Jan is gone and there is no fake budget

Do a search for fake budgets here, and you will understand. We have also had fake-fake budgets in the past. Jan Klein would come up with a fake budget so that the school district could file for Act 1 Exceptions. That would allow the school board to raise taxes above the index. This means the district will not be able to raise taxes by more than the 2.3 percent index — or 0.56 mills — for 2019-20. The most taxes could go up for the next school year would be by $56 per $100,000 of assessed value.

Coincidently, our superintendent didn't get whopping increases as he had in the past, our finance director retired, new auditors have been contracted to audit the books, the Audit and Finance Committee was reinstated, and no more Century of Excellence Capital Campaign.

School taxes could go up in Mt. Lebanon, but only slightly

It's a Snow Day

New recycling options

I think the new recycling options suck. My street was littered with 2 liter bottles, milk cartons, and whatever else my neighbors had in their recycling cans. Through no fault of their own, the wind carried all their lightweight recyclables and trash cans everywhere. No more glass to add weight to the receptacles. Wind and the new program are not a good mix.

Here is the new pilot program as stated in this week's Administrative Report.

Personally, I can't be bothered to sort out my recyclables in four separate bins - three for Michael Brothers and one for Waste Management. I take my newspapers to the school, so that would be five bins altogether. Oh wait. I recycle my batteries at the Municipal Building and bulbs at Home Depot. What does that add up to...seven bins? No thanks. I am sorry to say this, but I am giving up on recycling glass and plastics.

Glass Recycling Survery*

Mt. Lebanon residents only, please tell the staff and commission what you think of two possible plans for recycling glass by taking a short survey at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZCTN2CK

*Survery - a new word coined by our illustrious Public Information Office meaning a survey for recycling.

Hitchhiker Brewing Co. and Mt. Lebanon named as defendants UPDATED

Filed yesterday:

Hitchhiker Brewing Company and Mt. Lebanon

At the same time:

Pittsburgh-Area Brewery Among The Nation's Elite, Magazine Says

Thanks, Fake Lebo!

Thank you for keeping your word, Conor Lamb

Are you (?) rough on trash cans?

Mt. Lebanon Magazine posted the ideal garbage can on Facebook. If "we" are rough on trash cans, Waste Management recommends:

This beauty has no wheels, no locking handles, and no attached lid. Nothing for "us" to break. Since we are hauling more garbage to the curb (think glass), chiropractors will love this suggestion. Raccoons will thank us. And think of all the exercise we will get chasing lids that are rolling down the street on a windy day. If you're lucky, that lid will be driven over and flattened beyond repair.

Life just keeps getting better and better here.

Update: 10:03 PM On the front of the 2019 Solid Waste & Recycling Collection Guide, I see a can with wheels and a hinged lid.

Congrats, Alvin!

Mt. Lebanon graduate makes mark as musician, historian

Alvin Zhu grew up on the street next to ours. When I would hear Alvin playing piano, I would sit outside and listen to his music. What a gift! To have such a talent within earshot was wonderful! Harry Funk included a video of Alvin playing piano. Please watch the video and you'll know what I mean.

My son went to school with Alvin and told me about Alvin's youtube channel.  For more information, visit Alvin's website alvinzhu.com. 

Congratulations, Alvin!!!