A Community With Character[s] Part 2

On the Municipal side of Mt. Lebanon government, we have five commissioners, each representing their Ward.

Lame duck President is Kristen Linfante. Kristen has taken the commission to a whole new level. Once respectable, the commission meetings have become a three ring circus with Kristen at the helm. Threats to shut down the meeting, lies, and personal attacks toward constituents and their employers are just some of Kristen's signature moves. A self-proclaimed environmentalist, Kristen is in favor of artificial turf, killing all the deer, and igniting people. My all time favorite piece from her blog, Real Lebo, is an attack toward me. My Mother Taught Me Never To Lie  Kristen wrote, "There are two things that I just can't tolerate - mean people and liars." My commissioner was projecting all the way back in 2010. She will tell you that I ran against her and lost, but she still doesn't understand that she ran unopposed in the 2011 Primary. I ran against incumbent Joe DeIuliis and lost. Kristen's term ends in 2015. Not soon enough.

President Elect John "The Refiner" Bendel ran unopposed in the 2011 commission election, after his opponent pulled out of the race. I understand John is not real popular with his constituents in Ward 1 in the area of sidewalks, traffic calming, and artificial turf. John is the commission liaison to the Sports Advisory Board and went to the SAB in October and asked them how they wanted to spend the pot of gold, otherwise known as the unassigned funds. Bend It With Bendel vetted FieldTurf partner, Dr. Andrew McNitt before the June 12 turf project presentation held at Mellon Middle School. John is seeking reelection and may not be the only Ward 1 Democrat running in the 2015 Primary.

Kelly Fraasch is my adopted commissioner. Kelly is the epitome of elected officials. She listens to constituents and tries to seek common ground with critics. A hard worker, Kelly is dedicated to serving Mt. Lebanon residents in a fair and professional manner. I don't always agree with Kelly, but she does have my utmost respect. Kelly's term ends in 2015 and I hope she seeks reelection.

Steve Silverman is the commission newbie. As commissioner elect, Steve hit the ground running with the turf project, asking for a corporate sponsorship from Dick's Sporting Goods. My late husband, account executive and on the food broker advisory board for Gatorade, would have appreciated Steve's efforts to build Gatorade sales through artificially turfing a field. Steve's term ends in 2017.

Commissioner Dave Brumfield introduced the idea of turfing Mellon Middle School Field during the February 28, 2012 Joint Discussion Session. Don't ask him the definition of "fair." Not a Dave Brumfield fan. We're stuck with Dave for two more years with his term ending in 2017.

Manager Steve Feller reports to the commissioners but manages the various departments within the municipality. He is also the Open Records Officer responsible for granting or denying Right To Know Requests by taking the full 35 days, rather than five, for legal reviews every time. Screwing up the pool bid opening, the Public Safety Building, and approving the first change order for the turf project without the commission's approval are just some of his many accomplishments.

Andrew McCreery is our new director of finance. Andrew stepped up to the plate when I asked a member of the PIO for her assistance (and was ignored) with the 102 year old resident who was being recognized. However, Moody's did downgrade our rating since he took over.

Tom Kelley is retiring soon. Tom kept Rockwood Park in great shape and declared a cease fire in Rockwood Park after many phone calls to him. I will never forget that.

Susan Morgans is the town diva. As our Public Information Officer, editor of mtl Magazine and Community Relations Board staff liaison, Susan has a unique perspective on our fine community. A 1965 Lebo graduate, Susan Fleming Stroyd Morgans feels that she owns this town. Her biggest fans, Laura Pace Lilley and Merle Jantz, report to Susan. Hide your recorders when you see Susan.

Keith McGill, our municipal planner, has been involved with the Zamagias fiasco since Day 1. Keith informed the Planning Board about the turf project, saying that there is no need for their input. According to Marcia Taylor, Keith and Steve Feller have lunch with Marcia monthly. It is nice that they keep in touch.

Gateway Engineers' Dan Deiseroth is our municipal engineer. Dan is a financial supporter of the toxic turf project and bills Mt. Lebanon for his work on the project. It's a great gig. No conflict of interest there. 

David Donnellan is our director of recreation. A dedicated employee, David built the climbing wall at the swimming pool. Concerned with loss of revenue, David wanted to keep the golf course open during the archery hunt. David also rushed the swimming pool construction in order to open on Fathers Day. A non-voting member of the Sports Advisory Board and member of the super secret Turf Project Task Force, David was instrumental in making the toxic turf project a reality.

Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Coleman McDonough took charge of the now suspended archery program. I have a lot of respect for Coleman, but question his judgment to keep the golf course open during the hunt.

Nick Sohyda is the chief of our award winning fire department. A great guy.

Eric Milliron is Mt. Lebanon's Economic Development Officer and manager of the Commercial Districts Office. There's no drama with Eric, one of Mt. Lebanon's greatest assets. 

Phil Weis is the Municipality's solicitor. I like Phil, but he has to do what he has to do. 

Marcia Taylor retired from the Municipality earlier in 2013 as assistant manager and finance director. Marcia ruled with an iron fist. Talk to her about police pensions.

The puppet masters behind this cast of characters are the following:

Barbara Logan, master gardener and former commissioner, wants deer dead in the worst way. She donated to Kristen Linfante's political campaign.

It is said that Carolyn Byham, another gardener, former commissioner and deer hater, is willing to pay for an entire deer cull. The commission should talk to her about funding the $68,000 dedicated to deer management for 2015.

Dave Franklin is legen (wait for it) dary. He likes to let everyone know that he is an attorney every chance he can. Dave's legal opinion on the safety of synthetic turf and the EPA is documented here on Lebo Citizens. Dave's dedication to the turf project fundraising is full time. Dave is a part time member of the Parks Advisory Board, but full time Parks Advisory Board Liaison to the Sports Advisory Board. He is a non-voting member of the SAB, but through his super secret Turf Project Task Force and being married to a voting SAB member, Dave gets the job done.

David Reese, one of the trolls here on Lebo Citizens, wrote a letter to the editor of the PG on 09.01.11 explaining that he is not tax averse and wants to pay higher taxes. You should have a conversation about that at your next family gathering, Dave. 

What can I say about the member of the super secret Turf Project Task Force, Chip Dalesandro, who came to my door unannounced? Not much.

He Who Shall Not Be Named - see above.

I hope this Municipality Who's Who guide is helpful. I may have inadvertently left out someone, so this list may be updated. Since 2015 will be a year of change with elections for five seats for school board directors and three seats for commission, I am optimistic that the majority of our local government will be a positive change in direction for Mt. Lebanon.

Happy New Year.

"No response is required." UPDATED

12.29.14

12.29.14

12.29.14

12.29.14

A Right To Know was filed with the Allegheny County Conservation District on November 20, 2014 concerning the technical deficiencies they found with the Turf Project. This is not to be confused with the technical deficiencies the DEP found with the Turf Project in this document dated August 27, 2014 or Gateway's response to the DEP in their September 4, 2014 letter addressing technical deficiencies. Or the DEP's response to Mt. Lebanon residents here.

The Allegheny County Conservation District sent a letter to David Donnellan on July 1, 2014 with a list of technical deficiencies. Gateway responded to ACCD on July 3, 2014 with this terse reply.

Correspondence from the ACCD continued as late as September 25, 2014. Reading the arrogant response from Dan Deiseroth on September 29, 2014 makes me wonder why the ACCD and DEP granted the NPDES permit. My team was professional and respectful with the ACCD and DEP.

Update January 3, 2015 6:15 AM From Steve Feller's January 2, 2015 Administrative Report:

There's talk of a massive protest

Mt. Lebanon resident and Lebo Citizens reader, Charlotte Stephenson asked me to post this email.

From: Charlotte Stephenson 

Date: October 29, 2014 3:35:05 PM EDT

To: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>, "Daniel S. Deiseroth" <ddeiseroth@gatewayengineers.com>, Daniel Miller <danielmillerpa@gmail.com>, senatorsmith@pasenate.com, Congressman Murphy <murphy@mail.house.gov>

Cc: Matthew Santoni <msantoni@tribweb.com>, Jon Delano <jon.delano@verizon.net>, tjohnson@thealmanac.net, agoldstein@post-gazette.com, nicholaslewandowski@gmail.com

Subject: Mt. Lebanon Community Governance and Artificial Turf Issue

Dear Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, Gateway Project Engineer Daniel Deiseroth, State Representative Miller, State Senator Smith and Congressman Murphy,

Please be advised that opposition to the initiative of the Mt. Lebanon Commission majority to install tire crumb-based artificial turf in our main park is growing daily. Our residents, myself included, believe that this project potentially jeopardizes the health and safety of our children, the residents living within close proximity to the park, and the watershed that involves other surrounding communities. In addition to the unknown long term impact this may have on small developing children due to the lack of studies, the economic impact of this plan will be crippling for generations to come. These are only a few of the salient problems associated with this plan, but there are others.

Why is it that we seem to have trouble finding $5,000.00 to maintain our Veterans Memorial in a respectable condition, (as a Veterans Committee member our recent discussion was about a need for fundraising to maintain this), while it is perfectly acceptable to the Commission majority to spend the lion's share of our unassigned fund balance (some $750,000.00+) to turn our beautiful historic grass park into a toxic waste dump?

There has been a deliberate effort on the part of the Mt. Lebanon Commission and Public Information Office to suppress public awareness of the concerns that expert environmental toxicologists dealing with risk assessment have regarding this product. Such information was withheld during a public "forum" about this, even though the forum was originally intended to make factual information available to our residents. References to the artificial turf project became a "field enhancement" project as an attempt to reduce the stigma associated with the project. There has also been a deliberate effort on the part of the Commission to keep several relevant volunteer boards and authorities out of the process, our Environmental Sustainability Board and our Parks Advisory Board to name a few.

I contacted Congressman Murphy regarding this issue and have not heard back yet. Representative Miller's position is that this is a local issue and so he will not take any position regarding this, however he contacted the DEP as a favor to Commissioner Brumfield regarding the permit application status. I would like to hear from Senator Smith regarding his stance on the project, especially since I have copied him on numerous e-mails.

All you elected officials cannot turn a blind eye to what is brewing among your constituents. There is now talk of a massive protest in the near future so this growing opposition is not going away. Additionally, a community watchdog group has formed to direct any potential legal claims to appropriate resources in the event that injuries or illness occur with the children or fetuses of the pregnant mothers who will be exposed to the turf toxins and hard surface. Please be advised that all eyes and ears will be on this for the time to come. The roll call vote for this project will personally legally target the Commissioners who voted for this.

There are other options to improve the park area so children can enjoy playing sports. It's is up to all of you to represent all of us to the best of your ability. It's time for you to devise a better solution for our community. I look forward to hearing from you as to what alternative action you are willing to take.

Thank You,

Charlotte M. Stephenson
Mt. Lebanon

Is Lebo in deep doo-doo? UPDATED

Update October 8, 2014 A Lebo Citizens reader saw a promo indicating that Channel 11 or NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams is doing a story on the dangers of turf fields at either 5 or 6 p.m. today.

I never knew what a NPDES permit was until the four commissioners voted to artificially turf two fields in a flood-prone area on Cedar Blvd. For those unaware of this permit, it stands for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. According to The NPDES Permit System website, the Federal Clean Water Act and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams law requires wastewater dischargers to have a permit establishing pollution limits, and specifying monitoring and reporting requirements. A Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Report, which deals with erosion and sedimentation, must also be filed with the Allegheny County Conservation District when submitting a NPDES application. Thinking about the new swimming pool, I emailed Steve Feller and asked him about the NPDES permit and PCSM Report for that project. Through a Right To Know, here is his response. "There is no PCSM report for the Swim Center as the disturbed area was less than an acre."

The Mt. Lebanon Pool disturbed area totals more than 1.5 acres. See section E in the link? That section connects the pool to the fields on Cedar. 

Looking down to the field

The Shadow Knows

See 12/16/13 Update. 

• Began installation of storm water piping at the bottom of the slope

But wait. There's more.

From the Mt. Lebanon website, Mt. Lebanon installed a new gas line which went all the way to Cedar Blvd. The disturbed area for the gas line was not included in the 1.5+ acres calculation.

During Citizen Comments, I asked for a report concerning the meeting between Gateway and the DEP. There is no report, I was told. Of course there is no report, Kristen. You're not going to get one. The stormwater pipe connecting the pool to the fields was on the DEP's agenda to discuss with Gateway! Dan will never admit that he screwed up. This area was clearly marked on the bid documents that I bought. 

The DEP has already told you that you are not adequately filtering the toxic run-off. It isn't safe enough for our streams. I can't imagine what it is doing to our children. 

Insert handy comment template asking for resignations here.

	CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews)
10/1/14, 6:48 PM Today top women soccer players sued FIFA for gender discrimination over changing playing fields to artificial turf. @elainequijano explains

Fraasch on Flooding UPDATED 2X

During the Commission Discussion Session on Tuesday, Commissioner Kelly Fraasch gave a jaw dropping presentation on the flooding issue in Mt. Lebanon. Kelly included photos of the devastation our neighbors are expected to endure. Her presentation was uploaded to her blog and can be seen in her post, Stormwater in Mt Lebanon.

Sadly, some of this year's photos were from Castle Shannon Blvd., in Dave Brumfield's ward. His constituents addressed these issues a year ago, during Citizen Comments at the August 13, 2013 Commission meeting.  Did anyone see Castle Shannon Blvd. stormwater listed in the new bond issue? I didn't. At that same meeting, I talked about our aging infrastructure and how the unassigned funds should not go toward turf, at that time, for Mellon Field.

It is also sad that Dave Brumfield has not fought for relief for his constituents on Castle Shannon Blvd. He would rather put the money into turf. You are a real piece of work, Dave.

Please listen to the August 13, 2013 podcast here. Mr. Ellis' comments begin at the 00:31:00 time stamp.


The Gateway update on flooding is on the municipal website here or listen to the podcast here. The Ellis property was discussed and Dave Brumfield was a part of that discussion. Here's an idea, Dave. Instead of spending $800,000 on toxic turf, take that money and put it in the stormwater fund so that people like the Ellis family, can go back to living normal lives.

Update August 14, 2014 6:43 PM Mt. Lebanon commissioners hear flooding concerns, approve storm sewer project (Saved in Google Docs)

Elaine Gillan also criticized the board.
“You have no business paying $800,000 for a turf field and then issuing a bond on stormwater management infrastructure (and collecting) a million a year in stormwater fees,” she said. “Moody’s downgraded us (to AA-2). You guys have really lost it.”

Also

“It flooded nine days ago as well ... what would happen if there’s an emergency and someone needs to get to the hospital?” Elaine Gillan, of 735 Vallevish Ave., asked. “With the construction going on there, we should have a temporary exit strategy.”

Our Chief of Police, Coleman McDonough, assured residents that the police department has keys to the gates and would be able to open them in an emergency.

August 14, 2014 8:41 PM A little fact checking. We were told by Gateway that Middle and Wildcat are 2 feet higher in elevation. Here is what Google Earth says about that.

"Field Enhancements" Project meeting recap UPDATED 3X

I have been saving some photos, waiting for the right time to share them on Lebo Citizens. I think it is the right time.

Tonight, Dan Deiseroth talked about flooding on Cedar Blvd. He said that Dixon floods, but never Middle and Wildcat Fields. Evidently, those fields have higher elevations and are not in the FEMA designated floodplain.

Here are some pics of the Wildcat Parking Lot flooding on May 28, 2014.

Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14

Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14

Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14

Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14

Wildcat Parking Lot flooding 05.28.14

The following photos illustrate the higher elevations as explained tonight at the "Field Enhancements" meeting. The bids show that fields are at "grade (street) level." The fields are far below Cedar Blvd, and obviously below the pool.

There was mention of an Add Alternate for a storm water filtration system. Here is what I was able to get from the bids.

Dan, feel free to use any of these photos in your next presentation. I am glad that the one you showed tonight was helpful for your business. I know who reads my blog because they recognized the photo immediately. Thanks for reading, Folks!

What I learned tonight is that Andy McNitt is not a toxicologist. The ESB was not given the plans, as David Donnellan claimed. I need to listen to the podcast because I think he mentioned other boards, as well. I learned that fresh strawberries are dangerous. And that artificial turf is perfectly safe, since there are poisons all around us.

Readers, feel free to share your thoughts about tonight's "Field Enhancements" meeting. I found out that our PIO coined that phrase since "artificial turf" has a negative connotation. Yes, I certainly feel better about it.

The podcast has been uploaded on to lebocitizens.com It is also available here.

Update June 13, 2014 2:35 PM Here is what Google Earth says about the elevations of Dixon, Middle, and Wildcat Fields.

Update June 14, 2014 2:40 PM I received Addendum #2 from Gateway Engineers on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 4:10 PM. It includes:

 4.2. Per grading plan there is fill installation required to raise the southwest corner to elevation.

Specification changes include:

Update June 15, 2014 7:10 PM Here is the information I promised from the RTK concerning pitching mounds on Middle and Wildcat Fields.

Drum roll, please. The panel includes...

The panel for the "Field Enhancements" forum is...

From: John Bendel <jbendel@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Wed, Jun 11, 2014 10:48 pm
Subject: Re: Thursday's panel

Elaine,

The panel

I will moderate the panel and provide background on the project

Others on the panel:

David Donnellan - field use, Work of turf task force, SAB

Dan Deiseroth, Jim Sauer - project design, storm water, bid specifications, timeline

Andrew McNitt, PSU

The presentations will be followed by question and answer period.

______________________

Don't miss this!!!

My buddy, Mr. Gill, VP from FieldTurf and Andrew McNitt are in the news together.

FieldTurf, Penn State Partner in New Center for Sports Surfaces

Darren Gill is in the news a lot these days. See here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/06/11/5893155/arlington-school-district-hits.html?rh=1

The case is here: http://media.star-telegram.com/smedia/2014/06/11/17/12/7gZpb.So.58.pdf

Brumfield, Bendel and Gateway pulling another fast one? UPDATED 3X

This comment was published under the post, Gateway is billing us $1,000 per meeting on May 16, 2014 at 11:57 PM. 

Why are Deiseroth, Bendel and Brumfield inviting McNitt, who has a PARTNERSHIP WITH FIELDTURF at Penn State, to the community forum on the safety of synthetic turf?

TALK ABOUT BIAS

Darren Gill, Director of Marketing for Fieldturf, stated that Fieldturf looked for a university partner who can augment what is currently being done internally. “Truth be told, when we sought out this partnership, we only had one partner in mind, and that was Penn State, largely because of Dr. McNitt.”

In July 2009, Fieldturf launched the Center for Sports Surface Research within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State.

NOTHING BIASED ABOUT THIS $11,000 PUBLIC FORUM

By the way, if Gateway doesn't attend the forum will the price go down to $2500?

After an entire day of rain on Thursday, it's Play Ball at Middle Field last night at 6 PM. Why do we need turf?

Right here in Mt. Lebanon...

Update May 18, 2014 11:15 AM Mt. Lebanon will have experts talk turf with residents (Saved in Google Docs)

Update May 18, 2014 11:32 AM A number of anti-turf yard signs have been stolen out of people's yards. Charlotte Stephenson sent this letter to the Commission early this morning.

From:	Charlotte Stephenson
To:	Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc:	Dan Miller <DMiller@pahouse.net>; Coleman McDonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>
Subject:	Anti-turf Project Yard Signs
Date:	Sun, May 18, 2014 12:57 am

---

Dear Mt. Lebanon Commissioners,

A number of anti-artificial turf project yard signs have been stolen from residents' yards over the last 48 hours. These residents have paid for their signs and the signs are personal property. 

I initiated a police report with Officer O'Brien this evening regarding the theft of my sign and he has placed my complaint into the records. In the event that those who are stealing personal property in our municipality are caught, they will be held to the same standard as any other criminals who steal. My police report will lend credence to future complaints and our police department will be on the lookout for this kind of activity. 

Those of you who are closely aligned with the pro-turf enthusiasts (Commissioners Bendel, Brumfield, Linfante and Silverman) may want to consider passing this message along to them so they know that these acts have not gone unnoticed. Additionally, I received a message from an elderly resident telling me that she was very upset because her second sign was stolen from her yard yesterday. She stated that she has never known Mt. Lebanon to be a risky place in the past and she is disillusioned and feels somewhat threatened by this. Residents are asking if certain Commissioners are involved with these acts. 

Whoever is doing this is only placing those of you who are spearheading this turf project in a poor light with our residents. You will be held responsible in the public eye. I suggest you do what you can to protect the freedom of speech for those of us who do not agree with your policy. 

I am copying Representative Miller on this because he is a resident, and a champion of open honest debate rather than the stifling of opposing views, as is the case of this conduct. I have also blind copied a number of residents on this e-mail, particularly those who have anti-turf yard signs, so they know what is going on. 

Sincerely, 

Charlotte Stephenson

Update May 18, 2014 5:47 PM Sign found on Roycroft, near Kristen Linfante's house.

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

Gateway is billing us $1,000 per meeting! UPDATED 4X

I am not an attorney. Everyone knows that, but I think I have pretty good instincts when something isn't right. From the Lebo Citizens post, Bullied again on April 24, 2014, two residents tried to attend the Turf Project Task Force meeting, which was held immediately after the "not for the general public" public meeting at the concession stand. They were told by members of the super secret task force that it was not a public meeting. The two residents said that they would just like to observe and took two meeting agendas. These two residents were told to return the agendas and were asked to leave. Members of this super secret turf project task force include Dave Franklin, "He Who Shall Not Be Named," MTLSD Athletic Director John Grogan, Recreation Director David Donnellan, Landscape Architect Jim Sauer from J.T. Sauer, and Municipal Engineer from Gateway, Dan Deiseroth. According to the January 9, 2014 SAB meeting minutes*, Gateway Engineering contributed $4000 for the Middle and Wildcat Turf Project.

Keep in mind, Gateway's Dan Deiseroth claimed that the fields on Cedar Blvd. never flood.

It turns out that Gateway Engineering is charging Mt. Lebanon $1,000 per Turf Project Task Force meeting. There have been seven meetings, and we have been billed $7,000.

The following is the May 2, 2014 memo that Dan Deiseroth sent to Steve Feller concerning the Turf Project Fees expended.

Something that has been overlooked for several meetings now, is the Turf Project Task Force Financial Report. John Bendel had promised to share that information a month ago. It still hasn't happened. Kelly Fraasch was kind enough to share this "report" with me this morning.

From: Kelly Fraasch <kfraasch@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>; Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: SAB financial report
Date: Wed, May 14, 2014 10:12 am

This is what I got via email last night.
See below.

FYI, I did ask for a further breakdown and hope to get it soon.
K

Committed by Sports Associations                                                     $124,500
(this is an increase of $26,500 from the last update and reflects additional funds from lacrosse, baseball and football) 

Paid into Endowment as of 5/13/14                                                     $65,389 

Checks received by Mt. Lebo Lacrosse to be provided to Endowment   $26,500

Other sources (Parents Athletic Council, corporate donations, etc)    $17,250


Total to date                                                                           $233,639

On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 9:16 AM, 'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:
Commissioners,
Where was the financial report from the SAB? They still haven't given us the break down as to cash in hand and pledges to date. John Bendel assured me that it would be given in the next meeting. That was two meetings ago.
Elaine Gillen

A resident told me last night that the sports associations are emptying their piggy banks to fund this project without giving notice to parents. Also, please note that there is no mention of the "largest donation made by Soccer," according to Dave Franklin. Also, I am confused as to what is the cash in hand balance.

Why is everything such a secret? Why weren't the financial reports given at the commission meetings? Why are residents being asked to leave the Turf Project Task Force? Why did Dave Brumfield freak out at the commission discussion session when Kelly Fraasch brought up the topic of residents attending the Turf Project Task Force meetings? Why is it being left up to John Bendel to decide? Why are there so many unanswered questions concerning this turf project?

I have asked the commission for a draft of the bid that is going out tomorrow, May 15. Kelly Fraasch copied me when she asked for a copy of the draft. So far, nothing.

I understand that there is a process in which taxpayers can pay their taxes in protest, with a portion of the funds going into an escrow account. This pertains to assessments. All you Mt. Lebanon attorneys who are not involved with the Sports Advisory Board, would you check to see if we can do the same with this turf project? I am not seeing overwhelming support. Residents are against it for financial reasons, environmental reasons, health and safety of our young athletes, as well as the arrogance, misrepresentation and lack of respect from our elected officials who are being dishonest every step of the way.

4:30 on a Wednesday afternoon in May w/ near perfect weather and... All fields are empty.

*February 6, 2014 SAB meeting minutes are the latest posted minutes on the municipal website.

Update May 14, 2014 11:43 PM I asked again for a draft of the bid that is going out tomorrow. Clarification on the specifics of the bid package It turns out that the 15th deadline was for JT Sauer to submit the plans to Gateway to coordinate and check and incorporate with other bid documents.

Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields

Update May 15, 2014 11:24 PM See page 13 of John Bendel's Field Enhancement presentation listed in this post, New street signs in Mt. Lebanon, Gateway Engineers' Opinion of Cost for Contingency/Soft Costs is listed as $89,070. Yet, Gateway's costs shown above are estimated at $100,997 and growing.

Update May 16, 2014 8:06 PM After an entire day of rain yesterday, it's Play Ball at Middle Field tonight. 

Middle Field 05.16.14 at 6:00 PM

Municipality and (MTLSD?) raising non-municipal funds in corporate deal UPDATED

According to Minutes of the November 25, 2013 Adjourned Meeting of the Mt. Lebanon Commission, the Commission allocated $750,000 in municipal funds for the turf project, including $637,400 by action at the November 25, 2013 meeting. The remaining $112,600 will be considered in a separate motion at a future Commission meeting. In this month's issue of our municipal mtl Magazine, there is a three page article about field fundraising. The Public Information Office writes that the field sports organizations are to raise an additional $250,000 or 25% of the project. Volunteers are to contact Dave Franklin at his office, dfranklin@eckertseamans.com according to the municipal magazine article. But look who is doing the heavy lifting raising non-municipal funds.

As revealed in my January 24, 2014 Right To Know, the Sports Advisory Board (SAB) or field sports associations, isn't doing the lion's share of raising non-municipal funds. It is the Municipality!  Gateway, our municipal engineer has donated $4,000 in 2013, with promises of more in 2014. Gateway is also doing the engineering on the project and any traffic studies required; however, a major portion of the dollars required will have to come elsewhere. What I discovered is a sweetheart deal with...drum roll please...Dick's Sporting Goods. Orchestrating what should be something entirely by the private sector are Mt. Lebanon Commissioners, the Director of Recreation, MTLSD Athletic Director, and the Municipal Engineer creating the pathway for the SAB and the Turf Project Task Force (TPTF). 

Keep in mind that the RTK information requested was from November 1, 2013 to January 24, 2014. 

Steve Silverman, elected but not yet sworn in as Commissioner, started communicating with Tony Lombardo, V.P. of Dick's Sporting Goods (DSG) on December 5, 2013. Steve indicates, "I am hopeful Dick's will help Mt. Lebanon with our new Turf Field." 

On December 11, 2013, Steve followed up with Tony and brought Commissioner John Bendel, and Director of Recreation David Donnellan into the conversation. Steve suggested that Tony meets with the three of them.

A question arises as to what Dick's might do for the turf project and how Dick's would benefit is addressed in the December 19, 2013 email from David Donnellan to several SAB members, including Municipal Engineer Dan Deiseroth of Gateway, and MTLSD Athletic Director John Grogan. Click here --->THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT EMAIL. <----- Is the School District aware of Grogan's involvement with this partnership? Does it conflict with Policy KGD Partnerships and Sponsorships? Why is Mr. Grogan involved with any fundraising project of this magnitude while MTLSD is trying to raise $6 million?

The December 20, 2013 emails indicated that Chip Dalesandro, representing Football, didn't like the deal. Donnellan thanked Silverman for reassuring Chip that no such commitment had been made. [Yet.] Silverman, using his mtlebanon.org address, is now aware and involved.

Donnellan copies Commissioner John Bendel on his December 19, 2013 message about Dick's, so Bendel is involved.

Mr. Lombardo indicated on December 20, 2013 his looking forward "to helping in any way.." and a meeting with his V.P. of Community Marketing on January 6, 2014  in a reply to a Donnellan message of December 19, 2013. 

The holidays slowed things down for a while until we find that another Dick's executive, Jim Famularo is contacted by Commissioner Silverman, and cc's Bendel and Donnellan about a meeting scheduled for January 30th when all will be present.

January 17th and 18th emails describe meetings and the very revealing Tim White message of January 18 at 9:48 AM sent to John Bendel, which states that "While they (Dick's) can stroke a check for a huge position on this, my understanding was they wanted some type of access to our constituency (defined as sports groups grant them access to email lists) and they want a contract for blanket procurement for sports products" found here. The "blanket procurement for sports products is still on after all. Bendel and Silverman are parties to this as well. 

So here we have it. The Municipality is doing the major "private fundraising" and a Municipal part time employee, Katherine Heart, doing fundraising for the "private" funding as well, as I revealed in Big enough for its own post UPDATED. Why isn't the Municipality working toward raising its balance of $112,600?

This stinks. It has been kept entirely out of the public knowledge. 

Meanwhile, this appeared in Pittsburgh Business Times on March 7, 2014. Dick's Sporting Goods launches campaign to fund youth sports "Every year we’re seeing more and more cutbacks in sports,” said Gruden in a prepared statement. “Budgets are being decreased, coaches are being eliminated, and fewer players are going out for youth sports. We have to do something about it!”

Update March 9, 2014 3:13 PM I scanned turf vendor correspondence and wish that my RTK was later than January 24, 2014. The responses to the turf vendor questions were either sent after the cut off date or they are MIA. I have also scanned the Field Analysis completed by Jordan Halter in May 2012.

Extensive Flood Damage vs. Turfing a Field UPDATED

I asked Gateway Engineers' Dan Deiseroth and Manager Steve Feller for a list of streets affected by the July 9-10 flooding. Here is the information I requested. Thanks to both gentlemen!

On Fri, Aug 9, 2013 at 11:26 AM, Daniel S. Deiseroth <ddeiseroth@gatewayengineers.com> wrote:

Steve,

As requested, below is the list of streets (Ward) affected by the July flooding.

Altoona Place (5)

Anawanda Avenue (4)

Arden Lane (1)

Austin Avenue (5)

Beverly Road (1)

Beverly Road (1)

Castle Shannon Boulevard (3) (4)

Cedar Boulevard (2) (5)

Chalmers Place (5)

Colony Circle (1)

Edward Avenue (1)

Eisenhower Drive (3)

Ella Street (5)

Elm Spring Road (1)

Forest Glen Drive (2)

Hazel Drive (3) (4)

Hoodridge Drive (3)

Iroquois Drive (2)

Jefferson Drive (3)

Larchmont Road (1)

Lebanon Hills Drive (3)

Lindendale Drive (5)

Lovingston Drive (4)

Lynn Haven Drive (3)

Mabrick Avenue (5)

Mapleton Drive (5)

Maplewood Drive (2)

Marlin Drive West (1)

McFarland Road (1) (5)

McMonagle Avenue (1)

McNeilly Road (4)

Mohawk Drive (2)

Moreland Drive (2)

Newburn Drive (1)

Old Gilkeson Road (3)

Orchard Drive (3)

Ordale Drive (2) (3)

Park Entrance Drive (3)

Piper Drive (3)

Rawley Drive (2)

Rock Haven Lane (3)

Rosewood Drive ????

Roycroft Avenue (3)

Sandrae Drive (2)

Scott Road (4)

Scrubgrass Road (1)

Seneca Drive (2)

Shadowlawn Avenue (1)

Valley Park Drive (4)

Wainwright Drive (3)

White Oak Circle (3)

Woodhaven Drive (2)

Let me know if you need anything else.

Daniel S. Deiseroth, P.E.

I have asked my neighbor to get in touch with Public Works and report their constant flooding. 911 was called that day, so there may be more streets than what was reported by Gateway. The municipality should do a cross check with the 911 calls related to flooding.

I hope this is a wake up call for the commissioners. We have real infrastructure problems and they ain't ball fields!

Update August 9, 2013 5:55 PM I added the wards as requested. The commissioners and their wards are listed as follows:

Ward 1 John Bendel
Ward 2 Matt Kluck
Ward 3 Kristen Linfante
Ward 4 David Brumfield
Ward 5 Kelly Fraasch

My list included Sleepy Hollow, Coolidge, Vallevista, Sleepy Hollow, Youngwood, Wainwright, Woodland, Forest Glen, Moreland, Castle Shannon, Woodhaven,...

Posti and Remely wrong about Morgan Drive change order

You may remember the post regarding the change order on Morgan Drive.  This was the post that mentioned how Josephine Posti and Dan Remely had blamed the municipal engineer for the high cost of the change order.  I couldn't believe that the commissioner who is the liaison to the school board would allow the school board directors throw them under the bus like that.  Additionally, I couldn't believe that no other school board director, superintendent, or construction manager, set the record straight at the Construction Update.  In fact, even in the last school board meeting, Josephine and Dan went so far as to ask the solicitor what it would take to sue the municipality.  Don't believe me? Go back and listen to the podcast. It's all right there.

Today, I received the Right to Know that had a response from the municipal engineer.  His response was only to the commission, not to the school board. That is why Gateway's email was not revealed in a previous right to know request.  As I have said before, you have to ask the right questions. Boy, does this set the record straight. gillen RTK documents 100412

On page seven of the RTK, Dan Deiseroth began by clearly stating that it appeared that the school board had not been informed about the full extent of the change order.  While he did acknowledge that Mr. Marciniak tried to set some of the record straight, it wasn't enough since the same two board members went down the lawsuit path again the next meeting.

Next, Mr. Deiseroth listed what got changed in the change order and how much each had to do with standard municipal requirements. Paragraph after paragraph were dedicated in his email to describing to the commissioners what exactly happened.

Dan Deiseroth confirmed what many of us already suspected:

All of my directives were per the developer's agreement that they signed to comply with Municipal Standards which had to be applied once they ran into the difficult situation.

In my opinion, the documents they issued for bid were obviously lacking in information which along with the unforeseen circumstances culminated in the change order.  I do not see this in any way a case where we required anything more than we would require of ourselves when doing a project or the way we treat others who dig up our roads.

Here we have the municipal engineer clearly stating his position and that of the municipality.  So let's recap.  There was a developer's agreement signed that said the roads would need to comply with municipal standards. The school district had to redo the part of the road THAT THEY TORE UP for their high school project and they had to replace it to municipal standards.  Also, the district bid documents "obviously" lacked information needed for contractors to properly bid the road repair.

So who do you believe? The engineer who provided facts? Or Posti,  the plagiarizing princess and Dan (I will bring the High School project in under $95 million) Remely? Clearly, there is finger pointing going on over at MTLSD. Despite the municipal engineer having a direct conversation with the construction manager, Rus Del Re of P.J. Dick, either the school board is either willfully and shamefully blaming someone else who is clearly not to blame, or PJ Dick did not inform the school district of the scope of repairs.  Either way, the school board, superintendent, and central office staff need to look internally to place the blame.

But hey, what am I complaining about?  We may just be able to see the school district go 0-2 in lawsuits against the municipality.  I wouldn't put it past this school board to do just that. Remember item number 22 on Cost Reduction List for 2012-2013.

Anyone go to the coffees yesterday morning or this evening?