tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post5719810329520599875..comments2023-07-10T08:28:51.479-04:00Comments on Lebo Citizens: We're using the wrong matrix UPDATED with invoiceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-54483237628490550322017-02-23T20:54:26.765-05:002017-02-23T20:54:26.765-05:00A "non-profit wildlife management company&quo...A "non-profit wildlife management company" charging $1,500/day and $4,500 for archery supplies, trail cameras and tackle.<br /><br />Looks like somebody may be making a profit somewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-91015340259884114952017-02-23T20:39:13.036-05:002017-02-23T20:39:13.036-05:00http://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2016/11/07...<br />http://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2016/11/07/Mt-Lebanon-advised-to-rethink-deer-archery-sharpshooting-cull/stories/201611110025<br /><br />"“We’re still getting calls from homeowners who are just inundated with deer,” said Tony DeNicola, the founder and president of White Buffalo, a non-profit wildlife management company."<br /><br />SO WHY DID THEY NEED TRAIL CAMERAS?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-45843195138488976122017-02-22T19:18:11.944-05:002017-02-22T19:18:11.944-05:00Probably $5,000 to $10,000 for bullets, silencers ...Probably $5,000 to $10,000 for bullets, silencers and cleaning rods!<br />And maybe red cups... gets chilly out there after dusk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-15516905808121385772017-02-22T18:56:35.695-05:002017-02-22T18:56:35.695-05:00I would think that trail camera footage should be ...I would think that trail camera footage should be subject to Right To Knows. Merlin Benner used trail cameras - his own. He never charged for them. He had also left a camera behind in Bird Park. We saw it when we were helping Kelly Fraasch clean up the remaining bait in Bird Park. We never touched it and was later retrieved by Benner's guys.<br /><br />Will we be charged for more trail cameras for the "sharpshooting" phase?<br />ElaineLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-5517550729366265102017-02-22T17:56:06.319-05:002017-02-22T17:56:06.319-05:00If McGill has no idea where the culling is occurri...If McGill has no idea where the culling is occurring how can he determine if any arrows, trail cameras or tackle was used?<br />How does he know the 36 deer were killed in Mt. Lebanon? Maybe the archers hunted somewhere else and said thedeer were taken here?<br />Without a check who's to know the trail cameras were ever used here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-87872744256936541562017-02-22T17:16:36.121-05:002017-02-22T17:16:36.121-05:00Surcharge:
Accountability of Officials for Misuse ...Surcharge:<br />Accountability of Officials for Misuse of Public Funds<br /><br />Pennsylvania law provides a system by which the actions of municipal officers and employees, in the context of expenditure or use of public funds, may be “checked” or questioned by other elected officials, taxpayers, and the courts. While there are limitations on this system, it serves as a powerful tool to ensure the accountability of elected or appointed municipal personnel. <br /><br />http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/getfile.cfm?file=/Reports/deskbook14/Issues-Governance07-Surcharge-Accountability-of-Officals-for-Misuse-of-Public-Funds.pdf<br /><br />Although it doesn't provide much information as to how taxpayers chose about checking or making officers accountable.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-46679429635494258112017-02-22T16:37:17.017-05:002017-02-22T16:37:17.017-05:00Do you really expect a municipal manager to delve ...Do you really expect a municipal manager to delve into receipts when they are the same person that accepted a deer population estimate from a guy that has no idea how big Mt. Lebanon is or ever set foot in it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-28445219241109407832017-02-22T14:31:41.069-05:002017-02-22T14:31:41.069-05:00Jason and Elaine...I filed a right to know for all...Jason and Elaine...I filed a right to know for all receipts, statements and invoices that DeNicola has in his possession for all purchases related to the controlled archery hunt. I'm interested in two things, what exactly we paid for and how much did DeNicola walk away with without leaving his house. I'll send whatever I get to Elaine once I get them.<br /><br />Nick M. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-47881879584430057722017-02-22T13:13:24.951-05:002017-02-22T13:13:24.951-05:00Something is upbetween Tony DeNicola and Keith McG...Something is upbetween Tony DeNicola and Keith McGill. Keith is the one who answers all the residents' questions. He won't put anything about White Buffalo in any of the weekly Administrative Reports, yet every other contractor's progress is explained in the ARs. Nothing was written about the archery beginning or ending. Nothing was written about the baiting or when the shooting was to begin. It is almost like Tony is blackmailing Keith with photos. It is the most bizarre arrangement I have ever run across. Or is Keith getting paid on the side? Very fishy. Everything is a secret. Nothing is ever questioned. No details ever.<br />ElaineLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-56535898862234152762017-02-22T13:03:49.483-05:002017-02-22T13:03:49.483-05:00If that's all that is available, then we have ...If that's all that is available, then we have a serious problem in terms of the people who are controlling a huge amount of (our) money.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14014273003176621576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-90436870091789032092017-02-22T12:51:08.568-05:002017-02-22T12:51:08.568-05:00Jason, this was from a RTK. They will tell you tha...Jason, this <b>was</b> from a RTK. They will tell you that is all that is available. They would never go above and beyond to get details. <br />ElaineLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-56969755984439969052017-02-22T12:08:38.915-05:002017-02-22T12:08:38.915-05:00Yep 9:50, you'd think the Great White Hunter D...Yep 9:50, you'd think the Great White Hunter DeNicola would have all the tools of his trade to earn his $9,000 fee. At the very least know where to get the best prices.<br />You can buy tree stands at Walmart and Cabella's for less than $100.<br />Plus wouldn't these expert volunteers have their own bows or are we buying them new ones on the taxpayers' dime.<br /><br />It like providing cell phones to municipal employees, has anyone ever audited there usage to see if they're really necessary?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-18804519330406370002017-02-22T10:59:00.071-05:002017-02-22T10:59:00.071-05:00Would receipts for things charged in the line item...Would receipts for things charged in the line items be something subject to a Right to Know? Just curious.<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14014273003176621576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-91924449081334272532017-02-22T09:50:39.100-05:002017-02-22T09:50:39.100-05:00Right 9:27 am. I remember a couple residents test...Right 9:27 am. I remember a couple residents testifying of 12 deer in their driveway and 6 on their roof, and piles of deer poop so high they couldn't get out their back door. Of course, there were never any photos. And so now they need trail cameras to find the deer in their "donated" yards. BTW, you'd think if any trail cameras were needed, that DeNicola would have just supplied them. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-2372585321569916352017-02-22T09:46:39.692-05:002017-02-22T09:46:39.692-05:009:22 AM, I think the tackle is for when they go fi...9:22 AM, I think the tackle is for when they go fishing at Cedarhurst Lake. :)<br />ElaineLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-51535852165076853162017-02-22T09:46:17.595-05:002017-02-22T09:46:17.595-05:00That invoice is robbery in plain sight, in collusi...That invoice is robbery in plain sight, in collusion with financial misconduct on Mt. Lebanon's part.<br /><br />If 3 person days @ 1,500 a day ($4,500.00) isn't bad enough, the charge for unitemized archery supplies, trail cameras, and tackle for $4,500.00 is a total scam. There is NO WAY in the world that DeNicola spent $4,500.00 on these supplies. What archery supplies - arrows? Trail cameras aren't expensive, and why didn't they use the one's they paid for last year? Does Mt. Lebanon have to buy new trail cameras every year? Tackle? What the hell is tackle. This was just a $4,500.00 tip on the taxpayers. There is no way that these unitemized invoices should be an acceptable practice in Mt. Lebanon. Who is accountable for this violation of the public's trust?<br /><br />That said, the real tip for DeNicola is the $85K killing contract. DeNicola wouldn't get out of bed to manage Mt. Lebanon's bow hunting program with out getting the $85K bait-and-shoot contract.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-87560904260336639472017-02-22T09:27:58.041-05:002017-02-22T09:27:58.041-05:00With 800 deer (ha, ha) in Mt. Lebanon and private ...With 800 deer (ha, ha) in Mt. Lebanon and private property owners testifying that multiple deer are on their property why in heavens name do we need trail cameras.<br />Any deer hunter worth their salt can figure out where deer are!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-5421313182946711202017-02-22T09:22:33.079-05:002017-02-22T09:22:33.079-05:00You can buy a dozen carbon hunting arrows for $60/...You can buy a dozen carbon hunting arrows for $60/dozen, trail cameras can be had from $40 and up. I have no idea what tackle is comprised of.<br />It would be nice to see invoices for exactly what was purchased and that the equipment is returned to the municipality and inventoried so that it is available should we use archers again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-30217623148083875802017-02-22T08:23:42.693-05:002017-02-22T08:23:42.693-05:00Each line item in that invoice smells like a rip-o...Each line item in that invoice smells like a rip-off. <br /><br />As an administrator myself, I would never permit such nonsense.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14014273003176621576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-79450947403414862662017-02-21T21:11:35.229-05:002017-02-21T21:11:35.229-05:00If we the taxpayers paid for trail cameras, should...If we the taxpayers paid for trail cameras, shouldn't we get to keep them? <br /><br />Or better yet, why didn't we negotiate with team DeNicola in that we would buy the trail cameras and we take ownership in exchange for a lower price? <br /><br />Nick M. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-49215935588716075572017-02-21T09:08:34.282-05:002017-02-21T09:08:34.282-05:00I don't know how that conference call with Pau...I don't know how that conference call with Paul Curtis [Cornell's Dept of Natural Resources (DNR)] was set up. I'm guessing that DeNicola in his efforts to close the deal on another 100K bait-and-shoot deer killing program couldn't explain why the car-deer collisions went up during/after his bow-hunting and bait-and-shoot killing programs, and so he told Keith McGill to sch. a conference call with (his buddy) Paul Curtis from Cornell. <br /><br />Cornell's Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) faculty, Paul Curtis, Bernd Blossey, and Jay Boulanger, are well known pro-hunting/culling advocates who are partners with New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) (the DEC is the equivalent state agency as the Pa Game Commission). Cornell's DNR dept. does pseudo science white papers, most of which are not peer reviewed, that promote lethal methods of deer mgt. Their studies of non-lethal methods, i.e. sterilization and contraception are intentionally sabotaged so they can report that they aren't effective. Anyone with any basic knowledge can review their studies and pick them apart as completely unscientific and invalid. This Cornell dept is as biased as the NY DEC and the Pa Game Commission is with promoting hunting and lethal methods. Just about everything they say is total BS. Of course, they have the Cornell name-brand and so they are automatically believed. So Paul Curtis does a favor for his buddy Tony DeNicola and secures him a $100K windfall for the next 4 years (ad infinitum) at Mt. Lebanon taxpayers expense. BTW, what the hell does Curtis know about Mt. Lebanon or the deer in Mt. Lebanon to make any informed comments. DeNicola isn't stupid. He recognizes a bunch of gullible Commissioners that are more than willing to do what ever he tells them to do. He's the ultimate con man. So Mt. Lebanon is duped again into basically giving DeNicola a blank check for the next 4 years+. <br /><br />I guess it's too much to ask the Commissioners to do a little home work and recognize the bias and conflicts of interests of agencies and vendors that are giving them advice.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-30163596687156328342017-02-20T22:17:11.118-05:002017-02-20T22:17:11.118-05:004:58, they don't feel they owe you anything an...4:58, they don't feel they owe you anything and we'll re-elect them proving them right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-81509252679716641612017-02-20T16:58:45.928-05:002017-02-20T16:58:45.928-05:00The slide showing a constant percentage of car col...The slide showing a constant percentage of car collisions attributable to deer, and an increase in total car crashes is called data. The Commissioners have never been impressed with data. That is, 'don't confuse me with data (facts).' The same mantra applies to the spendthrift School Board, which, incidentally, probably owes a report to the taxpayers on the tax dollars spent on the fund raising. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-4725042049965982022017-02-20T11:13:52.880-05:002017-02-20T11:13:52.880-05:00I sure wish some foundation will help me out with ...I sure wish some foundation will help me out with the funding. <br />ElaineLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2395310382514169324.post-41384646263067916662017-02-20T11:12:09.788-05:002017-02-20T11:12:09.788-05:00Of course they're not being transparent. That ...Of course they're not being transparent. That is why I'm hoping that the State Supreme Court will hear my case. Unfortunately, it is costing me thousands of dollars and costing MTL nothing.<br />ElaineLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.com