Amendments to the Municipal Budget

From lebomag.com:
http://lebomag.com/8604/proposed-amendments-to-recommended-budget/


After a month of budget hearings and discussions, commissioners formulated a list of amendments in the form of additions and subtractions to the 2013 Manager’s Recommended Budget. The final public hearing on the budget will be 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11 in commission chambers. The budget vote will immediately follow.

Here are some highlights:

Changes to revenue include:

* Reduce real estate tax to meet the windfall cap (required under law during a reassessment year) — $60,000 decrease. The exact certified values of real estate within municipal borders for the 2013 tax year are not known as a result of the ongoing reassessment of properties in Allegheny County. The millage rate is currently 5.43 mills but this rate will be reduced by the commission after receipt of the final 2013 values.

* Addition of revenues from alternate sources, such as the Veteran’s Memorial fund and the Plein Air event — $21,360 increase

* Revenue from tennis court lighting: $6,000

Changes to expenditures include:

* Reduction in anticipated cost of health insurance: $53,700 decrease

* Fee for participation in the new regional earned income tax collection district: $4,790

* Increase in assessment from Medical Rescue Team South Authority: $16,210

* Addition of a development consultant to procure grants and outside funding: $35,000

* Reduction in cost of new management assistant position by waiting until April to fill: $22,000 decrease

* Purchase of artwork from the Plein Air festival to place in the Municipal Building: $1,000 (funded by contributions, as noted above); additional pole decorations for Beverly Road: $3,770 (with 50 percent funding by contributions).

* Add irrigation system to Veteran’s Memorial: $18,480 (funded by contributions)

* Debt service reduction: $62,030 decrease

* Add deer survey: $12,000

* Add streaming and indexing of public meetings: $13,100

* Increase to Outreach Teen & Family Services subsidy: $1,000

* Hire consultant to appeal under-assessed properties: $25,000

* Reduce swimming pool maintenance since pool items are covered in recent bond issue: $7,500 reduction.

The budget amendments also include a shifting of a position in the finance office to cover collections.

There are still several unknowns in the budget. The municipality is waiting to hear a final total for payment to the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority. Additionally, the commission will need to approve any budget carryovers for any items that were budgeted for 2012 but not yet completed.

Up for some entertainment?

On Monday, December 3, the Mt. Lebanon Board of School Directors will be electing their new president and vice president during their Reorganization Meeting. The agenda has been published and can be found here.

My favorite reorg. meeting was held in December 2009.  Fighting, lying, name-calling - it had it all. I watched it on TV and could not believe what I was seeing. It was the first time I tuned into a school board meeting. Ahh, those were the days.

The following year, Josephine Posti got everyone in line and won the president's seat. That meeting was definitely a 180 from the previous year.

Posti won again in 2012.  Will she go for three? Will she leave kicking and screaming? Will Larry "I'm excited" Lebowitz steal the crown? Will Proud Mary be rollin', rollin' her way to the top? Will Vice President Cappucci go on to be president or will she end up being stunned as Josephine was on December 3, 2007 when Mark Hart was elected? Stay tuned...

Common Core State Standards

I was checking Center Court and Steinhauer's blog for anything that resembled a post on the new Common Core State Standards, and struck out.  Instead, I noticed that Josephine now has ads on her blog. Really, Jo? Not making enough at your day job? Or was this a recommendation made by Pursuing Ketchup?

While Josephine is blogging about charter schools and Timmy is blogging about pizza, pics, and post it notes, nothing has been mentioned about Common Core State Standards.

PA Common Core Standards

The State Board adopted Common Core Standards in July 2010. Since that time, the decision was made to craft a set of PA Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. A group of Pennsylvania educators created a draft set of PA Common Core Standards. These new standards mirror the content and rigor of Common Core, but reflect the organization and design of the PA Academic Standards.

Pine-Richland School District's website has a whole page dedicated to understanding the Transitions to Common Core Standards.

Eleanor Chute mentioned PA Common Core Standards in Monday's
Study: Pennsylvania students with access to full-time librarians do better

As school districts look for ways to save money, supporters of school libraries point to a recent study showing Pennsylvania students do better on state tests in reading and writing if they have access to strong school libraries.

The study found students with access to a better-staffed, funded, equipped, stocked and accessible school library are more likely to score advanced and less likely to score below basic on the state reading and writing tests.

Remember how our illustrious board cut staff in our libraries as listed in the
Cost reductions list totaling approximately $850,000 while twenty administrators received raises?

Ms. Chute continues:

Mary Kay Biagini, director of the school library certification program at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and an analyst for the study, said that 56 percent of public schools in the state didn't have access to a full-time school librarian in 2011-12.

With the economic conditions and resulting library cuts of the past two years, she said, "Students are getting even less of a chance to have access to library resources and information literacy curriculum."

She believes school libraries will be even more important as schools implement the new Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math that call for the curriculum to go deeper in fewer areas rather than skimming the surface in many.

When will this Board and Administration report on more pressing issues such as the transition to Common Core State Standards, 21st Century Education, replacing our fuzzy math program, and the like, instead of concentrating on sports, turf, fundraising, and charter schools? On the two year anniversary of Lebo Citizens blog, I can't think of one wise decision this Board has made.

More on TERC Investigations

Josephine Posti has to go. Surely, she should not seek reelection with this kind of attitude towards stakeholders.  Will the Board think enough of her to elect her to a third term as President next week? 

In the emails listed, identifying information has been redacted to protect the personal privacy of individuals discussed in the letters.

From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To:  Stakeholder, Parent 1
CC: SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net; Parent 2
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:08:02 +0000

Stakeholder,
Your email is childish, disrespectful and counterproductive in addressing the concerns of parents with children in the District. Name-calling is beneath you and not an effective method of motivating the educational professionals charged with curricular responsibility.

Parent 1 and Parent 2,
Have you discussed your concerns with your [child's] teacher or principal? An understanding of those discussions would be helpful to Dr. Allen and her team as they evaluate how Investigations is being used in each building and within specific classrooms.

For the Board,
Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
 412.667.1479
 http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student
________________________________

From: Stakeholder
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 1:03 PM
To: Parent 1,
Cc: School Board Email list; Parent 2
Subject: Re: TERC Investigations

Good going.....I hope parents organize and hound the SB and staff at meetings & e-mail to get off their "high horses" and do something about this....firing Steinhauer for his behavior know-it-all attitude plus Allen for her total incompetence would be good for starters....then give 12th grade PSSA, ACT & SAT math portion tests to all math teachers forcing them to use only this current flawed math teaching protocol.  Fire all who fail the tests!
 ---------- Original Message ----------
From: Parent 1
To: <schoolboardemaillist@mtlsd.net>
Cc: Parent 2
BCC: Additional Stakeholders
Subject: TERC Investigations
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:25:51 +0000

Good afternoon Board,
Have all of you actually reviewed the Investigations books that are actually used in the classroom? If so, what have you found?
Yesterday evening, ...I asked my [child] if...Seriously folks, would this have been acceptable for your children?
I honestly don't see how the entire board can just sit there while the mother of a 6th grader says during a public meeting her son cannot do long division. The parents of the children in our school district demand more. What are you going to do about it?

Here is a link to provide you more information:
http://www.wgquirk.com/TERC2008.html
Parent 1

I have received numerous emails complaining about Dr. Deb Allen's performance. Yes, I agree with the stakeholder.  Getting rid of Posti, Steinhauer, and Allen would be a great start.  Throw in Klein's retirement and we just might get the District back on its feet again.
   

PSSA math scores - a mixed bag

Richard Gideon prepared the following PDF showing PSSA math test results for Mt. Lebanon from 2007 through 2012. Thank you, Richard, for your analysis of the PSSA math scores.

MTLSD PSSA Math Scores 2007-2012

Mrs. Posti writes,

"If you look at the District's student achievement results since these program change proposals were approved, it appears to have been a wise decision that has resulted in academic success for our students and, anecdotally, an increased love of math that our middle and high school teachers have observed since its adoption."

The figures for PSSA math tests show a mixed bag - she is right in some cases and wrong in others.  I don't see how one can claim overall success for TERC based on these figures. There are too many variables to take into consideration with respect to these numbers. We know that students are coached prior to taking the PSSA's; but then a number of parents who haven't been thrilled with TERC have tutored their kids in basic math, or paid a tutor to do the job for them. We don't know how many teachers are supplementing TERC with more traditional techniques on their own authority.

Anecdotal evidence in math and the sciences is frowned upon by the pros.

Posti on TERC Investigations UPDATED

There has been a lot of interest in this particular thread. David Huston had an email exchange with Josephine Posti concerning TERC Investigations.  As with any email exchange, start at the bottom and work your way up. To avoid confusion, I separated the emails with ***.

RE: TERC Investigations math

From David Huston
To jposti@mtlsd.net
Cc gwensell gwensell@southfayette.org, schoolboardemaillist@mtlsd.net

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 4:15 pm

Ms. Posti,
Thank you for correcting me regarding Mr. Wensell.
You can understand my confusion because you never mentioned his first name.
Please see the attached booklet from 2009, when Mr. Wensell was employed by the District.

Mr. Wensell's presentation was:

Creating a Balanced K-12 Mathematics ProgramIs your school district seeking a balance between procedural and
conceptual learning opportunities for students? Come learn how
one district's approach led to the incorporation of both reform and
traditional resources.

Obviously, when Mr. Wensell recommended TERC Investigations, he
thought it was best to include traditional resources.
Now Mr. Wensell is using traditional resources along with Investigations at South Fayette.
The Mt. Lebanon School District is now using 100% TERC investigations,
which goes against Mr. Wensell's recommendation.
Who made the decision to go all TERC in our district?
I included Mr. Wensell so he can provide clarification beyond the spelling of his name.
David Huston

***

From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston, SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations math
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:35:26 +0000


Ken Wentzel is a retired high school physical education teacher so I'm not sure what report you'd be referring to. You may want submit a RTK request.


Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
412.667.1479
http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student

***

From: David Huston
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 3:20 PM
To: Josephine C. Posti; School Board Email list
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations math

Ms. Posti,
The 138 parents signing a petition to scrap TERC in 2011 were not overly satisfied:
http://www.amherstbee.com/news/2011-04-13/Education/Parents_want_examination_of_elementary_math_progra.html

The man's name is Ken Wentzel, not Wensell.
Please provide Mr. Wentzel's report for the public to review.

David Huston

***
From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston; SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations math
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:11:41 +0000


Mr. Huston,
FormerSchoolDirector's rationale is the same rationale most Board members follow when making decisions about curriculum. With few exceptions, we are not educators and rely on recommendations of the District's educational professionals on curriculum decisions. This was no exception.


Mr. Wensell's recommendation was brought to the Board for our approval after he conducted research and evaluation of tools that could help better prepare our students for middle school math, was vetted within his department, shared with Curriculum Council and evaluated by our administration. If you look at the District's student achievement results since these program change proposals were approved, it appears to have been a wise decision that has resulted in academic success for our students and, anecdotally, an increased love of math that our middle and high school teachers have observed since its adoption. As with any part of our curriculum, if there are opportunities to improve it, we will pursue them. Our goal is to teach a balanced math program that meets PA common core standards and prepares students for success.


Regarding the information you shared below, did you know that Amherst Central School District continues to use Investigations as a core resource in elementary math and that when surveyed, parents were overwhelmingly satisfied with the math curriculum?


Thanks and best regards,

Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
412.667.1479
http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student

****

From: David Huston
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 6:46 PM
To: School Board Email list
Subject: FW: TERC Investigations math

Hello Board,
Please see the exchange I had with a former school director 2 years ago.
Ms. Posti and Mr. Remely were on the board at the time and voted to approve Investigations.
Why did Ms. Posti and Mr. Remely approve it?

Also, the link below is informative.

From: FormerSchoolDirector
To: David Huston
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 17:37:46 -0400
Subject: Re: TERC Investigations math


I have no idea. Don't remember the discussion. Probably bc supervisor said to...


On Sep 7, 2010, at 5:37 PM, "David Huston"  wrote:

Former School Director,
Why did the 2007 school board choose TERC Investigations
for the Mt. Lebanon math curriculum?
http://amherstmathprogram.com/math/main.php

Update November 27, 2012 1:37 AM Josephine Posti updated her blog to include this post, More on Math.

If you look at our comparator districts in Pennsylvania, many of them use Investigations, including local districts like Baldwin, Elizabeth Forward, Fox Chapel, Hampton, Peters Township and Upper St. Clair. 

But according to PG readers,  Meetings will discuss new math curriculum in Mt. Lebanon schools, USC dropped this years ago. Dr. Steinhauer weighed in on the subject in the PG article.  Josephine admitted that she is not an educator and relies on the educational professionals, yet the "educator" addresses more important issues such as Chinese proverbs and construction on his blog.

Dan Miller to run UPDATED

From Facebook:

Friends and Family -

I was recently contacted by the media regarding my interest in the upcoming vacancy in the 42nd state house district.  To keep it short and sweet, I will indeed seek my party’s nomination for that position.

During my term as Commissioner in Mt. Lebanon, I was honored to receive so much support and pleased to work in a bipartisan way.  We were able to make long-term investments in our community and increase government transparency while achieving greater fiscal responsibility. This is why a diverse coalition that includes Democrats, Republicans and Independents is already forming as I make these next steps.

The initiatives I spearheaded in Mt. Lebanon made our town stronger, bringing people together over common goals. I intend to fight for those types of issues in Harrisburg and remain a strong voice for education and quality jobs.  

Kim and I spent a lot of time discussing this step and I can assure you that I will not be away from my family to avoid tackling the challenges our state faces. I will seek compromise where I can, and work every day to move the ball on issues that strengthen and grow our middle class. I am not interested in gridlock and I have no intention on being a silent advocate for this community. If given the opportunity to serve again, you will know where I stand.

We will make a more formal announcement once the process actually begins, but I wanted you to hear this from me.

Hope you all had a great holiday!

Best,

Dan

Update November 26, 2012 5:15 PM  Lineup in 42nd District race may include new faces

How will they vote?

Tomorrow's Commission meeting includes an action to enact Bill No. 20-12, establishing a Sports Advisory Board. 

KL 5. Public hearing and consideration of Ordinance (Bill No. 20-12) establishing a Sports Advisory Board.

The proposed advisory board will:
 Review and assess all sports-related facilities and services in Mt. Lebanon. Recommend possible changes and improvements to sports-related facilities and services.
 Assist in the continued safe provision of athletic opportunities to Mt. Lebanon residents.
 Receive and consider public comment and other public input regarding sports facilities and services.
 Support, promote and/or provide programs and services to assist athletes and coaches in Mt. Lebanon.
Membership of the board will consist of staff from the municipality and school district, a representative from any sports organization recognized by the municipality, a representative from the parks board and a commission liaison. The school district will also provide a liaison and may request participation by other staff or groups. This ordinance was introduced November 13, 2012.

Who will be the Commission Liaison?
Will it be President Dave Brumfield, who is with Lacrosse and came up with this idea?
Will it be Vice-President Matt Kluck, who was not welcomed to attend the Joint Discussion Session?
Will it be John Bendel, who wants to look at turf again at Mellon?
Will it be Kelly Fraasch, who wants the sports groups to pay for turf and whose husband was crucified while on the school board?
Or will it be Kristen Linfante, blogger on Real-Lebo?

I found an interesting comment posted on Real-Lebo, dated January 2, 2010 at 3:05 PM by Kristen Linfante. It sheds some light on her views on sports in this town and the rifle range at the high school.

I personally don't give a hoot about a 6-lane pool, 8-lane pool, or even a pool at all. A rifle range seems like a joke to me, as does a football field that looks like Heinz Field....and tennis courts that could host the US Open - not of interest to me either. However, it has become very clear to me that many in this town put sports at the top of the list. I am not one of those people. However, I do recognize and even respect the fact that many, many sports people in the community have come forward and demanded that the board listen and include all of the sports "bells and whistles" in the new design. http://www.reallebo.com/2009/12/high-school-renovation-takes-big-step.html#comment-form 

Kristen has come a long way. She is the biggest supporter of shooting in this town, as well as introducing and moving to enact Bill No. 21-12.

I hope this is tabled. The School Board has a full plate with change orders and the renovation, parents up in arms over the math program, not meeting AYP for a group at the high school, dances, and substance abuse. Did I miss anything? It would be nice if their focus was on education, not fields or construction.

USC, Bethel, but not here UPDATED

A Lebo Citizens reader was kind enough to send me the following message from the Bethel Park School Board President, Donna Cook. http://www.bpsd.org/boardmessage.aspx

The take-away that I got from President Cook's message:

• All Bethel Park Administrators voluntarily took a wage freeze for the 2011-2012 school year.
• The  school board appreciates their constituents' attendance and participation in these meetings;  it has become increasingly difficult to sit silently while statements are being made that are simply not correct.

All BP's administrators voluntarily took a wage freeze for 2011-2012.  Upper St. Clair's top administrators took voluntary wage freezes. All of our school administrators got sizable increases. We have parents complaining about the math program. One parent's comments from Monday's meeting about our math program are spot on. Monday's presentation was illustrating a state wide comparison. Interestingly enough, the regional comparison is disappointing. Here is a page from the presentation comparing math SAT scores. We're ranked 18, while Upper St. Clair is ranked #8, North Allegheny 10, and Fox Chapel is ranked at 14. Dr. Deb Allen said that we must not rest on our laurels. I don't think we have "laurels to rest on." Our science scores are marginal.  While our super Super is blogging about Chinese proverbs and is "transfixed" while doing photo essays on the view outside of his window, our school board directors continue to spend money like there is no tomorrow.  If the Mayans are right, maybe there will be no tomorrow, but in the meantime, how about putting a cork in it, Josephine? Stop wasting our money.

The second point is for my commissioner's benefit.

Update November 23, 2012 2:45 PM Witte comment about MTLSD math program
Also available here:
Witte comment on Lebocitizens.com

No Peace on Thanksgiving

A special school board meeting has been called for Monday, November 26, 2012 at 6:30 PM. This is for another change order for the Fine Arts Building.

Change Orders for High School Project: RESOLVED, That the Board approves Change Order GC-15-28 to Nello on a time and material basis not to exceed $80,500 for the construction of walls and ceilings in Building F.

http://www.mtlsd.org/district/stuff/special%20meeting%20agenda%20112612.pdf

A resident sent the following to me:

$80,500 change order for Nello to build a wall in Building F.
The $72,000 change order AB-02-17 on Monday was related to GC-11-24.
Change order GC-11-24 was for demolition work in building F.
Why wasn't this brought up during Monday's meeting?
Is the $80,500 change order for the same wall that the $72,000 change order is for?

Why does this special meeting have to be scheduled during the Commission Discussion Session when the Joint Maintenance Agreement will be discussed?

Public Hearing for Sports Advisory Board

The agenda for Monday's Commission meeting has been posted.  We finally get to see the ordinance written for Bill No. 20-12,  The Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances to Establish a Sports Advisory Board. This bill was introduced on November 13, 2012 by Kristen Linfante, but was never posted since the link was incorrect. The public hearing for this new Sports Advisory Board, or as Josephine Posti likes to call it an ad-hoc committee, will be held on Monday evening.  It is number five on the agenda. Kristen will be moving to enact the ordinance after the meeting. Perhaps, this is how Dave suddenly changed his mind on shooting deer. The commission meeting starts at 8:00 PM.

In case you were wondering, the Joint Maintenance Agreement will be item number five on the Commission Discussion Session agenda.  That meeting starts at 6:40 PM.

I uploaded the podcast to the November Parks Advisory Board meeting.  I apologize for the quality of the recording.  The Director of Recreation recorded it for the purpose of writing the minutes of the meeting. Around the eighteen minute mark is when the voices start to get a little louder.  Dave Franklin is pretty easy to understand. I am reasonably sure he will be appointed as the Parks Advisory Board representative, don't you?

District/Municipal Collaboration

Wow! I can't believe it.  Both the President's November Report and the Superintendent's November Report have been posted on the School District website. I didn't have to remind them.  Just a little background, both reports were about six months behind on the website. While Dr. Steinhauer was blogging about fortune cookies and construction, his monthly board reports were MIA. Mrs. Posti decided to reprint her board reports on her unofficial blog instead of keeping them official on the website.  Nice to see some improvement.

By reading Posti's report from last night's meeting, I see that she is taking a more cooperative stand with the municipality.

Later this month, the Commission will be taking action on developing a new ad hoc committee designed to review Mt. Lebanon’s available fields as well as the needs that the various local athletic organizations have for field space. This committee will be made up of representatives from the Municipality, each of the field sport organizations as well as representatives from the District. Should this committee’s development be approved by the Commission, I’ve asked Mr. Grogan, Mr. Marciniak and Mr. Kubit to serve on the committee.

This is just one of the many ways the two local taxing bodies work together on a regular basis to realize cost efficiencies, share resources and provide support to each other. In addition to this committee, representatives from both taxing bodies serve on our Strategic Planning Committee, the Municipality’s Comprehensive Planning Committee, the Environmental Sustainability Board, our Safety and Security Committee and the Municipality’s Economic Development Council. Our staff work together to coordinate field maintenance, fuel purchase, winter maintenance, photocopying and printing, interoffice mail delivery, fire safety, police and fire training, pedestrian safety, drivers training, contracted services, recreation, parking and communication. We also work together on programs like School in the Park and Arts in the Park regularly and have realized cost efficiencies for things like joint elevator maintenance in the past when it was cost-efficient to do so.

Additional areas of potential cooperation might include contracting District employees for things like HVAC and Building Automation controls, janitorial services, shared purchasing and fleet management. As contracts are renegotiated in future years, these opportunities and others might be explored. We’ve worked with the Municipality over the years to realize cost and service efficiencies that benefit our residents and are grateful for such a collaborative relationship with their employees and elected officials.

Josephine Posti forgot to mention how she had cheerfully invited the commissioners to the school board community coffees rather than having a Joint Discussion Session.  She is much too busy and requires an agenda to determine if it is worth her time.  Josephine also failed to bring up how difficult it has been for the commissioners to discuss the Joint Maintenance Agreement with the board members.

Shop Small Saturday

During this make it or break it time of the year, newspapers are filled with circulars trying to get your business.  At one time, stores opened at 6:00 AM the day after Thanksgiving, known in the biz as Black Friday. This year, larger chain stores will be open on Thanksgiving, forcing employees to work instead of spending time with their families.  Cyber Monday is getting a jump start on Sunday. Small businesses don't stand a chance during this cut throat shopping frenzy. That is why I support Shop Small Saturday.

Last year, I encouraged readers to 'Shop Small" here. This year is no different. Mt. Lebanon has vibrant business districts on Beverly Road and Washington Road. They are the lifeblood of our community.  Help your neighbors and Shop Small this Saturday, November 24.

Read more: http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/official-sba-news-and-views/open-business/shop-small-saturday-november-24th-2012

The nightmares have started again UPDATED

Thanks to Kristen Linfante, the nightmares have started again. I am reliving those terrifying nights where I was not safe in my own house. Hearing the gunshots, seeing the white pick up truck with a shooter standing in the back of it aiming just feet away from me, afraid for my dog’s safety when he had to go out, remembering the encounter with the youth riding his bike through the park; it is all coming back to me.

Citizens have expressed their concerns; supporting their statements with facts. Ms. Linfante would dismiss their statements with, “That’s your opinion.” I have been alerting the commission to the dangers of deer culling since 2006. I have tried to verify the statements made in Ms. Linfante’s presentation and presented my findings only to have the minutes from the October 22, 2012 meeting show that I don’t “believe stories about a serious deer and vehicle accident in Upper St. Clair.” http://mtlebanon.org/archives/31/Minutes%2010-22-12.pdf

I have tried to document serious safety issues concerning the deer cullings in the past only to be interrupted, humiliated, and dismissed by Ms. Linfante at previous meetings. Others have shared the same experience. We have been presenting serious safety issues concerning a deer cull, yet Ms. Linfante cites unsupported “serious safety issues” to have a deer culling in the small parks and private property of Mt. Lebanon. Ms. Linfante continues to use Upper St. Clair as a prime example of a successful deer management program. She fails to consider that any USC cullings have been done in large, open areas and not in close proximity to people’s homes.

I have expressed my concerns of liability to the commission. Wildlife Services did not provide insurance. Mt. Lebanon had to assume all liabilities. Ms. Linfante asked a resident during Citizen Comments how they would feel as a commissioner, if someone was killed in a deer/vehicle accident. Would they feel a responsibility? I must ask the same questions to Ms. Linfante. Kristen, how would you feel if there were an accident due to a deer culling where you ignored our warnings?

Kristen, you reiterate your feelings about car accidents and how a deer culling will reduce the chances. Are you aware that the last two cullings did not include bucks to be culled? Are does to blame for car accidents only? How many of those deer/vehicle collisions involved residents who were texting, DUI, or were otherwise distracted? What precautions can I take when you allow shooting high powered weapons in our neighborhoods? Must I spend my nights in my basement half the year, in order to feel safe? Or am I forced to put my house on the market and take what I can get because of my close proximity to a neighborhood park?

In case you haven’t noticed, Kristen, I have not been able to attend deer management meetings. I have left during meetings when the subject of deer culling has come up. It has taken everything I have, not burst into tears at meetings when you sit and express how uncomfortable you are at the sight of a gun shell. Yet you have no problem putting others and me at risk IN OUR OWN HOMES for a deer culling. This will not be a one time event. Since you like to use Upper St. Clair as an example, let me say that they have been involved in deer management since 1997. That is fifteen years and counting. The Mt. Lebanon budget will be approved to spend $12,000 on a deer survey in 2013, with the possibility of spending another $51,000 plus expenses for 2014. Your plan will cost us $63,000 plus expenses for a minimum of fifteen years, to a tune of close to a million dollars. In addition, what are we getting for that? A false sense of safety for some, a real danger for others, and once again, Kristen, you are pitting neighbor against neighbor.

The nightmares have started again. The flashbacks are returning. My future is bleak. So what are my options, Kristen? Live in my basement or sell my house? I cannot spend another night not feeling safe in my own house. My destiny is in your hands. Thanks a lot.

Update: Here is Kristen Linfante's response, sent at 12:33 PM today.

Dear Ms. Gillen,

I will answer the questions you posed to me.

1. Surely, if someone were harmed or killed during a culling I would
feel an enormous sense of responsibility.  However, it is my job to
weigh the pros and cons of controlling deer population or not.
Statistically speaking,  the risk of being harmed or killed in a cull
is much less than the risk of being harmed or killed in a
deer/vehicular/human incident.  It is my job to try to keep our
community safe. There are never guarantees in life.  However,
statistically speaking, culling with guns is safer than culling with
cars.

2. Generally speaking, culling typically involves culling females
since they are the ones that give birth to more deer.  If one buck is
killed, that accounts for one deer. Period.  If one doe is killed, it
accounts not only for that doe, but for all future births she may have
had.  Therefore, killing does aids in reducing future populations.

3. No, does are not to blame for car accidents only.  See #2 for an
explanation about why does are targeted in culls.

4. I cannot answer your question regarding texting, DUI, etc.
However, I can assure you that since both texting and DUI are both
illegal, our police are actively enforcing those laws.  If you have
concerns about law enforcement, I suggest you contact MLPD. By the
way, a few weeks ago, one of our own police officers hit a deer in one
of our police cruisers.  I can assure you that they were not texting,
DUI, or otherwise distracted.

5. Only you can answer the question about what is going to  make you
feel safe.  If it is living in your basement, then so be it.  If it is
moving, then so be it.  Those choices and decisions are your own.  We
live in a democratic society, and we are a free society. Each
individual has his/her own comfort level in life.

6. Nobody is forcing you to put your house on the market.  Again, your
choices are your own.

7. This is a clarification.  I have never expressed discomfort in Mr.
Hoon bringing bullets to meetings.  A resident contacted us and
expressed concern, but I have not myself.  In addition, I did clarify
last week that our Chief of Police did volunteer to me that the
bullets Mr. Hoon brings, are NOT, in fact, the type of bullets used in
culls.

8. Your comment about cost is only a guess at best.  We are in
complete control of how we cull, with what firm, when, for how long in
any season, and at what cost depending on our budget.  Yes, costs
would be reoccurring.  The benefit would be a safer community with
fewer vehicular accidents, deer/human/pet  conflicts, etc.

9. You asked what your options are.  Ms. Gillen, we all have options.
Your destiny is not in my hands.  We are each responsible for our own
lives, destiny and happiness. Every human being is faced with choices
every day. I am proud and grateful to live in a country where freedom
exists.

In closing, I reiterate that I represent this entire community.  I
receive far more pleas to cull than I do about people having
nightmares and me taking over their free-will. In the end, after
weighing all information, it is my job to make choices that are best
for the community (regarding deer and a whole host of other issues).
I understand that I will not always have the support of every member
of the community.  I am ok with that. I am not trying to win praise or
friends.  I am trying to be true to my beliefs, and make the tough
choices that I have been entrusted by my community to make.

Regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Municipal Salaries

While I was sitting through those soooo exciting budget meetings, I was looking through the 2013 Manager's Recommended Budget and realized that I had no idea of what kind of money these folks earn. It really isn't broken down.  So here is what I was able to find.  2011 and 2012 Municipal Salaries I do not have names listed, only by position. These figures do not include medical insurance costs, life insurance, vehicle allowances, worker's compensation, or bonuses.

Salary amounts will change in a couple of months when the new budget is passed.  The final budget hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2012, when it will be approved.

Today's exchange with my commissioner

After last night's commission meeting, I felt the need to contact the Commission concerning my commissioner's behavior. Meeting after meeting, Kristen Linfante makes some reference about me whether she specifically mentions my name or she makes it clear as to whom she is talking about. Citizen comments have always been the only time when residents are permitted to speak on issues. It is the only time we are given. The rest of the meeting is when Commissioners express their views or positions. Executive Session and the Discussion Session is also a time exclusively reserved for the Commissioners to share their opinions.

The email exchange follows.

From egillen476 egillen476@aol.com
To commission commission@mtlebanon.org
Cc sfeller sfeller@mtlebanon.org


Subject: We know how you feel

Kristen,
I would like to add to my comment from last night concerning public hearings and citizens comments. Your behavior is appalling. You are hostile to those who do not share your viewpoints. May I remind you of your values as posted on your website:

A Good Neighbor – As a professional musician, my role is to listen, collaborate and communicate. These are qualities I will bring to the Mt. Lebanon Commission and I believe they will serve me well as your representative. We value good neighbors and open and honest dialogue in our community and I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work necessary to ensure a brighter future. It is my goal that our many voices achieve true harmony.

This is the beginning of a conversation and I am interested in hearing your thoughts

The discussion meeting agenda was revised so that we could hear, once again, your views on a deer survey. Your peers want to follow the budget process. During Citizen Comments, you interrupted speakers or interjected your opinion with those you disagree. During the public hearing, we got your input concerning deer management. We get it. We know how you feel. But these segments are OUR times to comment. It is YOUR time to LISTEN to our voices. Our solos have been replaced with Linfante obbligato. Is that how you want to achieve true harmony?

Last night was not an isolated incident. It is ongoing. As one resident pointed out, you interrupted her at the September meeting and treated another resident last night the same way. What that resident failed to mention, was that you were just as rude to me at the October meeting. I shutter to think that one day, you will be president of the Commission.

Elaine Gillen

At 12:24 PM, Kristen sent the following response:

Dear Ms. Gillen,

Thanks for contacting the commission.  I regret that you see my
dialogue with residents as anything other than an effort to
communicate.

When residents come and speak with the commission, I am acutely aware that there will be residents watching at home as well who do not
necessarily follow every meeting as some people do.  I feel it is
important, in the spirit of open dialogue and transparency, to
represent where I stand on issues brought forth in any meeting -
especially when they are directed to me.

You may attend most meetings and know my stance on a variety of
issues, but there is an entire community that may not.  It is my job
to let the community know where I stand.

I know your opinion about me,  skateboard parks, Dan Miller, the
school district, etc.  However, I would never ask for you to sit down
and not be heard simply because I already know where you stand.  You
refer to "we" several times in your email to me. "We know how you
feel. We get it."  I am not sure to whom you are referring when you
say "we".  We have a community of almost 35,000.  I serve all of them.

I stand by my approach as a commissioner.  I am always willing to
allow anyone to express his/her opinion.  It is my job to express mine
too.  Not everyone will like what I have to say.  However, I didn't
become a commissioner to make friends and gain admirers.  I became a commissioner to help our community, and  I have made a commitment to the hard work it takes to make tough municipal decisions.

Again, thank you for your comments.  You are certainly entitled to
your opinion.
Best regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Rec bond passed

The commissioners approved the $4.8 million rec bond at Tuesday's meeting with a 4-1 vote. The public hearing was overwhelmingly positive. It was wonderful to hear the joy in people's comments as they spoke of an outdoor classroom, improvements to the pool, possibly a dog park, and more. Thank you, Kelly Fraasch, for all your time that you invested in this. Thank you, Comissioners, for coming to an agreement. Matt Kluck commended Marcia Taylor on her efforts, even though he would not support the bond. Even the folks who are lovingly referred to as malcontents on this blog, spoke in favor of the recreation bond. It was refreshing to have the community come together for a change.

How many signatures are needed here?

I just read an article about residents in more than 30 states, including Pennsylvania filing secession petitions.  Petitions to strip citizenship of those who sign the petitions to secede and exile them have also been filed. 25,000 signatures are required for the Administration to review and respond.  Here is Pennsylvania's petition. 

Now, I am not encouraging folks to secede, but it does raise the question, "How many signatures are needed for the School District to review and respond?" If the White House only needs 25,000, the School District ignored 4,000 signatures.  I wonder if neighboring communities would consider moving the boundaries to include us in their communities.

MT. LEBANON TAKE-AWAYS FROM THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION

The following letter to the editor was submitted by frequent Lebo Citizens contributor, Richard Gideon. Mr. Gideon also provided a companion piece to his letter, which can be found here.

MT. LEBANON TAKE-AWAYS FROM THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION
by Richard Gideon

Our quadrennial exercise in national representative democracy is over and the robo-calls have ceased - thank God! Election 2012 was a good one for Democrats, generally speaking, although the U.S. House of Representatives remains in Republican hands. But do the national and state races portend what may be in store for the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon in 2013? Based on the reactions to the 2012 General Election on this Blog local Republicans seem torn between depression and hostility toward their own party, and fear a socialist takeover. But Mt. Lebanon voters are a combination of the fickle, the uninformed, the shewed, the principled, and the realists. Add a sprinkling of "coin-flippers" and you can get some surprising results at the polls. Let's take a look at the results of all the races on the 2012 ballot and see if there is anything worth noting, and what we might expect to see next year. All of the data presented comes from the Allegheny County Board of Elections, and is for Mt. Lebanon only.

First, there are 26,667 registered voters in Mt. Lebanon, of which 19,666 showed up on 6 November 2012 to cast votes (or sent in absentee ballots). This represents a turnout of 73.75%, and is down from the last presidential election in 2008. Next, there are five wards in Mt. Lebanon, and a total of 38 districts. In the race for President of the United States there were four names on the ballot, representing the Republican, Democratic, Green, and Libertarian parties. The County's website shows a place-holder for the Constitutional Party, but there was no candidate represented.

FEDERAL RACES
Looking at federal races, in Mt. Lebanon 19,599 people cast a vote for president, with 53.2% of the vote going to the Democrats, 45.61% to the Republicans, 0.29% to the Greens, and 0.71% to the Libertarians. In terms of DISTRICTS, 81.58% voted Democratic and 18.42% voted Republican; only seven of the 38 districts voted a Republican majority.

In the race for U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania a total of 19337 votes were cast, with Democrat Robert Casey Jr. winning with 55.15% of the total. Republican Tom Smith picked up 43.32% of the total, and Libertarian Rayburn Douglas Smith received 1.47%. From a district perspective, four went Republican with 34 going Democratic. From this federal race onward there were no other third party candidates.

In the race for U.S. House of Representatives for the 18th Congressional District, Republican Tim Murphy easily defeated his Democratic rival Larry Maggi, picking up 56.94% of the 19,068 votes cast to Maggi's 42.86%. But from a District perspective, 37 out of 38 went Republican, with only one voting Democratic; a percentage of 97.37% to 2.63% in favor of the Republicans

PENNSYLVANIA RACES
As the races moved to from federal to state the results started to get more interesting. In the Pennsylvania Attorney General race, Mt. Lebanon cast 18,989 total votes, with 54.19% going to Democrat Kathleen G. Kane, 43.2% for David J. Freed, and 2.56% for Libertarian Marakay J. Rogers. Six out of Mt. Lebanon's 38 Districts voted Republican, and 32 voted Democratic.

In the Pennsylvania State Treasurer's race, Mt. Lebanon gave a win to Democrat Robert M. McCord over Republican Diana Irey Vaughan, with 51.92% vs. 44.2% of the 18,673 votes cast. Patricia M. Fryman won 716 votes and 3.83% of the total as a Libertarian. Eight Mt. Lebanon Districts voted Republican, whilst 30 voted Democratic.

In the race for State Senator from the 37th Senatorial District, 19,203 votes were cast, and Democrat Matt Smith picked up 60.4% of them. Republican D. Raja only managed to win 39.49%. All Mt. Lebanon voting Districts went Democratic. It is rather obvious that a significant number of registered Republicans and Independents voted Democratic, and that Raja was unpopular.

But the race for Pennsylvania Auditor General was probably the most interesting. Of the 18,854 total votes cast, Republican John Maher gathered 48.57% to Democrat Eugene A. DePasquale's 47.46%. Libertarian Betsy Elizabeth Summers picked up 3.91% - 737 votes - which made her a "spoiler" and the only third party candidate acting as such, the difference between Maher and DePasquale being just 209 votes! District wise, 17 went to the Republicans, 19 to the Democrats, and two were ties between the Republican and Democrat, making Summers a "spoiler" in those districts.

Finally, Matt Smith also ran for his seat as Representative from the 42nd District in the Pennsylvania General Assembly unopposed, gathering 16,836 out of 17,178 votes. The remaining 342 votes were write-ins. This was hardly a "race"; but it has the most "no shows," with 2,488 voters skipping it altogether. The fact that 342 people wrote in a selection is worth noting, as 342 represents more people than voted IN TOTAL in 34 out of 38 Mt. Lebanon Districts in 2011!

TAKE-AWAYS
1. Only seven districts in Mt. Lebanon gave any race 100% of the votes it could have received; that race was President of the United States. In all other elections there were always fewer votes cast for a given race than that race might have received. Across the municipality as a whole, no race received 100% of the ballots cast. Put another way, using the POTUS race as an example 19,666 registered votes went to the polls, but the POTUS race received a total of 19,599 votes; meaning 67 people didn't cast a vote for any of the candidates for President, nor did they use the write-in option. Also, as the race became more local the number of people casting votes dropped off. This can be seen by comparing the 19,599 votes for POTUS compared to 17,178 in the unopposed 42nd District "race."

2. Seven thousand and one registered Mt. Lebanon voters did not vote, which is more than the non-voters in the 2008 election (6,751). This is almost twice as many potential votes as the largest margin of any of the races; which was the PA Senatorial race in the 37th District. For most races it is three to four times the difference! In tight races even a few hundred extra voters might change the results of an election. Since "off-year" elections see a substantial drop in voter participation it means that new candidates for local office need to communicate to the community at large if they want to win.

3. While Mt. Lebanon voted the Democrats a majority in most 2012 races, the more local the race the more it came down to the candidate himself as opposed to a party ideology. Republican Tim Murphy handily won the 18th U.S. Congressional race in Mt. Lebanon by 2,646 votes over his Democratic rival plus 38 write-in votes. Conversely, Democrat Matt Smith's margin was an impressive 3,995 votes over his Republican opponent plus 20 write-in votes.

4. Up for grabs in Mt. Lebanon next year are the commission seats of Matt Kluck (Ward 2) and David Brumfield (Ward 4), and the Mt. Lebanon School Board "at large" positions currently held by Josephine Posti, Dale Ostergaard, Mary Birks, and Daniel Remely. Based on the results of the 2012 general election it would appear that Republican Matt Kluck's commission seat is vulnerable. Also, two "Republicans" on the school board, Dale Ostergaard and Daniel Remely, might be vulnerable as well. But while the school board seems to be an impregnable progressive plutocracy - and it certainly is as of this writing - it is not immune to the vicissitudes of the economy; and it is the economy more than any other issue that usually determines how people vote. The major party candidates (who cross-file and therefore run as "Demopublicans") may have a lock on local elections now, but a well-run independent campaign could very well win a Commission's or Director's chair. An independent's chances will likely depend upon a)the local economy next November, and b)the nature of the candidate himself or herself. It won't be easy or pretty, but it can be done.

Bottom line: Although things look rosy for the Democrats and Progressives in Mt. Lebanon, I would not let the results of the Federal elections predetermine the outcome of next year's local contests. The results of various state races seem to indicate that things are more fluid in "Club Lebo" than they appear. Local candidates for the Commission and the School Board that are true independents have a legitimate, although tough, shot at winning those seats. But such candidates need to be flushed out now if they are to have a chance.

Transfixed



          

Timothy Steinhauer on Monday, October 22, 2012. Justin Merriman | Tribune-Review




Bob the Builder

Laura Pace Lilly wrote a feature recently for Lebomag.com titled, "making progress."

Ironworkers wearing safety ropes traipse along steel supports, a sight that often transfixes Steinhauer, he says. Students with the luxury of window seats in their classrooms also report daydreaming while watching the men at work.

Apparently, Dr. Steinhauer is still transfixed. Just check his blog. Tim Steinhauer's Superintendent Blog Tim has started a series of photos from his office window. In addition, Dr. Steinhauer is quoting from his latest fortune cookie. Here is one for Tim.

“Building a castle is difficult. Defending and maintaining it is harder still.” – Asian Proverb

Besides reading fortune cookies, taking pictures of Post It notes with unanswered questions, Tim can daydream along with the students while watching the men at work.  This is why we pay him the big bucks.

More change orders totaling $231,611.08

According to Monday's School Board meeting agenda:

High School Project Change Orders – A number of change orders for the High
School Renovation Project are presented for Board action next week. All have
been reviewed by the architect, construction manager, Rick Marciniak and Jan
Klein and are recommended for approval. They total $231,611.08 and are as
follows:

a. Change order #ME-01-15 to McKamish for $1,502 for additional drafting coordination for Boiler Room

b. Change order #AB-02-17 to Precision Environmental for $71,999 for demolition and abatement of interior partitions that were initially thought to be asbestos free in the bid documents

c. Change order #GC-07-18 to Nello for $9,206 on a time and material basis for demolition of corridor ceilings on the 6th floor of B-Building once it was determined that the corridor steel would have to be fireproofed

d. Change order #EL-03-19 to Farfield for $3,210 to remove an existing light pole and replace it with a junction box

e. Change order #EL-04-20 to Farfield for $14,850 to extend the power lines to condensing units moved from ground to roof

f. Change order #GC-08-21 to Nello on a time and materials basis which will not exceed $36,228.50 without further Board approval to fireproof the steel structure at the 6th floor B-Building corridors of Area B

g. Change order #GC-09-22 to Nello on a time and materials basis which will not exceed $22,945.23 without further Board approval to infill an area of about 34’ by 34’ with lath and plaster or gyp board as possible in the 6th floor B-Building Area

h. Change order #GC-10-23 to Nello on a time and materials basis which will not exceed $25,658.35 without further Board approval to provide plaster patching for a fire rating in 6th floor B-Building classrooms (excludes the area listed above)

i. Change order #GC-11-24 CREDIT to Nello Construction for -$5,297 for demolition of those same partitions which were part of their original work, but eliminated once they had to be abated

j. Change order #GC-12-25 to Nello Construction for $42,058 for added bulkhead to the ceiling of the 6th floor due to its being lowered

k. Change order #GC-13-26 to Nello Construction for $9,251 for additional roof curb flashing in the B-building due to the change in HVAC rooftop units

According to my running total, change orders are up to $954,803.65.

Just what the Commission needs

The agendas for Tuesday's Commission meetings have been published.

Commission Discussion Session Agenda

Commission Regular Meeting Agenda

Besides public hearings for:

• 2013 Manager's Recommended Budget
• Recreation bond

Bill No. 20-12 will be introduced. Bill No. 20-12 is Brumfield's idea according to his website article, "Field Failure." http://www.davebrumfield.com./

Introduction of Ordinance (Bill No. 20-12) establishing a Youth Sports Advisory Board.
The proposed advisory board will:

• Review and assess all sports-related facilities and services in Mt. Lebanon. Recommend possible changes and improvements to sports-related facilities and services.
• Assist in the continued safe provision of athletic opportunities to Mt. Lebanon residents.
• Receive and consider public comment and other public input regarding sports facilities and services.
• Support, promote and/or provide programs and services to assist athletes and coaches in Mt. Lebanon.

Membership of the board will consist of staff from the municipality and school district, a representative from any sports organization recognized by the municipality, a representative from the parks board and a commission liaison. The School District will also provide a liaison and may request participation by other staff or groups. Recommended Action: Introduce Ordinance (Bill No. 20-12).

The link to Bill No. 20-12 is incorrect. The clickable link is to Bill No. 21-12.

Whole Lotta Foods

First came Market District. Then Trader Joe's. Coming next is Fresh Market. But the big news is that Whole Foods is finally coming to the South Hills. It was announced today that Whole Foods will be building at the corner of Washington Road and Fort Couch Road on the former Consol Energy site.

Whole Foods is slated to cover 40,000 square feet and have more than 200 parking spots.
The Siena @ St. Clair development will have an additional 100,000 square feet of retail, including restaurants and stores, Mr. Kestler said.
He said other tenants are currently being lined up.

Whole Foods could open in or before fall 2015.

 

Whole Foods signs South Hills lease

Raja, Matt, or Dudley? UPDATED

It looks like Matt Smith won the Senate race. PA Elections Information I haven't heard the final cost of Raja's campaign, but I think he could have paid for the Rec Bond. I wonder how many of the write-in votes were Dudley's.  http://www.alleghenycounty.us/elect/201211gen/el45.htm There were 163 write-in votes for the Senate race, while there were 570 write-in votes for Representative in the 42nd District. Could Dudley have gotten that many votes?

Now the fun begins. Who is going to run for Representative when Matt Smith becomes Senator?

Update November 8, 2012 8:45 AM To check the results:
 Detail District Report
 Detail Canvass Report
 Mt. Lebanon Ward and District Locator

Moving on

Despite what Dave Franklin says on his blog, the Commission is moving on. Kelly Fraasch has updated her blog to include the rest of the Robb Hollow plans. Robb Hollow It is exciting to see that an outdoor classroom is being considered, as well as a dog park. All of this has been presented to the Commission, so these plans are not new to them.

It is unfortunate how Dave Franklin is spreading lies on his blog. Kelly's initial proposal included Eco-friendly turf to be installed on the Youth Sports' dime. Since that would never happen, the Daves have painted a different picture.

The Redskins Rule

There's something called the "Redskins Rule” that says if the Washington Redskins win on the weekend before the election, the incumbent will win.  If the Redskins lose, the incumbent loses. "This coincidence has been noted by many sports and political commentators and has held true since 1940."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redskins_Rule

The Washington Redskins were defeated today.

Update: November 7, 2012 12:45 AM So much for the Redskins Rule.

Some signs of life on Lebo Fields

I happened to look on Lebo Fields today and saw there was finally some activity. On Dave Franklin's blog, "someone" asked Dave for an update on the bond issue. Here is his response: 

Lebo Fields October 31, 2012 8:52 AM The bond will not include any funds for fields. Unfortunately, Commissioner Fraasch would not support turf and the sports associations were unable to support an increasingly expensive Robb Hollow plan just to add one grass field in an ill-suited area. You can read about future plans at www.davebrumfield.com. Meanwhile, Bethel just installed 2 new turf fields and USC just approved their third.

I point this out because Dave badgered me for weeks to promote his blog, Lebo Fields. His previous blog, Lebo Chat was a bust. I wouldn't promote that blog. Sorry, Dave. I feel responsible. I would hate for another one to bite the dust. It wouldn't look good on your resume.

 

What seems to be coming out is that it isn't about Field Failure, but the issue seems to be Field Envy.  It is always interesting to see how the Daves spin things. Do you think Mr. Franklin will be chosen as the representative from the Parks Advisory Board to serve on Dave Brumfield's newly created Mt. Lebanon Sports Facilities and Services Board?

 

 

Mystery solved

Wondering what the "Dudley" signs are all about in the Cedarhurst Manor area? For the last couple of weeks, Dudley signs have been in yards along with other political signs.

An inquisitive Lebo Citizens reader was able to solve the mystery.  Dudley is a setter whose mommy works for a vet.  Her friend, a sign maker, had the signs made as a joke.

So if you are looking for a write in candidate, Dudley is your man, I mean, dog.

Key words and culling

I am always interested in learning more about my readers. By checking the statistics, I can get a handle on who reads my blog, where they are from, and how they found the blog.

Since November 29, 2010, I have posted 831 times. To those 831 posts, I have published 9,286 comments. This number does not include the ones which were deleted or not approved. Lebo Citizens has been read in 81 countries or 1,804 cities. Key words are also tracked. 554 have searched "Jo Posti mt. Lebanon commencement speech." But only one has searched using:

rob papke so true, tracey. the alternative to a controlled culling is to introduce other natural predators into the habitat, such as mountain lions and coyote; i really don't think that this is a very wise choice. we can not continue to do nothing, ...they are everywhere and they cause trouble other than treating our gardens as salad bars. man, as the other natural predator, must take action to control the herd. also, the "bambi" lovers are a relatively small % of the mtl population however they are very vocal in their opposition to doing anything about the problem.

Rob, the "bambi" lovers have been concerned about the safety of letting loose a bunch of inexperienced yahoos who never counted bullets, shot themselves in the foot, shot deer and never knew they hit them, hit a house near Williamsburg Park, almost shot a kid, and can't find evidence of anyone being stomped to death in Upper St. Clair. These people who are "a relatively small % of the mtl population" as you say have never been counted, just as how you have no idea how many deer there are. Your commissioner is very vocal about killing deer, and has said repeatedly that she is the lone wolf on the commission.  To me, that translates to 20% of the commissioners want to kill deer. How many signed up for culling in 2008? It didn't even represent 20% of the houses in Mt. Lebanon.  So don't make these grandiose statements without having the facts to back them up. I can support every one of my statements.    

A Letter to the Editor from J.E.Cannon, III

The following letter to the editor comes from frequent contributor, James E. Cannon, III.

As many of you know, on September 11, 2012, the U. S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya was attacked by armed and organized terrorists. Four Americans were killed: Ambassador Chris Stevens (who had volunteered to go to Libya); State Department information management specialist, Air Force veteran and father of two Sean Smith; former Navy SEALs and diplomatic security contractors Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.

In the days following the planned attack, the Obama administration delivered a tale of a “spontaneous” riot and uprising due to an obscure an unknown video floating around YouTube. The video had been online and available for months garnering only several hundred views. Yet following mass riots in multiple Middle Eastern countries, culminating in the consulate attack on September 11, the anniversary of the worst attack on U.S. soil, Obama and his appointees placed blame squarely on the unknown 14-minute clip that resulted in thousands and thousands of additional views. Those officials propagating this lie included U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, White House spokesman Jay Carney, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, along with President Barack Hussein Obama.

In the ensuing weeks, it has been discovered the consulate had asked for additional security in the months prior to the attack only to be refused, including sending emails directly to the Secretary of State in which consulate staff explicitly detailed how they would not and could withstand any kind of organized attack. In addition, one need not have a genius level IQ to recognize the significance of the date. For anyone in the U.S., especially the President, to not be cognizant of the symbolism of September 11th, and not maintain a higher level of vigilance—especially in Muslim countries, and ones in turmoil to boot—is the height of stupidity, incompetence and, in the case of the President, a dereliction of duty. It has also come to light that the attack lasted 7 hours, time in which those two brave SEALs manned weapons and repelled multiple attacks. Those men repeatedly called for assistance, just as they had on combat missions in other countries. But it was to no avail. It is now documented that multiple persons in the White House situation room watched the events in real time via a satellite transmission. President Obama, not wanting to damage some purported “positive” image allegedly created by the U.S in Libya, and not wishing to offend the Muslim world, decided to let those men die. It was pure politics. And it is unforgiveable. He watched those brave men die. Live. On television. And did nothing.

In the Special Operations community, know there is an expectation among those warriors that in return for performing the dangerous tasks at hand, they will ask for and receive the support necessary to accomplish that task. On September 11, 2012 that support was ready, available and close enough to have saved them. But Obama and his minions stood in the way, purposely, coldly and without regard for anyone but themselves. Through their actions they have left an indelible and disgusting stain on our national fabric.

Those men—Stevens, Smith, Woods and Doherty—typified the qualities most of us can only aspire to achieve. The Ambassador and Sean Smith went to Libya hoping to help. God bless them for volunteering. And Woods and Doherty performed in a way I can’t begin to fathom. They exemplified bravery, nobility, courage and honor. Those are characteristics many of us don’t consider on a daily basis much less live by 24/7. Well, those four did and for that, they should not be forgotten. As Americans, they deserved better, and so do we. The cover-up needs to end. Until it does, I have made it my mission, my personal mission, to ensure those four brave souls don’t fade into the background and aren’t washed away by political hacks or the media. It’s happened too often. Not this time. Stand up, America. Take back our government, take back our rights as the citizenry and let’s honor the memory of the Benghazi Four.

J.E. Cannon III (U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Army)

 Remember Benghazi

If you would like to display this sign in your yard, contact James Cannon III at jcannon1775@verizon.net

The 2013 Manager's Recommended Budget is now online

The 2013 Manager's Recommended Budget has been posted online here.  The good news is that:

• The budgets for all funds are balanced using a combination of ongoing revenue sources and available reserves.
• The budget assumes a property re-assessment that will result in an increase of 5 percent over real estate revenue received in 2012. Because of the reassessment and “anti-windfall” legislation, we expect that the millage will actually decrease from 5.43 mills to 4.4 – 4.89 mills, depending on the results of appeals.
• There is no increase proposed in the earned income tax rate or deed transfer tax rate.
• There are also no proposed changes to the sanitary sewer fee or stormwater fee.

Budget review meetings start next week beginning Monday, November 5, 2012 at 6 PM with future meetings scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2012 and Wednesday, November 14. I believe Citizens' Comments will be held November 13, 2012.

It's not a loan. It's a grant.

Sunday's Trib included an article about the Washington Park property, a.k.a. the Zamagias property. Tax-increment financing poses big risks in Pennsylvania

The apparent failure of Longvue and a residential development in Mt. Lebanon highlight risks inherent in projects backed by tax-increment financing plans, and they could cost state taxpayers at least $7.3 million.

It is costing Mt. Lebanon taxpayers, as well. The Mt. Lebanon School Board and Commission must approve giving up a portion of property tax revenues when authorizing a TIF.   

Neither the municipality nor the school district lost any money on the project, Feller said. Both collect taxes on the value of the unimproved land; only tax money from any buildings would go into the debt service fund.

Zamagias controls the land, through several extensions Mt. Lebanon commissioners granted; the company bought the site from the defunct Mt. Lebanon Parking Authority. The board in January granted the most recent extension, lasting until December 2013.

After consolidating its properties along Washington Road and Kenmont Avenue, Zamagias cleared the site, which remains empty.

Yes, Steve Feller is correct. However, as it was pointed out in a previous comment:

The Mt. Lebanon Parking Authority (MLPA) purchased the property during the 1970's for around $200,000 that it sold to Zamagias in 2005 for $520,000. That $520,000 was based on an independent appraisal by a state certified appraiser and agreed to by both buyer & seller.

There are also some interesting questions about the consolidation of Zamagias property parcels, County assessments, reassessments and owner appeals that I would like to see addressed by Municipal officials. In reviewing the County 2013 assessment website for the Zamagias properties (i.e. 098-P-100), one wonders how 8 former parcels that Zamagias paid a total of $1,520,000 for, reportedly with TIF loan proceeds, can be shown consolidated into a single parcel now comprising 1.7115 acres, has a cost basis of only $520,000, a 2012 assessed value of $609,100, and a 2013 reassessed value of only $428,000 that Zamagias is appealing as being too high ?

Now you see, Anonymous, why I rail against this and expose Posti...? You wonder why you aren't getting the fundraising support that you need. These decisions are costing us money. Don't forget to sign the petition.  

Links:
Letter to the Editor: The Importance of Being Earnest UPDATED 2x
This is disgusting!
Mt. Lebanon developer may avoid repaying tax-aided loan

Grievance Update

Back in April,  MTLSD Solicitor Tom Peterson announced that the substitute teacher grievance will be heard in September.

Currently, long-term subs remain at Step 1 of the salary schedule if the district hires them full time with a contract. The teachers union says that's against the state school code, and if its argument is upheld, the district could pay more than $800,000 every year for the teachers' salaries and accumulated sick days, solicitor Tom Peterson said.

Here it is, November 1, 2012 and no update about the grievance.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/union-urges-upgrade-in-salary-for-substitute-teachers-in-mt-lebanon-schools-632132/

David Huston decided to email the board and find out.  Here is Josephine Posti's response.

From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net
Subject: RE: grievance
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2012 12:14:46 +0000
Mr. Huston,

It will still be a few months before we get a decision.

For the Board,

Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
412.667.1479
http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student

If a couple means two, a few means three or more.  That brings us to February when Josephine Posti and Mary Birks will be running for re-election. Timing should be interesting.