.660&RCW 76.04.650 [06/30/1993] 1 Loomis file 10/21/18 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I � A Few Examples of Correspondence with � Jefferson County Regarding The Abandoned "Trail Nine" Issues Note: A typical response from Commissioner Brotherton on the abandoned trail nine issue. June 30, 2022 Email from Brotherton: ' "Bring me a community that says it 's a problem and we will talk. Emails from you do not constitute a community problem and I have not heard about this from anybody else." Greg *See my April 4, 2019 Letter to County Administrator Philip Morley with a copy to Commissioner Brotherton I What Trail Nine agreement? "It is verbal and we also work with you HOA Board." Diana May 30, 2024 I From: bertl@cablespeed.com 111 To: Diana Smeland in Cc: Steve Doob Michael Stuber Hi Diana --- Could you please provide details of exactly what the "verbal agreement" is ' --- has the County approved it? Also who did you contact at the EVHOA? Regards, Bert May 8, 2024 Email from Smeland to Loomis I Subject: Re: PLA's alleged agreement with Jefferson County in "It is verbal and we also work with you HOA Board." Diana From: bertl@cablespeed.com I Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2024 3:00:43 PM Subject: What Trail Nine agreement? Time from some answers! I June 30, 2022 Email from Loomis to Brotherton Greg, please explain why you "don 't feel qualified to speak to this issue" and "as ' far as I know this was settled years ago." I have repeatedly contacted you, your predecessor, DCD, and Prosecuting Attorney regarding this issue. To date, your Iresponse has consistently been to either ignore the problem, or claim it's not your job. Please provide copies of all documentation that supports your statement that "this was settled years ago. " I believe that to be a false statement. Apparently, your priority is to protect PLA's interest, versus the interest of the Port Ludlow ICommunity that pays your salary. ▪ June 30, 2022 Email from Brotherton to Loomis • Subject: Compliance with the MPR Development Agreement "Bring me a community that says it's a problem and we can talk. Emails from you do not constitute a community problem and I have not heard about this from anybody else. " Greg May 7, 2024 Email from Loomis to Brotherton ISent: RE: PLA's "Trail Nine" cart path! Two years and still waiting a copy of the alleged mowing agreement! Bert I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ' May 8, 2024, Email from Loomis to Brotherton Please provide a copy of the alleged agreement between Jefferson County and Port ILudlow Associates [PLA] regarding the fire-brake mowing plan for the "Trail Nine" golf course. Brotherton has repeatedly referenced that agreement, but has I failed to provide a copy. Please confirm there is an agreement and provide me with a copy. Thank you. IMay 8, 2024 Email from Smeland to Loomis Subject: Re: PLA's alleged agreement with Jefferson County 1 "It is verbal and we also work with you HOA Board." Diana IMay 8, 2024 From: Smeland to Loomis Subject: Re: PLA's alleged agreement with Jefferson County I "Mow one swath on each side of cart path where possible. There may be some hilly areas that are not mowed due to safety." Diana 1 1 1 r I I I I Bert Loomis ' 235 Edgewood Drive Port Ludlow, WA 98365 ' (360) 437-0901 bertl@ cablespeed.com June 15, 2023 Board of CountyCommissioners Via Registered mail g 1 IP.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 IRE: The abandoned Trail Nine Golf Course & Development Agreement violations. • Commissioners: The purpose of this letter is to address the abandoned Trail Nine course and its impact on my I Edgewood Drive home. I have reached out repeatedly to the County Commissioners, County In Attorney, County Administrator, and DCD. IAs usual, my emails and letters have been ignored and/or the responses that I did receive had a common answer "not my lob. " I want and expect answers to the following questions: IPlease explain why the County has never required PLA to comply Jefferson County Code section: (15.05.020 e) on the Abandoned Trail Nine Golf Course "The fire marshal shall Ienforce regulations and conduct activities related to fire prevention and fire safety within unincorporated Jefferson County;" IPlease explain why the County Fire Marshall has never required PLA to comply Jefferson County Code section: "(15.05.020 f) The fire marshal shall conduct all necessary Ienforcement action and proceedings under Title 19 of the Jefferson county code to enforce the International Fire Code as adopted by Chapter 15. 05 JCC;" IPlease explain why Jefferson County and PLA failed to comply with Section 3.906 Mujp Revisions as required by the terms of Port Ludlow Development Agreement between 111 Jefferson County and PLA. 110/4/991. IPlease explain why I was deprived of my right to appear before the hearing examiner to challenge the impact of the abandonment on the value of my property? "Major Revisions shall be processed as a hearing examiner decision (Type B),_with a required public hearing prior Ito the decision. Public notice of the application, and appeal• opportunities shall beprovided to all persons on the Port Ludlow MPR Roster" I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i IUnfortunately, this failure by the County to address the abandoned Trail Nine"issue fits into a long and unfortunate pattern of the County placing the interests of PLA ahead of the interests of the community, and in the process failing to discharge its legal obligations with 1 respect to overseeing the development. This pandering by the County to PLA must stop. I am requesting the County require PLA to 1 fully comply with Section 3.906 Major Revisions Section regarding the Trail Nine abandonment issue as required by the terms of the Development Agreement. Also, I expect, as required by the Major Revision Process Section 3.906 (2.) to be able to appeal that application before the hearing examiner "Major Revisions shall be processed as 1 a hearing examiner decision (Type B), with a required public hearing prior to the decision --- appeal opportunities shall be provided to all persons on the Port Ludlow MPR Roster (1.60) 1 It is time for Jefferson County to enforce the zoning laws and requirements of the Development Agreement as well as code sections: (15.05.020 e) and (15.05.020 1)for the 1 benefit of the Port Ludlow residents, property owners and tax payers. ISincerely, i Bert Loomis 1 Enclosures i 1 1 1 1 1 i i ' Just a few examples of how Commissioner Brotherton views the abandoned Trail Nine issue 1 1. From: bertl(ai)cablespeed.com ' Sent: Thursday, June 30,2022 To: Greg Brotherton <GBrotherton@co.jefferson.wa.us> ' Subject: Re: Really! --- abandoned Trail Nine fire hazard Greg, Stop with the excuses and do your job! This is not a popularity contest. "Please provide copies of all documentation that supports your statement that "this was settled years ago." 2. From: "Greg Brotherton" <GBrotherton@co.jefferson.wa.us> ' To: bertl@cablespeed.com Sent: Thursday, June 30.2022 ' Subject: RE: Really! --- abandoned Trail Nine fire hazard Bring me a community that says it's a problem and we can talk. Twenty emails from you does t not constitute a community problem and I have never heard about this from anybody else. Other issues that I am dealing with, like the sale of fireworks in Port Ludlow for example, I heard from a lot of people about. As you can see, I stayed with that until the situation was resolved. 3. From: bertl@cablespeed.com ' Sent: Thursday, June 30,2022 To: Greg Brotherton <GBrotherton@co.jefferson.wa.us> Subject: Re: Really! --- abandoned Trail Nine fire hazard Greg, As the County Commissioner, representing the Port Ludlow Community, please explain why you ' "don't feel qualified to speak to a mowing plan" and "as far as I know this was settled years ' Over the last 13 years I have repeatedly contacted you, your predecessor, DCD, the Fire Marshal and Prosecuting Attorney regarding the Trail Nine issue. To date,your response has consistently been to either ignore the problem, or claim it's not your lob. ' Please provide copies of all documentation that supports your statement that "this was settled years ago." I believe that to be a false statement. Apparently, your priority is to protect ' PLA's interest, versus the interest of the Port Ludlow Community that pays you salary. Loomis Trail Nine file 7/04/22 1 GORDON ' TILDEN GTTG TH ❑ MAS C O R D E L L Memel P.Brown d:206 805,3162 e:mOrown®gordontiklitlen en.corn August 1, 2019 Via U.S. Mail ' Mr. Phillip Morley Jefferson County Administrator P.O. Box 1220 ' Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: Bert Loomis ' Dear Mr. Morley: ' We represent Bert Loomis with respect to the dispute over Port Ludlow Associates'failure to maintain an approximately five-acre portion of the abandoned Trail Nine golf course that adjoins the Loomis property(the"Five Acres"). We recently sent a letter to PLA, demanding that it comply with its contractual obligation to maintain the Five Acres in a manner consistent with its ' " maintenance during the time it was a golf course. A copy of that letter is attached as Exhibit A. I write to you now to demand that Jefferson County enforce PLA's obligations under the Master Planned Resort Code ("MPRC"), to properly maintain the Five Acres. Bert and Julie Loomis purchased their golf course lot in 2005. They designed and constructed a custom home with the expectation that the golf course would remain a golf course. That expectation arose from representations made in promotional materials, a recorded Long Plat (#377273)that makes several references to the golf course, the MPRC, Edgewood Village CC&R 377272 (Article 2 Section 2.2), and the Port Ludlow Development Agreement("PLDA"). As you are aware, the Trail Nine golf course was part of the "MPR Recreational Area Zone" that is recognized and authorized under Section 3.6 of the MPRC. That zone "recognizes, maintains and promotes the existing and future active recreation activities and areas within the Port ' Ludlow master Planned Resort." MPRC §3.601. The course was operated as a golf course until 2009, when PLA decided to close it for financial reasons. Since that time, PLA has allowed the Five Acres to grow wild with grass and noxious weeds, resulting in a drastic change to the Port Ludlow Master Planned Resort—one that is inconsistent with the documented Resort Plans set ' forth in the MPRC. As such, Section 3.905(2)of the MPRC required that PLA obtain the County's approval before making that change. Specifically, PLA was required to submit proposed revisions to the Department of Community Development("DCD"), whereupon the ' DCD Director was to determine whether the proposed change was "`major" or"minor." MPRC §3.905(3). Section 3.906 and 3.907 set forth, respectively, clear and mandatory procedures that were to be followed depending on that'major vs. minor" determination. 600 JtI ve.,,ty.S!'ee. Su,tc ea e Wit:-.. :�N I %. ' t 1- 0. _ •0 , u;trr't .;rr r,Vq, I 1 Mr. Phillip Morley August 1, 2019 Page 2 The proposal to abandon the Trail Nine Golf Course, and allow it to grow wild, was clearly a ' major revision under the MPRC. In the language of the MPRC, that transition represented "a substantial change to the resort" regarding "changes in use." MPRC §3.906 ("Major Revisions"). But putting the major-vs.-minor question to the side, it appears the County allowed PLA to make this substantial change without going through the mandated revision process at This failure on the part of the County fits into a long and unfortunate pattern of the County ' placing the interests of PLA (or its predecessor developer)ahead of the interests of the community, and in the process failing to discharge its legal obligations with respect to overseeing the development. You are no doubt aware of the following events: ' • Mr. Loomis' successful challenge to Ordinance No. 01-0117-95, which designated a Port Ludlow Interim Urban Growth Area. We represented Mr. Loomis in this matter. The Growth Management Hearings Board ruled in favor of Mr. Loomis, finding that the ' County had made this designation based on "fatally flawed" premises and without the evidence required to support it. See Ex. B (Board's Final Decision and Order). ' • The successful challenge by Port Ludlow residents to PLA's proposal to build Trendwest—a large commercial development—at Ludlow Cove. PLA argued this 120- unit timeshare development was "residential"and not"commercial," while residents pointed out the absurdity of calling the development anything but the latter. The County ' ' sided with PLA. But the Hearings Examiner agreed with the residents, ruling that Trendwest was commercial, and as such inconsistent with the MPR designation of the area as single-family residential, ' • The County's approval of PLA's plan to build townhomes over the lagoon at the Port Ludlow Marina, in violation of the County's own Shoreline Management Program. ' • The County's decision to allow PLA to build Ludlow Townhomes with as little as a three- foot setback, despite the clear requirement of a 20-foot setback. 'I . The County's decision to enter a settlement with PLA permitting it to harvest timber in the MPR Single Family Tract and MPR Open Space Reserve, despite the County's previous (and clearly correct) position that this activity was inconsistent with the ' permitted uses of the land. It is in the County's interests, as well as the interests of Mr. Loomis and PLA, that this dispute be resolved informally now, on the very reasonable terms demanded by Mr. Loomis, before it ' becomes a much broader, more formal and more expensive matter. We expect the County to assist in Mr. Loomis' effort to force PLA to maintain the Five Acres in a manner consistent with the way it was intended under the MPRC. ' // 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 Mr. Phillip Morley August 1, 2019 1 Page 3 I look forward to your prompt response. i Very truly yours, 1de.4. 1 Michael Brown 1 Enclosure cc: Jeffrey 1. Tilden 1 i I � 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 I Bert Loomis 235 Edgewood Drive Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 437-0901 bertl@cablespeed.com April 4, 2019 Philip Morley County Administrator ' P.Q. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 9836 Re: Fire Hazard at Abandoned Port Ludlow Trail Nine Golf Course Dear Philip: It has been almost nine years since I first raised my concerns with Jefferson County regarding the fire hazard and noxious weed problems created by the abandonment of the Port Ludlow Trail Nine golf course. I have repeatedly contacted the appropriate County officials regarding this matter. I have sent forty-one letters and/or emails, provided twenty-eight photos, and arranged a site tour (9/11/18) of the course with the County Prosecutor (Mike ' Hass) at his request. Mike suggested Kelvin Thompson (retired Forest Service Wildlife Expert) accompany him. In addition, I have consulted with Morris Johnson (Research Fire Ecologist at the Pacific Wildland Fire Science Lab in Seattle). Every qualified wildfire expert I have consulted categorically rejects Chief Martin's eight-foot mow strip recommendation. I have signed declarations from those experts rejecting his plan and supporting my proposal. I suggested cleaning ' up and maintaining a small portion - 5.5 acres or 6.6% of the 83 acre abandoned course. (see tab 3) ' Given the fact, (November 26, 2018) the Washington State Department of Natural Resources stated "Washington State prepares for an early 2019 wildfire season" and (March 18, 2019) stated "firefighters responded to fifty wildfires in ' Washington State with forty-nine of those were on the west side", it certainl creates a sense of urgency to address this issue. y To date, my requests for the County to deal with the obvious fire hazard on the abandoned course have been routinely ignored. I encourage you to revisit the County's position of`doing nothing' for the past nine years. If this is not resolved before the 2019 fire season starts, I will have no choice but to ' seek a venue that will not allow this matter to be ignored/delayed by Jefferson County and the property owners. Sincerely, Bert Loomis ' Cc: Greg Brotherton James Kennedy Patty Charnas ' Enclosures 1 1 1 1 Bert Loomis 235 Edgewood Drive ' Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 437-0901 bertl,u_eables eed.coln t September 28, 2018 Patty Chamas Director of Community Development ' P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 ' Re: Jefferson County Code Enforcement & The Abandoned Port Ludlow Trail Nine Golf Course Director Chamas: tEnclosed is a copy of a letter (dated September 13, 2018), I received from Mary Valladares, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, regarding the State's position on code ' enforcement authority. Quote: "Each city and county is responsible for enforcing state and local adopted codes and ' ordinances in their respective communities. The concerns you bring forward about the Port Ludlow Trail Nine Golf Course may be directed to the Jefferson County Department of Community Development." In addition, enclosed is a copy of a letter (dated September 25, 2018) I received from ' Jennifer Hernandez, Assistant Attorney General, regarding the State's position on code enforcement authority. Quote: ' "I have verified with the Washington State Fire Marshal that this locatio n does not fall within their jurisdiction for enforcement. Counties and cities typically have ' jurisdiction to enforce code violations. The Jefferson County Department of Community Development likely would be able to inform you as to who has the jurisdiction to enforce any code violations at the Port Ludlow Trail Nine Golf Course. " I By contrast, Port Ludlow Fire Chief, Brad Martin's email (dated August 17, 2018) states: ' "The overarching issue for me is that the Jefferson County Fire Chief's do not have authority or enforcement abilities to do what Mr. Loomis is demanding. We (Fire ' Chiefs) have been working on this with the County for some time" --- "we are a bit hamstrung on what we can do." Would you please address the contradictions between the Port Ludlow Fire Chief and the Washington State Fire Marshal and Attorney General's offices regarding code ' enforcement authority and responsibility in Jefferson County. Also, can you explain why the County has failed for the past nine years to impose any requirements on the property owner to mitigate the obvious fire hazards on the 83-acre abandoned golf course. ' Please provide a copy of the current inter-local agreement between Jefferson County and the Port Ludlow Fire and Rescue. ' Regards, Bert Loomis ' Cc: Ka thleen Kler Philip Morley Ed Younglove ' End: Valladares Letter Hernandez Letter I I2