Thanks for the advanced notice, Timmy UPDATED 2X

Super Timmy sent this email to parents today. Thanks for the heads up, Timmy. Could you have waited a little longer?

Thanks to all the concerned parents who sent me copies of his email.

From: Dr. Timothy Steinjauer <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Sent: Monday, October 3, 2016 12:24 PM
To: Parents in the Mt. Lebanon School District
Subject: 10/03/16 Update: Municipal Deer Management Program

Dear Mt. Lebanon Parents,

The Mt. Lebanon Municipality sent us an update that effective today, Twin Hills Park has been added to the list of public properties that are being utilized in the controlled archery hunt program. All other program information remains the same and can be found at this link on the Municipal website: http://www.mtlebanon.org/2114/Deer-Management-Information.

Sincerely,

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Update October 3, 2016 5:56 PM Did Timmy really spell his name incorrectly? OMG.

Update October 3, 7:47 PM Thanks for reading my blog, John Hayes. ugh. Mt. Lebanon expands deer hunt to include disputed Twin Hills Park

SNL's Presidential Debate

The Season Opener got off to a great start with Alec Baldwin's Trump and Kate McKinnon's Clinton.

Everyone Deserves Joy

Just because.

This should please the deer haters

"Sharpshooting" RFP 2017

Tony's got us hooked. He will charge $132,038 for 22 days of killing 150 deer or $83,477 for 14 days of killing 100 deer.

No mention of time of day. No mention of when this is to begin or end. No mention of his magic, proprietary bait or how it will be dispensed. It is illegal to put bait on the ground in Allegheny County. The rats are getting excited for another feast in 2017.

Keep in mind that we are being charged $9000 for the archery program this year. We were told last year that the start up fee was to implement the program and provide a foundation or time for archers to develop a rapport with the twelve property owners when they grant access to their properties. To the best of my knowledge, these properties are not tax exempt, had the properties been actually "donated."

So not knowing how many deer will be killed by archers, our commissioners plan to spend thousands more for this never ending merry-go -round ride.

Trib Total Media to end Pittsburgh print edition, lay off 106

Pittsburgh will become a one-newspaper town by the end of the year withTrib Total Media's announcement Wednesday that it will no longer publish a print edition of the Tribune-Review after Nov. 30. The newspaper, which has had a Pittsburgh edition since 1992, will go online-only Dec. 1.

Read the full story here. Tribune-Review will end Pittsburgh edition

Look Up Lebo Update

I watched the September 26, 2016 commission discussion video, hoping to learn more about the Look Up Lebo campaign. The commission discussion session agenda indicated that "Aaron Lauth and Susan Morgans will provide an update on the Look Up Lebo campaign." Susan Morgans submitted a written report to the commissioners and was in their Friday packets, also available here. Susan then handed the discussion over to Aaron Lauth since "Aaron is the one with the big bucks. " See the 16:57 time stamp on the video.

Look Up Lebo stickers are available at the lobby of the police department on the 3rd floor and at the customer service counter at the municipal building, also in the lobby.

I want to be clear on something. These stickers were not NM's idea. 

Receipts that I have been able to get so far for this campaign are here, which are referenced in Susan Morgans' memorandum to the commissioners. I do not know any of the other expenses, incurred or projected. This was all I received at the time of my Right To Know. I was told to file another Right To Know in a few weeks. Keith McGill did promise to send me future invoices that he would see coming through pertaining to the Look Up Lebo program. Keith was the one who sent me Susan Morgans' memorandum which I asked about last night. It was in my morning email this morning. Thank you, John Bendel and Keith McGill for getting this information to me so quickly.

"Come and mingle with some of Mt. Lebanon's finest ladies"

If you want to attend "Celebrating Women of Mt. Lebanon," you better act quickly.

Mt. Lebanon Democratic chair Michelle Zmijanac is honoring Carolyn Byham, Terri Greenberg, Rania Harris, Mary Larsen, and Susan Morgans*.

*Mt. Lebanon's Public Information Officer Susan Morgans just learned that Halloween was moved to October 31 this year.

Heartbreaking

Investigation Launched After Cat Shot With Arrow In Washington Co.

We asked last year where the Deer Archery was going to take place, so that we could protect ourselves and our pets, but Judge Terrence O'Brien ruled that those twelve properties were "donated."

ICYMI*, archery is taking place right here in Mt. Lebanon. Archery season is from September 17, 2016, and continues through January 28, 2017, with a break between November 27 and Christmas in Twin Hills Park, McNeilly Park, Robb Hollow Park, the Golf Course, the Conservation District, and Public Works, along with twelve super secret private properties and any other ones who Mt. Lebanon Partnership's Erin Hart could drum up for her brother in law. These public areas will remain open during Archery Season. 

*In Case You Missed It. I just looked that up after I saw it in a mtl Magazine tweet. 

You do know that...

the Popular Vote does not elect the President of the United States, don't you?

The Electoral College elects the President of the United States. The popular vote does not count in a Presidential Election. Al Gore won the popular vote in 2000, against George W. Bush. He had about 540,000 more votes than Bush.

So what's my point? Yes, please register to vote, but make sure you vote in all state and local elections, where your vote does count. Our local officials make decisions which directly affect our lives.

Jessica Walliser to speak at Mt. Lebanon Public Library

On Tuesday, September 27, 2016, from 7-8 PM, Jessica Walliser will be speaking at the Mt. Lebanon Library about Deer Proofing and Pest Proofing Your Yard Naturally - Simple Strategies that Work. Ms. Walliser writes for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and co-hosts “The Organic Gardeners” on KDKA-Radio.

I wanted to provide a little background about Jessica since her name is not spelled correctly on the Municipality's website.

• September 27, 7-8 p.m., Jessica Wallister, free-lance horticulturalist, Deer Proofing and Pest Proofing your Yard Naturally—Simple Strategies that Work.

About Jessica

Jessica Walliser co-hosts “The Organic Gardeners” on KDKA-Radio in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a former contributing editor for Organic Gardening magazine and a regular contributor to Fine Gardening, Urban Farm, and Hobby Farms magazines. Jessica also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of The American Horticultural Society.
Her two weekly gardening columns for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review have been enjoyed by readers for over eight years. Her fourth book, Attracting Beneficial Bugs to the Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Control, was released by Timber Press in January of 2014 and was named one of the Top 12 Gardening Books by Martha Stewart Living magazine in March of 2015. It was also awarded the American Horticultural Society’s Book Award.
The former owner of a 25-acre organic market farm, Jessica received her degree in ornamental horticulture from The Pennsylvania State University. She’s taught a diverse array of gardening topics for over 20 years and is a former faculty member of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
She is author of the Amazon best-seller Good Bug, Bad Bug: Who’s Who, What They Do, and How to Manage Them Organically and blogs weekly for both SavvyGardening.com and HobbyFarms.com.
Jessica lives and gardens northwest of Pittsburgh with her husband and son, seven chickens, two hermit crabs, and billions and billions of very good bugs.

Keystone Oaks Teacher Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior

According to a release from The Keystone Oaks School District, officials have “become aware of allegations of inappropriate behavior between a teacher employed at Keystone Oaks High School and high school students.”

The statement goes on to say that the District is cooperating with the Mt. Lebanon Police Department and other authorities as they conduct their investigations.

Read more Keystone Oaks Teacher Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior

How long has this been on the municipal website?

Rent a Home  

I found it when I was looking for the police blotter, which this week, is two pages long.

Just a few minor details

I'm sure the Public Information Office is giving high fives for the new reporter from The Almanac. Luke Campbell has been covering Mt. Lebanon's meetings for a short time now, replacing Harry Funk. I know from RTKs that the Divine Ms. M had some issues with the reporters here, except the PG's John Hayes, the PA Game Commission's mouthpiece. Luke Campbell's Professor offers Mt. Lebanon commissioners affirmation on deer management delivered the message that the PIO wanted to get out. Except for a few minor details.

As I have written here before, but you won't read it anywhere else:

• Paul Curtis never stepped foot in Mt. Lebanon.
• Paul Curtis didn't know how big Mt. Lebanon is.
• Paul Curtis is in cahoots with Anthony DeNicola, president of White Buffalo, the "non-profit" organization hired to kill deer in Mt. Lebanon.

This will never be brought out to the unsuspecting public. Don't ya just love how Mt. Lebanon controls the media?

A violation of the Sunshine Law? UPDATED THREE TIMES

Commissioners,

The other day, I asked about the block party ordinance and when it was passed. No response from any of the commissioners. I would like a response so that I may read the actual ordinance.

I have noticed a change on the municipal website regarding the actual block party ordinance. It now reads:

Also, permits will not be granted for highway, arterial or collector streets without review and approval of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department. Because of the volume of traffic on these streets block parties can cause unnecessary traffic restrictions and can present safety challenges to people residing along these streets. BLOCK PARTIES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON HALLOWEEN DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. 

It once read:

Also, permits will not be granted for highway, arterial or collector streets. Because of the volume of traffic on these streets block parties cause unnecessary traffic restrictions and can present safety challenges to people residing along these streets.

Who approved the amendment of this ordinance? When did you vote on it? Did you hold a public meeting? Also noted on the municipal website under block parties, Last Modified: Sep 6, 2016 10:20 AM Was this in time for the Sleepy Hollow block party? I did have this post on my blog last year, when exceptions were made for the Sleepy Hollow block party last year. Special rules for special people

I hope to hear from the commissioners since you are the ones who pass the ordinances.

Elaine Gillen

Update September 19, 2016 5:30 PM I heard back from my commissioner, Steve McLean and from Keith McGill. To the "anonymous" Sleepy Hollow block party attendee, sign your name and you will be published. But if you had signed your name in all of your personal attacks, I mean "comments," I'm reasonably sure that you wouldn't have been so rude. By the way, you were the only one, "Anonymous."

From Steve McLean:

Elaine, 

The ordinance was not changed that allows the municipal manager authority to temporarily close municipal streets for special occasions. That remains.  The framework for which block parties are handled has been adjusted to provide consistency and allow the police to review the request.  I'd have to check my notes for when this was brought.  

Steve McLean
3rd Ward Commissioner 

From Keith McGill:

Good afternoon Elaine, 

Commissioner McLean is correct. Additionally there is no ordinance related to block parties. The language that was previously on the municipal website was the result of a discussion a few years ago when the municipality started to notice an increasing number of requests for block parties on Halloween. I believe this was some time in 2011. As part of this discussion the issue of arterial and collector streets was also discussed. The result of those discussions was the language that was then placed on the municipal website related to block party applications. I also believe the associated fee went into effect in roughly the same time frame. 

The change to the language was at my suggestion after discussing the issue with Chief Lauth and Public Works Director Sukal. I sent the suggested language to the Commission for their review and recommendation. The Commission was in agreement with the change.The language now provides for a review by Public Safety for any block party applications received for arterial or collector streets to determine if the issuance of the permit would create any public safety concerns. If there is a public safety issue or concern related to the issuance of the permit the application is denied. If there is not it may be issued. The amendment to the language is in keeping with the original intent when the restriction was put in place. 

The permit that was issued for Sleepy Hollow had nothing to do with the change to the language  it was issued based on a prior determination that this segment of Sleepy Hollow is not an arterial street.  

Keith

Update September 19, 2016 7:46 PM Keith McGill followed up with:

From:	Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc:	Stephen McLean <smclean@mtlebanon.org>; Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Rep. Dan Miller <repmiller@pahouse.net>
Subject:	Re: block parties
Date:	Mon, Sep 19, 2016 7:29 pm

---

Good evening Elaine,

The change to the language on the website was made to better reflect the intent of the restriction and provide for a process for applications for these type of streets to be reviewed. This language is not part of an adopted ordinance or a formally adopted commission policy.

As to your question, I do not believe this would apply to all of the streets listed as collector or arterial.

Keith

On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 5:53 PM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Keith,

I didn't realize that this could be done without a public meeting. You should also review your list of streets and let the public know that there are segments of arterial and collector streets that are not arterial or collectors. By definition, wouldn't that apply to all of the streets that you listed?

I sent the suggested language to the Commission for their review and recommendation. The Commission was in agreement with the change.

Update September 21, 2016 7:08 AM Uh, I think the Commission violated the Sunshine Act.

Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act: The Basics The basic requirement of the Act is simple: Any time a government body (referred to within in the act as an “agency”) holds a meeting in which “deliberation” or “official action” by a quorum of its members takes place, the meeting must be open to the public after public notice of the meeting. Each of these provisions can be described in more detail.

What is “Deliberation” Under the Act? The Act defines “deliberation” as “the discussion of agency business held for the purpose of making a decision.” 65 PA. CONS. STAT. § 703. The definition is a simple one and has been construed as such by courts of the Commonwealth.

I know. Mind my own business. Take TWO

Controversial deer cull starts again in Mt. Lebanon