$700,000 for turf?

Latest LeboALERT:

Mon 8 pm Commission mtg includes public hearing on capital investment. To see possible items: http://www.mtlebanon.org/documentcenter/view/9596

The Mt. Lebanon Commission will conduct a capital investment hearing on Monday, July 22, 2013 beginning at 8 p.m. in commission chambers, 710 Washington Road. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit input on the use of unassigned fund balance over the 10% threshold, which as of December 31, 2012, totaled $829,561. 

The big ticket item is Athletic field improvements/turf $700,000...for Mellon Middle School. That's right. The commission majority wants to spend municipal tax dollars on a School District field. Of course. Where is Brumfield's or Linfante's or Bendel's proposal? Does it matter that Brumfield and Bendel are coaches?

Other athletic improvements include another $200,000 Additional swim center improvements. Can anyone say...Climbing Wall? We just took out a Rec Bond for the pool!

Still more athletic improvements - Brafferton parking lot and basketball court $133,000

Is it going to be another meeting of sports parents with puppy dog eyes saying that Lebo is not spending enough on athletics?  This is making me sick.

Turf Board Summary of Needs Assessment UPDATED

Tonight, the Sports Advisory Board, a.k.a. Turf Board, met and reviewed the results of the Needs Assessment Survey. This survey was completed by fifteen members at the initial meeting on March 26, 2013. The agenda and the summary are available here.

Of course, the most important issue is fields and the least important being new sports, such as bowling, biking, and kayaking.  When breaking down into three groups last month, two of the groups felt that turfing would enhance the most important issue. No surprise, they are suggesting turf for two or THREE fields - Wildcat and one or two of the middle school fields.

On page 14 of the pdf or page 11 of the document, note the comments.

Group 1
Changing the hearts and minds of a large portion of our residents who seem to have an allergic reaction to investing money to maintain/improve these facilities

Group 2
Reccommendation to fix the top three is financing, turf, maintenance, and development of new or improved/renovated facilities

Group 3
The greatest need greatest enhancement our field sports Wildcat and Mellon
Financial support by realistic fees/players/teams/sports money

Group 1 thinks we have an allergic reaction to investing money on sports facilities? Have they not seen the sports complex at the high school which is part of a $113 million renovation? Did they not see the new turf at the high school? Are they not aware that the commissioners just passed a $4.8 million recreation bond?  Mt. Lebanon to seek input on $4.8M bond

Groups 2 and 3 are all about turf. Not just one field, folks, but three.


Note: Previously, there was a Right To Know filed for the completed Needs Assessment forms, but it was denied by Steve Feller.

Update April 5, 2013 10:45 AM The podcast for the meeting is here.

Capital Projects Schedule

Thanks to Steve Feller for his prompt response.



Hi Ms. Gillen:
Last night you asked about the anticipated time schedule for projects included in the $4.8 million bond issue approved at the end of 2012. Our target dates are:


1) Swimming Pool Renovation

Hire architect Jan. 2013
Finalize bid documents June 2013
Award contract Aug. 2013
Start work Sept. 2013
Re-open pool May 2014
2) Golf Course Improvement (holes 4 & 5)

Finalize bid documents April 2013
Award contract July 2013
Start work Sept 2013
3) Park improvements and leaf storage

The schedule is not known at this time and it will depend on future decisions by regulatory agencies and the Commission.
All borrowed funds will be used within three years
Thanks.
Steve Feller