Mr. B's knees

Another ethics violation? Watch the Solicitor's reactions while Mary Birks talks about her soccer ref husband. Solicitor Peterson is sitting to the right of Mary Birks.

Birks on turfing two fields "to save money"

Priorities and another service eliminated UPDATED

From the Manager's Recommended 2017 Budget page 6 - recommended on November 1, 2016:

At the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board meeting, the condition of the aging ice rink was brought to the SAB's attention. Additionally, Commissioner John Bendel addressed the SAB members and asked how they wanted to spend their pot of gold. It was on the meeting video, but for some strange reason, that video is no longer available on the Mt. Lebanon website. Of course.

However, I have the link to that video from a blog posting:

Update November 3, 2014 3:19 PM In addition to the videos that Albert Turfstein provided, please view the October 3, 2013 Sports Advisory Board Meeting. Click on Turf Project and watch Tim White say, "Mr. Bendel pissed away all the money we had."

John Bendel went around the room and asked each member how they wanted to spend the remaining funds from the original $829,000 unassigned funds. The minutes show that the "consensus on the board was that Middle and Wildcat fields would be the preferred location."

Apparently getting the turf passed was more important that the ice rink. Priorities.

Another service no longer provided by the Municipality is their notary service. 

Keep cutting back on services, Mt. Lebanon, but take care of the special interest groups. Kill those deer. Turf those fields. Ignore the ice rink which is enjoyed by the public. Eliminate our solid waste collection service. Great job.

Update January 8, 2017 7:29 PM I forgot to include the bids for the ice rink. Alternates are also listed. Keith McGill added, "The probable opinion of cost was developed by Gateway Engineers in conjunction with Stantec who is consulting on the project."

Best Opinion Piece Ever

Deer responsible for Mt. Lebanon road work

Any keen Almanac reader will guess why every road in Mt. Lebanon is being mended at the moment. It’s all the fault of the roaming hordes of deer. Deprived of their usual feeding grounds when the township decided to replace all the grass in Mt. Lebanon with artificial turf, they have taken to eating the roads.

Michael Murtough
Upper St. Clair

Is the US women's World Cup offense being hindered by turf?

Is the US women's World Cup offense being hindered by turf?




The artificial turf at the Women’s World Cup was reportedly 120 degrees at kick off

What’s Happening To Players At The Women’s World Cup, Where The Artificial Turf Is 120 Degrees

Her shoes melted.

Last time I had one of these was two years ago. Call it my meltdown I guess this is "Call it my meltdown 2.0." A friend sent me another article about the dangers of artificial turf. Is Artificial Turf Safe for Your Children? Jenny Chamberlain, a Los Angeles mother, avoids artificial turf because her child's shoes kept melting from the heat that artificial turf gives off.

Turf companies claim artificial turf is safe because kids don’t ingest the crumb rubber. Chamberlain, however, doesn’t buy it because she has seen kids drop an orange, brush it off and eat it—putting them at risk of exposure. Kids also fall on the ground constantly in sports and risk ingesting the crumb rubber that way, too.

Yet, the SAB AHs all think that our concerns are "much ado about nothing." Watch the SAB video and you can see them all nod in agreement with the SAB AH who made that statement. I tried to inform the community about how we are being bullied, but the bullies won. [See Call it my meltdown.]

I wrote to Manager Steve Feller, and copied the police chief, PIO, commissioners, and Rep. Dan Miller today asking when the public was going to be told about the archery program extension being denied and heard nothing back from Mr. Feller. In a Mt. Lebanon Google alert, I learned that Matt Santoni asked the same question. At least he got an answer. Mt. Lebanon awaits formal letter nixing extended deer season In the meantime, Kristen Linfante's favorite paint experts have signs near their registers promoting deer culling. They couldn't say no to the three pushy women who were approaching Washington Road storefronts. I tried to inform the community about how we are being bullied, but the bullies won. [See Call it my meltdown.]

Speaking of Kristen Linfante, I saw this on Facebook tonight.

I was reminded of this Lebo Citizens comment. 

Mrs. Linfante won't give up her elephant ivory bow. She considers it an extension of her arm. http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2015/01/18/How-tiny-bits-of-ivory-snare-symphony-musicians-crossing-borders/stories/201501180065

Kristen is just itching to have the deer killed with that loathsome slaughterhouse killing method called trap and bolt. Why would she ever want to give up her viola bow when she travels outside of the country? I tried to inform the community about how we are being bullied, but the bullies won. [See Call it my meltdown.]

I really need a vacation from this place. It is a horrible place to be right now.

Afraid of getting SLAPPed?

What is SLAPP? It stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. There are forces in Mt. Lebanon who have used this technique to stifle critics, whether they be bloggers or private citizens. The message is always, "Speak up and we'll threaten to sue you."

How many are afraid to try to stop the turf project for fear that Mt. Lebanon will counter sue? I have heard that over and over. Look at what neighbors are currently faced with:

Little, if any, construction since before Thanksgiving. The contractor is waiting for payment for Change Order Number 1 with more to follow. Pools of mud. OSHA visits. Neighbors protesting. Planting anti turf signs in their yards. Speaking at commission meetings. Parents speaking about health and safety issues. National and local pediatricians speaking out. Environmentalists opposed to the turf project. All powerless. All fearful of getting sued by outspoken Mt. Lebanon attorneys.

So what can we do? The following is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. I have found the Pittsburgh ACLU to be quite helpful.

A Guide for Community Residents and Environmental Justice Activists

Online Journalist Successfully Defended Against Lawsuit Intended to Silence Criticism Included in this article is the new ACLU Online Toolkit to help those who are facing SLAPP lawsuits.

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Move Forward On Anti-SLAPP Legislation

No crumb rubber for kids under ten

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams ran a follow up story tonight on the use of shredded rubber tires on playgrounds. Some parents are not permitting their children on these playgrounds. Dr. Philip Landrigan, dean of global health at New York's Mt. Sinai Hospital and a top expert on the effect of chemicals on children believes that children under ten shouldn't be anywhere near it.

The Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges that more studies of crumb rubber need to be done, and has retracted an earlier assurance that crumb rubber turf is safe. Both the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, however, recommend and promote rubber mulch.

Here is the video link to the NBC Nightly News Investigation Report.
http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nightly-news/are-recycled-tires-used-in-playgrounds-a-health-risk--366304835835

Brian Williams reported that towns all across the country want to remove their artificial turf. Here in Mt. Lebanon, our defiant commissioners and staff are turfing on!

Kelly Fraasch - on NPR in Philadelphia! UPDATED

Kelly Fraasch was on NPR's WHYY The Pulse in Philadelphia today at 6:00 PM. Could there be a link between artificial turf and cancer? Click on the link. Just under the title of the article is an arrow/play button to the radio broadcast. Way to go, Kelly! [I told you that Mt. Lebanon is getting national attention, Lebo Citizen readers.] 

Below is a segment of the November 8, 2014 rally that took place at Clearview Common in Uptown Mt. Lebanon.



Kelly speaks at the end of the rally and asks residents to contact State Representative Dan Miller, Senator Matt Smith, Congressman Tim Murphy, and City Council Sue Means. As soon as I get that snippet, I will add it to this post.

Unfortunately, Mt. Lebanon residents were unable to get an attorney to file an appeal with the Environmental Hearing Board. The Environmental Hearing Board has jurisdiction over appeals of DEP permits. Here is a link to their website: http://ehb.courtapps.com/public/rulesDecisionsAndResources.php.

That website has information regarding the process, however to file an appeal you must register on this website, if you plan to file electronically.  You can also download paper forms and mail them:  ehb.courtapps.com

An aggrieved party typically has 30 days to appeal the issuance or denial of a permit.

The permit was issued October 16. I imagine tomorrow would be the last day to file.

Update November 14, 2014 12:53 PM Letter sent to commissioners.

From:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To:	commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc:	sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; philip.weis <philip.weis@bipc.com>
Subject:	Another group of local pediatricians speak out against toxic turf
Date:	Fri, Nov 14, 2014 12:52 pm

---

Commissioners,

A second pediatric group is now warning their parents about toxic turf. Pediatrics South just added a post on the dangers of artificial turf on their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pediatrics-South/115097255209738 This is in addition to the pediatric group, Pediatric Alliance, I mentioned during Citizen Comments at the November 11, 2014 commission meeting.

In case you missed it, Kelly Fraasch was on NPR in Philadelphia last evening. Here is a link to it and a portion of the rally from November 8.

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/11/kelly-fraasch-on-npr-in-philadelphia.html

Any update on the new costs? Considering you started the project almost four weeks ago, I would think you would know something by now. Personally, you should have known the new cost PRIOR to the start of construction. From your website, we were told that the total cost of the project would be $888,000. See below.

On July 8, 2014, the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners awarded the contract to Vasco Sports Contractors for Base Bid 1 - Blended Turf with Thatch Zone with Sand and Rubber Infill ($859,000) 

Add Alternate 6 - Storm Filtration System ($21,000) and 

Add Alternate 9 - Water Fountain ($8,000) 

for a total price of $888,000, subject to: 

a) Receipt of the NPDES permit, 

b) Receipt of $250,000 of non-municipal funds, and 

c) Review and approval of all contract language by the Solicitor and Municipal Manager. 

What a sham!

Elaine Gillen

Update November 14, 2014 3:42 PM Kristen Linfante is more confident than ever about her vote.

-----Original Message-----
From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; philip.weis <philip.weis@bipc.com>; <commission@mtlebanon.org> <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Fri, Nov 14, 2014 1:23 pm
Subject: Re: Another group of local pediatricians speak out against toxic turf

Ms Gillen,

I'm so glad you brought this to our attention. Pediatrics South is the practice I use. Of course, I immediately called them to find out where they stand on the issue. This is what I was told. I was told that an "irate" woman has been repeatedly calling their office and demanding that they address the issue because other pediatricians have. They told me that after so many repeated calls by you - I mean by "the woman " - that Dr Tyson said he was NOT willing to make a statement or take a stand on turf, but that to appease the irate caller and to get her to stop calling, he agreed to allow the article to be posted on their Facebook page. That is all. Pediatrics South has not taken a stand against turf. I know Dr Tyson personally, and I feel more confident than ever about my vote.

I would suggest that you stop badgering doctors and allow them to spend their precious time treating patients rather than dealing with calls like the ones you are clearly making.

Kristen Linfante

Commissioner, Ward 3 

Sent from my iPhone

Please forgive any texting typos 

To which I replied with:

From:egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com> To:klinfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org> Cc:sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; philip.weis <philip.weis@bipc.com>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> Subject:Re: Another group of local pediatricians speak out against toxic turf Date:Fri, Nov 14, 2014 1:28 pm

---

Wow, Kristen. You've really gone too far. I went to school with Scott. He was also my son's pediatrician. I never called his office or any pediatrician's office.

I wish I had the money to sue you. You are as toxic as the turf.

Elaine Gillen

Deer and turf

Over an hour was spent tonight discussing deer during the Commission's Discussion Session. Over. An. Hour.

The PA Game Commission spoke tonight and really took over the discussion. He kept talking about sharp shooting, until finally Steve Feller had to stop him and say that the commission doesn't want sharp shooting. Mr. Game Commission went on to say that we can bow hunt without a permit with the owner's permission. So all the pro-kill people who signed up before the meeting, all written by the same person and spoke before me should be thrilled to hear that. They don't think the commissioners are listening to them even though they have over a thousand signatures for deer culling. Get four thousand signatures, and we'll talk about elected officials not listening, Folks.

Unfortunately, the Game Commissioner ate up all the time and left none for a turf update. Over an hour was spent to discuss $68,000 for deer management and nothing for the over a million dollar project. I had to leave the discussion session several times. The commissioners are willing to do lethal methods of trapping and killing deer, but not sharp shooting. Mr. Game Commissioner said that if we do sterilization, we must also have a deer cull. And it also has to be on public property, a.k.a. parks. According to Mr. Game Commissioner, it appears that the Allegheny County Parks do deer culling. What Mr. G.C. failed to mention is that the County has nine parks, totaling over 12,000 acres. South Park alone is 2013 acres. Guess the size of Mt. Lebanon. 3,840 acres. So let me get this straight. It is OK to bow hunt on your own property without permission from your neighbors. We must shoot on public property (parks). We cannot do sterilization alone. It must be in combination with killing deer. Later tonight, the commissioners were going to vote on bee keeping. Yes, bees. Madness. One pro-kill man thanked Dave Brumfield for doing his research over the misinformation that was said at the last meeting about the supposed dangers of artificial turf. Why not do the same research for deer culling, he asked. HA!

When I got up to speak, I said this:

I sent an email on Thursday, Oct 30, 2014 03:11 PM and a second request today, Tuesday, Nov 11, 2014 01:05 PM concerning the revised cost of the turf project to the commission, Manager Feller, and Gateway engineer, Dan Deiseroth.
My email was short and sweet.

"Based on the required upgrades for stormwater management, the DEP told us that the changes will be quite expensive. What is the new cost of the project? Will the SAB be contributing more funds to cover their 25% obligation?"
Will you please answer my questions?

Do you know what Steve Feller's answer was? Gateway and the municipality don't know and will let me know as soon as they find out. They are looking at cutting costs and even discussing funding. 

OMG. They started the project and have no idea how much it will cost or who will pay for it. 

I went on to say:

Pediatric Alliance St. Clair Office in Pine Bridge Mall, which is made up of pediatricians, recently blogged about the dangers of artificial turf. They mentioned Mt. Lebanon and not in a good way. And they (the pediatricians) aren't misinformed. 

Please recede and reseed Middle and Wildcat Fields

Finally, I wrapped up with something that I saw on MacArthur around 11:30 PM on Election Night. It was a buck with an arrow stuck in its side. I learned tonight that Bethel is bow hunting. I asked if Bethel has an obligation to neighboring communities to contain their hunted deer within their boundaries. It was a very disturbing site to me. The answer? They have no obligation.

Total insanity tonight. I left shortly after I spoke. I didn't even stay for the budget hearing for which I signed up to speak.

Commissioner Brumfield on Artificial Turf

This is the one I was waiting for. Thank you, Mr. Turfstein. NBC should see this. Coach Amy Griffin should see this. Every parent in Mt. Lebanon needs to see this.

Link to YouTube video - Commissioner Brumfield on Artificial Turf 

Commissioner Linfante- Zinc is not harmful to humans

I received a link to a YouTube video from a man by the name of Albert Turfstein. It is a clip of Commission President Kristen Linfante claiming that zinc is not harmful to humans.

According to the CDC:

Taking too much zinc into the body through food, water, or dietary supplements can also affect health. The levels of zinc that produce adverse health effects are much higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for zinc of 11 mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women. If large doses of zinc (10-15 times higher than the RDA) are taken by mouth even for a short time, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Ingesting high levels of zinc for several months may cause anemia, damage the pancreas, and decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. 

Eating food containing very large amounts of zinc (1,000 times higher than the RDA) for several months caused many health effects in rats, mice, and ferrets, including anemia and injury to the pancreas and kidney. Rats that ate very large amounts of zinc became infertile. Rats that ate very large amounts of zinc after becoming pregnant had smaller babies. Putting low levels of certain zinc compounds, such as zinc acetate and zinc chloride, on the skin of rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice caused skin irritation. Skin irritation from exposure to these chemicals would probably occur in humans. EPA has determined that because of lack of information, zinc is not classifiable as to its human carcinogenicity.

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
  4770 Buford Hwy NE
  Atlanta, GA 30341
• 800-CDC-INFO
  (800-232-4636)
  TTY: (888) 232-6348
• New Hours of Operation
  8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
  Closed Holidays
  Contact CDC-INFO

The commissioners have "done all the research." Artificial turf is safe. Zinc is not harmful to humans. The link to the video is above. Additionally, I am adding it to this post. Feel free to share with family and friends. Send it to government agencies. I hope it goes viral.

Mr. Turfstein, I am looking forward to a video of Dave Brumfield next. Thank you for sharing this.

Link to the YouTube video

"Recede and Reseed" UPDATED

Gorgeous day for a rally. KDKA, WPXI, and WTAE cameras were there. The Post-Gazette and The Almanac had reporters present. I counted 75 people in attendance, including the two sports guys.

Thanks goes to the organizers, the speakers, ALL of the people who showed up, the media, and especially to the only commissioner who attended, Commissioner Kelly Fraasch.

Update October 27, 2014 7:09 AM Mt. Lebanon residents, commissioners dig into turf war

But David Brumfield, Mt. Lebanon Ward 4 commissioner, said the NBC report used anecdotal evidence from what some soccer players may have thought caused their cancer in place of actual scientific evidence. He also said that football players spend more time than anyone on turf, and there have been no complaints about the artificial turf used at the Mt. Lebanon High School football field. He said the artificial turf will increase the number of events and time of year the field can be used.

Update October 27, 2014 3:27 PM Lots of publicity! Thanks!

Not a little late; the municipality started a little early. They were supposed to wait three weeks after the permit was issued. The permit was issued on Thursday and construction started the following Monday.

ANOTHER NBC Nightly News Story on Artificial Turf

A followup story on NBC Nightly News tonight concerning artificial turf. High School Changes Plans for Artificial Turf Field

The school’s change of heart came after an NBC News investigation featuring University of Washington soccer coach Amy Griffin, who has compiled a list of 38 American soccer players -- 34 of them goalies -– who have been diagnosed with cancer, most commonly blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.

Both parents and players were concerned. Just like they are here. I received a note from a high school student today asking about the negative effects the artificial turf may have on the community.

I am going to include my response to the student here, which may help parents understand how we got to this point in Mt. Lebanon.

Hi XXXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me. I am delighted that you are taking an interest in this topic. I know that high school students appreciate the truth and are willing to listen. I also know that high school students understand abuse of power.

What I would like to share with you are links to various resources and let you draw your own conclusions.

Since you emailed me, you must be know about my blog, lebocitizens.blogspot.com. I have linked documents and reports that illustrate the negative effects on the community.
CBS News: School replaces artificial turf over cancer concerns
Groups Giving Second Thoughts To Those Little Black Crumbs On Playing Fields

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/nightly-news-on-nbc-at-630-pm.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/how-safe-artificial-turf-your-child-plays-n220166

http://www.today.com/video/today/56202605 

Morning Joe on MSNBC

Forbes Magazine: Buyers Remorse Surfacing Over Artificial Turf Fields
VOTERS REJECT ARTIFICIAL TURF IN THREE STATES

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/09/commissioners-and-school-board-members.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/02/artificial-turf-fields-troubling.html

These are just some of the negative effects on the community. There is the lack of transparency on behalf of the municipality discussing these potentially harmful effects.

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/no-leboalert-because-it-is-political.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/kids-health-safety-fair-is-not-correct.html

The use of excess tax dollars to fund the project, without a referendum, and the abuse of power when commissioners email constituents saying that they have three votes and that it will pass. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9r_1biKte_bLUp0dHU0bTE5eUk/view?usp=sharing

Where a commissioner lied about the ESB's stand on artificial turf. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/03/mother-of-all-rtks.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/02/audio-montage-of-nov-25-and-feb-11.html

In the audio montage above, Recreation Director David Donnellan is heard saying that there is a representative from the Parks Advisory Board on the Sports Advisory Board. Dave Franklin, Parks Advisory Board liaison, shares his perspective here. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/03/appeasing-select-few.htmlIt wasn't until Mr. Franklin was absent from a meeting, when we learned about the Parks Advisory Board push back here. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/05/finally-board-pushes-back.html

Then there is the post which shows flooding on Cedar Blvd. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-dont-know-where-to-begin.html

and the video clip of the same from August. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/08/cedar-blvd-closed-due-to-flooding.html Notice how the first comment accuses me of lying.

Sadly, the school board directors will be putting in artificial turf on the high school's Rock Pile." http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/02/more-artificial-turf-coming-to-high.html and http://www.thealmanac.net/article/20141021/NEWS/141029978

Finally, XXXXXXX, there will be a rally on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM down at the fields. http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2014/10/rally-for-lebo-kids-health_22.html  I would like to invite some students to SPEAK at the rally against the turf project, if they are interested in representing the student point of view. Someone will be. There is nothing more powerful than hearing from your point of view. I hope you can make it on Sunday. If you do, please introduce yourself to me. I would love to meet another citizen exercising his First Amendment rights.

Thank you for contacting me...

Elaine Gillen.

What Mt. Lebanon residents don't know is what the DEP shared with a concerned resident.  The new storm water plan will be more expensive. A lot more more expensive. Our commissioners have not disclosed that to us. Perhaps they never thought to ask. Or Gateway engineering forgot to tell them. 

Don't forget: 

"Rally for Lebo Kids' Health"
Sunday, October 26, 2014 11:00 AM
Middle and Wildcat Fields on Cedar Blvd.

No LeboALERT because it is political

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: klinfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: sfeller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; cmcdonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; nsohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>; commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; smorgans <smorgans@mtlebanon.org>Sent: Tue, Oct 21, 2014 10:06 AM
Subject: Re: Kids Health & Safety Fair

I see. It is unfortunate that you consider anything about kids' safety as political. I am not surprised.

Since the purpose of the June 12 presentation was "NOT to discuss the potential harmful effect of artificial turf" as Susan Morgans wrote in her May 23, 2014 email to Andrew McNitt, I was hoping that you would take this opportunity to let others "discuss the potential harmful effects of artificial turf."

I hope you are able to attend Sunday's rally, Commissioners.

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----


From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>; Coleman McDonough <cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org>; Nicholas Sohyda <nsohyda@mtlebanon.org>; Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Rep. Dan Miller <repmiller@pahouse.net>Sent: Tue, Oct 21, 2014 8:52 am
Subject: Re: Kids Health & Safety Fair

Ms. Gillen,

For clarification, w e send out LeboALERTs only for municipal events/issues or in response to requests from formally organized groups or 501C3s. For instance, we will send out a once-a-year-alert for YMCA Indian Princess/Guide Registration or for youth soccer registration or for a membership meeting for the Mt. Lebanon Junior Women's Club. In the spirit of neutrality, we do not send out anything political in nature and have repeatedly denied requests from both the democratic and republican committees to publicize their party events. We will send out an alert for something that an elected official is sponsoring that is open to the public—for instance Dan Miller's recent fair for young people seeking jobs (although we generally don't even do that prior to an election.)

I hope this helps to clarify the stance of the municipality.

Regards,

Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Kristen Linfante

Commissioner, Ward 3
(412)561-2790

On Tue, Oct 21, 2014 at 7:48 AM, ' egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:
Steve,

I would think that a "Kids Health & Safety Fair" is the correct forum for any group concerned about kids' health.

Nothing was mentioned about my request for a LeboALERT to be sent out on Friday concerning Sunday's Rally. I had copied Susan Morgans, but as usual, I got no response from her. In fact I received ZERO responses from anyone and it wasn't until you talked with "Rep. Miller's office about this issue" did I get a response at all.

Mr. Feller, the customer service level within the Municipality is subpar. This is Brewfest Poster Request Redux.

Elaine Gillen

OK, they got the permit. UPDATED

I am sure that there will be dancing in the streets today. The NPDES permit has been granted.

Update October 17, 2014 4:11 PM Wildcat Middle Construction Begins Monday!

Bendel seeks reelection

John Bendel will be making an announcement that he is seeking reelection in the Ward 1 Commission race.

John's claim to fame includes the turf project, no bricks on Rae Avenue, and voting to spend all of the rec bond on the swimming pool.

Staying informed about the turf project UPDATED

Talk about staying informed, you won't read anything about this from the Public Information Office. Since I was getting nowhere at the last commission meeting, I filed a Right To Know with a different government agency concerning the status of the artificial turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields.

A letter was sent to David Donnellan on August 27, 2014 with a list of significant deficiencies concerning the Wildcat Turf Project application plan submission.

I do not understand the stormwater technicalities mentioned, but I do understand that the turf project may require more permits to be filed.

I am especially interested in the additional information requested in number 6. In my August 21, 2014 blog post Bendel on historic preservation, and my June 26, 2014 blog post Dear Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board, I had divulged that these fields are specifically mentioned in Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board's National Register of Historic Places application. According to the letter sent to David Donnellan, a Cultural Resource Notice must be sent to the PA Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Mt. Lebanon resident and member of the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board, Bill Callahan, represents the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Bureau for Historic Preservation in the westernmost 26 counties of the Commonwealth. I don't understand how this was overlooked by the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board. As commission liaison to the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board, John Bendel, shame on you.

I am encouraged that there are still government agencies outside of Mt. Lebanon protecting our historical and environmental resources.

Update September 4, 2014 11:44 AM

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

The Mt. Lebanon Sports Advisory Board meeting scheduled for September 4, 2014 is canceled. For the complete meeting schedule please view our website.

Big surprise. If there is no turf project, there is nothing else to talk about.

Update September 6, 2014 4:20 PM Funny how Andrew McNitt never talked about this when he was pushing artificial turf for Mt. Lebanon's historic fields.

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. 

How low can we go?

I found the 2010 lean and clean and smart annual report produced by the Public Information Office on the municipal website. So many changes since 2010!

Concerning the cover of the report, the PIO writes: "What better symbol of Mt. Lebanon’s clean, transparent government than water splashing from the fountain at Clearview Common, a popular Uptown gathering space." I don't think I had submitted any Right To Knows for the municipal side of our government at that point. Former commissioner Dan Miller took pride in sharing documents with residents.

In 2010, our municipal government was tightening its belt. Manager Steve Feller writes: "Kept the undesignated fund balance at above 10 percent, the amount recommended by rating agencies." This year, as a result of our greedy Commission, Moody downgraded our ratings. Moody's reports challenges to be:

CHALLENGES:
Below average fund balance
Large overlapping debt with local school district

The spending of $800,000 on artificial turf violates the terms of the ordinance established by the commission.  The ordinance states that unassigned funds Cannot be used for regularly scheduled and reoccurring operational expenditures. The artificial turf is to be replaced every eight years.

Recycling is up, "increased participation over two years by 89 percent." Now we are faced with another hidden tax a.k.a. "Pay as You Throw" next month, to encourage more residents to recycle. 

Look at the partnerships:

"Share services, form partnerships; right-size and reduce redundancies
This is just good common sense. Here are a few examples:
• Signed a new two-year agreement with the school district
and the Youth Soccer Association for continued maintenance
of school athletic fields.
• Implemented the “Go Zone” uniform signage program with
the school district.
• Decided to consolidate parking authority operations into
municipal government by December 31, 2011.
• Developed a retail management and promotions strategy for
Uptown in partnership with Duquesne University."

The two year agreement with the school district and the YSA (Youth Sports Alliance, NOT the Youth Soccer Association) was a disaster. Now, the commission has chosen to enter into another maintenance agreement with the school district for Middle and Wildcat Fields.

The "Go Zone" is a disaster and has been discussed here on Lebo Citizens.

The Parking Authority was consolidated, but I'm not clear on how the funds are being spent in regard to the latest bond issue.

Retail management and promotions strategy: We couldn't have a finer manager of the Commercial Districts Office, but the TOD is going nowhere, thanks to our commission.

"Coffee with the Manager, a community relations board program that invites residents to discuss issues with the staff informally at a coffee house." and "People don’t always have time to attend public meetings, so they appreciated Coffee with the Manager, a community relations board program that promotes transparent government by inviting residents to meet informally with Manager Steve Feller and other staff members at a local coffee house." Coffee with the Manager is history. Susan Morgans said that it was not well attended. I believe the last coffee was concurrent with the Candidates Forum. 

Changes include the power structure of our municipal government. For instance, the organizational chart shows the Boards are higher on the organizational chart than staff. Now, the staff tells the Boards "how it is." 

An interesting read on undesignated funds:

The total fund balance is the difference between assets and liabilities in a specific fund of the municipality. The undesignated portion of the fund balance represents expendable available resources that can be spent for emergencies and future uncertainties. In the General Fund, the municipality’s primary operating fund, the undesignated fund balance decreased by $487,434 from 2009 to 2010. This decrease was caused by use of fund balance in the 2011 budget and a designation for 2012 to help with pension contributions. The municipality has worked to increase the General Fund’s undesignated fund balance from a low of 4.1 percent of operating revenues in 2004. Rating agency and industry standards recommend an undesignated fund balance in the General Fund to be 5 to 15 percent of operating revenues. At year-end 2010, the General Fund undesignated fund balance was 11 percent.

Newcomers should read about real estate trends.

While the real estate market has significantly declined in other areas of the country, the values in Mt. Lebanon have not been as vulnerable. After a dip in average sales price in 2008, the prices in Mt. Lebanon showed recovery in 2009 and remained steady in 2010. The average sales price increased a mere 0.1 percent from 2009 to 2010. The number of properties sold has been constant in the past, but in the last few years has been far more market sensitive.

We are moving in the wrong direction. There is less transparency, more debt and wreckless spending, lower fund balance, poorer ratings, and the staff is out of control. Have I missed anything?

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.