Remember this post? "Come and mingle with some of Mt. Lebanon's finest ladies" Sure you do. It was one of my most read posts this year. We know that Susan Morgans read it because she shared some "words of wisdom" for me, "anonymously" of course.
This morning, this LeboALERT was in my email.
From: LeboALERT <noreply@mtlebanon.org>To: EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>Sent: Tue, Oct 11, 2016 9:31 amSubject: LeboALERT: Pa.'s Commission for...This is on top of what I read on Facebook:
This is an important notice from LeboALERT.
Pa.'s Commission for Women to honor five Mt. Lebanon ladies, Oct. 22. Muni Bldg., 8:30 a.m. $25 donation. RSVP, info: mtlwomenrecognition2016@gmail.com.
Here is the problem. Besides Susan Morgans or Susan Fleming Morgans, whichever name she decides to use, constantly self-promoting in mtl Magazine, whether it is her winery tours where she writes that all the bottles of wine (except one) were consumed before returning home, her hair, her shopping preferences, her cut-through tips, is now using MTL social media to promote an event that is charging an admission to an event in the Municipal Building. That is a huge no-no.
"Renters shall not charge an admission fee for events held in the public meeting
rooms and shall not sell products or services for private profit or gain."
It is not a donation of $25, as the LeboALERT advertises. The cost is $20 for a continental breakfast plus a suggested donation of $5.00. Read the fine print.
The word "donation" is definitely used loosely in Mt. Lebanon. It covers up a lot of sins.
Update October 12, 2016 3:45 PM If anyone wants to attend this event, it is free, according to Keith McGill.
From: Keith Mcgill [mailto:kmcgill@mtlebanon.org]
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 2:12 PM
To: Nicholas Meduho, Jr. Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Philip Weis <pweis@mtlebanon.org>Subject: Re: LeboALERT: Pa.'s Commission for...Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 2:12 PMTo: Nicholas Meduho, Jr. Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Philip Weis <pweis@mtlebanon.org>Subject: Re: LeboALERT: Pa.'s Commission for...
Mr. Meduho,
If you wish to attend the event and arrive at 9:00 for the program you may do so free of charge. The $5.00 donation is suggested, not mandatory to attend the event. If you wish to arrive at 8:30 and have breakfast the $20.00 is to cover the cost of your breakfast. There is no admission fee. If you feel that the flier associated with the event is poorly worded I would recommend you contact the event organizer.
Keith
If anyone cares to mingle with some of Mt. Lebanon's finest ladies, a $5.00 donation would be appreciated. Breakfast is optional.
October 13, 2016 11:30AM Based on a comment submitted to Lebo Citizens at 11:16 AM this morning, The Pennsylvania Commission For Women was started by Gov. Tom Wolf, whose members are all members of the Democratic Party.
October 14, 2016 10:52 AM More insight:
Hi Keith,
I am truly baffled by your upcoming Awesome Ladies event. Of course, it does not surprise me that Susan Morgans is being honored, because who thinks she is more awesome than she herself? And what fun for her to promote and host that ...
But I am not understanding the economics of this seemingly exclusionary, elitist event. The problem, of course, is that it is being held in the Municipal Building: a building which I own, as a taxpayer - not you or Susan, in your role as public servants.
I get the $5 voluntary donation part, but I do not get the "$20 to cover the cost of breakfast part." I have run many events like this, and there is no way breakfast costs the event organizers $20 / per person. In fact, continental breakfasts are usually less than $10 / per person.
Therefore, as you essentially signed my name approving this event in my building, I must know the following:
What is the exact total cost of the breakfast event in my building?
If, in the likely event, there is a surplus regarding people's breakfast purchases, who gets that money?
Who is providing the breakfast and exactly what are they charging, if anything (breakfast could easily be given or discounted for an event like this by a provider)?
If I wanted to hold a similar event in the municipal building for a foundation that I believe in, would you let me?
Thanks,
Dr. Jason Margolis
From Manager Keith McGill:
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 7:25 AMTo: Dr. Jason MargolisSubject: Re: Awesome Ladies Event
Good morning Dr. Margolis,
If you are referring to the Celebrating Women of Mt. Lebanon event, this is not a municipal event. If you have questions regarding this event there is contact information on the attached pdf. If you are interested in a room rental the following link will take you to the appropriate page on the municipal website.
http://www.mtlebanon.org/298/Meeting-Rooms
In addition to our role as public servants, Ms. Morgans and I are both also taxpaying residents of the municipality.
Respectfully,
KeithUpdate October 17, 2016 7:40 PM The contract for this event is here. It is for two hours, 8:00 AM to 10 AM. The event is from 8:30 to 11:30. Looks to me like it is a four hour rental at a two hour fee. Keith McGill signed off on it. Don't ask too many questions, Keith.
Update October 18, 2016 6:32 PM Celebrating Women of Mt. Lebanon event to honor five residents
Hi Elaine...it's obvious that we have two sets of rules. One for Susan Morgans and the PIO, and another set for everyone else.
ReplyDeleteNick M.
If it's really a "donation" one should be able to attend and partake of the food without paying anything!
ReplyDeleteOtherwise it's an admission fee regardless of where the money goes.
That is how I interpret it too. Nick M. wrote to the manager and commissioners saying pretty much the same thing as you did, 6:05. This is from Keith:
ReplyDeleteGood morning Mr. Meduho,
I have reviewed the information you provided as well as the associated LeboAlert and offer the following. The LeboAlert refers to a $25 donation, not an admission fee. The associated flier indicates that "Cost is $20 for Continental Breakfast and a suggested donation of $5.00 to Pa Commission for Women" "It's on Us PA" Campaign to Stop Sexual Assault on Campus.
I don't see any reference to an admission fee. The $20.00 is to cover the cost of the breakfast and a $5.00 donation is suggested. As to your question regarding where the funds go there may be information through one of the links on the flier you provided or there is a number listed for questions.
Keith
It is so political here in Mt. Lebanon. Susan Fleming Morgans gets recognized for doing her job. The four Dem. commissioners are not going to rock the boat since this the Mt. Lebanon Democratic Committee Chair's event. A LeboALERT goes out because the Divine Ms. M gave her blessings. No LeboALERTs went out for Dan Miller's Office of Open Records event because they don't typically do ALERTS for public officials.
This reminds me of the time when a young child was teaching me the rules of a new game that he invented. We were playing and he won because he failed to tell me ALL of his rules. This is very similar. Mt. Lebanon's public servants make up the rules as they go along. We're going to lose every time.
Elaine
One can go to Pamela's for very good pancakes and hot coffee for under $10.
ReplyDeleteBesides isn't serving breakfast a product and a service?
According to Keith if you don't partake of the very expensive breakfast you can attend this event for free?
ReplyDeleteSo against the rule the commissioners are allowing this event to sell something in the public space which is a no-no.
Don't Mt. Lebanon woman have a problem with that phrasing "Come mingle with some of Mt. Lebanon's finest ladies".
Does that mean if you're not on the list you're not one of the finest or perhaps not a lady?
Are there any republican ladies considered "finest"? Anyone know? Or are they all considered "deplorarables"?
I certainly have a problem with the girly phrasing, although I think that the finest who are slated to be honored at this event are Republicans AND Democrats. "Women" would be more appropriate than "Ladies." What century is this?
ReplyDeleteRegarding 10:22s comment.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny, we had big HR charter vote a few years back to make the Home Rule Charter gender neutral!
So why isn't this event - "come mingle with Mt. Lebanon's finest PEOPLE"?
If they want to change the rule to allow selling goods or services in the municipal Bldg., they should do it. Until then they should follow the rule!
ReplyDeleteThe organization that the $5 donation is going towards, even though it claims to be bipartisan, I'm told it's really a D PAC.
I suspect that expensive $20 breakfast is also a fund raiser for the local D party.
https://www.governor.pa.gov/governor-wolf-names-new-members-to-the-pennsylvania-commission-for-women/
All D women including Nancy Mills http://www.alleghenydems.com/who-we-are/nancy-patton-mills/
You may be right, 11:16 AM. It sure appears to be a PAC. $20 is a pretty expensive continental breakfast.
ReplyDeleteElaine
There is a profit being made on the breakfast, for sure. Who gets it?
ReplyDeleteI believe that the PA Commission for Women wasn't started by Gov. Wolf, but rather by Gov. Rendell.
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be supported by the fact that Gov. Corbett appointed women to it in 2012. (see below)
Regardless of founding date, it seems its focus maybe relative to the interest of the sitting governor at the time.
Since Mt. Lebanon though seems intent on advancing gender neutrality, evidenced by rewording the Home Rule Charter, why not recognize Mt. Lebanon's finest male or female in in one event?
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/governor-corbett-appoints-members-to-the-pennsylvania-commission-for-women-149838515.html
Remember the flack directed at Matt Kluck, James Fraasch and Charlotte Stephenson for their perceived Republican oriented Town Hall even though admission was free and open to all on a first come first admitted basis.
ReplyDeleteThey didn't offer any food or ask for donations yet people argued it shouldn't have been held in the municipal building.
Different rules for different people.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Hi Jason at 12:32...Mr. McGill will not divulge who is making a profit on this event. I have asked over and over and I can't even get a hint of a reply.
ReplyDeleteNick M.
Just to add too Jason, Mr. McGill won't even divulge if the room was paid for or not. I had to file a right to know request to get that one answered. So sad!! One has to wonder, who is running the ship up there?
ReplyDeleteNick M.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of fine people in Mt. Lebanon that donate countless hours volunteering in churches/temples, libraries, schools, hospitals, scouts, sports, politics without expecting remuneration or recognition. They do it for love.
ReplyDeleteIn essence those finest make Lebo the community it has become today and to me that is the true definition of "Living Well." Revenge has nothing to do with it.
How one narrows that large group to just 6 females baffles me.
Well, they got you, Nick at 1:14 PM. They will take 35 days for a legal review and then tell you that donors can remain anonymous.
ReplyDelete2:34 PM, I would love to know how Susan Morgans is in that group. What has she donated or volunteered? To be categorized in the same group, should be an insult to the others in that group.
Elaine
Elaine...they needed Susan to help pull this off and she happily obliged by giving them free advertisement on the Lebo Facebook page, free advertisement on LeboAlert, free advertisement on Lebo Twitter and the use of a government building on a Saturday morning, maybe at no charge. All this while our manager and commissioners look the other way and allow Susan Morgans to violate the rules of the meeting room policy. Rules are rules folks, don't matter who you are.
ReplyDeleteWhen will folks around here understand that their little town is full of corruption. And where are the commissioners on this? Hmmm!! I believe Mr. McGill signed off on this but until he grows a backbone and starts to manage this town the way it should be managed, nothing will change. As a side note, Mr. McGill even lets our code enforcement officer selectively cite folks for overgrown weeds on their property. Some get cited, some get a free pass. Such a shame.
If you or I wanted these same considerations that the PCW are receiving we would be shot down in a heartbeat.
Nick M.
I saw this video and thought that is was pretty close to what we deal with in Lebo. These women just want what's fair! We are guaranteed equality under the equal application clause of the 14th amendment. We the people need to make sure that no one gets an unfair advantage, that everyone should play on an even playing field, that we should share in common disadvantage. It's what's right!
ReplyDeleteThe women in the video are fighting against a man shirking zoning laws. And we are fighting against the Lebo establishment profiting from a breakfast, even if those profits end up at a charitable organization. I think we can take great inspiration.
The arrogance of our local public servants, and I do mean servants, has reached new heights.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, they are under the impression that even though we taxpayers foot the bill for everything, they have an obligation to stonewall information.
Want to know the details of how they spend our hard-earned money,'go f--- yourself, file an RTK if you want to know!'
There needs to be some attitude adjustment in the municipal offices.
A recent traffic study concluded that the room rented for the Susan Morgans tribute is zoned to make a profit, by order of the Mount Lebanon Police Department.
ReplyDeleteBravo, or should I write Brava, 6:55 AM, for knowing how to use html for the video link. It's almost like you do it for a living.
ReplyDeleteActually, you are correct. We just want what is fair. We the people just want to make sure that no one has an unfair advantage. Whether it is a celebration of the some of the finest ladies in Mt. Lebanon or the people who look homeless and don't want any killing in Mt. Lebanon. Have a nice day.
Elaine
He answers Jason by attaching a PDF on renting rooms.
ReplyDeleteBuried in that PDF is the policies in place that renters must follow.
#16. is clear as day as you have highlighted Elaine. They cannot charge admission and that they CANNOT sell goods or services.
Is McGill saying that croissants, bagels, coffee, rolls, etc., aren't goods? That providing them for $20 isn't a service?
If he is, I'll bet there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries, and caters puzzled over what he thinks they do.
Perhaps Rania can fill him.
Also, certainly Mr. McGill is very accurate that he and Ms. Morgans are taxpayers as well as Jason.
IMO, he might be mindful that he and Ms. Morgans are in a very small and select group of taxpayers that haul down six figure incomes from those taxpayer revenues.
A little humility would be nice!
Shouldn't Keith be asking the questions instead of us? I would think that the municipality should be getting answers before they allow a room to be rented.
ReplyDeleteOne can get away with so much when using the word, "donation" here in Mt. Lebanon. While we are the subject of "donations," I am appearing before a panel of judges (hopefully none from Mt. Lebanon) in Commonwealth Court on November 14 at 1:00. That is why I still have my "gofund me" account still open.
Elaine
They could have had the Tribute at a private restaurant or event space, but then of course, they would have to pay to honor themselves. It's better when others pay.
ReplyDeleteThrough some stealthy undercover work the PCW anthem has been exposed.
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lbdSnVOc9ew
You can't make this stuff up. Susan Morgans is going to talk about block parties at Monday's Historic Preservation Board meeting.
ReplyDeleteElaine
It used to be that during block parties you could have a rep from the historic preservation board give a walking tour and describe the houses on the street, their original owner, their builder, and architectural notes. In fact, there used to be a field on the block party request form for such. I presume that's the connection.
ReplyDeleteThere is no such field now. Block Party Request Form
ReplyDeleteElaine
the connection to what? the connection to the Sleepy Hollow block party amnesty program? or the connection to the awesome ladies of Lebo award?
ReplyDeleteSo, is this cheesy event honoring Susan Morgans going forward?
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in a twenty minute tour of your block with a member of the historic preservation board, who can tell you about the history of your neighborhood please call 412-343-3780 or e-mail smorgans@mtlebanon.org (requires 6 week notice.)
ReplyDelete3:13 PM, both your knowledge of HTML AND how to find archived information about Susan Morgans are very impressive. Be proud of what you know and sign your name for all to recognize your gift. That certainly was from the good old days when block parties were free.
ReplyDelete2:33 PM, of course the cheesy event honoring Susan Morgans is going forward. She has donated so much to this community. Like the Byhams (another honoree), I think there is a theatre named after her.
Elaine
Elaine, I'm way too cowardly to sign my name. Plus, if I did, your readership might learn the name of a member of the Lebo secret council. Let's be real!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is a secret who is running this town, 5:23 PM.
ReplyDeleteHere is what WE know, 5:23 PM.
Mt. Lebanon approved an event at the municipality where the cost of this event, depending on what you read, is a $25 donation (Facebook and LeboALERT) $20 for a continental breakfast plus a $5 donation (the flier), or free without the continental breakfast plus an optional donation of $5 (Keith McGill.)
We know what the rules are for renting a room in the municipal building per Keith McGill's link to the municipal website.
We know that Susan Morgans' daughter is an attorney and Susan loves play that card and threaten lawsuits at the drop of the hat.
We know that Michelle Zmijanic, hostess of this event, is the chair of the Mt. Lebanon Democratic Committee and that four of the commissioners are Democrats.
We know that Susan Morgans is the staff liaison to the historic preservation board and Michelle Zmijanic is the Historic Preservation Board chair.
We know that Sleepy Hollow has had the rules changed for their block parties, of which involved a family member of Susan's.
We know that Susan Morgans is making a presentation to the Historic Preservation Board about block parties.
We now know that the "member of the Lebo secret council" knows more about block parties and what Susan Morgans' duties entailed way back when.
We know that women are being honored at this event who have contributed to this community in many ways. We know that Susan Morgans gets paid for what she contributes.
We have a municipal manager who is asking us to ask Michelle the questions, when Mt. Lebanon should be asking these questions before renting out the room. Not us.
We know that Mt. Lebanon is afraid of a personnel issue.
Yes, let's be real.
Elaine
*Zmijanac. Sorry that I spelled Michelle's last name incorrectly.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Whoa. Isn't Zmijanac on the Mt. Lebanon democratic committee? If yes, why is she attending the cheesy awards event instead of door knocking for her candidates on Saturday morning? The election is right around the corner. Priorities, priorities, priorities.
ReplyDeleteThe way one resident sees this issue, renting or offering municipal rooms to any group whether politically active, social or whatever isn't the problem here.
ReplyDeleteEven if it were a mutual admiration society, who'd care if they used a room or not?
The issue arises if any of those groups charge for anything be it breakfast, coffee mugs or t-shirts. By policy selling something or charging admission at the meeting is a no-no.
The really big issue is whether it is standard procedure for the public information office to promote meeting room events.
Do all meeting room renting groups get their events advertised? Is there a usual fee for promoting room events? Or is it solely up to the PIO and municipal manager which meetings get promoted or not?
Two quotes on public service, Mr. McGill and Mrs. Morgans.
ReplyDelete"If you make the choice to serve the public, public service, then serve the public, not yourself." —Jack Abramoff
"Millions of public workers have become a kind of privileged new class - a new elite, who live better than their private sector counterparts. Public servants have become the public's masters. No wonder the public is upset."
Mortimer Zuckerman
You people are a bunch of losers who need to get a life. Seriously
ReplyDeleteI posted the contract for the room rental in the fourth update. Two hours at $20 an hour. 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Trouble is that the event goes from 8:30 to 11:30. Half hour to set up and half hour to clean up, I see this "two" hour rental going for four hours.
ReplyDeleteElaine
This explains it all.
ReplyDeleteKeith McGill is both the licensor and the licensee.
That’s probably why he won’t answer any direct questions regarding this event…it’s his event.
Of course it is going to go on for hours. Especially if Susan Morgans is handed the microphone. Maybe we should organize a group to meet outside of the muni bldg. Not to protest as much as to show our presence.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't waste my time. We've already been called a bunch of losers and that we need to get a life. That was in my spam folder and never published. Obviously a comment from one of the "finest ladies" of Mt. Lebanon. I think I will publish it. It will appear before the recent comments.
ReplyDeleteElaine
If Manager McGill is both the licensor and the licensee, is he not violating his own oath and responsibilities as manager which is to "enforce the ordinances and regulations of the Municipality." On top of that, what does it say about his reputation as manager of Mt. Lebanon?
ReplyDeleteNick M.
WHAT reputation, Nick?
ReplyDeleteI’m guessing the poster at 4:33 is perfectly ok with Keith McGill (the manager/overseer of Mt. Lebanon) skirting the laws, rules, regulations and ordinances of our community in which he was appointed to uphold and having folks/taxpayers who take exception to his arrogance express their legitimate concerns. On top of that, one doesn’t need a degree in rocket science to figure out that arrogance doesn’t stop with the manager, unfortunately it can be found in other departments as well, mainly the PIO. Or could it have started with the PIO? All this while the elected commission turns a blind eye.
ReplyDeleteNick M.
So is Keith paying for the room? In the corporate world, he would be fired. This place is so messed up it's unbelievable. I don't even try to explain it.
ReplyDeleteConsidering McGill's position as lessor and lessee of the municipal meeting rooms and the waving of the rules of use for same, perhaps we should vote to change Mt. Lebanon from a municipality to a Grand Duchy in the Home Rule Charter.
ReplyDeleteGrand Duchy of McGill has a nice Seussian ring to it, don't you think?
7:58 AM
ReplyDeleteBravo.