Friday, May 30, 2014

"I am tired at being a detective hunting the Internet for clues" UPDATED


On YouTube, also check out: "Children & Synthetic Turf" and "What's the Deal with Synthetic Turf Particles" for more in depth medical and toxicological resources.

Update June 1, 2014 10:25 PM Why are the lights on at Dixon and nobody there?
Sun, Jun 1, 2014 10:09 pm

Thursday, May 29, 2014

A win for fairness!

Scott Livingston announced late this afternoon in an email to The Newcomers that he and Mt. Lebanon Solicitor Phil Weis had agreed to an 84% of Full Market Value (FMV) settlement, which would apply to all people who had an appeal pending at the BOV and who had asked Scott to represent them (which he did for free); and would likely be offered to others as well who would soon be at that stage in the appeals process.

Congratulations to Adrian Soriano and Scott Livingston, and to all the people who stood together with them and fought for fairness and transparency. 

Mt. Lebanon Municipality had held the line at 85%. That 1% difference represents that the Mt. Lebanon commissioners were wrong. The commission targeted constituents unjustly. I am embarrassed that our commission treated you so poorly. The commissioners went after a large group of the taxpayers who worked together and democracy prevailed! How refreshing! 

Congratulations Newcomers! I hope this brings peace back into your lives and optimism to the rest of us.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

And it never floods...UPDATED 2X

Don't miss the never-before-seen Bird Park runoff area with some serious raging rapids and a collapsing hillside.

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

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May 28, 2014

May 28, 2014

Here are photos of flooding on Wildcat Field today.
Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814

Wildcat Field Flooding 052814
Update May29, 2014 10:12 AM Please be aware that the official Pittsburgh rainfall for Tuesday 5/27/14 (I believe from 12:01 AM - 12:00 Midnight) was only 0.02 inches, and for Wednesday, 5/28/2014 it was only 1.38 inches, or a total of only 1.40 inches according to AccuWeather.com and the Tribune-Review. This is even below the 2-Year Storm Frequency standard of 2.3 inches of rainfall in a 24 hour period.

Mt. Lebanon's SALDO Section 809.4.6 requires that Municipal stormwater sewer systems be designed to handle the peak runoff from a 25-Year storm, or 4.4 inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period. Please read and become familiar with SALDO Part 8 Design Standards, Section 809 Stormwater Conveyance and Management, and Section 810 Storm Sewers and Drainage Facilities and all sub-sections. We're obviously failing to comply with our own Ordinances.

SALDO is Chapter XVI of the Mt. Lebanon Code, and has a direct link on the Public Documents page of the Municipal website. Or click here and start on page 75 of the pdf.

Update June 1, 2014 9:10 AM This was in the Trib last summer. Southmoreland tackles flood-damaged turf
Sean Stipp | Tribune-Review
Roughly one-third of the artificial turf at Russ Grimm Field at Southmoreland Senior High School was pushed into ripples by the force of flood waters.

An apology Dave Brumfield style

For the record, I had sent a link to Commissioner Fraasch last night concerning the VERY lewd and disgusting Twitter account. I heard nothing. I sent a second email to President Linfante's attention. I heard nothing. Of course. I then decided to see who was following this crude and hurtful Twitter account. Lo and behold, I sent a pdf to the Commission of the followers, with the note below about apples not falling far from the trees. I had also made a pdf of the Tweets. Suddenly, the account had been suspended.

Now, it appears to Commissioner Fraasch that I need to apologize to Dave, even though he will not accept it. Below is the email exchange with any references removed so that I don't get sued. 

So here is my apology, Dave Brumfield style. I apologize for using the word "apple."

From: David Brumfield <dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Twitter
Date: Wed, May 28, 2014 10:08 am 
This is the final straw. When I started on the Commission I tried to work with you. When it became clear that we did not share the same vision for Mt. Lebanon I tried to at least give you credit for your dedication to staying informed and informing others. As your tone became increasingly toxic and negative I tried to just leave you alone. You tell me you are ashamed, you ask me for my resignation and you claim that I ignore the residents who you believe you speak for. You are not Mt. Lebanon and I thank God for that. I would not want to live in a community that you were the voice of the majority. A community dominated by vile and hurtful negativity slung with little care for accuracy or understanding. A place where negative innuendo and accusation are more common than fact. A place where volunteers and well intentioned public servants are attacked mercilessly by faceless cowards hiding behind anonymity.
Even when a name is put to the attack as you have now it does done with knowledge that you are attacking people who will not stoop to your level. You have always known that none of the Commissioners would attack your ___, we would never consider it. Yet somehow you want to reference my ____'s conduct as something that _____ and I should be embarrassed about it. You must feel so smug knowing that you make such accusations with absolutely no fear of reprisals because even now I would never do such a thing. It is only due to the demand of my ___ that I even take the time to address you know. I suppose ___ still holds some hope that there is enough decency left in you to refrain from ever attacking a commissioner's ____ ever again. Unfortunately, I have given up any hope that is even possible. The pity I used to feel for you being so consumed by your negativity and hatred has been burned away by your recent personal attacks against Commissioner Linfante during her difficult time and this attack on my ____. 
Please understand, I am not asking for an apology, because I would not accept it. I will just not subject myself to you any more. I have not been on your blog in months but that has proven to not be enough. After conferring with the Solicitor to confirm that I have the right to do so I am blocking your emails from all of my accounts including my Mt. Lebanon account. I will not answer phone calls from you nor speak to you at any time. I will not address you or answer any of your questions during public comment. I will have nothing to do with you. Yet if I find that my ___ or ____ are ever mentioned, referenced or even linked to in any email, text, post or blog entry I will sue you without hesitation. I am a public figure so I am sure you will continue to attack me but whatever protection the law gives you to speak about me does not extend to my ___. 
David Brumfield 
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 12:37 AM, 'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote: 
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it Dave? Your ___ is the first one listed.
Elaine

For some reason, I am the bad guy again. It doesn't matter how despicable the Tweets or that they were all listed anonymously. I made a pdf of the followers and suddenly, I am attacking Dave's ____. Who is protecting those poor victims mentioned in those hurtful and vile Tweets? I certainly tried to get help from the commissioners, but was ignored. It wasn't until I sent the pdf of the followers, that the account was suspended.

So here is my public apology, David Brumfield. I am sorry for using such an offensive word as apple. Why you were not offended by that now suspended Twitter account is puzzling. That is where the "hurtful negativity was slung." I am not even sure what I accused anyone of. Kelly, that is about as much of an apology that you're going to get from me. Of all the abuse that I get from Linfante and Brumfield publicly, and their supporters - through anonymous comments, that's all Brumfield is getting from me. Where are their apologies? I'm not holding my breath.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Turf Project Update


I understand that some people are a little nervous about the anti-turf signs. I am happy to promote Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association. If anything, you should probably be nervous about mini hurricanes and hail storms like what happened tonight on Cedar Blvd.


The great news is that artificial turf will solve all your problems. Kids can still play during hail, floods, locusts, you name it. It is still a go. Really, was there any doubt? 

John Bendel has never seen any articles about the dangers of turf. That came out tonight during Citizen Comments. That came two comments after mine. My comment was to cancel the $11,000 infomercial that will be given on June 12 in Mellon Auditorium. Would we really hear anything negative from a speaker who has a partnership with FieldTurf, an artificial turf company?

While this was happening, here is the latest on Twitter. What a class act Lebo is. 

I am thrilled to report that

Kristen Linfante has taken her home off the market and is NOT moving. She will remain the Ward 3 Commissioner.

Monday, May 26, 2014

If Kristen is going to write that check...

The new amount is $5600. That is after the new asking price reduction.

Looking at the homes on Roycroft, the commissioners appealed six (6) homes for this year. They appealed two last year.

2014 Mt. Lebo Appeals

1. 25 Roycroft based on 2007 sale
2. 51 Roycroft
3. 55 Roycroft
4. 65 Roycroft based on 2006 sale
5. 73 Roycroft
6. 80 Roycroft based on 2008 sale


2013 Mt. Lebo Appeals

1. 30 Roycroft increased to sale price of $560000
2. 56 Roycroft increased to sale price of $427000

Here's the kicker. Remember this anti-turf sign destroyed on Roycroft?

It was ripped out of the yard of one of the homes that the commissioners appealed. The Roycroft Block Party will be very interesting this year. Write the damn check, Kristen.

Update May 27, 2014 7:51 AM Not everyone can avoid writing the check, so Mike Suley, former manager of Allegheny County’s Office of Property Assessments, former member of the county’s Board of Property Assessment, Appeals and Review, and Lebo Citizens reader, offers this solution in his Post-Gazette Letter to the Editor, Overassessed homeowners should pay taxes under protest.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Turf Project is Out For Bid

Remember this photo that I had on my February 25, 2014 blog posting, Commissioner Franklin has Susan's ear UPDATED 2X?


Turns out, I nailed it. Here is the Mt. Lebanon Flood Zone map, directly from the municipal website. Middle and Wildcat Fields are located in Panel 0456. Any panel highlighted in pink contains a flood zone. The blue areas are the flood zones according to FEMA.

Gateway Engineers swears that the fields have never flooded. We know better than that, right?


So, the project continues...

According to the timeline from the Turf Project Task Force Recommendations made on February 11, 2014, the Project Schedule is as follows:

Design Development –Pending Commission 
Approval February/March 2014 
Construction Documents and Specifications 
April/May 2014 
Advertise for bids May 15, 2014 
Open Bids June 4, 2014 
Award Bids June 10th or 23rd 
Issue Notice to proceed and begin construction 
July 15, 2014 
Final Completion October 21, 2014 

We now know that May 15, 2014 was JT Sauer's deadline to submit to Gateway. The following information was pulled from the "Pittsburgh Builders Exchange," which requires a paid subscription. 

TURF RFP

This would be considered as a Request for Proposal (RFP). There are "bid documents" or "plans" associated with the RFP. These often include specifications, drawings, contract language, etc. Some times, the documents are provided at no costs in electronic format. Other times, such as this instance, there is a fee associated with them. For this project, the "plans" are to be obtained directly from the engineer and include a $75.00 non-refundable fee.

I guess this would be the time to announce the important LeboALERT I received on May 21, 2014.

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. Middle/Wildcat Fields improvement update meeting is Thurs., June 12, from 7 to 8:30 at Mellon Auditorium.
Pretty big venue for such a tiny "vocal minority." This meeting will also include Dr. Andrew McNitt, from the Penn State/FieldTurf Partnership, who will give us an "unbiased" opinion concerning the safety of artificial turf.

I hope that the Turf Project Task Force can get an "unbiased" opinion from financial advisors who have partnerships with FieldTurf who will tell us that we are making a sound investment.

Perhaps there is a FEMA/FieldTurf Partnership who will assure us that flooding is not an issue.

Finally, I am looking forward to hearing from the ESB/FieldTurf Partnership expert since June 12 is the next Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board meeting. Gee, I wonder why that happened.

Middle/Wildcat Fields 05.24.14

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.
If you are interested in displaying an anti-artificial turf sign in your yard, email me at EGillen476@aol.com.

Update May 25, 2014 6:15 PM Requests to see the draft were ignored. Dan Deiseroth email to Kelly Fraasch.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Brumfield says, "Corbett Sucks!" UPDATED

With Charlotte Stephenson's permission...

On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 3:05 PM, Charlotte Stephenson wrote:

Dear Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, Representative Miller and Senator Smith:

I am writing to express my deep concern and disgust regarding the unprofessional and destructive behavior on the part of Commissioner Brumfield during a recent public budget planning meeting. During the facilitated discussion around common tenants that our Democrat Commission holds, Mr. Brumfield clearly stated that one of them is that "Corbett sucks". The video of this disparaging comment can be reviewed on our municipal website at http://mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2151 Choose "Budget Pre-Planning Meeting" "May 19, 2014" Video and begin listening at 14:20 to hear Mr. Brumfield's comment.

As a Founder for the Denis Theatre Foundation's revitalization project and Advisory Board member, this public remark only undermines all of the efforts that our Board of Directors has made to secure financial support from the RACP funding [Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program] in Harrisburg. All inroads previously made to reach out to Governor Corbett could be completely negated by such a reckless remark by our Mt. Lebanon elected official should it be discovered.

Mr. Brumfield, I respectfully request that you resign your position as Commissioner. You have tainted the office, which you have agreed to uphold and may have caused harm to your constituents in the process. Those of us who invest our own resources and work tirelessly to protect and develop our community don't need you to undermine our efforts. Please demonstrate to our Governor's office that you stand alone in your derogatory statement by stepping down.

I look forward to knowing who Mr. Brumfield's replacement will be.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Stephenson

Cc: Denis Theatre Board of Directors

*******

On May 21, 2014, at 5:25 PM, David Brumfield wrote:

Ms. Stephenson,

I wanted to respond to your email since some of the recipients may not be aware of the context of my quote. During an informal budget planning retreat our consultant asked the group what democrats can agree about. My response was, as you said, "Corbett Sucks". I would confess that my statement was cruder than I would have said in a public meeting. I should have said that Democrats could agree that "Corbett's policies and administration have been disastrous for Pennsylvania as a whole and Mt. Lebanon specifically." I could have gone on and pointed to the indefensible withholding of Plancon H funds from the High School project, the cuts in the education budget, increasing funding to private corporations through school vouchers while cutting education funding everywhere else, the failure to address our crumbling infrastructure, unwillingness to address the property tax issues, unwillingness to tax the Marcellus Shale industry, opposing gay marriage rights, trying to disenfranchise voters with voter ID laws, refusing to accept federal medicaid dollars under the ACA, and failing to protect workers by making it more difficult to recover unemployment benefits. Yet with all of my reasons to rail against the job Corbett has done I think more of him than to believe that he would refuse to fund a worthy project such as the Denis Theater just because a Commissioner expressed a negative view of him. If you believe that Governor Corbett is such a man you clearly have a much lower opinion of him as a person than I do of him as a Governor. Should anyone ask I would readily apologize for the word I used but not for the sentiment that motivated it. That would include Mr. Corbett or any resident who just did not like my choice of words.

I believe it goes without saying but I will again decline your second or perhaps third request that I resign.

Dave Brumfield

*******
From: Charlotte Stephenson
Date: May 21, 2014 8:52:08 PM EDT
To: David Brumfield <dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>, Dan Miller <DMiller@pahouse.net>, senatorsmith@pasenate.com

Subject: Response to Request for Brumfield Resignation
Mr. Brumfield,

I wish to clarify some of your points because, like many other public statements you make, they are inaccurate:

Any recipient can simply watch the video to determine the context of your quote. It is a shame that you are unwilling to accept your attitude and behavior as potentially detrimental to the efforts being made on behalf of the Denis. Further, although you represent residents across the spectrum of political affiliations, your derogatory remark about Governor Corbett only serves to alienate those who do not agree with you.

I believe you are confusing my only request for your resignation with that of many other residents who have also requested this of you. While I admit that your support of the artificial turf project has been frustrating to me, I see this lapse of judgement as your prerogative for having been elected. As you know, the turf project will spend at least $750,000 of unassigned municipal funds when there are many other more worthwhile and economically beneficial projects to support in our great community,

What is egregious is your cavalier attitude and flippant remark about our Governor who we depend on in various ways, including the possible receipt of funding for the Denis project.

Charlotte Stephenson

Note: Please contact State Representative Dan Miller and Senator Matt Smith if you disagree with the course our current Commission has chosen.

Update May 22, 2014 11:57 AM Charlotte Stephenson has a Letter to the Editor in today's Post-Gazette. "Newcomer" tax and turf unnecessary

Deer Management #1 Priority This Year at Budget Retreat

The Commission participated in a very late in the year budget retreat, held yesterday at the Municipal Building. The retreat was video recorded and is available here on the Municipal website. I did not attend the retreat. Most of the commissioners were not aware that the retreat was being recorded, so we get to see first hand how these clowns think. Kristen is on a major power trip. Watching Dave's reaction when he finds out that he was being recorded is priceless. It is at the very end.

Here are the commissioners' priorities for our Budget

1. Deer Management
2. Road Safety
3. Economic Development
4. Recreation
5. Park Maintenance
6. Neighborhoods (Historic Preservation)

Deer management is a topic in which President Linfante will not discuss with her critics.
The aerial survey results for 2013 are here. Last year's results were credible, according to Kristen.
The aerial survey results for 2014 are here. This year's results are flawed, according to Kristen.

Public Works Tom Kelley questioned this year's survey.

From: Tom Kelley <tkelley@mtlebanon.org>
Date: Fri, Apr 4, 2014 at 11:19 AM
Subject: Fwd: Questions from the packet
To: Merlin Benner <merlin@wildlife-specialists.com>
Cc: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>, Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Hi Merlin,
Below is a string of emails generated after Vision Air completed a recent FLIR survey of white tail deer in the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon. A copy of the completed survey report is attached. The number of deer counted in the prior years FLIR survey (also performed by Vision Air) totaled 342 in 117 groups, this years survey total was 196 deer in 97 groups. This is a decrease of 146 deer (42.6%). Our elected commission is looking for some interpretation of the data to understand the disparity between the two surveys. In her below email Susan Bermatas recommended that we contact you to help ( " I recommend you contact Merlin Benner who is a very good wildlife biologist with extensive habitat / deer population experience in PA. He can help you interpret the data. "). Would you be able to help us out? Our commission is meeting on Monday night would it be possible to contact you via telephone during our meeting -between 6:45 PM and 7:15 PM? Thanks.
Merlin Benner's response:
All surveys are a snapshot in time. All of them. Replication helps provide more precision and accuracy. Our clients who are interested in more precision have a sampling strategy which is usually more cost effective in larger areas. Those clients who have small areas like Mount Lebanon have us replicated the survey at least 3 times. The surveys set can be conducted within a short time frame such as 2 - 3 days. Other ways to increase information is to survey once a month Nov - March.

No survey method can see through anything. Deer could "hide" under conifer but there is actually very little conifer in your area which hide deer for aerial survey. The species of conifer in your area have "holes" in the canopy which allows us to detect animals. Big groups would be detected. And, certainly there is no more cover in your project area than last year. Could 100 deer all decide to hide under conifer this year? Number of groups between the two year is close. Distribution is not particularly unusual. Group sizes were a smaller meaning I did not see large group sizes. In cold and deep snow I sometime find larger group sizes. There was not a lot of deer movement. I can detect deer tracks / trails.

The survey was conducted in good IR conditions. There was no frost. I halt surveys when I detect frost. The survey was conducted within days of the date of last years survey. BUT it was a very different winter. I recommend you contact Merlin Benner who is a very good wildlife biologist with extensive habitat / deer population experience in PA. He can help you interpret the data.

Merlin Benner
merlin@wildlife-specialists.com 
Wildlife Specialists, LLC
North Central Pennsylvania Office
2785 Hills Creek RoadWellsboro, PA 16901
Phone: 570-376-2255
Email: info@wildlife-specialists.com
Watching the Budget Retreat is quite entertaining. Sure, it goes on for two hours, but in the first two minutes, Kristen Linfante defines leadership as "honesty." She believes "honesty" is the trait of a leader. She also believes that a leader is a team builder and is respected. Good stuff, huh? All that is in the first three minutes of the retreat.

If the commissioners could resolve three issues in the next eighteen months, here are their answers, in order:
1. Deer
2. TOD
3. Turf

At almost the 47 minute mark, Kristen answers the facilitator's question as to what would it take for all commissioners to be forced to resign, with "Fraud, Stealing Taxpayer Money, Lying, Deceit..." Wait, Kristen, did you say "Lying? Deceit?" Hmm.

As far as deer is concerned, Kristen believes the longer we wait, the more expensive it will be. We waited one year and the number of deer went down 43%.  I am having a hard time believing you, Kristen. Why did you take those numbers as gospel last year and this year, there is a discrepancy?

Watch what Dave and Kristen have to say about referendums. Hint: They are against them. They were elected to "make the tough decisions."

Oh jeeze, Kristen is calling the commission "dysfunctional." (01:15:30) The facilitator told her to get over it. But Dave agrees with Kristen. He wants the turf to be unanimous. Kristen thinks that once there is a majority, we should move on. OMG, Kristen! What about you being the lone wolf concerning deer? You are such a hypocrite. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

What does this mean? UPDATED












What happened to the school district doing the maintenance? Are they going to pay fees now? Or are they going to lose slots as Dave Brumfield told us would happen?

Who hired Mr. DeLorenzo? Isn't it a little early for this?

Update May 21, 2014 8:52 PM Thanks to another Lebo Citizens reader, here is the original job posting. Grounds Maintenance Person

Update May 23, 2014 4:10 PM Kristen Linfante shared this email with me a few minutes ago. Thank you, Kristen. I removed the name of the former employee.

From: Tom Kelley <tkelley@mtlebanon.org>
Date: May 23, 2014, 3:37:18 PM EDT
To: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>, Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: new hire?
Kristen and Commission,
 Ty was hired to fill an entry level position in the public works department that was vacated by the medical retirement of XXXXXXXXX.  This is an entry level position that pays less than the laborer positions, and although the job title is field maintenance person,  it is a distributed hours position meaning that field maintenance is only one of his many job duties which will also include: assisting the forestry crew; winter maintenance; assisting labor crews with serer maintenance; assisting trades with building maintenance and other work as directed.  We received over 60 applications for the position and Ty was the top ranked candidate.

Monday, May 19, 2014

6-1 in favor of .54 mill increase UPDATED

I didn't go to the meeting, but I did hear the news that Scott Goldman was the only school board director to vote against the budget. Ed Kubit and Bill Cooper were absent. (Note: Ed Kubit missed the 10.5% increase in 2010.)

School Board Approves Final Budget for 2014-15 School Year
May 19, 2014 

At the May 19, 2014 School Board meeting the Board approved a Final Budget for the 2014-2015 School Year in the amount of $87,924,509 setting the millage rate at 23.15 mills, a .54 mill increase over the 2013-2014 millage rate with the use of $750,000 of the Fund Balance to balance revenues with expenditures.


Bill Matthews was chewed out again. Larry Lebowitz questioned Bill's numbers. After all, Jan Klein won that damn award.
The Mt. Lebanon School District received the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award for having met or exceeded the program’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability for the 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This is the 29th year the District has been honored with this prestigious award.
A little background on this. We pay for this award. As long as all the parts of the report are submitted, you win the award. Table of contents? Check. Meet the criteria and you win! So double counting is permitted.

Of course, Elaine Cappucci said that they were so fiscally responsible that they eliminated the Assistant Superintendent for the Primary Schools. Then it was announced that Dr. Marybeth Irvin, the new principal at Lincoln who had coffee with Dr. Steinhauer according to Timmy's Traveling Twitter Tweets on the first day of school, was appointed as the new Assistant Superintendent for the Primary Schools.

Oh, big news! "The Grievance" was settled. It only cost the District $60,000! They have agreed to hire permanent subs at the appropriate step.

The podcast to tonight's meeting is available here.

Update May 20, 2014 9:07 AM From Bill Matthews:




























Last night I provided the Board with the above chart, demonstrating that in eight of the last nine years the budget has been under budget on the expenditure side by almost $1,000,000 per year, on average. And once again, the Board “baked in” these surpluses from days of yore, raising taxes to cover these ghost expenses, ultimately resulting in an unnecessary and unwarranted tax increase.

Three things (at least) are at play that makes it difficult to work with the Board on budget issues:


1) Their obsequiousness to the Administration’s financial information.
2) Their obsequiousness to the Administration’s financial information.
3) Their obsequiousness to the Administration’s financial information.


While the budget information available to the public is quite limited, albeit often “award” winning, it is far from error free. Please see these pages from the recent annual budget books, where over three years the revenue and expenditure information is repeated, repeated and repeated, as if to make a point.


Saturday, May 17, 2014

Brumfield, Bendel and Gateway pulling another fast one? UPDATED 3X

This comment was published under the post, Gateway is billing us $1,000 per meeting on May 16, 2014 at 11:57 PM. 

Why are Deiseroth, Bendel and Brumfield inviting McNitt, who has a PARTNERSHIP WITH FIELDTURF at Penn State, to the community forum on the safety of synthetic turf?

TALK ABOUT BIAS

Darren Gill, Director of Marketing for Fieldturf, stated that Fieldturf looked for a university partner who can augment what is currently being done internally. “Truth be told, when we sought out this partnership, we only had one partner in mind, and that was Penn State, largely because of Dr. McNitt.”

In July 2009, Fieldturf launched the Center for Sports Surface Research within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State.

NOTHING BIASED ABOUT THIS $11,000 PUBLIC FORUM

By the way, if Gateway doesn't attend the forum will the price go down to $2500?




After an entire day of rain on Thursday, it's Play Ball at Middle Field last night at 6 PM. Why do we need turf?

Right here in Mt. Lebanon...


Update May 18, 2014 11:32 AM A number of anti-turf yard signs have been stolen out of people's yards. Charlotte Stephenson sent this letter to the Commission early this morning.

From:Charlotte Stephenson 
To:Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc:Dan Miller <DMiller@pahouse.net>; Coleman McDonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>
Subject:Anti-turf Project Yard Signs
Date:Sun, May 18, 2014 12:57 am

Dear Mt. Lebanon Commissioners,

A number of anti-artificial turf project yard signs have been stolen from residents' yards over the last 48 hours. These residents have paid for their signs and the signs are personal property. 

I initiated a police report with Officer O'Brien this evening regarding the theft of my sign and he has placed my complaint into the records. In the event that those who are stealing personal property in our municipality are caught, they will be held to the same standard as any other criminals who steal. My police report will lend credence to future complaints and our police department will be on the lookout for this kind of activity. 

Those of you who are closely aligned with the pro-turf enthusiasts (Commissioners Bendel, Brumfield, Linfante and Silverman) may want to consider passing this message along to them so they know that these acts have not gone unnoticed. Additionally, I received a message from an elderly resident telling me that she was very upset because her second sign was stolen from her yard yesterday. She stated that she has never known Mt. Lebanon to be a risky place in the past and she is disillusioned and feels somewhat threatened by this. Residents are asking if certain Commissioners are involved with these acts. 

Whoever is doing this is only placing those of you who are spearheading this turf project in a poor light with our residents. You will be held responsible in the public eye. I suggest you do what you can to protect the freedom of speech for those of us who do not agree with your policy. 

I am copying Representative Miller on this because he is a resident, and a champion of open honest debate rather than the stifling of opposing views, as is the case of this conduct. I have also blind copied a number of residents on this e-mail, particularly those who have anti-turf yard signs, so they know what is going on. 

Sincerely, 

Charlotte Stephenson

Update May 18, 2014 5:47 PM Sign found on Roycroft, near Kristen Linfante's house.

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Dear Mt. Lebanon Neighbor:

Dear Mt. Lebanon Neighbor:

Attached is a letter I sent to our School Board expressing my concern with the 0.54 mill tax increase recommended by Dr. Steinhauer.

Mt. Lebanon School District has historically prepared budgets that produce significant (and at times substantial) surpluses, and yet continues to raise our taxes.

Enough is enough.

In addition to my letter, I have attached a file, which includes several years of budget summaries with actual, audited results back to the 2002-2003 school year. These historical records support my observation of year-over-year budget surpluses.

It is my belief, next year’s increase could easily be limited to 0.30 mills, if not lower; and most importantly, without impacting a single educational program.

It appears next Monday, May 19, our Board intends to approve yet another unnecessary tax increase. If, after reviewing this information, you believe this unwarranted tax increase deserves further review, please contact our School Board.

Our School Board may be contacted by e-mail using this address: schoolboard@mtlsd.net

Please feel free to forward this e-mail and attachments to friends and neighbors who may be concerned, as I am, with our ever growing and unsustainable tax burden.

Regards,

Bill Matthews




Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Just write the check, Kristen UPDATED

Resident Steve Diaz offered a challenge to Commission President Kristen Linfante. In the name of fairness, Mr. Diaz asked Kristen to pay her fair share and to write a check for $8,000 for her underassessed home, which is on the market for $495,900.






The "intro" where Madam President says his name was struck from the sign up sheet, and Mr. Diaz says he did not do it, was included in the sound clip.

Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields

Gateway is billing us $1,000 per meeting! UPDATED 4X

I am not an attorney. Everyone knows that, but I think I have pretty good instincts when something isn't right. From the Lebo Citizens post, Bullied again on April 24, 2014, two residents tried to attend the Turf Project Task Force meeting, which was held immediately after the "not for the general public" public meeting at the concession stand. They were told by members of the super secret task force that it was not a public meeting. The two residents said that they would just like to observe and took two meeting agendas. These two residents were told to return the agendas and were asked to leave. Members of this super secret turf project task force include Dave Franklin, "He Who Shall Not Be Named," MTLSD Athletic Director John Grogan, Recreation Director David Donnellan, Landscape Architect Jim Sauer from J.T. Sauer, and Municipal Engineer from Gateway, Dan Deiseroth. According to the January 9, 2014 SAB meeting minutes*, Gateway Engineering contributed $4000 for the Middle and Wildcat Turf Project.

Keep in mind, Gateway's Dan Deiseroth claimed that the fields on Cedar Blvd. never flood.



It turns out that Gateway Engineering is charging Mt. Lebanon $1,000 per Turf Project Task Force meeting. There have been seven meetings, and we have been billed $7,000.


The following is the May 2, 2014 memo that Dan Deiseroth sent to Steve Feller concerning the Turf Project Fees expended.


Something that has been overlooked for several meetings now, is the Turf Project Task Force Financial Report. John Bendel had promised to share that information a month ago. It still hasn't happened. Kelly Fraasch was kind enough to share this "report" with me this morning.


From: Kelly Fraasch <kfraasch@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>; Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: SAB financial report
Date: Wed, May 14, 2014 10:12 am

This is what I got via email last night.
See below.

FYI, I did ask for a further breakdown and hope to get it soon.
K

Committed by Sports Associations                                                     $124,500
(this is an increase of $26,500 from the last update and reflects additional funds from lacrosse, baseball and football) 
Paid into Endowment as of 5/13/14                                                     $65,389 
Checks received by Mt. Lebo Lacrosse to be provided to Endowment   $26,500

Other sources (Parents Athletic Council, corporate donations, etc)    $17,250


Total to date                                                                           $233,639
On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 9:16 AM, 'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:
Commissioners,
Where was the financial report from the SAB? They still haven't given us the break down as to cash in hand and pledges to date. John Bendel assured me that it would be given in the next meeting. That was two meetings ago.
Elaine Gillen
A resident told me last night that the sports associations are emptying their piggy banks to fund this project without giving notice to parents. Also, please note that there is no mention of the "largest donation made by Soccer," according to Dave Franklin. Also, I am confused as to what is the cash in hand balance.

Why is everything such a secret? Why weren't the financial reports given at the commission meetings? Why are residents being asked to leave the Turf Project Task Force? Why did Dave Brumfield freak out at the commission discussion session when Kelly Fraasch brought up the topic of residents attending the Turf Project Task Force meetings? Why is it being left up to John Bendel to decide? Why are there so many unanswered questions concerning this turf project?

I have asked the commission for a draft of the bid that is going out tomorrow, May 15. Kelly Fraasch copied me when she asked for a copy of the draft. So far, nothing.

I understand that there is a process in which taxpayers can pay their taxes in protest, with a portion of the funds going into an escrow account. This pertains to assessments. All you Mt. Lebanon attorneys who are not involved with the Sports Advisory Board, would you check to see if we can do the same with this turf project? I am not seeing overwhelming support. Residents are against it for financial reasons, environmental reasons, health and safety of our young athletes, as well as the arrogance, misrepresentation and lack of respect from our elected officials who are being dishonest every step of the way.

4:30 on a Wednesday afternoon in May w/ near perfect weather and... All fields are empty.


*February 6, 2014 SAB meeting minutes are the latest posted minutes on the municipal website.

Update May 14, 2014 11:43 PM I asked again for a draft of the bid that is going out tomorrow. Clarification on the specifics of the bid package It turns out that the 15th deadline was for JT Sauer to submit the plans to Gateway to coordinate and check and incorporate with other bid documents.

Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields

Update May 15, 2014 11:24 PM See page 13 of John Bendel's Field Enhancement presentation listed in this post, New street signs in Mt. Lebanon, Gateway Engineers' Opinion of Cost for Contingency/Soft Costs is listed as $89,070. Yet, Gateway's costs shown above are estimated at $100,997 and growing.

Update May 16, 2014 8:06 PM After an entire day of rain yesterday, it's Play Ball at Middle Field tonight


Middle Field 05.16.14 at 6:00 PM

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Activists, commissioners square off over Mt. Lebanon’s ‘toxic’ turf UPDATED

See today's Almanac article by Nick Lewandowski, Activists, commissioners square off over Mt. Lebanon’s ‘toxic’ turf (Saved in Google Docs)

Tonight, the commissioners decide on toxic tire crumb infill or toxic organic infill at Middle and Wildcat Fields.

John Bendel and Dave Brumfield have both said that tire crumb infill is safe. Try to throw away a tire, guys. It won't be collected on garbage day.

Additionally, if you are interested in buying a field sign, here is the link on the municipal website. Hit a home run at the ballfield. "Proceeds from your highly visible ad will go directly toward maintenance and enhancement of the athletic fields." From what I understand, the sports parents have not been told about how their groups have donated toward the toxic turf project. Looks like the ad money is going that route too.

In case you are wondering, here are the field schedules for next year.
Field Schedule Fall 2014
Field Schedule Spring 2015
Field Schedule Fall 2015

Looks like Lacrosse made out like bandits. When the YSA presentation was made in 2012, Non-YSA member and Lacrosse's Jordan Halter presented the plan. (Here is the cleaned up version without the bid exclusions.)  It pays to have a commissioner involved with lacrosse, doesn't it?

Update May 13, 2014 4:00 PM Will the municipality advertise for this sign? It is only $4.75.


Monday, May 12, 2014

Commissioners vote on infill tomorrow night

First of all, I would like to thank and welcome all the new Lebo Citizens readers. I wanted to let everyone know about the Commission Discussion Session tomorrow evening at 6:30 PM in the Municipal Building on Washington Road.

During the Commission Discussion Session, the Commissioners will be voting on the type of infill to be used at Middle and Wildcat Fields. There is the toxic tire crumb infill and the "organic" infill which is used as a filler to the plastic "blades of grass" and plastic backing. Here is a picture of the backing which can be seen at the high school stadium.

Installed July 2010

According to the Discussion Session Agenda, the Commission will be voting on assigning more funds to the turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Unfortunately, the Public is not permitted to speak at this meeting, just observe.

The time to speak would be at 8 PM during the Citizen Comments portion of the Commission Regular Meeting. A sign up sheet is provided at the entrance to the Commission Chambers. Residents are given five minutes to speak on any topic. Here is the agenda for tomorrow's Commission meeting.

The latest justification for this project comes from Commissioner John Bendel.

Most fields in Mt. Lebanon are diamond-based, which are designed primarily for baseball and softball. Over the last decade or so, the popularity of the sports using rectangular-based fields such as lacrosse, soccer and field hockey has increased significantly. Therefore, the focus of field enhancements has been to expand the number of rectangular-based fields. 
He wants to strip mine this area, ripping out the natural grass to add toxic turf at a cost of over one million dollars. You decide what shape it is.



Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

Bendel on Turf

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

Here is an exchange that showed up in my mailbox. Please read what Commissioner Bendel has to say to one of his constituents.

On May 12, 2014, at 6:17 AM, XXXXXXXXX wrote:
Mr. Bendel,
I've learned of the plan to remove natural grass and install artificial turf on the fields on Cedar Blvd. I think this is ill advised, especially when there are so many miles of our roads that are barely passable. There are substantial health and environmental issues, and the plan has the appearance of being rushed through without community discussion.
This is a substantial, permanent financial burden to put on our static, if not declining, tax base. I urge you to oppose this idea.

From: John Bendel <jbendel@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, May 12, 2014 9:10 am
Subject: Re: artificial turf

Thank you for contacting me about the turf project.

The turf project approved for Middle/Wildcat field (MWC) field in Mt. Lebanon is the culmination of many years of discussion, analysis and research to address the shortage of field space. Addressing the shortage of fields has been a long-standing priority for our community, and over the last decade there have been multiple attempts to expand the number fields and/or increase the use (the number of games/practices) on existing fields. However, until the MWC project, no significant enhancements have been implemented to address this priority.

Most fields in Mt. Lebanon are diamond-based, which are designed primarily for baseball and softball. Over the last decade or so, the popularity of the sports using rectangular-based fields such as lacrosse, soccer and field hockey has increased significantly. Therefore, the focus of field enhancements has been to expand the number of rectangular-based fields.

Information on the approved turf project - description, concept plan and a variety of presentations, can be found on the Municipal website at:

http://mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2199

I support the project because it:

- Increases field slots available by 60%; turf will withstand continuous use
- Benefits many residents - there were 3,600 total registrations in field-based youth sports programs in 2013, plus many more residents involved on School District sports teams
- Is supported by all field sports associations
- Includes non-municipal contributions of $250,000 toward the $1 million initial capital cost, and requires a use fee that will pay for a portion of the field replacement cost
- Involves a partnership with the School District whereby the District will maintain the field (reducing maintenance cost to the Municipality by almost $14,000 annually compared to the current maintenance cost. The estimated annual maintenance cost for the School District is $7,000, a net saving to the tax payers of $7,000 per year); and in return the District’s sports teams will have use of the field
- Leverages existing access, parking, restrooms, concessions and lights at MWC

With respect the health and safety issues relative to a new turf field, Mt. Lebanon is able to draw upon about 40 years of direct experience. Turf was first installed in Mt. Lebanon in the 1970s. In fact, over that period, we have the experience of a variety of different and improved turf products as they have evolved over the years. Therefore, as the Municipality has evaluated turf generally, as well as the specific turf products currently under consideration for Middle and Wildcat, we have relied upon the following criteria: (1) specific experiences in Mt. Lebanon, (2) independent testing under conditions that are similar to those present in Mt. Lebanon, (3) information provided by governmental agencies (Department of Environmental Protection, etc.), and (4) other information that is widely accepted as independent and credible.

Field enhancements and this project have been discussed in public meetings, included in long-range and short-range plans for many years. I have prepared the follow summary to put the long history of this project in perspective.

My historical knowledge doesn't go back as far as others, but I know that the land purchases at McNeilly and Twin Hills were intended, at least in part, to expand our athletic fields. For a variety of reasons, primarily cost related, the fields were never developed at these locations.

The Municipality's priority for field enhancements is well documented. The Municipality's annual Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), which is our five-year plan for identifying priority projects, has included field development for many years. In fact, the turf project has been included in the last six CIPs beginning in 2009. The CIP is recommended annually by the Planning Board and approved by the Commission, and is discussed at several meetings each year at the Planning Board and Commission. All of these meetings are open to the public and the Commission meetings are video recorded.

In addition, the recently adopted 2013 Comprehensive Plan (Plan), which is our community's planning and development guide for the next 10 years, specifically includes the turf project as a priority. The Plan development included significant opportunity for resident and stakeholder participation. A core planning team made up of a cross-section of representatives of boards and authorities led the process, and a variety of sub-teams focused on specific issues. The opportunity for public input was provided multiple times via a variety of means throughout the 18 month long planning process. The Plan was recommended by the Planning Board and approved by the Commission in 2013.

More recently, in 2012-14, the Commission established recreation and field improvements as a high priority during its annual goal setting retreats. As a result, the Commission has made significant capital investments in recreation facilities in recent years - pool improvements, tennis center (lighting at two courts, concrete stairs and sidewalks and renovations at the tennis center building), several neighborhood park projects, upgrades to the recreation center and ice rink and new equipment (lawn mower at golf course and electric Zamboni). Additional recreation enhancements at Robb Hollow and Northmeadowcroft Park are in the planning phase. Despite this cumulative multi-million dollar investment in recreation, the Municipality has done little to address the long-standing priority for field enhancements.

Since 2012, several field enhancement alternatives have been evaluated by the Commission. The assessment of field options was completed parallel with the development of the Comprehensive Plan as was the case for several other community priorities. If fact, several goals in the Plan are already complete and many more are in the development and planning stages. The Commission began addressing the lack of field space by assessing the opportunities to increase use of its existing fields. Options such as resting fields to improve conditions and better drainage were considered. The Commission did invest in better drainage at Bird field in 2012. With the high demand for field space, the ability to rest fields was not considered a viable option.

The Commission next looked at creating new field space, which is difficult in a highly developed community like Mt. Lebanon. On March 13, 2012, with the assistance of Gateway Engineering, at a discussion session, the Commission reviewed the alternatives listed below. Gateway's presentation can be found at http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2660

- McNeilly - $3-4 million, multi-field development

- Robb Hollow - Three fields, one on the upper section and two near the Public Works area along Cedar

- Twin Hills - one field

- Brafferton - drainage improvements and conversion from a diamond-based baseball field to rectangle field

- Turfing of MWC and Mellon

The field enhancement alternatives presented in March 2012, were the subject of discussion at various times throughout 2012 and 2013. The projects at McNeilly and Twin Hills were not supported by the Commission and were not pursued. The McNeilly project was not considered viable for several reasons, including the $3-4 million cost and the distance from most areas of the Municipality. The proposed field at Twin Hills was not considered due to its relatively small size, access issues and other development constraints.

The Municipality continued its evaluation of the Robb Hollow, Brafferton and turf options.

Robb Hollow - after additional discussion, the upper field at Robb Hollow was considered the best option at that location. The project in the upper section of Robb Hollow included a full-sized field and unlike the proposed fields along Cedar, it did not encroach on the area used by Public Works. This project was discussed multiple times in 2012, including October 9 and 22. The Municipality completed additional engineering work on the proposed upper field. In late-2012 the Commission decided not to pursue the upper field development due to the rising cost estimate of at least $1.3 million, which included field development, access, parking and transfer of leaf processing to a new location. It was estimated that the transfer of the leaf processing would add approximately $30,000 annually to annual operating expenses. The project would have resulted in the loss of nearly 7 acres of trees, created steep slopes due to excavation and was to be built in close proximity to homes in an adjoining neighborhood.

Brafferton - the Commission approved $197,400 for improvements to Brafferton in 2012. The proposal was to make drainage improvements, remove the baseball diamond and convert the surface to a rectangular field. The Commission reviewed this project multiple times during discussion sessions in 2012 and 2013. The project recognized the need to add an access road and parking to accommodate this new configuration. The access road and parking were estimated to cost an additional $133,000. The newly formed Sports Advisory Board (SAB) and the Commission supported this project. On September 17, 2013 the Brafferton bidding process resulted in one bidder submitting a bid of $845,000 for a large field plus parking and access road (alternate 2A). The Commission rejected this bid due to the high cost and has not pursued this project since that time.

Turf - as noted above, the turf project has been in the Municipality's CIP every year since 2009. The engineer's opinion of probable cost has roughly been around $1 million for the turfing of either Mellon or MWC. The sports community has supported a turf project for many years. On June 25, 2012, the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), which at the time represented all field based sports in Mt. Lebanon, presented a proposal to turf and add lighting to MWC at a public meeting. On July 10, 2012 the Commission had a follow-up discussion on the YSA proposal. On July 23, 2012 a presentation opposing the turf project was made to the Commission.

A series of Commission discussion sessions on August 27, September 11, September 24, 2012, included the use of the Municipality’s unassigned fund balance for capital projects. Field enhancements were part of these discussions.

On November 26, 2012, the Commission unanimously voted to form the SAB (refer to the purpose statement below). The creation of the SAB provided an opportunity to have a board focused on enhancing the recreational facilities and services in Mt. Lebanon. Boards and authorities exist 1) To discuss/assess specific issues in greater detail than is possible at Commission meetings, and 2) To make recommendations to the Commission on issues important to the community. The SAB's members were appointed by the Commission in early 2013.

Since its first meeting in March 2013 through April 2014, the SAB has discussed field improvements at seven meetings, in particular the Brafferton and turf projects. On June 6, 2013, the SAB voted to recommend a turf project to the Commission as its highest priority. At the SAB's October 3 and November 7, 2013 meetings the SAB voted to recommend the MWC turf project for the Commission's approval. The SAB's recommendations to support the turf project were presented to the Commission on June 24, November 12 and November 25, 2013. All of the SAB meetings are open to the public and are video recorded.

SAB's Purpose

- Review and assess all sports-related facilities and services in Mt. Lebanon.

- Recommend possible changes and improvements to sports-related facilities and services.

- Assist in the continued safe provision of athletic opportunities to Mt. Lebanon residents.

- Receive and consider public comment and other public input regarding sports facilities and services.

- Support, promote and/or provide programs and services to assist athletes and coaches in Mt. Lebanon.

From June 24, 2013 through April 28, 2014 the Commission has had the turf project on its discussion session agenda seven times either as a stand alone item or as part of SAB presentations. On November 25, 2013, the Commission approved the MWC turf project and Municipality's $750,000 financial commitment. As part of the motion, the Commission formed a turf task force and provided specific direction for them to flesh out the details of the project, including design, engineering and non-municipal share fund raising. The turf project concept has been presented to the Planning Board on April 22, 2014 and to property owners near MWC on April 24, 2014.

In conclusion, the turf project has been discussion in public meetings numerous times over the last two years, and it has been part of the municipality's plans for field enhancements for the last six years.

Thank you for contacting me with your opinion regarding this project. I appreciate your concerns. While we view the project differently, I hope this information is useful.

Sent from my iPhone