Final Change Orders for Swimming Pool

At the September 9, 2014 Commission meeting, I asked Manager Steve Feller for a list of the change orders related to the Swim Center Renovation. Steve was kind enough to send them to me yesterday.

Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center Pool Renovations Summary

Including the pending change orders, the total amount is around $200,000. Originally estimated to cost $3.3 million, the total cost of the pool upgrade rounded out to be a cool $4.4 million.

The new $3.3 million Swim Center for the low, low price of $4.1 million

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, November 15, 2013 at 3:30 PM for the controversial Mt. Lebanon Swim Center renovation. The swim center project was part of a $4.5 million rec bond, which was to improve the golf course, Public Works, and Robb Hollow. We've been duped UPDATED The swim center project was originally estimated to cost $3.3 million. (Litigation costs not included.)

Now, our commissioners are considering turfing Wildcat and Middle Fields for the low, low price of $1,000,000. Commissioner Bendel's Field Enhancement Proposal estimates that the municipality's share will be $750,000 ($137,400 transfer from the Brafferton project [2012 unassigned 

fund], $462,600 [2013 unassigned fund] and $150,000 [2013 unassigned funds, 2014 budget or 2014 unassigned funds, if available.]) The non-municipal share of $250,000 will be funded by sports associations, sponsorships and grants. If the commissioners were off by just under 25% with the swim center, my guess is that the turf project should come in around $1,250,000. If the non-municipal funds don't materialize, then the municipality's liability will be $1.5 million or double what is being pitched to us. Of course, these numbers are based on John Bendel's estimate of $1,000,000.

Pictured breaking ground from left are: Commissioner Matt Kluck, Commissioner David Brumfield, Commissioner Kelly Fraasch, Commissioner John Bendel, Recreation Facilities Manager Bob Hlebinsky, Engineer Dan Deiseroth, Architect Mark Edelmann, Municipal Manager Steve Feller and Recreation Director David Donnellan.

ML breaks ground for swim center

A new and improved swim center, in the planning stages for a decade, has finally come to fruition in Mt. Lebanon. Commissioners broke ground Nov. 15 for the project, which will replace a competition pool built in 1977. With an estimated cost of $4.1 million, the new swim center will feature a completely renovated bathhouse featuring family dressing rooms and direct access from the entrance to the pool, a heater, zero-depth entry, climbing wall and a new, taller slide tower with one closed and one open slide. Structural upgrades include better drainage and new plumbing, pumps and filters. Municipal Manager Steve Feller said, “The new facility will retain the advantages of a 50-meter competition pool while also adding amenities that recreational swimmers and families want.” Designed by EPM Architecture of Pittsburgh and Wade Associates, a Harrisburg-based firm that specializes in aquatic facility design, the swim center was funded as part of a $4.5 million recreation bond issue floated by Mt. Lebanon Commission. The new facility is slated to open June 15, 2014.

Swimming pool bids

I don't have any details, except there was a very long executive session tonight before the meeting. A topic was added to the agenda tonight at the beginning of the commission meeting.

The swimming pool work will be rebid. I have to listen to the meeting again for any other details. As you might recall, a lawsuit resulted from the first bid opening.

Pool documents are here

Here are the links to Anna Pappas' lawsuit filed against Mt. Lebanon and Plavchak Construction.

Case information

Document 1
Document 2
Document 3
Document 4
Document 5

Mt. Lebanon swimming pool renovation plan hits snag

While Dave Brumfield focuses on dogs, our commission is being sued by a resident over the bidding process.

...a resident is suing the municipality, claiming the commission improperly allowed the winning bidder to modify its bid and undercut another company because the board didn't want to hire a minority contractor.

"A nameless poster threw out [mis]information about the township and use[d] this vehicle to do so"* in a previous thread, Pool contract to be rescinded UPDATED by submitting the link to this Trib article, Mt. Lebanon swimming pool renovation plan hits snag

When design and other costs are taken into account, the pool project will cost about $4.28 million. A slide and other features are being added.
Options added to the pool mean will leave less money for other recreation improvements, such regrading two holes at the municipal golf course or upgrading Robb Hollow Park, Feller said.

 There were many of us who knew something wasn't right. The bid was discussed in Executive Session. The Manager, Commission, and Staff are out of control.  The only one who is clean on this is Matt Kluck. He voted against it. 

*Dave Franklin August 25, 2013 at 9:54 AM Pool contract to be rescinded UPDATED

Pool contract to be rescinded UPDATED

According to Monday's Commission agenda, the original award to the general contractor, Plavchak Construction Company is going to be rescinded.

Consideration of a Contract with Plavchak Construction Company, Inc. 

On August 13, 2013, the Commission awarded a contract to Plavchak Construction Company, Inc. for the pool project for the base bid and Alternate 3. The Municipality received a bid protest from Waller Construction regarding Alternate 3. After review of the protest, the Municipality has decided to rescind the original award, not include Alternate 3, and award the contract on the basis of the base bid only.  

Recommended Action: Move to authorize (i) the rescinding of the August 13, 2013 contract award to Plavchak Construction Company, Inc. and (ii) the award of the base bid only to Plavchak Construction Company, Inc.

The original award included Alternate 3. See August 13, 2013 Agenda

Contract No. 1. General Construction Work
Low bidder: Plavchak Construction Company, Inc.
Base Bid: $1,490,800
Alternate 3 - Subsurface drainage at east end of deck: $119,100
Subtotal: $1,609,900

This is a good start. Don't stop there, Commissioners. It is waaaay over budget.

August 27, 2013 9:15 PM This item was removed from the agenda. http://mtlebanon.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1815

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

Bad news for Parks and Recreation UPDATED

The commissioners are in a real pickle. It seems as though the costs for the Brafferton field improvements, the golf course improvements, and the swimming pool renovations have ALL increased.

The bids for the swimming pool, which included architect and engineering costs, came back high by several hundred thousand dollars. 

The golf course bid has come back so high that they may be reducing the scope of work and re-bid the project. 

Brafferton Field came back higher than estimated, so they may bid the project two ways: one as currently designed with a larger field and one with a smaller field. 

How many people will be asking the commissioners to turf a field now? What will the Sports Advisory Board think about this? What happens to the unassigned funds - still going to the School District?

This and more will be discussed at Tuesday's Commission Discussion Session.

Update August 10, 2013 12:18 PM The agendas for the Commission Discussion Session and the Commission meeting have been posted. Plans for the golf course improvements are going to be scrapped, revised and rebid. Looks like the pool will be getting every conceivable upgrade possible. This is from the agenda:

Renovations to the swimming facilities includes pool recirculation, filtration, zero depth swimming pool addition, deck equipment, gutter system, pool heater, epoxy pool coating, surface drainage and concrete decking. The project has 13 alternate bids including a recreation storage building addition, east deck retaining wall, subsurface drainage system, removal of earth mounding at west side of bathhouse, splash pad assembly, water slide assembly, climbing wall assembly, deep water well slide assembly, aquatic features for zero depth entry pool, spectator bleachers, video surveillance system, drive/pedestrian walkway (options A and B) and site gas line.

Also on the agenda is to approve the 25 car parking lot for Brafferton, even though the bids came back higher than estimated. The field may need work and has no approved bid, but at least it will have a nice parking lot.

$700,000 for turf?

Latest LeboALERT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

A thought on the community pool renovation

Lebo Citizens reader, Dean Spahr sent this idea to commissioners, along with a copy for the blog. 



A thought on the community pool renovation

Wondering if anyone would be interested in using the roof of the pool house as an adult lounging area where adults could relax, read or engage in card games, chess or group meetings/socializing.

That way people that don't have or necessarily want to be surrounded by kids could enjoy the sun and pool.  Plus moms/dads could enjoy a break, but still be close by the kids.

Just an idea that might make the pool area more useful and club-like, and I'm
thinking it might be done inexpensively.

Dean Spahr

To keep the project on schedule, the deadline for comments is April 2. Send comments to ddonnellan@mtlebanon.org.

This is soooooo cool! UPDATED

The Mt. Lebanon Commission meetings are available for viewing online 24 hours a day!  Here is the link to archived commission meetings. http://mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2151

Remember how I was suggesting that everyone watch or listen to our magistrate's report on the drug task force?  Here it is. http://mtlebanon.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=15 On the right hand side, click on the agenda item and it will take you to that portion of the meeting.

Happy days are here!

Update: March 28, 2013 12:35 PM  Municipal video link available here for the pool presentation.  Click on Agenda Item number three.

Mt. Lebanon pool renovations made public The Almanac
Mt. Lebanon Swim Center upgrade may cost $3.3 million Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Architects present ideas for new Swim Center UPDATED

During last night's Commission Discussion Session, Mark Edelmann from EPM Architecture and Wayne Wade from Wade Associates presented initial concept designs for improvements to the swimming pool and bathhouse.

Since the bathhouse is structurally sound, the architects have decided to gut the structure, add family changing rooms and private showers, and making it ADA compliant.  Amenities include a zero entry to the pool and heater. Optional amenities include a climbing wall and new slides.

The Municipal website includes these preliminary schematics to the bath house:

Floor Plans
Elevations
Presentation

The budget is $3.3 million.  Resident Bill Lewis asked for clarification on upkeep costs, but none were available.

Update: March 26, 2013 1:48 PM From the Municipal website:

Goals for the renovation are as follows:

Pool

• Replace plumbing and gutters.
• Replace filtration system.
• Add pool heater.
• Sand blast and epoxy paint pool.
• Replace concrete deck/ modify design.
• Replace deck equipment.
• Add zero depth beach entry.
• Perform renovations to meet ADA codes.

Bathhouse

• Perform renovations to meet ADA codes and add family changing facilities.
• Perform interior cosmetic and amenity upgrades.
• Renovate, redesign, and upgrade all HVAC plumbing and electrical systems.
• Improve the efficiency of the patron admission process, and allow direct entry to the facility without passing through the changing areas.

Additional Alternate Improvements

• Add splash pad.
• Add combination flume and speed slide.
• Add small flume slide.
• Add poolside climbing wall.
• Add leisure spray features.
• Add ADA parking

Although there are no cost estimates for the project yet, the budget is $3.3 million. Work is set to start the day after Labor Day, after the 2013 season ends and conclude before the start of the 2014 sessions so swimmers do not miss any time in the water.

Public comment is welcome to ddonnellan@mtlebanon.org. To keep the project on schedule, the deadline for comments is April 2.  

Podcast from last night's presentation is available here.

Pool Update - Go to Dormont UPDATED

Isn't this just swell?  Dormont saves the day.  Here is the latest LeboAlert:

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.

Pool closed. Might open Tues. Dormont honors Lebo permits till 8. Show receipt for permit purchase. Rec Ctr. can provide copy, 412-343-3409 till 5 or 412-561-4363.

Commissioner Fraasch, in answer to your question raised at the March 26, 2012 Commission Discussion Session, yes, we are to go to Dormont to swim.

This could have all been avoided.

Update July 3, 2012 10:10 AM

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

Hooray! New pool pump installed successfully and pool is open for business as usual.

My counter proposal to the YSA's - UPDATED

FIX THE POOL.

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.


Due a mechanical failure, the Pool will be closed for the day. We apologize for the inconvenience and will update when the problem is corrected.

Pool Update July 1, 2012 7:45 PM The pool was packed when it had to be evacuated. Our filtration system went down. This morning, the Aqua Club held a meet in dangerously low chlorine levels. Our kids were swimming in filth. I am listening to the March 26, 2012 Commission Discussion podcast. About halfway through the podcast, Kelly Fraasch asked David Donellan what would happen if the filtration system goes down. Matt Kluck had asked for a timeline and would never receive it. Kelly had said that she would hate for residents to have to go to Dormont's or Scott's pool. It was mentioned that if the filtration system would go down, it would be the end of the season. It seems that both James and Kelly Fraasch are prophetic.

OK, Dan, only 'cause I like you...

I am going to attempt to explain what happened tonight with the recreation bond.  Dan, Dave, David, Bill, and Dave, help me out here if I don't get it completely straight.  It was a long night and they were nice enough to stay after the meeting to try to explain it to me.

At the Discussion Session, we heard a presentation from Steve Diaz where he proposed a business offer to look at ways to get funding from the government and public/private partnerships.  All five commissioners were present for this proposal. I know how much he wanted per hour, but it was never discussed at the meeting, so I am not sure if I can disclose that here.  Let me just say that it was a crap load of money.  How am I doing so far, guys?

OK, Discussion Session is over and Joe DeIuliis high tails out just before the Commission meeting is ready to begin.  It is time for the vote for the resolution for the rec bond.  Dan Miller explained that the resolution was a compromise for the community.  He had made a passionate speech about the whole process including working on the pool project with Joe D., the years of research that were behind this resolution, and incorporating different suggestions made along the way. I believe Dan was sincere.  Dave and Bonnie also explained why they were behind the bond.  I will put the meeting online as soon as I can so that you can hear their thoughts.  Joe, of course was history.  I guess he was thinking votes.  Then Matt explained why he was not for the bond.  He wanted to pursue obtaining a line of credit from another bank which he felt had more to offer when PNC advised against obtaining a line of credit.  It was a very heated discussion.  Then came the vote.  Here is where it gets confusing.  The resolution passed 3-1.  But the bond issue is dead. In order to pass a bond, there must be four votes for it to pass.  So no pool improvements, even though it was Joe's project, no McNeilly fields, no improvements anywhere - not for the golf course, the Rec Center, existing fields.  Nothing.  It was a package deal. While I was against developing McNeilly Park, I had said many times that we need to fix what we have, including the fields we have, the pool, and the Rec Center, and that is not happening either.  According to those who stayed after the meeting, the time was right for this bond. 
Dan asked me to write about this and ask the question, was this the right decision for the community?  So there it is.  Was this the right decision for the community?


Update: Dan Miller's blog Compromise Rec Resolution Defeated,
 Podcast of meeting

Staff Report on Issues Pertaining to Proposed Improvements at McNeilly Park and Swimming Pool

Or... Everything You Ever Asked About McNeilly Park and more

The Commission asked the Mt. Lebanon staff to prepare a report on the proposed improvements at McNeilly Park and the Swimming Pool by October 6, 2011.  Here is the link to the 112 page report.
Staff Report on Issues Pertaining to Proposed Improvements at McNeilly Park and Swimming Pool 
It includes traffic studies, public safety review, a written analysis of maintenance costs, a proposed fee schedule for use, comments from advisory boards, maps, etc.  It is all there - from 2003 to today, October 6, 2011.

I haven't had a chance to read it, but it looks pretty impressive. Thank you,  Commissioners for your transparency, as usual.