High School Upper Practice Field Update

I'm a little behind. sigh.

High School Upper Practice Field Update

Posted 03/26/2018 04:04PM

The School Board has asked the Facilities Department to move forward with plans to construct a competition, artificial turf field on the Upper Practice Field at the high school.

Work is underway to complete the field design and obtain storm water management permits. A committee is being formed to evaluate differ types of artificial turf to help inform the Board's decision.

Contract pricing will be brought to the School Board to consider, possibly in May. 

$5.5 million for Muni Field Improvements in 2022

If you follow the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the 2018-2022 CIP has been posted with the Public Hearing to be held at the Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 in the Commission Chambers, Municipal Building.

Planned for 2022:

Lighting for the Clint Seymour Field (Wildcat) $525,230
McNeilly Fields (2 rectangular fields and 1 baseball/softball field) $5,095,530.
The toxic turf at Seymour will be approaching the end of its life in 2022.

Keep in mind that the school district is considering artificial turf on the Rock Pile, Jefferson Middle School field, and Mellon Middle School field, in addition to replacing the high school stadium field which is at the end of its life.

I know. We hate kids. UPDATED

I'm sure that will be brought up. Whenever a resident challenges the school board, that person is chastised for hating kids. Well, think about this tonight, School Board Members, when you bring up toxic turf. The following photos were taken this summer on a hot day using a Fluke Thermal Imager – TiR32.  Self-explanatory.

So the turf is "for the kids." Same with the "Century* of Excellence Capital Campaign." Tonight's school board meeting should be interesting, or at least contentious.

*Is that how long it will take to raise $6 million?

Update September 11, 2017 8:54 PM Bits and pieces of the meeting.

• $910,000 is what is in the account now...big loss.
• Steinhauer is trying to put a positive spin on this.
• Timmy admits that $6 million was a stretch.
• Now there is infighting. Riemer and Remely are fighting. Remely making personal attacks toward Riemer.
• Regulation size football field for Rockpile...113.3 yards! Five options available.
• Riemer is being excluded from emails. (He replaced Cappucci on the Building Committee!)
• Jo Posti is back! She is selling the campaign. She wants to stop using the term, "Loan." She wants a reset. She is also over her five minutes.
• Lisa Dorn is begging for turf. She represented Kristen Linfante when I challenged her nomination petition.
• Elaine Cappucci is now selling the campaign. She is scolding the board members who voted no for the disbursements, while looking at Riemer. I'm guessing it didn't pass since the vote was 4-3. The solicitor said that there had to be five votes, but was going to look into it.
• Of course Dave Franklin had to say something. He supports the capital campaign. Did someone say turf? By the way, he wants turf on the Rockpile.
• Apparently, the contractor does not have to restore the Rockpile to its original condition. The contract had been amended.
• Even though the Capital Campaign financial records show a loan from the General Fund for $923,530.02, Jan Klein insists that it isn't a loan. Capital Campaign Financial Records

More non-education money to be spent

The School Board meeting agenda for Monday, September 11, 2017 has been posted. Ironically, two agenda items that eat up our tax dollars with zero dollars going to education will be discussed.

3. Capital Campaign Disbursement - As part of our Capital Campaign, we evaluated the needs of the District and considered the wishes of our donors to identify a number of uses for campaign funds. The equipment list to be funded has been reviewed and approved by the committee overseeing Campaign allocations. The Board is being asked to approve the Capital Campaign disbursement of $25,000 for Middle School Auditorium and Music Classrooms Sound Equipment. Once the budget is approved, we will proceed with purchasing the equipment in accordance with any applicable bidding requirements, State Law and Board Policy. 

4. Options for High School Practice Field Playing Surface – The Board will review options for the playing field surface at the high school practice field. (And there it is. Turf for the practice field.)

Dan Remely and Elaine Cappucci, both running for re-election were co-chairs of the high school
renovation project and successfully kept the practice field option (as well as other amenities) out of the renovation to trick the taxpayers.

And then there is the Capital Campaign. Nick Meduho wrote to the school board with the following questions:


Can someone please explain the following:

From http://www.mtlsd.org/uploaded/District/MLFE/Images/CURRENT_one-pager_0217.pdf, it states:

As of July 31, 2017 a grand total of $621,473 was raised as shown here:

If $6 million is the goal and 25% has been raised, like it states, where’s the rest of the money?

25% of 6 million is 1.5 million but only $621, 473 has been raised. I’d like to add too, the document was last modified in February 2017 so the $621,473 is high, around $21,000 higher.

Thank you,

Nicholas Meduho
Mt. Lebanon, PA


Here is the response by President Mary Birks, under investigation by the PA Ethics Commission, and also running for re-election.

From: Mary Birks <mbirks@mtlsd.net>
Date: Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 4:05 PM
Subject: Re: capital campaign
To: Bill Cooper <wcooper@mtlsd.net>, Bill Moorhead <wmoorhead@mtlsd.net>, Dan Remely <dremely@mtlsd.net>, Hugh Beal <hbeal@mtlsd.net>, Larry Lebowitz <llebowitz@mtlsd.net>, Mike Riemer <mriemer@mtlsd.net>, Nicholas Meduho Jr, Sarah Olbrich <solbrich@mtlsd.net>, Stephen Strotmeyer <sstrotmeyer@mtlsd.net>
Cc: Tim Steinhauer <tsteinhauer@mtlsd.net>

Dear Mr. Meduho, 

The Capital Campaign will be discussed at length at our next board discussion meeting, September 11th. 

For the Board, 

Mary D. Birks

Katie Caste, candidate running on the Timmy Ticket, claims that $1.2 million dollars has been raised. Wow! She hasn't been elected yet and she is giving us false numbers. Double wow!

Bottom line is that Monday's meeting at 7:30 PM should be attended by every member of the media. It will be interesting how these candidates spin this $6 million capital campaign where zero dollars have been spent on education.

If the athletic supporters had only listened. UPDATED

I don't know where to begin. I guess I will start with Mt. Lebanon's latest administrative report.

We knew that the "Crown Jewel" would be abused. Here in Mt. Lebanon, we can't keep anything nice. Sunflower seeds are a definite no-no. I warned them about the Field Turf lawsuits. Bid opening today. We told them about the garbage and the lawn chairs on Day 1. Even with the new sign at the Crown Jewel in Office Depot vinyl sheet protectors, there are sunflower seeds. After the newer -new signs, we saw this. Sunday: WITH the new signs

Today, I received this in my email.
https://www.classaction.org/news/city-of-fremont-ca-latest-to-file-class-action-against-fieldturf-usa

On FieldTurf’s overall legal troubles, the lawsuit asserts the company “specifically knew that its fields would not last for the full eight-year warranty period due to structural inadequacies,” yet still told prospective customers that its product, more specifically its “monofilament” surfaces, would last at least 10 years.

Guess what the super secret turf task force recommended?

Speaking of final specifications, the Turf Project Task Force Recommendations included these specs, "To address the multi-purpose, heavy use planned for the field, the specification recommended for the turf will be a slit film with monofilament blend."

Monofilament surfaces. Yep, these geniuses were the ones who would not permit two Mt. Lebanon residents to attend the super secret turf task force meeting held at the Rec Center.

All this and we are only in Year 2. Next on the list will be turfing the practice field at the high school. You heard it here first!

In other news,



Update September 2, 2017 6:35 PM Mt. Lebanon School District confirms 7 high school football players being treated for staph infections

Athletic Director John Grogan sent this letter to parents:

Dear Parent/Guardian:
I wanted to inform you that we have seven confirmed cases of Staph infections among members of our football team. As a precaution, we felt it was important to notify you about this. To prevent communicable disease transmission, the Mt. Lebanon School District follows the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for infectious diseases/conditions.

How can we prevent Staph?

Handwashing is the most effective method of preventing the spread of infectious disease. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with bandages to aid in healing and to prevent transmission of infection. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothes or personal items. On the recommendation of the ACHD, any student or employee who has been treated for Staph and cleared to return to school, as well anyone who has been or may be referred to their family physician for Staph screening, may return to normal activities as long as all wounds are completely covered and taped on all four sides.

What is the school doing?

We will continue to encourage good hygiene practices with students and staff. Soap dispensers and sinks are available in every locker room. The custodial staff will continue their daily cleaning and sanitization procedures in the locker rooms, washrooms etc. with cleaning products that have been approved by the ACHD. Additionally, one of our UPMC team physicians met with the football team student athletes and coaching staff to review safe hygiene practices.

What can you do?

We recommend that if you have concerns about your child's health, to contact his or her private physician. If your child is immunocompromised (i.e., HIV, cancer, leukemia, organ transplant, etc.,) contact your child's physician to ask for guidance. As always, information regarding a student with a diagnosed or a suspected infectious condition should be reported to the school nurse, principal and coach (if applicable). Student athletes should take all practice clothing home to be cleaned each evening. Finally, remind your student athlete to not share any personal items such as towels, razors, clothing, etc.

I want to assure you that we are doing all that we can to provide a safe and healthy school environment for our students and staff. In addition to contacting your own physician with concerns, please feel free to contact me or the school nurse.

Another school district sues FieldTurf

Neshannock School District sues FieldTurf over defective artificial turf fields
by Louie Torres | 

Jun. 19, 2017, 1:27pm

NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Proposed Class Action | Pending

SUMMARY: Accuses FieldTurf of failing to disclose problems with the turf even after customer complained of deterioration. Counts include breach of contract, breach of warranty, unfair trade practices and fraudulent concealment.

Class Action Complaint is here.
Add New Castle to the growing list of schools who sued FieldTurf.

I first wrote about this in my Lebo Citizens blog post, The 100-Yard Deception.

The website continues to update. FieldTurf: The 100-Yard Deception 

Will I hear again from my buddy, Darren Gill? 

Commissioners, think about this tonight as you raise our taxes.

Commissioners, remember how you blew almost a million dollars on the toxic turf on Cedar Blvd.? Think about this when you raise our taxes tonight.

The latest cancer data from soccer coach Amy Griffin about players who've played on artificial turf. And it's not good. This calls for an epidemiological study by our Federal Government.

CANCERS AMONG SOCCER PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED ON SYNTHETIC TURF AND REPORTED THEIR CANCERS TO AMY GRIFFIN.

Eight months ago, in April of 2016 -- there were 166 soccer players who had gotten cancer -- and 102 of those were goalkeepers.

Now, in December, 2016, there are 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer and 116 of them are goalkeepers. That is 62% of the soccer players who have gotten cancer are the goal keepers, who we know are the most heavily exposed to the synthetic turf. The average age of the soccer players who have gotten cancer is 20-21 years old.

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer, 48 have Hodgkin's Lymphoma -- 29 of the 48 are Goalkeepers == which is 60 % of the soccer players who got Hodgkin's Lymphoma are goalkeepers;

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 26 have non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma -- 13 are Goalkeepers === which is 50% of the soccer players who got non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are goalkeepers;

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 42 Leukemia -- 29 are Goalkeepers == which is 70% of the soccer players who got Leukemia are goalkeepers;

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 17 have Sarcomas -- 9 are goalkeepers == which is 53%of the soccer players who got Sarcomas are goalkeepers;

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 11 have testicular -- 6 are Goalkeepers == which is 55% of the soccer players who got testicular cancer are goalkeepers;

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 9 have Thyroid -- 8 are goalkeepers == which is 89% of the soccer players who got Thyroid cancer are goalkeepers; (1 was a field hockey goalkeeper)

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 9 have brain cancer -- 6 are goalkeepers = which is 67% of the soccer players who got brain cancer are goalkeepers;

Of the 186 soccer players who have gotten cancer 3 have lung cancer -- all are goal keepers === which is 100% of the soccer players who got lung cancer are goalkeepers.

There are reported 74 soccer players with either Hodgkin's Lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas while there are 42 soccer players who have gotten Leukemias. In the general population there are usually more Leukemias than lymphomas -- in this instance there are almost double the number of lymphomas to Leukemias.

All in all, there are 116 cases of blood cancers among the 186 who have gotten cancer. That is 62% of the soccer players who have gotten cancer have gotten blood cancers.

Thus far: There are 234 Total Athletes who have played on synthetic turf and have cancer -- and have known to report their cancers to Amy Griffin.

Precautionary vs. Rethinking Down the Road

It is amazing how two towns can think so differently.

Pittsburgh-area schools invested big money in crumb rubber fields. But how safe are they for your kids?

Sarah Collins/PublicSource

As soccer players fight for the ball at the Keystone Oaks High School field, clouds of black pellets trail their cleats.

Precautionary?
But in the Chartiers Valley School District, concerns about the health effects of crumb rubber prompted the board there to choose “virgin” rubber pellets for the infill in its new field. Virgin rubber has never been used in tires and does not contain the chemicals in tire rubber, said superintendent Brian White. 

Mr. White said a resident brought concerns about crumb rubber to his attention and he shared those concerns with the school board. As a result, the board watched an ESPN video about anecdotal links between crumb rubber and cancer. 

The board then decided it would be wise to look into alternatives.

Meanwhile, back in Mt. Lebanon

The lack of conclusive studies stirred a local public debate in Mt. Lebanon last year. 

Some residents and town Commissioner Kelly Fraasch raised health concerns about installing crumb rubber turf at the Wildcat and Middle fields along Cedar Boulevard. 

The majority of the commission, however, voted in favor of installing the turf, and it was installed in summer 2015. The fields are used by community soccer leagues as well as the high school baseball and lacrosse teams. 

“I wanted to wait to research alternatives,” Ms. Fraasch said. “But there was a movement among the majority of the commission to get this done.” 

The commission, at the urging of community sports leagues, planned the switch from grass to turf so that the field use could be increased. After it rains, drainage and mud on grass fields create problems. Repeated use also wears down a grass field faster, said David Donnellan, director of recreation for Mt. Lebanon. 

In response to the concerns, the municipality sent a sample of each bag of crumb rubber pellets that were ordered to be used at the fields for testing at a private laboratory to see if the level of chemicals met EPA standards. 

“They met the EPA standards for the chemicals in the pellets at the time,” Mr. Donnellan said. “If new information becomes available down the road we will rethink what we are doing.”

Scott Township and Mt. Lebanon are certainly consistent. They have handled the deer debate with the same approach. Scott Township is concerned for their residents' safety, while Mt. Lebanon shoots first and then will rethink down the road, after the damage is done.

Second time this year UPDATED 2X

This is the second of these emails received this baseball season. So much for the versatility of turf and added field use time. Is it for Star Wars Day? What happened to "Play even when it rains" ??

Subject: Fw: fields closed - turf @ mgr discretion - 4May16

On Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 5:43 PM, Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association - Carolyn Kernan <outbound-mail@siplay.com> wrote:

All fields closed today for MLBA. Games at the turf are to be held at the discretion of the managers and coaches. Use common sense regarding safety and playability. *** Please do not reply to this message as this account is not monitored *** Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association • PO Box 13068 • Pittsburgh, PA 15243 You received this email because you have an account with Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association. Sports Management Software Powered by Sports Illustrated Play

Update May 5, 2016 2:08 PM Trying to get an answer is an exercise in futility.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: smclean <smclean@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Thu, May 5, 2016 1:37 pm
Subject: Re: fields closed - turf @ mgr discretion - 4May16

Thank you for trying to answer my question, Steve. I do appreciate it, but seriously, I can read the MLBA notice as well as you can. This is the second time this year that the turf field was closed. I am going to ask my original question again. Why was the artificial turf field closed, when there were signs all over Mt. Lebanon saying that kids will be able to play even in the rain?

It wasn't raining, and yet Wildcat was closed. A second time.

Perhaps the Sports Advisory Board commission liaison can help here, rather than having you struggle with getting answers. It would have been much easier to have been able to send an email directly to the SAB, but the SAB commission liaison frowns upon government transparency. 

Please find out the reason for me, Steve. 

Thanks.

Elaine

-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen McLean <smclean@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, May 5, 2016 12:42 pm
Subject: Re: fields closed - turf @ mgr discretion - 4May16

Eliane - by the info from MLBA notice,  it is referring to all fields are closed that are used by MLBA because of rain and wet conditions, with the exception of the turf field to be used at the coaches and managers discretion keeping safety and playability in mind. 

I hope this clarifies the situation for you.

Steve McLean

On Wed, May 4, 2016 at 9:54 PM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

I am desirous of an answer, Steve. We were told that we needed artificial turf so that kids could play "even when it rains." What is the reason that the turf is not being used?

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen McLean <smclean@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2016 9:41 pm
Subject: Re: fields closed - turf @ mgr discretion - 4May16

Elaine - I can't determine if you're asking a rhetorical question or are desirous of an answer. My read of the email links is summed up by the ...." at the discretion of the managers and coaches. Use common sense regarding safety and playability"

Steve McLean 

On Wed, May 4, 2016 at 8:32 PM, 'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:

Commissioners and Sports Advisory Board (gee, if we only had an email address for them),

Why were taxpayers forced to shell out $750,000+ so that kids can "Play even when it rains" ?? 

Elaine Gillen

Forwarded email:

This is the second of these emails we've received this baseball season.

So much for the versatility of turf and added field use time

Subject: Fw: fields closed - turf @ mgr discretion - 4May16

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

On Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 5:43 PM, Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association - Carolyn Kernan <outbound-mail@siplay.com> wrote:

All fields closed today for MLBA. Games at the turf are to be held at the discretion of the managers and coaches. Use common sense regarding safety and playability. *** Please do not reply to this message as this account is not monitored *** Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association • PO Box 13068 • Pittsburgh, PA 15243 You received this email because you have an account with Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association.  Sports Management Software Powered by Sports Illustrated Play

Update May 13, 2016 1:23 PM Heard back again from Steve McLean. A parent tells me that it is BS. It was not thundering that day. There was no reason to cancel any games on the artificial turf.

From: Stephen McLean <smclean@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, May 12, 2016 8:05 am
Subject: Re: fields closed - turf @ mgr discretion - 4May16

Elaine,

I spoke with the Sports Advisory Board commission liaison regarding the field closure.  The fields were closed due to the rain and the chance of thunder storms and potential lightning.  So the grass fields were closed and the turf was to be used at the discretion of the coaches taking into general safety.

Steve McLean

From Fake Lebo:

Feds Finally Take Action on Crumb Rubber Turf UPDATED

Feds Finally Take Action on Crumb Rubber Turf

I sent this link to our commissioners with a note to Dave, Steve. S. and John saying, "If you had only listened to Kelly and the rest of us.

Update February 13, 2016 What is going on here in Mt. Lebanon? Giving elementary school children 30 minutes to walk home from school before the high powered rifles are shot in Mt. Lebanon. After reading 12:28's comment, I sent this to the school board.

School board directors,

I didn't realize that you are considering toxic turf.

"The board also reviewed 62 priority projects totaling $807,802 and 20 less urgent projects, including installing lights and all-weather turf on the upper practice field at the high school for $1.2 million and replacing the press box at the high school stadium for $500,000".

Please delay this project until after the investigation has been completed.

Elaine Gillen


-----Original Message-----
From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Fri, Feb 12, 2016 11:41 pm
Subject: President Obama seeking $1 Million for a federal investigation

Commissioners,

President Barack Obama, at the urging of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, is seeking $1 million for a federal investigation into the safety of artificial turf fields and playgrounds.
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/blumenthal_advocates_applaud_white_house_study_of_synthetic_turf/

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/feds-to-investigate-safety-of-crumb-rubber-turf-fields-622122051731

Elaine Gillen

Update February 13, 2016 7:00 PM Latest exchange with Dave Brumfield.

Dave, I continue to copy those who have sent you studies which showed the contrary. I added a geologist who also gave her professional opinion, but you felt it was biased since she is a Mt. Lebanon resident. I wish I still had Dr. Phil Johnson's email address. He was the Mt. Lebanon toxicologist who was considered biased because he too, was from Mt. Lebanon and felt that artificial turf is not a good idea.

If no studies that you read showed that crumb rubber is dangerous, why then is CT considering banning it in playgrounds and public schools? Why does President Obama feel that more studies are needed? Perhaps he may have read something that shows that more research needs to be done.

The SAB is not the only board who would benefit from hearing from the public. Not everyone can come to meetings for citizen comments. I don't understand why it is ever a bad idea to contact anyone if it promotes an open government. it is unfortunate that as long as you are a commissioner, that transparency is not one of your goals.

And yes, you were reelected, but when one runs unopposed, that is not a major accomplishment. As far as "the community supports the way you are doing things," I question why you had a whole discussion on improving communication with the community. This would have been an opportunity to do just that. One of the commission's goals this year is "Public Outreach and Engagement." Think about it, Dave. You would be able to accomplish both by adding this option for constituents.

Elaine

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

From: David Brumfield <dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Sat, Feb 13, 2016 12:25 PM
Subject: Re: crumb rubber

Elaine,

I read every study cited by anyone who contacted the commission. No study found crumb rubber to be dangerous. The only negative studies were those that found crumb rubber products that contained other additives. And then sited that those additives could be dangerous. This was why we required the additional sample testing of the material used in our project.

Again as to the email for boards go I am one vote. I do not believe an email that goes to board members is a good idea. As you well know you can email Dave Donnellan if you want something shared with the SAB. I am not sure why that is such a problem for you or anyone else.

As to your final point perhaps "nothing is going to change" perhaps that is because the vast majority of the community supports the way we are doing things rather than the way you want them done. For all of your criticism of me and Mr. Bendel we were both reelected. If Kelly, Dan or Matt want to try to persuade me as to the merits of an idea I am happy to talk. I think if you ask them they will all agree that I have never avoided a discussion or refused to listen.

Dave

On Feb 13, 2016 12:07 PM, "egillen476@aol.com" <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:


Every study that you found...

The fact remains every study done to date has been positive.

The latest recommendation is to have kids practice on real grass until the study is completed, but the school board is now talking about turfing the Rock Pile. As commission liaison to the SAB, Dave, are you communicating that to the school board since we have no way of contacting the SAB or any other board in Mt. Lebanon?

Regarding contacting boards and authorities, John Bendel did make that recommendation at your special discussion session on public outreach. I believe that you are the stumbling block for that action. You folks go through the motions of wanting to increase public outreach and communication, but that is all it is, just going through the motions. I sat in Dan Miller's office with Matt Kluck and Kelly Fraasch and discussed this. All present thought it was a good idea. Nothing is going to change with this commission.

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

From: David Brumfield <dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Sat, Feb 13, 2016 11:52 am
Subject: Re: crumb rubber

But you have availed yourself of all communication options and did share everything you could find. The SAB does not make the final decision we do. Our boards have public comment but do not communicate otherwise unless it is through their staff liaison. The fact remains every study done to date has been positive. Two crumb rubber fields already existed in the municipality. Crumb rubber in a different form was used on the new playground. I am sure that this study will improve the product over the long term but I also believe that it will find the product safe at least those tested as ours was.


Dave


On Feb 13, 2016 10:28 AM, "egillen476@aol.com" <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Dave,

This was the crux of our turf rallies. We wanted you to wait until there was a comprehensive study done. I said it on the news, but you wouldn't wait. You told us that you could find studies that showed it was safe. You were not open to listening or waiting.

If the Sports Advisory Board had an email address, such as SAB@mtlebanon.org, like I have been asking for several years now, I would have sent this to them. But for some reason, you don't want "public outreach" with the boards and authorities in Mt. Lebanon.

Elaine

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

From: David Brumfield <dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Feb 13, 2016 9:57 am
Subject: Re: Fwd: crumb rubber

Just to clarify the announcement of a comprehensive study is not a negative to any of us. We would all hope that we could confirm the safety of the surface as well as identify any ways to improve it. Not sure who you think would be upset about this.

Dave


On Feb 12, 2016 10:30 PM, "'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission" <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:

Dave, John, and Steve S.,

You may have seen it, but just in case:

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/artificial-turf-debate/feds-finally-take-action-crumb-rubber-turf-n517726

If you had only listened to Kelly and the rest of us.

Elaine Gillen

Is this payback over the turf project?

Dave Franklin wrote to John Bendel and Dave Brumfield, to ask for their support in moving forward with the appeal. The one in which the Office of Open Records ruled in my favor.

Dave had blamed me for the delay of the toxic turf project, when in reality, the delay was because of Gateway's blunders.

I guess payback is a bitch.

Toxic turf July 18, 2015 UPDATED

It has only been used for a couple of days and already lots of violations.

Sunflower seeds in the dugout.

The chairs - love the red cup. Water, of course.

Where are the signs for the turf rules and regulations?

From Chip -  MIDDLE & WILDCAT FIELD With the opening of the middle/Wildcat field there are some guidelines and rules that we must adhere to. These are not suggestions but rules set forth by the municipality and manufacturer. 1 – No food of any kind permitted. Sport drinks and other beverages are to remain in the bench/dugout area. 2 – Gum & seeds are not permitted. 3 - Chairs, tents and any other objects that could cause damage to the surface are not permitted. 4 – Any shoes with metal cleats, tips or spikes are prohibited. 5 – No motorized vehicles, skateboards, bicycles or vehicles of any type. 6 – Snow removal of any type is not permitted. 7 – Permitted events have precedence over any other activities. 8 – No tobacco products, open flames etc. 9 – All garbage is to be disposed of after each event/game. *** Please do not reply to this message as this account is not monitored ***

Mt. Lebanon Baseball Association • PO Box 13068 • Pittsburgh, PA 15243

From Steve Feller's weekly report:

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds

Water fountain on backorder

Update July 18, 2015 10:59 PM

More chairs this evening

Who removes this mesh fencing?

Mesh fencing to have multiple games

Any shoe checks for metal cleats? Do other teams pay to play in tournament?