From: "Stephen Feller" <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Date: Jul 10, 2014 12:06 PM
Subject: Fwd: Wildcat Middle Field
To: "Commission" <commission@mtlebanon.org>, "David P. Franklin"<XXXXXXX>, "Audrey Bode" <abode@mtlebanonendowment.org>
Cc: "David Donnellan" <ddonnellan@mtlebanon.org>, "Dan Deiseroth" <ddeiseroth@gatewayengineers.com>, "Andrew McCreery" <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>
Please be advised that as of today we have received $255,733.73 from non-municipal sources for the Wildcat/Middle Field turf project. Attached is the Account Detail Report from the Finance Department.
We appreciate the hard work of everyone involved in this effort.
So the money from corporate donors is hidden away in the community endowments, right?
ReplyDeleteAren't their accounts open to public scrutiny?
Gee, Gateway's $4,000 donation doesn't show up in the $255,733.73 total!
ReplyDeleteThat makes it OK that a company that stands to make thousands and thousands of dollars from turfing gave money to make sure it gets approved.
How convenient an arrangement!
Excuse me, is this Lebo new math or are my eyes deceiving me?
ReplyDeleteThis "detailed" report shows a total of $255,733.73 - correct?
On my small screen it looks like every donation is in whole dollars except for the last community endowment which shows 7¢.
So how does the detailed report end with 73¢????
Correction @10:27.
ReplyDeleteFinally got to a larger screen and see there are amounts with 66¢ and 7¢ so the numbers do add up to 73¢.
Is there no revenue going from field sign sales to turf?
Correct me if I am wrong, but as it stands (if no detail on the "donors" are obtained), the Mt Lebanon Community Endowment is playing the role of money launderer. Is this not the case? I have am not an accountant or tax specialist but would a 501(c)(3) organization be required to list donors and contributions?
ReplyDeleteWhere will the private commitment of funds promised/earmarked for turf maintenance and replacement be held, Mr. Feller? Plus when do they start arriving, because once the turf is installed the meter is running for its replacement?
ReplyDeleteWhere did I read that the Blue Devil Club donated $5,000 to turf? They don't show in the accounting.
ReplyDeleteIf they did, and it went into the community endowment is there something odd about one 501(c)3 giving money to another 501(c)3 who then proceeds to take out a cut before giving it to the municipality?
11:55 AM, Dave Franklin reported that the Blue Devil Club contributed $5,000. It is on the municipal video for the 07 08 14 commission discussion session and on my podcast on lebocitizens.com.
ReplyDeleteElaine
What is striking is that only $15,267 was raised in true private monies.
ReplyDeleteThe rest was taken from years of savings from the various athletic associations. These parents out to be furious....if they ever figure it out.
Blue Devil club is the same as the Parent's Athletic Council, no?
Many on this blog asked the sports groups to put their money where their mouth is. I'm just not sure what to make of it. Yes, there is $250,000 in non-public money but it wasn't "raised" so much as it was "pillaged".
It was raised with the help of the Recreation Director sending out an eblast of 8,000 on Lebo's dime, the public information office doing a two or three page article in mtl Magazine, the municipal engineer donating to his own project, the municipal grant writer who is no longer with Mt. Lebanon, and commissioners raising non-municipal funds instead of raising municipal funds.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Elaine @ 1:30. They raised money and participated in fundraising for this but not other expensive projects presented to commissioner/muni. Discrimination.
ReplyDeleteAlso, where is the cut to the endowment? Don't they ask for $8000 or so as a result of their work?
I hear that the fee has been covered. I am guessing that was another donation???
ReplyDeleteSorry, 11:12 AM, for not approving your comment earlier. It went right into my spam folder. Even Google gets nervous when it sees words like "money launderer!"
Elaine
The school district is responsible or maintaining the turf. What happens if the school does a poor job and voids the warranty? Who pays to replace the turf if it wears out early?
ReplyDeleteIf the Blue Devil Club made their donation directly to the municipality instead of through the CE all $5,000 would go into the turf project.
ReplyDeleteThe municipality (a.k.a. taxpayers.)
ReplyDeleteElaine
11:12 & Elaine - The original contract with the endowment stated that the names of all donors would be released.
ReplyDeleteThe good old boys in the muni think we are all stupid and that they can continue to get away with whatever they want.
The smart people are going to have the last laugh this time.
12:13, to answer your question...
ReplyDeleteaccording to Guidestar the Parent's Athletic Council and the Blue Devil Club are two separate entities as each has its own EIN.
2:28- you're worried about the school district maintaining the turf?
ReplyDeleteHave you forgotten about the YSA agreement between the municipality, school district and sports groups that made the muni. responsible for maintaining all the fields?
Part of the reason the fields are in bad shape!
Sorry Elaine, but to the municipality!
ReplyDeleteRemember Linfante said her and the commission majority could do whatever they wanted... taxpayers, advisory boards, etc., be damned.
My husband and I cannot believe what we are hearing. Our money from baseball was taken from the general account to pay for this thing????
ReplyDeleteI think someone should write a strongly written letter to each association parent they know and tell them what happened.
PO'd
2:38 PM, so what am I to do with that information? Is everyone waiting for me to file a RTK as to who the donors are? Are we going to debate this for a week?
ReplyDeleteElaine
3:41 PM, who is "someone?"
ReplyDeleteElaine
Funny Elaine.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason everyone thinks Mr. or Mrs. Somebody should be responsible for taking on all these issues!
Maybe Somebody should run for office.
Someone's?
ReplyDeleteAren't they the other side of that large extended family that writes the emails we never see supporting everything the school board and commissioners suggest?
When the fields need to be replaced the District will forget about maintaining them or lay of teachers if parents won't donate the money needed. The choice will be up to the parents and others who are assessed at sale price.
ReplyDelete3:41 you should also be aware that each sport will be raising their sign up fees to help pay for the turf.
ReplyDeleteSo essentially 3:44 except for some minor corporate donations you - taxpayer and parent will pay for it all. Think about that as you sit back waiting for someone.
There is an update report on the municipal website.
ReplyDeleteUpdated financial report
Another contribution came in today.
Elaine
Since the turfing was to procede without today's private donation, we can expect the public contribution to be reduced by the private contribution of $1,000, right?
ReplyDeleteOr will the spendthrift commissioners look at it as just more money for them to toss away?
From Congressman Tim Murphy's eblast today:
ReplyDelete"
Local SWPA Farmers Worry About EPA Overreach
A new environmental rule being advanced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would label ditches, rain runoff, and creeks on local farms as “navigable waters” and be put under the jurisdiction of new federal permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act. The regulation known as the “Waters of the US” rule, has many local farmers and residents worried that their land will be subject to these new restrictions and angry that a tiny backyard creek could be considered a navigable waterway like the Mon River."
Farmers will get harrassed by the EPA, but MTL will be able to dump tire rubber crumbs into our watrrways without restriction. The same rubber that isn't allowed to be dumped in landfills. Incredible, is this a great country or what!
Murphy, Miller, and Smith won't touch it.
ReplyDeleteAt the service desk in the Municipal Building, there are "saving the environment" brochures from Gateway Engineers.
Go to Gateway's website and you can learn five ways to reduce your vehicle's environmental impact.
Elaine
I can think of at least five ways to reduce MTL's carbon footprint.
ReplyDeleteGet rid of four commissioners and Gateway Engineering!
Gateway is full of geniuses. They talk the muni into a stormwater fee that quickly accumulates 2 million that can be used to fix problems they are paid to create.
ReplyDeleteDan Deiseroth owns 35% of Gateway.
Funny thing is, when people go to commission meetings reporting the sewage buildup in their homes and their ruined cars, Gateway isn't tasked to fix the problem.
Morality anyone?
Of course Murphy, Miller and Smith won't touch it.
ReplyDeleteTo do so would mean they actually have to take a stand on something. It's better to send
Do people really think Gateway has our best interest at heart when they read their bullsh*t literature like "Five Ways to Reduce Your Vehicle's Environmental Impact"?
ReplyDeleteWhile any fool realizes that fixing leaks in your vehicle is the smart thing to do, has any one ever evaluated the environmental impact of the envirnomental crap Gateway plays a roll in.
Do a seach on the composition of asphalt for instance. You'll find-- "Although asphalt has been around for millions of years in crude oil, it doesn't last forever when used for paving roads. Few of us can have missed jolting over cracks and ruts in heavily trafficked roads."
As that asphalt deteriorates where does one suppose it goes?
Now think about Gateway's participation in the artificial turfing. From the design and engineering to their money donations to make sure it happens.
Try calculating how many leaks and drips you'll have to fix on your car to offset the destruction of trees and grasses Gateway has designed into the turfed field and its expanded parking lots.
Way to go Gateway, you're a fine friend to the environment, now how about saving a tree or two and not littering our municipal building lobby with your feel good, BS literature.
I can tell you this, if I find out that Miller and/or Smith stepped in to help this boondoggle along, I will personally donate money to whoever runs against them.
ReplyDeleteThey have no business meddling.
All I can say is that there seems to be some smoke here. And where there's smoke, the fire can't be too far behind.
I still want to see how any environmental approvals were given. It makes no sense to replace green grass with plastic right where it floods. The run-off alone should cause concern, never mind the reduction of true green space.
Or did the application even mention the removal of existing CO2 absorbing green space?
There seem to be enough red flags here that I want to know which applications were given to which agencies and what those applications actually detailed.
As a blue-blooded Democrat, I would be shocked to see an Obama EPA allow this kind of thing. They can't limit the production of carbon dioxide on one side via regulation and then allow the removal of green space that eats up that CO2 on the other.
Elaine, does anyone have an idea of what permits would be needed? Or is this too late of a shot in the dark? I can't right-to-know something unless I know it exists, right?
8:37 Federal, state and county rules don't apply to Mt Lebanon because we are bubble. If you wish to know about environmental applications and permits, I suggest you charge up your laptop and cell phone, fill your coffee pot and get to work. It's a little late for your environmental concerns. If you truly cared, you would know the answers already.
ReplyDeleteAh, but you're wrong 8:37. Our state representatives don't get a pass because they aren't local officials.
ReplyDeleteThe turfing impact goes beyond Mt. Lebanon's physical borders and falls into the domain of the PA DCNR.
"DCNR at a Glance
"DCNR’s mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ enjoyment."
How our state allows companies to grind up used tires and dump them on kids play areas while at the same time demanding car owners pay a fee to insure that those used tires are safely disposed of is beyond me.
If Pep Boys, Sears, Firestone, etc. set up a tire disposal dump anywhere along the Cedar/Chartiers watershed you can be sure Miller and Smith would have the EPA and DCNR in here in a heart beat.
But, because it is a local branch of government doing it they'll shy away with the excuse, "it's not my job man!"
It appears as though you have an almost perfect record. Any program or political candidate you endorse is the kiss of death. Perhaps I have missed something, but is there anything you have campaigned for that has been passed?
ReplyDeleteI was against Brumfield's asinine plan to allow dogs in Williamsburg Park, the only time I was on the same side of an issue with our commission president. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteElaine
I recollect Lebocitizens also supported the crosswalk enhancements near Washington School and not granting a tif to the Galleria.
ReplyDeleteBut aside from all that 10:04, you are trying to brand people that are against artificial turf as nattering, nabobs of negativism which is an utter lie.
Most that anti-turfers I know support improved fields (not one-all), stellar recreation opportunities for every resident of every age/sex and smart use of our tax dollars.
Why don't you tell us 10:04 what you campaign for! Expensive plastic turf! Is that it? You're a one trick pony or do you have other crown jewel projects you want to initiate?
Hasn't Elaine supported Commissioner Fraasch from the start and done everything possible to support her.
ReplyDeleteThe "kiss of death" seems to be coming from the pro-turfers that don't like that she didn't agree with them.
Once again, 10:04 spews out any mindless thought that fills their empty little head.
I also voted for Smith and Miller, although I am disappointed in their laissez-faire approach to this turf project.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Yes, by all means 10:04 fill us in on your ideas for the next municipal budget buster!
ReplyDeleteA high tech electronic scoreboard and new energy consuming lights for your crown jewel turf, perhaps?
Or are you going to zero right in on that multi-million dollar indoor sports complex that we've been hearing about?
I am particularly disappointed in Dan Miller. I know he's a D, but he always seemed more pragmatic than idealistic, and being a lawyer I thought he would see the gigantic legal cesspool the municipality is digging for itself. Smith is a D+, leaning Marxist, so I discount him completely. The commission? - Kelly Fraasch is probably a DINO (Democrat In Name Only) - to her credit. The rest of the commission reminds me of the polit bureau.
ReplyDeleteMt. Lebanon Republicans? - didn't they merge with the Democrats? And as far as the RCML goes - good riddance!
Smith is a joke ! All he cares about are votes. If he is
ReplyDeleteproturf as I hear he is, he has lost the majority vote
in Mount Lebanon.
On a lighter note -
ReplyDeletehttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QK3Eo9cScEQ
Miller and Smith are both frequent visitors to Brumfield's house. Doubt they are watching Glee or even a baseball game... Strike that a Lacrosse game on TV. Smith and Miller are the ones "helping" Brumfield building his political future. Keep voting them in! The "Rock Pile", Howe, Jefferson, Mellon, and MORE schools will soon be TURFED! Bets are on for the township using eminent domain on houses on Conner Blvd so an indoor lacrosse facility can be built and named "Conner's Field house".
ReplyDelete"Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them. - See more at: http://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics#sthash.w54E80Ch.dpuf
ReplyDeleteHow is Gateway getting away with donating money to turfing that influences the commission moving forward on it? There private donation definitly influences the commissioners by making sure there are enough dollars in the private contributions!
Gateway's Dan Deiseroth was on the Turf Project Task Force, the special committee from the Sports Advisory Board. There is Discussion Session footage of Dan saying that he contacted the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment as part of his responsibility of the Turf Project Task Force. The look that Kelly Fraasch gave him was priceless. File a RTK and ask for the 1 corporation donation made in a check for the amount of $4000. This is stated at the 15:30 time stamp at the 2/11/14 Commission Discussion Session. 021114 Commission Discussion Session Page 2 of the Sports Advisory Board minutes from Jan. 9, 2014 indicate a $4000 commitment from Gateway. 010914 SAB minutes
ReplyDeleteElaine
Perhaps interested residents plus a comissioner that think Gateway's participation in the turf debacle was unethical should composed and sign a letter to the National Society of Professional Engineers for their Board of Ethical Review.
ReplyDeleteThoughts?
ReplyDeleteCan people not in the Society act as watchdogs?
Anyone know?
Isn't if funny that people like 10:04 are quick to rush in and bash people they disagree with or don't like, but ask them whom they support or want done and they head for the bushes like scared rabbits!
ReplyDelete10:16 & 2:10,
ReplyDeleteThe code of ethics by which licensed professional engineers in PA are to abide by is listed in section 11 of the PE application. It is not as clear (unfortunately) in regards to matters of conflict of interest as is stated in the National Society's code of ethics.
A link to the PA PE application can be found here-
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_registration_board_for_professional_engineers%2C_land_surveyors_and_geologists/12510/licensure_information/572026
The National Society of Professional Engineers is not a governing body which issues licenses, this is done state by state.
That being said, the PA licensing board has a web page for filing complaints.
http://www.doscomplaintform.state.pa.us/
Isn't the municipal engineer a public official in Mt Lebanon? How can he donate to the muni project AND bill for it at the same time?
ReplyDelete(shaking head, rolling eyes)
Because as 1:24 there is no enforcement of ethics laws. Just like Act 1 allowed exemptions to exceed the windfall tax limits and there is no real path to have Mt. Lebo Codes and Regulations followed.
ReplyDeleteIt is all a sham. The EPA will go after farmers for polluting streams and creeks, but the Commissioners can spread all the disgarded tires they want on our kids ballfields.
And the state representative, senator and governor see no obligation to follow their oaths to apply the laws of the land.
6:12PM, and we have found as well the PA PDE PLANCON process is a fraudulent exercise designed to fool taxpayers into believing there is a check & balance system in place to protect the interests of taxpayers. The high school project is the classic example of the PA good-old- boy network at play.
ReplyDeleteMt Lebanon coaches are concerned that a NEW sports complex in the area will offer baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, and oh boy lacrosse leagues for the under 18 crowd. Parents can enjoy several different restaurants and bars or hit a bucket of golf balls on a new driving range. When can we sign up our kids?
ReplyDeleteWhat other companies compete with Gateway for Mt Lebanon's engineering contract? I'm sure they would LOVE to take them out.... As for Dick's boycott them!
ReplyDelete9:23 AM, stop in at Cool Springs and ask. They opened yesterday. I drove by it yesterday and it is gorgeous!! Big Dollar Bank sign on the fence. Here in Mt. Lebanon, taxpayers get stuck footing the bill.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Brumfield, Linfante, Bendel, Silverman and people like them think you can build "crown jewels" on the cheap using other people's money, but what they'll end up with is just another mundane turfed field. They don't take any risk, they have no vision and no purpose other than to satisfy their own myopic little desires.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, taxpayers would never stand for the expense of building a truly great "crown jewel" of an athletic facility at WCM simply because they don't believe it is a necessity. They have more pressing needs than a simple lacrosse/soccer field.
A well-kept and maintained natural field would serve just as well.
Well, I'm sure Cool Springs will make for a better hang out than the Saloon (another turf donor).
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else notice that football's donation was in all sixes? 6666.66
ReplyDelete