Live from Mt. Lebanon, it's Dr. Timmy UPDATED

From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 10:59 AM
To: Mt. Lebanon Parent
Subject: Update: Municipal Deer Management Program

Dear Mt. Lebanon School District Parents/Guardians,  

In our ongoing effort to keep you apprised of local issues, I am attaching two pieces of information that I recently received from the Mt. Lebanon Municipality. The information is in regards to a municipal deer management program that the Pennsylvania Game Commission licensed between February 1, 2016 and March 31, 2016. This same information is also being shared with all of our principals, teachers, and support staff. Extensive information is found on the municipal website athttp://www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?nid=2114 . Please note the activity is scheduled to occur at identified public parks on weekdays (6:00 – 11:00 p.m.)  and on private property 7 days a week (4:00 – 11:00 p.m.). Do not hesitate to contact the Mt. Lebanon Municipality or Mt. Lebanon Police Department should you have any questions.

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Mt. Lebanon School District

Municipal Letter 1_16 (2).pdf 

Deer Management FAQ.pdf 

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MTLSD DISCLAIMER: THIS TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE ADDRESSEE AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, RETENTION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY.

*******

I am getting blind copies of letters that Timmy is receiving. If you would like me to share your letter here, I will redact personal information and post.

This is what I just sent to him, and copied commission, school board, manager, and police chief.

Tim,
Thank you for sending out the following announcement.

"The information is in regards to a municipal deer management program"
"Please note the activity is scheduled to occur..." 

"Program" and "activity" are all safe words. Why are you avoiding words such as "killing" or "shooting" to describe the municipal deer killing that will start on February 1? Even "management" is just sugar coated for killing.

Why aren't you taking some responsibility for this? Shouldn't you be able to provide answers to concerned parents? Instead, you are passing it on to the municipality and Mt. Lebanon police. Mt. Lebanon police are being asked to protect bait, keep smokers out of parks, and follow up on 911 calls for gun shots and drug deals.

I do want to commend you for actually mentioning the hours that the killing will occur. Our municipality is of the belief that if a person is truly interested, he or she will dig for answers.

Incidentally, the commission has learned from the school district that concerned residents do not deserve a response. Bravo, elected officials. Bravo.

Elaine Gillen

Update January 28, 2016 9:05 AM After a Lebo Citizen parent notified the municipality of Timmy's latest blunder, this email was issued with no explanation. His blunder? Timmy sent the wrong FAQs.

From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Date: Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 4:46 PM
Subject: Updated Link
To: Mt. Lebanon Parent

Dear Mt. Lebanon School District Parents/Guardians,

Please follow the link to the updated Frequently Asked Questions document posted on the Mt. Lebanon Municipal website regarding their Deer Management Program.

http://www.mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/11397

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

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MTLSD DISCLAIMER: THIS TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE ADDRESSEE AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, RETENTION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY.

Commission candidates on deer UPDATE from police chief

In Ward 1, John Bendel (D) pro-kill
                  Dan McNichol (R) Vote McNichol - Deer Management pro-kill

In Ward 3, Steve McLean (R) Email from Steve McLean pro-kill
                  Andy Reinhart (D) Email from Andy Reinhart AndyReinhart.com Mt. Lebanon Deer Management Issues 

In Ward 5, Kelly Fraasch (D) anti-kill
                  William Hoon (R) anti-kill

In an email exchange I had with Andy Reinhart this morning, it is not clear to me what his position is on deer management.

Update October 15, 2015 1:35 AM I have heard that while deer don't bother Andy Reinhart personally, as a commissioner he would vote for sharpshooting. He doesn't think it poses a safety problem. If that is true, then I am seriously considering a write-in campaign. Is it an omen that I just looked outside my dining room window and saw the most beautiful buck crossing the street?

From 2011:

#Throwback Thursday

Update October 15, 2015 9:10 AM I am going for it! I announced it on my website, www.lebocitizens.com Write-in campaigns are rarely successful, so I need everyone's help. Spread the word to your Ward 3 friends and relatives. This is the much needed third vote for the sharpshooting program to fail in January.

Update October 15, 2015 5:01 PM Remember the fawn with the arrow stuck in it on Segar Road?
This is what happens when our commissioners turn Mt. Lebanon into hunting grounds.

The Trib's featured commentary tonight is by Lebo Citizens reader and Mt. Lebanon resident, Jason Margolis.

Resolving Mt. Lebo's deer management

 

By Jason Margolis

Monday, July 13, 2015, 9:00 p.m.

The Mt. Lebanon deer-management issue is about to erupt again as the commissioners' “cooling off” period has come to a quick end. To some, the Mt. Lebanon deer “problem” is a mirage — a phantom notion of the vapid and excessive. To others, it is a real public crisis, threatening both property and life.

While there are serious questions about whether it is possible to target deer within a particular community (deer know no borders and, unlike children, are not assigned to school districts) rather than a larger area (e.g., an Allegheny County deer-management plan), it is time for the two warring sides to meet in the middle.

With this in mind, I propose the following:

(1) No lethal methods be used within Mt. Lebanon. Killing strategies that would target only the deer in parks are too inhumane and ineffective (e.g., culling — which failed in March 2015) and other methods like sharpshooting are too dangerous to humans in such a densely-populated area. Rejecting lethal methods of deer management will also remove many of the moral and ethical objections articulated by those opposed to past Mt. Lebo management means.

Taking deer-killing off the table is the only way to keep our family-oriented parks and backyards peaceful, enjoyable and nonviolent, as they were intended.

(2) Use sterilization as the primary management method, supplemented by other approaches (promoting deer-resistant plans, enforcing the speed limit, public education). Methods of sterilization have advanced significantly. This method certainly is safer for humans and more humane for animals.

(3) Supplement the greater expenses for this approach with privately raised funds and veterinarian volunteers.

There is a model for such private-public partnerships in Mt. Lebo (for example, the also highly controversial artificial turf project). The Mt. Lebo deer cull in March was infamous regionally and nationally. A “GoFundMe” campaign likely would garner significant donations at this point.

The approach outlined above honors both those who believe the deer are truly a problem in Mt. Lebanon as well as those against guns and bloodshed for humans and animals. It is also fiscally responsible.

Inevitably, some from both sides will argue that sterilizing deer is against nature. But I would expect that very few would claim the same about a woman taking the pill or a man getting a vasectomy. These approaches have evolved to assist humanity in controlling the population in humane ways.

As humans, we are hardwired to solve complex problems through individual ingenuity and community collaboration. Unfortunately, we are also hardwired for conflict — particularly when in a state of fear.

At the apex of our human capabilities, we bring together multiple viewpoints to find a reasonable middle ground.

A community like Mt. Lebanon should give us no less than the best we have to offer.

And in the case of Mt. Lebanon deer management, this middle, reasonable path would be: sterilization partially funded through private donations.

Jason Margolis is an educator. He lives in Mt. Lebanon.

Copyright © 2015 — Trib Total Media

Bastards UPDATED

I'm sorry, but that is how I feel towards our municipal government.

Here is what is on the Municipal website.

PERMIT ISSUED FOR DEER MANAGEMENT

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has issued a permit to Mt. Lebanon to use the capture and euthanize method of reducing the deer population. Wildlife specialists will be conducting the program in six public park areas through March 31.

The capture and euthanize program is part of Mt. Lebanon’s comprehensive deer management plan. Wildlife Specialists, a natural resource consulting company based in Wellsboro, Pa., headed by certified wildlife biologist Merlin Benner will perform this service. All members of Benner’s team have extensive experience in wildlife management and are permitted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The six public park areas where the corral traps—six sided enclosures with 8-foot-high fences—will be placed are: McNeilly, Bird, Robb Hollow and Twin Hills parks, Mt. Lebanon Golf Course and the Connor Road conservation district. All six areas will remain open during the day.

The traps will be baited and monitored remotely by camera. When a group of deer enters the trap, the gate will close remotely, and a team of trained professionals will be dispatched immediately to euthanize the deer using suppressed, small-caliber rifles at close range, mostly at night. The method is considered to be very safe, and people should not hear any loud noises from these activities.

The contractor will post signs indicating the perimeter of the area where traps have been placed. Stay out of the posted work areas, and report any suspicious activity by calling 911. Please remember that all of these park areas close to the public at 9 p.m.




From: LeboALERT 
To: EGillen476 
Date: Tue, Feb 17, 2015 2:57 pm 

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. Mt, Lebanon has received permit to capture and euthanize deer in 6 public park areas through March 31. More info at www.mtlebanon.org.


Pennsylvania Game Commission OKs Mt. Lebanon deer-culling plan 
By Matthew Santoni
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, 11:33 a.m.



From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer <noreply@mtlsd.net>
To:
Sent: Tue, Feb 17, 2015 4:08 pm
Subject: Municipal Letter Concerning Deer Culling

Dear Mt. Lebanon Parents, 

The Mt. Lebanon Municipality received permission today from the Pennsylvania Game Commission to proceed with the deer cull. They have asked us to share the attached letter with you. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Timothy Steinhauer 

Superintendent of Schools

Mt. Lebanon receives official OK to cull deer

Brian Benner said he expected baiting to start sometime Feb. 18 though he wouldn’t give “an exact timetable so people upset with (the company’s) plan wouldn’t come out and try to stop them.”
Deer bait will be placed at several locations on the municipal golf course, on conservation land off of Connor Road, and in various parks, including Bird, McNeilly, Robb Hollow, and Twin Hills, according to township manager Steve Feller.

Update February 18, 2015 Does anyone else find this letter from the Lincoln Elementary School Principal disturbing?

From: Ronald Kitsko < rkitsko@mtlsd.net>
Date: February 18, 2015 at 11:00:07 AM EST
To:
Subject: Deer Cull at Twin Hills Park
Reply-To: Ronald Kitsko < rkitsko@mtlsd.net>

Lincoln Families,

As you may be aware, the Mt. Lebanon municipal deer cull was recently approved by the PA Game Commission. The deer cull will impact several community parks, to include Twin Hills Park, which lies within the Lincoln Elementary School residence area. I have attached a letter that was sent to Dr. Steinhauer about the deer cull for your review. I want to make sure that you are in the loop and able to share the information with your children as you see appropriate. The traps will be visible, so you may want to direct your children to stay away from Twin Hills Park until the deer cull ends.

Please direct any and all questions about the deer cull to the Mt. Lebanon municipal building.

Ron Kitsko

          Principal

Blood in Twin Hills Park this morning

From Howe School principal:

Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015 08:17:37 -0800
From: MichelleMurray@mtlsd.net
To: 
Subject: Municipal Deer Culling

Dear Parents of Howe Students:
Our superintendent, Dr. Steinhauer, sent out a letter to all parents of Mt. Lebanon students explaining the municipal deer culling project.  I have attached the same letter here for your convenience.
The purpose for my email is to remind you that the culling will occur in two of our neighboring parks, McNeilly Park and Mt. Lebanon Golf Course.  The culling will occur through March 31, 2015.  Although the capture and euthanization part of the process will occur mostly at night, please prevent your children from visiting these parks throughout the project as there will be visible traps in these areas.
Please contact the municipality if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michelle Murray
Principal

Mt. Lebanon Deer Culling Plan In Effect KDKA reported from Twin Hills Park today.

When there are a maximum of six deer in the collection pens, the contractor will shoot the deer.

When there are a maximum of six deer in the corrals, they will be shot? It just gets worse and worse.
While visiting KDKA, cast your vote. When I last checked, 80% were against the deer culling plan.


Bird Park Dr. park entrance late at night on February 18, 2015

What is so special about tonight's discussion session?

I have received a few emails asking about the latest LeboALERT.

From: LeboALERT <noreply@mtlebanon.org>
To: EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>
Subject: LeboALERT: There is a special o...
Date: Mon, Jan 5, 2015 11:15 am 

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. 

There is a special open Commission discussion session at 7 p,m. tonight in Room C, municipal bldg., prior to the reorganization meeting at 8.

Normally, the organizational meeting is light and upbeat with no other business scheduled beforehand. But tonight, there will be a deer management discussion at 7:00 PM.

Following the discussion session,  we will move into the commission chambers where we get to hear from all the deer hating gardeners telling us about how the deer are the number one threat to our public safety. The good news is that Kristen will no longer be presiding and John Bendel will be more professional.

We'll wrap up by watching the commissioners make a tough call as to whether to grant Kristen a leave of absence. Will Kristen be able to collect her stipend even though she has collected it every summer when she is in Jackson Hole? Will she bully her fellow commissioners again? We'll find out tonight.

Die deer, die!

I'm sitting through the deer management discussion and Chief McDonough is speaking. As I thought, they want to expand the killing fields.

McNeilly (2)
Bird Park (4)
Portions of Iroquois Park (5)
The Conservation District on Connor Road/Terrace (6)
Golf Course (1)
Robb Hollow Park (3)

Numbers represent priorities.

There are 20 volunteers from four different municipal departments; IT, Police, Fire, and Public Works. It will be done on December 26, 2014 through January 24, 2015 and off the clock. The time period will be one month, six days a week, excluding Sundays, during daylight hours. The municipality will pay the $15 donation fee for the Food Bank since the archers are donating their time. All hunting will be done from temporary tree stands. The archers are responsible for entrails but not the blood.  All areas will be parceled with archers assigned to each parcel. No baiting of deer. Antlerless deer must be taken first. Hours of operation of half hour before dawn to half hour after dusk are being considered.

Brumfield is for the Golf Course and McNeilly. He is on record saying that he has concerns about McNeilly. I asked the police chief if they will alert the neighboring communities and they may. Mt. Lebanon residents will be notified by Lebo Alerts, through Facebook and Twitter. Maps will be on the municipal website. In addition, I requested a copy of what the chief passed out to the commission and he said that it is still in draft form.

The archery will be done while the two permits from the Game Commission are being considered in Harrisburg.

To be continued.

Update December 10, 2014 5:34 AM From another sleepless resident.

Commission wants your children to witness this UPDATED

On Monday evening, the commission will be voting on lethal and non-lethal methods of deer "management"which include sterilization, archery, and trap and bolt. Information on trap and bolt was provided by others. I can't even look at that stuff. PLEASE write to commissioners and attend Monday's meeting and try to stop these lethal methods of deer "management." I will not be able to attend the meeting since I will be working. Kristen Linfante, who once described herself as the "lone wolf" on deer culling, knows how I feel about this issue.

The commission's goal is to reduce car accidents by 50% in five years. Interestingly, the municipality stopped tracking deer-vehicle collisions when the numbers indicated a decline in this final 7/31/14 report. The municipality is back to showing deer "incidents," which include deer sightings.

Mt. Lebanon commissioners take steps toward deer management

Mt. Lebanon revises plan to thin deer

Game Commission would prefer Mt. Lebanon hunt deer


Sterilization
Deer sterilization is a non-lethal method of deer management. Grant money is available for deer sterilization, which was not reflected in the costs posted by the PG. Sterilization is being done in other states with much success. If the Game Commission approves sterilization, we will be the first in the state to have such a program.

Archery
Archery will be done in daylight hours. Just as I had seen a buck with an arrow in its side walking around on MacArthur on Election Night, this will be a common sight for all. During a recent commission meeting, I asked if Bethel Park had an obligation to contain their deer within Bethel Park while they shot their deer. The answer was no.

Clover Trapping Deer

Please click on URL link below to view a short video that gives an example of the intense stress, panic, and struggle that deer experience in a clover trap. (I won't watch this.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XezJJNzg3nY


Clover Trapping and Shooting Deer

Expert Testimonial

Laura Simon, Wildlife Biologist, The Humane Society of the United States - Excerpts from Letter to Mt. Lebanon Commission, Nov. 6, 2012
While it may sound humane to live capture deer in this way and then euthanize them, the reality is quite different. First of all, deer are extremely stress-prone animals with a highly developed flight response. Once captured, deer tend to panic and "bounce off the walls" in response to being captured and restrained. Their fear level is compounded by the lack of visual barriers, which allows them to see oncoming threats but lack the capability to flee. ... Any effort to safely and humanely kill deer captured in a clover-trap will be arduous and potentially dangerous. The stress levels of deer in a clover trap approached by humans can be huge. Some deer will lie down and try to become invisible, but others will repeatedly charge all the sides of the trap, making a lethal shot extremely difficult at best. ... And of course pistols, like all firearms, are susceptible to ricochet and misfire, which raises additional humane and safety issues. There are various protocols which can be used for capturing and killing deer in clover-traps, yet all have high potential for inhumane outcomes. ... For all these reasons, the HSUS does not recommend the use of clover traps for live-capturing and euthanizing deer. ... T
Capture and Bolt Killing of Deer

EXPERT TESTIMONIALS

Jack Schrier, the NJ Fish & Game Council
The U.S. Veterinarians' Association has stated publicly that net-and-bolt is not appropriate for use in the field. If this loathsome slaughterhouse killing method is employed in any town, it will debase that town and its good people.

Allen T. Rutberg, Ph. D., School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
My personal opinion ... is that netting & bolting free range deer is at best difficult to carry out humanely and at worst is brutally cruel. Because the practice localizes responsibility for killing with specific property owners, it also stirs up personal animosity among members of the community. Again in my opinion, the potential for animal suffering and the elevated animosity generated by the practice outweighs any benefits that might be achieved by deer population reduction.

Peggy W. Larson, DVM, MS, JD
[Trap and Bolt] This is a very inhumane way to rid yourselves of excess deer because of the extreme fright experienced by the deer and because the captured bolt does not effect a clean kill when the animal’s head is not immobilized. ... If a wounded deer escapes the netting, a resident of the town could be injured and the town held liable. Anyone watching this violent procedure or even knowing about it certainly would find it unpleasant and some may find it emotionally traumatic, especially children. Bait, net and attempt to kill is not a humane solution.

John W. Grandy, Ph.D. Senior Vice President of The Humane Society of the United States
The Humans Society of the United States (HSUS) is committed to preventing needless pain and suffering to all animals. It is cruel to attempt to euthanize a wild animal with a captive bolt gun because the animal will suffer needlessly and terribly. There is nothing remotely humane in this process.

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

HSUS Letter to Mt. Lebanon Commission Opposing Clover Trap and Kill, 11/6/2012
I am writing to object strongly to your town’s plan to use trapping and the captive bolt as a management tool for white-tailed deer. The HSUS is committed to preventing suffering in all animals. We firmly believe that it is impossible to ensure that this technology is used correctly and consistently enough in the field to provide a humane death to deer. Captive bolt guns are designed for use on restrained domestic animals in highly structured and controlled environments. Even there, the "humaneness" of these devices has been called into question. These guns were not designed for use on wild animals under any circumstances, and certainly not as a management tool for white-tailed deer.

Clover Trap Capture and Bolt Killing of Deer

After the deer are trapped in a clover trap a hired contractor collapses the trap on the deer and attempts to steady the deer while another contractor fires the bolt gun -- a 4 inch retractable steel rod -- into her skull. Since the deer are inadequately restrained and are strong and heavy, they frequently manage to move. The bolt-gun is then misfired into their eye, jaw, ear or nose. The contractor must reload the bolt gun before trying again. Death from the bolt-gun is often not immediate, adding more prolonged suffering to already terrified animals.

The Reality of Net and Bolt Killing of Deer

www.youtube.com/watch?v=neOr8F8c6as

An explosive charge propels nets over a group of deer, tossing them in the air and ensnaring them. They thrash around, crying out in fear and panic as they are shot in the head with metal bolts. (Undercover footage by SHARK)

The above Net and Bolt youtube video was a S.H.A.R.K undercover investigation to expose animal cruelty. You can see the original video, background info. and veterinarian testimonies who viewed these videos regarding animal cruelty at the S.H.A.R.K. URL link below. We urge you to review the veterinarian testimonies.

Net and Bolt
http://www.sharkonline.org/index.php/deer-rocket-netting

Update November 21, 2014 6:16 PM The deer management plan is available for viewing on Monday's agenda. A few fast ones by our tricky experts: The plan discusses sharp shooting even though Manager Feller, Dave Brumfield, and John Bendel stated that they are opposed to sharpshooting.  Second, the Municipal Deer Control Permit is to include both lethal and sterilization, NOT file two separate permits. Finally, we are NOT to assume that there are 500 deer. That was a number that Kristen and Tony DiNicola came up with during a telephone conversation.  There was no aerial survey conducted.

While they were approving $$$ for turf...

The Trib was busy at work writing about our volunteer fire department in Health-insurance mandate poses potential hitch for volunteer fire companies.

Historically, the IRS has considered volunteer firefighters employees for tax purposes, regardless of whether they receive compensation, said Douglas Smith, managing shareholder of Downtown law firm Jackson Lewis PC. 

Unless the agency updates its ruling or the regulations that are being written specifically exclude volunteer firefighters, “they're going to have to provide insurance to a group of volunteers,” he said. 

Mt. Lebanon's staff of 17 paid firefighters is supplemented by about 50 volunteer firefighters, Chief Nick Sohyda said. 

While Sohyda said he's “not panicking” over the situation yet, he said he will have to track the hours of all volunteers to make sure they are serving fewer than 30 hours a week — the threshold above which workers are considered full-time under the law and eligible for health insurance. That task alone would be difficult and costly, he said. 

“What most fire companies would do is limit the number of hours to keep them under the threshold,” he said.

Three commissioners had no problem allocating $637,400 from the unassigned funds on Tuesday evening for artificial turf at Middle and Wildcat Fields. In fact, the Commission is considering borrowing $900,000 for storm sewer repairs on Longuevue, Marlin, and Mapleton. But our new Finance Director Andrew McCreery suggested adding that to the new $4 million bond issue that the Commission will be voting on this year for a new roof for the municipal building and maintenance for both parking garages. The money from the storm water fee can go toward the storm sewer repairs portion of the bond issue. It is unclear to me why the revenue from parking isn't going toward the parking garages.

The good news is that no money is being spent on deer culling this year. Kristen Linfante was not happy about that decision. Mt. Lebanon OKs $32.82M Budget

I was unable to attend the commission meeting on Tuesday evening, but the video is online here.

The 2014 Manager’s Recommended Budget UPDATED 2X

The 2014 Manager’s Recommended Budget has been posted on the Municipal website. http://ebooks.mtlebanon.org/budget/budget2014/  or  
http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/9737 (PDF)

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. The second budget review will begin at 5:30 PM on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The third budget review will begin at 5:30 PM on Monday, November 18, 2013. A second public hearing and Budget Adoption will be during the regular Commission meeting on December 10, 2013.

The first budget review video is available online here.

Update 11:01 PM The deer culling debate starts at the 2:58:30 mark of the video. I did not attend the first budget review for that very reason. Spoiler alert: Dave Brumfield will vote against marksmen in the community. Kristen was very disappointed to hear that. Knowing Kristen, she will have her supporters at Tuesday's public hearing to speak in favor of culling. Please watch Kristen, Matt, and Dave discuss this issue for fifteen minutes or so. Matt, Kelly, and Dave would like to have a second aerial survey repeated at the same time as last year, to compare apple to apples. Are the deer moving on? Are the numbers increasing substantially? We won't know until we have a second survey. Kristen was not in favor of that for some reason. John Bendel was not at the budget review. Remember, Kelly has been suggesting a nonlethal sterilization program from the beginning.

Thank you, Dave for taking that position. Matt, thanks for pressing for a second survey. Kelly, thanks for all your research to find a safe alternative to culling.

Update November 11, 2013 8:04 AM Page 69 and 70 of the PDF, or page 64 and 65 of the Budget show $1,050,000 for turfing and lighting Wildcat and Middle Fields. It is line item 23 and below the line on The Manager's Recommended Budget. The line is drawn under item number 19. At Tuesday's meeting, we will also have the sports people asking to move line item 23 above the line. Just months before, they were willing to pay part of the project through their funds and signage revenue. Now, we get to pay it all with our tax dollars.

Another way, proposed by the Manager is on page 3 and 4 of the Budget.

"The Commission may also want to consider expanding the size of the issue to reduce the size of the backlog of capital projects for major projects such as the development of athletic facilities, park master plan improvements, and other priority projects."

In other words, increase the bond issue to include artificial turf.

The day after the 100 year Lebo storm

What a night! I didn't get home until midnight.  The original Discussion Session was to begin at 6:20 PM. The revised agenda listed a start time for 6:30 PM. As usual, the executive session ran late and I believe the Discussion Session didn't start until 7:00 PM. The only reason why White Buffalo was presenting, was because Kristen Linfante wanted them there. Guess who was out of town for last night's meeting? Kristen.

Dr. Anthony DeNicola was MIA. Instead, a technician, Mr. Maddock (didn't catch the first name) made the presentation. Mr. Maddock started off by clarifying that he was not a wildlife biologist as the agenda portrayed him to be.

I want to thank Kelly Fraasch for asking about the video that was originally posted here about suffocating deer. Maddock had heard about the video, but never watched it. I wonder why he never did. He said that the deer was dead and that the moving legs were just a reflex. They bag every deer's head, to avoid the scent of blood, causing other deer to leave the area.

We have the same situation as we did for the last two cullings. A company determines that a deer culling is necessary and the same company would be hired to do the culling. (Sounds amazing similar to the feasibility study done by PK, doesn't it?)

I had to leave the room at that point. It is recorded and will be uploaded on to lebocitizens.com as well as posted on the municipal website.

A very long discussion about Brafferton Field with bids coming in too high. Dave Brumfield and John Bendel thought that it would be better to turf an existing field. Of course. Dave wants Mellon and John wants Wildcat. Blah blah blah. You can hear it on the recordings.

Steve Feller will be recommending another bond issue for next year. I was so punchy that you need to watch the meeting for more details.

Academy Avenue parking issues and traffic options were discussed ad nauseum. Bottom line is that the commission will not making Academy Avenue one way.

PAYT was an interesting discussion. I sat next to Andrew Behrend, not sure of the spelling of his name, during the Discussion Session. He was never introduced when he spoke about PAYT, but I understand he is a member of Environmental Sustainability Board. Kelly and Andrew spoke about Cranberry's successful program. It seems that someone from Cranberry will be attending the next commission discussion session. Evidently, SHACOG has now placed a deadline in the middle November, if Lebo wants to switch to PAYT. I get the feeling that Steve Feller and Tom Kelley are not thrilled about PAYT. Dave said that the cost will double for residents. Steve said that if there is a problem with collection, then the municipality will need to pick up the garbage. Andrew told me during the meeting that containers are problematic, while Kristen and Kelly are leaning toward containers. Andrew wants to sell them on the idea of PAYT and then work out a hybrid program for Mt. Lebanon. I had mentioned to Andrew that everyone is NOT paying the same for trash collection since it is based on our assessments.  I am not thrilled about this idea.

By the time all this was over, we moved into the commission chambers and the first resident comment (mine) was at 10:10 PM! Many people left because they were tired of waiting. I didn't get home until midnight. What a night.

The 100 Year [Lebo] Storm

Tuesday's Commission meetings should go down as the most controversial meetings of our 100 year history. Here is the agenda for Tuesday's Discussion Session:

Discussion Session – Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Open Discussion Session (Room C)

6:20 P.M.

1. Deer: 

• Wildlife biologist with White Buffalo

6:45 P.M.

2. Brafferton Field bids.

6:55 P.M.

3. Financial planning review: 

• Financial trends 

• Overview of municipal debt 

• Proposed CIP for 2014-2018 

• Proposed user fee schedule for 2014 

• Proposed equipment replacement schedule

7:15 P.M.

4. Update on Academy Avenue parking and traffic.

7:25 P.M.

5. Pay as you throw.

7:35 P.M.

6. Dog park.

7:40 P.M.

7. Invasive species in parks.

7:45 P.M.

8. Commission liaison activities.

7:50 P.M.

9. Review of Regular Agenda.

Citizen Comments will begin at 8 PM during the regular Commission meeting. The Commission Meeting agenda is here. It's is going to be a late night.

Our commissioners want to do business with these people?

On Tuesday, White Buffalo is scheduled to speak at the Commission Discussion Session. You might recall that the commissioners were going to have a conference call with "Tony" DiNicola at the last commission discussion session, but that phone call never took place. There was no cellular service thirty miles off the coast of Virginia. In my opinion, that was a blessing.

What I am about to share with you is the kind of work White Buffalo does. If the deer does not die from one shot, they suffocate it by placing a plastic bag over the deer's head. Starting in 2004, White Buffalo was hired to cull deer in the Akron, Ohio area. I have not watched (and never will) the video that is linked to this web page. http://www.sharkonline.org/index.php/akroncruelty-com

The following article appeared in The Blade, a Toledo newspaper, five plus years later http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2009/11/15/Favored-firm-for-deer-cull-accused-of-cruel-methods.html

In another lawsuit, a woman from Solon, Ohio sued White Buffalo, the city of Solon, and Anthony DiNicola and won. http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/news/stevepokin/pokin-around-if-deer-kill-protestors-cause-delay-the-city/article_23694fc8-836f-5f0d-81ff-4a76f938fa38.html

At the time, Geiger was what you would call an activist. Solon's public works director described her in a different way in a memo he wrote that found its way into the court file. He called her and others "nut cases."

I guess that is what I would be called. Nut case.

Has White Buffalo ever worked in a confined space like Mt. Lebanon? Do three of our adjoining lots total five acres or more?

Traci Cardenas, a leader of the Town and Country protest, says her concern is safety. The city has used White Buffalo in the past and required that sharpshooters work on land that is at least 10 contiguous acres. That has now been lowered to five acres, meaning three adjoining property owners with a total of five acres can OK a sharpshooter.

This is an accident waiting to happen. Why subject our residents and our deer to such inhumane activities? Why can't we just do sterilization?  It is safer. It is less controversial. There is grant money available. It is a no-brainer.

A topic that takes everything out of me UPDATED 3X

Last night, the first topic on the agenda for the Discussion Session was deer.  A conference call with White Buffalo's wildlife biologist, Anthony DeNicola was scheduled. Unfortunately, that call did not take place since "Tony" was on an island thirty miles off of Virginia and could not get a signal from the cell phone that was flown to him. He did send a report to the commission which Tom Kelley shared at the meeting.

Since this is my blog, I will point out what I believe are his most significant findings. Mt. Lebanon can biologically support many more deer. Socially, it is up to the community what it will support. I liked how Tom Kelley made the point of saying "dead deer" reports vs. Kristen's "deer incident" report, which included sightings of deer in yards.

To reduce the deer population, it would be in two phases:

• Phase 1 Reduce the population through culling and sterilization
• Phase 2 Reduce the population through culling and sterilization

Their cost for sterilization would be $1000 per deer. Cost for culling would be between $200 to $400 plus a $75 processing fee per deer. Sterilization would be more cost effective in the long run since unsterilized deer could produce 2-3 fawns per year.

Kristen reported that Tony felt that there were many more deer than what the aerial survey showed. I am not sure how that is.

Matt Kluck said that the report shows in black and white that Mt. Lebanon could support many more deer.

Kelly Fraasch asked when the commission could have a conference call with Maryland. http://www.deerfriendly.com/deer-population-control Maryland has had a successful nonlethal program using surgical sterilization.

Dave Brumfield prefers sterilization because it is safer. I would think Kristen would too, since she felt that dogs on leashes in Williamsburg was unsafe.

I have uploaded the podcast from last night's discussion session. It is available here. The podcast begins with deer.

Update September 24, 2013 11:42 PM Please click on the link I have provided in the blog post. Scroll down a bit and you will see Kelly's four page document on "Deer in Mt. Lebanon." It is linked to my Google Docs.

Mt. Lebanon hiring firm to count deer February 7, 2013 Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
... [Commisioner] Mrs. Fraasch has composed and posted online a four-page document, "Deer in Mt. Lebanon [PDF]," ... she expresses her opposition to hunting by rifle or bow, instead favoring sterilization by removal of does' ovaries as a viable option. She cites a significant cost savings over the long term and mitigation of some hazards associated with culling...

Update September 24, 2013 1:33 PM Here is a copy of the White Tailed Deer Population Control Options presented by Tom Kelley at last night's meeting.

Update September 26, 2013 9:15 AM Speaking of Bibles (see 10:43 PM), there is this.

Bullet range

Today, I sent the following email to the commissioners, Steve Feller, Tom Kelley, Chief McDonough, and Dan Miller:

Commissioners,
I am sending this to you all and copying State Representative Dan Miller on his personal email since his "contact me" is not conducive to emails. Dan recommended that I send it that way. Let him tell you that when he was doing target practice in the military, the targets were 1,000 feet away.

If our goal is to come up with a deer management plan, and we all share a common goal of safety, please consider Kelly's nonlethal plan. It meets all of our goals.

The map below shows the bullet range of a stray bullet. The map is of a town in NY which is 1.5 miles in its widest point. It is conceivable that a shot could be fired on one border of Mt. Lebanon and travel all the way to the other side of Mt. Lebanon.
Elaine Gillen

It can be argued that Mt. Lebanon isn't level or wide open for a bullet to travel that far, but consider this.  If a bullet can travel two miles, are you really safe if someone on your street wants deer killed on their property? Or if someone on the next street wants a deer killed in their yard?  That bullet can cover a lot of ground.

A gun expert told me, aside from the absolute BS statistics that Linfante tosses around to justify a mass deer kill, there is also the liability faced by the township should anything go amiss. The commission cannot guarantee anyone's safety. It would be ridiculous for a sane person to even pose that question. It would be like asking the commission to guarantee there will be snow on Christmas Day. Impossible. How much would that cost? Whoops, there goes the "surplus." As for accuracy, this person is considered an "expert" shot but wouldn't pull the trigger within the boundaries of Mt. Lebanon. There is no controlling external factors or just plain having a bad day.

There is something that is really bugging me about this whole thing. Dave Brumfield would never vote for a deer cull unless the deer got to carry guns too. What has changed him? Did he sell out for a turf vote? In Kristen Linfante's own words, she is a lone wolf on deer culling. Suddenly she has two more commissioners "seeing the light." What gives? Three votes for a deer cull. Three votes for turf. Imagine that.

   . 

Counting deer using TERC Investigations UPDATED 4X

The Almanac's article, Survey: Lebo deer population increased dramatically (saved in Google Docs) reported that 342 deer were counted, which came to 57 deer per square mile.  Kristen Linfante rounded that number up to 60 per square mile during the meeting.  The Almanac reported correctly, but the math is flawed.  What was said at the meeting on Monday was that the count included deer two miles outside of each border. The reasoning behind that is that deer live in a two mile area.  So here is a math question for everyone.  If Mt. Lebanon is six square miles and the "Mt. Lebanon PA project area" extends two miles in every direction, how many square miles is that? For extra credit, what is the actual deer count per square mile? Not 60 deer per square mile, that's for sure! No extra credit will be given for this, but consider the amount of deer counted within the two mile borders.  Following the logic, are they from Castle Shannon, Bethel, Scott, or Upper St. Clair just passing through?

Here is a copy of the deer survey which Tom Kelley touched upon on Monday night. Chief Coleman McDonough discussed the increase in deer incidents, but also pointed out that residents may be more apt to call the police now to report a deer SIGHTING.  We all know how quickly Kristen and her following like calling the police for perceived incidents. Filing a police report and comparing me to the Gabby Giffords attack when an anonymous comment discussed the execution of a document, or when a resident cautioned her not to speak of her family during a public school board meeting, or when terroristic threats were allegedly made to her when she had Real Lebo, or how about when she had the police show up on private property because of an alleged sign stealing incident are just a few that come to mind. 

Ms. Linfante's concern for public safety seemed to dissapate when I brought up the dangerous situation in front of her house. It occurs when there are cars parked on both sides of her narrow street at the crest of the hill.  An accident at that blind spot "is only a matter of time." What the Kluck?

Update June 26, 2013 5:50 PM From a 5:26 PM  Lebo ALERT :

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.

2013 deer management study is posted at www.mtlebanon.org. If you have comments, contact your commissioner.

If you have difficulty finding them on their website, I have them here.  They are easier to read than what I originally scanned since these are in color.
Vision Air Deer Survey 2013
2013 Deer Locator Map

Update June 27, 2013 6:40 AM Following my last blog comment at 4:34 AM, I sent an additional email to the Commission concerning the survey.  The email exchange follows. Where's Dave Brumfield when I need him?

At 5:32 AM, I wrote:
OK, I officially was up all night. Kristen rounded up the count to 60
deer per square mile. That makes it 2520 deer in Mt. Lebanon. What was the
count, Kristen?
I have a class at 9 AM. That is in 3.5 hours. Thanks, guys.
Elaine Gillen

At 5:41 AM, I heard from Kristen:
Well, Ms Gillen, I am awake as well.  Surely, your lack of sleep has gotten the best of you.  We are 6 sq. miles and there were 342 deer counted. Period. That equals about 57 per sq mile, or 60 as I stated since I rounded up - which seemed appropriate after the May births.
If you look at the GIS you will see that only a few deer were counted on the boundary edges - appropriately so, I might add, per Mr Kelley's explanation about their habits.
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

6:01 AM, I responded with:
Kristen, who did the math? You or Tom? There were 342 deer counted in 42
square miles. Listen to what Steve and Tom said. Period.
Elaine

6:06 AM, Kristen's comeback:
Ms Gillen,
This will be my final response to your absurd emails.
I think the recommended animal to count to help with sleep is sheep, not deer. Perhaps the switch might help.
With your lack of sleep, please drive carefully to your class- there are a lot of deer out there.
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

Update June 27, 2013 4:15 PM Dave Brumfield sent me an email today, after I sent this to the Commission this morning at 7:34 AM:

Commissioners, I am sending a link to a Google Doc which a Lebo Citizens reader created for my Lebo Citizens blog. It may help Kristen better understand what Tom Kelley and Steve Feller said at Monday's Discussion meeting. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9r_1biKte_bQnRrb2p0Y2E3NGM/edit?usp=sharing
Elaine Gillen

I got this response from Dave Brumfield, sent at 9:22 AM:

Ms. Gillen,

I wanted to clarify a few apparent misconceptions you have about the results of the deer survey.  First the aerial survey did not add a 2 mile buffer to all of Mt. Lebanon.  For efficiency's sake, due to our irregular borders the area was squared off.  This certainly made the survey area greater than Mt. Lebanon's actual footprint, but it was nowhere near a 42 square mile area.  Mr Kelly did point out that some of the deer included in the count were over 2000 feet from the border, but even that distance is not consistent all the way around the map.  When discussing the deer outside our borders that were included in the count Mr. Kelly did mention that deer have a 2 mile radius that defines their "living area".  But to be clear the survey results do apply to Mt. Lebanon's 6 square miles.  The count reflects the number of different deer that are likely to be seen within our borders.  Taking a snapshot count of an active deer population we have to account for their movement patterns.  The density numbers cited by the commission and staff are accurate based on the survey results and Mt. Lebanon's actual area.  They might be misleading if a neighboring community did a similiar survey, as deer would be double counted, but as an assessment of how many deer are contributing to our reported incidents it is accurate as stated.

Additionally, I would ask that in the future if you intend your information to be of assistance to just one Commissioner please send the email just to them.  If you intend it for all of us than address your comments and questions to all of us.

Thank you.

Dave Brumfield

I would have sent this sooner, but as I indicated in my earlier emails, I have been in class all day.

Update July 2, 1013 12:08 PM The map below shows the bullet range of a stray bullet.  The map is of town in NY which is 1.5 miles in its widest point. It is conceivable that a shot could be fired on one border of Mt. Lebanon and travel all the way to the other side of Mt. Lebanon.

Sports Advisory, JMA, and other goodies

Mt. Lebanon is looking for residents to fill two vacancies on Dave Brumfield's new Sports Advisory Board. There are two at-large positions available. For more information visit Sports Advisory Board vacancies

According to the Monday, January 28, 2013 Discussion Session Agenda, the Joint Maintenance Agreement is up for discussion. The JMA extension expired last month. The big question is "Did the YSA pay up?" The starting time for the Commission Discussion Session is 6:30 PM.

Additionally, a Skateboard Ordinance and a Residential electricity broker will be discussed.

Skateboarding is illegal everywhere in Mt. Lebanon. There is no 21 Club for kids cited for skateboarding.

I have been asking the Commission for two years now if residents could get a group rate from an electricity broker. It can be done, but turf and deer management have been higher priorities. We could save money on our electric bills instead of constantly shopping for electricity suppliers.

Also planned is a review of the President/Vice President selection process. A heads up. There is no rotation, except Vice President to President. See Something is up UPDATED

Don't leave at the end of the Discussion Session. More fun is planned at the Commission meeting. The agenda includes a proposal to direct the proper municipal officials to solicit proposals and conduct two deer surveys in 2013; the first to be conducted in February, or as early as possible, and the second to be conducted in November. See Something is up UPDATED concerning deer.

The nightmares have started again UPDATED

Thanks to Kristen Linfante, the nightmares have started again. I am reliving those terrifying nights where I was not safe in my own house. Hearing the gunshots, seeing the white pick up truck with a shooter standing in the back of it aiming just feet away from me, afraid for my dog’s safety when he had to go out, remembering the encounter with the youth riding his bike through the park; it is all coming back to me.

Citizens have expressed their concerns; supporting their statements with facts. Ms. Linfante would dismiss their statements with, “That’s your opinion.” I have been alerting the commission to the dangers of deer culling since 2006. I have tried to verify the statements made in Ms. Linfante’s presentation and presented my findings only to have the minutes from the October 22, 2012 meeting show that I don’t “believe stories about a serious deer and vehicle accident in Upper St. Clair.” http://mtlebanon.org/archives/31/Minutes%2010-22-12.pdf

I have tried to document serious safety issues concerning the deer cullings in the past only to be interrupted, humiliated, and dismissed by Ms. Linfante at previous meetings. Others have shared the same experience. We have been presenting serious safety issues concerning a deer cull, yet Ms. Linfante cites unsupported “serious safety issues” to have a deer culling in the small parks and private property of Mt. Lebanon. Ms. Linfante continues to use Upper St. Clair as a prime example of a successful deer management program. She fails to consider that any USC cullings have been done in large, open areas and not in close proximity to people’s homes.

I have expressed my concerns of liability to the commission. Wildlife Services did not provide insurance. Mt. Lebanon had to assume all liabilities. Ms. Linfante asked a resident during Citizen Comments how they would feel as a commissioner, if someone was killed in a deer/vehicle accident. Would they feel a responsibility? I must ask the same questions to Ms. Linfante. Kristen, how would you feel if there were an accident due to a deer culling where you ignored our warnings?

Kristen, you reiterate your feelings about car accidents and how a deer culling will reduce the chances. Are you aware that the last two cullings did not include bucks to be culled? Are does to blame for car accidents only? How many of those deer/vehicle collisions involved residents who were texting, DUI, or were otherwise distracted? What precautions can I take when you allow shooting high powered weapons in our neighborhoods? Must I spend my nights in my basement half the year, in order to feel safe? Or am I forced to put my house on the market and take what I can get because of my close proximity to a neighborhood park?

In case you haven’t noticed, Kristen, I have not been able to attend deer management meetings. I have left during meetings when the subject of deer culling has come up. It has taken everything I have, not burst into tears at meetings when you sit and express how uncomfortable you are at the sight of a gun shell. Yet you have no problem putting others and me at risk IN OUR OWN HOMES for a deer culling. This will not be a one time event. Since you like to use Upper St. Clair as an example, let me say that they have been involved in deer management since 1997. That is fifteen years and counting. The Mt. Lebanon budget will be approved to spend $12,000 on a deer survey in 2013, with the possibility of spending another $51,000 plus expenses for 2014. Your plan will cost us $63,000 plus expenses for a minimum of fifteen years, to a tune of close to a million dollars. In addition, what are we getting for that? A false sense of safety for some, a real danger for others, and once again, Kristen, you are pitting neighbor against neighbor.

The nightmares have started again. The flashbacks are returning. My future is bleak. So what are my options, Kristen? Live in my basement or sell my house? I cannot spend another night not feeling safe in my own house. My destiny is in your hands. Thanks a lot.

Update: Here is Kristen Linfante's response, sent at 12:33 PM today.

Dear Ms. Gillen,

I will answer the questions you posed to me.

1. Surely, if someone were harmed or killed during a culling I would
feel an enormous sense of responsibility.  However, it is my job to
weigh the pros and cons of controlling deer population or not.
Statistically speaking,  the risk of being harmed or killed in a cull
is much less than the risk of being harmed or killed in a
deer/vehicular/human incident.  It is my job to try to keep our
community safe. There are never guarantees in life.  However,
statistically speaking, culling with guns is safer than culling with
cars.

2. Generally speaking, culling typically involves culling females
since they are the ones that give birth to more deer.  If one buck is
killed, that accounts for one deer. Period.  If one doe is killed, it
accounts not only for that doe, but for all future births she may have
had.  Therefore, killing does aids in reducing future populations.

3. No, does are not to blame for car accidents only.  See #2 for an
explanation about why does are targeted in culls.

4. I cannot answer your question regarding texting, DUI, etc.
However, I can assure you that since both texting and DUI are both
illegal, our police are actively enforcing those laws.  If you have
concerns about law enforcement, I suggest you contact MLPD. By the
way, a few weeks ago, one of our own police officers hit a deer in one
of our police cruisers.  I can assure you that they were not texting,
DUI, or otherwise distracted.

5. Only you can answer the question about what is going to  make you
feel safe.  If it is living in your basement, then so be it.  If it is
moving, then so be it.  Those choices and decisions are your own.  We
live in a democratic society, and we are a free society. Each
individual has his/her own comfort level in life.

6. Nobody is forcing you to put your house on the market.  Again, your
choices are your own.

7. This is a clarification.  I have never expressed discomfort in Mr.
Hoon bringing bullets to meetings.  A resident contacted us and
expressed concern, but I have not myself.  In addition, I did clarify
last week that our Chief of Police did volunteer to me that the
bullets Mr. Hoon brings, are NOT, in fact, the type of bullets used in
culls.

8. Your comment about cost is only a guess at best.  We are in
complete control of how we cull, with what firm, when, for how long in
any season, and at what cost depending on our budget.  Yes, costs
would be reoccurring.  The benefit would be a safer community with
fewer vehicular accidents, deer/human/pet  conflicts, etc.

9. You asked what your options are.  Ms. Gillen, we all have options.
Your destiny is not in my hands.  We are each responsible for our own
lives, destiny and happiness. Every human being is faced with choices
every day. I am proud and grateful to live in a country where freedom
exists.

In closing, I reiterate that I represent this entire community.  I
receive far more pleas to cull than I do about people having
nightmares and me taking over their free-will. In the end, after
weighing all information, it is my job to make choices that are best
for the community (regarding deer and a whole host of other issues).
I understand that I will not always have the support of every member
of the community.  I am ok with that. I am not trying to win praise or
friends.  I am trying to be true to my beliefs, and make the tough
choices that I have been entrusted by my community to make.

Regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3

What the buck?

I sent the following letter to the commissioners this morning.

Last night was a very emotional and painful discussion session for me, as you undoubtedly noticed. I want to thank you, Dave, for allowing additional comments after the deer management presentation by Kristen.

I don't appreciate, however, Krsiten taking my citizens comments and twisting them during the discussion session Part 2. To single me out over and over again in your ongoing rants, meeting after meeting, because I have safety concerns over your deer culling plan is unprofessional and only leads to escalating [tempers during] discussions. You love to press my buttons, don't you, Kristen? How do you expect me to be respectful when you take cheap shots at me? Last night, you refrained from using my name [this time], but anyone watching the meeting knows you were speaking of me. In previous meetings, you came right out and mentioned my name. I don't know.  Should I be pleased that you didn't mention my name?

On your final page of your presentation, Kristen, you mention that "A majority of residents have requested and even begged us to implement a deer management program." Why does this remind me of Ed Kubit saying that community is equally divided over the high school renovation? There are 33,000 residents in Mt. Lebanon, Kristen. Over 200 residents volunteering their properties is not a majority.   Put it up for referendum. Or is this going to go down the same way as the high school project?

Elaine Gillen