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 |
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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..jpeg)
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There was mention of an Add Alternate for a storm water filtration system. Here is what I was able to get from the bids.
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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.
82 comments:
If they are misrepresenting the elevation of the field, the entire project is at risk. It takes 6 months to 1 year for the fill material to settle as stated here by a construction manager from Allegheny County when he commented on a new field development project recently:
"A geotechnical engineering evaluation in September revealed that the 25-acre area in phase I of the project would need to be elevated with four to five feet of fill material that has to settle for six months, said Bud Schubel, manager of construction in Allegheny County Economic Development".
Read more: http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/alleghenyneighborhoods/alleghenyneighborhoodsmore/5925597-74/fields-sports-complex#ixzz34UDlKLw9
In addition, my impression from learning some things about the high school construction process is that perhaps some necessary settling time was not permitted before gym floors and other items were constructed.
I am sure there is an attorney or construction expert reading this blog. Can you help?
If Deseiroth used your photos for commercial purposes, he was paid for this event, and he didn't ask for permission for their use he is in violation of copyright laws- even if you sent them to him at some point.
You cannot just arbitarily use someone's how ever you chose.
Another thing, how can he possibly claim Wildcat/Middle is elevated when clearly your photos show it to be 4-5 feet lower than Cedar Blvd?
Can an attorney clarify this:
Section 702. Legislative findings and declaration (a) Findings.
The General Assembly finds that the right of the public to be present at all meetings of agencies and to witness the deliberation, policy formulation and decisionmaking of agencies is vital to the enhancement and proper functioning of the democratic process.
Obviously, the meeting was part of the commission's decisionmaking on how to spend tax dollars.
How can they conduct an open meeting with a quorum of commissioners present and not allow public participation required by 710.1?
Secrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public's effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society.
Nothing will be allowed to stand in the way of the artificial turf juggernaut. The obvious facts that these fields flood now, will flood even worse when converted to an impervious surface, and will likely cause substantial damage to surrounding private property means nothing to those determined to live in their own dreams.
As for filling the fields with 5 feet of soil, well, that still will not bring the fields to street level, if you are familiar with the land. But, if you raise the level of the fields by 5 feet and you make the surface of them impervious, you have obviously only created a greater runoff threat at the currently unpaved auxiliary parking lot on the south side of the fields. That runoff is bad enough, but if any of it is also toxic, well my friends, we are going to have serious trouble in River City. Consider that from that south (unpaved) parking lot the runoff spills directly over Cedar and into the nearby stream.
Even the proponents' rally for artificial turf didn't gloss over the serious issues raised by this proposal. Wouldn't you think that the commission would take a break to think about this and get more information before proceeding at this point? It is the fault of the citizens that we have a commission made up of zealots who will not approach this (or many other) problems with an open mind.
The Swamp Fox (returns)
I don't believe they are claiming to add clean fill. Dan showed us a map with elevation points and said that Middle and Wildcat are higher in elevation than Dixon, so they don't flood. The bids show that fields are at "grade (street) level." No grading would be required.
A resident was able to call out a question from the audience during the surface temperature of artificial turf portion of the dog and pony show. He was concerned about the spectators and how hot the turf gets. We were told that the air temperature doesn't rise, just the surface temperature. So bring little ottomans, Parents. Prop your feet up and enjoy the game.
John Bendel announced at the end of the show that a list of Frequently Asked Questions will be available. I think Ed Kubit will be assigned to that task. Ha!
By the time our questions made the stage, they had been carefully screened by our PIO staff. I went back to get more index cards for members of the audience and saw Susan Morgans rewriting questions for John. Our PIO Susan Morgans, Merle Jantz and Laura Lilley were collecting cards through out the infomercial. For the record, I had submitted a few anonymous questions, and none were raised.
Elaine
I forgot to add that these fields are not within the flood zone as determined by FEMA. The flood zone begins across from the fields. I am thinking that like the Red Sea and the Jordan River, the waters part on Cedar Blvd.
Elaine
Dr. McNitt alluded to a financial arrangement with the Commission. This Blog Reader is speculating that his fee will be waived upon acceptance of Field Turfs bids.
Elaine: If they don't add fill, how will they raise the fields by 5 feet? None of this is consistent.
Thank you for bringing that up, 9:33 AM. I had forgotten about that.
I had asked Steve Feller and Dan Dieseroth for a list of plan holders ( besides myself) or the list of contractors who bought the bid documents. As of June 3, 2014, Pro-Grass, FieldTurf, Playing Surface Solutions, The Motz Group, and Hellas Construction. There were other contractors, but I believe these are the only ones in the synthetic turf business. Dan wrote in his email to Steve,
"Steve, the list of current plan holders is attached.
We would expect more contractors to pick up the package so this may change.
Thanks
Daniel S. Deiseroth, P.E.
Executive Vice President "
I would be willing to bet that FieldTurf will be the lowest bidder.
Elaine
Again, I don't think the bids specified that the fields will be filled with five feet of additional soil.they are claiming that the fields are at grade level.
Elaine
“Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies.”
― Dorothy Allison, Bastard Out of Carolina
If you want to hear David Donnellen lie, go to the 24th minute of Elaine's recording.
Elaine, you can hear the audience saying "You are lying" repeatedly.
Since the PIO staff were mentioned here, an observation.
They now have an intern writing for the magazine and Lebomag.com.
Now this isn't a criticism of the intern's writing, she write quite well, but rather it is a criticism of the subject matter. It is about her. Apparently the PIO and staff are training her well in the art of writing about... 'ME.'
Sorry kid, but a community magazine is suppose to be about... 'The Community!'
With all the affairs going down here in the bubble, I'd recommend doing some real investigative work and writing.
"Grass doesn't percolate"
-Dan Deiseroth, PE
Vice President, Gateway Engineers
@ 41 minutes
"According to DEP criteria, this [grass] field already creates pollutants...suspended solids, phosphorus and nitrates... These items will be eliminated by putting on the turf".
-Dan Deiseroth, PE
Good little environmentalist that Deiseroth is!
God's green grass, like cow flatulence will doom us all. But, it will be OK because Dan and the Dave's intend to protect us all with a thick coating of disgarded tire rubber and plastic.
http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/31/pruden-making-hay-with-burp/?page=all
I wonder if our President from SF knows about this?
http://baynature.org/articles/fake-grass-in-golden-gate-park-worries-bird-advocates/
The grassy fields, as they are now, host a variety of insect, worms, and small mammal species that the birds consume; the turfgrass would create a desert.
Will the public be present at the bid opening?
OR?
The bid opening is public.
I did not go to the prebid meeting, but there was an irregularity at that meeting. Contractors were not permitted to ask questions. All questions were to be submitted in written form. Hmm, deja vu.
Elaine
1:15 PM, I know that bird droppings are not good for artificial turf. Some artificial turf companies offer solutions to keep birds away, but you have to call them for more information. I don't think that sounds very good.
I looked on FieldTurf's website and found their maintenance guide. For weed control and moss, they recommend Round Up. Round Up!
Elaine
Yes, 11:05 AM, I did go back to the 24 minute mark and confirmed that I heard correctly. Donnellan stated that the project was shared with the ESB, the PAB, and the Planning Board. Now it makes sense why this dog and pony show conflicted with the ESB meeting. There were representatives from the ESB in the audience, while still being able to have a quorum. The project was not shared with them, unless you are referring to Kristen's big fat lie in November, the night she "misrepresented" the ESB's position on artificial turf. Of all the things to lie about, David. Kristen's lie drew the most attention of all. David, you let the audience believe that the ESB and the PAB were in agreement with the plan. Both groups issued statements saying they do not support artificial turf. The Planning Board had not seen the project when we went to the Planning Board meeting in April. Please read Another board emasculated by the Commission
Busted, David.
Elaine
Your pictures give the doubt to the claim that all of the fields are at grade level. We all know better who have ever been there. But, what matter mere facts?
Two interesting stories in The Wall Street Journal a day or two ago.
Not too long ago Richard Gideon inferred it would take lots of money to change Lebo via an election.
After considering the $11,000 wasted and listening to comments made at last night's turf meeting, it is obvious we need to a big change in leadership -- soon.
Changing things as Brat proves is possible to do and doesn't necessarily require big bucks.
"David Brat Pulls Off Cantor Upset Despite Raising Just $231,000."
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/david-brat-beats-eric-cantor-despite-raising-just-231-000-1402455265?mobile=y
Then the other important subject, especially if one believes that trends usually start in California first then spread to the rest of the country.
"Teacher Tenure Dealt Legal Setback" "California Court Finds State Laws On Teacher Dismals ''Unconstitutional'"
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/california-teacher-job-protections-struck-down-in-students-suit-1402422428?mobile=y
6:45pm, Richard Gideon implied..not inferred. The speaker (or writer) implies, the listener (or reader) infers. I also think his point was it would take a sufficient amount of money to run a successful campaign, and he's right. Look at Cannon and Brown; if they had the money to run direct mailings they might have gathered enough votes to win.
Welcome to the Cedar Slopes.
From the Google Earth pictures I studied, there's an 8 foot drop from Cedar to Middle/Wildcat, and there's a ~42 foot drop from the pool area to Middle/Wildcat.
The other pictures show variability within the fields, with a significant drop in elevation from Dixon to Middle/Wildcat (e.g., at a minimum the drop is twice the estimates by Deiseroth).
Dixon floods even thought its elevation is slightly higher than Greenhurst/Cedar intersection.
So if Dixon floods and it's higher that Middle/Wildcat, things don't look good for the turf.
'Tis a shame that Mt Lebanon continues to permit Greenhurst to flood. How many rescues will it take before they fix the problem? Priorities...
I am sickened to think that our municipal staff would stand up in from of a forum and tell a lie about the boards being involved with the turf plan.
Either he was threatened to say it or he is so fixated on field turf that he was willing to lose all credibility over it.
If the municipal staff are willing to lie about such a thing, what else do they lie about? Is it time to clean house in Mt. Lebanon all the way around?
Elaine Is it true that the infields are going to be turfed too? I don't want my kids sliding into the bases on turf! That is just plain crazy!!! And what is the deal with our trash collection? I got a letter warning me about my cans being left at the curb too long but these want-a-be cops/idiots didn't open the cans to see my trash was never collected.
11:49 I think you're absolutely right, except we have people like 10:39 that'll over whether it is Toe-may-toe or tow-mah-toe and missed entirely the lesson of offered by the David Brat upset.
No one... absolutely no one thought a fringe tea party candidate would upset a sitting incumbent with 40 times the campaign funds.
Keep playing by their rules 10:39.
We need to vote for candidates who will practice fiscal restraint and use common sense. I bet Brumfield doesn't have two pennies to rub together because anytime he sees any income, he's out buying a new TV, going out to dinner (this could be expensive for him) or finding other ways of frittering it away. He and the others have no concept of fiscal restraint. The current Commissioners' days are numbered and the people of this once-great town should remember what they've done when Election Day rolls around. The shadow knows.
- The Shadow
12:26am - Brat spent nearly a quarter million dollars on his campaign. That Cantor spent a hell of a lot more makes for good press, but you miss the point. Do you think Brat would have won by word of mouth only? He had to have spent some money on his campaign, otherwise nobody would have heard of him!!! Do you think he would have won if he had only spent $50? You don't have to spend a gazillion dollars to win a campaign, but people have to hear your message and you aren't going to win by spending zero!
You can bad-mouth Gideon all you want but what he says makes sense.
11:59 PM, yes, they will be turfed. See the post,
Oops, my mistake.
David Donnellan said that the concept plan was presented on April 8 at the Commission Discussion Session. The meetings are open to the public. Soooo, in a waaaay, it was presented to the ESB, the Parks Advisory Board, and the Planning Board.
Elaine
Since I purchased the bid package, I received Addendum #2 from Gateway on Thursday afternoon. Please read my latest update.
Elaine
First off, Brat wasn't a Tea Party candidate. If he has anyone to thank for his victory, it's veterans and gun owners' groups.
Second, Gideon is right. It will take a sizeable campaign chest to clean the stain of corruption off our town. And remember--those people do not play by the rules. Ever.
You can spend all you want on a campaign, but what I witnessed at Mellon had a lot to do with staff. The manager reports to the commission. The rest of the staff reports to the manager.
The municipal engineer, the landscape engineer that he hired, and the recreation director were unable to answer all the questions at the "not for the general public" public meeting on April 24. Donnellan was advising residents to attend the April 28 commission meeting instead. What happens at commission meetings? You are given five minutes for comments. The commissioners may just look down and all you get is "Thank you. Next resident ..." Consider yourself fortunate if a commissioner acknowledges your emails.
It was observed at the June 10 commission meeting that the municipal engineer clapped after the resident at 01:28:00 spoke in favor of the turf project. The junior commissioner elbowed him to stop clapping. Where else but Mt. Lebanon can the municipal engineer get paid for his expertise, donate to his project, and bill for additional meetings, educational forums, and hired presenters? Why was nothing said at any of the public meetings about the plaza and donor monuments? It never came out until I exposed it.
The municipal engineer assured residents that the fields never flood. Immediately after that meeting, flooded field pictures began to surface. in fact, one of them was used for the municipal engineer's presentation at Mellon on Thursday evening. Hmm.
Steve Feller wrote to me, "The mandatory pre-bid meeting is a business meeting for contractors to better understand the project. We will allow other interested residents to attend and observe, but will ask that they refrain from asking questions or making comments so that we can fulfill the purpose of the meeting. " It turns out that the contractors were not permitted to ask questions as noted in the prebid meeting minutes.
Then we have the solicitor advising the commission that it is perfectly acceptable to have four commissioners attend a meeting and not permit residents to ask questions directly. The PIO screened the note cards and selected the questions to be asked. This is the same person who advised against using the words "artificial turf" and recommended a kinder and gentler "Field Enhancements" as the way to go. Those index cards were later cherry picked by the moderator, who happens to be a commissioner on the SAB.
The recreation director "misrepresented" the ESB and the PAB's stand on the turf project at this dog and pony show, which also included a turf expert who happens to have a partnership with FieldTurf. FieldTurf, just happens to be the company, whose VP is the AH who attacked my blog via personal email.
I could go on, but I think I made the point that it just doesn't stop with who we elect. Nobody connected with the municipality is playing fair in this town.
Elaine
My point exactly Elaine. You can spend money until you're blue in the face, but until you get out the message that Elaine highlights above
You'd be better off burning the money to keep warm.
OK, I'm done with David Brat. Can we talk about Mt. Lebanon, please?
Elaine
There is one way to stop the craziness. Get rid of the manager. He can't manage his people.
Elaine
When you evaluate the solicitor remember he is an
at-will employee of the commission and is their lawyer, not the community's lawyer.
Change costs money. Do you want to "get out the message that Elaine highlights above?" - it will cost money. Do you want to reach the 70% of Mt. Lebanon residents who do not vote? - it will cost money. Did the bid documents that Elaine provided on this Blog come to her for free? No - they cost $75. Would you like to run for Commissioner or Director? If you intend to get your message out to the entire community it will cost you to do so! Who pays for the printing costs, lawyers fees, website costs, office supplies, gasoline, and other sundries that one will find necessary when one goes after the establishment? How many of you have slipped Elaine a few bucks to help pay for Lebo Citizens?
Elaine is right; it "doesn't stop with who we elect." However, you can't expect to effect change at any governmental level "for free" (and if it was free the change would be worth exactly what you paid for it!).
For those of you who deride money and think it is an abomination in the political process let me suggest that you may be fixating on the immoral use of it to bribe an official. That, however, is not money's fault. The use or misuse of money is entirely the responsibility of its owner. "Money is only a tool; it will take you where you want to go, but it won't replace you as the driver."*
Mt. Lebanon needs a well-funded, independent, political body that will advance candidates not beholden to the two "major" political parties, and lobby for independent civil servants. That will cost money. Ask yourselves; what's it worth to you to get it?
------------
*Ayn Rand
Thanks, RG. I do get a little help from my friends. I was reimbursed for the bid documents. I have also had assistance with all RTK fees. I am surrounded by good people.
Elaine
No one is arguing that it will take some money, but before you start telling people it will cost bushels and bushels of money to over throw the current regeme.
I have as of yet read anyones evaluation of the number of signs, mailers, ads run by the Miller, Remely and Brown campaigns.
How many supporters showed up at the candiate debates? How many people can tell me how many candiate debates were held?
All I'm suggesting is that first you need viable candidates that have a message and a plan.
Then use the precious resource to build momentum.
It'll take a team that can work together on a unified goal.
Two young guys started a company 'in a garage' that eventually took over the lead from giants like IBM and Xerox, they didn't start with a lot of money.
If you can build a slate of candidates that the people want the resources will eventually come, but you can't start a few weeks before the election and ypucan't squabble over thing like inferred vs implied.
Please, can we stay on topic?? Please?
Elaine
The baseball parents are finally seeing the big picture. This is floating around thanks to one of the older coaches. http://articles.latimes.com/2013/sep/11/sports/la-sp-0912-baseball-astro-turf-20130912
This coach is telling parents that he will quit coaching before asking a player to slide on plastic turf. He suggests that Brumfield and the other commissioners to forced to slide head first on the High School turf before finalizing this stupid project.
That's wonderful news, 11:33 PM! I suspected there was something going on for Franklin to miss an important event just to come to a commission meeting, which APPEARS to be a done deal.
I'm still wondering why Bendel thought he needed to use Mellon Auditorium. Was it in anticipation for the overwhelming support that the commission majority and SAB claim they have?
Elaine
11:33 Thank Goodness!
Elaine 6:57 there was a guy sitting near me who collected question cards, took them to the stage and passed them to Bendel himself. At the time I thought he was out of order, but what a brilliant move!
He saw the PIO prescreening the cards and took action himself.
When Bendel skipped over cards, people in the audience yelled for him to read them.
Do you think the same thing can be done at the League of Women Voters Meet the Candidates event?
Also, someone needs to start recording all candidate forums for future reference. What do they have to hide?
I wouldn't get too excited by 11:33's comment.
How many times have Bendel, Franklin, Brumfield and Franklin 'implied' that anonymous post on a blog mean nothing?
On top of that, they've told us in words and actions that they have the three (4 actually) to do whatever they want. Think a baseball coach threatening to quit is going to stop this project?
The plans for turfing MWC have been out there now for months. When Mellon was the location for turfing the plans called for turfing the baseball infield with dirt colored turf. This isn't something new.
When you see the baseball and softball groups pull their $47,500 in pledges for the private share... then you can get excited.
Think MTL Baseball is going to buck artificial turf? Think again!
http://www.lebobaseball.org/
President: Chip Dalesandro
VP Ops: Jeff Donati
General Counsel: David Franklin
Treasurer: Todd Herbay
Secretary: Dianne Wainwright
VP Fields: Scott Isler
VPs Equipment:
Bob Hornburg
PJ McGuigan
VP Sponsorship: Michael Coco
VP Registration: Gordon Post
VP Special Events: Denny Postufka
In my mother of all RTKs, Chip was pretty specific about pitchers mounds. I need to go back and find that email. He was not at the last SAB meeting and was probably at the event that Franklin was missing, instead of Tuesday's commission meeting.
I noticed something in your post, 9:15 AM. Two of our junior commissioners were Bill Postufka and Danielle Deiseroth. What are the odds?
Elaine
Please tell me-- you are not only now learning how the games are played in the bubble.
Look at the Lebomag poll.
"Commissioners have chosen their budget priorities for 2015. Which one resonates most with you?"
Recreation (4 votes), Park maintenance/greenspace preservation (2 votes) for a total of 6 votes.
Road Safety (6), economic development (6), neighborhood preservation (3) for a total 15 votes.
Deer - 1 lousy vote.
Now take those obviously unscientific numbers and compare them to the amount of time and money spent by this commission on turf dog and pony shows, drawings, meetings and ordinances to sell/lease public property to help privately fund turf and deer surveys.
Please don't tell me 22 votes do not represent the community. This poll has been up for weeks.
If you're going to debate the number, I'm going to suggest eliminating the PIO magazine because it has become a waste of public financial resources.
"As Kevin Costner's character said in Bull Durham, I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment against artificial turf and the designated hitter."
http://www.bnd.com/2014/06/08/3246415/this-toronto-series-makes-me-thankful.html
Does anyone believe that Dalesandro, Franklin and the rest of the Lebo Baseball Organization care about real baseball or kids for that matter?
"Brad Fresenburg, an MU Extension turfgrass specialist, recently completed a cost analysis of installing and maintaining natural and synthetic fields. He will present the analysis that includes yearly cost averages on Nov. 30 at the Heartland Green Industry Expo in Overland Park, Kan.
Fresenburg calculated the costs of four field options: a regular native soil-based grass field; a six-inch sand-capped natural grass field; a basic infill synthetic grass field; and a premium infill synthetic grass field.
In a 16-year scenario, Fresenburg came up with an annual average cost for each field type as follows: the natural soil-based field, $33,522; the sand-cap grass field, $49,318; the basic synthetic field, $65,846; and the premium synthetic field, $109,013.
He said he was asked by fellow turfgrass professionals to do the analysis in response to claims that synthetic fields were cheaper. Fresenburg said there is a national trend toward high schools and parks and recreation departments installing the synthetic fields. Often the low cost of maintenance is a reason cited for the investments.
"Don't let anyone come around and say it's for cost reasons," Fresenburg said. "Maybe they can say they'll have more events. That's true. I can't argue with that. No natural field is ever going to stand the same amount of use as a synthetic field.""
http://cafnr.missouri.edu/research/turfgrass-costs.php
Now lets think about this for a moment! Just a few years ago under the Joint Field Maintenance Agreement between the YSA, school district and municipality about $85,000/year was spent on maintaining 'ALL' of our community's athletic fields (excluding the HS stadium).
Now our commissioners are intent on spending $65,000/year on one field with synthetic turf or $109,000 if they go with a premium turf.
That $65,000 or $109,000 expenditure per year in maintenance won't do one thing to improve Brafferton, Bird, Jefferson, Foster, Lincoln, Howe, Markham or Hoover fields.
They'll remain the same poorly kept fields they've been for the last two decades.
But, the Daves will have their "Crown Jewel" won't they?
John Bendel thought he had the toxicologist from Penn State's Center for Sports Surface Research lined up to attend, but he declined. This is the same group which Dr. Andy McNitt is a part of and has the partnership with FieldTurf. Another unbiased expert...
Elaine
I wrote "It was observed at the June 10 commission meeting that the municipal engineer clapped after the resident at 01:28:00 spoke in favor of the turf project. The junior commissioner elbowed him to stop clapping." The resident at 01:28:00 happens to be the secretary for Lebobaseball.
More pieces of the puzzle coming together. I am starting to look at the mother of RTKs and see that the Hellas Construction (organic infill) rep was contacted by Mt. Lebanon resident, Larry Evans, a retired FieldTurf salesman, back in November claiming to be advising the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners on the turf project. He told Hellas not to have contact with a Lebo Citizens reader who happens to be in the business and works with Hellas, among other turf companies. This same retired FieldTurf salesman met with Kelly and referred Andrew McNitt to her, saying that he was able to "catch him on his phone by a stroke of luck." Funny how FieldTurf keeps coming up in my RTK. Franklin seems to be fond of them too. Can you guess who will be awarded the contract? No doubt, my email buddy Mr. Gill, VP of FieldTurf, knows.
Elaine
"In sports or politics, you can’t tell the players without a scorecard" — Columbia Journalism Review
Here is the info about the pitching mound, from my mother of all RTKs. You will see that some of this came from the super secret turf task force meetings, back when they didn't keep everything super secret. PreRTK...
Elaine
Gee after weeks after languishing in last place, deer after the poll is mentioned on this blog, jumps by 2 votes to move ahead of park maintenance and one vote behind recreation.
Maybe killing deer is more important than kids lacrosse games.
See something, say something.
You are immune from civil action when reporting unethical or illegal behavior among lawyers.
http://www.padisciplinaryboard.org/documents/Complaint_Form_English_Fillable.pdf
7:09 They will get their pitcher's mounds come hell or high water. We just won't see the invoice.
9:51 PM, probably high water.
Elaine
"High school baseball player shatters ankle playing on artificial turf"
http://www.theexpertinstitute.com/case-studies/high-school-baseball-player-shatters-ankle-playing-on-artificial-turf/
Somehow, I doubt that our volunteer coaches for MTL youth baseball have the training or experience to properly coach young kids on how to slide on artificial turf.
11:14 The article states:
“These days, as a baseball coach and instructor, I give pre-game and pre-camp instructions to my teams with regard to what they can expect from the surfaces they will be playing on. I have played and coached on artificial turf before and it is absolutely a different experience than grass for the player, so I instruct them fully as to what they should and should not do on each of the surfaces they will be playing on, in order to keep them safe. How I instruct them varies, based on the type of surface they will be playing on.
For example, some turf infields have cut-out sliding areas, while others have full dirt infields. I prefer full dirt infields on artificial turf fields, because the cutouts can be more dangerous to the player, requiring them to slide late. Players who are playing on the cutout infields should be warned to start their slide early, at the base of the cut out, to avoid jamming their foot into the base and breaking their ankle."
I wonder what kind of instruction kids who are on visiting teams that use natural surfaces will have before playing in on the crown jewel of Mt. Lebanon?
What a crown jewel!
Why don't they line it for hop scotch and tiddly winks as well as for soccer, lacrosse and baseball.
I live on Cedar and in the 10 years we owned our home we have flooded 14-16 times. Some bad some not so much. We have tried to use landscaping. We added a curb to the one side of our driveway. But what happens after they turf those fields? All that water will run off quickly. Do we have to just accept it? How is it fair that my home will be damaged so a few kids can play an extra game or two?
It not such a problem with coaches that deal with turf but the coaches from outside Mt Lebanon that don't. What happens with teams without the proper shoes? Without the proper skin protection? Had there been any decisions on Insurance Rates after the turf goes in? Who will cover these increases? Elaine was there a traffic study done? Isn't Cedar one of the roads listed as being unsafe and high traffic congestion?
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.
Adam, no traffic study was done. With the new pool, extended playing times, tennis tournaments, it is going to be a nightmare.
4:50 AM, I am going to attempt to post that from the grading plans.
Elaine
Stop for a minute and consider that the Artificial Turf may be the best impetus to reform we could have. When installed, and it floods and fails, they the mask is truly torn away. How better to defeat the incumbents than with an undeniable fiasco of their own creation. While the turf decision is wrong, sometimes things have to get really bad before the electorate wakes up. It was the same with the British colonial taxes in '76.
The Swamp Fox
Rather than tacking on more photos, 4:50 AM, I started a new thread for you.
Elaine
Adam, The Allegheny County Comprehensive Plan highlights Cedar Boulevard as a road warranting traffic mitigation.
I get that, SwampFox, but at what cost? Over a million dollars and no turning back for those fields. Once toxic turf is installed, years of soil remediation will be needed to go back to grass.
I believe their party is not happy with them, so already their political careers are in jeopardy. I don't think they care.
Elaine
swamp fox - add it to the list with twin hills and mcneilly.
I'm surprised that David Donnellan didn't say that they have the blessings of the Traffic Board, along with the Environmental Sustainability Board, Planning Board, and Parks Advisory Board.
Where IS the Traffic Board?
Elaine
Since we got rid of our traffic engineers, Trans Associates, the new traffic engineer is from Gateway Engineering. Of course.
The most recent Traffic Board meeting minutes shows Commissioner Kristen Linfante present. Well, that explains it.
Elaine
You missed this Elaine....Traffic Board Reorganization
A motion was made to appoint Mr. Lee Adams as Chair for the upcoming year
From a post sometime ago on Bloglebo. Pay close attention to the players that helped bring you the high school renovation project.
School Board candidate Rob Gardner knocked on my door the other day while he was out campaigning, and I volunteered to post information about an upcoming campaign event. This isn't an endorsement; if other candidates are holding similar events, we can post relevant information. The following is copied from Rob's and Jo's website,http://thiswayforward.net/.
Come Together, Lebo - A Bipartisan Celebration
Saturday, September 26
2:00 - 4:00
Bird Park Pavilion
Please join Mary Birks, Robert Gardner and Josephine Posti
Celebrate Mt Lebanon's proud heritage and promising future.
Bring your family.
Meet school board candidates.
Ask questions.
Learn how Rob, Jo, and Mary plan to move the District forward.
Get your face painted. Eat a Smiley cookie. Get a temporary tattoo. Finish it off with a cup of Rita's Italian ice.
Please join your friends and neighbors who are supporting this event:
Lee and Kim Adams
Kelly Bareford
Maureen and Hugh Beal
Torey and Dick Beuke
Mim Seidel and Dave Blaushild
David Brown
Elaine Cappucci
Dave Cochran
Brian and Sheryl Cohen
Chip D'Alesandro
Pete and Donna DiNardo
David and Lisa Borrelli Dorn
Ryan Estabrook
Susan and Ray Fretterd
Frank and Amy Gleue
Dan and Kathy Goff
Drew and Jennifer Haberberger
Chris and Barbara Helmeci
Heather Herbay
Arlan Hess
Barbara Kraft
Ninamary Langsdale
Dorothy Larotonda
Bob Lee
Linda and Rick Minnotte
Keith Mulvihill
Rob Papke
Dave and Marie Reese
Joe and Katie Rodella
Sue Rose
Leah Roth
Steve Silverman
Laurey Simkin-Silverman
Bonnie Van Kirk
Diane Wainwright
Brian Walters
Dr. Jennifer Kloesz and Dr. Al Wolf
Paid for by This Way Forward and the Committee to Elect Mary D. Birks.
RSVP by 9.21 to info@thiswayforward.net
Watching NYM and STL game. Announcers just talked about the stadium and the relief everyone has especially players but also fans that they ripped out the artificial turf because a 90 degree day like today was way too hot for everyone. They are describing how much cooler it is now without the artificial turf.
The video of the Mellon infomercial is available here.
Why is the municipality advertising for the non-municpal share again?
"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 Donations"
They wouldn't spend money on a toxicologist. Is everyone OK with this? I'm not!
Elaine
The DEP has an advocate here in Pgh. Anonymous.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/contact_us_-_find_an_environmental_advocate_in_your_region/20989
Elaine, my suspicion is one of three possibilites explain the solicitation for donations.
1) Baseball or softballmay be backing out
2) Bids are coming in higher than expected. Remember Gateway has a history of missing the real numbers and a a few thousand more in the till from private money will look better.
3) they legally need the $5,000 they're short and there could be a legal challenge if the $5,000 December isn't delivered before a bid is accepted.
Elaine,
When did the municipality solicit for bids again?
Also, pediatric health experts in toxicology are available for FREE through NIEHS. Go online and check. There are countless professionals who would provide input PRO BONO.
Mt Lebanon is just playing with us. But we know the truth: If it's not an infomercial, it's not welcome.
From today's NYTIMES article "With Data and Resolve, Tacoma Fights Pollution":
"As Seth P. Brown, an engineer with the Water Environment Federation, said, normal storm water runoff “is the only source of water pollution in the country that’s getting worse.”
Mt Lebanon needs you, Tacoma.
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