Pool documents are here

Here are the links to Anna Pappas' lawsuit filed against Mt. Lebanon and Plavchak Construction.

Case information

Document 1
Document 2
Document 3
Document 4
Document 5

This blog is officially full of crap. UPDATED

Susan would never do this. I received some photos of Williamsburg Park that a resident wanted me to share.

Popular spot - corner of basketball court.

Pretty disgusting, but here is a before and after:

Pre chalk drawing

Poor Ella. Did she step in it?

Next to the bench

Yes, Lebo Citizens has reached a new low. Certainly journalism at its finest. But this is what we will be seeing in all the parks, if this goes through. Dave Brumfield sure has his work cut out, cleaning up the crap in our town, both in and out of the Commission Chambers.

Update September 1, 2013 5:40 PM All pilot program fees collected will be used for repainting the official car used by the Commissioner implementing the Pilot Program for his or her ward.

Mt. Lebanon swimming pool renovation plan hits snag

While Dave Brumfield focuses on dogs, our commission is being sued by a resident over the bidding process.

...a resident is suing the municipality, claiming the commission improperly allowed the winning bidder to modify its bid and undercut another company because the board didn't want to hire a minority contractor.

"A nameless poster threw out [mis]information about the township and use[d] this vehicle to do so"* in a previous thread, Pool contract to be rescinded UPDATED by submitting the link to this Trib article, Mt. Lebanon swimming pool renovation plan hits snag

When design and other costs are taken into account, the pool project will cost about $4.28 million. A slide and other features are being added.
Options added to the pool mean will leave less money for other recreation improvements, such regrading two holes at the municipal golf course or upgrading Robb Hollow Park, Feller said.

 There were many of us who knew something wasn't right. The bid was discussed in Executive Session. The Manager, Commission, and Staff are out of control.  The only one who is clean on this is Matt Kluck. He voted against it. 

*Dave Franklin August 25, 2013 at 9:54 AM Pool contract to be rescinded UPDATED

Brumfield's Williamsburg Park Pilot Program Update

Last night, Dave Brumfield outlined his pilot program permitting dogs from his ward to use Williamsburg Park. He explained that about 20% of the residents are very much in favor of it, 20% are very much against it, and the remaining 60% don't care either way. The way I look at it, Dave Brumfield is appealing to 20% of his constituents with this pilot program.

I understand it started during a Parks Advisory Board meeting in January, before the amended ordinance permitting dogs in Twin Hills, a passive park. Dog owners went before the Parks Advisory Board and wanted to get special permission to bring their dogs to Williamsburg Park.

During the Discussion Session, Dave pledged to patrol his park during the course of the pilot program, in addition to the additional police presence required to monitor and enforce the pilot program. The pilot program is to last for 90 days. He also said that neighbors will be policing neighbors. Based on the questions Commissioner Linfante asked during the discussion session, led me to believe that she is not in favor of this program.

Last night, several residents spoke on both sides of this issue. A petition of 80 signatures against this pilot program was presented to the Commission. One resident was bold enough to say that after the meeting, he will go home and walk his dog through Williamsburg Park, defying the present ordinance. I asked about the fee which would be collected. I also commented that this is the first time that Kristen and I are on the same side of an issue. At that point, Dave asked Kristen to reconsider her stand based on my observation. [Laughter all around.] I also asked how many dogs are expected to come to Williamsburg Park. Dave had no idea. If this pilot program goes to a vote and accepted, and the pilot program is over, the commissioners will evaluate the results and make their determination. I also said that the animosity that has developed in Ward 4, (almost to the point of being physical) will spread to all the other parks in Mt. Lebanon, causing neighbors to fight, turning neighbors against neighbors, while spreading the message that all ordinances are negotiable.

The Commission will continue their discussions next month.

Timmy doesn't cite his sources

It's contagious.  On Timmy's blog today, he writes:

Welcome Back Teachers                                                 1:37 PM We are happy to have the teachers officially back in the district today. We started today together recognizing the fact that our strength is in our people. We welcomed our new colleagues and recognized those who have been here for 25 years or more. Our administrators and teacher leaders were introduced. We also learned strategies for peak performance including the value of healthy eating and smiling. "Our bodies change our minds, our minds can change our behavior, and our behavior can change our outcomes."

By Googling the quote, we come to find:

“Our bodies change our minds, our minds can change our behavior and our behavior can change our outcomes.”--Amy Cuddy http://on.ted.com/dgLc

Now we have another person from the school district who doesn't cite sources. This time, it is the superintendent. Nice.

This is a sin.

A resident filed a Right To Know on August 20, 2013, requesting the August 12 and August 19 Janney presentation to the Board on the second bond issue.

Here is the response:

Thank you for writing to Mt. Lebanon School District with your request for information pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-To-Know Law.

On August 20, 2013, we received your request for the August 12 and August 19 Janney presentation to the Board on the second bond issue. Your request is granted. Partial documents responsive to your request can be found on the District’s website at

http://www.mtlsd.org/district/HeadlineArticle.asp?HLP_ID=1342&HL_ID=1450#1450.

The complete documents are not available in an electronic format. The cost for duplicating the records which are responsive to your request is $10.00. Please make your check payable to Mt. Lebanon School District, and provide enough advance notice so that we can have the copies made and ready for you to pick up. If you would like the copies mailed, please add $1.50 for a total of $11.50.

Sincerely,

Jeanine R. Szalinski
Open Records Officer
Mt. Lebanon School District
7 Horsman Drive Pittsburgh PA 15228
412.344.2077

pc: Thomas P. Peterson, Solicitor

The resident was not happy to hear that public information had a price tag. It should be on the website for the community to see.  The resident refused to pay the amount and added:

Also you could post this on the website and tell the community what you did unless you are ashamed go yourselves for squandering $7.6 million in extra debt service.


At any rate after what Jan Klein did to that bond issue I am NOT paying you $10.

This is not an isolated incident. I have had to pay for information, came home, scanned it, and shared it on my blog. This is a sin!

Bats and Dogs

That's bats, not cats. The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a warning to residents in Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park about rabid bats.

Allegheny County Health Department Warns Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Residents of Rabid Bats

Also,  here is a public service announcement for Ward 4 constituents. How to avoid dog park dangers.

Timmy's Twitter Travels

School board president Elaine Cappucci said, “this has been an exceptional year for our district and Dr. Steinhauer has proven an effective and capable leader. He has achieved all the goals the board set for him, including sound fiscal management and supervision of the high school project. Multiple measures of student achievement have also shown improvement.” Read more: Mt. Lebanon approves new bond issue

His goals:

Superintendent Performance Goals 2012-2013

1. Fiscal Management- The Superintendent will operate the District in a fiscally responsible manner. 2. High School Project – The Superintendent will continue the District’s efforts to build/renovate the High School. 3. Strategic Plan – The Superintendent will implement strategies to accomplish the goals established by the new Strategic Plan. 4. Student Achievement – The Superintendent will maintain or improve student achievement. 5. Collaboration/Communication – The Superintendent will collaborate and engage members of the school community. 6. Technology – The Superintendent will advance student and adult learning through the use of Technology.

**********

Our proven effective and capable leader received a 4 percent salary increase. Read what he sent to parents yesterday:

Subject: Back to School Message from the Superintendent
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:32:21 -0400

Dear Mt. Lebanon Parents and/or Guardians,

This is always an exciting time for us as we anticipate the return of students for another new school year. All of our schools are ready for the first day-we can’t wait to see your children. 

School begins on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. 

• Elementary School starts at 8:30 a.m.
• High School and Middle School start at 8:00 a.m.

Throughout the summer we have been busy refining our curriculum and instruction, cleaning and maintaining our buildings, hiring new teachers and staff, and improving our knowledge and skills as educators. Our guiding philosophy of continuous improvement necessitates that we constantly look for opportunities to get better in what we do. 

Of great significance is the progress we’ve made at the high school. In the coming school year many new and renovated spaces will begin to open. As these spaces open to student, staff, and community use – I know you’ll be impressed. 

Enjoy the final few days of summer vacation and don’t hesitate to contact your building principal or me with any questions. I look forward to welcoming the students back on September 3. 

Best wishes for a great school year. 

Timothy J. Steinhauer

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools


P.S. - Please follow my travels throughout the District on the first day of school on Twitter @mtlsdsuper. 


**************

Timmy is hard at work blogging again.

 

Progress from the Superintendent's office window

11:44 AM

Above is another picture of the high school progress seen from my office window. Scroll back through my blog to see several other similar pictures. (November 6, October 18 & 4)

Another fine managing job by our "totally unaccountable and incompetent school board."

Pool contract to be rescinded UPDATED

According to Monday's Commission agenda, the original award to the general contractor, Plavchak Construction Company is going to be rescinded.

Consideration of a Contract with Plavchak Construction Company, Inc. 

On August 13, 2013, the Commission awarded a contract to Plavchak Construction Company, Inc. for the pool project for the base bid and Alternate 3. The Municipality received a bid protest from Waller Construction regarding Alternate 3. After review of the protest, the Municipality has decided to rescind the original award, not include Alternate 3, and award the contract on the basis of the base bid only.  

Recommended Action: Move to authorize (i) the rescinding of the August 13, 2013 contract award to Plavchak Construction Company, Inc. and (ii) the award of the base bid only to Plavchak Construction Company, Inc.

The original award included Alternate 3. See August 13, 2013 Agenda

Contract No. 1. General Construction Work
Low bidder: Plavchak Construction Company, Inc.
Base Bid: $1,490,800
Alternate 3 - Subsurface drainage at east end of deck: $119,100
Subtotal: $1,609,900

This is a good start. Don't stop there, Commissioners. It is waaaay over budget.

August 27, 2013 9:15 PM This item was removed from the agenda. http://mtlebanon.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1815

What does a MTLSD Capital Campaign Director make?

A Right To Know request was filed for the employment contract for the new Capital Campaign Director position.

Ms. DeLuca did not enter into or execute an employment contract. However, she did sign an offer letter dated July 23, 2013. Enclosed please find a copy of that letter. For the reasons set forth above, her home address has been redacted.

Page 1 

Page 2

It is a sweet deal. No wonder we are where we are financially.

A second Right To Know request for her employment record, reveals no work experience with PA Cyber. Different person with the same name.

Winners Crowned in Social Madness

The winners have been declared in the Business Journals Social Madness contest. The three national winners are:

•  roi Office Interiors, from Albany, NY  will have a $10,000 check written in its name to the Alzheimer’s Association;
• Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau plans to donate its $10,000 to the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii;
• Mother of Mercy High School, Cincinnati, OH, the third winner, will donate $10,000 to Mercy Without Borders.

This is the contest that mtl Magazine was competing to win a $10,000 check for Outreach Teen and Family Services. Please help the Public Information Office When it was revealed that "government agencies, departments or entities at any level -- local, state or national were not eligible," I was accused of being responsible for any kid who dies from a drug overdose or commits suicide because they couldn't afford the counselor. I was also warned that I was "on thin ice here legally."

Congratulations to the three national winners. Better luck next year to those who didn't win. Did I mention that Susan Morgans never received a speeding ticket anywhere in the Pittsburgh area? I want to make sure everyone knows that.

New Sidewalk Policy Draft

Latest LeboALERT announced that the Commission will be reviewing the draft sidewalk expansion policy at the Discussion Session on Monday, August 26, 2013. Starting time is usually around 6:30 PM. The actual starting time will be listed on the Discussion Session Agenda, which should be available this Friday.

The draft is available here. Send questions or comments to the commission. It looks rather complex to me, but I am not an attorney. I hope it is what people have been asking for. I guess the big question is, "At whose expense?"

We still don't know the winning bid UPDATED 2X

Last night, Mt. Lebanon School Board Directors approved the second bond issue for the high school renovation. It brought $32,950,000 in proceeds. It will have for the first year, a .2 mill tax increase, a  .19 mill tax increase for the second year, and a .2 mill tax increase for the third year. We sold $35,090,000 bonds for proceeds of $32,950,000. The expenses appear to be over $2 million.  Scott Goldman was the only director who voted against it. Level funding cost $7,890,000 less than wrapping bonds and borrowing the interest over the life of the bonds, assuming the bonds are not refinanced.

What we don't know is what the net interest cost or the true interest cost of the winning bid. We were told that the winning bid and the cover bid were within .01% of each other. The board did not reveal either cost last night.

In 2009, we were quoted a 3.59% Arbitrage Yield, but in the Act 34 document, it was revealed that the True Interest cost was 4.10%.

Moody's report is here. The podcast to last night's meeting is here.

Update August 20, 2013 12:11 PM Taxpayers file lawsuit to block Woonsocket tax.

Update August 20, 2013 5:53 PM The MTLSD website is down, but I understand this was posted today. Also, residents have called Jan Klein today, asking for the winning bid and was told to file a RTK. Any stockbroker could have answered that question, but you won't get it from the School District .

School Board Votes to Issue Bonds to Complete Financing for High School Project August 20, 2013 At the August 19, 2013 School Board meeting, the Board voted to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2013 in the aggregate principal amount of $34,745,000 to provide funds  for the completion of the renovations to the high school. The bidding was favorable with the District being the only competitive bond sale scheduled in Pennsylvania this week, and the second largest and second highest rated sale of only 11 competitive sales across the country on Monday, August 19, 2013. There were a number of bids, and the bids were very close.  The winning bidder was Mesirow Financial of New York City.  Mesirow is generally not an active bidder on Pennsylvania school district bonds, but said they were enticed to bid due to the strong Aa1 credit of the District and the belief that their investor base would be excited to own these bonds.  With this sale, the District will continue to finance the construction of the high school until its completion in 2015. On  August 12, the Board gave direction to the financial advisor and bond counsel to proceed to bid on an anticipated $33 million debt issue to fund the remaining costs of the high school renovation project. The bonds were directed to be wrapped around existing debt so the millage cost to the community will be minimized with the debt payments implemented over a three year period. It is anticipated that the increase in millage will be below .2 mills each of the next three years to complete this financing.

Ex-Lebo Teacher Gets Probation

"A former Mt. Lebanon teacher was sentenced Monday to three years of probation and banned from classrooms for life after pleading guilty to sending sexually explicit messages and texts to a student."

"The school district suspended Greenawalt without pay following his arrest and terminated him effective May 20, said spokeswoman Cissy Bowman."

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/ex-mt-lebanon-teacher-gets-probation-ban-classroom/nZSmj/

It's heating up...

I never did get an apology from Susan Morgans for sitting on my recorder on two different occasions, or for writing to the Post Gazette and talking trash about my blog, but I did get this today from her.

I would like to call to your attention...

This was soon after I published Library Fundraiser on Saturday. It might have something to do with this:

Nothing is on the Lebomag.com website promoting it, but that doesn't surprise me. Oops, that is another story.

So Susan was not editor-in-chief at that time, folks. I do remember something about how she avoids traffic around North Meadowcroft, but I can't be sure. I don't want to convey misinformation.

I do think Lebo Citizens readers will enjoy reading the August 15, 2013 Lebo Life blog article, a blog of blogs by Cliff Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle also has his own blog, http://www.pittsburghlegalbacktalk.com/ The editor added that part. You may recognize his name from an annual list that I publish. Perhaps Ms. Morgans should vet her writers a little more carefully. Or at least, tell Mr. Tuttle about Lebo Citizens. ;)

Library Fundraiser on Saturday

For you beer drinkers out there, and it seems that there are many of you, please support Mt. Lebanon Public Library's Beer Garden Bash this Saturday, August 24, 2013.

Here is the latest LeboALERT:

Sat Aug 24 Don't miss the library's Beer Garden Bash! Get your ticket today for this library benefit. $30 all-inclusive. Adults only. 412-531-1912

Nothing is on the Lebomag.com website promoting it, but that doesn't surprise me. Oops, that is another story.

Not being a beer drinker, I support the Library through donations and the Garden Tour. Please help in whatever way you can.

Save room for Brew Fest, coming September 21, 2013 from 4-7 PM to be held at the Academy Parking Lot. Giant Eagle will be the major sponsor for this year.

It's heeere...

Timmy and company still get their raises every year. Some are lucky enough to get bonuses on top of their raises. We have a capital campaign director who is earning $82,500 and her second day on the job is a holiday. The median expected salary for a typical fundraising coordinator in the US is $60,440.
It is costing students more to park their cars, while administration and staff park for free. Students pay to cross busy Washington and Cochran Roads and walk greater distances through rain and snow. Parents seem to put up with it. Boy, am I glad my kids are done with Mt. Lebanon Schools. It doesn't seem right to me.

Pay to Participate for Athletics and Band Begins this Year 

The Mt. Lebanon School District is implementing a “pay to participate” program for grades 6-12 beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. There will be a “pay to participate” fee for those involved in middle school and high school athletics, marching band and its auxiliary programs, and high school intramurals. To register your child for these activities, please click on the links below. The links can be found under Fine Arts or Athletics at www.mtlsd.org.

Athletics Registration

Fine Arts Registration

The fee structure is:

• High School Athletics – An annual $40 flat fee allowing a student to participate in each and/or every sports season;
• High School Marching Band & Auxiliary Programs - An annual $40 flat fee allowing a student to participate in the marching band/auxiliary program(s);
• Middle School Athletics - An annual $20 flat fee allowing a student to participate in each and/or every sports season; and
• High School Intramurals - A $5/person/event fee to participate in the high school intramural program.

Fee payment can be made through an online system, “FamilyID”, with the link soon to be available on the Athletic Department and/or respective middle/high schools’ websites. Please be advised that students will not be eligible for participation until this requirement is met. If a family is experiencing economic hardship and is unable to pay the fee, this can be indicated in the online system for the administration to review. Also, the fee will be capped at $80/family; this cap, however, will not include participating in the high school intramural program.

As a general principle, fees will not be refunded for students who quit a team, program, or activity; minimally attend practices, events, or games; become ineligible for any reason; or issues related to playing time. Should a student be cut from the program prior to participation, have a severe illness, injury, or unexpected family situation arise during participation that makes further participation unlikely, discussion can occur with the respective building administrator asking for consideration of a refund.

Additionally, the online system, “FamilyID”, will permit each student to complete participation forms which will be available online beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, using an electronic signature feature. Physicals, which require a doctor’s signature, will continue to be submitted in paper form.

Everything is negotiable in Lebo

Remember all the commotion over dogs in Twin Hills? Mt. Lebanon ordinance change will allow dogs in park According to Dave Brumfield, that seems to be negotiable.

Here is an email sent by Dave Brumfield to residents in his ward concerning dogs in Williamsburg Park. Note how he is doing this before forwarding to his fellow commissioners.

Friends and Neighbors,
Please find attached the draft for the Williamsburg Park Pilot Program we discussed during our June Meeting. I am circulating this draft to every resident that emailed me on this subject but if I missed anyoneplease feel free to forward it. I had hoped to get this out to everyone sooner, unfortunately there were a few tangential issues that I had not forseen that took longer to figure out. I am going to give everyone two weeks to provide me with comments, concerns and/or questions. Please forward any such communication to me by email if possible. On August 23, 2013 I will make any changes that seem appropriate based on the comments and questions I receive. I will then forward the program outline to my fellow Commissioners for consideration during our August 26, 2013 meeting.
Thank you for your interest and involvement with this issue.
Dave Brumfield

Williamsburg Park Pilot Program draft

Is Dave making his own rules? Is this going to carry over to other parks? Where is the $25 permit fee going? Will it be to pay for the Williamsburg bouncer who will be "carding" the dogs? This ought to be good.

A 4% raise but couldn't request more construction money

A Lebo Citizens reader sent me a link to a letter sent to Representative Turzai asking for PlanCon reimbursement. https://www.psba.org/issues-advocacy/issues-research/state-budget/2013/Part_G_Letter-04152013.pdf  The letter was sponsored by Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA),  Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO), and Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA).

Looking through the fifteen page document, you will see Mt. Lebanon represented by Janice Klein, Josephine Posti, Elaine Cappucci, and Mary Birks.  I thought all the school board directors stand united. Where are the men? Where are Dan Remely, Ed Kubit, Scott Goldman, Bill Cooper, and Larry Lebowitz? Where is Timmy?

I guess that is why we have Alyssa Deluca now. Maybe she will knock on Representative Turzai's door.

The Mt. Lebanon childhood I had

Since the golf course is "only" used by people over 55, I thought it would be nice for the rest of you to see how we had fun. By the way, FIVE high schools use our golf course.

1. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS?

2. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THIS ?

3. WHAT'S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THESE TWO OBJECTS?

4. DID YOU EVER RIDE ONE OF THESE???

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THESE?

6. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS?

7. HAVE YOU EVER SHOPPED AT THIS STORE?

8. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PLAY WITH THESE?

9. DO YOU RECOGNIZE WHO THIS IS?

10. DO YOU KNOW THEIR NAMES?

11. HAVE YOU EVER HAD A GLASS OF THIS?

12. DID YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAVE ONE OF THESE?

13. DID YOU, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW, EVER TAKE THIS CLASS IN SCHOOL?

14. DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S HANGING FROM THE CHAIN OR RUNNING UP THE POLE?

15. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN OR USED ONE OF THESE?

 












16. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THESE ARE?

17. HAVE YOU EVER USED THIS?

18. HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED THIS?

19.

20. WAS THERE EVER A TIME IN YOUR LIFE THAT THIS WAS THE ONLY OPTION TO DRY YOUR CLOTHES?

21. WHAT'S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THESE TWO OBJECTS?

22.  IS THIS A FAMILIAR SCENE?

23. DOES THIS BRING BACK GOOD MEMORIES?

 24. DID HE EVER COME TO YOUR HOUSE?

25. DID YOU EVER HAVE TO SAY "HELLO" BEFORE YOU KNEW WHO WAS CALLING?

26. DID YOU EVER LAUGH OUT LOUD WATCHING THIS?

DID YOU KNOW...
Those who were born in the '50s, '60s, '70s and early '80s are the last generation who played in the street. During our childhood, we walked over a mile a day when we played & played “hide & seek” outside at night with no worries or fear of anything bad happening to us.

We are the first generation who played video games and the last to record songs off the radio onto a cassette tape. We learned how to program a VCR before anyone else, we were the first to play from Atari to Nintendo…We are the generation of Tom & Jerry, Looney Toons, & Captain Kangaroo. We traveled in cars without seat belts or air bags, lived without cell phones and caller ID. We did not have fax machines, flat screens, surround sound, iPods, Facebook, Twitter, computers or the Internet and, through it all, we had a great time.