Four yeses. More deer to kill.

With Kelly Fraasch absent, four commissioners approved spending $9000 so that the charlatan can oversee the same archers kill deer in the same public and private properties as last year. After all, Tony DeNicola said that more deer need to be killed.

DeNicola's comment about killing the dumbest deer reveals his true character. In the comments section from yesterday's PG story:

this ignorant quote by DeNicola reveals the true character of the man. They didn't kill the dumbest deer, they killed the tame deer that trusted the humans who brought hunters and shooters on to their property to kill the doe and her fawns that apparently browsed on their tulips. This tame doe likely led her fawns right up to the bow hunters and shooters in complete trust to be slaughtered. What a cowardly and unethical act of killing defenseless and gentle animals. As far as I'm concerned, a man that gets his kicks from killing tame animals is a man with no honor or moral character, a coward. And they call this the "sport" of "hunting". I hold the same sentiments for the residents.

In that same story, the PG shows a poll with some interesting results:

In Janice Crompton's PG article*, Archers to cull deer again in Mt. Lebanon, Crompton points out the obvious.

Despite the cull, however, reported deer-vehicle collisions still are on the rise.
In the first half of this year, 47 crashes were reported — a significant increase over the 18 reported during the same time frame last year.
“I don’t understand how the accidents went up,” said resident Stacey Chick. “Calling this a safe program is fallacious.”

I understand a person, who wants deer dead, suggested that those who are anti-kill place bronze deer statues in our yards. No thank you. I placed my Not In My Yard sign in my yard again.

I have a few signs leftover from last year, but I am willing to place another order. Email me at EGillen476@aol.com if you want a Not In My Yard sign.

*Thank you PG for pulling Hayes!

And now, from the laziest "reporter"

John Hayes contacted me yesterday.

Hey Elaine,

I'm writing a short advance of the deer management vote that will happen at tomorrow's commission meeting. Care to provide an update of where your Right to Know case stands? 

- John

What an ass. I think he is the only "reporter" who doesn't know how to look up dockets. Instead he feeds off of Susan Morgans. Here is his latest biased report. Mt. Lebanon commissioners to take up deer issue once again.

“But don’t think it would be easier this year,” he [Tony DeNicola] said. “We had great support and the [property owners] were fabulous. But [archers] killed 100 deer and look around the municipality — you can’t see a difference. They’ll need to kill more this year. Also, last year they shot the dumbest of the dumb deer on the properties we had access to. This time the deer will be educated.”

Then there is what Susan Fleming Stroyd Morgans had to say.

Ms. Morgans said if commissioners approve the hunt, which would start in late September, parts of the public golf course, McNeilly Park and Robb Hollow Park likely would be included.
“There’s been very little drama in comparison to what we all endured last time,” she said, referring to street protests and meeting disruptions that occurred near the start of last year’s controlled archery hunt. “There’s been very little comment on it at all.”

No drama? Did she forget about Scott Township taking Mt. Lebanon to court over killing deer in Twin Hills? Nothing was said about promising anonymity, because they can't. My attorneys have taken that issue to Commonwealth Court. Of course, John Hayes would have known that, if he did some research.

Liened properties for the 2015 Tax Year

I filed a Right To Know over the weekend and the school district's Open Records Officer received my request this morning. Jeanine Szalinski granted my request and emailed six pages to me this afternoon. No charge for scanning, as it should be. Our municipality are thieves. I forwarded the liened properties list to the commission, Keith McGill, and Bonnie Cross asking why the district's ORO can do this, but the municipality ORO can't. I'll share their response here. Ha! Like I am going to get a response.

Here is the list of Liened Properties for the 2015 Tax Year. Many are repeat offenders. One repeat offender even gets paid for writing articles for the Public Information Office. Of course.

No LeboAlert

Our very busy LeboAlert staff has not issued an alert yet. Read this on Facebook. Thank you, Mt. Lebanon Fire Department for keeping us informed.

I hope that no one was injured.

Interviews Scheduled for School Board Director vacancy

On Monday, August 8, 2016, interviews for the school board vacancy will begin at 5:00 PM in Room D 205. The schedule is available here and below.

Elaine Cappucci resigned from the school board last month.

Get your scarves ready, Ladies

The commission will be approving another season of archery with patent holder of apples and corn, Tony DeNicola on Tuesday evening. August 9, 2016 Commission Meeting Agenda. This is when all the prokill ladies show up in their scarves, trying to distinguish themselves from us homeless-looking people who are against killing deer for various reasons.

Kelly Fraasch will not be attending, so it will definitely go through. It would have gone through anyway, since John Bendel is hell-bent on killing deer in Twin Hills Park, to appease his biggest supporter, Barbara Logan. Remember the email that John Bendel sent to Barbara Logan on the municipal domain concerning his nomination petition? I would love to know how Barbara can justify killing more deer to reduce car accidents, when the number tripled during the deer killing?

It is not real clear to me why Mt. Lebanon needs to spend $9000 for Tony to manage last year's archers.

Wasn't the whole idea to organize a solid network of vetted archers for years to come? Hey, I have an idea. Can we take that $9000 and put it toward dumping dirt and grass seed on the upper lot of Rockwood Park?

Wake up, Commissioners. Use your heads. Tony DeNicola is a charlatan and is making fools of you.

More waste in the PIO UPDATED

I remember Susan Morgans saying that there are only two people in the Public Information Office who were full time employees, Susan and her administrative assistant. Lebo Citizens reader Nick M. filed two Right To Knows for Laura Pace Lilley's time cards from December 27, 2015 through July 9, 2016. LPL is a part time employee, but enjoys paid holidays, at least New Year's, Good Friday, Memorial Day, and July 4. Perhaps other time cards would show paid holidays for Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. That would require another RTK.

Here are Laura's time cards, 12/27/15 - 6/11/16 and 5/29 - 7/9/16. I am not sure what 5/2/16's Time Off is for, and have my doubts that Laura Pace Lilley bothered to work for 45 minutes on May 11, 2016. Is it really worth coming to work for 45 minutes? What about working for one hour on May 4 and one hour on May 6? Anything is possible with a pencil, right?

Nick M. asked Finance Director Andrew McCreery for further clarification.

• All time is approved by an immediate supervisor.
• The finance department receives hours due to employees in a variety of ways: paper timesheets, electronic timesheet entry, summary of time spreadsheets, etc. Each department is different. Some departments use a time clock, while others keep a daily time log. 
• Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the direct supervisors to verify the time submitted to the finance department.

Do all Mt. Lebanon part time staffers get paid holidays? Or is this another perk for the Public Information Office? Dinners, conventions, breakfasts, trips to New York City, and printing costs of $12,000 per issue.

Our PIO manager, who is being paid over $108,000 plus $12,000 a year for health insurance plus free cell phone usage, has nothing better to do than to post updates on her personal Facebook page during work hours.

There is so much waste in our Public Information Office. This waste is all under Keith McGill's watch. From what I can see, the only restraint I see now, is the decrease of transparency and the increased costs for the right to know.

PA Office of Open Records Final Determination Record of Gillen v. Mt. Lebanon Township

Update August 8, 2016 12:40 PM I asked Finance Director Andrew McCreery if holiday pay on a per contract/agreement with part time staffers or is it across the board. Here is his reply:

Dear Ms. Gillen,

Part-time staff members are subject to the rules and regulations of our personnel manual. In the manual, eligible part-time employees will receive holiday pay if a municipally observed legal holiday occurs on a day which they are normally scheduled to work. An eligible part-time employee must be employed throughout the year and must be regularly scheduled to work more than twenty (20) hours per week.

Regards,
Andrew

Planet Fitness

I saw some public notices posted on some telephone poles in Castle Shannon announcing a public hearing for Planet Fitness going into the old Bottom Dollar spot, in the Lebanon Shops on Mt. Lebanon Blvd.

And the beat goes on

Rockwood Park neighbors got word today that the "greening" of Rockwood Park has been pushed back - again to 2018. According to the 2017-21 Capital Improvement Program now online under the finance department, official documents and in OpenLebo, here is where Rockwood Park stands.

Three generations have been asking for improvements. Pretty soon a fourth generation will be old enough to speak at commission meetings and ask for what generations before them have been asking.

Fix the upper part of Rockwood Park. Here is what we got recently.

Meanwhile, we have people whining about keeping brick streets, costing 3 1/2 times higher than traditional asphalt, not like the asphalt repair job pictured above. See Debate over brick streets continues in Mt. Lebanon We're listed in the CIP as costing $24,200.  We're asking for the parking lot and driveway to be filled in with dirt and seeded. That's all. 

Deer and the Courts Update

A court ordered appearance before Judge McCarthy was to take place on July 26, 2016 between Scott Township and the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon regarding killing deer in Twin Hills Park located in Scott Township. The docket is available here. Anyone know the results of that conference?

My attorneys have appealed Court of Common Pleas Judge Terrence O'Brien's decision concerning donation exemptions. It is now in Commonwealth Court. Don't worry, Taxpayers. This isn't costing Mt. Lebanon taxpayers (including Judge O'Brien) anything additionally, thanks to the sweet deal Mt. Lebanon has with Buchanan Ingersoll. MTL can take anyone to court (or be taken to court) and it doesn't cost taxpayers a dime extra. Scott Township residents aren't so lucky. Neither are those who are granted TWO Final Determinations by the PA Office of Open Records of whom Judge O'Brien disagreed.

My gofundme is still active. See side bar for the link or click here. I have made Not In My Yard key fobs this year to match the yard signs which are still available. A $10 donation will get you both a yard sign and a key fob. What a deal! You would have to buy 104 yard signs and 104 key fobs to equal what taxpayers are spending just to register Susan Morgans for the NYC trade show!

Archery starts up again next month.  It sure came up quickly, didn't it? In Mt. Lebanon, we kill (or try to kill) deer more often than not.

Businesses warned about Pokémon Go security risk

Businesses warned about Pokemon Go security risk

I remember reading about Pokémon In Mt. Lebanon on lebomag.com and remember how

many PokéStops and gyms are located right here in Mt. Lebanon. I admit I downloaded the app and have the key fob designs (of course!) so that I can converse with my son and grands about the game. But how many of these businesses, Municipality, or School District are at risk? 

The International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM) is warning businesses such a risk could occur if employees download the insanely popular Pokemon Go app on company-owned devices.
The association has recommended corporations prohibit the installation and use of Pokemon Go on any devices used for business purposes. The group says that includes "bring your own device" (BYOD) phones/tablets with direct access to sensitive corporate information and accounts.

As long as the app was not downloaded on cell phones that are networked with Mt. Lebanon Municipality or School District, we're fine. Which brings us back to the monthly expenditure list. 

Looking at the June 2016 Expenditures, Mt. Lebanon Commissioners approved cell phone charges totaling $1703.99. Pokémon Go was released on July 6, 2016. Let's hope those municipal staffers have unlimited data plans. If not, that is another reason why taxpayer funded cell phones should not have the Pokémon Go app. Then there is the issue of playing during company time, but I'm sure that is not the case. We do know that a certain dedicated Mt. Lebanon employee answers email on her iPhone. At 6 AM. On vacation. Have a nice day.

Mrs. Morgans Goes To The Big Apple UPDATED 3X

The June 2016 Expenditures were recently approved by our commissioners. This list, obtained by filing a Right To Know, should be readily available on our new Open Lebo website, but isn't. The monthly expenditures are not for public viewing until after the commissioners approve them. They don't read them, just approve them. Ask Dave Brumfield. The expenditure list usually includes such gems as pancake breakfasts, retirement parties, food for the commissioners, staff parking, health insurance, cell phones, legal fees, magazine printing costs, and all those working lunches and dinners for the Public Information Office. This month was no exception.

Our public information officer, who earns more than the mayor of Pittsburgh, will be traveling to New York City to attend The Folio: Show in November.

The Folio: Show is packed with lively luncheons, vibrant receptions and one-on-one interaction, all designed to give you a unique opportunity to meet with the people you want to meet and develop a professional network that will serve you for years to come.

Luncheons. Vibrant receptions. Dinner with new friends. How exciting! Is this when Susan books her hair appointment with her favorite NYC stylist? I can't wait to read that article.

Update July 28, 2016 8:51 PM Another smart assed response from our overpaid PIO. 

Mr. Meduho: 

My office had nothing to do with any of the things you mention. We did do a front of the book story in the July /August magazine.
 And we have promoted the show on Facebook several times ,so I am sure you can find the information there. Please note that it is 6 am and I am working, since you are so concerned about how the people in my office spend our time. I also am on vacation and will work while on vacation as I always do. Have a nice day.
Susan morgans 

Sent from my iPhone 

On Jul 28, 2016, at 1:27 AM, Nicholas Meduho, Jr. wrote:
I don’t know who to ask so I’ll ask a few of you.

When I look at the calendar of events on the Lebo home page I see the Police Classic Car Show listed.

When I click on it I am taken to the Event Details page but I can’t enlarge the flier to view it properly.

There is nothing else listed regarding this event, not even on the police website.

When I do a search, I find fliers from previous years but not the upcoming event on Sunday.

Where can I find a legible copy of the flier? Is there a way to allow enlargement of images in the Event Details section?


Thank you,

Nicholas Meduho
Mt. Lebanon, PA

Update July 29, 2016 9:08 AM Guess who owns the domain name lebomag.com ? None other than Susan Morgans. Nick M. sent this to our commissioners and manager:

Mr. McGill and Commissioners,

Why is Susan Morgans the sole owner of the domain name “lebomag.com” with NONE listed as Registrant Organization? As it stands now, if Susan Morgans were to leave tomorrow, that domain name goes with her and she can do anything she wants with it. And if she were to die tomorrow, the consequences could be much worse. Anyone think this is wise? Can we please take the appropriate steps in getting the “lebomag.com” domain name into Mt. Lebanon’s ownership. I really think that would be an intelligent move.  

Thank you,  

Nicholas Meduho  

Mt. Lebanon, PA   

Domain Name: lebomag.com  

Registrar URL: http://www.godaddy.com  

Registrant Name: Susan Morgans  

Registrant Organization: NONE  

Name Server: NS1.US25.SITEGROUND.US  

Name Server: NS2.US25.SITEGROUND.US  

DNSSEC: unsigned 

Another Lebo Citizens reader emailed me this comment:

In companies that foot the bill for trips like Morgans, it is usually required that the attendee make a presentation of what was learned from the experience!
As taxpayers (actually her employers) we need to know if it's money well spent!

I agree. It would give Her the opportunity to show off Her new NYC haircut.

Our commissioners approve this crap, Folks.

Update July 29, 2016 6:11 PM It appears that the domain name registrant organization for lebomag.com has been updated. Working while on vacation. At 6 AM. Have a nice day.

Mt. Lebanon, the Money Pit

Two articles have me shaking my head.

Mt. Lebanon Ice Center could be replaced next year

“I think we are on borrowed time,” said Commissioner Steve Silverman about the lifespan of the main rink and a studio rink, which have been damaged by buckling floors and a broken defrost system...An alternative favored by all of the commissioners would be total replacement of both rinks, which would take place during the off-season, between March and August of 2017. The cost is estimated between $1.7 million and $2.4 million...The municipality could pay for the project through capital funds, a bond issue or Regional Asset District funds through Allegheny County.

Costly public works project looms for Mt. Lebanon

“We need to do this, period,” said Commissioner David Brumfield. “We've known this for years. We've been working on this for years. Even with other costs, the fact of delaying this isn't a feasible option. It's not like if we didn't do this, we wouldn't be putting money into the public works yard over the next 10 years. We've all been in that building, and let's just say there are going to be a few dollars headed there no matter what happens. We need to figure out how to move forward.” 

A modified site plan for the facility, in which the prevention of flooding is a primary concern, estimates the total cost for the project to reach approximately $6.5 million.

So why the hell did we tear up two perfectly good fields to put in artificial turf at the cost of $1+ million. The turf is a year old. It has a life expectancy of 8 years or so. Are we putting away the required funds every year to pay for the replacement?

Why are we spending over $100,000 a year to kill deer which is intended to lower car/deer collisions, but has only tripled them? 

Mt. Lebanon spent $26,364 for parking sensors on Washington Road. Seriously, was that really needed?

Why was the greening of Rockwood Park rejected? Here is how Mt. Lebanon corrected the problem in Rockwood Park. 

Parking lot

Upper entrance to Rockwood Park

Entrance to Rockwood Park

More rails are falling off and deteriorating.

The patrolling has stopped again.

Ward 1 is going to keep their bricked streets. Ward 1 will continue to demand killing deer in Twin Hills Park. The lacrosse people in Ward 1 got their artificial turf. These are all pet projects of Ward 1 commissioner John Bendel. 

Ward 2 commissioner Steve Silverman wants more deer killing, was working to get an artificial turf field before he was sworn into office. He says that we are on borrowed time when it comes to the ice rink.

Ward 3's Steve McLean wants more deer killing. 

Dave Brumfield, Ward 4's commissioner wants more archery, just had to have the artificial turf, pushing for the public works project, was a big supporter of the swimming pool, had to have McNeilly Park, and wants to turf Mellon School's field.

I haven't spoken to Kelly Fraasch, Ward 5 commissioner in over a year, but I do remember how she was pushing for more property for Robb Hollow. We bought more parcels, for what? She voted for parking sensors. 

Mt. Lebanon has replaced former Assistant Manager Marcia Taylor when she retired with THREE full time people. 

At least three of these commissioners are numbers guys - running businesses, accounting, or banking. Don't they understand that there is just so much money available? When spending in one area, spending has to be cut in other areas. Basic accounting, Folks.

Sale at tennis center

20% off hoes

MTL is failing again with the Office of Open Records

The Municipality of Mt. Lebanon lost, at the minimum, a third Final Determination by the PA Office of Open Records. See http://www.openrecords.pa.gov/Documents/FinalDet/22979.pdf  Mt. Lebanon is pulling the same crap as they did with me.

• Mt. Lebanon invoked a 30 day extension to respond to the Request, but failed to do so in 30 days. At that point, the Request was deemed denied.
• On the 33rd day, MTL claimed that the records were confidential AND argued that the request was "overly broad."
• The Requestor appealed to the OOR, challenging the denial. A week later, both parties submitted position statements, as in both of my appeals.
• The Requestor only asked for electronic records, nothing scanned or printed. Mt. Lebanon admitted that there were some electronic records, but then goes on to say that the Requestor was modifying the request, which is not permitted. They pulled the same crap with me. In all three cases, the requests were not modified on appeal.
• MTL argues that there was too much information to email. MTL is permitted to put all the information on a CD or a flash drive and charge the Requestor the actual cost of the media.

Mt. Lebanon has thirty days to comply or go the same route as they chose with me TWICE, and appeal to the Court of Common Pleas. As noted by Commissioner Steve Silverman, appealing to a higher court is free to taxpayers according to the contract with Buchanan Ingersoll. The only cost for transparency is with the Requestor.

I know that Rep. Dan Miller is personally inviting our five commissioners to his Office of Open Records seminar on September 15. Thank you, Dan!