“Our illustrious police department and fire department are spending a heck of a lot of our money,” he said, noting that their reviews required more safety measures."The PG caught that comment too. Mt. Lebanon school board nears decision on rifle range
Board member Dan Remely expressed concerns about the possibility of representatives from Mt. Lebanon's police, fire and inspection offices determining if additional safety features are needed.THAT HE QUESTIONS? This isn't the first time Dan Remely has questioned our fire department. I am sorry, but I would NEVER question our police and fire department when it comes to our schools - or any time!!! We're talking about our children's safety.
This is what you get when we have four seats and four candidates running for school board. They can do and say anything they want, because they're in!
On a side note, the Trib picked up on Ostergaard's comment.
Board member Dale Ostergaard said he's worried because the district approved changes costing more than $300,000 last month.Someone asked me where I find the change orders on the school district website. That is a good question. They aren't listed in any particular section. You have to go to mtlsd.org. On the left hand side of the home page, click on "School Board." At the top of that page, click on "Agendas." In order to find the change orders, click on every agenda listed and the change orders for that month will be there. There is no running total available on the District website. To get that, file a Right To Know. Or look on the right hand side of this blog.
“If we continue at this pace, we're going to run out of contingency (money) in eight months,” he said.
75 comments:
“Our illustrious police department and fire department are spending a heck of a lot of our money,” he said... "
That's like the pot calling the kettle black!
Remember Mr. Remely you and several of your fellow board members assured the community that you expected the project to come in well south of $100 million.
Now you're going to dump on the police and fire dept. T
for high price change orders.
Its time for you to go Mr. Remely and take Ms. Birks with you.
Hey Mr Remely -
How's that old saying go, "Don't throw stones out of a glass house!"
Back in February they put in power lines-----
"a. EL-09-36 to Farfield for $7,718 to add power to elevator sump pumps in Buildings H and G,"
Now in October 2013 they are going to relocate power lines for elevators.
"• $89,979 to the electrical contractor to relocate power lines for elevators and add 10 security cameras on the lower level of the athletic building at the police department's request."
These elevators are the same place they had duct work running THRU the elevator shaft and the district accepted change orders to reroute the duct work. Did a chimpanzee do the design work in the elevator area?
Also, now that they are putting in the gym floor, we never heard the outcome on the leveling problem or if it would affect the floor warranty. Seems to have gotten swept under the fine arts lobby rug!!!
Wow...I'm speechless
Don't you wish Remely was, Mr. Deringer?
What a smartass comment to direct at our police and firemen, that I'm pretty sure made less to start than the Campaign Fund employee the district hired.
What the most dangerous thing she'll ever hace to face-- a paper cut?
Now, when it comes to student safety, Mr. Remely is worried about cutting corners!
Disgusting.
Actually, I wish he wasn't. I get some sort of sick kick out of political figures saying extremely dumb things.
And please, call me Damion. My father is still Mr. Deringer and hopefully will be for a very long time.
If money is tight, Dan, maybe Timmy will give back some of his salary, and the administrators will return their bonuses. Ha!
Elaine
Damion it is then. Just trying to be respectful until given reason to be ...familar... or otherwise.
I get your point about saying dumb things. If I remember correctly, Remely went after the fire dept. when they demanded windows that opened in classrooms for safety reasons.
Are people asking the design firm why they missed all these items and why was their bid price so far off?
I don't remember the windows, but I do remember this:
They push...and push... and push
" fighting the municipality's decision to designate the building as a "high-rise" based on its height from the proposed new entrance on Horsman Drive.
Mt. Lebanon Fire Chief Nicholas Sohyda said the designation has been part of the fire code since 1970, when it was amended to say that any building higher than 50 feet would be considered a high-rise."
Elaine
I believe Damion, one of the directors said they wouldn't contest or question change orders so that they wouldn't delay the project in anyway.
Then once the project is completrd they'd go back and bicker over who was responsible for omissions andchange orders.
The legalbeagles are salivating in anticipation, in my opinion.
Mr. Remely you are running unopposed; there is no need to make silly pre-election political statements to get votes.
Mr. Ewing he's not running unopposed. You can always write in Moe, Larry, Curly or Shemp.
Change order for 10 security cameras on the lower level of the athletic building!
Wasn't one of the selling points of this white elephant that it would be a more secure building?
Now we need 10 security cameras in JUST the lower level of the athletic building. How many are going to be in the rest of the building.
I remember concern that a firetruck may not be able to clear the glass bridge to the athletic wing - great design! Darn, those pesky fire safety regulations!
As for Remely, his role on the board is - laughable!
It's just crazy for Dan to think this way. He seems to think the police and fire are out to get him, as if they are only applying building code inspections and criteria to the high school project.
Dan, that's what they do. If you or our construction manager didn't consult with the PD and FD on these issues up front, whose fault is it anyway? Surely you knew they would be inspecting.
I wonder if Remely stirred up the lawsuit against the Zoning Hearing Board that cost taxpayers $27,000 in legal fees. The brief written by the District's Solicitors office was one of the weakest I've ever read. I guess nobody told the school board they had to follow zoning and safety codes of the municipality
Remely might benefit from reading the results of recent audits of the Mt Lebanon School District. I believe the district has been mandated to work closely with police to ensure we have safe schools.
At this point, I am wondering with WHOM doesn't the school district fight?
... “Our illustrious police department and fire department are spending a heck of a lot of our money,” he said, noting that their reviews required more safety measures ...
Sometimes I just cannot believe what I read.
First, neither public safety agency (Police or Fire) mandates anything that is not "code" - be it municipal, state or federal. Maybe, Celli and friends should have brushed up on these details before picking up their pencil.
Second, if the District asks either agency for recommendations - that is what they are - recommendations - and the board can choose to follow the advice of these professionals or ignore it. (I am reminded that the board has experience in the latter.)
Third, student safety was a material reason some board members cited as justification to raze building "C". The stairwells were not safe because of their external, reclusive design - consequently we needed better (safer) designed buildings ... at a cost of several million dollars.
For this free spending board to disparage our public safety professions is discouraging.
Could this have anything to do with the fact that he lost the PA House election to Dan Miller, a volunteer firefighter?
11:47 AM, I think it is because Dan Miller is the better man.
Elaine
So you would NEVER question our police "at any time"?
How about when they spent $100,000 of our tax money when they settled the lawsuit for their tasering of businessman Frank Caruso?
12;25 PM, this is about the safety of our children. Spin it any way you like
Elaine
....or when the police department was sued for excessive force by Jessica Yochum when she was having an epileptic seizure?
12:25 /12:33 PM. Are you defending Remely?
Elaine
I am not Remley. I am a citizen who feels that if we do not question the police at any time (your words) they may turn into the SB.
12:48 PM, I didn't ask you if you were Remely. Your persistence tells me that you are supporting Remely, that his continued questioning the fire chief and/or the police chief is a good thing. OK then.
With Remely cutting corners when it comes to fire safety makes one wonder why his former property burned to the ground. I am not saying he is responsible. It is just ironic.
Elaine
12:25/12:33, you are exactly right, we should not be complacent with any authority, fire, police, commissioners or school board. And the two examples you provide are perfect examples of the checks and balances available.
Tell us please, where do we go to get justice for the board promising to deliver a high school project under $100 million?
Who do we file suit with for a boiler installation with no water feeds?
How do we recoup the legal fees because some dunderhead couldn't meet the required number of parking spaces required in the zoning code?
I left out "defending"....sorry for the typo.
Elaine,
Agree that Miller won on merit. But my question at 11:47 was whether Remely's defeat in that elction fostered residual bitterness towards our Public Safety Department.
Mr. Mathews you are correct in everything you write except the remark about being discouraged.
When is it appropriate to say, "we're mad as hell and w're not going to put up with it any more"?
Between the municipality and school district legal fight over parking spaces we wasted approximately $50,000 in legal fees.
The CAC experts said building C was a perfectly good building and could be renovated to 21st century stands. And it need not go to a landfill... Green Team!
Then look back, how much was wasted on Celli and board trying to convince the community the oldest wing could be brought up to 21st ed standards.
Look what pictures they're bragging about now, many of the rooms are in that obsolete building!
The question now is, in a community of 33,000 well-educated people, the current board is the best 'thinkers' we can come up with?
I doubt the Fire Department is suggesting random improvements. There are CODES they have to follow, right?
Do we NEED 10 cameras on the athletic building? Do we think there's going to some deadly event at a Mt Lebanon sporting event? Isn't that why the police GO to the sporting events?
Spend the money from the 10 cameras on making our streets safe -- that's where someone is doing to die.
1:37 PM, I said those exact words to the school board on April 7, 2011.
Elaine
*April 12, 2010, not April 7, 2011. April 12, 2010
April 5, 2010
Please listen to this podcast. Mr. Bies, Mrs. Bongiorno, and others shared EXCELLENT points.
Elaine
Aside from James Fraasch's Audit & Finance Committee projections on where the district would today, what other projections by any other SB director come close to being accurate?
A less than $100 million high school renovation--- nope, that guesstimate sailed away long ago!
How about a $30 million fundraiser? Don't make me laugh!
This town really has me wondering what MATTERS here. It seems like you could say anything to the school district, school board, municipality and while a few individuals might think you have a good point, the overall consensus would be "so what?".
Has the spending gotten so out of control that everyone is pointing fingers at each other, kicking the can down the road, and walking around in a fog?
"How dare you force us to file a Right to Know with every question asked of you?" My, Elaine...how far we have come in 3 1/2 years...
Well, 9:05PM, I think we all need to find a few individuals with the courage and fortitude to withstand the bucking of the bull to run for office. I know there are a few out there that just need the encouragement to do it.
Mt. Lebanon needs an Ike Eisenhower type political figure to rein in the out of control spending and cronyism. There should be no new spending for the next 5 years.
First, I laughed. The idiotic comment is something I've come to expect from a member of the school board. Their collective arrogance knows no bounds.
But upon further reflection, I became angry. Perhaps Mr. Remely would like to illustrate the wanton and reckless spending implied by his words? I wasn't a math major but I can read numbers, and nowhere have I seen where the fire and police departments blew through untoward amounts of money on unnecessary expenditures. I mean, it's not like they went really crazy, lied to the public and then tore through $150 million. I did, however, try to figure out their budgets based on $18 a month.
I think it would do Remely and his cohorts some good to remember why people move to Mt. Lebanon. It's not the schools. It's certainly not the low taxes. It's because this community is safe. And it's safe because we have some of the best, most professional first responders in the state. Keep in mind roughly 20 percent of the community utilizes the school district. One hundred percent of the community relies on our fire and police departments. Every day including weekends and holidays.
I've consistently stated we should give our firefighters and cops what they need. Without them, this community ceases to be what it is. They don't lie to the public, they don't make faces at them, they don't make people jump through hoops to get answers. Perhaps Mr. Remely would care to elaborate on how many houses he's saved from disaster or how many crimes he's prevented? Hmm?
There is a solution, though. Mr. Remely, it's time for you to resign. Take the rest of the board with you. You have all been nothing but tragically comical for years. But now you imply our emergency personnel somehow have too much? Right. Ok. Just go. Please do it for the sake of the community and for your own dignity.
And for Elaine's readers: this whole saga demonstrates the result of voter apathy. When you stay home on election day, we all end up with this. Please, get out and vote your conscience. Obviously, this year, because the local R committee is so weak, they decided to hold back (again) from putting up a good fight. I say, someone here needs to volunteer as the write-in candidate. Any takers?
Yep, 9:51 PM. Nothing has changed in 3.5 years.
Damion, the problem is a couple of individuals have come forward to serve on the commission or school board, and they are ridiculed by the other members if they don't go with the status quo. Before you moved here, we had a really great guy on the school board who had a grip on our financial situation. Search "James Fraasch" here or on Blog Lebo to see how he was treated.
Look what happened to a former candidate who ran during the Primary. His answered the PTA question, "6. How have the recent state budget cuts directly impacted Mt. Lebanon schools?"
With:
"The district's funding from the state was not cut for the current school year nor is it projected to be cut next year. Both the state's basic education funding and total education funding to the district for the 2013 -2014 school year are projected to increase. In the current school year, the state's basic education funding to the district was approximately flat and total education funding to the district increased."
Guess what Damion? He was the only one who admitted that funding has increased. Boy, did that cost him. He dropped out of the race.
We need five "Ike" types for school board to make a difference. We need three on the commission.
I heard today that one of the "dog people" from Dave's ward is planning to run in four years. Guess what her personal agenda will be?
Elaine
JEC III, if only we could come up with four viable write in candidates, besides The Four Stooges. We have too many stooges already. Remely's comment was shameful. He does not deserve anyone's vote.
Elaine
"What the Kluck" He would deliver the good word regardless of the consequences.
Damion,
We used to have a school board president who would say he was going to vote for a motion but he didn't like it. He would then state his reasons for not liking the motion and then vote for the motion. This is what Mr. Remely does on change orders; he is two-faced.
Remely even had a meeting in his office one Saturday morning with two other board members to dump one of his Republican running mates. The meeting was held at the request of Joe Rodella and Alfonso Frioni. Alfonso just finished co-charing the Strategic Plan. Committee - a position he was appointed to by Mrs. Posti. Fortunately Faith was also appointed as his co-chair.
Damion, think long and hard before you get mixed up in the cesspool of Mt. Lebanon politics.
Well, it seems like we need to seriously start Lebo Citizens team and an involved grassroots campaign that hopefully will gain some momentum. Honestly, I think the Democratic party should come on board as one of the principles of the Democrats is being about the people and having equal say.
Concerning RTKs, members of the House Education Committee this week voted unanimously to send to the full House legislation which seeks to expand transparency to Pennsylvania public schools. House Bill 1411 would require traditional, charter and cyber schools to detail their revenues and expenditures in an online database, similar to the recently established PennWATCH website, which details state government expenditures. Specifically, the website would provide taxpayers with thorough information concerning the amount of funding received by school entities from federal, state, local and private sources, payments to outside entities and employee compensation. House Bill 1411 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Elaine
Mr. Ewing,
I hope I am not alone in trying to clean up the cesspool that is Mt. Lebanon politics. We need people that understand the courage it will take to clean it up.
Damion at 10:06 AM, I don't want this to be a Democratic or Republican thing. The Dems already have control of Mt. lebanon and the Reps are useless. Neither party will admit to reading this blog. Actually, I am not well liked by either party and both parties would support the idea of me go away, taking the blog with me.
Elaine
Elaine, I wasn't trying to make it a Dem vs Rep thing. I was just pointing out that the Dems(my own party affiliation) are being hypocrites if they don't embrace the change that is needed so every person has a say.
I know what you are saying, Damion. The Dems worked hard to control Mt. Lebanon, so no change is needed and the Reps are too clueless to know the difference. All I know is, there is a large group from both parties being bullied by D's and R's alike. That is the problem.
Elaine
Well, IF I decide to run those people that are bullied are the people I would work with the most. Those are the people whose voices need to be heard. Even if I lost, I would be satisfied knowing I tried to help the bullied get their voices heard.
Damion be aware, you or anyone else that decides to run and reform the district or municipal offices is going to be met with anger and unbelievable resistance from staffs, administrators, and special interest groups like unions and sports groups.
The status quo has existed far too long and it won't be given up without a fight.
So to anyone running you're going to need a thick skin and a lot of staunch support covering your back untl the results of reforms begin to show.
Damion,
If you run, prepare to steel yourself against the childish yet malicious attacks that will come. The tiny tiny tiny group of people in elected positions will do whatever possible to retain their seats. I dont know if theyre just petty egoists or if, as in the case of the school board, theyre trying to hide something from the public. But either way, if you truly are principled and call a spade a spade, you will be asking for a battle. Sincerely, I wish you luck if you choose to enter the arena.
You bring up a good subject James, regarding egotist.
I've often wondered why anyone would write for free for a magazine with limited circulation,that pays the editor over $100,000.
I can understand historical or garden society, friends of the library writing for a community magazine, eventhe environmentalist, but why articles on vacations, their mothers, golf trips, etc. Is it bragging? Do they just have some need to see their name in print? Is writing a hobby? Are they building a portfolio?
Even the Readers Digest pays for submissions!
I dont get it? If someone enjoys writing, what difference does it make if they're paid? I dont have any issue with being published just for the sake of being published. People do it every day with editorials and letters to the editor. You might have a beef with MtL magazine overall but I don't think it's fair to assume people only want to see their words printed due to ego. Some people really just enjoy writing and, like many creative people, want to generate something and let it loose in the world for others to enjoy. Again, we can debate the merits of the subject matter but that's different than the act of writing.
And next time, how about signing your name?
Good point, I didn't consider, James.
Then the question becomes, should the community be footing the bill for a medium for the writers? How about amateur song writers, should there be a community (e)tunes? How about photographers, painters, sculptors-- a community arts magazine. A community cookbook magazine for amateur chefs?
If I sign my name does it make the questions, better questions?
If you read my comment, James you will find I did allow that people may be submtting articles to the magazine just for the pleasure of writing.
Since you'd like to ratchet things up, then let's do it. This entire thread is based on comments by a member of the school board. You've gone far afield of that and decided to air some unrelated disdain for MtL magazine. If you have an issue with that magazine, start attending commission meetings and stating your position. Better yet, contact your commissioner. And I did read your comment. Perhaps you should do the same before asserting I've missed an entire statement. Nowhere in your post do you state or even allude to people writing for the pleasure of writing. Here, let me copy it for you and you can point out the missing section.
"You bring up a good subject James, regarding egotist.
I've often wondered why anyone would write for free for a magazine with limited circulation,that pays the editor over $100,000.
I can understand historical or garden society, friends of the library writing for a community magazine, eventhe environmentalist, but why articles on vacations, their mothers, golf trips, etc. Is it bragging? Do they just have some need to see their name in print? Is writing a hobby? Are they building a portfolio?
Even the Readers Digest pays for submissions!"
Signing your name would lend credibility and legitimacy to your questions. If you prefer to remain anonymous while lobbing criticism, it's difficult to take you seriously. Or if you'd like to have a private conversation about this matter, my number is 412-304-6114. Feel free to call any time.
Mr. Cannon, i'm not trying to ratchet up anythingand my comment was only a follow up to your comment where you wrote: "If you run, prepare to steel yourself against the childish yet malicious attacks that will come. The tiny tiny tiny group of people in elected positions will do whatever possible to retain their seats. I dont know if theyre just petty egoists..."
I would agree with you wholeheartedly about people writing for the shear pleasure of it. Had MTL magazine had a writers section and it accepted work from a wide sampling of the community my comment wouldn't have even come up.
But, there seems to be a propensity for the mag to feature the same individuals on a regular basis.
My question purpose was to see if anyone recognized it and if it had anything to do with supporting your "petty egotist".
If I had a legitimate gripe or criticism, you can rest assured I would address it with the proper people... signed!
It was thrown out on the blog to see if it was legit observation, which you've gone to great lengths to explain you didn't think so.
I think I've been properly chastized, thank you.
Correction- chastised, not chastized.
Back to Remely. Does anyone remember if Dan ever apologized to the fire department back in 2011? I think he owes a few people an apology this time.
Has this caused Remely supporters to think twice next month, or are the Remely diehards still voting for him?
Elaine
Just an FYI, Mr. Cannon.
I asked "Is writing a hobby?
From Dictionary.com
hobby[ hob-ee ]
noun [plural hob·bies.]
1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation
Can we please stay on topic?
Elaine
Good question, Elaine.
Eant your question directed to Remely supporters. Curious if it changed anyone's vote for the fourth director and what if anything they propose to do for the last directors seat.
The more I read what Mr. Remely said, the more I can't believe what I'm reading. It is completely ridiculous and it really makes you wonder.
"Signing your name would lend credibility and legitimacy to your questions. If you prefer to remain anonymous while lobbing criticism, it's difficult to take you seriously."
I'm going to use that as my canned response from now on. Thanks James.
Dave Franklin
Lebo Fields/Dave Franklin, how about staying on topic? This thread is about Dan Remely, not about signing your name. Please, everyone knows you have submitted your share of anonymous barbs, Dave.
Not only does Remely insult our first responders, he didn't have the decency to show up at the Candidates Forum. But no worries, Dan, you will get reelected despite your actions. What a world we live in.
Elaine
Was that a jab at me or just anonymous posters in general, Dave? Just asking because you know I have no issue discussing things openly.
And where is the R committee on Remely? Are they just going to stick their head in the sand as usual and say "la-la-la-la-la-la...I can't hear you...it didn't happen..."? So now the Ds can claim the local R party is against firefighters and cops. Pretty sure that's not where they want to be.
Anon posters generally. And frankly, I think it is on topic. If people are serious about making an impact or if they really want to alter the landscape in our community in areas in which they thinks it's necessary, they need to stand up and be counted. If all of the anonymous commenters on this blog represent individual taxpayers, certainly there is a critical mass. However, nothing will change if those who seek/desire change remain anonymous. And please spare me the dribble about how the system is set up to exclude or snuff out such commentary. We all know that if 4 or 5 people show up at a meeting and raise a stink about a certain issue it will undoubtedly make the Thursday paper or the Almanac.
From where I sit, I think a large number of our residents are satisfied with the operation of the municipality. That probably doesn't hold true for the school district given the numerous promises and representations that were made about the school project. I think residents are a bit more wary or at least confused when it comes to those issues, but at the end of the day anon posters won't change anything in my opinion.
Dave Franklin
Many anonymous posters follow up with emails to their elected officials. I know that to be true because I either get blind copied or forwarded copies.
I sign my name to everything and go to meetings. What good was it presenting a well publicized petition? I have had my share (too much!) of mentions in local newspapers. What good does it do? We're going to have deer culling, in spite of all my pleas about safety. We have math parents who went to meetings, got local coverage, and what resulted? Nothing! Those parents will give you names of good math tudors.
Riemer was asked if he reads this blog. He said that he doesn't read "that trash." Remely doesn't go to the Candidates Forum and bashes the fire and police depts.
we can sign our names to our comments and the school board will continue to bully us. Signed or unsigned, it really doesn't make a difference.
Elaine
Mr. Franklin, the biggest case for anonymous comments working is that Kubit and the board proceeded with the high school project because of 4,000 and one comments supporting the project, yet he couldn't offer one name or signature backing up his claim.
You say your SAB turf has major support. Then put it to referendum!
Sixty-three percent of the registered voters in Mt. Lebanon don't bother to vote - that is the 10 year average, and covers both "glamor" elections - such as for POTUS - and "off-year" elections; the latter having the largest consequences on a resident's wallet! Why these people don't vote is unknown; although a lot of people in this town have floated a number of their own reasons, some plausible and some laughable.
With respect to our two "major" political parties, there is not a dime's worth of difference between them when one looks at their basic premises; they are simply opposite wings of the same collectivist bird, and differ only in style and rhetoric. The share a common aim - power - and an common opinion of what their relationship should be to the average MTL resident - "we know best." (For those Republicans wondering why Mr. Remely seems out of character for a Republican I maintain his demeanor is perfectly in-tune with his party.)
The sad - really sad - issue in this village is that when all of the so-called independents and disaffected major party members are offered an actual choice outside of the establishment they simply cannot bring themselves to vote for him or her. I adduce as evidence George Brown, the Libertarian candidate for 42nd PA Legislative District. George offered the voters a clear choice, but he only received about 8% of the vote. It would seem that most of the disaffected party voters are still holding out for a local "messiah" - someone who will reform the party and lead it to victory. (Note: I very much like Dan Miller, and appreciate the work he has done for the community. He actually listens to people. But Mr. Miller and I have some basic differences in political philosophy, which we both recognize. To his credit, he does read the various case studies I have sent him from the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think-tank.)
Ironically, both Dave Franklin and Elaine Gillen are correct! - " If people are serious about making an impact or if they really want to alter the landscape in our community in areas in which they thinks it's necessary, they need to stand up and be counted," - Dave Franklin; and "(W)e can sign our names to our comments and the school board will continue to bully us. Signed or unsigned, it really doesn't make a difference."
Speaking of Mr. Remely, local politics, and the ease with which some people are offended, Reason Magazine just published this rather timely article: "What Forrest Gump Teaches Us About Politics" by A. Barton Hinkle, senior editorial writer and a columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The lesson here is that Blog writers should express themselves clearly, and Blog readers should not misconstrue similes, analogies and other figures of speech for something sinister.
Remely? Remely?
Ummm, isn't he the director that proclaimed all the fat had been cut out during this years years budget discussion? Adding further that to balance the budget the board would have to cut into the meat and bone?
Then just a short time after he dire warning, approved bonuses, a big pay raise for Tim and several hundreds of thousand dollars in questionable change ordets.
Are we talking about the same Remely here?
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