So I ask again...

This is how I have been spending my weekend. Part of this email exchange was published in a previous post. 
I also found out that Tony DeNicola is not a hunter, but a culler, so we will be forced to pay a processing fee of approximately $70 per deer.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; alauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; TSteinhauer <TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net>; kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 6:41 pm
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Commissioner Fraasch,

I can't seem to get a straight answer about establishing a curfew since the commission feels they need to protect the property owner over the safety of our children. I know that other residents have asked the same question. As you pointed out during the last commission meeting, your child, like most kids, like to visit friends or play outside after school. My kids loved to socialize after school and would have play dates either at our house or at friend's houses. If the weather was dry, they would ride bikes, skateboard, or play ball in the neighborhood.

During the first cull ten years ago, the hours for shooting were 9 PM to 6 AM, Sunday night through Thursday night. There was no archery program killing 102 deer. The first year, with the goal of 75 dead deer, 69 deer were killed. The second year, the goal of 150 deer was not met with 145 dead deer and one dead deer found on Lindendale making a total of 146 dead deer. Both years, the goals were not met - without a hunt beforehand. I don't understand the need to start one half hour after the elementary schools get out. 

So I ask again. Will you have a curfew?

Elaine

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; Andrew McCreery <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>; Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; tsteinhauer <TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 12:41 pm
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good afternoon,

Ms. Gillen,

Public parks not being used for the program will not be posted. Unlike the archery program, this is not a hunting program. Only posted parks may be used.

The police department will be the municipal lead related to the public safety aspect of the program. As such, the police department will be establishing appropriate safety protocols related to the program.

Keith

On Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 11:12 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Keith,

Thank you for your quick responses. Such a change from our former manager! I appreciate that, Keith.

Please clarify. Will you have two sets of signage for the public properties as you did for the corrals? You had warning signs, and then you had "No Trespassing" signs closer to the shooting sites. Will you post "No Trespassing" signs that are not in the Federal 1000 feet Gun Free School Zones? Will you have signage that lets children and parents know which areas are Gun Free Zones at the parks and golf course where the shooting will occur? Will you have signage in the public parks indicating that there will be no shooting in those parks, as you have for the archery program?

And finally, will you be establishing a 4:00 curfew for our community because of the shooting on private properties starting at 4:00 PM? Or will dismissal be earlier now in the elementary schools? They get out at approximately 3:25 or 3:30 PM.

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; Andrew McCreery <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>; Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; tsteinhauer <TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net>; Susan Morgans <smorgans@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 10:46 am
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good morning Ms. Gillen,

Mt. Lebanon did not pay a processing fee for the deer that were donated as part of the archery program. As to the program you referenced, based on my research my understanding is that this program is only available to hunters, such as the archers, and is intended to encourage them to donate the deer removed through hunting to Hunters Sharing the Harvest,

Unfortunately the same program is not offered in conjunction with a cull utilizing sharpshooters as this is not hunting and the Game Commission typically mandates the donation of deer removed in these types of programs to Hunters Sharing the Harvest or their representatives, as is the case with the permit issued to Mt. Lebanon.

White Buffalo has indicated that the processing fee will be approximately $70.00/deer.

As to communication and information on the upcoming sharpshooting program a communication plan has been developed. As part of that plan staff is currently revising the FAQ's to reflect additional information related to the program. It is anticipated that the FAQ's and notification to schools, neighboring communities, etc. should be completed next week.

The permit issued by the Game Commission allows baiting to begin January 24th and culling to begin February 1st, Appropriate signage for the public properties that were approved (McNeilly Park, Golf Course, Robb Hollow Park and the adjacent Public Works property) has been ordered and will be posted in advance of the start of the program. The parks will remain open until normal hours during the program.

Keith

On Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 10:10 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Sorry for the duplicate email, but I failed to copy our police chief and our superintendent even though it will confuse him again.

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----
From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; amccreery <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 10:07 am
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good morning Keith,

I am following up on a few things. 

Did Mt. Lebanon pay for any deer processing fees for the archery program?

As of this morning, I still do not see any hours posted for the "sharpshooting" program. In a previous email chain that a resident had with Dr. Steinhauer, our superintendent was confused that he was being questioned about the archery program and that we were to direct all questions to the municipality. So here are my questions concerning the safety of our school children. When will you be issuing a statement to the parents concerning the hours of operation for the "sharpshooting" program? Will you be establishing a 4:00 curfew for children?

Will you be closing the parks at 6PM? Will you be putting up No Trespassing signs, as you had with the corrals?

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 7:52 am
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good morning Elaine,

Thank you for providing the information. I will discuss with White Buffalo and provide a response to everyone.

Keith

On Fri, Jan 15, 2016 at 6:53 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Commissioners,

You never cease to amaze me at your lack of due diligence. Tony DeNicola will be charging us for processing fees of up to $100 per deer or up to $15,000 for 150 deer.

There are no processing fees if the meat is donated to Hunters Sharing the Harvest. http://www.sharedeer.org/support/

As announced last season, HSH is proud to continue with the elimination of the $15 co-payrequested from hunters in the past when donating a deer to the program. Hunters can now drop off a whole deer at one of our participating processors found closest to where you live or hunt. There is no fee, there is no charge to donate a deer thanks to major gifts from the natural gas industry along with the PA Game Commission and exceptional yearly support of major corporate sponsors, partners, sportsmen’s clubs and 1000s of individuals who have contributed financial over the years. When you donate a deer, all we ask is that you sign a receipt provided by the butcher so he/she will be reimbursed at the agreed to rate for processing the donated venison for the program. To find an HSH participating processor, please consult the by-county deer processor page for shop locations, or call our toll-free number for more information. That’s it.

The closest participating processor is: 

Allegheny

Kip's Deer Processing
Kip Padgelek
3 Saint John's Drive
Carnegie, PA 15106
412.279.6527

This is the same processor that Merlin Benner used.

Elaine Gillen

--

Keith McGill, AICP
Municipal Manager/Municipal Planner
412-343-3684
kmcgill@mtlebanon.org 

Culling expert thinks we need more culling

Deer control expert to Mt. Lebanon says culling still a possibility

Tony DeNicola will be coming back to speak with the Commission on June 22. Tony DeNicola, president of White Buffalo, Inc. is the one who told then Commissioner Linfante that the 2014 aerial survey was inaccurate and estimated that there are 400-600, and even over 600 deer in Mt. Lebanon (number varied depending on the source). I have not seen many deer for some time now. Certainly not 600 deer in 6.06 square miles, or even 400 deer.

Commissioner Kelly Fraasch, who pushed for surgical sterilization of deer, said DeNicola's numbers are estimates. One deer count, using an airplane and infrared cameras in 2013, put the population at more than 340. A count a year later showed fewer than 200.
“We have no idea how many deer there are in the municipality,” Fraasch said.

Click on the link to Mt. Lebanon that is on White Buffalo's website. You will see "Deer Doctor" Sandy Baker's photo. Her recommendations are listed on the pledge below.

For a hard copy of the pledge, click on:

Take the Pledge

Please mail completed forms to:

Elaine Gillen

P.O. Box 14873

Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Behavior Lesson by the Mary Larsen Party of Six

Dear Mary Larsen and five other Mt. Lebanon residents,

Looking back at those dark times in 2006-2008 and again in 2014-2015 when Mt. Lebanon was trying to kill deer, I would like to comment on the behavior of some of the commissioners, excluding Dan Miller, Keith Mulvihill, and Kelly Fraasch. 

Our elected officials took it upon themselves to play God. They decided how many deer should die in Mt. Lebanon. The commissioners ignored scientific data. They put residents in danger by permitting the use of weapons in our community. One commissioner urged residents to take matters into their own hands.

This particular commissioner was rude, interrupted residents, and quite often lowered herself to personal attacks. Frequently, she would email commissioners with "dirt" on those who would disagree with her during citizen comments. She went after people's professions and backgrounds. Ironically, she was elected promising to cooperate, communicate, and collaborate.

Through the years, Kristen has lied to constituents, violated the Sunshine Law, and treated her colleagues and constituents in an unprofessional manner. This was the final straw for me. In a never before published email exchange, Kristen Linfante was over the top. Since then, Kristen Linfante resigned from office, citing health problems. 

So you see, Mrs. Larsen, the behavior lesson should be directed toward our commission. Notice too, Mrs. Larson, I made no personal attacks toward you or the five others who allegedly signed your letter. I am a law abiding citizen, exercising my constitutional rights. You are correct, Mrs. Larsen. We should all be willing to play by the same rules.

Elaine Gillen

Mt. Lebanon

Behavior Lesson
Looking back on the brouhaha that was the deer culling in Mt. Lebanon, we would like to comment on the behavior of some of the people, especially those opposed to the deer culling as proposed. 

Our elected officials should not have to put up with rude and boisterous behavior. Shouting will not make them change their minds. Interrupting does not make a point more valid. Personal attacks prove only that one has run out of legitimate arguments. And all of this was part of the public meetings. 

Each elected official represents hundreds of voters and is generally aware of how those voters feel. They set aside time at each meeting so that other points of view can be made. They listen to you in silence. They usually don't interrupt. They will seldom lower themselves to personal attacks. 

As fellow human beings, we should all be willing to play by the same rules. 

Mary Larsen
Mt. Lebanon 

This letter also was signed by five other Mt. Lebanon residents.

Come again?

I got my copy of The Almanac today. Love the headlines. Turning to page 3, Linfante resigns from Lebo board, the statement from John Bendel has me confused. (I can't provide the link, but it is from the March 25-31, 2015 issue, The Almanac, page 3)

"Bendel said the township will begin looking for an interim replacement for Linfante, who is in favor of deer culling."

Am I to take it that only those in favor of deer culling should apply? Those opposed to deer culling need not apply?

I had received this comment on March 17, 2015 through the blog.

Dear E Gillan, 

Why have you not posted my wife's email in regards to the deercull? She even signed it. Was it because she is for the culling? 

Regards, 

Chuck Vietmeier | vietmeierchuck@gmail.com

I wrote back to say that I had not received anything from her. After all this time, she finally figured out how to submit a comment. She writes:

concerned citizen has left a new comment on your post " Consider the following":  

Dear Ms. Gillen: 
Is there anything about Mt. Lebanon that you do like? Your neighbors, your library, the school system, the public services, the volunteer efforts? This community has so many wonderful attributes and I am grateful that I grew up here and continue to reside here. I have not seen a pleasant comment anywhere on your blog about our community. Why do you stay here if you hate it so much? Moreover, your personal attacks on the commissioners are unprofessional and hateful. We have a democratic system and our volunteer officials were elected by the community to serve. If you disagree with their decisions, please run for office instead of resorting to personal attacks (e.g., "murderers", "liars", etc.) That type of conduct does no one any good. Best, Kirsten Rydstrom  

ps. why are there so many "anonymous"comments instead of people standing behind their comments. 

Posted by concerned citizen to Lebo Citizens at March 25, 2015 at 8:16 PM

Sorry, Kirsten, but I would never be selected to replace Kristen Linfante, since I am opposed to deer culling.  I'm also opposed to artificial turf. I need not apply.

So residents of Ward 3: If you are for: 

deer culling

artificial turf

reckless spending 

keeping the Manager and PIO

Send your letters of interest and resumes to:

Mt. Lebanon Manager Stephen Feller

710 Washington Road

Pittsburgh,  PA  15228

Mark your sealed envelope with  “Commissioner Application.”

The deadline to apply is April 13, 2015 at 10 AM. Interviews begin on April 14, 2015, which is the next Commission meeting.

Mt. Lebanon commissioner steps down, citing health

CIVIC-MINDED? UPDATED

The Post-Gazette reported:

Quietly, discreetly, a few civic-minded archers have been hunting for deer in Mt. Lebanon for years.
“I’ve taken five does out,” said Dave, a Mt. Lebanon archer who asked that his last name be withheld to avoid upsetting neighbors.

CIVIC-MINDED?  Since when does someone who is civic-minded wants his last name withheld to avoid upsetting neighbors? Civic-minded, according to Merriam-Webster: tending to do things that help your city or town and the people who live there.

John Hayes' Mt. Lebanon's deer herd in the crosshairs After years of population growth, the South Hills suburb plans to corral and kill dozens of deer. How did it come to this? is full of bullshit.

Outraged animal lovers call it “carnage.”

Mr. Hayes neglects to include those of us who are concerned with the safety of Mt. Lebanon residents. These areas are in public parks and in close proximity to neighborhood schools.

Hayes quotes the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. He also writes:

After much debate, commissioners implemented a then-controversial taxpayer-funded deer reduction program combining U.S. Department of Agriculture sharpshooters and a limited trap-and-kill operation that removed 230 deer in two years. Before the program had met its goals, it was discontinued in 2008.

What Hayes fails to mention is that in each of the years when Mt. Lebanon had "sharpshooters" and they weren't sharpshooters, by the way, Wildlife Services failed to meet their goal.

Season 1 - goal was 75 deer.  69 were killed.
Season 2 - goal was 150 deer. After doubling the nights agreed upon by Mt. Lebanon calling them "half-nights," 146 deer were killed. 145 were recovered and tagged (Lindendale deer was not tagged)

The bogus deer "incident" report is continually brought up by the media. The 807 deer related incidents include deer sightings and my August 20, 2014 report WHICH NEVER OCCURRED.

Hayes continues with:

The state Game Commission and most wildlife agencies estimate deer density using habitat analyses, road kills and other circumstantial metrics rather than hard counts, which are considered to be expensive and not particularly reliable.

Each aerial survey cost Mt. Lebanon $5,000. The 2013 count of 342 was "extremely accurate." The 2014 count of 196 done by the same firm, at the same time of the year, showing a 43% reduction, suddenly was not. (Why can't I find the 2014 aerial survey on the municipal website?) The counts done by Wildlife Services in 2006-2008 were compiled over a series of nights, possibly counting the same deer over and over.

The PA Game Commission's Chris Rosenberry failed to confirm that deer sterilization is a proven, effective method of non-lethal deer management. Science IS there, Mr. Rosenberry.

Finally, John Hayes again chose to ignore the press release which states that there will be another protest tomorrow at 5:30 PM. Good work, John.

*************

Petition: Stop the deer culling! As of 2:27 PM on February 22, 2015, there are 4,369 supporters.

I located the email addresses of the Scott Township commissioners.

Craig Stephens   craigs6785@gmail.com

Stacey Altman   staceyalt@msn.com

David Calabria   dcalabria@mackinengineering.com

Thomas Castello tcastello@aol.com

David Jason        dave.commissioner@live.com

Patricia Caruso   caruso1386@comcast.net

Donald Giudici   dwgiudici_cpa@hotmail.com  (Twin Hills Park is in his ward)

William Wells    redwagon2@verizon.net

Eileen Meyers    commeileen@comcast.net

John Hayes has a second article in the PG today, Outdoors notebook: Hunters take aim at Mt. Lebo deer cull More on "Dave."

But hunters generally stay out of Mt. Lebanon, said Dave, because of discharge ordinances that effectively "ban" hunting. The ordinances, however, aren't enforceable - Mt. Lebanon police chief Coleman McDonough confirmed that state law and prior court decisions trump local laws that attempt to control hunting, which is solely regulated by the Game Commission.

This quote really upset me.

Chris Rosenberry, head of the PGC deer and elk team that approved the plan, put it this way:
"The community is telling us that the problem is too many deer now," he said. "In some way, some of the animals have to come out of the population."

The "community" telling the PGC that the problem is too many deer now is made up of Steve Feller, Kristen Linfante, Steve Silverman, Dave Brumfield, John Bendel, Barbara Logan, Marilyn Narey, Carolyn Byham, Lourdes Castellanos, and Michalina Pendzich.

Media Coverage of the Commissioners' Dirty Deed

As of 5:29 PM, the Stop the deer culling petition has 3,213 supporters.





The Trib reports Divisive deer plan sparks protest in Mt. Lebanon

And from the folks at the Post-Gazette, who claim we have THOUSANDS of deer in Mt. Lebanon, comes this fine example of accurate reporting. Mt. Lebanon commission, residents debate deer culling  I think I am going to cancel my subscription to the Post-Gazette.

A podcast of last night's commission is available on my website, lebocitizens.com.


Commissioner Fraasch has a call to action on her blog, A Call to Action! Contact the PA Game Commission and State Representatives

Fake KDKA News (@Fake_KDKA)

2/11/15, 12:07 PM

Deer issue disturbing warning to Mt. Lebanon residents: pic.twitter.com/wuPNHftabK


KDKA-TV/CBS Pittsburgh on Facebook 

KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh

Killing deer in Mt. Lebanon is a controversial issue. Despite protests from residents and a petition, it appears the plan is moving forward.

Do you support the plan?
So far 232 comments. Most of them are negative comments about the horrible, rich snobs of Mt. Lebanon who don't like deer poop. Thank you, Commissioners. 

Trap-and-Euthanize Deer Cull to Begin in Mt. Lebanon On NPR:

The city of Mt. Lebanon did implement a sharp-shooting program in place from 2006-2008, but Linfante said it was discontinued over safety concerns among her fellow commissioners, many of which she believes are imagined. 

As for what is on the Municipal website as of February 12, 2015 at 12:30 PM: The bogus deer incident report still shows my reported incident of August 20, 2014. I asked for it to be removed during Citizen Comments and acting president Kelly Fraasch said that someone would contact me. No one has. The approved list of killing sites has not been updated. No mention of Twin Hills Park or the Conservation District. 

The Almanac February 12, 2015 Mt. Lebanon to expand deer cull despite protests 

                                                                The Almanac 021215

Think more, kill less Letters to the Editor, Observer-Reporter

What a shame to hear about the controversy about lowering the deer population in Mt. Lebanon. 

How inhumane and cruel it would be to lure animals into a pen to kill them for an exorbitant fee. The easier solution would be to lure them into that same pen, then into a truck, and move them to an area where the population of deer is not a problem.

Mt. Lebanon's deer culling will be a savage slaughter

February 13, 2015 12:00 AM

Regarding “Mt. Lebanon Deer Culling Debated” (Feb. 11): Years ago, as an Upper St. Clair resident, I opposed the culling of deer by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to no avail. It took place in the woods behind my home, now known as Boyce Mayview Park, where I daily walked my dogs.

It ruined our peaceful walks, encouraged poachers (who killed a rare albino deer and left it to rot!) and didn’t stop gardens from being eaten or cars colliding with deer. 

I find it interesting that a Mt. Lebanon resident stated that 37 years ago she didn’t have deer in her backyard (or deer poop, which seems to be her main concern). That’s because the community wasn’t overdeveloped then, as every community with deer problems needs to recognize. 

Drivers need to be cautious; I’m sure speeding is a factor in many collisions. 

The deer are very intelligent, adapting to having their environment taken from them by suburbanites.

Every resident in favor of Mt. Lebanon’s savage slaughter should have to personally shoot the deer. I wonder how many could watch the fear and panic in those beautiful creatures’ eyes and pull the trigger? Over poop and flowers! Ah ... the human ego. 

By the way, I am a master gardener. Fences, repellents and proper plant selection sure beat violence and guns. 

LYNNE LUCCHINO
Bethel Park

As of February 14, 2015 at 2:03 AM, the Stop the deer culling! petition has 3,604 supporters.

The Post-Gazette editorial board has taken a stand. February 14, 2015 12:00 AM Deer kill: Mt. Lebanon leaders should cancel the slaughter 

Since the game commission must decide whether to approve this plan, there’s hope it will tell Mt. Lebanon game over, do something else. We say live and let live, and learn to plant flowers and shrubs that the deer will ignore.

Mike Pintek:February 5, 2015 - HOUR 3) 
KDKA Radio
Dr Jeffrey Pope - Veterinarian and Owner of Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital joined Mike to discuss Mt. Lebanon's deer culling plan. Dr Pope explained how trapping deer in a cage is cruel because they will injure and even kill themselves trying to get out.

New clearing discovered in Twin Hills Park: 

The new clearing leads to this parking lot of an apartment complex. Can anyone figure out which street this is?

This truck was sitting in the circle of Williamsburg Park for 45 minutes last week scouting out possible locations for corrals.

Contact the PA Game Commission. 

- Chris Rosenberry (biologist): 717 433 4062.
- Robert Schlemmer (Commissioner for Allegheny County): 724 327 1649.

The Mt. Lebanon plan to kill deer is pathetic 

February 16, 2015 12:00 AM

Thank you for your Feb. 14 editorial regarding the local so-called “deer kill” (“Deer Kill: Mt. Lebanon Leaders Should Cancel the Slaughter”).

This, in my mind, is a pathetic response to a problem posed in our so-called “advanced civilization.”
My house is on a regular deer route, and my plants disappear, but I would rather see the deer fed and happy posing in my yard than dead in the middle of the night in some council person’s trap.
Let’s try an option that matches our so-called “advanced understanding” of things here in Mt. Lebanon.

JEANNE DIANA
Mt. Lebanon

Petition: Stop the deer culling! UPDATED

I just signed the petition "Mt. Lebanon Deer Culling: Stop the deer culling!" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

Our goal is to reach 500 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:

Stop the deer culling!

Thanks!

Elaine

Update February 3, 2015 6:42 AM As of 6:42 AM, there are 973 signatures. Thank you!

Update February 3, 2015 11:56 AM As of 11:55 AM, there are 1061 signatures. I am posting Kristen's response to an email that was sent by a resident. Didn't someone say that the deer running into Create-A-Frame never occur? The wildlife expert that Kristen is quoting wants nothing to do with Mt. Lebanon. I am asking for the letter which states that the sterilization permit was denied. The Lyme Disease figure is another big, fat lie. How many lies can you spot in Kristen's email?

Dear xxxxxxxxx,

Thanks for taking the time to contact the commission with your concerns. The fact is that the commission is implementing a cull because of the large number of car accidents that have been reported, and the fact that the number is on the rise. We are dealing with a major safety issue, unfortunately. A wildlife expert has estimated that we have nearly 100 deer per square mile in Mt. Lebanon. They have no known predators other than cars, and the population has remained unchecked. Numerous experts have told us that there is no non-lethal method that would solve our problem because the numbers are currently so high. The commission did support a two-pronged approach of an initial cull to quickly reduce the numbers, and then a sterilization program to keep the numbers in check. However, sterilization is not approved in the state of PA, and our application to the game commission for sterilization was denied. We hope that once our numbers are lower, the game commission will reconsider. 

This is not about gardeners. This is about safety. It is not just about speeding cars either. One resident was severely injured in my ward when stopped at a light. A deer crashed through her driver's side window. The deer's antlers mutilated the woman, severely injuring her as the deer thrashed about. She was not speeding. She was not even moving. This is not the first incident of a non-moving car being struck by deer. Another deer recently crashed into the window of Create-a-Frame on Washington Rd, and last year a deer crashed through the window at Stout Flooring on Castle Shannon Blvd and caused significant damage. Deer have also jumped through large windows and sliding doors in residents' home causing major damage. Unfortunately, the number of deer/vehicular accidents is too high. The risks are too great. We must do something as it is a public safety issue. Lyme Disease - which is up almost 300% is, of course, also an issue. 

We have spent years investigating this issue, and have come up with a plan that we hope will reduce car accidents. This is our goal - to reduce car accidents with deer by 50% in the next 3-5 years. If there are less deer on our roads, the risks will be reduced. Again, they have no known predators. This is not a natural environment for them either. Because those predators don't exist here, we must find a way to keep ecology in balance.

Answers to your specific questions: Yes, the police will continue to track deer incidents as they have done for the past several years. All of those stats are available to the public.
Yes, the municipality will inform the public of the locations of the corrals.
The corrals will be monitored for deer, and also for human tampering. Yes, the company awarded the contract will clean the area of any blood, etc. 

I disagree with your assessment that this is a "mockery of leadership". Public Safety must be the #1 concern of every municipality. Deer management falls into this category. I recognize that this is an emotion issue for some, but safety must remain a top priority, and the extreme overpopulation of deer is putting our residents at significant risk as shown in the data we have collected over the past several years. 

Thanks again for taking the time to write.
Yours truly,

Kristen Linfante

Commissioner, Ward 3

Update February 4, 2015 5:44 AM As of 5:42 AM, there are 1,248 signatures. Thank you!

Update February 4, 2015 9:49 AM I wanted to share an email from our police chief, Coleman McDonough, with Lebo Citizens readers. Inaccuracies I reread the email string and can see how it can be interpreted either way. Thank you for the clarification. I do apologize.

Chief, I do hope that you release the specific deer culling locations before any corralling begins.

Both sides agree!

It is starting already. Nobody is pleased with the deer killing plan recently approved by Kristen Linfante, Steve Silverman, and Dave Brumfield. Both sides of the deer management controversy are agreeing that the plan which will begin on February 1, 2015 is a bad one.

For years, the Trib's Colin McNickle has been quite vocal over his distain with the deer in Mt. Lebanon. In Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances:

An observation: Years of dickering and dithering over culling Mt. Lebanon's exploding deer population has led to a plan to corral and shoot deer by a conflicted contractor (a consultant for the municipality turned culler who never has used the methodology) and at a cost to taxpayers of $500 per deer (up to $75,000). The cull will bow next week. But had Mt. Lebanon run a consistent program over the years, using local licensed hunters, it would have cost virtually nothing.

Laura Simon, wildlife biologist at The Humane Society of the United States, has submitted another opinion piece to The Almanac this week, Killing deer won’t resolve Mt. Lebanon’s issues. Her last submission got the pro-kill ladies in a tizzy at the last commission meeting.

Mt. Lebanon’s deer killing plan is a huge mistake. There’s good reason other communities aren’t using corrals to entrap deer and then trying to shoot them point-blank. 

First, this method is inefficient. Few deer will even come into the corrals. By virtue of being located in “safe” park areas, those deer who are trapped won’t even be the same ones bothering people in the residential areas. 

Second, this new plan is a total waste of taxpayer money. Deer numbers will quickly pop up again as new deer move into the area and more fawns are born. It’s a phenomenon called “compensatory reproduction,” which means that when deer have better nutrition, they breed at a younger age and have higher fawn survival. The net result is a population surge after a hunting decline. 

Third, this plan is inhumane. When the corral gate shuts, the deer will panic and slam into the fencing. The result will be broken legs and necks. If the city goes ahead with this misguided plan, we highly encourage residents to demand that an objective observer or the press be allowed to see this spectacle. 

Fourth, the $500 per deer could have been more wisely spent on a sterilization project, which would have cost a bit more, yet actually lowered the population. 

Fifth, it is worth questioning the safety of any plan in which deer are shot, night and day, with rifles in areas so close to human dwellings. 

Finally, we question what appears to be a real conflict of interest in this case. The company that received the contract to kill deer is the same company that’s been paid to advise Mt. Lebanon officials. 

The Humane Society of the United States urges Mt. Lebanon to show true leadership and invest in an innovative, effective, humane and long-term solution. That is, one that utilizes deer-resistant gardening strategies, state-of-the-art fertility control options and successful collision reduction strategies already in operation elsewhere. 

Overall, the city’s decision to allow deer to be corralled and shot is inhumane, reckless and doomed to fail. Let’s hope community leaders have the good sense to call it off. 

Laura Simon
Wildlife Biologist at The Humane Society of the United States

"When WE see the deer," Kristen? UPDATED

Mt. Lebanon Puts Plan In Place To Begin Culling Deer Population

“When we see the deer are in there, we send a text message back to the gate and it closes,” Linfante said. 

Since Pennsylvania doesn’t allow relocating the deer, a wildlife team will go to the corral at night and shoot the deer. 

“Because of the close range, it’s a very immediate result and there are very few risks or concerns involved,” Linfante says.

Update January 29, 2015 12:45 PM Wildlife Specialists, LLC proposal and signed agreement has been uploaded on to the municipal website. A link to the proposal and agreement has been added to this update.

Deer killing is a go UPDATED 3X

There was excitement in the air tonight prior to the start of the discussion session. The power brokers were there in full force to watch and listen to Mt. Lebanon's deer expert/and now our hired killer, Merlin Benner share his infinite wisdom. Phil Weis did weigh in to say that there was no conflict of interest hiring the advisor and awarding him the contract based on the RFP that Benner helped to write. Also, Benner is using large corrals and will be shooting the deer in close range. The commissioners amended the contract to limit payment of $500 per deer with a cap of $75,000, instead of a flat fee of $75,000. There will be up to eight locations where the killing will occur.

Before the commission meeting, Barbara Logan asked me if I was Elaine Gillen. She reads my blog and wanted me to clarify that she is not a master gardener. Mrs. Logan didn't want to sound pretentious. I mentioned it in a previous thread comment, but I want to make sure that everyone sees the clarification.

During Citizen Comments, I followed Carolyn Byham. Wow, she is a tough act to follow. She told us that she was a commissioner for eight terms (would that mean 32 years?) She moved here in the early 70's. OK, I have her beat on that one. I moved here in 1961. But I don't own two acres of property as she told everyone tonight, so my tax bill is not as large as hers. I guess when one owns two acres in Mt. Lebanon, that guarantees that her vote counts many times more than mine does. Talk about pretentious!

Nick Meduho asked Dave Brumfield if he agreed with Dave Franklin's statement at the last Sports Advisory Board meeting. Franklin blamed the people who opposed the project, did nothing but delay the project and cost the municipality more money. Brumfield agreed with Franklin.

Fast forward to the vote. Oh, before I go any further, Kristen Linfante was able to attend tonight's meeting. John Bendel could not attend due to a family emergency. Kelly Fraasch ran the meeting and when it came time for the deer vote, Kelly read a prepared statement on why she was voting no. I hope that the camera was on Kristen. Kristen was rolling her eyes, throwing down her pen, and doing that weird posturing thing when she is really angry. She started to interrupt Kelly, but then chose to speak when Kelly was finished. Dave Brumfield spoke next, Kristen followed, and then Steve. The vote was 3-1. Deer killing could start next week, but there is a possibility that the Game Commission says no.

So there you have tonight's meeting in a nutshell. I am tired and really need a break. I will be approving comments, but that may be it for awhile. Kelly, you are a class act. Thank you for all your hard work.

Update January 27, 2015 12:15 PM Mt. Lebanon board awards contract to trap, euthanize deer

Update January 27, 2015 5:11 PM Trash collection draws Mt. Lebanon Commissioners’ ire

Commission vice-president Kelly Fraasch asked whether contracting with Wildlife Specialists constituted a conflict of interest, considering the firm’s president, Merlin Benner, has been the consultant assisting the municipality with the development of its deer management plan. 

Solicitor Phil Weis said it was perfectly legal to award Benner’s company the contract, since Mt. Lebanon had sent a request for proposal to a number of different firms. “Some people might perceive a conflict of interest, but legally there is no problem,” he said.

Update January 28, 2015 11:35 AM As of now, there is no notice of where the deer killing will occur on the Mt. Lebanon website. I did notice that the official Game Commission letter received on Monday, January 26, 2015 denying the request for an archery program extension has been posted here. A common mistake, particularly this time of year, shows that Mt. Lebanon dated their letter January 8, 2014.

Lebo neighborhood has taken matters into their own hands UPDATED

We don't know where, but an entire street has decided to hire archers and have killed quite a few deer. That was brought out during the deer discussion tonight. No signs have been posted. No mention of which neighborhood. So when you go out to walk you dog, look up in trees and watch for hunters. Feeling safe?

Merlin Benner could not be reached by phone this evening. Hunting could start this month and will be done at parks and at the golf course before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM. More information will be shared at the January 13 meeting. Details are sketchy.

Kristen will be available by phone and email for the next three months. If she feels up to it, she may come to a meeting. Kristen's leave of absence was approved unanimously.

Update January 6, 2014 11:25 AM Our helpful PIO has provided clarification to a Lebo Citizens reader on Facebook.

Countdown to Culling UPDATED

Attention Parents, PTA, Golfers, and Residents (and Non-Residents) who enjoy walking through our passive parks. An archery program, open to Municipal employees only, is to begin on December 26, 2014 through January 24, 2015 in Robb Hollow Park, Bird Park, McNeilly Park, and the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Golf Course. The golf course will remain OPEN.

A public protest is being organized with details to follow. For more information, email Anya at Anyalasko@gmail.com



Email exchange between Chief McDonough and a Mt. Lebanon resident:

From: Coleman McDonough [mailto:cmcdonough@mtlebanon.org] 

Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 4:11 PM
To: Mt. Lebanon Resident
Subject: Re: ML deer docs

The golf course will remain open but it will be posted to advise golfers and others that hunting activities may be taking place during the time frame you noted in your email.  

PA Game Laws require: " . . . Any person who wounds any game or wildlife shall immediately make a reasonable effort to find and kill the game or wildlife."  This requirement is irrespective of municipal boundaries.   

In regard to insurance issues, the archers will be engaged in voluntary, lawful hunting activities. As such, insurance requirements are no different for these individuals than for hunters engaged in lawful hunting activities anywhere else in the Commonwealth.  

On Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM, a Mt. Lebanon resident wrote:

Mr. McDonough,

A few quick questions if I may:

The golf course is open year round and I suspect that golfers will take any given day to hone in on their skills. Even a brisk day doesn’t stop some people. Will the golf course remain open or be shut down for the 26th thru the 24th?

Looking at the maps, a rather sizeable portion of Robb Hollow park is in Upper St Clair. Will the bow hunters be allowed track any deer in that portion of the park? If allowable and if a bow hunter does get hurt on the USC side of RH park, or god forbid a wounded deer runs across the street and causes an accident with a motorist, whose insurance covers any such accident?

Thank you sir,
A Mt. Lebanon resident

Update December 18, 2014 9:25 AM A comment cross posted:

If you witness a deer related hunting or trapping incident - media contacts

If you witness a wounded deer related hunting or trapping incident, and you have a cell phone, take pictures and/or video to document the incident, and call the news desks of the TV stations listed below to report the incident, and ask if they will send out a TV crew to film and report the incident. Also, call the Post-Gazette and The Almanac editors to report the incident, and ask if they will send out a reporter to report on the incident. If we want to stop this reckless and dangerous hunting program, and inhumane trapping program in our parks and neighborhoods, we need to document the incidents, and get the media to report the incidents.

WPXI
News Desk: 412-237-1100
Desk@WPXI.com

KDKA
News Desk: 412-575-2245
newsdesk@kdka.com

WTAE
News Desk: 412-244-4444
Send cell phone picture
ulocal@wtae.com

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Kim Leonard, Editor
kleonard@tribweb.com

Matthew Santoni, Reporter
412-259-3406 Cellular
msantoni@tribweb.com

The Post-Gazette (South)
Virginia Kopos Joe (Ginny) South Editor
412-263-1414
vkjoe@post-gazette.com

The Almanac
Katie Green, Editor
724-949-1190
kgreen@thealmanac.net

Update December 18, 2014 10:59 AM To encourage even more activity at the golf course:

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.


GIFT CARDS FROM MT LEBANON GOLF COURSE MAKE GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS! CALL THE GOLF SHOP AT 412-561-9761 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Update December 21, 2014 9:03 AM Municipal Archery Program Hunting Maps

Bird Park
Golf Course
McNeilly Park
Robb Hollow Park

Commissioners: I hate what you are doing to this town

Dear Commissioners:

I abhor what you have done to this town. If it isn't about subjecting us to seeing deer killed before our eyes and our children's eyes, and later when the game commission issues the permit to allow you to torture deer, it is forcing us to pay for the installation of toxic turf and expecting parents to make difficult choices concerning their children's participation in field sports.

Commissioners, you took us down the same path with both subjects by ignoring documentation that your constituents sent to you, shutting down public comment, humiliating those with opposing views, lying to our faces, and doing back room deals with the puppet masters who are pulling your strings.

I get much criticism from your anonymous minions of Gozer when Lebo Citizens readers disagree with them. Yet, you have no problem attacking residents during Citizen Comments after they give their names and addresses during public meetings. You're despicable.

Parents are worried that their children might want to sled ride after a snow fall between December 26 and January 24, 2015. Do they permit them to go to the parks or golf course? Building snowmen in their own yards could get dicey. What about golfers, if there is no snow? Will your municipal staff be calling "Fore" before shooting their arrows?

Today, I received two emails about turf which I will share here. I had sent an email to Coach Amy Griffin and would like to share her response.

From: Amy Griffin <xxxxxxxx@xxxxx>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Fri, Dec 12, 2014 3:55 pm
Subject: Re: Artificial turf
Elaine,
After the NBC Crumb Rubber story, my INBOX grew quite a bit.  I cannot remember if I returned your email, but since it is in my inbox, I am assuming I have not.  Thank you so much for reaching out, sharing your struggle with being unable to stop the influx of more fields with that crap in it. :)
I saved your document and email and will let you know if and when something moves forward on this topic.
I hope your holidays are off to a great beginning. 

Respectfully, 

Amy Griffin 

xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx
Twitter:  GKCoachGriffin  

FBook:  UW Women’s Soccer

On Oct 16, 2014, at 7:08 PM, egillen476@aol.com wrote:
Dear Coach Griffin, 

I want to thank you for sharing your story with NBC. I am a community blogger in Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. I have been trying to stop our toxic turf project for several years. You may have seen lebocitizens.blogspot.com since I do get visitors from the University of Washington.
Today was a sad day for Mt. Lebanon. The Department of Environmental Protection granted a permit to begin our toxic turf project. I am attaching the letter from the DEP which includes a comment/response section. Please read Comment #14. It is heartbreaking.  

I am just sick that our commissioners have rejected all our resources. I sent them the NBC investigation piece that you did with them. No response from the four commissioners pushing the project. They all have children who participate in field sports and are hoping for scholarships.  

Here in Mt. Lebanon, we are ruled by the sports cabal. I hope other communities have better luck than we did. 

Keep your message going, Coach. Thank you for your courage. 

Elaine Gillen

Email Number 2 [which was forwarded to me]:

From: Nancy Alderman Sent: Dec 11, 2014 2:31 PM To: undisclosed-recipients@null, null@null Subject: To the Media - Recommendations to parents and students who are in schools where there are synthetic turf fields. 

Contact Information
Nancy Alderman, President
Environment and Human Health, Inc.
203-248-6582
December 11, 2014 - North Haven, Connecticut

Environment and Human Health, Inc., a group of 10  physicians and public health professionals, sends this advisory.
Because most synthetic turf fields contain ground up rubber tires that contain a myriad of toxic chemicals;
Because there have now been reported over 90 cancer cases among students who have played on synthetic turf fields;
Because most of the cancers reported are lymphomas.
Environment and Human Health, Inc. is recommending the following:
1. Children and students should be discouraged from playing on synthetic turf fields that contain ground-up rubber tire infill.
2.  If children and students must play on these fields, they should shower immediately after leaving the field, as well as changing their clothing, including their socks and shoes. This is because the tiny rubber crumbs and the rubber crumb dust gets into socks, shoes, hair, ears etc. from the field's rubber tire infill.
3. 20% to 30%l of rubber tires are made up of carbon black, and carbon black is just one of the carcinogens in rubber tires.
4. Every synthetic turf field has 40,000 ground-up rubber tires in it.  This is a lot of toxic material to expose our children and students to.
                Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI)
                North Haven, CT   06473
                (phone) 203-248-6582
                http://www.ehhi.org
EHHI receives none of its funding from businesses or corporations. Below are the people who run EHHI.
 Susan S. Addiss, MPH, MUrS. Past Commissioner of Health for the State of Connecticut; Past President of the American Public Health Association; Past member of the Pew Environmental Health Commission; Vice-Chair, Connecticut Health Foundation Board; Director of Health Education for Environment and Human Health, Inc.
Nancy O. Alderman, MES. President of Environment and Human Health, Inc.; Past member of the Governor's Pollution Prevention Task Force; Past member of the National Board of Environmental Defense; Recipient of the CT Bar Association, Environmental Law Section's, Clyde Fisher Award, given in recognition of significant contributions to the preservation of environmental quality through work in the fields of environmental law, environmental protection or environmental planning, and the New England Public Health Association's Robert C. Huestis/Eric Mood Award given to individuals for outstanding contributions to public health in the environmental health area.
Andrea Gottsegan Asnes, MD, MSW. Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine; Associate Director of the Yale Child Abuse Programs and Child Abuse Prevention Programs; Co-Director of the third year clerkship in Pediatrics, and an Associate Director of the MD/PhD Program.
D. Barry Boyd, MD.   Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Oncologist at Greenwich Hospital and Affiliate Member of the Yale Cancer Center. Research areas include environmental risk factors for cancer as well as cancer etiology, including nutrition and the role of insulin and IGF in malignancy. Dr. Boyd is the Founder and Director of Integrative Medicine at Greenwich Hospital - Yale Health System. Russell L. Brenneman, Esq. Connecticut Environmental Lawyer; Co-Chair of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters; Chair of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Education Fund; Former chair of the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board; Co-chair of the Connecticut Greenways Committee; Adjunct faculty in Public Policy at Trinity College, Hartford; Past President of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
David R. Brown, Sc.D. Public Health Toxicologist and Director of Public Health Toxicology for Environment and Human Health, Inc.; Past Chief of Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Health at Connecticut's Department of Health; Past Deputy Director of The Public Health Practice Group of ATSDR at the National Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thomas F. Harrison, Esq. Connecticut Environmental Lawyer;  Past Assistant Attorney General in the New York State's Attorney General's office;  Past Regional Counsel in the largest U.S. EPA Office,  Region 5; Past Senior Corporate Council to the BFGoodrich Company; Past Partner at the Hartford law firm of Day Pittney LLP; Served on Connecticut's  Board of Contracting Standards and Review;  Served on the CT Council of Environmental Quality and was the Past Chairman of the Environmental Section of the CT Bar Association.
Pinar H. Kodaman, MD, PhD.  Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Yale University School of Medicine; Director of the Early Recurrent Pregnancy Lost Program at the Yale Fertility Center.
Robert G. LaCamera, MD. Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine; Primary Care Pediatrician in New Haven, Connecticut from 1956 to 1996 with a sub-specialty in children with disabilities.
Hugh S. Taylor, M.D. Anita O'Keeffe Young Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University School of Medicine;Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
John P. Wargo, Ph.D. Tweedy Ordway Professor of Environmental Health and Politics, Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and Professor of Political Science. Author of Green Intelligence: Creating Environments That Protect Human Health published by Yale Press.  The book won the Independent Publishers Award of Gold Medal in the field of "environment, ecology, and nature" for 2010.  It also won the 2010 Connecticut Book Award in non-fiction. It was chosen as one of Scientific American's favorite books for 2009. Also author of Our Children's Toxic Legacy, which won the American Association Publisher's competition as best scholarly and professional book in an area of government and political science in 1997.
--
Nancy Alderman, President
Environment and Human Health, Inc.
1191 Ridge Road
North Haven, CT   06473
(phone) 203-248-6582
(Fax)     203-288-7571
http://www.ehhi.orghttp://ehhijournal.org

As families prepare for Hanukkah or Christmas, whatever happened to Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men? You have turned Mt. Lebanon into a battle ground, all because of your personal agendas. You have no regard for facts or opinions other than those who agree with you or those who control you. Whether it is deer or turf, it is all the same.