Want to make it easier to raise taxes by borrowing money?

That is what will happen if we, the voters, approve a change in the Home Rule Charter. Today's Trib outlines the Change in store for Mt. Lebanon.

The easy one is to make the Home Rule Charter gender neutral. Kristen Linfante thanked Home Rule Charter Chairman Bill Matthews for that change. That is not important to me, but evidently it is to Kristen.

The change with the biggest impact to Mt. Lebanon is the one which eliminates super votes, that is bond issues only require three votes, instead of four. The commissioners absolutely loved that one. I think Kristen forgot that the voters still have to approve these changes. This would be after the Commission approve the changes. The presentation is the first item on the Municipal video.

How I interpret this particular change for incurring debt is that every four years, when Wards 1, 3, and 5 elections are held, the potential to control Mt. Lebanon are during those elections. Only three like minded candidates would have the power to do anything they wish. In addition, when the commissioners voted on the Rec Bond, for example, the three commissioners who are spending our undesignated funds for toxic turf, would have been able to stick it in the Rec Bond. They would only require three votes, instead of four, to issue bonds and ultimately raise our taxes.

A positive change to our Home Rule Charter would be to change the tax increase cap from 2 mills to one that does not exceed a 20% increase of the prior year's real estate tax levy. In 2013, 20% = 0.90 mills. Based on 2013 millage rate, the 2 mill cap now allows a 44% property tax increase without voter approval. (2 mills/4.51 mills = 44.3%)

Here is the link to the Ad Hoc Home Rule Charter Study Committee Final Report. Our Home Rule Charter is our Constitution. We will be asked to change the way we have been governed since 1975.

Don't try this at home UPDATED

Today's Trib slams Mt. Lebanon on Zamagias.

It is under Tuesday's Takes

Intervention's lesson: There's no better object lesson in the folly of “government economic development” than the mess that is the corner of Washington and Bower Hill roads in Mt. Lebanon. The latest proposal to develop this parcel has failed after Zamagias Properties defaulted on taxpayer-backed loans used to acquire the property. The “state,” at least for now, is left holding a $1.78 million bag. Worse, Zamagias gets to keep the property. Don't try this with your local bank.

Read more: http://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/5487663-74/center-lesson-whether#ixzz2rhogxgza 

Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

Mt. Lebanon needs to exercise its buy back option and buy back this property. Zamagias Properties has the money and is getting away with it because they can. Commissioners, do the right thing.

Update January 30, 2014 10:20 AM Here are 9:31 AM's comments pictorially.

More on our "official community magazine"

When I had my little Market District get together last week, Bill Lewis was kind enough to share this letter to the editor of Mt. Lebanon Magazine.

Bill raised many concerns in his 2006 letter in regard to the July/August 2006 article, Around Town Community Endowment Launched. As usual, Mt. Lebanon Magazine only reported the entertaining part, and not the rest of the story of community issues.

• The Municipal government spent $36,000 in tax funds to create the MLCE. 
• The Commission wasted $40,000 when sports organizations backed out of funding support for McNeilly Field/Park.
• The Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association was to contribute $135,000 to the MLCE for the specific purpose of developing athletic fields. [Why is this sounding like déjà vu?]
• Public officials and youth sports leaders were claiming that people with children wouldn't move here and housing prices would fall if we didn't have more fields. [Remember, this was in 2006.] 
• When was spending $36,000 discussed in a public forum? 
• Why does the magazine taint the good thing it does with editorial and publisher hype and managed news?

Thank you Bill, for sharing this letter with me and now, the rest of the community. I looked in the Blog Lebo archives to see if anything was written about this. As usual, I got side tracked because of all the information in those archives and found this about Mt. Lebanon Magazine and the TIF issue for Washington Park. Laurels and Lances Some things never change. Anyway, I did find this post on Blog Lebo called, Donation Allows Endowment

As one reader pointed out, Mt. Lebanon Magazine is definitely not a news magazine. In the words of former Commissioner Humphreys, Mt. Lebanon Magazine remains the "house organ" and "propaganda tool" for Mt. Lebanon.

Imagine this...

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Lebo Citizens reader and citizen journalist, John Kendrick.

Imagine a world where there was only one source of national news and information. Imagine what it would be like if that source of national information was controlled by the presidential administration - and I don't care which one it is, Bush, O'Bama, Clinton, Reagan, etc.

How would you feel if you were told that this is the "official view / official source" and this is the only source that you were permitted to listen to?

Now consider the Mt Lebanon Public Information Office and Mt Lebanon Magazine. How should we feel about having what is effectively a "state-run" news organization? A news organization that is critical of all other news organizations or information sources that dare to report or to opine with any perspective that is different than the "state-run" entity?

Is this something that we all want to live under?

I don't. But I'd like to hear what all of you think.

A room with a view

Great news! According to the hotel contractor, all of the critical work is complete. Drywall is installed or in process. The Washington Road elevation is being bricked.

                         Photo by Eric Milliron

                        Photo by Eric Milliron

According to the poll on lebomag.com, this is the number one project.

.

                                                           

You want your own post? UPDATED 2X

You got it, Sweetheart! You are out of control, Lady, and I use that term loosely.

I just approved this comment.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Sprucing up is not necessary UPDATED": 

"I find it interesting that Kelly Fraasch only requested the negative comments about the article. Seems like an outcome-driven "investigation" (or more accurately, witch hunt) instead of one that wants a clear picture of what occurred. But of course, we know how Kelly (and Elaine) feel about the magazine, those who earn a living by working there, and also about Steve Feller. It seems like Elaine you were the only resident who complained and was so deeply offended. Especially surprising in light of the throngs of "anonymous" commentors here who purported to be so outraged by a humor piece on grocery stores. 

Elaine and Kelly don't want to hear it, but the positive comments received clearly outnumber the negative (which is why it's buried as an update and did not warrant its own post: the results did not support the outcome Elaine and Kelly wanted) -

That the positive comments outweighed the negative so intesely and that the positive comments were submitted by so many high-profile Mt. Lebanon residents is no surprise as any well-read person with half a brain and any relevant life experience could see the article was a send-up of our grocery shopping habits here in the South Hills. Personally I found it to be hilarious and spot-on.

I'm so happy for the magazine to be vindicated by all the positive comments it received in response to the article. 

Commissioner Fraasch should make better use of my tax dollars than wasting time and resources going on an unprecedented witch hunt over a funny article that 1-2 residents were offended about and only one was seriously offended by (that person being Elaine)."

Update January 22, 2014 3:01 PM I guess I am in trouble again. This RTK is buried as an update. to market, to market RTK

Update January 24, 2014 4:33 PM I emailed Kelly Fraasch this afternoon concerning the above commenter's "unprecedented witch hunt" allegation. I am updating this post with Commissioner Fraasch's response here.

Comments on comments?

Last night's school board meeting was very interesting, as far as citizens' comments go. Topics included:

• Financial advisor 
• MTLSD does not take the preliminary budget seriously. We are the only school district that refers to it as a "fake budget."
• Trophy case
• Zamagias TIF
• Pool railing
• Pool locker room floor is slippery
• Meeting was not available for viewing last week.
• Agendas are not publicized before meetings
• Trouble with teacher at Howe School

Without naming names, I would like to hear more about the situation at Howe School. The mother was cut off at the knees by the president and solicitor when she was speaking. 

As far as the TIF goes, while one commissioner was removing her blog over the weekend, another commissioner posted this: Washington Park, corner of Bower Hill and Washington Road In December, Zamagias defaulted on their TIF loan. Mt. Lebanon has the opportunity to buy it back out of the Parking Fund, I believe. Please contact our commissioners, Senator Matt Smith's office, or Representative Dan Miller's office and share your opinion on this topic.

I would love to hear from Lebo Citizen readers about all these topics which were raised at last night's meeting. 

To listen to the meeting please visit Lebo Citizens podcast from MTLSD's January 20, 2014 meeting

Well, well, well

Thanks to the School District website, I see that January is School Board Recognition Month.

             

School Board Directors sans Scott

January is School Board Recognition month, giving us an opportunity to thank our Board members Elaine Cappucci-President, Lawrence Lebowitz- Vice-President, Mary Birks, William Cooper, Scott Goldman, Edward Kubit, William Moorhead, Daniel Remely, and Michael Riemer, who volunteer so much of their time to provide strong public schools for our community. For more than 175 years, communities in Pennsylvania have had a voice in the operation of their schools through a locally elected board of school directors consisting of individuals from their community. These people are our neighbors, friends, community leaders, and parents– all with one common goal – making sure students are properly educated in preparation for life. 

Our School Board enables us to have local control of our public schools, meaning that decisions on school programs are made by local, elected representatives who understand the community’s unique challenges, values, culture and circumstances. With the advice and counsel of the educational professionals they hire, our school board has a bearing on virtually every aspect of our schools. It’s a huge responsibility and we are thankful to our board members for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing the best education possible for our students and a strong school system that benefits our community.

Yep, there they are, all except Scott Goldman. Not even a cardboard cutout of the lone wolf, or is it coyote? Scott Goldman is the only one who says what he feels and votes according to his conscience. For that, he doesn't make the photo, I guess.

This is the group that will be approving a $74,000 trophy case tonight, a number that is listed as the low responsible bid. What it really represents is the ONLY responsible bid. I missed a golden opportunity. I should have subcontracted a cabinet maker and submitted a bid for $70,000 and make a tidy profit.  Boy, did I screw up.

We are thankful for this group of dedicated volunteers who brought us TERC Investigations, Go Zones, $2.6+ million in change orders, student parking fees, activity fees, lucrative salary deals for administrators, and for hitting a new low in rudeness to stakeholders and parents.

Yes, we are thankful. Happy School Board Recognition Month!

Good news for us spineless bloggers

COURT: BLOGGERS HAVE FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS

A federal appeals court ruled yesterday that us spineless "bloggers and the public have the same First Amendment protections as journalists when sued for defamation: If the issue is of public concern, plaintiffs have to prove negligence to win damages."

Gregg Leslie of the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press said the ruling affirms what many have long argued: Standards set by a 1974 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Gertz v. Robert Welch Inc., apply to everyone, not just journalists. 

"It's not a special right to the news media," he said. "So it's a good thing for bloggers and citizen journalists and others."

Citizen journalists. Hmm. I like the sound of that. So much better than "spineless bloggers," don't you think? From now on, people who write in here are to be called "Citizen Journalists." 

Not good news for the person who commented anonymously on December 8, 2013 at 1:17 PM.

It wasn't adding up UPDATED 3X

President Linfante, 2012-2013 commission liaison to the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB), reported on the ESB's position on artificial turf at the November 25, 2013 commission discussion session. When asked at the 41:48 time stamp of the Discussion Session video, Kristen replied with this statement at 42:24.

As I have posted here in the past, my comment at 14:45 from the November 25, 2013 Commission Meeting video challenged Kristen's statement concerning the ESB's stance on artificial turf. The ESB's endorsement coming from Kristen (remember, her vote was the key vote for artificial turf) just wasn't adding up in my head.

Over time, I have had contact with several members of the ESB and understand that the ESB is coming out with an official statement saying that they do NOT support artificial turf anywhere in Mt. Lebanon. Meeting minutes from July 12, 2012 reflect their concerns. Looking at the August 9, 2012 minutes, you will see this statement: 

Field Turf Discussion: Matt and Pam indicated that the field turf does not appear to be a sustainable approach. 

Please note that President Linfante was not present at either ESB meeting. Yet, she publicly misrepresented the ESB's stance about artificial turf. But, the damage is done. The vote was passed.

As soon as the ESB's official statement is issued, I will post it here. In the meantime, my sincerest apologies to the Environmental Sustainability Board. It just wasn't adding up. Now, it all makes sense.

Update January 18, 2014 10:03 AM I asked the commissioners more about the Turf Project Task Force. Here is John Bendel's reply:

Re: Turf Project Task Force

From	John Bendel jbendel@mtlebanon.org
To	egillen476 egillen476@aol.com
Cc	commission commission@mtlebanon.org

Sat, Jan 18, 2014 9:22 am

Elaine,

As you know, the turf task force was established by the Commission on November 25, 2013. The action by the commission included the following representatives on the task force: Municipal Recreation Director (Chair), school district representative, Gateway Engineering and representatives from the Sports Advisory Board. The members include:

David Donnellan, chair 

John Grogan, School District

Gateway, Dan Deiseroth 

Tim White, SAB Chair

Chip Dalesandro, SAB

Dave Franklin, SAB 

Brian Auer, SAB

The task force is working on a report that is due by February 11. Per the Commission's resolution, the report is to include:

•   Strategy for field use and fee structure to cover the annual field use fee
•   Strategy for funding the initial non-municipal share
•   Draft maintenance agreement with the School District
•   List of turf vendors, including those offering organic infill
•   RFP schedule with construction targeted to begin by August 1, 2014 

The report has not been prepared yet, but I know the task force has talked with several turf vendors and most of them offer an organic infill product. We will have the list of vendors recommended by the task force by February 11.

Regards,

Update January 18, 2014 11:55 AM This is kind of weird. I just received a response from the president of the commission. Here it is:

From:	Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Subject:	Re: Value Mt. Lebanon
Date:	Sat, Jan 18, 2014 11:52 am

---

Dear Ms Gillen,

Thank you for your interest in my website.  However, the message you received was correct.  It has been removed.   

Anyone who wishes to follow my commission activities is welcome to attend or watch our commission meetings or any of the public meetings of the boards I serve on.  Of course, I am also available by phone or email as posted on the municipal website. 

Best regards,

Kristen Linfante

Commission President

Ward 3 

On Jan 18, 2014, at 11:41 AM, "egillen476@aol.com" <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Commissioner Linfante,

Are you aware of the problem with your blog? I get this message:

     ValueMtLebanon.com has been removed.

     Thank you for your interest.

Elaine Gillen

Update January 19, 2014 9:53 AM Here is an archived article from Kristen's (now removed) Value Mt. Lebanon site, titled Why I voted "no"  Another one, An Interesting Article About Deer is the one that she posted during the weekend of the Sandy Hook shootings. It was also her most recent post. There were no reports about the Environmental Sustainability Board's stance on artificial turf, of which she was the commission liaison for two years.

Looking for updated information

Two things I am curious about:

• Is the injured coyote still at large?
• What is going on with the walled up window at the high school? 

According to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department website, there is a safety warning about coyote sightings in Mt. Lebanon.

As of Tuesday evening, Chief McDonough confirmed that there is an injured coyote at large. I still don't understand why there hasn't been a LeboALERT concerning this situation. Please visit the Police Webpage for safety tips.

I received an email this morning about a boarded up window at the high school. 

I received some very interesting information this morning. Looking from the parking lot at the new construction to the left of the old fine arts building, the bottom horizontal window is walled up! In other words, directly behind this window, as seen from the outside, you can see 2 x 4's and DRYWALL! The information I received is that there was a design change or plan change and that is why it is now walled up. Apparently there have been leaks up on the sixth floor as well, but I think you already know about this.

Anyone have additional information about the boarded up window?

Not railin over the railing

The school board continued to talk about the railing in the pool area at last night's school board meeting. Tom Berkebile, project manager of PJ Dick, said the height of the portion in question was "26 inches above the bleachers." He also said that the viewing area in that section has been temporarily roped off until they make changes in the railing height. Elaine Cappucci was quick to jump in and say that the railing meets code and passed inspection. Remely was more concerned about safety and was in favor of raising the height of the railing. Good for you, Dan!

I understand that yellow caution tape is being used to rope off the area. A letter was sent out by the Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club Board President on November 19, 2013, as posted on Just when I wanted to give up...Updated 3X. How long is this going to take?

An audio clip of the meeting concerning the pool railing is here. It is 3:36 minutes long.

Sprucing up is not necessary UPDATED

Weather permitting, I will be up at the Market District Cafe from 3:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2014 if any Lebo Citizens readers would be interested in getting together. I am not expecting big crowds, but if you are in the area, I would love to meet you. 

Why Market District? Here are my top ten reasons.

1. Crossing Washington Road is not an issue.
2. For those of you who think I am critical of Ultra Party, beer, wine, coffee, and smoothies are within reach. I won't judge. I promise.
3. The Lebo Citizens trolls can linger in the aisles.
4. It will not take time away from the deli counter for the Westminster Presby crowd or the St. Louise parishioners.
5. Your high school boyfriend, your ex-wife or the guy you hope will sponsor you at St. Clair Country Club only shop there on Sundays.
6. Flash your Advantage Card for fuel perks, which leaves more money in your budget for taxes.
7. If another snow storm is coming, you can stock up on milk and toilet paper while you are there.
8. The USC folks will be at their Rec Center or watching their kids play on artificial turf.
9. Free wi-fi!
10. This is the one time when lipstick is optional.

No need to RSVP, but if there are any questions, email me at EGillen476@aol.com. I hope to see you there. 

Update January 15, 2014 3:49 PM I had filed a Right To Know back in December concerning Susan Morgans' article, to market, to market, to buy a...which was discussed on this blog posting Were you offended? After a 30 day extension for a legal review, I received the following response from Steve Feller.
to market, to market RTK

"Whoa," says the EPA. UPDATED

The EPA has had a change of heart regarding the safety of artificial turf.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has “stepped back” from previous safety assurances about artificial turf made from recycled tires, according to a written press release.
“EPA now admits that it has no idea about the extent of chemical exposure to children and athletes playing on these surfaces,” said Jeff Ruch, executive director of the nonprofit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

This quote came from The New Haven Register article, More studies needed on artificial turf fields, EPA says. What concerns me is that if you watch the Sports Advisory Board meeting video from Thursday evening, you will see David Donnellan mention that developing McNeilly is in the Capital Improvements Projects (the CIP, a.k.a. The Wish List). So hazardous artificial turf would be installed on three municipal fields, as well as the artificial turf presently at the high school.

I hope people take the time to watch the SAB video. Chip, we all heard what you said about the resident missing from the meeting. Shame on you.

Highlights include: John Bendel connected the SAB to the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment. This would eliminate the need for the SAB to file for 501(c)(3) status. Donations would go into a separate project fund account, with the details TBD of who has access to it, the SAB or the Municipality.

Donations received so far:

1st official donation came from Gateway Engineering for $4,000 in 2013. There may possibly be more coming in 2014.
$25,000 Baseball Association (which amounts to $29/player) Pledged
$5,000 Football Association (which amounts to $31/player) Pledged
$5,000 may be coming from Softball.

The MLCE fee for this is $1,000, I believe.

Another thing that came out of the meeting is that if the SAB does not meet their target of $250,000, that the donations will be used for field maintenance.

Update January 14, 2014 10:34 PM During the Citizen Comments portion of tonight's commission meeting, I handed out reprints of the EPA website article, The Use of Recycled Tire Materials on Playgrounds & Artificial Turf Fields, in addition to reprints of the letter to the executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency dated December 16, 2013. I asked for organic fill, if the project goes through.

Update April 12, 2014 9:30 PM Knowing what I know now, I retract what I wrote on January 14. Organic infill doesn't make the turf safe. The blades of "grass" and the backing are also toxic. The only safe turf is natural grass.

Preliminary budget shows 1 mill tax increase

The School District has posted the 2014-15 Preliminary General Fund Budget, a.k.a. The Fake Budget. From the January 13, 2014 Agenda:

Preliminary Budget - Act 1 of 2006 requires the Board approve a preliminary budget at this time of year so that application may be made for any applicable exceptions to the Index which is 2.1% for 2014-15. Such a budget has been available for public view on our website since December 18, 2013 and is presented in the required State form for Board approval. While this budget reflects a millage increase high enough so that all applicable exceptions may be requested, the Final Budget approved in proposed form in April and in final form in May does not require the millage reflected in this preliminary form. The superintendent recommends approval of this legally required budget.

The fake budget is showing a .99 millage increase. The fake budget will be adopted at the January 20, 2014 school board business meeting.