Fiery Resignation Tonight

Paradise’s  Bad Attitude

May 9, 2017

Paradise has a bad attitude toward the environment says the resigning Chairman of the Mt Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board.   

Andrew Baram, an executive at a major bank, is resigning in disgust from the Board  tonight (May 9) at a Mt Lebanon Commission meeting at the Mt Lebanon Municipal Building during the public forum at 8 PM.  

Baram has chaired the ESB for several years, and for those years his advice and that of the Board itself has been “ignored and blatantly misrepresented.”

Baram accuses one of the Mt Lebanon Commissioners of using “alternative facts.”  But he charges the Commission and the town manager with manipulating a student and “junior” commission’s attitude questionnaire, she crafted for the local high school, to fit their own agenda.

Baram contrasts Mt Lebanon’s poor record on the environment with Cranberry Township’s focus on sustainability.

 Statement of Resignation

Mt Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board

Andrew Baram, Chairman

Before the Mt Lebanon Commission

May 9th, 2017

I’d like to start by thanking you. Thank you for teaching me many valuable lessons over the last several years, and more importantly, giving me a gift few have given me, the gift of time.

I have learned that it was not a good use of time to contribute to the town’s comprehensive plan, as I have not once heard anyone reference it, especially the part regarding the environment.

I have learned that unplanned expenditures that are associated with pet projects don’t always have to follow guidelines for being a formal agenda item, for example, the forgotten fence for the turf field.

I have learned that you can nominate anyone to a task force, including a neighbor, who has no interest in having an open dialogue. You can also give said neighbor a captive audience of the Commission without telling others on the task force and allowing one point of view to win the day.

I have learned that a Commissioner can send something out to all of his constituents that is biased and even contains information that is false. For example: the rate of recycling has increased every year. But in this day of alternative facts, why should I be surprised?

I have learned that just about every time the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) has suggested something, it is almost always met with a “why we should not do that” instead of truly considering the possibility of the suggestion.

We were ignored and blatantly misrepresented regarding the turffield. Our suggestions concerning pesticide notification and reclamation of bricks in the streets were instantly challenged. Even something as simple and symbolic as not using disposable water bottles goes unheeded.

Thankfully, we have not weighed in on the deer, not that it would have mattered. A simple suggestion of trying to save our local businesses’ money by pooling their resources and getting better waste removal contracts, in addition to trying to reduce their waste, was never of real interest.

Speaking of waste reduction, considering Pay As You Throw (PAYT) was an exercise in futility from the beginning. I should have known that when the first task force convened and one of the few documents that was shared with us was the ill-fated high school PAYT questionnaire. This survey was crafted by a former junior commissioner. But she was forced by the former town manager and others to change it to make it completely biasedagainst PAYT and brought the junior commissioner to tears on several occasions.

This commission’s reactions always seem to be about finding ways any new scenario could be bad. The latest nail in the coffin was regarding how homes of lesser value could be negatively impacted. No one stopped to question the analysis, as I am still not convinced it is very clear. But even if it isfinancially sound, did anyone even think to suggest that we could do something to offset those who might lose? Of course not.

I am South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) board member. SHIM serves the needy and the disadvantaged. Would I endorse a program that was structured to negatively impact those in need? Of course not. Did anyone ask how the other thousands of towns with PAYT programs handle this situation? Of course not. Has anyone besides Kelly actually taken me up on my offer to speak with another town who has adopted a successful PAYT program to understand it more? Of course not.

It was always about “I received so many phone calls from residents who did not like this.” Do you think there is a reason that residents in PAYT towns, who were polled by an independent company, actually really like PAYT? Could our residents with negative comments just simply be misinformed or afraid of progressive change, just as so many of our current leaders seem to be?

I hope that as you move forward you truly consider why you have an Environmental Sustainability Board. You have great men and women who care about this town and the environment, but feel like they have no real voice. Other than using the Board discussions about storm water to count towards your Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) requirements, our efforts have been largely ineffectual.

I know you feel our views are extreme (yes, I watched the video of your discussion of the Sustainability Board on April 24), but anyone I know in this town who truly cares about the environment would vehemently disagree with your reactions and words that night. They would never mistake our town for Cranberry, who was recently on the front page of the Post-Gazette, not for its approach to four-legged creatures, but for its leadership in sustainability. They also would not mistake our town for one that wants to “raise the bar for environmental sustainability,” something I should have realized long ago doesn’t matter or guide the actions of this Commission in any meaningful way.

I want to thank the ESB’s current Commission liaison, Steve McLean, for at least listening. And I would be incredibly remiss if I did not thank, Kelly Fraasch, who has always been a great advocate for the environment, has never been afraid to stand against the majority, and has shown the type of leadership this town needs to move forward.

So, I will end where I started. Thank you for giving me the gift of time. As a smart municipal employee recently told me, “government moves slowly and maybe I would be better off taking my talents and energy elsewhere.”

I will heed that advice, so please formally accept my resignation as chair and member of the Environmental Sustainability Board, as I plan to take my “extreme” views elsewhere.

BTW, we want artificial turf for the Rock Pile

The commissioners filled a vacancy on the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) on Monday evening. Not sure of the circumstances for this new appointment, I asked during Citizens Comments for more details. Apparently, the school board directors no longer want to be a part of the ESB.

The following is a letter to Kristen Linfante and Steve Feller, from school board president, Elaine Cappucci:

On Jun 11, 2014, at 4:34 PM, Elaine Cappucci <ECappucci@mtlsd.net> wrote:

Kristen and Steve,

As you know, there is currently one open position on the Environmental Sustainability Board, and the School Board is slated to select a candidate.

In past years, there have been two open seats at a time, and the municipality has advertised the openings and accepted resumes and applications which were then sent on to us after the commission chose a candidate.  Unlike the commission, the School Board does not operate any other volunteer boards like the ESB.  We do not have any applications for the currently open seat.

When the ESB was formed, its purpose was to gain local government approval of the Mt. Lebanon Climate Action Plan, which was prepared by a group of resident volunteers interested in reducing energy use in Mt. Lebanon.  Both the commission and the School Board approved the plan and formation of the ESB.  The goal of the Action Plan was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption, a goal the School District continuously works on.  Since that time the ESB has expanded their role, but the majority of their work has been on issues pertaining to the municipality, not the School District.  Our role in the ESB is limited to projects within our buildings, while the commission’s responsibilities are more far-reaching. 

We would like to ask the commission to appoint a new ESB member to the open position this year and for the next two open School Board positions since you have the pool of candidates for volunteer board positions.  At the end of that process, the ESB would be a board of the commission.

Respectfully,

Elaine

So the school board wants to back out of the ESB. This move falls in line with the school board's desire to tear down Building C, built in 1972 and supports their future capital project of artificially turfing the Rock Pile.

The commission president blindly honored Elaine Cappucci's request and never realized that it was a violation of the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon Administrative Code. 

140.2 Membership and Term. The Environmental Sustainability Board shall consist of seven (7) members each appointed for a three (3) year term. The initial terms of board members shall be one (1), two (2) and three (3) years. No more than three (3) members’ terms shall expire in any one year. Three (3) board members shall be appointed by the municipality, three (3) shall be appointed by the Mt. Lebanon School District and one (1) shall be selected by the six (6) seated members.

I asked if the ordinance needed to be amended, and the solicitor's response was, "Yes."

Additionally, I asked for the list of unassigned funds discussed at the Commission Discussion Session. Kristen was referring to items by letter, instead of explaining what each line item was for the public's benefit. That list has been posted on the municipal website. I could not find it on the website, so Steve Feller sent this to me this morning.

The link is: http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/10437
It was posted the next morning under finance dept.with a paragraph stating: 

Finance Department 

Documents

• The Commission had a public hearing on June 23, 2014 to consider projects for the unassigned fund balance and received comments at that hearing. Since then there have been a few additions. Here are the most recent items that are being considered, all of them under the general categories that previously were discussed. 2014 Capital worksheet

Thanks.
Steve 

Kristen would not approve items O and P, feeling that there was a statement being made. She went on to say that it had something to do with those opposed to artificial turf. Unfortunately, there is no statement being made. I can vouch for the need in Rockwood Park. The black rubber sidewalks are a perfect palette for sidewalk chalk drawings during cool weather like we had yesterday, but the children cannot walk on the black rubber in hot weather, let alone sit on the walk while creating their masterpieces. Unfortunately $1,500 is money not well spent, in Kristen's mind. 

This is what I am dealing with UPDATED

Through the Right To Know which I am still working through, I found Kristen's letter where she told fellow commissioners how the ESB Chair had Kristen "insist" on artificial turf. I posted it here and also sent it to the ESB, minus the ESB Chair, since I had an old email address of hers and did not have her new one. I sent further communication to the entire ESB concerning the RTK, including the ESB Chair, after I had a current list of emails.

I had a feeling that Kristen Linfante would weigh in on this email exchange, so I filed a Right To Know asking for all emails to or from Kristen Linfante concerning the ESB Chair, Elaine Gillen, Lebo Citizens from August 1, 2014 to and including August 3, 2014.

I love how Kristen still thinks I ran against her. I'm flattered that she would think that I would remove the word "organic" myself. I'm good, Kristen, but I'm not THAT good.

I don't see the humor in the ESB Chair's statement that Autocorrect suggested that igniting me is the only way to deal with me. I also don't appreciate the libelous statements made about me.

Here is the email exchange from my latest RTK.

Update August 19, 2014 7:31 AM After the ESB Chair joked about igniting me, she asked about Kristen's trip out west. Here ya go, Kathy. NEXT Up: Kristen Linfante Third summer that my commissioner has been MIA. By the way, no apology from the ESB Chair or Miss Kristen. Oh, how some women are permitted to behave around here.

ESB misrepresented...AGAIN

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

On November 25, 2013, the then commission liaison, Kristen Linfante, "misrepresented" the Environmental Sustainability Board's position concerning artificial turf. This has been well documented here and in municipal meeting videos. Old news. But what people do not realize is that the ESB also has a school board liaison, none other than "For The Board" President Elaine Cappucci. The following email exchange between a resident and Cappucci reveals that the ESB has been misrepresented AGAIN.

From: Questioning Resident
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2014 9:51 PM
To: Elaine Cappucci
Subject: turf maintenance

Hi Elaine, 

From my understanding if the Wild Cat/Middle field turf project goes through, residents were told that the school district would perform the required routine maintenance in exchange for not being charged field use. 

Has anything been decided on this as of yet? 

Thank you Elaine, 

Questioning Resident
Mt. Lebanon, PA

****

From: Elaine Cappucci [mailto:ECappucci@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 2:08 PM
To: Questioning Resident
Subject: RE: turf maintenance 

The Board has not had any discussion about this at this time. 

Elaine

****

From: Questioning Resident
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 2:50 PM
To: Elaine Cappucci
Subject: RE: turf maintenance

Thank you for your reply Elaine,
Is there going to be any discussion about this in the future? If so, may I ask when?
Has there been any discussion between the Municipality and the school district regarding this issue? Have any rough drafts on a proposal been given to the school board?
Residents of Mt. Lebanon are really trying to get answers to simple questions but for some reason simple answers to simple questions are really hard to come by. 

Thank you again Elaine,
Q.R.

****

From: Elaine Cappucci [mailto:ECappucci@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 8:38 PM
To: Questioning Resident
Subject: RE: turf maintenance 

Q.R.,
There have been discussions within the Sports Advisory Board, which John Grogan is a part of, and I have had a general conversation with Kristen Linfante, the commission president regarding the plans for the fields. I do not have more information than that at this time, so I do not know when it will come up for Board discussion. 

Elaine

****

From: "Questioning Resident"
Date:04/30/2014 12:21 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: 'Stephen Feller' ,'David Brumfield'
Cc: 'Dan Deiseroth'
Subject: RE: turf costs 

Mr. Feller,
Thank you for the information.

...One other question, why is the township dragging their feet on getting a maintenance agreement drafted to present to the school district? A little bit of a whopper of a tale was told at the discussion meeting and the commission meeting on Monday night when it was told that there was an agreement, only to have Mr. Brumfield write me in an email yesterday stating “The agreement has not been prepared but the Athletic director has agreed to the general terms.” So how can there be an agreement if the agreement hasn’t even been prepared? Communicating with Elaine Cappucci, the school board makes the final decision not the Athletic director and they have nothing in front of them to agree to.

Thanks again Mr. Feller,
Q.R.

****

From: dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org [mailto:dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 1:52 PM
To: Questioning Resident; 'Stephen Feller'
Cc: 'Dan Deiseroth'
Subject: RE: turf costs 

The school district is participating in the Sports Advisory Board with their representatives. The SAB made the recommendation with the knowledge and consent of those representatives. The school board and the commission will both have to approve a written agreement to make it official but it is the clearly stated intent of all the parties. 

Dave
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

Here we go again. Brumfield 's Sports Advisory Board calling the shots. Why aren't the school board liaison to the commission Mike Riemer and commission liaison to the school board Kelly Fraasch being consulted? Why is Cappucci having a general conversation with Linfante regarding plans for the fields? Was it in the middle of Roycroft Avenue?

How can Mt. Lebanon Athletic Director commit to agreements prior to school board approval? Municipal funds were designated to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields by a three vote majority on November 25, 2013. As of April 29, 2014, the school board has not had a discussion about field maintenance at Middle and Wildcat Fields? Why is that? If there is no maintenance agreement, then does the school district lose their slots, as Dave Brumfield confirmed when I posed the question during Citizen Comments?

When did ESB liaison Cappucci have a general conversation regarding plans for the fields with the ESB? Or even with ESB liaison Kelly Fraasch? Where is the transparency? Or was all this part of a back room deal during the PRIVATE Turf Project Task Force where two residents were refused admittance?

In a word, tonight's educational forum on artificial turf was ALARMING. The two speakers were surprised at how little research was done by the three members of the commission. They would never have purchased a car this way. Where were the commissioners tonight? Kelly Fraasch was there. John Bendel was there briefly and left. No other commissioners. Nobody from the SAB. No one from Gateway Engineering. No municipal staff. No school district staff, unless you count Matt Kluck, who is the golf team coach. No school board directors, not even ESB liaison and school district president "For the Board" Elaine Cappucci.

Mrs. Cappucci, you have a Master's Degree from Duke University in Environmental Management. On Linkedin, you have endorsements in Environmental Compliance, Environmental Consulting, Environmental Permitting, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Policy, Environmental Issues, and a B.A. in Biology! Don't you share the same concerns about toxic artificial turf, as many of us do?

It is unfortunate that I was unable to record the meeting. I was in tears over what I heard tonight. As president of our school board, you are the Grand Poobah of Child Advocacy in Mt. Lebanon. I demanded Kristen's resignation for misrepresenting the ESB, among other things. Elaine, you have misrepresented the ESB. You are not a child advocate for our children of Mt. Lebanon. You've got to go too.

Keeping it Real 2014

Little did James Cannon III realize when he made his Keeping it Real - The truth behind artificial surfaces in Mt. Lebanon presentation to the Commission in 2012, that he would still be advocating for grass fields two years later. Jim is part of a larger group that has banded together opposing toxic turf.

Flyers are being distributed to neighboring streets by residents who believe the Mt. Lebanon Middle and Wildcat Fields Turf Project must stop. The reasons are plentiful:

• THIS IS A POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK
• THIS IS POOR ECONOMIC POLICY and a MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT
• GOVERNANCE BY THE COMMISSION IS QUESTIONABLE 
• MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN CONSIDERED (all the while fundraising is already underway)
• THIS IS A RISK TO OUR ENVIRONMENT

I am including the link to the flyer which can be printed and distributed by all Lebo Citizens readers who believe the same.

Joan E. Gibson submitted an opinion piece to The Almanac  (Saved in Google Docs) this week, asking commissioners to further investigate the dangers of playing on artificial turf, citing the American Academy of Neurology and "the article in the most recent issue of American Family Physician Practice Guidelines (April 1, 2014) the article is entitled 'Evaluation and Management of Concussion in Athletes: Recommendations from the AAN.'”

According to the Turf Project Task Force Presentation timeline, Mt. Lebanon will advertise for bids on May 15, 2014. We have a very narrow window of opportunity to stop this before bids go out. 

What can you do?

MAKE YOUR CONCERNS KNOWN TO THE COMMISSIONERS!

Important meetings this week:

• CRITICAL MEETING: The turf project is on the Planning Board Agenda for 4/22. This is the best opportunity to stop this project. Go to the Commission Chamber in the Municipal Building at 7:00 PM.
• Attend the Municipal informational meeting on 4/24 at the concession stand building at the fields on Cedar Blvd. at 6:00 PM and ASK QUESTIONS! (In case of inclement weather meet in the ice rink lobby.)
• Attend the Commission discussion meeting on 4/28 at 6:30 PM, and then the regular meeting at 8:00 in the Municipal Building. Plan to ASK QUESTIONS when they are permitted at the beginning of the 8:00 meeting! Sign up to speak near the Commission Chamber door. Bring friends and family. (Agendas to follow)
• Attend the Environmental Sustainability Board’s (ESB) Educational Forum on Artificial Turf on 4/30 at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Bldg. Get the real facts about artificial turf!
• Write to the Commissioners at commission@mtlebanon.org

MOST IMPORTANTLY – GET INVOLVED! The commission is putting your health and safety at potential risk with this project. You have VERY LITTLE time to tell them NO!

For more health and environment information, here are some useful links:

Commissioner Kelly Fraasch’s blog: www.kellyfraasch.com/blog

Lebo Citizens www.lebocitizens.com

Recorded public meetings including those of the Commission, Sports Advisory Board (SAB), Planning Board, Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB)and Parks Advisory Board (PAB) can be viewed at www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2151

Note: The hyperlink to James Cannon's presentation has been removed from this page.

Let's hear from the men too!

Lebo Citizens reader and frequent commenter, Charlotte Stephenson spoke about the problems associated with artificial turf at a recent ESB meeting. With her permission, I have published Charlotte's letter below.

Dear Fellow Concerned Mt. Lebanon Residents: 

The video of the April 10 Environmental Sustainability Board meeting is now available to watch on the www.mtlebanon.org website. 

There are many reasons why this project is not good for our community and they range from the threat to public health to wasteful economic policy and improper ethical political procedures [Kristen Linfante told a bold faced lie when she stated the ESB was behind the project] in play where certain Commissioners are supporting pet projects in spite of the common good. Did you know that our municipal employee is fundraising for a local non-profit agency to secure funding for this project? Yes, your tax dollars are at work there. 

Please send this to friends or neighbors who are not aware of what is in the works for us. Working together, perhaps we can change the course on this problem situation in our community. 

Thank You, 

Charlotte Stephenson

 Just as James Cannon III came forward with his Keeping It Real presentation, I hope more men get involved and express their concerns with toxic turf.  It appears to me that the SAB, Commission, and Municipal staff seem to be more receptive to men. Come on, Dads. We need your help.

Kristen, when you say green spaces...

I was going through my files and found Kristen Linfante's first newsletter dated April 8, 2011, one month before the Primary. Yes, the Primary in which I lost to Joe DeIuliis. Kristen writes:

Public Spaces and our Environment—I will work to protect and
improve our parks and green spaces while seeking out grants and new  technologies that will make Mt. Lebanon even more energy-efficient AND cost-efficient.

Kristen's campaign website  Adding to our quality of life in Mt. Lebanon are vital and plentiful green spaces...

I guess I need to clarify something, Kristen. When you say "green spaces, " are you referring to the color green or are you speaking of natural grass? I still don't understand your position on this.

Looking through the stack of emails from my "Mother of All RTKs," I found some disturbing emails of statements that you made concerning the whole ESB commission liaison issue.

• 11/26/13 Day after the vote to turf Middle and Wildcat, Kristen emails John Bendel and Dave Brumfield at 8:02 AM with "I guess my recollection was wrong - but still not convinced - please read full thread
• This was after Kristen emailed Kathy Hrabovsky, head of the ESB, at 7:09 AM to let her know that they passed the proposal for turfing Middle and Wildcat.
• 7:41 AM, Kathy wishes she had stayed. She didn't realize that artificial turf was on the agenda.
• Here is what is really disturbing. Kristen "takes much stock in what Gillen has to say." (Just throwing in some humor.)
• From there, it starts to get ugly. Kelly calls Kristen on her lie. As one reader wrote in an earlier comment something to the effect of  We watched it. We heard it. We read it. 
• Kristen said a few times that she would apologize. Anyone hear it, read it or watch it?
• Finally, Kristen mailed the turf proposal to Kathy Hrabovsky on January 16, 2014.

So shame on us for not asking, Kristen. When you said "green spaces," did you mean organic toxic turf or synthetic toxic turf? By the way, how are those grants coming along?

Audio montage of Nov. 25 and Feb. 11 discussion sessions

I am working on getting a side-by-side video to show the duplicity and inaccuracies.

I did receive this from a Lebo Citizens reader:

Attached is a highly edited montage of discussion sessions of the 25th of November, 2013, and the 11th of February, 2014. It starts with Kristen's statement of 25 November saying that people might be surprised to learn that the ESB is "not necessarily" opposed to artificial turf, and segues into the rather spirited discussion of 11 February when Maria Joseph says the ESB most definitely is against artificial turf. I had to edit out a lot of "in between" comments in order to keep to the point, which had to do with the ESB's actual position on turf.

Like any news story covered by electronic media, a reporter must decide what material is germane to the subject upon which he or she is reporting. The 11 O'Clock news does not televise an entire school board meeting, but may take snippets of it that are relevant to an issue. That is what I did in this case. I focused on whether the public might misapprehend the ESB's position, given statements made by Commissioner Linfante. You can certainly decide whether it is useful to the discussion on the Blog.  

Audio montage of November 25, 2013 and February 11, 2014 meetings 



Thanks to all who are helping me with this.

Environmental Sustainability Board's statement to the Commission concerning artificial turf

As I had vowed at the February 11, 2014 Commission meeting, I will do everything in my power to warn parents about how municipal and school district tax dollars will be used to fund and maintain artificial turf, let alone to allow healthy and active kids play on these toxic fields without warning.

Below is the official statement from the Environmental Sustainability Board read at the February 11, 2014 Commission Discussion Session by ESB member Maria Joseph. Video is here.

To the Mt. Lebanon Commission -

It is our understanding that the Sports Advisory Board (SAB) of Mt. Lebanon will be presenting their project proposal for installing artificial turf on the Middle and Wildcat Fields of Mt. Lebanon Park at this evening's discussion meeting.

As an integral entity within the township, our mission as a board supports the overall mission and comprehensive plan of Mt. Lebanon, and specifically its goal of promoting environmental sustainability in projects going forward.

The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) would like to officially make a statement as to our opinion on this matter. We would also like to note that the ESB was misrepresented at an earlier Commission meeting, in which our then liaison stated the ESB was in favor of installation of artificial turf in Mt. Lebanon – to be clear we are not in favor of artificial turf.

As a board, we feel that the installation of artificial turf, especially turf which uses plastic and rubber materials, is counter to our mission and the overall mission of the township. Our concerns stem from reports, both scientific and anecdotal. We believe that the health of the young children who will play on this material, as well as the surrounding ecological system, may be at irreparable risk.

While studies have only been performed on adult athletes, additional studies have been ordered by the EPA to determine health effects of artificial turf on children, since children are more susceptible to toxins due to their higher metabolism and the fact that they are lower to the ground.

Some of our environmental concerns have to do with storm water runoff from artificial turf which has been shown to contain enough zinc to negatively affect water ecosystems. This should be of great concern with Painters Run creek nearby. Potable water may be wasted due to the watering of the fields to decrease the heat to an acceptable level for play, and subsequently, that watering will increase storm water runoff which is a critical regional issue.

We ask that the Commission and the SAB take time to think further on this project, as well as educate the residents of Mt. Lebanon on this project to allow for a wider understanding and opportunity for comment. As residents ourselves, many of us are concerned for our neighbors living near the park where this turf is to be installed. Are they aware of possible noxious fumes emanating from the newly laid artificial turf? Are they aware of the potential for “Heat Island” effect, not only for those playing directly on the turf, but for nearby residences which can see increased temperatures as a result? Have the residents of Cedar Blvd., Cedar Lane, Mayfair and Vee Lynn drives been notified of this project?

As a board whose mission it is to support environmentally sustainable practices in this township, we ask that you seriously reconsider the installation of artificial turf on these and any other fields in Mt. Lebanon. However, in the event that this project continues forward, we strongly suggest the use of organic turf materials for these fields. While this option may be less used in communities throughout the United States, we believe that this would be an excellent way for the township to shine above other neighboring communities and be a leader in sustainable efforts. As it is, both materials would have to be replaced after a number of years. Why not use organic turf materials as an experiment to further
sustainable practices in the township, and minimize the potential health and environmental risks in the long run.

We thank you for your time and further consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,

The Environmental Sustainability Board of Mt. Lebanon

Update February 15, 2014 12:49 PM Post Gazette Artificial turf could come to Mt. Lebanon fields

Oh snap SAB! UPDATED

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Sports Advisory Board (SAB) gave their report on the artificial turf project for Middle and Wildcat Fields last night. David Donnellan was kind enough to email a copy of the presentation.

The videos have been uploaded on the municipal website.

• Part 1 of the Discussion Session
• Commission Meeting
• Part 2 of the Discussion Session

I thoroughly enjoyed last night's Discussion Session Part 1, specifically when the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) made their official statement concerning artificial turf. Since members of the ESB were in the audience, Kelly Fraasch asked if they could hear from the ESB. See 38:57 time stamp. At 39:10, Dave Brumfield declared that they got the ESB's recommendation. At 39:16, you can hear from a member of the ESB say, "No you didn't."

At 40:40, Maria Joseph made an official statement. She started out by saying that the ESB was misrepresented by the Commission liaison. Kristen interrupted Ms. Joseph to say that it wasn't true. 

Ms. Joseph included the fact that residents on neighboring streets were never notified of the potential risks. At 46:05, Kristen continued to defend herself.

Dave Franklin stated that the fields will not be irrigated because we don't have enough hot days to warrant irrigation. (Remember how the pool pump went down on 100º days?) He also challenged the ESB saying that they were alerted to this plan. He said that the minutes show that turf has been discussed at the last three or four ESB meetings. Decide for yourself if that is true. ESB minutes

Kelly Fraasch asked why residents in her ward were never notified about turf going on Middle and Wildcat Fields. Dave Brumfield jumped on Kelly saying that they have NEVER notified neighbors about projects. Kelly asked, "What about Brafferton?" Dave said that he only asked them a question. Here is a question for Dave. What about dogs being allowed in Williamsburg? I seem to remember him having a meeting in Williamsburg Park to discuss the subject. 

I loved how Kathy Hrabovsky told Dave Brumfield, "Sorry, but you are interrupting." The Daves and Kristen looked REALLY bad. Finally, Kristen said that there were five elected officials here who are responsible for making decisions. Ultimately, it is their decision. It is three Commissioners' decision to turf those fields because they saw no other option. She said that there was simply no place to put grass fields. Uh, what about Robb Hollow? Kelly had plans for TWO FIELDS.  What happened to improving Brafferton? Kristen said that they had no choice. She also pointed out that the new commission liaison (Kelly Fraasch) to the ESB happens to be against turf. What is Kristen insinuating? 

One other thing that I would like to point out that transpired during the SAB presentation. Dan Deiseroth, municipal engineer from Gateway and also first donor, but now anonymous, had a meeting with the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment. I couldn't believe it when I heard it.  Go to 12:09 of Part 1 of the Discussion Session. That just doesn't feel right to me.

Finally, once again, I want to thank the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board for their official statement.

Update February 15, 2014 11:08 AM Here is the ESB statement that was read at the February 11 Commission discussion meeting.  

It wasn't adding up UPDATED 3X

President Linfante, 2012-2013 commission liaison to the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB), reported on the ESB's position on artificial turf at the November 25, 2013 commission discussion session. When asked at the 41:48 time stamp of the Discussion Session video, Kristen replied with this statement at 42:24.

As I have posted here in the past, my comment at 14:45 from the November 25, 2013 Commission Meeting video challenged Kristen's statement concerning the ESB's stance on artificial turf. The ESB's endorsement coming from Kristen (remember, her vote was the key vote for artificial turf) just wasn't adding up in my head.

Over time, I have had contact with several members of the ESB and understand that the ESB is coming out with an official statement saying that they do NOT support artificial turf anywhere in Mt. Lebanon. Meeting minutes from July 12, 2012 reflect their concerns. Looking at the August 9, 2012 minutes, you will see this statement: 

Field Turf Discussion: Matt and Pam indicated that the field turf does not appear to be a sustainable approach. 

Please note that President Linfante was not present at either ESB meeting. Yet, she publicly misrepresented the ESB's stance about artificial turf. But, the damage is done. The vote was passed.

As soon as the ESB's official statement is issued, I will post it here. In the meantime, my sincerest apologies to the Environmental Sustainability Board. It just wasn't adding up. Now, it all makes sense.

Update January 18, 2014 10:03 AM I asked the commissioners more about the Turf Project Task Force. Here is John Bendel's reply:

Re: Turf Project Task Force

From	John Bendel jbendel@mtlebanon.org
To	egillen476 egillen476@aol.com
Cc	commission commission@mtlebanon.org

Sat, Jan 18, 2014 9:22 am

Elaine,

As you know, the turf task force was established by the Commission on November 25, 2013. The action by the commission included the following representatives on the task force: Municipal Recreation Director (Chair), school district representative, Gateway Engineering and representatives from the Sports Advisory Board. The members include:

David Donnellan, chair 

John Grogan, School District

Gateway, Dan Deiseroth 

Tim White, SAB Chair

Chip Dalesandro, SAB

Dave Franklin, SAB 

Brian Auer, SAB

The task force is working on a report that is due by February 11. Per the Commission's resolution, the report is to include:

•   Strategy for field use and fee structure to cover the annual field use fee
•   Strategy for funding the initial non-municipal share
•   Draft maintenance agreement with the School District
•   List of turf vendors, including those offering organic infill
•   RFP schedule with construction targeted to begin by August 1, 2014 

The report has not been prepared yet, but I know the task force has talked with several turf vendors and most of them offer an organic infill product. We will have the list of vendors recommended by the task force by February 11.

Regards,

Update January 18, 2014 11:55 AM This is kind of weird. I just received a response from the president of the commission. Here it is:

From:	Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Subject:	Re: Value Mt. Lebanon
Date:	Sat, Jan 18, 2014 11:52 am

---

Dear Ms Gillen,

Thank you for your interest in my website.  However, the message you received was correct.  It has been removed.   

Anyone who wishes to follow my commission activities is welcome to attend or watch our commission meetings or any of the public meetings of the boards I serve on.  Of course, I am also available by phone or email as posted on the municipal website. 

Best regards,

Kristen Linfante

Commission President

Ward 3 

On Jan 18, 2014, at 11:41 AM, "egillen476@aol.com" <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Commissioner Linfante,

Are you aware of the problem with your blog? I get this message:

     ValueMtLebanon.com has been removed.

     Thank you for your interest.

Elaine Gillen

Update January 19, 2014 9:53 AM Here is an archived article from Kristen's (now removed) Value Mt. Lebanon site, titled Why I voted "no"  Another one, An Interesting Article About Deer is the one that she posted during the weekend of the Sandy Hook shootings. It was also her most recent post. There were no reports about the Environmental Sustainability Board's stance on artificial turf, of which she was the commission liaison for two years.

Will the ESB be asking for 1,861 trees?

That is how many trees need to be planted to offset the carbon footprint from artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields. At least that is what page 6 of 16 claims in The Dirt on Turf.

In 2006, the Athena Institute conducted a study researching how much a school would need to do in order to offset the carbon footprint of an artificial field. The purpose of the study was to estimate the greenhouse gases emitted during the life cycle of an artificial turf field as opposed to a natural grass surface. The study determined the number of trees to be planted to achieve a 10-year carbon neutral synthetic turf installation. The result was that 1,861 (+23%) coniferous trees would be needed to be planted as a carbon offset. 

The Environmental Sustainability Board has been unusually quiet about artificial turf. At a recent commission meeting, Commission Liaison to the ESB and President Elect Linfante assured residents that the ESB is on board with plans for artificial turf. However, when I asked ESB members, Kathleen A. Habrovsky and Andrew Baram, prior to their Pay As You Throw presentation, both were opposed to the idea of artificial turf. Kathy said that it came up over a year ago at an ESB meeting, but were told that it was not an issue since there was no funding for artificial turf. I have not looked through the newly posted ESB Minutes for confirmation. Thank you, Susan Morgans, for finally posting them.

Another silent environmental group is The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team. "The Environmental Team is a group of local Mt. Lebanon (Pennsylvania) citizen volunteers devoted to improving the environment by working with residents, elected officials, institutions, businesses and the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board. The team is dedicated to responding to the global and local economic, social and environmental challenges associated with energy demand and human contributions to climate change and to improve the effects of these changes on our community and neighbors." A link to their website, lebogreen.org, can also be found on the Municipal website. [That will be the day when Lebo Citizens, another blog and website started and maintained without a single tax dollar by this volunteer, will get a link on the Municipal website!] From an email:

From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Lebo Green
Date: Tue, Oct 15, 2013 2:36 pm
Not a single tax dollar goes to the Environmental Team or their website. It is a completely volunteer group. One of their members created the site and manages it. This group is not affiliated with the municipality or the SD.
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3
(412)561 -27 90

It is not clear to me why the ESB and the ET are not saying anything about artificial turf. A June 28, 2010 presentation by the ESB outlined their goals, which included Municipal and School Buildings Energy Conservation, initiating a Pay As You Throw program, and establishing No Idling Zones. (How's that working for you?) Future goals include Monitoring and Verifying Results. I wonder what their take is on Go Zones. Come to think of it, they're pretty quiet about that too. Maybe counting garbage cans has become too time consuming to comment on artificial turf and idling in No Idling Zones.

How does The Lebo Citizens Team sound?

I have been curious about the Lebogreen.org website ever since I posted their call for action on my post, Just so you know, Pay As You Throw.

Kristen Linfante answered my questions to the commission, "Who funds lebogreen.org and who is the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team?"

"The Environmental Team is not a municipal board - it is a group that works often with the ESB, and they have a rep on the ESB, but they are not affiliated.
Kristen Linfante"

Still wanting more information, Kristen responded to my second email.

"Not a single tax dollar goes to the Environmental Team or their website. It is a completely volunteer group. One of their members created the site and manages it. This group is not affiliated with the municipality or the SD.
Kristen Linfante"

Under Rob Papke's beautiful photo on About Us, I learned more about The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team.

The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team is a group of local Mt. Lebanon (Pennsylvania) citizen volunteers devoted to improving the environment by working with residents, elected officials, institutions, businesses and the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board. The team is dedicated to responding to the global and local economic, social and environmental challenges associated with energy demand and human contributions to climate change and to improve the effects of these changes on our community and neighbors.
Get involved by joining the team. Sign up by sending us an email.

Then it hit me. Here is a group of citizen volunteers who work with elected officials and the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board. Elected officials who push their personal agendas with boards who are appointed by ELECTED OFFICIALS. How does this citizen group get to work with elected officials and the ESB? Is it because they are friends of elected officials?

What about the hundreds of people who read this blog? I can't say there are hundreds who disagree with our elected officials, but why can't we have a say in things? We have a board chosen by elected officials who work with friends of the elected officials. How fair is that? Who is representing those who  disagree with these people? Why can't there be boards who represent the rest of us?

Look at the whole PAYT debate. The Environmental Sustainability Board and The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team are pushing it. Who is representing those who don't want it? What about the storm water fee? Who represented the folks who didn't want to get stuck with that fee?

We're told by the Commission that the Community Relations Board (staff liaison is Susan Morgans, commission liaison is Dave Brumfield) will be sponsoring a public discussion about deer in Mt. Lebanon.  Community Relations Board Minutes from July 10, 2013 Funny how the two CRB women at the discussion session never heard about Lebo Citizens. Dave Brumfield, you know the guy who was against killing deer, who suddenly thinks that a deer cull is a good idea, and Susan Morgans, who asked me in 2006 and 2007, "How many times are you going to tell us that deer culling isn't safe? You tell us over and over." are asking the Community Relations Board to sponsor a meeting about deer. Puleeze. That is as bad as Dave Brumfield organizing a "Sports Advisory Board" which is represented by primarily by field sports dads who are drooling for artificial turf.

It isn't just on the municipal side of our local government. It is happening with the school district too. Who represents the math parents? How about the four thousand people who wanted to scale down the renovation project? Or how about all the fees that parents are now facing? The teachers can't help. The administrators? The school board? I don't think so. There are no groups representing us, the non elected, non appointed members of the community.

So how about it? What about a Lebo Citizens Team? When are the rest of us going to have a say in things? The elected officials and the soon-to-be elected officials claim they don't read the blog. And please don't tell us that we can do that at the polls. That is a bunch of dog crap from Williamsburg Park.

No PAYT?

No Pay As You Throw? Now I am really confused. Lebomag.com added new trash, recycling contract on deck under Lebo Latest:

new trash, recycling contract on deck

Merle Jantz

Mt. Lebanon’s trash and recycling contract expires at the end of the year. For the next few weeks, staff and commissioners will be evaluating several options for the next five-year contract.
This year, there were two bidders for the South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG) trash collection contract, Waste Management, the current contractor, and Republic Services. The companies were asked to bid on a number of options in addition to the service residents currently receive.  Each of the 19 SHACOG communities will be able to choose from the menu of services before agreeing to a contract.
“There is a lot more to consider this year, and all of the options have a cost attached to them,” says public works director Tom Kelley, who has been working to shape the various proposals.
One option involves a move to automated recycling collection beginning in April 2015. Residents would be provided with recycling carts that would be picked up by trucks that are equipped with automated arms. This would require the purchase and distribution of trash carts throughout the community, and time to launch an education campaign.
Also under discussion is the possibility of on-call pickup of household hazardous waste, such as paint thinner and cleaning solvents, and of electronics, such as computers, printers and televisions. All of these items are prohibited from being lodged in landfills in Pennsylvania.
Presently, Mt. Lebanon schedules e-waste collection days, and residents can take household chemicals to one of several collections days scheduled by Allegheny County. If Mt. Lebanon adopts the new provision of the trash contract, residents will be able to contact the waste hauling contractor to arrange for special pickup of these items.
The commission has until the end of the year to make a decision on what will be contained in the new contract. If you would like to weigh in on trash and recycling options, contact the commission at commission@mtlebanon.org. You can also leave comments online at the Agendas and Minutes section of the municipal website, www.mtlebanon.org.
To view the bid document, click here

Are we seeing the staff take a stand? I know that Manager Steve Feller and Public Works Director Tom Kelley were not thrilled with PAYT. I learned today that Cranberry was happy to switch to PAYT only because there were FIVE different companies picking up trash on the same streets. Evidently, the ESB (Environmental Sustainability Board) has not received all the facts in order to make a recommendation. I believe they now want to do a study before they support PAYT. I know there are many people waiting to see numbers. Just because it works in CA doesn't mean that it works here.

If you haven't contacted the commission about PAYT, contact them at commission@mtlebanon.org. Don't bother looking up ESB minutes or agendas, because there are none available. Incidentally, the Commission liaison for the ESB is...Kristen Linfante.

Storm Water Issues and Solutions

Experiencing three and four feet of water and sewage in our garage and basement after the 100 Year Storm, the 101 Year Storm, and Hurricane Ivan, I can relate to this issue first hand.  I know that many neighbors in Ward 3, as well as other wards in Mt. Lebanon can relate, as well.  The members of the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board, in cooperation with Mt. Lebanon Public Library, are hosting a series of public meetings to discuss storm water issues.

Storm Water Issues and Solutions Calendar