We're in good hands

A resident called me today to let me know what happened at the Parks Advisory Board meeting last night. A different resident, Kimberly Schevtchuk spoke during Citizen Comments last night expressing her concern for day and night sharpshooting which will take place in some of our parks starting in February.

Steve Silverman, commission liaison to the PAB, assured Kimberly that all is well. There will be no problems. There is an oversight committee forming, consisting of Public Works Rudy Sukal, Interim Manager Keith McGill, Chief Aaron Lauth, PIO Susan Morgans, and a couple of commissioners (not sure of who or how many.) Not that it matters, but Rudy Sukal was talking about going east to hunt with his son before the meeting started.

So the oversight committee will be overseeing themselves. Perfect.

Santoni: Hunting the Deer Hunters

Santoni: Hunting the Deer Hunters | Backstory
blog.triblive.com/sbts/2015/03/02/santoni-mt-lebanon-hunting-the-deer-hunters

That is exactly what many residents have been doing in recent days, "Hunting the Deer Hunters."

Mt. Lebanon hasn't made it easy for us. Allegedly, Mt. Lebanon was to notify neighbors and haven't done a very good job. I have asked repeatedly for neighbors bordering these killing fields to share their letters, and not one of them have been able to say that they received anything from the municipality.

How many received this LeoALERT and checked the agenda to see if anything was mentioned about killing in the parks?

From: LeboALERT
To: EGillen476
Subject: LeboALERT: The Mt. Lebanon Park...
Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2015 3:37 pm

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.

The Mt. Lebanon Parks Advisory Board meeting agenda for March 3, 2015 has been posted to the website. View agendas http://mtlebanon.org/Agendas

Well, I checked and there was nothing mentioned. Here is the agenda:  http://mtlebanon.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2295

This is the Environmental Sustainability Board, Kristen Linfante, and artificial turf ALL OVER AGAIN! Why isn't Commissioner Steve Silverman addressing this issue with the Parks Advisory Board?

At the last commission meeting, a very emotional resident brought up a video of what happens during a corral and kill and had the commissioners confirm that they watched the video. They all said that they saw it. Here is the video. I won't watch it, but it is a daily journal of corralling wild boar using this method. http://jagerpro.com/hog-control/trapping-equipment.aspx What the hell!!!!

"This is bullshit and I'm going home." UPDATED

That is what Public Works Director Tom Kelley said at the June 3, 2014 Parks Advisory Board meeting at 00:55:13.

PAB Chair Hugh Beal was asking for an accounting of the funds allocated to the Parks per the Budget. Not enough money is being spent on the Parks, in his opinion. At 00:47:33, Hugh asked to look at Forestry. His copy of the 2013 Budget Actuals showed that there was $348,000 designated to Forestry. Beal pointed out at the 00:49:20 time stamp, that he found six dead trees in Rockwood Park, a park the size of a postage stamp, for example. Hugh said that he wasn't questioning Tom Kelley's competency or auditing anything; he was just inquiring about how the money was being spent. Kelley responded that he didn't care if Hugh was. To my surprise, Tom Kelley even mentioned my name when talking about Rockwood Park! He went on to say that he didn't like Hugh Beal's attitude and stormed out of the meeting. Yikes! Is this what the PAB has to deal with because they are against the turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields?

By the way, the Parks Advisory Board representative for the Sports Advisory Board was not at the PAB meeting again. They didn't have a quorum. Who's the PAB representative on the Sports Advisory Board? Dave Franklin. I think it may be time to kick Franklin off of the Parks Advisory Board. It might also be time for Mr. Feller to have a little talk with his staff.

Commissioners, do you see what you are doing to Mt. Lebanon? You have boards and staff trying to keep Mt. Lebanon safe, and you have tied their hands by allocating over $750,000 to turf beautiful grass fields. That money could be well spent in other ways.

For anyone wondering, the dead trees have been removed from Rockwood Park. Thanks to all involved.

Update July 1, 2014 11:07 PM The Mt. Lebanon Parks Summit was held this evening. Hosted by the Parks Advisory Board, individuals from the Environmental Sustainability Board and the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy shared their thoughts on possible improvements to the park system. The podcast is available here.

Parks Advisory Board pushes back!

The Parks Advisory Board met on May 6, 2014. There were three residents who spoke against the artificial turf at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Chairman Hugh Beal changed the order of the agenda so that new business, specifically artificial turf at Middle and Wildcat Fields, could be discussed immediately after Citizen Comments. 

During the meeting, the Parks Advisory Board decided to draft a letter to the Commission to express concerns related to the pending field turf project on Cedar Blvd.

The video has been uploaded on the municipal website and may be viewed here. The letter is read at the 01:16:28. Here it is in written form:

The Parks Advisory Board is writing the commissioners to express concerns related to the pending field-turf project being pursued by Mt. Lebanon on Cedar Boulevard. 

Although athletic fields are not strictly under the purview of the Parks Advisory Board, we are concerned about potential negative impacts of this project on nearby parks and recreation areas, and the nuisances presented to adjacent recreational open space. These concerns have also been voiced by citizens who have presented at PAB and Commission meetings. 

Specifically, the PAB is concerned about:
1. The use of crumb-rubber infill, which contains hazardous materials, including heavy metals such as lead, zinc and chromium. In addition, gases that are emitted by the decomposing rubber infill are known to aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. This will prevent vulnerable residents from accessing these fields and nearby park space.
2. The potential to increase storm water runoff due to the impervious cover used in the construction of this field. The resulting storm water may overwhelm the downstream Robb Hollow Park area and exacerbate Cedar Boulevard flooding events, further disturbing Cedar Boulevard residents. In addition, this storm water may carry with it the infill (and hazardous materials) and biocides/chemicals used to maintain the fields.
3. Artificial-turf fields are known heat islands, which may have spillover effects on other adjacent park and recreational areas, including the tennis facility and swimming pool area. 

Therefore, the PAB advises that:
1. The municipality should request that entities bidding on this project be asked to address these concerns directly.
2. The municipality should reconsider the use of crumb-rubber infill and ensure that the fields will not exacerbate stormwater problems in the Robb Hollow watershed area.

Thank you, Parks Advisory Board for reviewing your mission statement, for advocating for our parks, for listening to residents, and for protecting our precious resources.

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

Another board emasculated by the Commission

For anyone keeping score, another board has been emasculated by the Commission. Let's see. So far, the Environmental Sustainability Board, the Parks Advisory Board, and the Planning Board have told us that the Commission voted on November 25 for a project that no one knew about. I have published the ESB's statement about being misrepresented by Kristen Linfante, commission liaison. I published the August 2013 Planning Board agenda prior to any concrete plans about the project. During a Sports Advisory Board meeting, the Parks Advisory Board liaison admitted that the PAB had not been informed.

No public hearing occurred. Boards were not informed. The vote came down to three commissioners - Dave Brumfield, Kristen Linfante, and John Bendel. Kristen let it be known that they are the decision makers and don't need any input from boards. 

Don't forget to attend tonight's meeting at Wildcat and Middle Fields, starting at 6:00 PM.

I would like to add that the Trib's Mt. Lebanon residents stand against turf project article made reference to the April 30 ESB meeting. The location has been determined. It will be held in the Municipal Building. The flyer for the meeting is here. 

Mother of all RTKs continued UPDATED 2X

I went through the Right To Know and pull out what I thought was important for this post. SAB highlights

• Page 9 Dave Franklin sent an email to Kristen and John about Kelly's engagement of the Parks Advisory Board. Keep in mind, Dave Franklin is the PAB representative on the Sports Advisory Board. 
• Page 11 Tim White to present program to Lacrosse on January 15, 2014
• Page 13 Concerns from a Parks Advisory Board member on January 12, 2014
• Page 23 and 28 refer to Astroturf's warranty and owner's manual. Neither were included in my RTK.
• Page 34 Geoturf mentions financing options
• Page 36-37 Discussion concerning the resident representing himself to Geoturf as a consultant to the Commission
• Page 39 The third and final email from Dave Brumfield.

Much more to come. This sure is a slow process.

Update March 5, 2014 8:12 AM Kristen Kelly RH exchange

Update March 5, 2014 9:58 AM Here is an email forwarded to Kristen by our municipal planner, Keith McGill concerning Recreation Director David Donnellan's and Municipal Grant Writer, Katherine Heart's efforts for private funding to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. 

Brumfield's Williamsburg Park Pilot Program Update

Last night, Dave Brumfield outlined his pilot program permitting dogs from his ward to use Williamsburg Park. He explained that about 20% of the residents are very much in favor of it, 20% are very much against it, and the remaining 60% don't care either way. The way I look at it, Dave Brumfield is appealing to 20% of his constituents with this pilot program.

I understand it started during a Parks Advisory Board meeting in January, before the amended ordinance permitting dogs in Twin Hills, a passive park. Dog owners went before the Parks Advisory Board and wanted to get special permission to bring their dogs to Williamsburg Park.

During the Discussion Session, Dave pledged to patrol his park during the course of the pilot program, in addition to the additional police presence required to monitor and enforce the pilot program. The pilot program is to last for 90 days. He also said that neighbors will be policing neighbors. Based on the questions Commissioner Linfante asked during the discussion session, led me to believe that she is not in favor of this program.

Last night, several residents spoke on both sides of this issue. A petition of 80 signatures against this pilot program was presented to the Commission. One resident was bold enough to say that after the meeting, he will go home and walk his dog through Williamsburg Park, defying the present ordinance. I asked about the fee which would be collected. I also commented that this is the first time that Kristen and I are on the same side of an issue. At that point, Dave asked Kristen to reconsider her stand based on my observation. [Laughter all around.] I also asked how many dogs are expected to come to Williamsburg Park. Dave had no idea. If this pilot program goes to a vote and accepted, and the pilot program is over, the commissioners will evaluate the results and make their determination. I also said that the animosity that has developed in Ward 4, (almost to the point of being physical) will spread to all the other parks in Mt. Lebanon, causing neighbors to fight, turning neighbors against neighbors, while spreading the message that all ordinances are negotiable.

The Commission will continue their discussions next month.

We've been duped UPDATED

Remember this article on the Mt. Lebanon Magazine website? home(town) improvement There was a $4.5 million bond issued in January. Last night, the Commission approved the multiple contracts for the pool. The grand total construction cost of all five contracts is $3,953,900. This does not include the cost of a project manager, since there are multiple contracts.

The Recreation Bond will not be used for Robb Hollow. It will not be used for the golf course. It will not be used for Public Works. It is going toward the Pool. The entire bond and then some.  We've been duped.

I should have seen this coming. Here are the minutes of a November 6, 2012 Park Advisory Board meeting. Notice who attended the meeting. That was the first clue.

IV. Recreation Bond UpdateDonnellan reported that an Ordinance for a bond issue not to exceed $4.8 million was introduced on October 22. He stated the bond was to include $3.3 million for swimming pool improvements, $750,000 for Robb Hollow improvements and $500,000 for golf courseimprovements. He said a public hearing would be held on November 13, and a vote on the Ordinance was scheduled for November 26. (Editor’s note: The Ordinance was enacted immediately following the public hearing on November 13).Kelly Fraasch announced that there was a meeting scheduled for November 11 at 1:00 p.m. to walk Robb Hollow Park and discuss possible improvements. Members of the Nature Conservancy, Parks Advisory Board, Environmental Sustainability Board, and the Friends of Robb Hollow Park were invited.John Vogel distributed a copy of an email from Ms. Fraasch detailing plans for the meeting. Vogel requested that Donnellan forward the meeting invitation on to board members who were absent.A discussion of the planned improvements followed. There was concern among the group that the Parks Advisory Board had not had sufficient input into the planned projects and that they did not reflect the recent prioritization of projects from the board.Fraasch reported that the Commission was discussing a committee to review athletic fields.The Parks Advisory Board recommended that the bond issue funding for improvements to the golf course and Robb Hollow Park needs further consideration.Fraasch presented her latest proposal for Robb Hollow Park. The plan included opening access to the upper and lower areas of the park, moving the leaf operation, grassing areas for additional greenspace; as well as providing opportunities for future development of a play area, outdoor classroom, dog park and pavilion.

The second clue was that none of Kelly Fraasch's presentations ever made the Municipal website. However, the YSA Recreation presentation was posted.  Where is her study for Robb Hollow? You can find it here, on her blog.

Look at page 55 of the new Capital Improvement Program 2014-2018. (Allow for extra time for the large document to open.) More discussion for turfing and lighting Middle and Wildcat Fields with a $200,000 non-municipal contribution, either from the YSA, advertising or grants.  Yeah, right.

No dog park, outdoor classroom, play area or improvements to Public Works space. No hopes of developing Robb Hollow, which would have released us from McNeilly. Even Moody's said the $4.5 million bond was to be used for renovation of recreational facilities. We've been duped.

Update August 15, 2013 2:20 PM $3.95 million in recreation upgrades get Mt. Lebanon commission's OK

Crystal Ball, what is in our future?

Right out of The Almanac.  This will be us.  Dave Franklin was appointed as the Parks Advisory Board liaison to Dave Brumfield's newly created Sports Advisory Board. Read about Peters Township's artificial turf,  multi-use field, Gatorade, folding chairs, special interest group and all the other things that have been brought up here.

Public land easily sold in PT

Peterswood Park is for sale. At a price of $240,000 you can buy three to four acres of improved land with no future tax burden or maintenance expense. The taxpayers of Peters Township will pay upwards of $750,000 for the improvements you specify. To qualify, you simply need to secure a spot on the Parks and Recreation Board so that your personal agenda can be pushed through by your friends.

Do not worry about the Peters Township Council. Despite having authority to override the Parks and Recreation Board’s decisions, they won’t, for fear of setting a precedent that they may have to weigh in on future issues. If this sounds too good to be true, watch the proceedings of the Dec. 10 council meeting. There, you will see that the Peters Township Soccer Association accomplished just that! Kudos PTSA. Your negotiations rival that of the Louisiana Purchase!

Shame on you, Peters Township Council, for allowing yourselves to be blackmailed by a special interest group who pushed through their agenda, under the auspices of creating a multi-use field, and then threatened to withhold their payment when asked to share the field with other established users. Despite a letter from Shaw, the turf manufacturer, supported by detailed testimony, showing clearly that the PTSA’s fear of potential turf damage was unfounded, you neglected your fiduciary responsibility and allowed your previous decision to be overturned at their whim. The PTSA was not asked to substantiate their fears of damage. They simply needed to say they did not want other users on the field. There has been no response to concerns posed about folding chairs, coffee, Gatorade, dogs, etc., which the manufacturer states will absolutely cause damage to the playing surface, because those concerns are not being voiced by someone with a check. If the intent is purely to protect the investment made in the field, why are these issues not being addressed? Why is the focus on use of equipment that has been proven will cause no harm?

While the cross country team can now look forward to a new course in another soon to be beautified area of the park, I walk away baffled that public land can be sold so easily.

We don’t have to look very far to understand the problems we have in Washington!

Barbara Wehn McMurray

Public Hearing for Sports Advisory Board

The agenda for Monday's Commission meeting has been posted.  We finally get to see the ordinance written for Bill No. 20-12,  The Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances to Establish a Sports Advisory Board. This bill was introduced on November 13, 2012 by Kristen Linfante, but was never posted since the link was incorrect. The public hearing for this new Sports Advisory Board, or as Josephine Posti likes to call it an ad-hoc committee, will be held on Monday evening.  It is number five on the agenda. Kristen will be moving to enact the ordinance after the meeting. Perhaps, this is how Dave suddenly changed his mind on shooting deer. The commission meeting starts at 8:00 PM.

In case you were wondering, the Joint Maintenance Agreement will be item number five on the Commission Discussion Session agenda.  That meeting starts at 6:40 PM.

I uploaded the podcast to the November Parks Advisory Board meeting.  I apologize for the quality of the recording.  The Director of Recreation recorded it for the purpose of writing the minutes of the meeting. Around the eighteen minute mark is when the voices start to get a little louder.  Dave Franklin is pretty easy to understand. I am reasonably sure he will be appointed as the Parks Advisory Board representative, don't you?