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? 

"We were days away from the infill process....We said regardless, stop everything."

Coach Griffin has heard from toxicologists all over the country, telling her that she is not wrong. Local governments are stopping the process and aren't willing to take the chance. But Dave Brumfield, Kristen Linfante, Steve Silverman, and John Bendel are willing to take the chance on yours and their kids.

CBS News: School replaces artificial turf over cancer concerns

Groups Giving Second Thoughts To Those Little Black Crumbs On Playing Fields

Shame on all you media people who read this blog and don't want to cover this issue.

They added the parking lot!!!!!!

A Lebo Citizens reader emailed me these photos, along with this note.

Thought you might be interested to know someone sneakily dropped an envelope off at my doorstep within the past hour containing the below 2 page document. Notice the project area now includes the parking lot.

Here is a copy of the Notice of Intent (NOI) also known as the NPDES permit application.

Also, a copy of the Post Construction Stormwater Management Plan (PCSM) is here.

Another typo? UPDATED

Weren't we told that the artificial turf would help with stormwater runoff? The grass fields are comparable to eight inches of cement, so we were told. According to today's Trib article, Mt. Lebanon's artificial turf plan hits a snag "the runoff from the turf, while higher than it would be if the fields remained grass, would go through a treatment system and would carry fewer pollutants from grass fertilizer than before." On page 169 of Gateway's response, "The project will improve the drainage issues." As a Lebo Citizens reader wrote to me privately, "Since the main selling point of the turf was that it would allow the kids to play games in the rain, knowing that the runoff needs to go through a treatment system before it enters the sewage system tells me we probably should not let our kids slosh around in it before it is 'treated'. But hey, when Cedar floods up to our neck (instead of to our waist as it would now) I guess we can be reassured that at least it went through the filter."

So which way is it, Gateway? Runoff will be less or will it be higher? Is this another typo?

Not so fast about changing to turf not subtracting from any historic value, Folks. Gateway's letter to the PHMC: 

The note to the Historical and Museum Commission said that while Mt. Lebanon's park overall contributed to the community's historic nature, the rec center, pool and concessions buildings surrounding the fields were all more modern and therefore the change to turf wouldn't subtract from any historic value.

On Page 10 of National Register of Historic Places, Main Park is considered a contributing site to the Mt. Lebanon Historic District.

The Mt. Lebanon Historic District also contains three substantial greenspaces within its boundary. The northernmost is the 76-acre Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, which was established in 1874 and includes a late nineteenth century caretaker’s house as part of its property (Photograph 34)... Main Park, a 51-acre park located off Cedar Boulevard, was already established during the period of significance though the original bath house and swimming pool that were formerly located at the center of the park are no longer extant. The park itself, which features ball fields, playgrounds, and basketball and tennis courts, is considered a contributing site, but the recreation center, tennis center, and current pool house that have been built within the park after the period of significance are considered non-contributing buildings.

I contacted The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon, who shared some wonderful articles about the history of Wildcat Field. If you are a native Pittsburgher, you will recognize the name, Bob Prince a.k.a. The Gunner, announcer of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He organized The Wildcats team. 

See if you recognize any names in the December 1946 issue of Huddle Magazine. Another fun article about The Mt. Lebanon Wildcats is here. Read about the coaching staff. I love this photo:

                                                                                  Courtesy: The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon Archives

Is this another typo, Gateway? Could it be that the National Register of Historic Places is correct after all? The ball fields are a contributing site.


Update September 18, 2014 9:17 AM John Bendel, commission liaison to the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board, as well as other commissioners and members of the Sports Advisory Board are trying to sell the naming rights for Wildcat Field. August 25, 2014 Discussion Session Agenda Anything for a buck in Mt. Lebanon.  Oops, that word makes Kristen nervous. Sorry. A dollar.

A thoughtful response from a commissioner

Lebo Citizens reader, Richard Gideon, recently sent these questions to the Commission. Commissioner Fraasch's answers are in red.

Commissioners:
After listening to the last commission meeting on 12 August 2014 I have a few questions that I'd like to ask your Honors:

• A resident asked Commissioner Bendel if he thought artificial turf was "an essential need."  Mr. Bendel replied that "it's a need."  May I conclude from that exchange that the commission agrees that it is not part of the core responsibilities of Mt. Lebanon to provide artificial turf to the community?  
• I would agree that it is not a core responsibility.  However as I look back these last three years, we do a lot that isn't our core responsibility whether still in the community's best interest or possibly not.  The conversation with Mr. Bendel and the resident was about essential need vs need.  I personally believe that we have need at maintaining the fields we have and if the opportunity arises to add a field to do so, as you know, I don't think that I would have done very well in the debate because I don't see turf as an essential need or even a need.
• Earlier in the meeting (if I remember the timeline correctly) Mr. Bendel told the same resident that one of the benefits of artificial turf is that it would eliminate the necessity of our field sports teams to occasionally play or practice on fields located outside the municipality.  Why is playing on a field outside the boundaries of Mt. Lebanon a bad thing?  If venues are available and nearby, what difference does it make where they are located?   Some of the venues are not nearby and I think that is the concern.  I agree with Mr. Bendel that it would be optimal to have some of these teams play here in Mt Lebanon, but I also agree with you Mr. Gideon if you can't what's the big deal if it's nearby (30-40 mins).  

I don't want to put Mr. Bendel on the spot, so any one of you who is so inclined may answer those questions as well. In addition to the above, I have been wrestling with a couple of other issues related to field turf, but not necessarily exclusive to it. It has been stated that placing artificial turf on our Cedar Boulevard fields will attract new, young families into the municipality. With that in mind, I have the following questions:

• What constitutes the demographics for a "new, young family?"  It certainly can't be Millennials (18 to 29); a recent survey by the Reason-Rupe Poll, in cooperation with the Pew Foundation, shows that most Millennials are unmarried (71%), only 19% currently own a home or condo, and what's more important, most Millennials don't have the money it would take to live In Mt. Lebanon.  I assume you are targeting the over 30 crowd.  I read that poll as well and I think even more so that age group is looking at condo and townhouse living with move-in ready and you are right we don't have a lot of that housing stock here.  That is why SF, Peters, and others are booming.  I am not sure what demographic the Commission is looking at specifically because I don't think it has ever been discussed.
• Since Mt. Lebanon is (almost) completely built-out, and a large percentage of homes (probably more than half) are older, post WWII vintage houses with limited floor space, it becomes rather apparent that attracting "new, young families" will be a zero sum game; i.e., some person, couple, or family in a desirable house will have to "go away" for the new young family to move in.  Of course this is not 100% correct, but I think you would all agree that the amount of space available for new construction is severely limited.  It also becomes rather obvious that the people who will have to go are elderly couples or elderly singles, "empty nest" families, or families consisting of only one child.  Does the commission have a plan to encourage these people to go away?  (By the way, I'm not being "flippant"; these are questions that other communities are debating!)  I understand your question and the answer is no I don't believe we do.  We also don't have a comprehensive plan if they stay and I mean our public transportation isn't there. We don't have sidewalks everywhere either and we are currently working on our accessibility practices for buildings/roads. 
• Should you achieve your goal of attracting moderate to large numbers of new, young families into Mt. Lebanon it will undoubtedly put a strain on field services - we're assuming these families want their kiddos to play field sports - and the school district.  This, in turn, will necessitate increased spending on the part of both the municipality and the district (for example, the artificial turf will experience more use due to the increased number of kids using it).  Spending comes from revenues, and revenues come mostly from real estate and earned income taxes.  If the number of new families is limited by the availability of desirable housing, then these families will perforce have to be very high income earners (probably duel-incomes). Given these things, what constitutes the profile of your target family?  In other words, what should they have in terms of net income (because real estate taxes are paid out of net income, not gross); ideally, how many kids should each family have; and what would be the typical value of a home they would purchase?  In a community, and especially a "built-out" one, there must be an optimum ratio between the under 18 population and non-essential services provided to them by taxpayers.  This is my personal opinion, not the Commissions.  We highly rely on our families to do volunteerism in the schools which almost requires a stay at home parent.  Our school system is making some headway, but still relies/assumes that most students have one parent that stays home so we already have a disparity, because our taxes almost require dual income.  Most families in the country, cannot afford one parent staying home and affording our cost of living in Mt Lebanon for purchasing real estate but also times are changing and both parents are becoming more ambitious about their careers and don't want to take time off to raise the children.  So our school district still lives in part in the days where "Johnny" could come home for lunch or expect Johnny's mom to do the PTA/Science group and Writing Lab.  When we begin looking at this shift as a community/school we will see full-day Kindergarten, comprehensive after school programming for all kids, and maybe some school programs eliminated.  I think we would see major differences in school/community if we became more dual parent focused.  Until then, I believe that is why we are seeing more rentals and that will continue to grow.  Young families, single moms want to have their child attend a safe school/live in a safe neighborhood and they pull the funds together to rent.  I also see many retirees or recent widows that want to live in a safe area but don't want to be responsible for the daily care of a house so they rent. Ward 5 continues to grow in rental living every year and some properties do take decent care of the rental, others most definitely do not.  To answer your question in a number ratio, I am not sure, but I understand your question and see the issues every time I talk to residents.
• What is your estimate of home price inflation that will be required to sustain a growth of, say, 10% in the under 18 demographic over a period of eight years (I chose eight years because that's the replacement time for artificial field turf) - keeping in mind that the total population of Mt. Lebanon would not rise by the same amount?  Same question, but with an increase of 20%?  To guide your thinking on this, consider a hypothetical town with two families, A and B, each consisting of five "under 18" kids and two adults.  The total number of kids is 10, and the total population is 14.  Family B moves away and is replaced by family C, consisting of six kids and two adults.  The number of kids in total has increased by 10%, but the total population has increased by seven percent.  That additional kid, not being a producer, will put additional strain on the municipality and school system, thus raising the costs for both.  I am not sure.
• Finally, what is the criteria for public financing of special interest entertainments?  (Again, I'm not being flippant.  Each organized field sport, such as baseball, football, lacrosse, etc.,  is a special interest.  That does not mean field sports are bad things; it simply means they are not "essential needs" and do not serve over 50% of the community.)  As a private pilot I'd love to see an airfield in Mt. Lebanon - it would save me from driving to the Allegheny County Airport (if I were still flying, that is!).  I am sure other Mt. Lebanon pilots would agree.  Now that may be a little grandiose, so how about a zip-line facility - perhaps in Bird Park?  That would be fun, and it would certainly attract the more adventurous types of young families and their kids.  So, hypothetically speaking, if I were to provide a quarter of the costs for a zip-line could I depend upon the municipality to fund the rest?  There isn't a criteria.  Anyone could come to us and if a Commissioner or staff person has an interest in moving the idea forward it can be possible.  Zip line, Denis Theater, Horsing facility, airport,  what have you.

I hope this information helps.  I can definitely expand my personal thoughts, opinions etc by phone or over coffee as well.

Thanks Mr. Gideon.

Kelly

It's not over yet

Big news from tonight's commission meeting. The turf contract has not been signed yet. For those of you who have thrown away your anti-turf signs thinking it was a done deal, we can get more signs to you.

Email me if you need a sign. Now it all makes sense as to why some signs were stolen over the weekend. It's not over yet, Folks!

Commission Meeting Agendas for Tuesday UPDATED 2X

Tuesday's meetings will be action packed. For starters, here is what is in store for the Commission Discussion Session starting at 6:30 PM: 

1. Deer topics:
a. Presentation on roadside detectors – Edward Mulka, JAFA Technologies
b. Conference call regarding sterilization – Enid Feinberg, Wildlife Rescue

6:55 P.M.
2. Wildcat/Middle Field Improvements Project:
a. Bids
b. Funding sources
c. Environmental tests
d. Maintenance
e. Other

7:15 P.M.
3. Review MS-4 and plan for TMDL stormwater. 

I really don't know what Item 3 is about, but the Commission has set aside 25 minutes for this agenda item.

But wait, there's more!

At 8:00 PM, the real fun begins. On the Commission Meeting Agenda: 

First, Senator Matt Smith and State Rep. Dan Miller will be presenting a citation to Mt. Lebanon for being an Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) Banner Community. 

After recognition of a Mt. Lebanon volunteer, Citizen Comments begins. Citizens have five minutes to speak on any topic. Please sign the sheet as you enter the commission chambers if you wish to speak at this time. This is NOT for the Public Hearing.

Agenda Item 5 is the Public Hearing on Capital Investment. There will be a separate sign up sheet for the Public Hearing. This is when you can speak about the list of possible projects discussed so far:

1. Wildcat/Middle field remaining allocation
2. School safety signage
3. Recycling cans
4. Robb Hollow park improvements
5. Deer sterilization and other deer management practices
6. Traffic pedestrian upgrades
7. Bird Park and Twin Hills trail signs
8. Iroquois fill and grass
9. Church Place concrete pad
10. Rockwood Park concrete pad
11. Other park improvements
12. Consultant to develop design guidelines and HARB ordinance
13. Golf course pavilion
14. Firing range improvements
15. Public Works facility improvements
16. Private street contribution
17. Expanding street reconstruction and maintenance
18. Prescription drug incinerator
19. Sidewalks at tennis center
20. Other capital projects listed in the 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program

First item on the list will be approved. See Agenda Item 14. We will get to hear from the sports people to please assign funds toward the turf project, even though it is already on the agenda. Deer people, here is your chance. PAYT people, time to speak up. Want more money for Tom Kelley's Public Works facility and parks improvements? Get in line. Sidewalks at the tennis center? Sign up. Live on a private road which needs attention? Tell the Commissioners all about it. Kelly Fraasch has been trying to talk about a prescription drug incinerator at all the Commission Discussion Sessions, but the commissioners would always run out of time. See where her possible project is on the list? Almost at the end. I know this will never happen, but it would be nice if the people who want artificial turf, would let the others speak, since it is already an agenda item. If not, I can see this being an after midnight meeting again. 

That was only Agenda No. 5. Items 6 & 7 are Home Rule Charter amendments for the November election.

Still with me? Let's skip to No. 12. Usually, Maher Duessel is appointed as an independent auditor annually, but this year, they will be getting a three year contract. This firm has been our independent auditor for the Municipality and the School District for YEARS! The commission wants to appoint Maher Duessel for audit years 2014, 2015, and 2016. 

But Items 14 & 15 are what most people are interested in, of late. 

14. Consideration to assign funds for athletic field improvements.

At this time, the Commission would like to assign an additional $162,600 for this project.

Use of Funds Amount
Base Bid $ 859,000
Add Alt. 6 (filtration) 21,000
Add Alt. 9 (fountain) 8,000
Professional services 122,000
Contingency 40,000
Total $1,050,000

Source of Funds Amount
11/25/13 Assignment $ 637,400
7/13/14 Assignment 162,600
Non-Municipal Sources 250,000
Total $1,050,000

The original amount to be assigned was $112,600. November 25, 2013 Commission Meeting Minutes

15. Award of bids for the installation of turf at Wildcat/Middle fields

On July 8, 2014, the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners will award the contract to Vasco Sports Contractors for Base Bid 1 - Blended Turf with Thatch Zone with Sand and Rubber Infill ($859,000)
Add Alternate 6 - Storm Filtration System ($21,000) and
Add Alternate 9 - Water Fountain ($8,000)
for a total price of $888,000, subject to:
a) Receipt of the NPDSS (?) permit,
b) Receipt of $250,000 of non-municipal funds, and
c) Review and approval of all contract language by the Solicitor and Municipal Manager.

Number 16 has been top secret. The Commission had been speaking of a turf maintenance agreement with the School District, but we never would get any details. No. 16 is to execute the turf maintenance agreement with the School District.

And if there hasn't been enough controversial topics, the Commission will consider parking issues on Academy Avenue. 

Finally, Agenda Item 18 is moving the parking on Cedar Blvd. near Wildcat and Middle Fields, from the north side of the road to the south side of the road.

What the commissioners have managed to do is pack as many hot topics as possible into one evening. The only issue missing is the dog park. That could be under Robb Hollow park improvements.

And in case you missed it, Charlotte Stephenson wrote an excellent Letter to the Editor in today's Post-Gazette. "Newcomer tax and turf unnecessary"

Update July 4, 2014 11:02 AM Please visit newly created "Mt. Lebo Residents Against Child-Health Risks of Artificial Turf" on Facebook.

Update July 6, 2014 5:53 PM Mt. Lebanon, PA Residents Against Artificial Turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields Petition here.

Tom Kelley sez... UPDATED

"This is bullshit..." The Commission will be having a public hearing on Tuesday, July 8 at 8:00 in the Commission Chambers regarding the Wildcat/Middle Fields Turf Project.

The commissioners should be getting the composition data in tomorrow's packet. The public, including the Environmental Sustainability Board, experts in Public Health, doctors, nurses, geologists, etc. will not have an opportunity to review the materials. It has been posted on the Mt. Lebanon Municipal website here.

The commissioners will be allocating additional unassigned funds to this project. Initially, the remaining funds to be allocated were to be $112,600, but there will be add alternates. Word on the street is that they are definitely going with toxic tire crumbs. No surprise there. I hear that the plaza and the monument are out, just as John Bendel stated in the last commission meeting. We're getting a water fountain and a filtration system. I don't believe Chip is getting his pitchers mound. My guess is that Baseball has to buy their own.

So let me recap. The public will not be able to hear about the infill composition. Information on MSDS and metal testing is here. There has never been a financial report given by the Sports Advisory Board. The public hearing will be on the same night that the commissioners will be awarding the bids. The decision to install toxic turf has been made by the Fab Four.

If anyone thinks that we have a shot at stopping this project, come to the public hearing on Tuesday. It is doubtful that the commissioners will listen. I am still going to be there because I am not giving up. I understand a new Facebook page is in the works. I will share the news as I learn more.

I think Tom Kelley's remarks will go down in history. "This is bullshit."

What does the color purple represent?

On the color wheel, purple is a combination of two primary colors, red and blue. Purple is associated with royalty. It also represents the future, wisdom, and stimulates the imagination. Red (Republican) combined with blue (Democrat) also make purple.

On June 24, 2014, Charlotte Stephenson wrote this comment here on Lebo Citizens at 12:07 AM:

The Democrat Committee of Mt. Lebanon won't rein in their environmentally hazardous elected officials in spite of the "principles" the local committee espouses on their website, and the RCML won't rein in their RINOs. Is it time to start over? Let's see....red and blue make...purple? Could there be a group of people here who will stand by their principles?

At 7:48 AM, same day, "Jason" followed up with:

As per Charlotte, if someone wants to start a 'purple' local political movement -- an intentionally cross-party/non-partisan group to promote candidates who will restore integrity and honor to the local democratic process, I am in.

 Today, "Jason" submitted this:

What brings “D”s and “R”s together in Mt. Lebanon??? 

The DReadful Mt. Lebanon Commissioners! 

We are tired of:

•  Excessive and unfair taxing practices 
•  Environmental degradation
•  Back-room deals
•  The enabling of an out-of-control School Board
•  Snickering at residents during Citizens Comments
•  An “agreement” to never disagree and debate publicly
•  The refusal to listen to The People of Mt. Lebanon
•  A toxic mix of arrogance and ignorance 

Impeach and remove All 5 Mt. Lebanon Commissioners … 

Restore democracy to Mt. Lebanon.

What was once considered a divisive plan to put artificial turf in Mt. Lebanon's Middle and Wildcat Fields, is evolving into a unified front of residents, of all political parties. Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians agree that the Commissioners' plan is a bad plan.

I have said that the Democrats have their act together, but I am finding out that there are quite a few Democrats unhappy with the current state of affairs in our local governments. In general, people hate the good old boy network; hate anything that involves the abuse of power. I think the commission meeting on June 23, 2014 was a turning point in Mt. Lebanon. People from all parties came forward to oppose Commissioners Bendel, Brumfield, Linfante, and Silverman's plan to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Now there is talk of TRANSCENDING BOTH PARTIES -- based on truth and justice.

Yes, the Commission majority may award the bids to turf Middle and Wildcat Fields on July 8, 2014, but it could create a shift from red or blue, and Mt. Lebanon may turn purple.

Dear Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board UPDATED

Dear Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board,

It appears that your Commission liaison, John Bendel has not informed you of plans to remove natural grass from two fields in The Mt. Lebanon Historic District and replace it with artificial turf. Your board chair expressed a concern over preserving the integrity of a brick road in Mt. Lebanon at the June 23, 2014 Commission meeting, and said nothing about preserving the integrity of two historical ball fields. I questioned the Commission during Citizen Comments if the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board had been informed of the plan to artificially turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Commissioner Bendel confirmed that your Board had not been consulted.

You may not be aware of this, Board members, but in 2002, $20,000 from a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant was spent on improving facilities at Mt. Lebanon Park, including the replacement of an outdoor basketball court system and improvements to Wildcat Field. Municipality to seek funds for ice rink 

In addition, Board members, I posted this on my Lebo Citizens blog,  Hey! These fields are in the Historic District! On Page 10 of the National Register of Historic Places application, you note that Main Park is considered as a contributing site to the Mt. Lebanon Historic District.

I want to thank you for your polite June 18, 2014 response to my previous email to several of your Board members.

Thank you for your message, Elaine. As chair of the HPB, I am responding on behalf of the several members of the board you contacted. We appreciate your input.
Yvette

I hope your passion for preserving brick roads in Mt. Lebanon will also carry over to maintaining the integrity of Middle and Wildcat Fields located in Mt. Lebanon's Historic District by keeping those fields natural grass.

Respectfully,
Elaine Gillen

June 30, 2014 4:28 PM From State Rep. Dan Miller's newsletter:

Mt. Lebanon Historic District Hearing

This month, I was able to speak at the State Historical and Museum Commission in support of the Mt. Lebanon Historic Preservation Board's application for listing a large part of Mt. Lebanon in the National Register of Historic Places. I was joined by Bill Callahan, Michelle Zmijanac, and Senator Smith who were also there to voice their support.
 

Why we can't keep up with the Joneses UPDATED 2X

At 8:00 this morning, Steve Feller shared the Wildcat bids summary as he promised me last night at the commission meeting. Thank you, Steve, for your promptness.

I haven't had the stomach to look at the bids summary. I am still recovering from the SAB wish list which was discussed at the end of Discussion Session Part 1. John Bendel submitted the Sports Advisory Board's #1 capital improvement recommendation which is sidewalks at the Tennis Center. OK, that's reasonable. But #10 is a larger multipurpose athletic facility to include basketball/gym in a new building separate from Wildcat/Middle Fields.

During Citizen Comments last night, a resident who is involved with Mt. Lebanon Youth Sports explained why he was against the artificial turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. We simply cannot afford it as a community. We are not as affluent as we once thought we were. According to Pittsburgh Business Times, here are the rankings of Upper St. Clair, and two zip codes in Mt. Lebanon.

The Almanac's June 18, 2014 editorial Keep Mt. Lebanon's field turf natural suggests that "To rip up perfectly usable natural fields and replace grass with artificial turf is just another example of the current trend of local communities wanting to “keep up with the Joneses.” As pointed out last night, we are not in Upper St. Clair's or Peters Township's league. We need to look at Bethel or Dormont.

Update June 24, 2014 12:28 PM Pittsburgh Business Times does not include Mt. Lebanon's 15216, 15234, or 15226 zip codes. They did not make the top 50 zip codes with the highest average net worth in the Pittsburgh region.

Update June 24, 2014 4:50 PM I requested a copy of the Sports Advisory Board wish list. Adding a price tag of $4,000,000 for the multi purpose athletic facility brings the SAB Capital Projects Worksheet total to over $9,000,000. This does not include the Toxic Turf Project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Or the $4,000,000 Aquatic Center. Or the High School Sports wing. Or the $74,000 trophy case. Or the future turfing of the Rock Pile. Or the High School Tennis Courts. Or the Rifle Range. Who says we hate sports?

P.S. Or the new Bocce Pools a.k.a. the Bocce Courts in the No Flood Zone

Bid opening today UPDATED 3X

Today is the day that we find out if FieldTurf will be the lowest bidder on the toxic turf project. For anyone interested, it will be at 11:00 at the Recreation Center, second floor.

This Letter to the Editor from my best buddy, Darren Gill, VP of Global Marketing for FieldTurf, showed up in a Westfield, NJ newspaper yesterday.
FieldTurf Objects to Westfield's Choice for Sid Fay and Houlihan Fields

I found this to be fascinating:

• Fieldturf has had hundreds of fields fail prematurely (all very easily verified) while still under warranty yet Gill calls out Desso for having 2 fields replaced while still under warranty
• Gill singles out Desso as a "European based company." Fieldturf is wholly owned by Tarkett -a European company.  http://www.tarkett.com/en/history
• Gill writes, "- In fact, as proof to the contrary, Penn State University’s Sports Surface Research Center conducted their own independent testing on 13 different monofilament fibers and found the 40 ounce FieldTurf product to be the most durable of all tested. The 60 ounce systems from Astroturf and 45 ounce system from Mondo were significantly less durable."

If FieldTurf does not get the job, will we be seeing a similar letter, such as "FieldTurf Objects to Mt. Lebanon's Choice for Middle and Wildcat Fields?"

Update June 19, 2014 10:36 AM I am not familiar with the bidding process, but how can contractors' bids be submitted in a sealed envelope before the 11:00 opening when this mandatory addendum, sent at 3:30 PM yesterday, is to be included with any bid submissions?

Update June 19, 2014 9:42 PM Mt. Lebanon officials studying 4 artificial turf bids for fields

Justin Merriman | Tribune-Review

A sign in a yard along Cedar Boulevard in Mt. Lebanon on Thursday, June 19, 2014, protests the controversial proposal of putting artificial turf on two baseball fields.

Update June 20, 2014 10:45 AM Comparing the 11.06.13 Bendel presentation and the Turf Project Task Force presentation with what occurred yesterday, sheds a little more light to this disaster waiting to happen.

On page 13 of Bendel's presentation, the Opinion of Cost provided by Gateway Engineers was:

Scope of Work Opinion of Cost*

Base – grading, gravel base, drainage $354,400 

Turf and organic fill $490,000 

Contingency/Soft costs $89,070 

Maintenance equipment, bleachers, fencing, landscaping $66,300 

Total initial project costs $999,770 

*Provided by Gateway Engineers

On page 12 of the 02.11.14 Turf Project Task Force Recommendations lists the five vendors who were interested in the project and interviewed. The second bullet explains FieldTurf's role. "Turf vendors in general supply the turf and infill and work with qualified site contractors acting as the General Contractor." Hellas was extremely interested, but couldn't compete with the final specifications. 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." We're already being set up for a revision in the final specs. According to the TPTF specs, we should be accepting the $859,000 product, not the $827,000 product.

Massillon, Ohio-based Vasco appeared to be the lowest bidder for two options that would use artificial turf with a sand and crumb-rubber infill. The company bid $827,000 to install a “monofilm” surface, with artificial grass blades that are rounded and slightly stiffer, and $859,000 for a blend of monofilm and slit-film blades, which Recreation Director David Donnellan said look like the flat-bladed artificial grass used in Easter baskets.

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/6307260-74/artificial-turf-sports#ixzz35C6R3oml

Turf Project is Out For Bid

Remember this photo that I had on my February 25, 2014 blog posting, Commissioner Franklin has Susan's ear UPDATED 2X?

Turns out, I nailed it. Here is the Mt. Lebanon Flood Zone map, directly from the municipal website. Middle and Wildcat Fields are located in Panel 0456. Any panel highlighted in pink contains a flood zone. The blue areas are the flood zones according to FEMA.

Gateway Engineers swears that the fields have never flooded. We know better than that, right?

So, the project continues...

According to the timeline from the Turf Project Task Force Recommendations made on February 11, 2014, the Project Schedule is as follows:

Design Development –Pending Commission 

Approval February/March 2014 

Construction Documents and Specifications 

April/May 2014 

Advertise for bids May 15, 2014 

Open Bids June 4, 2014 

Award Bids June 10th or 23rd 

Issue Notice to proceed and begin construction 

July 15, 2014 

Final Completion October 21, 2014 

We now know that May 15, 2014 was JT Sauer's deadline to submit to Gateway. The following information was pulled from the "Pittsburgh Builders Exchange," which requires a paid subscription. 

TURF RFP

This would be considered as a Request for Proposal (RFP). There are "bid documents" or "plans" associated with the RFP. These often include specifications, drawings, contract language, etc. Some times, the documents are provided at no costs in electronic format. Other times, such as this instance, there is a fee associated with them. For this project, the "plans" are to be obtained directly from the engineer and include a $75.00 non-refundable fee.

I guess this would be the time to announce the important LeboALERT I received on May 21, 2014.

This is an important notice from LeboALERT. Middle/Wildcat Fields improvement update meeting is Thurs., June 12, from 7 to 8:30 at Mellon Auditorium.

Pretty big venue for such a tiny "vocal minority." This meeting will also include Dr. Andrew McNitt, from the Penn State/FieldTurf Partnership, who will give us an "unbiased" opinion concerning the safety of artificial turf.

I hope that the Turf Project Task Force can get an "unbiased" opinion from financial advisors who have partnerships with FieldTurf who will tell us that we are making a sound investment.

Perhaps there is a FEMA/FieldTurf Partnership who will assure us that flooding is not an issue.

Finally, I am looking forward to hearing from the ESB/FieldTurf Partnership expert since June 12 is the next Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board meeting. Gee, I wonder why that happened.

Middle/Wildcat Fields 05.24.14

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

If you are interested in displaying an anti-artificial turf sign in your yard, email me at EGillen476@aol.com.

Update May 25, 2014 6:15 PM Requests to see the draft were ignored. Dan Deiseroth email to Kelly Fraasch.

Gateway is billing us $1,000 per meeting! UPDATED 4X

I am not an attorney. Everyone knows that, but I think I have pretty good instincts when something isn't right. From the Lebo Citizens post, Bullied again on April 24, 2014, two residents tried to attend the Turf Project Task Force meeting, which was held immediately after the "not for the general public" public meeting at the concession stand. They were told by members of the super secret task force that it was not a public meeting. The two residents said that they would just like to observe and took two meeting agendas. These two residents were told to return the agendas and were asked to leave. Members of this super secret turf project task force include Dave Franklin, "He Who Shall Not Be Named," MTLSD Athletic Director John Grogan, Recreation Director David Donnellan, Landscape Architect Jim Sauer from J.T. Sauer, and Municipal Engineer from Gateway, Dan Deiseroth. According to the January 9, 2014 SAB meeting minutes*, Gateway Engineering contributed $4000 for the Middle and Wildcat Turf Project.

Keep in mind, Gateway's Dan Deiseroth claimed that the fields on Cedar Blvd. never flood.

It turns out that Gateway Engineering is charging Mt. Lebanon $1,000 per Turf Project Task Force meeting. There have been seven meetings, and we have been billed $7,000.

The following is the May 2, 2014 memo that Dan Deiseroth sent to Steve Feller concerning the Turf Project Fees expended.

Something that has been overlooked for several meetings now, is the Turf Project Task Force Financial Report. John Bendel had promised to share that information a month ago. It still hasn't happened. Kelly Fraasch was kind enough to share this "report" with me this morning.

From: Kelly Fraasch <kfraasch@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>; Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: SAB financial report
Date: Wed, May 14, 2014 10:12 am

This is what I got via email last night.
See below.

FYI, I did ask for a further breakdown and hope to get it soon.
K

Committed by Sports Associations                                                     $124,500
(this is an increase of $26,500 from the last update and reflects additional funds from lacrosse, baseball and football) 

Paid into Endowment as of 5/13/14                                                     $65,389 

Checks received by Mt. Lebo Lacrosse to be provided to Endowment   $26,500

Other sources (Parents Athletic Council, corporate donations, etc)    $17,250


Total to date                                                                           $233,639

On Wed, May 14, 2014 at 9:16 AM, 'egillen476@aol.com' via Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org> wrote:
Commissioners,
Where was the financial report from the SAB? They still haven't given us the break down as to cash in hand and pledges to date. John Bendel assured me that it would be given in the next meeting. That was two meetings ago.
Elaine Gillen

A resident told me last night that the sports associations are emptying their piggy banks to fund this project without giving notice to parents. Also, please note that there is no mention of the "largest donation made by Soccer," according to Dave Franklin. Also, I am confused as to what is the cash in hand balance.

Why is everything such a secret? Why weren't the financial reports given at the commission meetings? Why are residents being asked to leave the Turf Project Task Force? Why did Dave Brumfield freak out at the commission discussion session when Kelly Fraasch brought up the topic of residents attending the Turf Project Task Force meetings? Why is it being left up to John Bendel to decide? Why are there so many unanswered questions concerning this turf project?

I have asked the commission for a draft of the bid that is going out tomorrow, May 15. Kelly Fraasch copied me when she asked for a copy of the draft. So far, nothing.

I understand that there is a process in which taxpayers can pay their taxes in protest, with a portion of the funds going into an escrow account. This pertains to assessments. All you Mt. Lebanon attorneys who are not involved with the Sports Advisory Board, would you check to see if we can do the same with this turf project? I am not seeing overwhelming support. Residents are against it for financial reasons, environmental reasons, health and safety of our young athletes, as well as the arrogance, misrepresentation and lack of respect from our elected officials who are being dishonest every step of the way.

4:30 on a Wednesday afternoon in May w/ near perfect weather and... All fields are empty.

*February 6, 2014 SAB meeting minutes are the latest posted minutes on the municipal website.

Update May 14, 2014 11:43 PM I asked again for a draft of the bid that is going out tomorrow. Clarification on the specifics of the bid package It turns out that the 15th deadline was for JT Sauer to submit the plans to Gateway to coordinate and check and incorporate with other bid documents.

Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields

Update May 15, 2014 11:24 PM See page 13 of John Bendel's Field Enhancement presentation listed in this post, New street signs in Mt. Lebanon, Gateway Engineers' Opinion of Cost for Contingency/Soft Costs is listed as $89,070. Yet, Gateway's costs shown above are estimated at $100,997 and growing.

Update May 16, 2014 8:06 PM After an entire day of rain yesterday, it's Play Ball at Middle Field tonight. 

Middle Field 05.16.14 at 6:00 PM

Commissioners vote on infill tomorrow night

First of all, I would like to thank and welcome all the new Lebo Citizens readers. I wanted to let everyone know about the Commission Discussion Session tomorrow evening at 6:30 PM in the Municipal Building on Washington Road.

During the Commission Discussion Session, the Commissioners will be voting on the type of infill to be used at Middle and Wildcat Fields. There is the toxic tire crumb infill and the "organic" infill which is used as a filler to the plastic "blades of grass" and plastic backing. Here is a picture of the backing which can be seen at the high school stadium.

Installed July 2010

According to the Discussion Session Agenda, the Commission will be voting on assigning more funds to the turf project at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Unfortunately, the Public is not permitted to speak at this meeting, just observe.

The time to speak would be at 8 PM during the Citizen Comments portion of the Commission Regular Meeting. A sign up sheet is provided at the entrance to the Commission Chambers. Residents are given five minutes to speak on any topic. Here is the agenda for tomorrow's Commission meeting.

The latest justification for this project comes from Commissioner John Bendel.

Most fields in Mt. Lebanon are diamond-based, which are designed primarily for baseball and softball. Over the last decade or so, the popularity of the sports using rectangular-based fields such as lacrosse, soccer and field hockey has increased significantly. Therefore, the focus of field enhancements has been to expand the number of rectangular-based fields. 

He wants to strip mine this area, ripping out the natural grass to add toxic turf at a cost of over one million dollars. You decide what shape it is.

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

Bendel on Turf

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.

Here is an exchange that showed up in my mailbox. Please read what Commissioner Bendel has to say to one of his constituents.

On May 12, 2014, at 6:17 AM, XXXXXXXXX wrote:
Mr. Bendel,
I've learned of the plan to remove natural grass and install artificial turf on the fields on Cedar Blvd. I think this is ill advised, especially when there are so many miles of our roads that are barely passable. There are substantial health and environmental issues, and the plan has the appearance of being rushed through without community discussion.
This is a substantial, permanent financial burden to put on our static, if not declining, tax base. I urge you to oppose this idea.

From: John Bendel <jbendel@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Mon, May 12, 2014 9:10 am
Subject: Re: artificial turf

Thank you for contacting me about the turf project.

The turf project approved for Middle/Wildcat field (MWC) field in Mt. Lebanon is the culmination of many years of discussion, analysis and research to address the shortage of field space. Addressing the shortage of fields has been a long-standing priority for our community, and over the last decade there have been multiple attempts to expand the number fields and/or increase the use (the number of games/practices) on existing fields. However, until the MWC project, no significant enhancements have been implemented to address this priority.

Most fields in Mt. Lebanon are diamond-based, which are designed primarily for baseball and softball. Over the last decade or so, the popularity of the sports using rectangular-based fields such as lacrosse, soccer and field hockey has increased significantly. Therefore, the focus of field enhancements has been to expand the number of rectangular-based fields.

Information on the approved turf project - description, concept plan and a variety of presentations, can be found on the Municipal website at:

http://mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2199

I support the project because it:

- Increases field slots available by 60%; turf will withstand continuous use
- Benefits many residents - there were 3,600 total registrations in field-based youth sports programs in 2013, plus many more residents involved on School District sports teams
- Is supported by all field sports associations
- Includes non-municipal contributions of $250,000 toward the $1 million initial capital cost, and requires a use fee that will pay for a portion of the field replacement cost
- Involves a partnership with the School District whereby the District will maintain the field (reducing maintenance cost to the Municipality by almost $14,000 annually compared to the current maintenance cost. The estimated annual maintenance cost for the School District is $7,000, a net saving to the tax payers of $7,000 per year); and in return the District’s sports teams will have use of the field
- Leverages existing access, parking, restrooms, concessions and lights at MWC

With respect the health and safety issues relative to a new turf field, Mt. Lebanon is able to draw upon about 40 years of direct experience. Turf was first installed in Mt. Lebanon in the 1970s. In fact, over that period, we have the experience of a variety of different and improved turf products as they have evolved over the years. Therefore, as the Municipality has evaluated turf generally, as well as the specific turf products currently under consideration for Middle and Wildcat, we have relied upon the following criteria: (1) specific experiences in Mt. Lebanon, (2) independent testing under conditions that are similar to those present in Mt. Lebanon, (3) information provided by governmental agencies (Department of Environmental Protection, etc.), and (4) other information that is widely accepted as independent and credible.

Field enhancements and this project have been discussed in public meetings, included in long-range and short-range plans for many years. I have prepared the follow summary to put the long history of this project in perspective.

My historical knowledge doesn't go back as far as others, but I know that the land purchases at McNeilly and Twin Hills were intended, at least in part, to expand our athletic fields. For a variety of reasons, primarily cost related, the fields were never developed at these locations.

The Municipality's priority for field enhancements is well documented. The Municipality's annual Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), which is our five-year plan for identifying priority projects, has included field development for many years. In fact, the turf project has been included in the last six CIPs beginning in 2009. The CIP is recommended annually by the Planning Board and approved by the Commission, and is discussed at several meetings each year at the Planning Board and Commission. All of these meetings are open to the public and the Commission meetings are video recorded.

In addition, the recently adopted 2013 Comprehensive Plan (Plan), which is our community's planning and development guide for the next 10 years, specifically includes the turf project as a priority. The Plan development included significant opportunity for resident and stakeholder participation. A core planning team made up of a cross-section of representatives of boards and authorities led the process, and a variety of sub-teams focused on specific issues. The opportunity for public input was provided multiple times via a variety of means throughout the 18 month long planning process. The Plan was recommended by the Planning Board and approved by the Commission in 2013.

More recently, in 2012-14, the Commission established recreation and field improvements as a high priority during its annual goal setting retreats. As a result, the Commission has made significant capital investments in recreation facilities in recent years - pool improvements, tennis center (lighting at two courts, concrete stairs and sidewalks and renovations at the tennis center building), several neighborhood park projects, upgrades to the recreation center and ice rink and new equipment (lawn mower at golf course and electric Zamboni). Additional recreation enhancements at Robb Hollow and Northmeadowcroft Park are in the planning phase. Despite this cumulative multi-million dollar investment in recreation, the Municipality has done little to address the long-standing priority for field enhancements.

Since 2012, several field enhancement alternatives have been evaluated by the Commission. The assessment of field options was completed parallel with the development of the Comprehensive Plan as was the case for several other community priorities. If fact, several goals in the Plan are already complete and many more are in the development and planning stages. The Commission began addressing the lack of field space by assessing the opportunities to increase use of its existing fields. Options such as resting fields to improve conditions and better drainage were considered. The Commission did invest in better drainage at Bird field in 2012. With the high demand for field space, the ability to rest fields was not considered a viable option.

The Commission next looked at creating new field space, which is difficult in a highly developed community like Mt. Lebanon. On March 13, 2012, with the assistance of Gateway Engineering, at a discussion session, the Commission reviewed the alternatives listed below. Gateway's presentation can be found at http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2660

- McNeilly - $3-4 million, multi-field development

- Robb Hollow - Three fields, one on the upper section and two near the Public Works area along Cedar

- Twin Hills - one field

- Brafferton - drainage improvements and conversion from a diamond-based baseball field to rectangle field

- Turfing of MWC and Mellon

The field enhancement alternatives presented in March 2012, were the subject of discussion at various times throughout 2012 and 2013. The projects at McNeilly and Twin Hills were not supported by the Commission and were not pursued. The McNeilly project was not considered viable for several reasons, including the $3-4 million cost and the distance from most areas of the Municipality. The proposed field at Twin Hills was not considered due to its relatively small size, access issues and other development constraints.

The Municipality continued its evaluation of the Robb Hollow, Brafferton and turf options.

Robb Hollow - after additional discussion, the upper field at Robb Hollow was considered the best option at that location. The project in the upper section of Robb Hollow included a full-sized field and unlike the proposed fields along Cedar, it did not encroach on the area used by Public Works. This project was discussed multiple times in 2012, including October 9 and 22. The Municipality completed additional engineering work on the proposed upper field. In late-2012 the Commission decided not to pursue the upper field development due to the rising cost estimate of at least $1.3 million, which included field development, access, parking and transfer of leaf processing to a new location. It was estimated that the transfer of the leaf processing would add approximately $30,000 annually to annual operating expenses. The project would have resulted in the loss of nearly 7 acres of trees, created steep slopes due to excavation and was to be built in close proximity to homes in an adjoining neighborhood.

Brafferton - the Commission approved $197,400 for improvements to Brafferton in 2012. The proposal was to make drainage improvements, remove the baseball diamond and convert the surface to a rectangular field. The Commission reviewed this project multiple times during discussion sessions in 2012 and 2013. The project recognized the need to add an access road and parking to accommodate this new configuration. The access road and parking were estimated to cost an additional $133,000. The newly formed Sports Advisory Board (SAB) and the Commission supported this project. On September 17, 2013 the Brafferton bidding process resulted in one bidder submitting a bid of $845,000 for a large field plus parking and access road (alternate 2A). The Commission rejected this bid due to the high cost and has not pursued this project since that time.

Turf - as noted above, the turf project has been in the Municipality's CIP every year since 2009. The engineer's opinion of probable cost has roughly been around $1 million for the turfing of either Mellon or MWC. The sports community has supported a turf project for many years. On June 25, 2012, the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), which at the time represented all field based sports in Mt. Lebanon, presented a proposal to turf and add lighting to MWC at a public meeting. On July 10, 2012 the Commission had a follow-up discussion on the YSA proposal. On July 23, 2012 a presentation opposing the turf project was made to the Commission.

A series of Commission discussion sessions on August 27, September 11, September 24, 2012, included the use of the Municipality’s unassigned fund balance for capital projects. Field enhancements were part of these discussions.

On November 26, 2012, the Commission unanimously voted to form the SAB (refer to the purpose statement below). The creation of the SAB provided an opportunity to have a board focused on enhancing the recreational facilities and services in Mt. Lebanon. Boards and authorities exist 1) To discuss/assess specific issues in greater detail than is possible at Commission meetings, and 2) To make recommendations to the Commission on issues important to the community. The SAB's members were appointed by the Commission in early 2013.

Since its first meeting in March 2013 through April 2014, the SAB has discussed field improvements at seven meetings, in particular the Brafferton and turf projects. On June 6, 2013, the SAB voted to recommend a turf project to the Commission as its highest priority. At the SAB's October 3 and November 7, 2013 meetings the SAB voted to recommend the MWC turf project for the Commission's approval. The SAB's recommendations to support the turf project were presented to the Commission on June 24, November 12 and November 25, 2013. All of the SAB meetings are open to the public and are video recorded.

SAB's Purpose

- Review and assess all sports-related facilities and services in Mt. Lebanon.

- Recommend possible changes and improvements to sports-related facilities and services.

- Assist in the continued safe provision of athletic opportunities to Mt. Lebanon residents.

- Receive and consider public comment and other public input regarding sports facilities and services.

- Support, promote and/or provide programs and services to assist athletes and coaches in Mt. Lebanon.

From June 24, 2013 through April 28, 2014 the Commission has had the turf project on its discussion session agenda seven times either as a stand alone item or as part of SAB presentations. On November 25, 2013, the Commission approved the MWC turf project and Municipality's $750,000 financial commitment. As part of the motion, the Commission formed a turf task force and provided specific direction for them to flesh out the details of the project, including design, engineering and non-municipal share fund raising. The turf project concept has been presented to the Planning Board on April 22, 2014 and to property owners near MWC on April 24, 2014.

In conclusion, the turf project has been discussion in public meetings numerous times over the last two years, and it has been part of the municipality's plans for field enhancements for the last six years.

Thank you for contacting me with your opinion regarding this project. I appreciate your concerns. While we view the project differently, I hope this information is useful.

Sent from my iPhone

Parks Advisory Board pushes back!

The Parks Advisory Board met on May 6, 2014. There were three residents who spoke against the artificial turf at Middle and Wildcat Fields. Chairman Hugh Beal changed the order of the agenda so that new business, specifically artificial turf at Middle and Wildcat Fields, could be discussed immediately after Citizen Comments. 

During the meeting, the Parks Advisory Board decided to draft a letter to the Commission to express concerns related to the pending field turf project on Cedar Blvd.

The video has been uploaded on the municipal website and may be viewed here. The letter is read at the 01:16:28. Here it is in written form:

The Parks Advisory Board is writing the commissioners to express concerns related to the pending field-turf project being pursued by Mt. Lebanon on Cedar Boulevard. 

Although athletic fields are not strictly under the purview of the Parks Advisory Board, we are concerned about potential negative impacts of this project on nearby parks and recreation areas, and the nuisances presented to adjacent recreational open space. These concerns have also been voiced by citizens who have presented at PAB and Commission meetings. 

Specifically, the PAB is concerned about:
1. The use of crumb-rubber infill, which contains hazardous materials, including heavy metals such as lead, zinc and chromium. In addition, gases that are emitted by the decomposing rubber infill are known to aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. This will prevent vulnerable residents from accessing these fields and nearby park space.
2. The potential to increase storm water runoff due to the impervious cover used in the construction of this field. The resulting storm water may overwhelm the downstream Robb Hollow Park area and exacerbate Cedar Boulevard flooding events, further disturbing Cedar Boulevard residents. In addition, this storm water may carry with it the infill (and hazardous materials) and biocides/chemicals used to maintain the fields.
3. Artificial-turf fields are known heat islands, which may have spillover effects on other adjacent park and recreational areas, including the tennis facility and swimming pool area. 

Therefore, the PAB advises that:
1. The municipality should request that entities bidding on this project be asked to address these concerns directly.
2. The municipality should reconsider the use of crumb-rubber infill and ensure that the fields will not exacerbate stormwater problems in the Robb Hollow watershed area.

Thank you, Parks Advisory Board for reviewing your mission statement, for advocating for our parks, for listening to residents, and for protecting our precious resources.

Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.