As I have posted here in the past, my comment at 14:45 from the November 25, 2013 Commission Meeting video challenged Kristen's statement concerning the ESB's stance on artificial turf. The ESB's endorsement coming from Kristen (remember, her vote was the key vote for artificial turf) just wasn't adding up in my head.
Over time, I have had contact with several members of the ESB and understand that the ESB is coming out with an official statement saying that they do NOT support artificial turf anywhere in Mt. Lebanon. Meeting minutes from July 12, 2012 reflect their concerns. Looking at the August 9, 2012 minutes, you will see this statement:
Field Turf Discussion: Matt and Pam indicated that the field turf does not appear to be a sustainable approach.
Please note that President Linfante was not present at either ESB meeting. Yet, she publicly misrepresented the ESB's stance about artificial turf. But, the damage is done. The vote was passed.
As soon as the ESB's official statement is issued, I will post it here. In the meantime, my sincerest apologies to the Environmental Sustainability Board. It just wasn't adding up. Now, it all makes sense.
Update January 18, 2014 10:03 AM I asked the commissioners more about the Turf Project Task Force. Here is John Bendel's reply:
Sat, Jan 18, 2014 9:22 am
Update January 18, 2014 11:55 AM This is kind of weird. I just received a response from the president of the commission. Here it is:
Update January 18, 2014 10:03 AM I asked the commissioners more about the Turf Project Task Force. Here is John Bendel's reply:
Re: Turf Project Task Force
| From | John Bendel jbendel@mtlebanon.org |
| To | egillen476 egillen476@aol.com |
| Cc | commission commission@mtlebanon.org |
Elaine,
As you know, the turf task force was established by the Commission on November 25, 2013. The action by the commission included the following representatives on the task force: Municipal Recreation Director (Chair), school district representative, Gateway Engineering and representatives from the Sports Advisory Board. The members include:
David Donnellan, chair
John Grogan, School District
Gateway, Dan Deiseroth
Tim White, SAB Chair
Chip Dalesandro, SAB
Dave Franklin, SAB
Brian Auer, SAB
The task force is working on a report that is due by February 11. Per the Commission's resolution, the report is to include:
- Strategy for field use and fee structure to cover the annual field use fee
- Strategy for funding the initial non-municipal share
- Draft maintenance agreement with the School District
- List of turf vendors, including those offering organic infill
- RFP schedule with construction targeted to begin by August 1, 2014
The report has not been prepared yet, but I know the task force has talked with several turf vendors and most of them offer an organic infill product. We will have the list of vendors recommended by the task force by February 11.
Regards,
| From: | Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org> |
| To: | egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Value Mt. Lebanon |
| Date: | Sat, Jan 18, 2014 11:52 am |
Dear Ms Gillen,
Thank you for your interest in my website. However, the message you received was correct. It has been removed.
Anyone who wishes to follow my commission activities is welcome to attend or watch our commission meetings or any of the public meetings of the boards I serve on. Of course, I am also available by phone or email as posted on the municipal website.
Best regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commission President
Ward 3
On Jan 18, 2014, at 11:41 AM, "egillen476@aol.com" <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:
Update January 19, 2014 9:53 AM Here is an archived article from Kristen's (now removed) Value Mt. Lebanon site, titled Why I voted "no" Another one, An Interesting Article About Deer is the one that she posted during the weekend of the Sandy Hook shootings. It was also her most recent post. There were no reports about the Environmental Sustainability Board's stance on artificial turf, of which she was the commission liaison for two years.Commissioner Linfante,
Are you aware of the problem with your blog? I get this message:Elaine Gillen
72 comments:
Applause, applause to the ESB if indeed they presnt their opposition to artificial turf to the commissioners.
Of course, the board only functions in an advisory capacity and the commissioners are not bound to abide by their opinion and that's how it should be.
But, at least now the commissioners will have an hinest appraisal of the turf issue but someone other than a few wingnuts.
Now if the community's official magazine would presnt the ESB's opinion to the general public, we might be getting back on the road to transparent and honest local government.
The magazine will never publish an article that contains a valid and deserving criticism of a Commissioner or appointed official even if there is irrefutable or substantiating evidence to support such criticism. To avoid such a situation, the magazine will remain mute or noncommital. Doubtful that a Commission majority is in place to force otherwise on Feller & Morgans in this particular case thanks to Dave, Kerstin and John, even with children likely to be playing on the toxic turf.
6:17 if that is the case, MTL magazine is not The "COMMUNITY" magazine it claims to be and the PIO is definitely not a public information officer.
It's convenient they're voicing their concern now, especially since it's already passed. Why was it Elaine who had to bring this up to the commission and not the ESB itself?
I wonder what bought their silence before the vote? Probably some votes for Pay as you Throw.
From reading 4-5 different months of 2012 minutes, It sounds to me like the ESB was misled. They understood that turf was under discussion but were led to believe that there were environmental, social and economic barriers to implementation. They believed that Kelly's plan was what was under consideration. Further, this is a statement from their Dec 2012 minutes: "Commission Linfante indicated that some of the funds from the recent bond issue could be used for improvements in parks, at the recreation center or on fields, but no funds could be used to turf fields". So far it sounds like this investigation suggests they were blindsided.
I am beginning to see a pattern....
Better late than never, but you make a good point, 7:40.
The turf project has yet to begin and I doubt there is anything in the Home Rule Charter that says the project cannot be stopped.
If it goes forward, everything that the commission looks like under Linfante's presidency must be examine by the constituency under the most powerful microscope.
For those wondering where these agendas and minutes are available, go to Agendas & Minutes
Elaine
How do we know President Linfante isn't playing it loosey-goosey with the truth on the number of deer incidents in Mt. Lebanon?
It is unfathomable that these parents would permit their children to play on hazardous materials such as old tires as outlined in the EPA warning.
some residents came into close contact with the ward 1 commissioner in 2013 in need of funding to address a community hazard and found that the availability of these unassigned funds were not disclosed.
these residents believe the unassigned funds were kept secret so that the bulk of the funds could be allocated to turf.
they felt they were intentionally thwarted in their efforts to present to the commission so that the turf plan could go through uninterrupted.
these residents strongly question the integrity of the pro-turf commissioners (and municipality leadership).
9:41 great to hear, but let's see them show up at Commission meetings and read the riot act enmasse to Bendel and his co-conspirators Linfante and Brumfield, pepper them with e-mails, letters and phone calls. Otherwise nothing will change. These Commissioners need a major wake up call !
Kristen should lose all credibility with any of the other commissioners and certainly with her constituents. Nothing she says should be trusted, but her fellow commissioners won't care at all and just keep going along business as usual. That is Mt Lebanon politics at its finest.
6:17 you are so right. Years ago when they were first talking about putting in a new outdoor pool I attended the community meeting. They broke us into four groups to brainstorm what was needed and then present back to everyone. At this point the Rec Dept. wanted to blow away the lap pool and go for a "Sandcastle" like lazy river thing. EVERY group said keep what we have (that they lap swimming was important) and just fix the things for the younger kids (and add heat). What the magazine reported from the meeting was just false. It was irresponsible journalism at its finest. (And keep in mind I do fully support updating the pool...so I'm not someone that was dead set against it.)
The magazine is PR fluff. It is NOT reporting in any way. It is a waste of money.
Damion, I think this was before you moved here. You might want to read my March 27, 2011 post, Inquiring Minds Want to Know
At least with me, Kristen lost all credibility years ago.
Elaine
The magazine is classified in the trade as a "house organ", a promotional publication that provides only info and opinions the publisher wants to provide. A former Commissioner in a public budget meeting referred to the magazine as "a propaganda tool".
It seems as though most of the ESB were unaware of the surprise turf vote. They were expecting their commission liaison to keep them informed. Also, most of them rely on the PIO for what is happening in the community.
Elaine
I think it is important to point this out.
A number of people are suggesting that it is convenient that the ESB is voicing their concerns "NOW". Well, they voiced their concerns to Kristen months before the vote to turf. Kristen, as liaison to the ESB, should have relayed those concerns to the rest of the Commission.
Kristen not only didn't relay the concerns of the ESB regarding turf, she outright lied and said that the ESB has no problem with turf.
Can someone transcribe Kristen's exact comments here? I can't get my player to load them. I just remember what she said at the time.
And yes, Kristen appears to have made up the information about the number of deer/vehicle accidents as well. Or at least she didn't verify the number she repeated at a meeting and in the newspapers.
Seriously though, can someone please transcribe her comments? I'd love to get them out there for all to see!
Here is the transcription:
Kelly says we have heard from SAB on turf, have we heard from Parks Advisory or ESB?
Donnellan says PAB had no recommedation.
Kristen: "ESB has discussed this, actually they discussed this a while ago when we were first trying to get this passed a year ago. Some people may be surprised but they are not necessarily opposed to turf. Although some people may think that it is not environmentally friendly, there are many aspects of it that actually are, but they did not express concern over turfing those fields. That discussion happened a while ago."
Kelly: "when did that happen?"
Kristen: "Gosh, it was a while ago, I will have to check. It would certainly be in the minutes"
John: "The preference for organic infill came from previous discussions about doing the turf project and the idea was as there was concern from general residents as well as ESB (some of the members) and that is why the preference is in there. A product that won't contaminate the ground water. The disposable cost when you are done with it is very minimial because you have no other concerns of the product....that was an outgrowth of the conversation that happened a year ago."
Kelly I think that we did talk about the eco friendly turf.
John then explains that he would like to price the eco friendly turf but if it is too much then they will go back to non-eco friendly.
Kristen agrees they don't want to hamstring their decision by only being able to go with eco friendly turf.
Thank you, 10:20 AM. That was a lot of work. The video is not working well for me either. You can hear the podcast on my website, lebocitizens.com.
Elaine
Thank you 10:20 for the video transcript. Worse than I thought. How long will Kelley Fraasch stay on this Commission? It appears she continues to get kicked in the teeth and lied to by her fellow Commissioners.
Ms. Linfante should be recalled, at RTK regarding turf and unassigned funds should be submitted and a real petition that articulates the potential health hazards and environmental issues associated with artificial turf are among some of the things that ought to happen. I'd like to know how many sports oriented parents would prefer artificial turf over grass given these factors.
Consult with the Allegheny County Board of Health and local environmental groups regarding this matter and also get their positions. Karen Hacker, MD, may be able to comment.
I am putting all the pieces together now. Read Dave Franklin's last entry on his blog, Commissioners Approve Funding for Middle and Wildcat Turf Project
"The Commission commented that the support in favor of this proposal widely surpassed those who were opposed."
Gee, maybe it is because they didn't listen to anyone who opposed it. Also, in my Citizens Comment from that November meeting, the turf vote was not advertised in any social media outlets or websites. We now know that nobody told the ESB!
Elaine
The wheels are in motion, and nothing seems to be slowing down with the "Turf Project Task Force." They met last night. "Four of the major turf vendors made presentations to the group. Site visits to turf facilities will be scheduled over the next two weeks."
I have no idea who is on the Turf Project Task Force. I am really getting sick of filing RTKs.
Elaine
1:30 PM, all good ideas, but do you think the sports oriented parents will be told about the EPA and the ESB? I doubt it.
Elaine
I am also a little cynical when it comes to petitions, considering I presented almost 4,000 signatures to the school board to cap the high school project at $75 million. It didn't make a bit of difference. The same people who are pro turf got the new sports wing and the turf replaced for the high school.
Elaine
Elaine, wasn't Linfante one of the people that snickered and made comments from the audience during your presentation of the 4,000 signatures to the school board?
Oh yes, 2:47 PM. Kristen and I go way back.
I am not a sports parent. Any petition efforts need to come from them. My petition days are over.
Elaine
They can have all the turf presentations that they want to make it look like there's progress but without the cash they've got nothing. With widely known community opposition, they lose prospective investors.
Maybe a whole different blog just about health impact of artificial turf on athletes... the go to spot for parents and investors to gather information about their potential investment and/or their desire to oppose/support.
So we already know Kristen's attitude toward the opinions of her neighbors based on her conduct during Elaine's presentation of 4,000 signatures opposed to spending $75,000,000 on the high school renovation.
Not stopping it, just keeping affordable.
So to those people suggesting another petition, you better come up with something else.
Kristen will just follow Ed Kubit's example and declare she spoke to an equal number of people.
Not an equal number... "the support in favor of this
proposal widely surpassed those who were opposed."
Their toxic field of dreams will be empty after they build it
and no one comes.
http://www.peer.org/news/news-releases/2013/11/12/voters-reject-artificial-turf-in-three-states/
Love the last paragraph in your PEER (public Employees for Environmental Responsibility), 4:46.
"“The law requires any products intended for children under age 14 to be lead-free.” Ruch added, pointing out that CPSC rules only apply to lead but ignore other dangerous chemicals in shredded tires including arsenic, benzene, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, mercury, carbon black and aromatic hydrocarbons. “The long-term effect of exposing children, especially very young children, to these toxic materials in an environmentally accessible form is not fully understood but common sense suggests it should be avoided.”"
The question is since our public employees and commissioners are completely lacking in common sense-- how do we stop them from moving forward with this nonsense? Any ideas anyone?
I certainly tried. I think the only ones who could do anything are the sports parents will be forced to subject their kids to artificial turf. Don't let the SAB tell you that artificial turf is already eco-friendly because they use old tires and tennis shoes, which keeps them out of landfills. But where does that turf go at the end of its life? In the landfills.
Parents were going ballistic over the weedkiller being used in our parks and school yards and rightfully so.
It has to come from the parents. Shame on the commissioners who have no problem expecting kids to play on those "toxic field of dreams."
The EPA warnings, the ESB, annual 100 year storms and related flooding issues, parking problems, complaints from the neighbors because of the increase of traffic and noise, spending taxpayers' money for selfish wants, has not caused them to bat an eye.
Parents, it is on your shoulders now. I have done everything I can do.
Elaine
You're so right Elaine.
Take for instance that person that recently moved here over USC. It's their toddler that will be playing on these fields as they grow up.
Isn't it funny that a "What the Kluck" protest could be staged to protest people getting involved in the community, but when it comes to an environmental issue and the welfare of their kids... nothing!
What a strange place Mt. Lebanon has become.
I'd be more concerned about my child's health than the difference of 1 mill between USC and MTL.
Increased fees and toxic waste - sure where do I sign up my kid ?
When do we start calling Cedar Blvd. the Love Canal ?
Oh jeeze! Maybe the SAB can sponsor a sign that says "Play at your own risk."
Elaine
In Congressman Murphy's E-News, read the section under Funding Measure in regards to the EPA and paint regulations. Maybe Murphy needs to be informed of the dangers of artificial turf, so he can get after the EPA and sponsor some more bills. Anonymous.
Elaine,
With 1 out of 2 men and 1 out of 3 women possessing the risk of developing cancer, who has time to think about exposing children to known carcinogens on their playing fields in Mt Lebanon?
We are just trying to give the kids some extra playing time (unless it is too hot out, in which case the kids will be at the ER with heat exhaustion).
Yes, let's just leave this battle up to the legislators. NY has some pending legislation on the subject (http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5726-2013) and many other states do too.
But wait, doesn't Mt Lebanon muni and school district have some issues with following PA Codes?
Signed,
Forgetaboutit
Following that logic, why are we spending millions removing asbestos from our schools? Let's leave it there. Odds are, half of the boys and a third of the girls (using your numbers) will get cancer anyway. Brilliant 9:26 PM.
Elaine
9:26 PM, I really can't tell. Are you being sarcastic? I hope so.
Elaine
I looked up a little bit of PA Case Law related to this subject and I was wondering if Mt Lebanon intends to change many its ordinances related to the regulation of our parks now that artificial turf will be on middle/wildcat? For example, will there be high fences that are locked when a rental group isn't there? If so, that's a dramatic departure from the way this open space has been managed in the past, in which any resident could use the space when a Mt Lebanon rec league wasn't allocated the time/space.
Current rules: http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3876
Radnor case:
http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=9545299027886587224&q=synthetic+turf+children&hl=en&as_sdt=6,39&as_ylo=2013&as_yhi=2014&as_vis=1
From 9:26 - Yes, that was sarcastic. Having spent time on children's cancer units, it's hard to believe there's such a casual stance here toward exposing children to environmental hazards. It's like traveling back in time.
Thank you, 9:26/10:25 PM. Sorry I didn't pick up on that right away. Yes, it's unbelievable.
Elaine
Gee Mr. Franklin has been unusually quiet.
10:23 PM, I never saw those rules before. We can't have picnics in picnic shelters without written permission by Feller? (102.14) OMG, I have had many picnics in the shelter at Rockwood Park. Are you kidding me???
(102.18.3) We violated that when we had rented municipal volleyball equipment for our block party at Rockwood Park.
(102.5) All those people who throw stones at deer are in big trouble too.
(202.9) If you stink, you leave.
§101 McNeilly isn't listed as a park.
Is this out of date?
10:23 PM, you are so right about using Middle and Wildcat!
Elaine
10:39 PM, yes, quiet here. It is doubtful that he is quiet anywhere else.
Elaine
This may be unrelated to the ESB, but Kristen Linfante's blog, valuemtlebanon.com has been removed. I emailed her asking if she was aware of the problem.
Elaine
Please check my 11:55 AM update. For some strange reason, the president of our commission has decided to remove her blog.
Elaine
very suspicious !
signed,
a citizen journalist
Hi Citizen Journalist,
You get the honor of being the first to use that title. Sounds so much better than spineless blogger, doesn't it?
Yes, the timing is pretty suspicious, especially when there was talk of recalling her. I do remember Kristen supporting artificial turf on her blog and of course the timing of her "shooting deer" article posted right after the Sandy Hook shootings will always stick in my mind. I am sure there is some archiving website out there that has her blog.
Elaine
Definitely looks like an attempt to "batten down the hatches."
Guess she isn't confortable having people read her positions on community affairs.
So much for tranparency!
Does Dave Franklin have a vote on the Turf Project Task Force? He is already on the Parks Advisory Board and the Sports Advisory Board.
Why does this town allow one man to be on three boards at the same time?
File a RTK. While she takes the Posti position on the blog being "personal", she took positions on the blog that were reflected in her deliberations and votes. An argument could be made those were "official" and therefore fall within the scope of a RTK request. There are also numerous programs available to help find the deleted pages.
Sigh. I hope someone else files a RTK. I have filed quite a few of my own.
Elaine
What about those sports parents concerned about artificial grass or the Environmental Board filing for Kristin's Blog records ?
An RTK is a waste of time, the cat's out of the bag.
1:24 PM, it gets better. If you watched the SAB meeting, Dave has already submitted an application to be part of the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment, the group that may be handling all the donations for the turf project.
Don't forget. His wife is on the SAB too. She gets a vote there, but not Dave.
Elaine
Could the fox be trying to gain access to the hen house?
OK, here is what I found archived for Kristen's website, valuemtlebanon.com.
Nothing on her stance on artificial turf, but I know it was there. What she can't remove, is this.
Elaine
Thanks for the additional details regarding the turf committee. I was just wondering how long the turf will take to be installed... if anyone knows. Given that Bendel/Donnellen indicate that 442 games/practices are routinely scheduled on these fields for the fall, I am wondering if Mt Lebanon is just going to cancel those 442 events? Perhaps this is a fast tracked project and the field will be installed over just a few weeks.
I'm with 1:30. Ms. Linfante should be recalled.
Linfante was called out in 2012 ->
Ms. Linfante's family is "not particularly interested or involved in sports in Mt. Lebanon" is a bald-faced lie. Ask anyone who the best pitcher is on the third/fourth grade teams and they will tell you that it is her kid. I have seen him pitch.
She's a liar then and now.
What is the biggest problem with this turf? Is it the dishonesty? Is it the failure to provide a community forum? Is it the lack of attention to lasting and daily environmental impact? Is the lack of regard for preventing exposures to toxic substances and heat islands among child athletes? Is it the coexisting failure to attend to other community needs such as aging infrastructure, flooding, etc? It is the short-term desire to "win" at the cost of losing the trust of your community? Is it the lack of transparency in the leadership as they seek to garner support among sports parents?
It is excess tax dollars being spent! I hope you realize that you are being over taxed and an over taxed community devalues over time.
Constance Spicuous Consumption
Constance, I sure realize it! I posted this on Facebook when mtl Magazine wanted us to vote for the project we want to see completed.
Elaine Trigg Gillen It is a shame that the artificial turf project has only received 15 votes since the Commission has designated $750,000 of surplus funds (over tax) toward this project. Go to lebocitizens.blogspot.com to see what the EPA says about artificial turf.
January 14 at 10:30am · Like · 2
Elaine
Elaine,
Try the followings for the removed blog contents;
Main site: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3Avaluemtlebanon.com%2Fcontent%2Finteresting-article-about-deer&oq=cache%3Avaluemtlebanon.com%2Fcontent%2Finteresting-article-about-deer&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1570j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8
Deer article: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3Avaluemtlebanon.com%2Fcontent%2Finteresting-article-about-deer&oq=cache%3Avaluemtlebanon.com%2Fcontent%2Finteresting-article-about-deer&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.2609j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8
Thanks always for your hard work for our community.
Elain,
One more: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3Avaluemtlebanon.com%2Fcontent%2Fwhy-i-voted-no&oq=cache%3Avaluemtlebanon.com%2Fcontent%2Fwhy-i-voted-no&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1233j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8
Thank you, 12:31/12:35 AM. I added these in my third update to this post, "It wasn't adding up." I see what 1:48 PM meant by "An RTK is a waste of time, the cat's out of the bag."
Elaine
Madame President can't remove the Post-Gazette web report "I do believe that this project will bring value to every single home in this community," she added.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2013/11/27/750-000-OK-d-for-athletic-field-upgrades/stories/201311280045#ixzz2qrkSVF6a
Want to know the results of the Task Force Study?
Ask yourself these questions.
Who pushed for turf?
Who designed the field set up?
Who stands to make money?
Who is going to recommend the fees?
Who is going to manage sign revenue?
Are we going to get a fair and unbiased appraisel of the project?
When the president lies, don't expect fair and unbiased anything !
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