That is what Public Works Director Tom Kelley said at the June 3, 2014 Parks Advisory Board meeting at 00:55:13.
PAB Chair Hugh Beal was asking for an accounting of the funds allocated to the Parks per the Budget. Not enough money is being spent on the Parks, in his opinion. At 00:47:33, Hugh asked to look at Forestry. His copy of the 2013 Budget Actuals showed that there was $348,000 designated to Forestry. Beal pointed out at the 00:49:20 time stamp, that he found six dead trees in Rockwood Park, a park the size of a postage stamp, for example. Hugh said that he wasn't questioning Tom Kelley's competency or auditing anything; he was just inquiring about how the money was being spent. Kelley responded that he didn't care if Hugh was. To my surprise, Tom Kelley even mentioned my name when talking about Rockwood Park! He went on to say that he didn't like Hugh Beal's attitude and stormed out of the meeting. Yikes! Is this what the PAB has to deal with because they are against the turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields?
By the way, the Parks Advisory Board representative for the Sports Advisory Board was not at the PAB meeting again. They didn't have a quorum. Who's the PAB representative on the Sports Advisory Board? Dave Franklin. I think it may be time to kick Franklin off of the Parks Advisory Board. It might also be time for Mr. Feller to have a little talk with his staff.
Commissioners, do you see what you are doing to Mt. Lebanon? You have boards and staff trying to keep Mt. Lebanon safe, and you have tied their hands by allocating over $750,000 to turf beautiful grass fields. That money could be well spent in other ways.
For anyone wondering, the dead trees have been removed from Rockwood Park. Thanks to all involved.
Update July 1, 2014 11:07 PM The Mt. Lebanon Parks Summit was held this evening. Hosted by the Parks Advisory Board, individuals from the Environmental Sustainability Board and the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy shared their thoughts on possible improvements to the park system. The podcast is available here.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
From our bad*ss commissioner UPDATED
Today at 3:13 PM, I sent to the Commission and copied to Steve Feller and Phil Weis:
Commissioners,
I am forwarding a comment that just came through on Lebo Citizens. Evidence that shows you are opening up the municipality to a lawsuit continues to build daily.
With Dave Brumfield being a personal injury attorney, I don't have to tell him the history of asbestos in schools. For the rest of you, this may help you to understand that your rationale of artificial turf being used safely in Mt. Lebanon for over 40 years is flawed. http://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/schools.php
Please stop your plan to turf any fields in Mt. Lebanon. You are playing with fire.
Elaine Gillen
-----Original Message-----
From: Anonymous <noreply-comment@blogger.com>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Sun, Jun 29, 2014 02:37 PM
Subject: [Lebo Citizens] New comment on Dr. Phil on artificial turf UPDATED 3X.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post " Dr. Phil on artificial turf UPDATED 3X":
Sorry Elaine I was out of town. Here is a link that is easy to understand. Look at the numbers! http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/autism-rise-driven-by-environment/
Take a look at this one... http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/02/toxic-chemicals-linked-to-brain-disorders-in-children/
And this past week about 10 more "common" chemicals were added to the growing list to be studied. I again add that Brumfield and CREW might want to get their legal team together.
Posted by Anonymous to Lebo Citizens at June 29, 2014 at 2:30 PM
I have been sending articles almost daily to the commission and copy Feller and Weis, so that Bendel and Brumfield can't deny it. I finally got one response.
From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>; <commission@mtlebanon.org> <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Steve Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Fwd: Ticks everywhere at ball fields!
Date: Sun, Jun 29, 2014 4:23 pm
FYI If you are truly concerned about toxins, perhaps you may want to look into the risks of pesticides as well.
By all means, feel free to post on your blog.
Regards,
Kristen Linfante
Sent from my iPhone
Please forgive any texting typos
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
Date: June 29, 2014, 4:11:16 PM EDT
To: Kelly Fraasch <kfraasch@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: Tom Kelley <tkelley@mtlebanon.org>, Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>, "commission@mtlebanon.org"
<commission@mtlebanon.org>, David Donnellan <ddonnellan@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Ticks everywhere at ball fields!
What type of "spraying "??. In the midst of "hysteria" over toxic everything, shouldn't we know what "spraying" will mean in terms of chemicals? Why should this be treated differently than "toxic turf " issues?? Maybe we should bring Dr Johnson back to discuss before proceeding with any type of spraying of chemicals.
Kristen
Sent from my iPhone
Please forgive any texting typos
On Jun 29, 2014, at 3:37 PM, Kelly Fraasch <kfraasch@mtlebanon.org> wrote:
Tom, David and Steve,
I am hoping that something is being done and that spraying is being coordinated.
Can you let the Commission and this resident know the planning?
Many thanks,
Kelly
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: (removed to protect citizen's privacy)
Date: Sun, Jun 29, 2014 at 2:48 PM
Subject: Ticks everywhere at ball fields!
To: commission@mtlebanon.org
Hello,
My kids play softball and baseball. We have been to Jefferson, Dixon, Lincoln, Foster, Markham, and Howe in the last month. Every one of those fields is infested with ticks! The children are coming off the fields with several ticks on them. The parents are picking them up in the stands. On Dixon, on the yellow fence rail that goes around the field there were literally hundreds of ticks there Friday night.
We are in an endemic area for Lyme disease. Please see to it that the park and fields are sprayed for ticks immediately before someone gets terribly sick! The findings are that 70 % of all ticks are infected with Lyme disease. Please act to protect the children of Mt. Lebanon. I look forward to your response.
Thank you,
(Removed to protect citizen's privacy)
I just received this follow up email from Kelly Fraasch.
From: Kelly Fraasch <kfraasch@mtlebanon.org>
To: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: E.T. Gillen <egillen476@aol.com>; <commission@mtlebanon.org> <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Steve Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Ticks everywhere at ball fields!
Date: Sun, Jun 29, 2014 4:55 pm
No worries, I asked the ESB to look into organic and alternative forms of the toxic pesticides that you are talking about awhile ago. I can follow up with them. Some places are using alternative forms without toxins in them for parks, fields etc.
Since Elaine is also on this thread.
Elaine, I did verify with Mr. Kelley and we have not used pesticides on any areas as previously assumed during public comment at the last two meetings.
Several residents mentioned that turf is no more toxic than pesticides. However pesticide application has not been used on our fields to maintain the grass.
It has been an ongoing practice to not use pesticides.
That is why I did ask the ESB to look into alternatives for our parks/fields several months ago, because I had heard we hadn't been using such application in our routine maintenance which is good to not use a toxic option but several grass companies offer organic options. It would help to learn about these for our parks and fields ongoing maintenance needs.
K
Update June 30, 2014 10:24 PM I sent this to the commission tonight.
Kristen,
This is going to be on KDKA news tonight. Tick-like bugs causing unnecessary concern in Allegheny County
Elaine Gillen
Her response sent only to me:
Re: Tick-like bugs causing unnecessary concern in Allegheny County
From Kristen Linfante klinfante@mtlebanon.org
From Kristen Linfante klinfante@mtlebanon.org
To egillen476 egillen476@aol.com
Thank you. Yes, we already received notification.
Regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3
Sent from my iPhone
Please forgive any texting typos
Friday, June 27, 2014
What does the color purple represent?
On the color wheel, purple is a combination of two primary colors, red and blue. Purple is associated with royalty. It also represents the future, wisdom, and stimulates the imagination. Red (Republican) combined with blue (Democrat) also make purple.
On June 24, 2014, Charlotte Stephenson wrote this comment here on Lebo Citizens at 12:07 AM:
I have said that the Democrats have their act together, but I am finding out that there are quite a few Democrats unhappy with the current state of affairs in our local governments. In general, people hate the good old boy network; hate anything that involves the abuse of power. I think the commission meeting on June 23, 2014 was a turning point in Mt. Lebanon. People from all parties came forward to oppose Commissioners Bendel, Brumfield, Linfante, and Silverman's plan to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Now there is talk of TRANSCENDING BOTH PARTIES -- based on truth and justice.
Yes, the Commission majority may award the bids to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields on July 8, 2014, but it could create a shift from red or blue, and Mt. Lebanon may turn purple.
On June 24, 2014, Charlotte Stephenson wrote this comment here on Lebo Citizens at 12:07 AM:
The Democrat Committee of Mt. Lebanon won't rein in their environmentally hazardous elected officials in spite of the "principles" the local committee espouses on their website, and the RCML won't rein in their RINOs. Is it time to start over? Let's see....red and blue make...purple? Could there be a group of people here who will stand by their principles?At 7:48 AM, same day, "Jason" followed up with:
As per Charlotte, if someone wants to start a 'purple' local political movement -- an intentionally cross-party/non-partisan group to promote candidates who will restore integrity and honor to the local democratic process, I am in.Today, "Jason" submitted this:
What brings “D”s and “R”s together in Mt. Lebanon???
The DReadful Mt. Lebanon Commissioners!
We are tired of:
- Excessive and unfair taxing practices
- Environmental degradation
- Back-room deals
- The enabling of an out-of-control School Board
- Snickering at residents during Citizens Comments
- An “agreement” to never disagree and debate publicly
- The refusal to listen to The People of Mt. Lebanon
- A toxic mix of arrogance and ignorance
Impeach and remove All 5 Mt. Lebanon Commissioners …
Restore democracy to Mt. Lebanon.What was once considered a divisive plan to put artificial turf in Mt. Lebanon's Middle and Wildcat Fields, is evolving into a unified front of residents, of all political parties. Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians agree that the Commissioners' plan is a bad plan.
I have said that the Democrats have their act together, but I am finding out that there are quite a few Democrats unhappy with the current state of affairs in our local governments. In general, people hate the good old boy network; hate anything that involves the abuse of power. I think the commission meeting on June 23, 2014 was a turning point in Mt. Lebanon. People from all parties came forward to oppose Commissioners Bendel, Brumfield, Linfante, and Silverman's plan to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Now there is talk of TRANSCENDING BOTH PARTIES -- based on truth and justice.
Yes, the Commission majority may award the bids to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields on July 8, 2014, but it could create a shift from red or blue, and Mt. Lebanon may turn purple.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Dear Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board UPDATED
Dear Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board,
It appears that your Commission liaison, John Bendel has not informed you of plans to remove natural grass from two fields in The Mt. Lebanon Historic District and replace it with artificial turf. Your board chair expressed a concern over preserving the integrity of a brick road in Mt. Lebanon at the June 23, 2014 Commission meeting, and said nothing about preserving the integrity of two historical ball fields. I questioned the Commission during Citizen Comments if the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board had been informed of the plan to artificially turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Commissioner Bendel confirmed that your Board had not been consulted.
You may not be aware of this, Board members, but in 2002, $20,000 from a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant was spent on improving facilities at Mt. Lebanon Park, including the replacement of an outdoor basketball court system and improvements to Wildcat Field. Municipality to seek funds for ice rink
In addition, Board members, I posted this on my Lebo Citizens blog, Hey! These fields are in the Historic District! On Page 10 of the National Register of Historic Places application, you note that Main Park is considered as a contributing site to the Mt. Lebanon Historic District.
I want to thank you for your polite June 18, 2014 response to my previous email to several of your Board members.
Respectfully,
Elaine Gillen
June 30, 2014 4:28 PM From State Rep. Dan Miller's newsletter:
Mt. Lebanon Historic District Hearing
It appears that your Commission liaison, John Bendel has not informed you of plans to remove natural grass from two fields in The Mt. Lebanon Historic District and replace it with artificial turf. Your board chair expressed a concern over preserving the integrity of a brick road in Mt. Lebanon at the June 23, 2014 Commission meeting, and said nothing about preserving the integrity of two historical ball fields. I questioned the Commission during Citizen Comments if the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board had been informed of the plan to artificially turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Commissioner Bendel confirmed that your Board had not been consulted.
You may not be aware of this, Board members, but in 2002, $20,000 from a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant was spent on improving facilities at Mt. Lebanon Park, including the replacement of an outdoor basketball court system and improvements to Wildcat Field. Municipality to seek funds for ice rink
In addition, Board members, I posted this on my Lebo Citizens blog, Hey! These fields are in the Historic District! On Page 10 of the National Register of Historic Places application, you note that Main Park is considered as a contributing site to the Mt. Lebanon Historic District.
I want to thank you for your polite June 18, 2014 response to my previous email to several of your Board members.
Thank you for your message, Elaine. As chair of the HPB, I am responding on behalf of the several members of the board you contacted. We appreciate your input.I hope your passion for preserving brick roads in Mt. Lebanon will also carry over to maintaining the integrity of Middle and Wildcat Fields located in Mt. Lebanon's Historic District by keeping those fields natural grass.
Yvette
Respectfully,
Elaine Gillen
June 30, 2014 4:28 PM From State Rep. Dan Miller's newsletter:
Mt. Lebanon Historic District Hearing
This month, I was able to speak at the State Historical and Museum Commission in support of the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board's application for listing a large part of Mt. Lebanon in the National Register of Historic Places. I was joined by Bill Callahan, Michelle Zmijanac, and Senator Smith who were also there to voice their support.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Dr. Phil on artificial turf UPDATED 3X
Dr. Phil Johnson, whose qualifications are in Environmental Health, that is a composite discipline incorporating toxicology, risk analysis, as well as three other components, was invited to last night's Commission Discussion Session. During the 57 minutes Dr. Johnson spent with the commissioners, never once was he flippant, arrogant, or biased. It was refreshing to hear from such a humble and honest person concerning artificial turf.
I am hoping a member of the Lebo Citizens "Audio Team" will send that portion of the podcast to me. Until then, the podcast has been uploaded on to my website here.
The entire podcast from Part 1 of the podcast is available to download below. Dr. Johnson begins at the 00:08:04 mark and ends at the 01:05:00 time stamp.
Please take the time to listen to this portion of the podcast, or watch the video which will be available here later today.
Update June 24, 2014 6:24 PM Mt. Lebanon expert says studies don’t prove turf safety (Saved in Google Docs)
Update June 26, 2014 7:59 AM Expert warns Mt. Lebanon about artificial turf issues
Update June 26, 2014 8:29 PM Yet ANOTHER warning. This time, flame retardants and plastics - both found in artificial turf. Doctors Fail To Counsel Pregnant Women On Toxic Chemical Risks
Why we can't keep up with the Joneses UPDATED 2X
At 8:00 this morning, Steve Feller shared the Wildcat bids summary as he promised me last night at the commission meeting. Thank you, Steve, for your promptness.
I haven't had the stomach to look at the bids summary. I am still recovering from the SAB wish list which was discussed at the end of Discussion Session Part 1. John Bendel submitted the Sports Advisory Board's #1 capital improvement recommendation which is sidewalks at the Tennis Center. OK, that's reasonable. But #10 is a larger multipurpose athletic facility to include basketball/gym in a new building separate from Wildcat/Middle Fields.
During Citizen Comments last night, a resident who is involved with Mt. Lebanon Youth Sports explained why he was against the artificial turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. We simply cannot afford it as a community. We are not as affluent as we once thought we were. According to Pittsburgh Business Times, here are the rankings of Upper St. Clair, and two zip codes in Mt. Lebanon.
The Almanac's June 18, 2014 editorial Keep Mt. Lebanon's field turf natural suggests that "To rip up perfectly usable natural fields and replace grass with artificial turf is just another example of the current trend of local communities wanting to “keep up with the Joneses.” As pointed out last night, we are not in Upper St. Clair's or Peters Township's league. We need to look at Bethel or Dormont.
Update June 24, 2014 12:28 PM Pittsburgh Business Times does not include Mt. Lebanon's 15216, 15234, or 15226 zip codes. They did not make the top 50 zip codes with the highest average net worth in the Pittsburgh region.
Update June 24, 2014 4:50 PM I requested a copy of the Sports Advisory Board wish list. Adding a price tag of $4,000,000 for the multi purpose athletic facility brings the SAB Capital Projects Worksheet total to over $9,000,000. This does not include the Toxic Turf Project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Or the $4,000,000 Aquatic Center. Or the High School Sports wing. Or the $74,000 trophy case. Or the future turfing of the Rock Pile. Or the High School Tennis Courts. Or the Rifle Range. Who says we hate sports?
P.S. Or the new Bocce Pools a.k.a. the Bocce Courts in the No Flood Zone
I haven't had the stomach to look at the bids summary. I am still recovering from the SAB wish list which was discussed at the end of Discussion Session Part 1. John Bendel submitted the Sports Advisory Board's #1 capital improvement recommendation which is sidewalks at the Tennis Center. OK, that's reasonable. But #10 is a larger multipurpose athletic facility to include basketball/gym in a new building separate from Wildcat/Middle Fields.
During Citizen Comments last night, a resident who is involved with Mt. Lebanon Youth Sports explained why he was against the artificial turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. We simply cannot afford it as a community. We are not as affluent as we once thought we were. According to Pittsburgh Business Times, here are the rankings of Upper St. Clair, and two zip codes in Mt. Lebanon.
The Almanac's June 18, 2014 editorial Keep Mt. Lebanon's field turf natural suggests that "To rip up perfectly usable natural fields and replace grass with artificial turf is just another example of the current trend of local communities wanting to “keep up with the Joneses.” As pointed out last night, we are not in Upper St. Clair's or Peters Township's league. We need to look at Bethel or Dormont.
Update June 24, 2014 12:28 PM Pittsburgh Business Times does not include Mt. Lebanon's 15216, 15234, or 15226 zip codes. They did not make the top 50 zip codes with the highest average net worth in the Pittsburgh region.
Update June 24, 2014 4:50 PM I requested a copy of the Sports Advisory Board wish list. Adding a price tag of $4,000,000 for the multi purpose athletic facility brings the SAB Capital Projects Worksheet total to over $9,000,000. This does not include the Toxic Turf Project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Or the $4,000,000 Aquatic Center. Or the High School Sports wing. Or the $74,000 trophy case. Or the future turfing of the Rock Pile. Or the High School Tennis Courts. Or the Rifle Range. Who says we hate sports?
P.S. Or the new Bocce Pools a.k.a. the Bocce Courts in the No Flood Zone
Friday, June 20, 2014
Why GeoTurf and the ESB never had a chance UPDATED 2X
The lies started on November 25, 2013, when Kristen Linfante misrepresented the Environmental Sustainability Board's position on artificial turf.
No, actually it started before that. Back on November 20, 2013, Larry Evans, a retired FieldTurf guy from Mt. Lebanon contacted Kelly Fraasch and suggested that she call Penn State's Andrew McNitt for information about GeoTurf. Kelly followed up with an email to McNitt. Evans had contacted GeoTurf and said that he was a consultant to the commission. What Evans failed to disclose to Kelly was that McNitt had a partnership with FieldTurf and asking for his opinion of GeoTurf is like asking Coke their opinion of Pepsi. FieldTurf on GeoTurf Also in the email link, is an exchange that John Bendel had with the GeoTurf representative. The rep also indicated that irrigation is not needed with GeoTurf because it performs well in our climate. John seemed receptive to GeoTurf's product. But Dave Franklin was not. And we all know Dave Franklin's position on the EPA.
Hellas/GeoTurf provided their references here:
Hellas Reference List pages 1-66
In January, GeoTurf Contact info from 1st Turf Project Task Force Meeting Minutes is on page 68. But something happened in February. GeoTurf missing on vendor list from 2nd Turf Project Task Force Meeting Minutes page 70
In fact, there are two DIFFERENT sets of SAB meeting agendas for February 6, 2014.
From the Municipal website with no mention of the ESB's position on artificial turf
SAB meeting agenda from my RTK See page 126, item #5 ESB Position on Artificial Turf. Mt. Lebanon falsifies official records of its agencies! The meeting minutes skip #5.
FieldTurf - Turf Vendor Questions page 164 "Synthetic turf poses no health risks." Yet, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) released a consensus statement GUIDELINES TO PREVENT SUDDEN DEATH IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAMS In Maryland, schools canceled outdoor activities when it was 93º outside. It was too risky for athletes playing on artificial turf.
No, actually it started before that. Back on November 20, 2013, Larry Evans, a retired FieldTurf guy from Mt. Lebanon contacted Kelly Fraasch and suggested that she call Penn State's Andrew McNitt for information about GeoTurf. Kelly followed up with an email to McNitt. Evans had contacted GeoTurf and said that he was a consultant to the commission. What Evans failed to disclose to Kelly was that McNitt had a partnership with FieldTurf and asking for his opinion of GeoTurf is like asking Coke their opinion of Pepsi. FieldTurf on GeoTurf Also in the email link, is an exchange that John Bendel had with the GeoTurf representative. The rep also indicated that irrigation is not needed with GeoTurf because it performs well in our climate. John seemed receptive to GeoTurf's product. But Dave Franklin was not. And we all know Dave Franklin's position on the EPA.
Hellas/GeoTurf provided their references here:
Hellas Reference List pages 1-66
In January, GeoTurf Contact info from 1st Turf Project Task Force Meeting Minutes is on page 68. But something happened in February. GeoTurf missing on vendor list from 2nd Turf Project Task Force Meeting Minutes page 70
In fact, there are two DIFFERENT sets of SAB meeting agendas for February 6, 2014.
From the Municipal website with no mention of the ESB's position on artificial turf
SAB meeting agenda from my RTK See page 126, item #5 ESB Position on Artificial Turf. Mt. Lebanon falsifies official records of its agencies! The meeting minutes skip #5.
FieldTurf - Turf Vendor Questions page 164 "Synthetic turf poses no health risks." Yet, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) released a consensus statement GUIDELINES TO PREVENT SUDDEN DEATH IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAMS In Maryland, schools canceled outdoor activities when it was 93º outside. It was too risky for athletes playing on artificial turf.
On a side note, I found the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment contract on pages 128-162.
On Monday's Discussion Session agenda is Dr. Phil Johnson. He will speak about the health and well-being of our populations – including pregnant persons, infants, children, those with respiratory disease including asthma, those with allergies, those with neurodisabilities or disorders; those with cancer or surviving cancer; and those at risk of developing cancer. You can read his letter to the residents of Mt. Lebanon here.
Funny how the second item on the agenda, Wildcat/Middle turf improvements, follows an update from Republic, our new trash collectors.
It's not over! Public Hearing on Unassigned Funds July 8 will be introduced at Monday's Commission meeting by John Bendel. Look at the first item on the list. Also on July 8, the funds will be allocated and the turf bid will be awarded.
Update June 22, 2014 12:07 PM Kelly Fraasch sent out this email yesterday about tomorrow's meeting on artificial turf.
Update June 22, 2014 1:10 PM A suggestion was made to me this morning. Since the public is not permitted to speak during Discussion Sessions, we should wear our "No Artificial Turf" stickers or print out this sign, I [Heart] Lebo Sports on shirts or on paper for both meetings.
On Monday's Discussion Session agenda is Dr. Phil Johnson. He will speak about the health and well-being of our populations – including pregnant persons, infants, children, those with respiratory disease including asthma, those with allergies, those with neurodisabilities or disorders; those with cancer or surviving cancer; and those at risk of developing cancer. You can read his letter to the residents of Mt. Lebanon here.
Funny how the second item on the agenda, Wildcat/Middle turf improvements, follows an update from Republic, our new trash collectors.
It's not over! Public Hearing on Unassigned Funds July 8 will be introduced at Monday's Commission meeting by John Bendel. Look at the first item on the list. Also on July 8, the funds will be allocated and the turf bid will be awarded.
Update June 22, 2014 12:07 PM Kelly Fraasch sent out this email yesterday about tomorrow's meeting on artificial turf.
Update June 22, 2014 1:10 PM A suggestion was made to me this morning. Since the public is not permitted to speak during Discussion Sessions, we should wear our "No Artificial Turf" stickers or print out this sign, I [Heart] Lebo Sports on shirts or on paper for both meetings.
Hey! These fields are in the Historic District!
Laura C. Ricketts with the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board have prepared a 151 page registration form to the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. On Page 10 of National Register of Historic Places, Main Park is considered a contributing site to the Mt. Lebanon Historic District.
According to the Integrity Statement, "an inventory of the 4,263 resources within the 1,306-acre historic district identifies 3,344 contributing buildings, 882 non-contributing buildings, 24 contributing sites, 10 non-contributing sites, and 3 non-contributing structures."
What this tells me is that there are 3,344 buildings with standing. I learned about "standing" when I challenged Kristen Linfante's nomination petition back in 2011. You see, since I am a Republican and she is a Democrat, I had no standing. I was not permitted to challenge her nomination petition. I am not an attorney, but up until now, the only residents who had standing over this turf project were the immediate neighbors on Vee Lynn, Cedar, and Mayfair.
If anyone within the 1,306-acre historic district has an issue with plastic grass being installed on historic fields, take action! You won't see artificial turf at Doubleday Field and we shouldn't have it on our historic fields either.
The Mt. Lebanon Historic District also contains three substantial greenspaces within its boundary. The northernmost is the 76-acre Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, which was established in 1874 and includes a late nineteenth century caretaker’s house as part of its property (Photograph 34)... Main Park, a 51-acre park located off Cedar Boulevard, was already established during the period of significance though the original bath house and swimming pool that were formerly located at the center of the park are no longer extant. The park itself, which features ball fields, playgrounds, and basketball and tennis courts, is considered a contributing site, but the recreation center, tennis center, and current pool house that have been built within the park after the period of significance are considered non-contributing buildings. The 42-acre Bird Park, which is located off Beadling Road, is considered a contributing site. Though it wasn’t dedicated as a named park until 1967, historical mapping and aerial photographs show that the parkland remained undeveloped through the period of significance. Bird Park consists of wooded steep terrain with a stream channel, nature trails, athletic fields, and picnic pavilions.Why does this remind me of our trip to Doubleday Field? Doubleday Field is a baseball stadium in Cooperstown, New York. It was named for Abner Doubleday and is located near the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Baseball history buffs would never settle for artificial turf in Cooperstown, NY. Historians will tell you that ball fields were always grass, never plastic.
According to the Integrity Statement, "an inventory of the 4,263 resources within the 1,306-acre historic district identifies 3,344 contributing buildings, 882 non-contributing buildings, 24 contributing sites, 10 non-contributing sites, and 3 non-contributing structures."
What this tells me is that there are 3,344 buildings with standing. I learned about "standing" when I challenged Kristen Linfante's nomination petition back in 2011. You see, since I am a Republican and she is a Democrat, I had no standing. I was not permitted to challenge her nomination petition. I am not an attorney, but up until now, the only residents who had standing over this turf project were the immediate neighbors on Vee Lynn, Cedar, and Mayfair.
If anyone within the 1,306-acre historic district has an issue with plastic grass being installed on historic fields, take action! You won't see artificial turf at Doubleday Field and we shouldn't have it on our historic fields either.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Bid opening today UPDATED 3X
Today is the day that we find out if FieldTurf will be the lowest bidder on the toxic turf project. For anyone interested, it will be at 11:00 at the Recreation Center, second floor.
This Letter to the Editor from my best buddy, Darren Gill, VP of Global Marketing for FieldTurf, showed up in a Westfield, NJ newspaper yesterday.
FieldTurf Objects to Westfield's Choice for Sid Fay and Houlihan Fields
I found this to be fascinating:
This Letter to the Editor from my best buddy, Darren Gill, VP of Global Marketing for FieldTurf, showed up in a Westfield, NJ newspaper yesterday.
FieldTurf Objects to Westfield's Choice for Sid Fay and Houlihan Fields
I found this to be fascinating:
- Fieldturf has had hundreds of fields fail prematurely (all very easily verified) while still under warranty yet Gill calls out Desso for having 2 fields replaced while still under warranty
- Gill singles out Desso as a "European based company." Fieldturf is wholly owned by Tarkett -a European company. http://www.tarkett.com/en/history
- Gill writes, "- In fact, as proof to the contrary, Penn State University’s Sports Surface Research Center conducted their own independent testing on 13 different monofilament fibers and found the 40 ounce FieldTurf product to be the most durable of all tested. The 60 ounce systems from Astroturf and 45 ounce system from Mondo were significantly less durable."
If FieldTurf does not get the job, will we be seeing a similar letter, such as "FieldTurf Objects to Mt. Lebanon's Choice for Middle and Wildcat Fields?"
Update June 19, 2014 10:36 AM I am not familiar with the bidding process, but how can contractors' bids be submitted in a sealed envelope before the 11:00 opening when this mandatory addendum, sent at 3:30 PM yesterday, is to be included with any bid submissions?
Update June 19, 2014 9:42 PM Mt. Lebanon officials studying 4 artificial turf bids for fields
Update June 19, 2014 10:36 AM I am not familiar with the bidding process, but how can contractors' bids be submitted in a sealed envelope before the 11:00 opening when this mandatory addendum, sent at 3:30 PM yesterday, is to be included with any bid submissions?
Update June 19, 2014 9:42 PM Mt. Lebanon officials studying 4 artificial turf bids for fields
 |
Justin Merriman | Tribune-Review
A sign in a yard along Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon on Thursday, June 19, 2014, protests the controversial proposal of putting artificial turf on two baseball fields.
Update June 20, 2014 10:45 AM Comparing the 11.06.13 Bendel presentation and the Turf Project Task Force presentation with what occurred yesterday, sheds a little more light to this disaster waiting to happen.
On page 13 of Bendel's presentation, the Opinion of Cost provided by Gateway Engineers was:
Scope of Work Opinion of Cost*
Base – grading, gravel base, drainage $354,400
Turf and organic fill $490,000
Contingency/Soft costs $89,070
Maintenance equipment, bleachers, fencing, landscaping $66,300
Total initial project costs $999,770
*Provided by Gateway Engineers
On page 12 of the 02.11.14 Turf Project Task Force Recommendations lists the five vendors who were interested in the project and interviewed. The second bullet explains FieldTurf's role. "Turf vendors in general supply the turf and infill and work with qualified site contractors acting as the General Contractor." Hellas was extremely interested, but couldn't compete with the final specifications. Speaking of final specifications, the Turf Project Task Force Recommendations included these specs, "To address the multi-purpose, heavy use planned for the field, the specification recommended for the turf will be a slit film with monofilament blend." We're already being set up for a revision in the final specs. According to the TPTF specs, we should be accepting the $859,000 product, not the $827,000 product.
Massillon, Ohio-based Vasco appeared to be the lowest bidder for two options that would use artificial turf with a sand and crumb-rubber infill. The company bid $827,000 to install a “monofilm” surface, with artificial grass blades that are rounded and slightly stiffer, and $859,000 for a blend of monofilm and slit-film blades, which Recreation Director David Donnellan said look like the flat-bladed artificial grass used in Easter baskets.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
A little lead is OK...UPDATED
I just received Addendum #3 from Gateway Engineers. The "safe"lead limits in the specifications are:
1. Changes to specifications:
1.1. Changes to Specification Section 02900- Artificial Turf, Section 1.4 Quality Assurance,
Item C. Lead and other metals. REQUIRED PRIOR WITH MATERIAL
SUBMISSIONS: Add 1. Lead content in synthetic turf fibers must be less than 8 ppm.
1.2. Changes to Specification Section 02900- Artificial Turf, Section 1.4 Quality Assurance,
Item C. Lead and other metals. REQUIRED PRIOR WITH MATERIAL
SUBMISSIONS: Add 2. Lead content in rubber infill must be less than 50 ppm.
2. Clarifications:
2.1. The synthetic turf materials are to be tested prior to delivery to the site and must contain less than 8 ppm of lead for fibers and less than 50 ppm of lead for crumb rubber. This limit falls well within the ASTM, EPA, and CDC threshold for lead levels.
1. Changes to specifications:
1.1. Changes to Specification Section 02900- Artificial Turf, Section 1.4 Quality Assurance,
Item C. Lead and other metals. REQUIRED PRIOR WITH MATERIAL
SUBMISSIONS: Add 1. Lead content in synthetic turf fibers must be less than 8 ppm.
1.2. Changes to Specification Section 02900- Artificial Turf, Section 1.4 Quality Assurance,
Item C. Lead and other metals. REQUIRED PRIOR WITH MATERIAL
SUBMISSIONS: Add 2. Lead content in rubber infill must be less than 50 ppm.
2. Clarifications:
2.1. The synthetic turf materials are to be tested prior to delivery to the site and must contain less than 8 ppm of lead for fibers and less than 50 ppm of lead for crumb rubber. This limit falls well within the ASTM, EPA, and CDC threshold for lead levels.
Note to Commission and Municipal Staff: THERE ARE NO SAFE LEAD LEVELS
Update June 19, 2014 7:59 AM: The following editorial appeared in The Almanac on June 18, 2014. Keep Mt. Lebanon's field turf natural
Published Jun 18, 2014 at 6:34 am (Updated Jun 17, 2014 at 11:04 am)
I n November 2013, Mt. Lebanon commissioners approved a conceptual plan for the natural grass turf on Mt. Lebanon Park’s Middle and Wildcat fields to be replaced with artificial turf. The price tag is estimated at a cool $1 million, $750,000 of which would come from the municipality’s unassigned fund balance and the remaining $250,000 to be raised from private donations – ergo, this project should not result in a tax increase.
For months, a literal turf war has been going on in Mt. Lebanon, with those who oppose the project mainly concerned about safety. A recent meeting featured turf experts who were on hand to educate the public and answer their questions – questions that were not permitted to be asked vocally, rather, that were written on cards for the experts to address at the end of the meeting.
Chemicals in the crumb rubber turf – including alcohols, acids, ketones, esters, lactones and sulfur, to name a few – are one concern, while potential injuries from the harder surface are another.
The environmental impact is yet another issue that residents have been worried about from the time that the project was announced – they are concerned about the potential for flooding due to the removal of natural soil, and pollution from that runoff ending up in local streams. In early May, Dr. Tracy Bank, a geologist, told Mt. Lebanon commissioners that artificial turf cannot match environmental benefits of natural grass. “(Turf manufacturers) are basically strip mining the ground,” she said.
Truly, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Kelly Fraasch, the lone commissioner opposed to the project, hit the nail on the head when she said that “Artificial turf is an issue that’s evolving, with potential health concerns for children, pregnant mothers and adults. We can’t look back at years of use and say it’s safe because everyone is using it. There are numerous examples of items we thought were safe and clearly aren’t today.
To rip up perfectly usable natural fields and replace grass with artificial turf is just another example of the current trend of local communities wanting to “keep up with the Joneses.” It’s frivolous, unnecessary spending, even though those who are for the project site increasing the fields’ usability by 60 percent, because it will remain playable for longer seasons.
For years, sports have been played on natural grass fields. Leave paradise alone, and don’t pave a proverbial parking lot.
Update June 19, 2014 7:59 AM: The following editorial appeared in The Almanac on June 18, 2014. Keep Mt. Lebanon's field turf natural
Published Jun 18, 2014 at 6:34 am (Updated Jun 17, 2014 at 11:04 am)
I n November 2013, Mt. Lebanon commissioners approved a conceptual plan for the natural grass turf on Mt. Lebanon Park’s Middle and Wildcat fields to be replaced with artificial turf. The price tag is estimated at a cool $1 million, $750,000 of which would come from the municipality’s unassigned fund balance and the remaining $250,000 to be raised from private donations – ergo, this project should not result in a tax increase.
For months, a literal turf war has been going on in Mt. Lebanon, with those who oppose the project mainly concerned about safety. A recent meeting featured turf experts who were on hand to educate the public and answer their questions – questions that were not permitted to be asked vocally, rather, that were written on cards for the experts to address at the end of the meeting.
Chemicals in the crumb rubber turf – including alcohols, acids, ketones, esters, lactones and sulfur, to name a few – are one concern, while potential injuries from the harder surface are another.
The environmental impact is yet another issue that residents have been worried about from the time that the project was announced – they are concerned about the potential for flooding due to the removal of natural soil, and pollution from that runoff ending up in local streams. In early May, Dr. Tracy Bank, a geologist, told Mt. Lebanon commissioners that artificial turf cannot match environmental benefits of natural grass. “(Turf manufacturers) are basically strip mining the ground,” she said.
Truly, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Kelly Fraasch, the lone commissioner opposed to the project, hit the nail on the head when she said that “Artificial turf is an issue that’s evolving, with potential health concerns for children, pregnant mothers and adults. We can’t look back at years of use and say it’s safe because everyone is using it. There are numerous examples of items we thought were safe and clearly aren’t today.
To rip up perfectly usable natural fields and replace grass with artificial turf is just another example of the current trend of local communities wanting to “keep up with the Joneses.” It’s frivolous, unnecessary spending, even though those who are for the project site increasing the fields’ usability by 60 percent, because it will remain playable for longer seasons.
For years, sports have been played on natural grass fields. Leave paradise alone, and don’t pave a proverbial parking lot.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Contrary to popular belief...
The plan to artificially turf Middle and Wildcat Fields (or as Susan Morgans likes to call it, "Field Enhancement Project") has NOT been voted on. The vote to assign funds took place in November 2013. There has been no vote to artificially turf Middle and Wildcat Fields.
This has NOT gone to the Traffic Board.
No traffic study has been done even though the entrance to the fields is being relocated.
This has NOT gone to the Historic Preservation Board.
The Environmental Sustainability Board is against the project.
The Parks Advisory Board is against the project.
The Planning Board has not voted on this project.
The Zoning Hearing Board has NOT been involved.
The Recreation Department has sent over 8,000 emails, soliciting for the non-municipal share of the project.
The Public Information Office has updated the Mt. Lebanon website to include Field Enhancement of Wildcat and Middle fields. Additionally, a plea for donations to the non-municipal portion of the project is included in the update.
This is NOT a done deal, Lebo Citizens. The bid opening is this Thursday at 11:00 AM in the Recreation Office. Bids will be awarded at the end of this month or the beginning of July. The Sports Advisory Board only has a 98% commitment of the required $250,000 portion. According to the Mellon presentation made by John Bendel, $101,879 is cash in hand, and an additional $143,250 has been pledged. We have been told that if there is no $250,000 cash in hand, the bids will not be awarded.
This has NOT gone to the Traffic Board.
No traffic study has been done even though the entrance to the fields is being relocated.
This has NOT gone to the Historic Preservation Board.
The Environmental Sustainability Board is against the project.
The Parks Advisory Board is against the project.
The Planning Board has not voted on this project.
The Zoning Hearing Board has NOT been involved.
The Recreation Department has sent over 8,000 emails, soliciting for the non-municipal share of the project.
The Public Information Office has updated the Mt. Lebanon website to include Field Enhancement of Wildcat and Middle fields. Additionally, a plea for donations to the non-municipal portion of the project is included in the update.
A public fundraising campaign is under way to garner the $250,000 in non-municipal funds needed to make this project happen. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the project: Field DonationsIt was a wise decision on the part of the PIO to share an unedited version of the Mellon artificial turf infomercial. It includes members of the audience calling out to David Donnellan that he was lying.
This is NOT a done deal, Lebo Citizens. The bid opening is this Thursday at 11:00 AM in the Recreation Office. Bids will be awarded at the end of this month or the beginning of July. The Sports Advisory Board only has a 98% commitment of the required $250,000 portion. According to the Mellon presentation made by John Bendel, $101,879 is cash in hand, and an additional $143,250 has been pledged. We have been told that if there is no $250,000 cash in hand, the bids will not be awarded.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Another fine mess
Assessments are in the news again. Mt. Lebanon resident and Lebo Citizens reader, Mike Suley offers advice to the newcomers going through the appeals process.
Properties sold in 2013 fetched a price that averaged about 10 percent higher than their 2012 assessed value, according to tentative figures released by the state Tax Equalization Division. Property owners could use that to appeal for a lower assessment.
Gap between property values, sales a homeowner's boon in Allegheny County
“What it says is that properties are appreciating at such a rapid clip that we are almost back to where we started before the reassessment,” said Michael Suley, a real estate consultant and former manager of the Allegheny County Office of Property Assessment. “Every taxpayer should use that argument in the appeals process.”Another fine mess to add to the Commission's legacy.
Addendum #2
I received Addendum #2 from Gateway Engineers on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 4:10 PM. It includes:
4.2. Per grading plan there is fill installation required to raise the southwest corner to elevation.
A comment, from the previous thread:
Elaine,
It looks like the 4.2 specification you posted refers to the infill that is installed after the turf is laid down, not before. You indicated it is to raise the southwest corner to elevation.
The 4.2 infill in the document does not raise the level. It merely provides a cushion in the turf surface after installation.
I am very interested in seeing all documentation per the grading plan to raise the southwest corner to elevation. If you can post it, things would be greatly cleared up.
June 16, 2014 at 4:50 AM
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4.2. Per grading plan there is fill installation required to raise the southwest corner to elevation.
A comment, from the previous thread:
Elaine,
It looks like the 4.2 specification you posted refers to the infill that is installed after the turf is laid down, not before. You indicated it is to raise the southwest corner to elevation.
The 4.2 infill in the document does not raise the level. It merely provides a cushion in the turf surface after installation.
I am very interested in seeing all documentation per the grading plan to raise the southwest corner to elevation. If you can post it, things would be greatly cleared up.
June 16, 2014 at 4:50 AM
Here are the photos from the Grading Plan Subgrade Elevations:
The next group of photos is from the Grading Plan Final Grade Elevations
Thursday, June 12, 2014
"Field Enhancements" Project meeting recap UPDATED 3X
I have been saving some photos, waiting for the right time to share them on Lebo Citizens. I think it is the right time.
Tonight, Dan Deiseroth talked about flooding on Cedar Blvd. He said that Dixon floods, but never Middle and Wildcat Fields. Evidently, those fields have higher elevations and are not in the FEMA designated floodplain.
Here are some pics of the Wildcat Parking Lot flooding on May 28, 2014.
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The following photos illustrate the higher elevations as explained tonight at the "Field Enhancements" meeting. The bids show that fields are at "grade (street) level." The fields are far below Cedar Blvd, and obviously below the pool.
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Update June 13, 2014 2:35 PM Here is what Google Earth says about the elevations of Dixon, Middle, and Wildcat Fields.
Update June 14, 2014 2:40 PM I received Addendum #2 from Gateway Engineers on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 4:10 PM. It includes:
4.2. Per grading plan there is fill installation required to raise the southwest corner to elevation.
Specification changes include:
Update June 15, 2014 7:10 PM Here is the information I promised from the RTK concerning pitching mounds on Middle and Wildcat Fields.
Tonight, Dan Deiseroth talked about flooding on Cedar Blvd. He said that Dixon floods, but never Middle and Wildcat Fields. Evidently, those fields have higher elevations and are not in the FEMA designated floodplain.
Here are some pics of the Wildcat Parking Lot flooding on May 28, 2014.
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| Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14 |
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| Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14 |
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| Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14 |
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| Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14 |
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| Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14 |
The following photos illustrate the higher elevations as explained tonight at the "Field Enhancements" meeting. The bids show that fields are at "grade (street) level." The fields are far below Cedar Blvd, and obviously below the pool.
There was mention of an Add Alternate for a storm water filtration system. Here is what I was able to get from the bids.
Dan, feel free to use any of these photos in your next presentation. I am glad that the one you showed tonight was helpful for your business. I know who reads my blog because they recognized the photo immediately. Thanks for reading, Folks!
What I learned tonight is that Andy McNitt is not a toxicologist. The ESB was not given the plans, as David Donnellan claimed. I need to listen to the podcast because I think he mentioned other boards, as well. I learned that fresh strawberries are dangerous. And that artificial turf is perfectly safe, since there are poisons all around us.
Readers, feel free to share your thoughts about tonight's "Field Enhancements" meeting. I found out that our PIO coined that phrase since "artificial turf" has a negative connotation. Yes, I certainly feel better about it.
The podcast has been uploaded on to lebocitizens.com It is also available here.
Update June 13, 2014 2:35 PM Here is what Google Earth says about the elevations of Dixon, Middle, and Wildcat Fields.
Update June 14, 2014 2:40 PM I received Addendum #2 from Gateway Engineers on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 4:10 PM. It includes:
4.2. Per grading plan there is fill installation required to raise the southwest corner to elevation.
Specification changes include:
Update June 15, 2014 7:10 PM Here is the information I promised from the RTK concerning pitching mounds on Middle and Wildcat Fields.
No time for two local experts to weigh in on artificial turf
Thank you for your input and work on this.From: John Bendel <jbendel@mtlebanon.org>Date: June 12, 2014 7:56:41 AM EDTTo: Charlotte StephensonCc: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>, Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>Subject: Re: Thursday evening forum - Toxicologist
Charlotte,At this point, less than 12 hours from the field meeting, I do not feel there is enough time for the municipality to contact and prepare for a new speaker that you may refer for tonight's meeting. I appreciate your willingness to search for someone and I encourage you to refer names to Steve Feller. I have shared my views with the Commission and a recommendation that we bring someone in to the next Commission discussion session.
_______________________________
Dear John,
So the question I would ask is whether studies have been done determining if any chemical constituents would be expected to leach out under usual outdoor conditions. I don't think this is likely, but it needs to be tested. If the turf would break up into small pieces that could be swallowed by a small child, then a legitimate question is whether any toxic chemicals might leach out and be absorbed in the acid pH of the child's stomach."
I am disheartened that you are unwilling to permit me the entire short window that I already was given to produce a credentialed and expert opinion on this issue. The audience that most likely will attend tonight's forum is the very audience that needs to hear credible feedback about this plan. Inviting an expert of caliber to a Commission meeting will have much less importance than what is necessary at tonight's forum. I made tremendous headway in a short period of time.
The Commission asked municipal staff, who have no scientific or public health background to my knowledge, to find an appropriate resource. As I understand it, Susan is a PIO, Laura works with her and Steve is our municipal manager. While they have honed their skills working in their capacities, they were not logical choices to research a speaker on this health and safety issue. Further, I don't believe that any of the Commissioners work in the public health arena as well.
John, I realize that service on the Commission is a time consuming effort and most of you are juggling day jobs. That, however, is absolutely no excuse for not serving the health and safety concerns of this community to the best of one's ability. This is one of the most important responsibilities that you are your associates have been given! The reality is that you passed this important matter off to staff unfairly given the late notice and their limited knowledge base so of course, no positive results were achieved.
That being said, since I left the Commission Chamber on Tuesday evening at 11:00 PM, I have obtained an opinion from Dr. Bernard Goldstein. He is a former Dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, an environmental toxicologist whose research interests have focused largely on the concept of biological markers in the field of risk assessment. He has published in the areas of blood toxicity, the formation of cancer-causing substances (free radicals) following exposure to inhalants and global issues in environmental medicine. He is a previous chair of the department of environmental and community medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where he established the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute in addition to his service as an officer with the U.S. Public Health Service and as an administrator for research and development at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. His medical degree is from New York University. In his response to my inquiry late this morning, he wrote and I boldfaced the key points....
"Dear Ms Stephenson
Sorry not to have been responsive but am at a meeting related to the Gulf Oil spill and won't be back until next week...As I understand it, the concern is whether any of the components are able to leach out of the artificial turf or be torn up in small enough particles to be inhaled or eaten by a child. I was involved in a study of an artificial turf at Giants Stadium, but the concern ended up being due to something that had been inappropriately sprayed on to the turf rather than the turf itself which was judged to be harmless - and the turf we studied in the 1990s may well be different from the one being used in Mt Lebanon
So the question I would ask is whether studies have been done determining if any chemical constituents would be expected to leach out under usual outdoor conditions. I don't think this is likely, but it needs to be tested. If the turf would break up into small pieces that could be swallowed by a small child, then a legitimate question is whether any toxic chemicals might leach out and be absorbed in the acid pH of the child's stomach."
Additionally, in less than 24 hours I have connected with Dr. James Fabisiak, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health
University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
He wrote the following late this morning:
"Dear Ms. Stephenson,
I've seen your correspondence here with Dr. Goldstein regarding artificial turf. Attached I have provided a very brief synopsis of what I know about artificial turf which you may find helpful. It presents 3 research articles and 1 review article on the subject. I provided the reference, link to full text when available, abstract (with highlights I added) and my interpretation. It is clear that since artificial turf is rubber-derived in large part it will contain certain amounts of some chemicals with hazardous potential. Most notably organic hydrocarbons of great variety and metals. However, it appears that consensus is that overall systemic exposure to most to these will be very low and probably of little concern. Much is this is derived by looking at dissolution in various biological fluids like sweat or gastric juice which adds to strength to the conclusions and helps address Dr. Goldstein's point about stomach pH etc.. The one exception seems to be Lead which of course has toxic potential, especially in young children. Turf material seem to vary widely in lead content and also may reflect the use of paints or pigments in addition to the rubber itself. Modern products may be available that are certified to be low-lead or lead-free and maybe one can insist that these be used in your playground. Now you mentioned that you yourself suffer from asthma (as does my son). It is important that realize that much less work has been done in regarding the respiratory effects in these sensitive groups, so I think it prudent to at least acknowledge that potential risks in these individuals contains a little more uncertainty....I hope you find this helpful. It is far from comprehensive, but I only learned to your concerns a few hours ago. I'm sorry I cannot attend your meeting this evening (I have other plans and the notice is short)..."
I've seen your correspondence here with Dr. Goldstein regarding artificial turf. Attached I have provided a very brief synopsis of what I know about artificial turf which you may find helpful. It presents 3 research articles and 1 review article on the subject. I provided the reference, link to full text when available, abstract (with highlights I added) and my interpretation. It is clear that since artificial turf is rubber-derived in large part it will contain certain amounts of some chemicals with hazardous potential. Most notably organic hydrocarbons of great variety and metals. However, it appears that consensus is that overall systemic exposure to most to these will be very low and probably of little concern. Much is this is derived by looking at dissolution in various biological fluids like sweat or gastric juice which adds to strength to the conclusions and helps address Dr. Goldstein's point about stomach pH etc.. The one exception seems to be Lead which of course has toxic potential, especially in young children. Turf material seem to vary widely in lead content and also may reflect the use of paints or pigments in addition to the rubber itself. Modern products may be available that are certified to be low-lead or lead-free and maybe one can insist that these be used in your playground. Now you mentioned that you yourself suffer from asthma (as does my son). It is important that realize that much less work has been done in regarding the respiratory effects in these sensitive groups, so I think it prudent to at least acknowledge that potential risks in these individuals contains a little more uncertainty....I hope you find this helpful. It is far from comprehensive, but I only learned to your concerns a few hours ago. I'm sorry I cannot attend your meeting this evening (I have other plans and the notice is short)..."
I telephoned Dr. Fabisiak to clarify some points just a little while ago. He recommended sampling the product you are purchasing and having it evaluated in a laboratory for the chemical content, particularly the lead content. He mentioned having read some information last week about increased ACL injuries on artificial turf surfaces and that the products vary from supplier to supplier.
In summary, in the unfairly dictated short window of time you gave me, you now have on record two local and qualified experts who recommend laboratory testing evaluation of the product you are purchasing for our children. You simply cannot afford to ignore this recommendation. Please inform me as to your action plan so I understand that you are performing your duties responsibly.
Thank You,
Charlotte Stephenson
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Drum roll, please. The panel includes...
The panel for the "Field Enhancements" forum is...
From: John Bendel <jbendel@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Wed, Jun 11, 2014 10:48 pm
Subject: Re: Thursday's panel
The case is here: http://media.star-telegram.com/smedia/2014/06/11/17/12/7gZpb.So.58.pdf
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Wed, Jun 11, 2014 10:48 pm
Subject: Re: Thursday's panel
Elaine, The panel I will moderate the panel and provide background on the project Others on the panel: David Donnellan - field use, Work of turf task force, SAB Dan Deiseroth, Jim Sauer - project design, storm water, bid specifications, timeline Andrew McNitt, PSU The presentations will be followed by question and answer period.
______________________
Don't miss this!!!
My buddy, Mr. Gill, VP from FieldTurf and Andrew McNitt are in the news together.FieldTurf, Penn State Partner in New Center for Sports Surfaces
Darren Gill is in the news a lot these days. See here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/11/5893155/arlington-school-district-hits.html?rh=1
The case is here: http://media.star-telegram.com/smedia/2014/06/11/17/12/7gZpb.So.58.pdf
No toxicologist at Field "Enhancements" forum UPDATED
I asked the commissioners if they were able to get a toxicologist to speak at Thursday's Turf, I mean Field Enhancements educational forum and the answer was No. John Bendel and Kelly Fraasch got into it about that. Kelly said that the whole purpose of the meeting was to have a toxicologist speak about the safety of artificial turf. It turns out that they contacted someone as late as yesterday and he was unable to attend. Charlotte Stephenson spoke later and offered to bring a toxicologist. John wanted to vet the expert before permitting him to speak. Kristen piped up to say that they don't want anyone from Mt. Lebanon because they could be biased. You see, a Mt. Lebanon toxicologist could think the turf is perfectly safe, but is opposed to the cost. One resident thought that it was because there were no toxicologists who are in favor of artificial turf. John Bendel was getting snarky with me about the expert from Penn State, Dr. Andrew McNitt. What he failed to mention was that Andy has a partnership with FieldTurf, the artificial turf company whose VP of Global Marketing in Montreal was attacking me yesterday. I never heard back from Mr. Gill, by the way.
There is no conduit going in at Middle and Wildcat Fields, according to Bend it With Bendel. Funny, that is what is in the bid documents. There are no other phases, according to Bendel. John did send me this late this afternoon:
The commitments by the Sports Associations are as follows:
Soccer: $50,000
Baseball: $40,000
Lacrosse: $20,000 (lacrosse parents another $28,000 on their own and sent to the Endowment)
Softball: $7,500
Football: $6,500
Field Hockey: $1,000
The summary of contributions is attached. For some reason, I can read it with no problems on my iPad, but on my Mac laptop, it is junked up. Just a heads up. The title of the document is:
Begin forwarded message:
Shortly after I received John's email, Kristen sent me a confirmation that the meeting will be video recorded.
Well, that's all she wrote tonight. Good night.
Update June 11, 2014 1:09 AM I lied. I'm still up. A WTAE camera person (gender neutral, thank you) was filming residents during Citizen Comments. I wish I had taken a picture of the commissioners. They were white as ghosts. They had no idea what was going on. Are they doing a story on the Newcomers' Tax or are they going to write about how the community is getting screwed over the MWC turf project? We will know for sure in July. :)
Update June 11, 2014 4:30 PM Independent expert?
There is no conduit going in at Middle and Wildcat Fields, according to Bend it With Bendel. Funny, that is what is in the bid documents. There are no other phases, according to Bendel. John did send me this late this afternoon:
The commitments by the Sports Associations are as follows:
Soccer: $50,000
Baseball: $40,000
Lacrosse: $20,000 (lacrosse parents another $28,000 on their own and sent to the Endowment)
Softball: $7,500
Football: $6,500
Field Hockey: $1,000
The summary of contributions is attached. For some reason, I can read it with no problems on my iPad, but on my Mac laptop, it is junked up. Just a heads up. The title of the document is:
Non-municipal sources Initial Project Cost
98% Committed
The bottom line totals, in case you can't read it, are
Cash $101,879
Pledged $143, 250
Total $245,129
Here is the email that I never received. John sent it to me after the meeting, with an apology.
Sorry, I don't know what happened. I thought it went through
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Note: I asked for corporate sponsors and public donors.Elaine,Yes, the June 12 meeting will be video recorded.
The Commission established that the non municipal funds be in hand before we award the contract, not when we accept the bids. The emails from David Donnellan and me confirm that. As far as the $5,000 from a corporate donor that will be available in December, the Commission will need to decide if we are willing to make an exception to the cash in hand requirement for a firm commitment for a relatively small amount.The contributions made to the Endowment were primarily made by individuals. I do not believe the Endowment would release the names of contributors nor do I think they should. Moreover, I don't know why it matters who the individuals are that donated to the project.I am aware of the concern regarding surface temperatures on turf. Our speaker, Andy McNitt, will address this issue at the June 12 meeting.John,
Will the Mellon presentation be video recorded? If not, will there be an audio recording?
Please explain why the words "artificial turf" are never used in any of the LeboALERTS, or any other municipal announcements such as what is on the municipal website.
I would also like to confirm with you that the non-municipal funds (cash in hand) will be released to the municipality prior to the bid being accepted. Here is the email exchange. that you had with Dave Franklin and David Donnellan clarifying Dave Franklin's statement.Also, the $5000 being donated in December should not be considered as cash in hand.
At the SAB meeting last week, Pam Scott asked about contributions made to the turf project. Dave Franklin asked Pam to specify which contributions by asking "Private?" She said yes. Who are the corporate sponsors and /or public donors and how much are their contributions?During the SAB meeting, Kimberly Schevtchuk was on the defensive before she could even speak. She tried to share her research with the SAB but was fired questions from all angles. Many were the same questions that were asked of her previously. One of the issues that came up at the SAB meeting was turf temperatures. A Lebo Citizens reader shared his findings on my Lebo Citizens blog. I hope you consider reading this post.Elaine Gillen
Shortly after I received John's email, Kristen sent me a confirmation that the meeting will be video recorded.
Well, that's all she wrote tonight. Good night.
Update June 11, 2014 1:09 AM I lied. I'm still up. A WTAE camera person (gender neutral, thank you) was filming residents during Citizen Comments. I wish I had taken a picture of the commissioners. They were white as ghosts. They had no idea what was going on. Are they doing a story on the Newcomers' Tax or are they going to write about how the community is getting screwed over the MWC turf project? We will know for sure in July. :)
Update June 11, 2014 4:30 PM Independent expert?
Andrew McNitt's Overview
- Current
- Professor of Soil Science/Turfgrass at Penn State University
- Past
- Associate Professor of Soil Science/Turfgrass at Penn State University
- Education
- Connections
- 500+ connections
- Websites
Andrew McNitt's Experience
Professor of Soil Science/Turfgrass
Penn State University
Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry
2012 – Present (2 years)
Associate Professor of Soil Science/Turfgrass
Penn State University
Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry
2006 – 2012 (6 years)
Andrew McNitt's Projects
Divot resistance and tensile strength of Kentucky bluegrass sod as a function of mowing height, nitrogen fertility and sand topdressing
- September 2012 to Present
Many professional sports fields are re-sodded annually, especially in the NFL. Because these fields are resurfaced so often, what happens at the sod farm can be almost as important as what the turf manager does at the stadium. The use of thick-cut sod is common when the field must be resurfaced during the season, but no scientific research has examined this process.
The goal of my master's...more
Andrew McNitt's Skills & Expertise
- Agronomy
- Horticulture
- Soil
- Turf
- Golf Courses
Andrew McNitt's Education
Penns Valley High School
Andrew McNitt's Additional Information
- Websites:
- Interests:
- Athletic Field Construction and Management, Sports Fields, Synthetic Turf,
- Groups and Associations:
- STMA, KAFMO, Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council, PSU Turfgrass AlumniUpdate June 11, 2014 7:07 PM At last night's meeting, Charlotte Stephenson offered to locate a toxicologist for tomorrow night's meeting. Here is the email exchange she had with the commissioners and manager today. It is a little confusing to follow, but start from the bottom of the Google Doc.
- Note: Steve Feller contacted Dr. Johnson on Monday afternoon!
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