- Page 9 Dave Franklin sent an email to Kristen and John about Kelly's engagement of the Parks Advisory Board. Keep in mind, Dave Franklin is the PAB representative on the Sports Advisory Board.
- Page 11 Tim White to present program to Lacrosse on January 15, 2014
- Page 13 Concerns from a Parks Advisory Board member on January 12, 2014
- Page 23 and 28 refer to Astroturf's warranty and owner's manual. Neither were included in my RTK.
- Page 34 Geoturf mentions financing options
- Page 36-37 Discussion concerning the resident representing himself to Geoturf as a consultant to the Commission
- Page 39 The third and final email from Dave Brumfield.
Much more to come. This sure is a slow process.
Update March 5, 2014 8:12 AM Kristen Kelly RH exchange
Update March 5, 2014 9:58 AM Here is an email forwarded to Kristen by our municipal planner, Keith McGill concerning Recreation Director David Donnellan's and Municipal Grant Writer, Katherine Heart's efforts for private funding to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields.
Update March 5, 2014 8:12 AM Kristen Kelly RH exchange
Update March 5, 2014 9:58 AM Here is an email forwarded to Kristen by our municipal planner, Keith McGill concerning Recreation Director David Donnellan's and Municipal Grant Writer, Katherine Heart's efforts for private funding to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields.
59 comments:
Dear Ms. Morgans,
I am a respected, long-term resident of Mt Lebanon, and a second generation Mt Lebanon home owner. I was intrigued by your article concerning artificial turf that was published in Mt Lebanon Magazine on February 25, 2014. This is the link to the article that I am referring to: http://lebomag.com/16323/field-fundraising-under-way/
I would like to have equal time to present an alternative perspective that addresses a number of issues that were not mentioned in your article, some of which include:
(1) the history of the athletic community to fulfil their financial pledges;
(2) the potential health hazards of artificial turf;
(3) the cost to the commuity; and
(4) what (if any) expected gain the community as a whole can expect from this expenditure.
I may want to also express my opinion on other related matters.
Further, I feel that you should disclose to the readers of MtL that:
(1) Your ex-husband managed 400 attorneys at the law firms of Reed Smith [as publicly disclosed on this site: http://bulletin.kenyon.edu/x1656.xml ];
(2) Mr Franklin was employed as an attorney at Reed Smith during your ex-husband's tenure with Reed Smith; and
(3) You know Mr Franklin personally and professionally in addition to his role in community service.
What steps do I need to take to have an alternative perspective published in MtL, and when is the soonest date that I could expect my article to appear?
Sincerely,
John David Kendrick
Not sure that PDF is viewable...
Thanks for your efforts, Elaine. Sounds like a huge task.
1:51 PM, would you mind checking again? I redid the link. Thanks.
Elaine
Did I read Dave Franklin say they better start getting their information together? IN JANUARY!!!!!!!!!!! That is enlightening how that group tends to work. Get the vote, then work out the details. Nice.
Commissioner Fraasch was on the PB while I was on and she handled herself professionally while Dave Franklin always attacked her. Never once did she raise a voice to him or address his constant attacks. It was hard to watch. At the end of her time she had added more to our parks than any other Commissioner I had seen despite the constant badgering of Mr. Franklin. One time Commissioner Brumfield attended and Dave Franklin was on top behaviour. Commissioner Brumfield shared all the same information as Commissioner Fraasch had for months. Mr. Franklin has thwarted progress of the board with his petty agenda. I can't wait to see more emails.
Page 4, Bendel to Reese...
He writes the the recreation director and the SB athletic director are involved in formulating a strategy for the sports groups private fund raising.
Why the f*ck are the public employees involved in creating any strategy for the private funding?
If its private its private! Once public employees get involved its no longer a private initiative.
If its uncovered they spent one minute of their public time working on the private fund raising strategy they should be dismissed immediately.
This would also be a good time to note the zoning board advised against field advertising signs.
They should present their objects to the public on that issue.
I went to Dave Franklin's email because what little credibility he has left I was hoping for something a little less obnoxious as I am his neighbor. All I got is that he sees Commissioner Frasch as the enemy and he almost speaks like he is at war with a female Commissioner. A little weird and creepy.
Hey Dr. Steinhauer, your athletic director is working on creating strategies for fund raising for private sports groups.
This is a direct conflict with your fundraising effort, you better get involved in this toot sweet!
Donnellan mentions the Turf Advisors meeting with JT Sauer onmpage 7.
How many natural grass companies were contacted to see what their opinions were on maintaining our natural grass fields. Did anyone ever pursue making our grass fields better?
Did anyone ever contact the SportsTurf Managers Association (STMA) to find companies that care for natural grass fields?
http://www.stma.org/sites/stma/files/STMA_Bulletins/Natural_Grass_Athletic_Fields_Ppoint_Final.ppt
How about Hummer Sports Turf from Manheim, PA, experts in natural grass fields installatuon and maintenance.
http://www.usaturf.com/hummersportsturf/
“These are the 2nd and 3rd infields that Matt has helped us with (we resurfaced a full-size infield three seasons ago) and we look forward to seeing the type of improved play for our younger players that our older boys have enjoyed. We’ll have 19 happy teams playing on these two new fields next season.”
~ John Faulkner, President, Brandywine Little League, Wilmington, Delaware
“I have been dealing with Hummer Turf since 1978. He has accomplished a number of jobs at PSU on our sports fields. He has always done an excellent job and because of this, we continue to use his services to produce high quality athletic fields.”
~ Mr. Bob Hudzik, Director of Outdoor Facilities, Penn State University
“It has been great working with Hummer’s very knowledgeable staff. Before, during and even after the project is completed, they are there to assist you with anything you might need or any questions you might have.”
~ Dan Andrus, Operations Manager, Brickman/Lehigh University
“We got pounded with some heavy rain today. I’m just amazed at how well the water moves on that field and how good the footing is on the infield. There was maybe one or two soft spots from the rain and that was it. I may not even have to order Turface this year! Great job Matt!”
~ Cheryl Miller, Volunteer Stadium
“Great service and professionalism. Hummer provided the drainage, irrigation, and sod on our recent football field renovation project, and it was a project well done!”
~ Mr. Bob Ross, Director of Building & Grounds, Solanco School District
Bob Ross,3:00 PM? He always talked about happy trees. :)
2:37 PM, there is nothing about grass. It is all about synthetic vs. organic infill.
Elaine
Read about some of the natural grass projects Hummer has worked on!
http://www.usaturf.com/hummersportsturf/news/current.asp
This one is especially noteworthy.
"Summer 2012 – Manheim Township School District – Landis Run Intermediate School
Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. re-constructed a new JV baseball field for Manheim Township School District in Lancaster, PA. The field had been previously installed with an in-ground irrigation system that was too shallow and other safety/quality issues. Hummer first milled off the sod with our Koro Sod Milling Machine and the previous irrigation system was removed. Hummer then installed a new Rain Bird automatic irrigation system to a depth of 20 inches. A topsoil/compost mix was used for the rootzone. Once the new in-ground irrigation system was installed, additional rootzone was imported and laser graded. Sporting Valley Turf Farms Big Roll sod was installed over a two and half day period in 95 to 100 degree temperatures. The mound was constructed with clay to specifications and the infield mix was laser graded to finish the installation."
Two and a half days to install sod once the site was prepped. Wonder how many days it takes to install artificial turf?
Wonder what the cost is for the natural grass installation? Of course the SAB and the Turf Advisors have all these figures available for comparison... right commissioners?
Of course, all these public employees, boards and advisors have done all the necessary leg work to do what is best for the community
Elaine, I am just wondering if you are appealing your RTK?
Remember, readers, the emails/presentations that are being shared here are the ones that aren't protected by attorney/client privilege. So one can only imagine what those closely guarded emails might reveal.
Yep, after having failed to scare Elaine off the trail with a ludicrous RTK bill, these are the emails they thought were OK to read.
Heaven knows what is in the stuff they're hiding!
Yes, 3:24 PM.
Elaine
I was half-expecting this but I am just flabbergasted at the whole situation. I can't do anything but shake my head.
In reference to Public Employees doing personal work on public time..
I can think of the Orie sisters didnt they end up in Jail... I think Dr. Tim should be aware of his employees and how they conduct private matters on public time.
3:43 How do you know what work they did on public time vs. their own private time?
http://www.ethics.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/faqs/11412
Interesting reading on ethics, particularly 1103(a). Keep scrolling to read the answers to the questions. Anonymous.
Page 19 astro turf rep to donnellan and jt saur
His kids go to the mt. lebo rec center 2-3 times a week. hum.
Of note, we see from one of the emails, that the high school has a history of not keeping up with their turf maintenance (and that this may have contributed to athlete injuries). And yet, the muni is going to rely on the high school maintenance staff to keep up with the Cedar turf, and then add more turf to the Rock Pile.
4:10, one way to know if they were working on school/municipal time or after hours would be to release any and all correspondence that has anything remotely associated with turf.
It wouldn't be 100% since they could work in their offices then send info after hours, but it'd be a pretty good indicator.
Leave whether it was on or off time BUT shouldn't an employee of Mt Lebanon work for the tax payers? Shouldn't they find Grants to lessen the costs to everyone not a select group? This just might get media attention.
Good point!
And the private contribution amount is still not "almost 50%" that Franklin told Kluck would be contributed.
Was it 50% or 25% that Mr Franklin wants to source from interested parties of the project? Maybe the 25% will become 10% or even 5%... typo's can be tough...
Doesn't this whole situation sound familar?
Does everyone remember the $8,000,000 pledge from the athletic community for the High School Renovation?
Let's see... how did that go? Someone made an offer (?), -er, -ah, or was it a suggestion (?) that happened to end up in the budget so once it was in the budget there was no need to actually contribute because it was now in the budget...
Mr Franklin, do you remember what I am talking about?
Elaine, how about if you repost my post about the $8,000,000 and the supporting emails that we showed everyone a few short years ago.
As my late history teacher used to say, "We study history so that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated."
2:15 PM, you won't be disappointed.
Elaine
We have quite a cast of characters. There should be a few resignations, but we have some commissioners with big egos who would never dream of resigning. Didn't someone say that they should resign before it gets ugly? I am not even half way through.
Elaine
Page 4 Bendel to Reese
RD & AD, working through a funding strategy for remaining 25%. Grogan needs a 75k trophy case funding strategy. RD needs a rec pool funding strategy.
What is it with the name "Dave".
Reese gets into the picture here by asking why Kelly is up in arms about the turf project stealing money from Parks projects that were approved by the commission and even went to get a loan for!
Uh, yeah, so she put together a plan that was approved by the Commission. A few months go by and the majority commissioners say, "Never mind, we'd rather turf than update our parks with that money".
So yeah, I think she has a right to be a little confused.
5:52 AM, yes, the rec bond was to be used in part for Robb Hollow and the golf course.home(town) improvement
(There you go, Susan. That should add a few hits to your site.) Dave Donnellan wanted to go all out with the pool. The commission majority felt that it was best to not improve the golf course and the heck with Robb Hollow. That is my recollection. During my citizen comments on November 25, 2013, I pointed out that the commission majority had stuck it to everyone by moving the Brafferton improvement money, taking away from the golf course and Robb Hollow, by assigning funds toward the toxic turf project. It was at that point when Kristen Linfante leaned over and gave Brumfield "the look", while Brumfield was busy writing and gave his little smile. I am adding an update showing how Kristen speaks to Kelly. It is over the McNeilly swamp [swap] and Robb Hollow.
As far as Reese's involvement, Bendel "came across" Reese's email from October 15, 2012 and shared it with David Donnellan and Tim White, head of the SAB.
Elaine
The update has been added. As with most email exchanges, start from the bottom and work your way up.
Elaine
ESB is sorry about accusations made about Kristin's statement about turf ? ? Accusations ? ? We've watched it. We've read it. We've heard it.
I cannot believe that Kristen isn't ashamed and embarrassed by her actions. I would never talk to a colleague of mine like that. That is ugly and disrespectful to a level that no elected official should go. I guess that is how her and her friends think people should talk. My parents raised me better than that.
I love how Kristen accuses Kelly of pushing an agenda when all she is doing is relaying information she gets from Senator smith regarding thr Robb Hollow swap.
In the meantime, Kristen (who spent all of one minute talking about turf with the ESB according to her email) decided it was a long enough conversation to claim publicly that the ESB supports turf.
She doesn't get the irony?
Kristen Linfante should be removed from office.
3/4 @ 2:15 PM. I honestly question that you are a Park Board member. Your description of their relationship is quite exaggerated. While they may not be BFF's, their conduct at PAB meetings were generally mutually respective. You paint a very ugly picture, and then do it anon. If you as a board member wish to state your opinion here, i wish you would share your identity also. If you want to post anon, then please also keep your PAB membership anon as well.
I am adding another update showing our municipal grant writer offering her services for private funding.
Elaine
So for those keeping score, I have uploaded emails showing commissioners and municipal staff members working together to help raise money for the non-municipal share of the turf project. Our tax dollars pay the commissioners' stipends and staff members' salaries. The commission still needs to find $112,600 and any additional costs to make this project happen. Is it that easy, Commissioners, to just take from the unassigned funds every year? That fund continues to grow every year because you are overtaxing residents.
I hope I am getting through to residents with all my work on this RTK. What is your breaking point, Lebo Citizens?
Elaine
I should ask the Democrats the same question. What is your breaking point? Three Democrats isolating a fourth Democrat from emails, a Democrat attacking a fellow Democrat, both in emails and overheard in Executive Session, and Democrats pushing to rip up grass fields for toxic turf are against your values. How do we get these people to resign?
Elaine
Anyone that looks near Public Works at Cedar would know that reading President Linfante's email to Commission Frasch is nothing but delusional. How is that not a community interest? The area is a dump!
If Heart, the grant writer or her sub-contractor, Sheetz & Associates, are working to find grants for the 'private' sports groups there should be some invoices or checks betweenthem, unless we are to believe these people are working for Lebo out of the goodness of their hearts!
If there has been a rise recently in payments from the municipality to either Heart or especially a new invoice or check wrotten to Sheetz group it'll be pretty obvious what is going on.
Watching the athletic supporters reminds me of watching Mr. Putin.
Why invade the Ukraine now? Better to wait until the $35 Billion arrives and then invade!
That way you get the country AND the money!
I have a feeling that if we wait long enough the Commission will tell the community that they've heard enough of all of this BS and they'll "do the right thing" and just pay for the entire project - no contributions needed.
1:09 PM, the grant writer works for us. Was there some agreement among the commissioners, municipal staff,and SAB to raise funds for the non-municipal funds?
This is only the tip of the iceberg. Anybody ready to resign yet?
Elaine
I'm not sure I understand the arrangement here with Katherine Heart.
Is she an employee on the municipal payroll and has a grant writing company on the side that could be doing exactly the same thing for other municipalities?
In her email she refers to her "company" and its subcontractor Sheetz & Associates.
Are you kidding me? Heart isn't even a municipal employee?
It was bad enough when I thought us taxpayers were paying the salary of the grant writer who would search for grants. I thought at least this person is writing for grants in other areas.
But now I find out that the grant writer isn't even an employee of the municipality!?!?
So we taxpayers are paying the hourly wage for a consultant to come in and find grants for the private part of the turf funding.
Seriously?
IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE PRIVATE FUNDING!
Wait a minute, 5:25 PM. Heart is the municipal grant writer, just as Dan Deiseroth from Gateway Engineers is our municipal engineer. They are both paid by the municipality.
Elaine
http://heartresources.net/about/
That is true Elaine, except there is a substantial difference between being an engineer (most people aren't qualified) and finding and applying for grants. If you can follow directions, compile facts and write, you can apply for grants.
Once again--
Applying for grants is a relatively easy process.
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html
One would think with all the highly paid municipal staffers the departments could pursue them on their own without hiring a consultant. Plus, you have the MLFE and teachers that surely could advise on how to apply for grants. Murphy's, Smith's and Miller's staff surely have resources that would point the way to Federal and State grants as well.
If these sports groups are pursuing grants to support their "private" sport contributions to turf-- they should be writing their own grants.
If a municipal contractor is working on grants to improve recreation in Mt. Lebanon any grant money captured should count towards the municipal public share of the turf project.
The only way "Dirty." Brumfield will resign is if he is giving Miller or Smith's position. I doubt either of them are going anywhere. But my oldest came home from school and said his coach is saying that the "Rock Pile" will be turfed and enclosed so soccer, lacrosse and field hockey can practice during the winter. They may even throw in an indoor track for residents to use.. For a fee of course. Elaine you have been lied to. Ever think that would happen?
There's an election coming up in November... If the two Daves believe they have the support of the community then put it on the ballot.
You're kidding right? They're so assured that they have overwhelming community support they'lll avoid giving the community the opportunity to put it in writing at all cost.
Just like the school board didn't.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately they completely miss that their deceit will eventually catch up with them.
9:00 PM. It is the high school project all over again. Look at Kristen's executive committee here. It is the same group.
Thanks, 6:25 PM. You said it so much better than I did. Of course civil engineers and grant writers are not at the same level.
We amended the sign ordinance for the sports groups. Why are they even talking about grants? Why don't they just go to Howard Hanna, Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, etc. for signs? Aren't we doing this for real estate agents?
Elaine
Taxpayers paid for and maintain those field fences-- any revenue they generate should go right back in the public treasury. They shouldn't be short stopped first into the various sports group's coffers.
Why all this intrigue and prestidigitation over 'private' contribution for artificial turf.
If its something that a majority of the commissioners' constituents want it should easily pass a referendum.
If it does and the community wants it... as claimed then we should pay for it outright.
None of this hitting up donors, they get their money from customers so we end up paying in the end any way.
As for sports groups, any money they have they collect from their participants or thru begging.
So put it to a vote commissioners. If the community wants it, we buy it.
If it doesn't you drop it!
I have a feeling they know the answer and thats exactly why they're making their shady arrangements.
Just like the high school project 11:09 PM, just exactly like the high school disgrace !
The commissioners (4 of 5) are violating their oaths and ignoring their responsibilities under the Municipalities Planning Code. We should dissolve the commission and appoint an interim mayor. The 4 commissioners are abusing the public trust as well as misusing public money. They should be ashamed. Of course, Dave and Kristen are the same people who openly advocated for higher taxes by supporting the disastrous school project. At least their dishonesty is consistent. I wonder if the PA Bar Assocation approves of Brumfield's actions? Dave Franklin can be as sleazy as he likes since he's not an elected official. But Brumfield is actually boxed in by different rules. Be a real bummer if he had sanctions against him or lost his law license. And I wonder if the symphony actually approves of Kristen acting the way she does--lying, nastiness, interrupting people, being clueless. Is that a reflection of the symphony? If so, I understand why they don't do well financially.
Those tow bring discredit upon outside organizations with their behavior. Don't get me started on their lapdog Silverman. That guy has all the spine of a washcloth.
9:20, I don't disagree with you, but there a few paths available that allow us to dissolve the commission.
Right now, there is an effort ongoing to revise our Home Rule Charter.
We need to insist that it truly is what it is intended to be.
There should be specific recourse if rrsidents/taxpayers feel their representaives lie, there be strong rules for open government and transparency and finally there should be a recall provision.
Currently the HRC goes out of its way to protect the politicians.
Its ass backward, its should be written to protect and empower the people.
Remember federal, state or local governing is "by the people and for the people!"
Here's an example of how skewed things are in our municipal government and SB.
To overturn an ordinance citizens must first file for the right to launch a petition drive, then after that they must reach a required number of signatures, proved by attached addresses.
To pass an ordinance on the other hand, a commissioner need only SAY tjey have the support of a majority of citizens for it, essentially convincing his fellow commissioners and the public its wanted.
At a minimum, when commissioners or directors make a claim like that, if someone doesn't believe the claim they should have to offer proof to backup the claim.
And do you really think that Dave Brumfield will allow the Home Rule Charter to be changed to anything that could ruin his political career? I'm sure he has placed his buddies on that board too. Change 1 - All commission and board meetings to be closed to the public. Residents don't need to know how much and how their taxes are being spent. Elaine watch out... You just might find yourself being audited by the IRS. Your house being re-assessed because the township challenged it. Yes Mt Lebanon is doing this on certain homes and NOT on others!
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