Inconsistencies from Brumfield & Co.

I have been trying to keep track of all the stories I have heard concerning turf at Middle and Wildcat Fields. I believe it started with changing the Sign Ordinance. We were told that this amendment will enable the Municipality to sell sponsor signage at our local fields. Did everyone see the single sign sold at Dixon Field? 

Dave Franklin wrote on his Lebo Fields blog,  

"We need this stream of revenue and we have to get creative," resident David Franklin told commissioners. Franklin said Dick's Sporting Goods paid $2.2 million for the naming rights to Dick's Sporting Goods Sportsplex in Graham Park, located in Cranberry Township.

Fact: Dick's Sporting Goods wrote a check [to Mt. Lebanon] for $5,000 and didn't even ask for a sign. - Steve Silverman

In the Post Gazette article, $750,000 OK'd for athletic field upgrades in Mt. Lebanon,

Ms. Linfante agreed, saying improvements "have been years in the making." Fact: It was not presented to Commissioner Fraasch until the beginning of November.  

"I do believe that this project will bring value to every single home in this community," she added. Fact: The recent FAQs for the Mt. Lebanon Assessment Appeal Program mentions nothing about the High School artificial turf adding value. 

"What properties have been appealed? A: The Municipality appealed the assessed value of residential properties that met the following criteria: 

• Sales price greater than $100,000; 

• Difference between sale price and assessed value of $58,000 or more; 

• Ratio between assessed value and sale price of 80% or less for sales in 2006 through 2010 and sales in 2013; and 

• Ratio between assessed value and sale price of less than 85% for sales that occurred in 2011 and 2012." 

The YSA presentation, page 5 claimed that adding artificial turf to Middle and Wildcat Fields "assumes you can have 2 simutaneous [sic] team practicing on this newly created space." Field teams could have simultaneous practices (space is largest in Mt. Lebanon), page 9.  and 

See page 12 of Field Enhancement Proposal 11.06.13 Fact: This sign is posted at the fields.

Will the sign be removed once the turf goes in?

Wildcat and Middle Fields are in terrible condition. Fact: See photo below.

Soccer will have its first and only regulation width field (70 yard).  See page 9 YSA 2012 Field Project Analysis & Recommendation.  John Bendel's presentation, page 7 claimed that the fields would be 170'x345' Fact: The soccer field will be 165x320, not 180x360. The area will be smaller than the High School and Jefferson fields.  Toxic Newcomers Turf will cost more

John Bendel's presentation, page 7 No additional lights at this time. Fact: Conduit is being added to the field for additional lights.

On November 8, 2010, the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing an agreement allowing the School District to utilize 40 spaces in the commissioners’ lot during regular school hours. Shared Parking Agreement Is the Commissioners' Lot being properly maintained? Fact: See below.

 

Is this how they are going to maintain Middle and Wildcat Fields?

Artificial turf to be replaced every 8 years. Long-term Project Cost – 16 years Middle/Wildcat Project Page 14  Fact: See the three high school field photos below: 

Three years, ten months old

Three years, ten months old

Three years, ten months old

These fields never flood. Drainage improvements not required. See page 12 - Athletic Fields - Review of Alternatives Prepared by The Gateway Engineers, Inc. March 2012

From Dave Brumfield's Field Failure (Saved in Google Docs):

"Based on estimates developed by the youth sports representatives this plan would have cost $750,000-$900,000. Included in those options would be an eco-friendly turf option."

Gateway's Opinion of Cost for organic fill $999,770 See page 13. Fact: New cost estimate is $1.57 million for organic infill. Commission Discussion Session April 28, 2014

"I did not believe that people were accurately reflecting what had occurred over the last few months when they discussed these issues."
                                                               - Dave Brumfield

Coming soon: Dave Brumfield shares his sources where, "Unfortunately the information you are being directed to [on Lebo Citizens] is inconsistent with studies from California, New York and even the Netherlands. This is not something that I or the Commissioners entered into without research. There is a reason that educational and governmental entities are installing turf at an ever increasing rate. For playability, predictability and efficiency it is the best surface."