Thursday, April 30, 2015

PAYT is DEAD

According to The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania (Municipality), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, Pay as You Throw is off the table.

In early 2014, the Commission requested a panel be formed to evaluate the feasibility of a Payas-you-throw (PAYT) program in the Municipality. The panel consisted of municipal staff, members of the Environmental Sustainability Board and Municipality residents. A PAYT program is reliant on user fees for residential solid waste. Since collection is currently paid for with general tax revenue, the Municipality would have to remove a portion of the solid waste cost from the General Fund tax revenue if this program would be a fit for the Municipality. In the short term, the Commission has decided not to commence a PAYT program in 2015. Further consideration of a PAYT program will be on the Commission priority list in future years. The results of the feasibility study can be found on the municipal website at http://www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2190.*
Commissioners Fraasch and Linfante brought this program to the Commission.

*Page 6 of the CAFR or page 12 of 177.

Monday, April 27, 2015

And The New Interim Ward Three Commissioner Is... UPDATED

It isn't either current candidate. It is looking like Coleen Vuono because she was a former commissioner.

The decision will be made at the end of the meeting.

The new commissioner for Ward 3 is Coleen Vuono. The vote was unanimous.

April 28, 2015 3:10 PM Mt. Lebanon appoints former commissioner to fill opening 

May 1, 2015 6:43 AM Former commissioner appointed to Mt. Lebanon commission
"Ms. Vuono’s prior experience as commissioner was cited as a factor in her selection, as is her service on the municipal planning board, to which she was appointed in September* to fill a vacancy."
“Basically, I feel the role of a commissioner is, to a great part, to educate people,” Ms. Vuono said during her interview, explaining that she strove to keep residents informed during her first tenure.
“When I was a commissioner then, I started a newsletter and, at my own expense, I would send it out twice a year to the people in my ward,” she said. “I felt it was important for me to directly communicate with them. I was their first level of government, as their local commissioner.”
 *Ms. Vuono was appointed to the Planning Board in November, not September.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Who will be selected?

During tomorrow's Commission Discussion Session,

A. Interviews with Ward 3 applicants:

6:05 p.m. Elaine Gillen 
6:15 p.m. James Cannon 
6:25 p.m. ____________ 
6:35 p.m. Edward Goslin 
6:45 p.m. Coleen Vuono 
6:55 p.m. Andrew Reinhart 
7:05 p.m. Steve McLean 
7:15 p.m. Raymond Pan 
7:25 p.m. _____________ 

B. Discussion regarding applications

I should have mentioned that the evening will start with ten minutes given to our deer doctor, Sandy Baker. Yes. Ten. Minutes. 

OK, getting back to the applicants. I'm up first. I have a better shot at winning the lottery. James Cannon is Josephine Posti and Jim Cannon's father. I don't know Edward Goslin. At 6:45, former (D) Commissionette and Pro Kill Coleen Vuono. 6:55's Andrew Reinhart is the Democratic hopeful running for Ward 3, while Steve McLean at 7:05 is running on the Republican ticket for Ward 3. I don't know Raymond Pan. 6:25 and 7:25 backed out. I don't know who they were.

My guess is that the new Commissioner for Ward 3 will be Democrat Andrew Reinhart. You heard it here first.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Earth Day 2015

The rain (and the snow!) held off today for Mt. Lebanon's Earth Day celebration in Main Park. I hung out at Sandy Baker's booth which was beautifully "landscaped" with all deer resistant plants generously donated by Jim Jenkins.



Commissioner Kelly Fraasch with Wayne Jones, Parks Advisory Board

This booth wanted to be right next to Sandy Baker's booth, but unfortunately, it didn't work out for them. I'm not sure why they were even allowed to attend since they are not big on coexisting with nature. 

In fact, the biggest deer hater would not face me when I took pictures. She wouldn't allow me to photograph her. Hey! Just like He Who Shall Not Be Named!



None of the people at their tent would face me. I guess they are ashamed of their behavior. Their big thing was kill the deer to protect our ecosystem. 

I learned so much today from Sandy Baker. Free seminars are set for the Mt. Lebanon Public Library Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and Monday, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Hope you can all attend.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Of course it was Kip's UPDATED

A Right To Know was filed on March 16, 2015 asking for "All emails, text messages and written communication between any Mt. Lebanon employee and any employee of Wildlife Specialists for the period between February 15 - March 11, 2015 regarding the deer management program currently being conducted in Mt. Lebanon."

The RTK was partially granted and partially denied and sent in two files. Steve Feller's cover letter includes an explanation.

Highlights from the redacted Right To Know file include:
  • Wildlife Specialists mapped out 1,000' buffers from school buildings instead of measuring from property line of schools. Only one school needed to be adjusted. This bait site was the one vandalized. Page 18.
  • "This new issue about the school SAFE act is all empty because the act states that all "unauthorized" individuals may not possess a fire arm within a school safe zone. If you are licensed by the state or the local authority to do so then you are authorized. Why is this not clearly obvious to the commissioners and Police Department? Otherwise, the police would not be allowed to come near a school." - W.S.
  • Per John Bendel's suggestion, Steve Feller was feeding Merlin Benner questions that were going to be asked at the Discussion Session. Page 19.
  • Page 21. Concordia was upset with Brian Benner concerning use of their property. Concordia did not grant permission to cull the deer on their property.
  • Page 25. Feller notified W.S. that the sites previously chosen at Markham, the golf course, and McNeilly are all within the 1,000' buffer.
  • Page 28. A female lawyer warned W.S. if they did not call PA One Call by 11 AM that day, that she would call and report them. Merlin suggested that they make the call. This woman spoke with our police chief who did not understand that bullets are considered explosives.
  • Page 30. Merlin Benner threatens a resident with harassment.
  • Merlin tells Coleman that they will comply and limit work on site to the two approved by the PA Game Commission. See letter from the Game Commission. Page 33.
  • W.S. blamed Kelly Fraasch for sharing Kip's information on page 38. W.S. said that Kip and his wife were very worried about their safety and for the business.
  • Page 39. More "harassment" from a Mt. Lebanon resident toward Kip.
  • Page 41. Kip had been identified in one of the "activist blogs."
  • Amendments to the application begin on page 54 to include adding more men to the permit, allowing semi-automatic rifles, and use of a Scott Township property owned by Mt. Lebanon (Twin Hills).
  • Page 61. Since McNeilly is off the table, W.S. wants to use Williamsburg and Main Park. W.S. also tells Feller that they have written permission from Concordia.
  • Page 65. Facebook announcement of the February 28 protest on Connor Road.
Highlights from the other RTK file include:
  • Brian Benner says that hopefully all shooting will be under the cover of darkness. Page 6.
  • A fourth name was not on the amendment request. Game Commission said that a new request must be submitted with all four names listed. Page 9.
  • Coleman reports to Benner about debating with a citizen on page 16. See photo here. 
    Baiting begins. Benner heard that one of his co-workers saw a feeder photo in an article and was concerned that they were trespassing. He realized that the photo could have been taken from a distance. What a squirrelly bunch!
  • Page 17. No feeders at Twin Hills.
  • Page 27. McNeilly was doused with urine. How do they know?
  • Pages 30 - 45. PA One Call reports.
  • Gene wanted to know how or why information was disclosed about shooting. Aaron Lauth told him that Merlin Benner shared it with a Trib reporter. Page 46. Squirrelly!
  • Page 47. First Church of Christ did not want their lot used for parking or access for deer killing. W.S. had called the police on members of the public who tried to tell them that they did not have permission to be there!
  • Deer were captured and killed without incident. They were pleased that there was no protester interference. Page 48.
  • Wildlife Specialists wanted to use cross-bows at McNeilly, Bird, and the Golf Course since it would not violate the 1,000' federal school law. Thankfully, Steve Feller said thanks, but no thanks. Page 50.
  • Page 51. More on PA One Call.
  • Page 55. Coordinates of "Trapping Sites."
  • The Health Department called and had not approved any wild game processors for food banks. Page 64.
  • Page 65. Request to use lawful firearms for big game was denied.

Another RTK is due on or before May 5. Now that my heart is racing again and am all fired up remembering all the unrest the deer killing had caused, I want to remind everyone that the municipality is bringing in Sandy Baker this weekend, to share her recommendations for non-lethal methods of deer management. 

Update April 24, 2015 3:05 PM The final report from Wildlife Specialists has been posted here. Six deer were processed at Kip's Deer Processing yielding 183 pounds of venison all donated to "Link in the Chain Ministries."

Update April 25, 2015 9:20 AM I did a quick calculation and figured that the meat came to $81.97 per pound of venison. ($12,000 for the deer management plan + 6 deer at a cost of $500/deer.)

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

More bunk about ticks, deer and Lyme Disease

John Shumway interviewed someone from Ehrlich Pest Control in Peters Township in his report,  Expert Offers Tips For Protecting Against Ticks & Lyme Disease.  Dr. Gore claims:
Deer are their [ticks'] favorite mode of transportation. “They are a huge mammal that goes through the woods and grasses,” says Dr. Gore, “and they’ll pick up and drop off ticks all over the place.”
Mr. Shumway, when you interview an exterminator about ticks, he is going to tell you to that "hiring a professional to treat your yard for tick prevention may be the most effective line of attack, but there are products you can buy to treat your own yard." On the PA Game Commission's website, you will learn that "There is no clear relationship between deer density, tick abundance, and Lyme disease incidence." Lyme Disease & Deer Revelation or Red Herring  Rats, mice and chipmunks are the main carriers.

Your report says that you were in Peters Township, but you close with, "In Mt. Lebanon, John Shumway KDKA News." Did the Mt. Lebanon pro deer killers have anything to do with that? Why are you perpetuating a myth about deer and lyme disease? I know that the deer haters have been submitting some pretty nasty comments about Sandy Baker who is coming to Mt. Lebanon this weekend.

Smart Pizza lunches!

Mt. Lebanon students are eating Domino’s Pizza at school these days. Here is the deal though: it has to be the Domino’s Smart Slice version that has been formulated to meet the national standards for school lunches and it MUST be served with unlimited fruits/vegetables.

http://www.mtlsd.org/foodservices/middleschool.asp

Here is the meal that Timmy offers:

https://twitter.com/mtlsdsuper/status/588406864599195648

The Super includes Domino's Smart Slice, cookies, and water or milk. Maybe he just doesn’t know the rules about the fruits and veggies.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education anticipated that changing food habits, in light of the obesity epidemic in children, could be tricky and created a "Fact Sheet for Parents" on how to recognize accomplishments without compromising health and nutrition. In our case, our superintendent is just recognizing that the children go to school. So maybe they need to create a “Fact Sheet for Superintendents” on how to work in education without compromising the health and nutrition of the district’s students. Links to the fact sheets are provided on their food and nutrition page.

http://www.pde.state.pa.us/food_nutrition

At least, the superintendent offers milk with the Domino’s Smart Slice. That’s because milk and Domino’s go together, with Domino’s benefitting from a $35 million dollar partnership with the Dairy Checkoff Program between 2009 and 2011.

http://www.eatdrinkpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/SimonWhitewashedDairyReport.pdf

Why does Domino’s get to serve pizza to students every Wednesday in our middle schools? It might be the same reason Caribou Coffee is available for high school students every day. Nobody really knows. So here’s some background on the Smart Slice:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/dining/the-dominos-smart-slice-goes-to-school.html?_r=0

The Colbert Report covered Domino’s creation of the Smart Slice - how did we miss it? Colbert highlighted how much kids must need these name brand food products in our schools and felt he was missing out because the Smart Slice isn’t sold in Domino’s stores - only in schools. Watch below:

http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/445utq/thought-for-food---domino-s-smart-slice---doritos-jacked

The superintendent has decided what to include in his Domino’s Pizza lunches and must feel that fruits or veggies are not necessary. The USDA federal mandate that Mt. Lebanon is required to meet is for others to consider - not him and certainly not for after school fundraisers. And heck, only some kids get the invite to his lunches after all.* So really, why worry? At least, he shares his photos.

* If your kid has celiac disease, he or she is really out of luck. The Mt. Lebanon School District recommends a bagged lunch from home.

Happy Earth Day!

Don't forget that Mt Lebanon municipality is hosting a variety of options this weekend to learn about garden plantings, deer strategy and behavior to help you with your gardens this Spring/Summer.

Sandy Baker, organic gardener, consultant and "Deer Doctor" will be visiting Mt Lebanon and talking with residents about her experiences and knowledge about gardening.

Join Sandy at Earth Day in Main Park on Saturday, April 25th from 11-4 PM (Rain [snow*] or Shine)

OR

Join Sandy at one of her seminars, "Deer Proof Your Garden" on Sunday, April 26 at 2 PM in the Mt. Lebanon Library and Monday, April 27 at 10 AM or 1 PM in the Mt. Lebanon Library.

No RSVP necessary.

If you attend one of the seminars, you get a free copy of Sandy's guidebook, "How to Deer Proof Your Garden."

-Sponsored by Mt Lebanon Municipality

*I can't believe it is snowing outside as I am typing this.


Monday, April 20, 2015

Under 50ยบ and wearing shorts? Recess denied!

I would not do well as a Lincoln Elementary parent. In their latest newsletter,
Recess Temperature Reminder 
As we have entered the spring weather season, we want to remind our students about what they need to wear during outdoor recess. Anytime the temperature dips below 50ยบF, students MUST wear a jacket (of some type) outside. Students that choose to wear shorts will not be permitted outside for recess if the temperature is below 50ยบF. It is a family decision, but we would suggest that students not wear shorts on days when temperatures are forecasted to be below 50ยบF. If the thermometer dips even lower (let's hope it doesn't), students should be prepared to wear hats and gloves during outside recess. We typically check AccuWeather and The Weather Channel apps for the current local temperature at approximately 11:55 am.

What about girls wearing skirts or dresses? Are they denied recess, as well?
Are girls allowed to wear skirts and dresses throughout the year? Must girls wear long pants during the winter? Is there outside recess in the fall and winter? I'm just trying to understand the rules. I never experienced this when my kids were in school.

I also see why parents are starting to opt out of PSSA testing. Talk about high stakes testing!

PSSA Testing Information The 2015 PSSA testing window continues this week. Our students in Grades 3-5 will take the PSSA MATH tests on April 20-22, 2015. Grade 4 students will complete the PSSA SCIENCE tests on April 28- 29, 2015. Please understand that during the testing window, preapproved absences will not be granted for students in Grades 3-5. 
Though we have been exceedingly diligent with our instruction and interventions since school started, and we are confident in our students' abilities, these tests still bring a heightened level of anxiety to everyone. Teachers are anxious for students to do their best. Students are worried that the tests will be too hard. Administration is anxious that we will not do as well as we have in the past. All of this anxiety is certainly understandable, but more importantly, it can be minimized. Here are some easy ways you can help us to be at our best during the PSSA test window: 
  • Be sure your student(s) get a good night's sleep. 
  • Insist on a good breakfast before school. 
  • Send your student(s) off to school on time. 
  • Instill a sense of confidence and a desire for your student(s) to do their best no matter how hard the tests may be. Let them know how proud you are of their abilities and their effort.
What easy ways are recommended for teachers and Administration to minimize anxiety?

Sunday, April 19, 2015

"We deserve better."

Elaine:

This morning’s PG includes an article on the upgraded High School. A $110 million upgrade at Mt. Lebanon High School

An issue that caught my eye is the continued cadence from the District that this year’s anticipated tax increase is to due solely to rising contributions to the retirement system (PSERS). 
 
In the article, the District is attributed with the following: “…this year all of the projected tax hike will go to pension increases…”

Simple math demonstrates this mantra is disingenuous, at best. The local burden for PSERS is only approximately 40% of the total expenditures increase projected to fall on Mt. Lebanon taxpayers*. 
 
In fact, if all other increasing expenses (excluding debt service) remained flat, we would not require a tax increase, in spite of the mandatory PSERS increase. I fully recognize this not reality, but neither is the District’s characterization.

We deserve better.

Bill Matthews

*The State’s PSERS contribution and related expense is excluded from this calculation.


Saturday, April 18, 2015

The consumer flu that won't go away

"It seems like there is no effort to reduce the debt, reduce expenses, sacrifice a little... just increased taxes and incessant fundraisers in every direction -- pretzel sales, KONA ice trucks, the uptown taste fest, sports team shakedowns from the Blue Devils Club (6 months after the raffle you better pay us $25 for your unsold ticket) yada, yada. I feel like I am under constant pressure to buy something. It's like a consumer flu/plague that won't go away."
When this comment came through last night, I thought it deserved its own post. I don't know much about pretzel sales, ice trucks, or the Blue Devils Club. [Why am I thinking of this song as I type?]

But I do know about the Taste of Lebo: Battle of the Appetizers. Today, Mt. Lebanon Foundation of Education is hosting the first annual Taste of Lebo. 

Local Lebo restaurants will be offering special appetizers for participants to enjoy as they stroll up and down Washington Road while listening to the best of our student music ensembles. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for Seniors Citizens and students. Throughout the afternoon, students in the 5th grade chorus, the Jefferson Middle School jazz ensemble, the elementary strings group, the double quartet, and a number of percussion ensembles will entertainment our savvy tasters. 
This event is sponsered by the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education. The foundation provides funding for extraordinary and innovative learning opportunites while expanding the boundaries of learning by supporting teacher-driven projects. Visit our site atwww.mtlsd.org/MLFE
To order tickets go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-lebo-battle-of-the-appetizers-tickets-15528605477 
For more information, contact Alyssa DeLuca at adeluca@mtlsd.net or 412-325-8201.
I am curious about the "sports team shakedowns," if anyone has more information about that.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

High School Contingency Fund Accounting ...through March, 2015

Lebo Citizens reader and Mt. Lebanon resident Richard Gideon has been keeping meticulous records of the high school project change orders. The list that I have in the sidebar has items that have been moved in and out of the contingency fund and then considered part of a different fund. The list will be corrected in the near future. Thank you, RG, for your update. - Elaine

High School Contingency Fund Accounting
...through March, 2015 

Since the beginning of the high school renovation project to 16 March 2015, the Mt. Lebanon School District has spent $5,000,165.57 on change orders (CO's) whilst receiving refunds and/or insurance settlements of $682,131.66, resulting in a net total CO expenditure of $4,318,033.57. CO's are paid, with some exceptions, out of a contingency fund (CF) that was initially established at $4,276,000; however, the fund was theoretically exhausted in March, 2015, at which time the District infused it with $538,000 from other accounts, bringing the CF account total to $4,814,000.00. The following figures have been calculated through the end of March, 2015: 
Total spent on CO's: $4,318,033.57
--breakdown--
Average expenditure (includes refunds): $16,544.19
Median expenditure (includes refunds): $10,002.00
Number of CO's & refunds to date: 261
Number of accounting periods (months): 34
Average cost per period: $127,000.99
Number of CO's: 243
Average CO: $20,576.81
Median CO: $10,921.00
Number of refunds/adjustments: 18
Average refund/adjustment: -$37,896.22
Median refund/adjustment: -$7,645.00
Contingency (initially $4,276,000.00 – add $538,000.00): $4,814,000.00
Balance: $495,966.43
% CF used: 89.70%
---
The following figures are estimates based on the Construction Update for April*:
Projected April CO's: $47,356.00
Projected April CO total: $4,365,389.57
Projected CF Balance, April: $448,610.43
Projected total CF used, April: 90.68%

*I would caution readers not to assume that the announced CO's for any given month will be paid out of the CF until they are actually paid. The District has been shifting more and more of the costs of the new high school to other funds; such as "soft costs." In addition, it has happened that a particular CO is disputed, and therefore, even though it is "announced," it is not paid until a later date, is negotiated down, or is shifted to a different fund. Only the official list, published in the month following the CO's, shows what CO's were actually paid out of the CF.
---
Last year I had predicted that the District would run out of money in its CF in either February or March, which is exactly what happened - although I was certainly not the only person to make such a prediction. With the infusion of new cash into the CF, and at the current rate of expenditure, it is likely the District has purchased four or five additional months of time.

Richard Gideon

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Clocked in at 71 mph on Washington Road

Finally! Traffic enforcement effort targets speed-related crashes along PA Route 19
Route 19 is known as Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon, where the speed limit is 35 mph. However, one ticketed driver on Sunday clocked in at 71 mph, Fisher said. 
Violators are local drivers as well as those commuting from the South Hills into the city, he said. 
“A lot of times our violators are people that live in the actual neighborhoods,” he said, “and they're just familiar with the streets so they get a little too comfortable.


Update April 15, 2015 6:46 PM Mt. Lebanon joins federal crackdown on speeding

Monday, April 13, 2015

.42 mill increase (less was not possible)

The agenda for tonight's April 13, 2015 School Board Meeting:
2015-2016 Proposed Final Budget: RESOLVED, That the Board approves the Proposed Final Budget in the form presented in the amount of $91,643,749 at a millage rate of 23.57 mills, a .42 mill increase. The Board approves making this Budget available for public view until the meeting on May 18, 2015 when a Final Budget will be approved with any changes the Board deems necessary.
This was the resolution from one year ago:
2014-2015 Proposed Final Budget: RESOLVED, That the Board approves a Proposed Final Budget in the amount of $87,924,509, at a millage rate of 23.15 mills, a .54 mill increase from 2013-14, utilizing $750,000 of the fund balance in the form presented.
Furthermore, the Board intends to vote on a Final Budget with such changes as it deems necessary at its May 19, 2014 meeting.

As it stands, we won't know until May 18, 2015 if Dr. Steinhauer and the administration were able to develop a budget with less than a .42 mill increase to cover the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) rate increase, use $750,000 of the fund balance, and make approximately $582,000 in budget reductions to balance the budget. A .42 mill increase is $42 a year on a home assessed at $100,000."


Every year, the Board, Dr. Steinhauer, and Jan Klein are less transparent.

  • No Budget Forum again
  • No cost savings worksheet published again.
  • Capital Projects List is only for 2015-2016. This includes: Paint lines on turf for lacrosse and field hockey(annual) 5,000.00.  Last year's 79 page report was for 2014-2018. The Capital Project List for 2014-2015 was on pages 78 and 79 which included the infamous Trophy Case. The five forecast included turfing the Rock Pile. (Turf for upper practice field.)

Behavior Lesson by the Mary Larsen Party of Six

Dear Mary Larsen and five other Mt. Lebanon residents,

Looking back at those dark times in 2006-2008 and again in 2014-2015 when Mt. Lebanon was trying to kill deer, I would like to comment on the behavior of some of the commissioners, excluding Dan Miller, Keith Mulvihill, and Kelly Fraasch. 

Our elected officials took it upon themselves to play God. They decided how many deer should die in Mt. Lebanon. The commissioners ignored scientific data. They put residents in danger by permitting the use of weapons in our community. One commissioner urged residents to take matters into their own hands.

This particular commissioner was rude, interrupted residents, and quite often lowered herself to personal attacks. Frequently, she would email commissioners with "dirt" on those who would disagree with her during citizen comments. She went after people's professions and backgrounds. Ironically, she was elected promising to cooperate, communicate, and collaborate.

Through the years, Kristen has lied to constituents, violated the Sunshine Law, and treated her colleagues and constituents in an unprofessional manner. This was the final straw for me. In a never before published email exchange, Kristen Linfante was over the top. Since then, Kristen Linfante resigned from office, citing health problems. 

So you see, Mrs. Larsen, the behavior lesson should be directed toward our commission. Notice too, Mrs. Larson, I made no personal attacks toward you or the five others who allegedly signed your letter. I am a law abiding citizen, exercising my constitutional rights. You are correct, Mrs. Larsen. We should all be willing to play by the same rules.

Elaine Gillen
Mt. Lebanon

Behavior Lesson
Looking back on the brouhaha that was the deer culling in Mt. Lebanon, we would like to comment on the behavior of some of the people, especially those opposed to the deer culling as proposed. 
Our elected officials should not have to put up with rude and boisterous behavior. Shouting will not make them change their minds. Interrupting does not make a point more valid. Personal attacks prove only that one has run out of legitimate arguments. And all of this was part of the public meetings. 
Each elected official represents hundreds of voters and is generally aware of how those voters feel. They set aside time at each meeting so that other points of view can be made. They listen to you in silence. They usually don't interrupt. They will seldom lower themselves to personal attacks. 
As fellow human beings, we should all be willing to play by the same rules. 
Mary Larsen
Mt. Lebanon 
This letter also was signed by five other Mt. Lebanon residents.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Happy Easter

To all my Orthodox family and friends, "ฮงฯฮนฯƒฯ„ฯŒฯ‚ แผ€ฮฝฮญฯƒฯ„ฮท!"

Friday, April 10, 2015

Tuesday's Commission Meeting Canceled

From:LeboALERT <noreply@mtlebanon.org>
To:EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>
Subject:LeboALERT: The Mt. Lebanon Comm...
Date:Fri, Apr 10, 2015 9:17 am

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.


The Mt. Lebanon Commission has
cancelled the Discussion and Regular Meetings scheduled for April 14, 2015.  The
next meeting will be Mon., April 27,
2015.


There wasn't a quorum. Interviews for Ward 3 Commissioner will be held at the April 27, 2015 meeting. An appointment will be made on the same evening.

South Fayette unseats Mt. Lebanon as top-ranking school district in Pittsburgh region

Congratulations to South Fayette! They are the new #1 in Pittsburgh Business Times Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools.

As Reporter Justine Coyne and Social Engagement Manager Avery Hartmans found out in visits to the district, making connections between teachers, schools, disciplines, technology and traditional learning methods helped push South Fayette to the top of the rankings.

South Fayette unseats Mt. Lebanon as top-ranking school district in Pittsburgh region


Mt. Lebanon's Markham Elementary boasts top-scoring 4th graders

Thursday, April 9, 2015

School budget with a .42 mill increase (or less, if possible)


At the April 7, 2015 School Board meeting, the School Board discussed the 2015-2016 Proposed Final Budget. School Board President Larry Lebowitz asked Board members to share their thoughts on the parameters for the millage rate and use of fund balance for Dr. Steinhauer to use to develop the Proposed Final Budget. During the Board Meeting, the consensus of the Board was to direct Dr. Steinhauer and the administration to develop a budget with a .42 mill increase (or less, if possible) to cover the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) rate increase, use $750,000 of the fund balance, and make approximately $582,000 in budget reductions to balance the budget. A .42 mill increase is $42 a year on a home assessed at $100,000.

The challenge in developing this year’s budget is to maintain the school district’s excellent programs and keep budget reductions as far from the classroom as possible. As was discussed at previous School Board meetings, the limitation on the millage rate due to the Act 1 of 2006 Index is 1.9 % or .44 mills, without the use of exceptions. In addition, the District, along with all other districts across the state, is faced with a large increase in the mandated contributions to PSERS. The District’s PSERS rate will increase from 21.40% to 25.84% which is a 21% increase. This rate increase alone translates into a .42 mill increase.

An added challenge in developing the budget is that the state has not passed its budget and won’t have one finalized by the time the District's budget must be approved in May, so we will not know what the District's funding from the state will be until that time.

The Board will vote on the Proposed Final Budget at the April 13 School Board meeting at 7:30 p.m.in the LGI Room D205 in the high school.


Superintendent Dr. Timothy Steinhauer explained that cost savings would be realized primarily by not replacing retiring staff. He said it may also be possible to pay for certain capital items included in the operating budget, such as new textbooks and computers, from the district’s capital projects fund.

Update April 10, 2015 6:17 PM Mt. Lebanon school board agrees on maximum tax increase

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Time is running out UPDATED

I have been asked to let parents know that if you want to opt-out your child from the PSSAs, time is running out. This is how it was explained to me:

"Parents have very limited time to “opt-out” of the PSSAs that begin on Monday. If you are thinking about it, start writing your email after reading this blog post.

If you aren’t sure you want to opt-out of the PSSAs, then a longer blog post about the topic might appeal to you. But for those of you that are on the fence, see this local blog written and managed by Jessie Ramey, Ph.D. for more information. Her blog has more than one entry regarding PSSAs as well as links to FAQ and other organizations, including one entirely devoted to opting-out.


In Mt Lebanon, opting out may require slightly different responsibilities depending on your school principal. At the very least, you need to send an email indicating that you would like to opt your child out of the testing for “religious reasons." You may want to CC the superintendent. At the elementary level, CC your child’s teacher and Mary Beth Irvin. 

Some principals may state that the PDE requires you come into the building to review the materials, even if you state that you have opted out before and that seeing the materials will not influence you to change your mind. Other principals state that you do not have to come into the school. 

What your child gets to do in his/her free time away from the testing is also variable. Some students stay home during the testing period but for working parents this is not necessarily a desirable option. Students who go to school may spend time in the library. The testing hours are very long as the students get older. Things like band practice are scheduled for after school hours because of the time devoted to testing. 

You might wonder why parents want to opt-out…in brief, let’s just say that if the test requires a “throw-up” protocol that involves salvaging the answers that have already been answered by the stressed out student by a team of school employees, maybe the test and the hours/curriculum/expense/corporate development/school climate/pressure associated with it are questionable."

Update April 9, 2015 9:56 AM Email to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission  concerning bagging tests due to blood or vomit, and other observations during the PSSA testing window.

Update April 10, 2015 8:50 AM Look beyond just test scores when choosing district 
“Ultimately, our view was that we don’t want to be in a school district that is completely driven by test scores,” said Iriti, a faculty fellow in the University of Pittsburgh’s Learning Research and Development Center. “That type of reading and math does not equate to a person being ready to be out in the world. Those tests measure a slice, but not all of the most important things.”

How Seton-La Salle handles threats vs. MTLSD UPDATED

Seton-La Salle High School closed due to threat

Seton-La Salle takes this seriously. Mt. Lebanon School District does not.

When the deer cull was taking place, the principal from Seton-La Salle called the municipality and expressed concern. Mt. Lebanon School District did not.

Kids are being exposed to dialogue that killing deer is OK in Mt. Lebanon. They are told to stay out of parks while innocent deer are killed. Threats are not taken seriously by Mt. Lebanon authorities. Articles exhibiting bullying behavior are treated as a humorous piece. Parent offended by article in The Devil's Advocate We're accused of being helicopter parents. 

What is Mt. Lebanon teaching our kids? Thank you, Seton-La Salle for erring on the side of caution. Bomb threats are nothing new at Mt. Lebanon High School. I always kept my kids home because what if...? 
Instead, the school will have a Chrome from Home Day, according to a statement from school principal Lauren Martin, and is also planning to hold a meeting to discuss when students should return to the building.

Update April 12, 2015 9:22 PM Seton-La Salle to reopen Monday after threats

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Deer Proof Your Garden UPDATED


































Susan Morgans can't help herself. Read the last paragraph of her press release.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

I'm saving the District $2 in postage/packet! UPDATED

Yesterday morning, a Lebo Citizens reader wrote in to ask:
How many people received the the "Century of Excellence Capital Campaign" informational packet this week? Not a cheap packet to produce and cost $2 to mail. What a waste! Your fundraiser isn't working, and in true current Mt. Lebanon fashion, you keep throwing more money at an idea that isn't showing results. My husband and I won't be attending and we won't be donating.
The reader was kind enough to scan the packet for me and thanks to her, I am able to share with everyone.

Introduction letter

Financial Summary

The Case for Philanthropic Support

Area of Focus

FAQ

Strategic Plan

It came in a large color pocket folder with 4 "folds," lots of pictures and one pocket.. not cheap. Postage stamp on the envelope was $2.03.

Update April 6, 2015 7:57 AM The original campaign of $30 million was an attempt to avoid taking out a second bond. Since that was a little aggressive, the amount was reduced to $15 million and wrapped a second bond. Pursuant Ketchum advised that the campaign fund total should be $6 million, with $3 million going in an endowment and $3 million going toward capital funds. The high school renovation was to provide a 21st century education. Looking at the immediate needs breakdown, we bought ourselves a very expensive sports complex which we can't afford.

$3 Million Endowment Fund

$3 Million Immediate Capital Needs

Total $6 Million Campaign

Letter to the Editor from Bill Matthews

Elaine:

There is no magic bullet for the school district's budget situation. However, it would be a start to see the Board and Administration fully appreciate the fact that Real Estate Tax Revenue and General Fund Total Expenditures have outpaced the growth of family incomes in our Community, and that this is not a sustainable state of affairs.

The Administration has footnoted its March 2, 2015 budget summary with references to the proposed millage increases attributed to PSERS and High School Debt ... as if this matters. In reality, it matters little to residents challenged with balancing their family budget with an ever-increasing real estate tax bill.

What does matter is that Total Expenditures in the General Fund are projected to have risen 175% since 2001-2002, compared to Earned Income Tax Revenue (which is a proxy for family income) having only risen 155% over the same time period.

Bill Matthews




















PG, I'm done with you.

As a 40+ year subscriber, I have canceled my subscription to the Post-Gazette. My carrier, Malcolm Andrews has been providing excellent service for many years, and I thank him and his family for their dedication. This is not a reflection on you, Malcolm, but it is based solely on John Hayes' weekly lies. The final straw was in his article today, Other towns also face deer dilemmas.
If protesters think Mt. Lebanon is done with its deer debate, they’re wrong. About 200 pregnant does are expected to deliver 300 or more additional deer to Mt. Lebanon in the coming months.
Where the hell are you getting your numbers, Mr. Hayes? Is this based on your estimates that Mt. Lebanon has THOUSANDS of deer?  I'm tired of you, Mt. Lebanon commission, Mt. Lebanon staff, and other media sources blaming "protesters" for Benner's blunder.

You write:
Activists opposed to the municipality’s plan to kill enough deer to decrease deer-car collisions by 50 percent in five years are still celebrating their victory.
The deer-car collisions plan is BOGUS!
  • In Mt. Lebanon, people got hurt in over 90% of reported car crashes that involved pedestrians and/or bicyclists. (This is compared to 35% for regular car crashes and 3.8% for deer/car crashes.)
  • In the last 4 years, there have been 50 reported injury-causing crashes involving pedestrians and/or bicyclists. (This is compared to 6 reported injury-causing deer/car crashes. In other words, there are 8 times as many for ped/cyc as for deer.)
Tom Moertel's in-depth analysis will be posted on Kelly Fraasch's blog in the near future.

Try to cancel a subscription online. It can't be done. I ended up finding this, Subscription Questions. I am sooooo done with you, John Hayes.

Tuesday's school board meeting - New Location

Because of the holiday weekend, the school board meeting will be held on Tuesday in the High School Large Group Instruction Room, D205. This is a new and permanent location for school board meetings. Those attending the meeting should enter the High School from the South Parking through Entrance B 9. Parking is available in the South Lot which can only be accessed from Cedar Boulevard to Morgan Drive to the South Lot.

Tuesday's Agenda includes:

Audit Services Request for Proposal – Every three years the District requests proposals for audit services for the Independent Certified Public Audit of the District’s finances. This year four companies responded to the request with prices in the first year ranging from $19,500 to $24,000, $20,475 to $24,825 in year two and $21,499 to $25,650 in year three. While all firms have experience in auditing governmental entities and public school districts, only two reference CAFR audits where the school district attained ASBO’s Certificate of Excellence Award. Maher Duessel is the lowest cost of those two firms. Since their work with Mt Lebanon School District has been exceptional in prior years, we are recommending continuing their contract for another three years. The price quoted for their audit including the CAFR work is $23,550 in year one, $24,150 in year two and $24,750 in year three. The superintendent recommends approval of this action. (Does that make it thirty years with the same outside auditor?)

2015-2016 Proposed Final Budget – The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be discussed at the meeting.

Audit Response - PDE has requested that we submit a written response to the previous state audit (for the 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007 fiscal years that was completed in January of 2013).

Change Orders for High School Renovation Project – The change orders for the high school project total $47,356 from the Contingency, $4,184 from soft costs, and $7,067 from the Capital Budget. The change orders are as follows:
a. GC-112-275 to Nello for $14,742 for a courtyard wall, 
b. EL-78-276 to Farfield for $19,864 for wiring, lights, elevator changes, gas shut off and smoke dampers, 
c. PL-36-277 to Vrabel for $12,750 for sump pumps, drains and sewer lines, 
d. EL-79-278 to Farfield for $4,184 for cabling, and 
e. EL-80-279 to Farfield for $7,067 for power to fume hoods

For those who are not on Facebook

I love, love, love Fake Lebo. This is hilarious! Thank you, Fake Lebo!


Saturday, April 4, 2015

Why is it always the protesters' fault?

Yesterday's Trib published a letter submitted by Mt. Lebanon resident, Harvey Bower called, Mt. Lebanon residency embarrassing. Mr. Bower, a Republican turned Democrat, questioned the competency of his party by writing:
Our commissioners, after years of ignoring the problem, can't even get the deer culling right. Who hires a company that needs 11 shots to kill three deer at close range? Most hunters would only need three shots (even at 50 yards). 
Did anybody think to do their due diligence? 
But then, Mr. Bower resorted to blaming protesters for the flubbed attempt to cull the deer population.*
And after this company started the process, our commissioners allowed protesters, one of whom compared the culling to the Holocaust, to break the law by disrupting the process.
Mr. Bower, just as it is your right to submit a letter of opinion to the newspaper, it is also our right to protest. It is not that the commissioners were "allow[ing] protesters," The United States Constitution explicitly provides for "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" in the First Amendment. How is having three peaceful protests in front of the Municipal Building and one on Connor Road disrupting the process? If one protester compared the culling to the Holocaust, that is not breaking the law OR disrupting the process.

You said it yourself that Wildlife Specialists needed 11 shots to kill three deer at close range. This company blamed the ammunition, the number of shooters authorized by the PA Game Commission, the weather, the protesters, vandalism, and a police car scaring away deer. The only ones they didn't blame were themselves.

I participated in three of the protests. We never went beyond the No Trespassing signs. We helped clean up the mess that the contractor left behind. We followed the rules and for that we have people like Mrs. Logan, Dr. Narey, Mr. Bower, Ms. Linfante, Ms. Vipperman and others calling us liars and vandals, criticizing the way we are dressed, and blaming us for Benner's failures. We were the ones stopped by police for walking near parks or through church parking lots on sunny Sunday afternoons. We have been treated like criminals. We were silenced. We were treated rudely by the commissioners and staff. Will we ever get apologies? No. Will the commissioners admit that they screwed up? Never. Our commissioners have divided our town. The commissioner leading the charge, resigned as promised to her colleagues, once she got her cull. Mr. Bower, the commissioners should be the ones who are embarrassed. They are the ones governing Mt. Lebanon. They allowed this to happen. They are the ones to blame.

 *'Deer-proofing' expert to offer lessons in Mt. Lebanon

Friday, April 3, 2015

Michalina: We must cull!

She calls Sandy Baker coming to Mt. Lebanon "a Band-Aid." Michalina Pendzich wants deer dead. Sandy Baker, "The Deer Doctor" will be coming to Mt. Lebanon later this month. With last month’s trap and cull program a bust, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Kelly Fraasch says it’s time to get some coexisting advice from the “Deer Doctor” on deer habits and needs. "Coexist" is not in Michalina's vocabulary.

In the Trib article, 'Deer-proofing' expert to offer lessons in Mt. LebanonMt. Lebanon officials hope Baker's presentations can ease some of the discord that followed the flubbed attempt to cull the community's deer population.

The Almanac reports that Baker, known as “The deer doctor,” said the free two-hour seminars held each day April 25-27 will focus on practical tips for landscaping and protecting vegetation in gardens, but also understanding deer behavior.

"Deer Doctor" Being Brought In To Help With Mt. Lebanon Deer Problem

In Defense of Animals International has issued this bulletin, Tell Mt. Lebanon: No More Deer Killings. The nation is watching us, Mt. Lebanon Commissioners.

"...this is my community, this is my school district and this is where I belong,”

Memorial award nominee sees Mt. Lebanon school district as the place she belongs


Collier Township resident, Jan Klein, has received the Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award from the PA Association of School Business Officials. 
In honor of her recognition, a Mt. Lebanon student will receive a Gary E. Reeser Memorial scholarship for $2,500. 
“Ms. Klein’s recognition is indicative of the depth of business competence she brings to her work every day,” superintendent Timothy Steinhauser said. “She has successfully integrated proven best practices into the district’s core operations and this award recognizes that achievement.”
Are we talking about the same person, Timothy Steinhauser [sic]? Here are just a few Lebo Citizens posts which see things differently.

How the School District CHEATS Mt. Lebanon taxpayers

No way! UPDATED 2x


6-1 in favor of .54 mill increase UPDATED


Far From Frugal

The Annual Budget Ritual









Thursday, April 2, 2015

Heads up

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

The Mt. Lebanon Area DUI Task Force will be conducting roving patrols in 6 different communities this weekend. Please don't drink & drive. [this weekend.]

Toxic turf update

It looks like construction resumes today down at the toxic turf site. Workers are showing up this morning.

Just a couple of weeks ago, USA Today had published this concerning article, Feds promote artificial turf as safe despite health concerns.

"We're using your children as part of the poison squad," said Bruce Lanphear, a leading researcher on lead poisoning at Simon Fraser University in Canada, who suggests a moratorium on installing artificial-turf fields until their safety is proved.
The health threat is substantial enough that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists artificial turf as one of seven sources of children's lead exposure along with well-known items such as paint, water and toys.

The show must go on

Call it dedication or the spirit of Good Friday, but whatever it is, consider it great news. Our former commissioner, Kristen Linfante, will be performing tomorrow in concert in Shadyside. Bach concert in Shadyside celebrates devotion for Good Friday

Even though Kristen is now a private citizen, many people have been quite concerned about her serious medical condition. I wanted to share the positive news. It is true that Kristen and I did not agree on anything except the Williamsburg Park dog issue, I am happy to read that her health is improving. Best of luck, Kristen.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

New Disney Movie - SNL




The Post-Gazette played this April Fools joke. Dan Simpson: A strange start to April 
On a more local note, in Mt. Lebanon, a pretentious suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, local town commissioners were examining the early results of their latest attempt to bring the fertile, hungry deer population under control. To deal with the problem they had imported from Kenya a pride of lions, using the contacts of a senior American political figure born there. With a midnight curfew for people established, the big cats were released to hunt freely until dawn, when they were tranquilized, recaptured and re-caged. Commissioners refused to talk about reported problems with the project, although an early election to fill one unexpectedly vacant seat has been quickly scheduled. The commissioner in question had been observing the lion experiment.

Cafe IO is featuring these specials today: