Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report just released
Mt. Lebanon just released its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ending 2011. The 159 page document can be found here in PDF format and 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report - CAFR (Flipbook Format). I hope our commissioners take the time to review this.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
McNeilly Park - outstanding debt
The following public information was sent to me from the Commission. There is still outstanding debt on McNeilly Park.
Just putting it out there. Draw your own conclusions.
Update April 29, 2012 6:06 PM Soccer support for McNeilly Park
DCNR Grant Application
National Park Service Grant Application
McNeilly
| ||
Amount Borrowed
|
2004
|
2,000,000
|
53% of total issue
| ||
Paid 25,000 in principle before refunded
|
13,250
| |
2010A issue refunded
|
1,986,750
| |
19% of total issue
| ||
Have paid 15,000 in principal to date
|
2,850
| |
Total still outstanding
|
1,983,900
| |
Just putting it out there. Draw your own conclusions.
Update April 29, 2012 6:06 PM Soccer support for McNeilly Park
DCNR Grant Application
National Park Service Grant Application
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Who is the MLFE?
Since a reader was curious about the organizations that donated $20,000 towards the Pursuant Ketchum Feasibility Study, I have some information about one of the organizations, the Mt. Lebanon Foundation For Education. (MLFE)
MLFE's website, which is linked on the School District website, is located here. Their Form 990 is here. MLFE's mission is to raise money on behalf of the Mt. Lebanon School District for innovative educational programs for all students. I am not sure donating $10,000 to a feasibility study or showing $10,000 in salaries would be considered innovative educational programs, but for those who do, here is how you can be an Education Booster. For Giving Opportunities, visit http://www.mtlsd.org/mlfe/givingopportunities.asp
MLFE's website, which is linked on the School District website, is located here. Their Form 990 is here. MLFE's mission is to raise money on behalf of the Mt. Lebanon School District for innovative educational programs for all students. I am not sure donating $10,000 to a feasibility study or showing $10,000 in salaries would be considered innovative educational programs, but for those who do, here is how you can be an Education Booster. For Giving Opportunities, visit http://www.mtlsd.org/mlfe/givingopportunities.asp
Heads up! New traffic patterns again at the high school
New traffic patterns at the High School will be effective Monday, April 30. Morgan Drive will re-open to vehicle traffic while a section of Horsman Drive will close and remain closed to vehicle traffic through the remainder of the construction project. There will be new Drop-Off/Pick-Up Traffic Patterns.
Seton-La Salle students named Notre Dame scholars
Connor Hayes was our first ever Mt. Lebanon Junior Commissioner. Congratulations, Connor!
To be considered for the prestigious -- and merit-based -- Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program, high school applicants must write 16 essays, submit two recommendation letters, do a phone interview and interview in person at the University of Notre Dame.
Selections are based on four criteria: demonstrated leadership abilities, distinguished academic accomplishment, exemplary moral character and sincere commitment to service.
Of the more than 1,600 applicants worldwide, 25 were selected as scholars and two are from Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Mt. Lebanon: Connor Hayes and Jake Grefenstette.
As Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars, they will receive $25,000 annually for four years toward the cost of attending the university. Tuition, room and board at Notre Dame cost $55,000 a year.
The seniors also will participate in four, fully funded summer enrichment programs for self-discovery leadership development. This summer, after their high school graduation, they will go on a three-week wilderness trip with activities including rafting and hiking. The site for the program has not yet been announced.
Unrelated to the scholarships, both young men also were named recipients of the St. Timothy Award by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for their outstanding contributions to the church and community.
Connor, 18, is the son of Kevin Hayes and U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly of Mt. Lebanon, who met as undergraduates at Notre Dame.
"Growing up in a household of two Notre Dame alumni will influence him to know about the school, so it was important to us not to push too hard," Mr. Hayes said.
"It was down to Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago and Notre Dame," Connor said. "The scholarship basically sealed the deal."
Connor was instrumental in establishing Seton-La Salle's Model United Nations and academic games. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year varsity swimmer.
Jake, 18, is the son of Edward and Megan Grefenstette of Mt. Lebanon, both of whom attended Georgetown University. Jake also was accepted there.
"I tried to be neutral, but it was difficult," Mr. Grefenstette admitted.
But Jake was sold on Notre Dame even before the scholarship was announced.
"I feel like this is home," he told his father as they toured campus, Mr. Grefenstette recalled.
Jake is president of the school's National Honor Society and the Rebels for Life and is a senator with student government. He is a four-year member of the volleyball team.
Neither scholarship winner is committed to a career choice yet, but Connor plans to study political science and Jake plans to study bioethics.
The scholarship program was established in 2009 by Notre Dame alumni Mark and Stacey Yusko and hopes to cultivate leaders in the image of the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, a former Notre Dame president, educator and renowned social justice advocate.
"It is difficult enough getting into Notre Dame, let alone being able to apply for the scholarship and successfully going through the process," Seton-La Salle principal Lauren Martin said. "It is a tribute to their families and the education they received from the diocese."
For more information: hesburgh-yusko.org.
To be considered for the prestigious -- and merit-based -- Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program, high school applicants must write 16 essays, submit two recommendation letters, do a phone interview and interview in person at the University of Notre Dame.
Selections are based on four criteria: demonstrated leadership abilities, distinguished academic accomplishment, exemplary moral character and sincere commitment to service.
Of the more than 1,600 applicants worldwide, 25 were selected as scholars and two are from Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Mt. Lebanon: Connor Hayes and Jake Grefenstette.
As Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars, they will receive $25,000 annually for four years toward the cost of attending the university. Tuition, room and board at Notre Dame cost $55,000 a year.
The seniors also will participate in four, fully funded summer enrichment programs for self-discovery leadership development. This summer, after their high school graduation, they will go on a three-week wilderness trip with activities including rafting and hiking. The site for the program has not yet been announced.
Unrelated to the scholarships, both young men also were named recipients of the St. Timothy Award by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for their outstanding contributions to the church and community.
Connor, 18, is the son of Kevin Hayes and U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly of Mt. Lebanon, who met as undergraduates at Notre Dame.
"Growing up in a household of two Notre Dame alumni will influence him to know about the school, so it was important to us not to push too hard," Mr. Hayes said.
"It was down to Johns Hopkins, the University of Chicago and Notre Dame," Connor said. "The scholarship basically sealed the deal."
Connor was instrumental in establishing Seton-La Salle's Model United Nations and academic games. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year varsity swimmer.
Jake, 18, is the son of Edward and Megan Grefenstette of Mt. Lebanon, both of whom attended Georgetown University. Jake also was accepted there.
"I tried to be neutral, but it was difficult," Mr. Grefenstette admitted.
But Jake was sold on Notre Dame even before the scholarship was announced.
"I feel like this is home," he told his father as they toured campus, Mr. Grefenstette recalled.
Jake is president of the school's National Honor Society and the Rebels for Life and is a senator with student government. He is a four-year member of the volleyball team.
Neither scholarship winner is committed to a career choice yet, but Connor plans to study political science and Jake plans to study bioethics.
The scholarship program was established in 2009 by Notre Dame alumni Mark and Stacey Yusko and hopes to cultivate leaders in the image of the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, a former Notre Dame president, educator and renowned social justice advocate.
"It is difficult enough getting into Notre Dame, let alone being able to apply for the scholarship and successfully going through the process," Seton-La Salle principal Lauren Martin said. "It is a tribute to their families and the education they received from the diocese."
For more information: hesburgh-yusko.org.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Working Together 101
Today, I met with Chuck Bachorski and Charlotte Stephenson. I asked Charlotte to put together a summary of today's meeting. Thank you, Charlotte and Chuck for stepping forward so that we can work together to make a plan.
It was a pleasure to meet today with Chuck Bachorski and Elaine Gillen to brainstorm regarding what “he wants” and “she wants” and “they want” and “we want”. The fact is there is no real problem solving going on around here, only requests for more funding by those who yell the loudest or influence the most, and we understand how this problem-solving method has led the school district down an unfortunate financial path.
I learned some neat things today including there are many unsung heroes who give their time to maintain fields and facilities. I also learned that some of the sports groups pay for supportive equipment and for the facilities they use (including portable toilets at fields – who knew?). What I learned the most is that we can no longer sustain programs within our community without understanding the “big picture” of what we have, how to best use it and what it costs to have it.
I asked a question at the Commission Discussion Meeting this week regarding the maintenance needs of our facilities. In short, we really do not know exactly what they are; we appear to only know of the big-ticket items. There are many groups functioning independently and, most likely they are unable to take advantage of possible solutions to their constrained resources because they simply only know what they know. “Turfing” is at an all-time high at various levels in our community because of this lack of understanding with respect to what resources we do have. If we are going to make things better we must begin to work together.
So, we decided that there could be a new way of thinking. How about if the residents begin to work together and develop a plan that is fair and doesn’t break the bank? Why are we all sitting back on our laurels and looking to the Commissioners to come up with all of the ideas and solutions only to duke it out for the final vote? Our Commissioners put in long hours and have much on their shoulders. Why are those who want things to get better not proposing real solutions beyond asking for everyone to dig deeper or take on more debt?
It’s time for all of us to stop behaving like children and start coming up with real solutions. We have the talent, interest and know-how right here in Mt. Lebanon to do it. Let’s work together on a plan and ask the Commissioners for support along the way. If something requires a change in our ordinances, let’s take it to them. First thing is first, however, and we have research to do. Stay tuned because there is more to come. If you are asked to help, our guess is you will. Let’s work together and find solutions starting now!
-Charlotte Stephenson
It was a pleasure to meet today with Chuck Bachorski and Elaine Gillen to brainstorm regarding what “he wants” and “she wants” and “they want” and “we want”. The fact is there is no real problem solving going on around here, only requests for more funding by those who yell the loudest or influence the most, and we understand how this problem-solving method has led the school district down an unfortunate financial path.
I learned some neat things today including there are many unsung heroes who give their time to maintain fields and facilities. I also learned that some of the sports groups pay for supportive equipment and for the facilities they use (including portable toilets at fields – who knew?). What I learned the most is that we can no longer sustain programs within our community without understanding the “big picture” of what we have, how to best use it and what it costs to have it.
I asked a question at the Commission Discussion Meeting this week regarding the maintenance needs of our facilities. In short, we really do not know exactly what they are; we appear to only know of the big-ticket items. There are many groups functioning independently and, most likely they are unable to take advantage of possible solutions to their constrained resources because they simply only know what they know. “Turfing” is at an all-time high at various levels in our community because of this lack of understanding with respect to what resources we do have. If we are going to make things better we must begin to work together.
So, we decided that there could be a new way of thinking. How about if the residents begin to work together and develop a plan that is fair and doesn’t break the bank? Why are we all sitting back on our laurels and looking to the Commissioners to come up with all of the ideas and solutions only to duke it out for the final vote? Our Commissioners put in long hours and have much on their shoulders. Why are those who want things to get better not proposing real solutions beyond asking for everyone to dig deeper or take on more debt?
It’s time for all of us to stop behaving like children and start coming up with real solutions. We have the talent, interest and know-how right here in Mt. Lebanon to do it. Let’s work together on a plan and ask the Commissioners for support along the way. If something requires a change in our ordinances, let’s take it to them. First thing is first, however, and we have research to do. Stay tuned because there is more to come. If you are asked to help, our guess is you will. Let’s work together and find solutions starting now!
-Charlotte Stephenson
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The donors for the feasibility study are...
Mt. Lebanon School District Announces Grant Awards for Capital Campaign Feasibility Study
April 25, 2012
The Mt. Lebanon School Board is pleased to announce that the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment (MLCE) and the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education (MLFE) have each generously awarded a $10,000 grant to the Mt. Lebanon School District to fund nearly half of the feasibility study the District is conducting for a possible capital campaign. The Board retained the services of the consulting firm Pursuant Ketchum to conduct the study at a cost of $41,000. The District is undertaking the study to assess the viability of a capital campaign to reduce the amount of the second bond required for the $109.7 million high school project currently under construction and to establish an endowment to sustain and grow academic and fine arts programs in the District.
“We are humbled by the tremendous amount of support these gifts represent from the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment and the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education,” said Josephine Posti, President, Mt. Lebanon School Board. “The success of a capital campaign depends not only on a comprehensive feasibility study but on the enthusiasm and expertise of these two key community partners.”
The feasibility study will be conducted over the next several months and will include interviews with members of the Mt. Lebanon community and high school alumni to determine the factors for success. A final report to the Board is expected by the end of August.
“The Board of Directors of Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education is pleased to support the school district’s capital campaign feasibility study,” said John Federico, President of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education. “We view the study as a necessary investment in preparing for a successful capital campaign to finance a portion for the renovation of Mt. Lebanon High School. We look forward to working with the administration and school board to inspire and encourage our neighbors in Mt. Lebanon and the alumni of the district to help us rejuvenate this valuable community asset.”
“The Mt. Lebanon School District expressed the desire to conduct a successful capital campaign in order to reduce the tax burden associated with the high school renovation and benefit all residents of Mt. Lebanon,” said Joseph King, President of MLCE’s Board of Directors. “At Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment, we strive to support the priorities of the community and its residents and support projects that will give current, past, and future residents a meaningful and long-lasting sense of pride in the distinctive qualities of this wonderful community.” The MLCE grant is from the Mt. Lebanon Community Impact Fund.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment
http://www.mtlebanonendowment.org/
Through contributions from individuals, families and organizations, Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment works to build a permanent fund to support programs and services for the Mt. Lebanon community and its residents, and preserve its unique character. As an independent 501(c)(3) public charity, MLCE focuses upon three areas:
Families and Children—providing them with the help they need to be strong and functional, and supporting Youth to develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.
Senior Citizens—providing them with opportunities to employ their energy and creativity, and addressing their social and physical needs so that none lack access to services and activities of their choosing.
Community Life—sustaining and enhancing the amenities that make Mt. Lebanon a good place to live; supporting cultural, artistic, aesthetic and recreational programs and institution; and funding efforts that promote community and civility.
About the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education
www.mtlsd.org/mlfe
The mission of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education (MLFE) is to provide a permanent source of financial support to enable the Mt. Lebanon School District to expand and enhance learning opportunities for its students. MLFE is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that raises money on behalf of the Mt. Lebanon School District for innovative educational programs for all students.
The MLFE was founded in 1999 to fulfill a goal of the school district’s strategic plan. Since that time, MLFE has raised thousands of dollars for extraordinary educational programs for all students in every grade and every school of the district. These projects span the entire curriculum and all 10 Mt. Lebanon Schools. Every student has participated in at least one project started with MLFE’s support.
http://www.mtlsd.org/district/HeadlineArticle.asp?HLP_ID=1342&HL_ID=1158&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#1158
April 25, 2012
The Mt. Lebanon School Board is pleased to announce that the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment (MLCE) and the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education (MLFE) have each generously awarded a $10,000 grant to the Mt. Lebanon School District to fund nearly half of the feasibility study the District is conducting for a possible capital campaign. The Board retained the services of the consulting firm Pursuant Ketchum to conduct the study at a cost of $41,000. The District is undertaking the study to assess the viability of a capital campaign to reduce the amount of the second bond required for the $109.7 million high school project currently under construction and to establish an endowment to sustain and grow academic and fine arts programs in the District.
“We are humbled by the tremendous amount of support these gifts represent from the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment and the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education,” said Josephine Posti, President, Mt. Lebanon School Board. “The success of a capital campaign depends not only on a comprehensive feasibility study but on the enthusiasm and expertise of these two key community partners.”
The feasibility study will be conducted over the next several months and will include interviews with members of the Mt. Lebanon community and high school alumni to determine the factors for success. A final report to the Board is expected by the end of August.
“The Board of Directors of Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education is pleased to support the school district’s capital campaign feasibility study,” said John Federico, President of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education. “We view the study as a necessary investment in preparing for a successful capital campaign to finance a portion for the renovation of Mt. Lebanon High School. We look forward to working with the administration and school board to inspire and encourage our neighbors in Mt. Lebanon and the alumni of the district to help us rejuvenate this valuable community asset.”
“The Mt. Lebanon School District expressed the desire to conduct a successful capital campaign in order to reduce the tax burden associated with the high school renovation and benefit all residents of Mt. Lebanon,” said Joseph King, President of MLCE’s Board of Directors. “At Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment, we strive to support the priorities of the community and its residents and support projects that will give current, past, and future residents a meaningful and long-lasting sense of pride in the distinctive qualities of this wonderful community.” The MLCE grant is from the Mt. Lebanon Community Impact Fund.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment
http://www.mtlebanonendowment.org/
Through contributions from individuals, families and organizations, Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment works to build a permanent fund to support programs and services for the Mt. Lebanon community and its residents, and preserve its unique character. As an independent 501(c)(3) public charity, MLCE focuses upon three areas:
Families and Children—providing them with the help they need to be strong and functional, and supporting Youth to develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.
Senior Citizens—providing them with opportunities to employ their energy and creativity, and addressing their social and physical needs so that none lack access to services and activities of their choosing.
Community Life—sustaining and enhancing the amenities that make Mt. Lebanon a good place to live; supporting cultural, artistic, aesthetic and recreational programs and institution; and funding efforts that promote community and civility.
About the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education
www.mtlsd.org/mlfe
The mission of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education (MLFE) is to provide a permanent source of financial support to enable the Mt. Lebanon School District to expand and enhance learning opportunities for its students. MLFE is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that raises money on behalf of the Mt. Lebanon School District for innovative educational programs for all students.
The MLFE was founded in 1999 to fulfill a goal of the school district’s strategic plan. Since that time, MLFE has raised thousands of dollars for extraordinary educational programs for all students in every grade and every school of the district. These projects span the entire curriculum and all 10 Mt. Lebanon Schools. Every student has participated in at least one project started with MLFE’s support.
http://www.mtlsd.org/district/HeadlineArticle.asp?HLP_ID=1342&HL_ID=1158&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#1158
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
While we are talking about how to spend $1.3 million...
Upper St. Clair is talking to teachers and saving $3.7 million. Upper St. Clair teachers accept concessions Yes, I realize I am talking about two different taxing bodies. What is Mt. Lebanon School District doing? "The List," which we should all be proud of, is cutting $878,991 out of the district budget by eliminating jobs and towels. USC's $3.7 million in savings does not include the savings as a result of the superintendent's and finance director's pay freezes. Here is a thought. Come up with a new teachers' contract, save jobs, and demand that Dr. Tim and Ms. Jan take pay freezes. Let the municipality buy a mower for the golf course, meet the FCC deadline by replacing the public works radio system, buy a stump grinder, replace the ice rink floor, fix the tennis center sidewalk and steps, upgrade the phone system, improve the drainage at Bird Park field, continue to improve the parks according to the Parks Master Plan, install 850 linear feet of sidewalk, buy 17 automatic external defibrillators, replace the fueling station, replace the security system at the Public Safety Building and Municipal Building, enhance the ice center facility, improve the community center rooms, replace the four year old watch commander vehicle, or put some in pensions. Spend the savings from contract concessions and administrative pay freezes on the best artificial turf available and build your own showcase fields. Or better yet, put it back into education.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Turf War?
Is that what the ongoing battle of turfing fields is called? The following links come with a warning:
Some Material may be Inappropriate for Children Under 18.
http://www.agu.org/news/archives/2010-01-15_ClaireDworksy_BrightSTaRS.shtml
Update April 24, 2012 8:30 PM
My mailbox is getting filled with articles about artificial turf. Here are just a few.
http://www.synturf.org/crumbrubber.html [No. 29] Carbon black nanoparticle in crumb rubber raises further concern about artificial turf fields.
***
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/synthetic_turf/crumb-rubber_infilled/docs/fact_sheet.pdf
***
Chuck Bachorski writes:
All,
There are several published studies regarding artificial turf and injuries. The NFL report states a much higher incidence of ankle and ACL injuries reported on turf fields.
As we all know, ACL injuries are much more common in women than in men.
Therefore, we need to consider this aspect as well as the maintenance costs and environmental impact.
I have emailed these articles to Elaine to post if she sees fit.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4988136
http://turf.uark.edu/turfhelp/archives/021109.html
http://www.hss.edu/conditions_artificial-turf-sports-injury-prevention.asp
Update April 25, 2012 6:20 PM The following letter from Commissioner Fraasch is in response to blog reader Ken Ward's request. It was too long to submit as a comment.
Some Material may be Inappropriate for Children Under 18.
http://www.agu.org/news/archives/2010-01-15_ClaireDworksy_BrightSTaRS.shtml
Update April 24, 2012 8:30 PM
My mailbox is getting filled with articles about artificial turf. Here are just a few.
http://www.synturf.org/crumbrubber.html [No. 29] Carbon black nanoparticle in crumb rubber raises further concern about artificial turf fields.
***
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/synthetic_turf/crumb-rubber_infilled/docs/fact_sheet.pdf
***
Chuck Bachorski writes:
All,
There are several published studies regarding artificial turf and injuries. The NFL report states a much higher incidence of ankle and ACL injuries reported on turf fields.
As we all know, ACL injuries are much more common in women than in men.
Therefore, we need to consider this aspect as well as the maintenance costs and environmental impact.
I have emailed these articles to Elaine to post if she sees fit.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4988136
http://turf.uark.edu/turfhelp/archives/021109.html
http://www.hss.edu/conditions_artificial-turf-sports-injury-prevention.asp
Update April 25, 2012 6:20 PM The following letter from Commissioner Fraasch is in response to blog reader Ken Ward's request. It was too long to submit as a comment.
Mr. Ward:
Thank you for asking my opinion. I have been studying this issue for over a year now and have been talking to community members and doing my own research. What I share is my opinion alone and not of the Commission. I am very much in the middle in this debate. I see the need to address field issues, I see the concerns about maintenance, and I can definitely see that we need to watch our spending.
One of my top concerns is maintenance. I think we need to maintain what we already own and find out what we need to do as a Municipality with maintenance to make sure we can support our current fields. I have been inquiring about our maintenance program for fields specifically to resolve any current issues we have with taking care of what we already own. This issue needs to be addressed before we put one dime into doing renovations or anything new. If we properly invest in the fields we currently have, then we increase field use.
We have $1.3 million in undesignated fund balance and I would like to see the Commission put aside $300,000 for pension obligations or a “rainy day” fund. I would spend a large portion of our undesignated funds to get some much needed items taken care of that have been recommended by our municipal manager Steve Feller and the Parks Advisory Board.
In addition, I feel strongly we need a new field. We have been told this by our own staff. Even if we do invest funds into our parks and fields, we could still see them in terrible condition after a couple of years if maintenance and overuse issues are not addressed. My first choice for an expansion of field space would be Cedar Blvd. Three reasons I support Cedar: #1 We need to make Cedar Blvd look nicer. It is a main thoroughfare for our community and it looks terrible. This field could be a showcase for our community in that location. #2 We need to make some improvements to our Public Works in the next couple of years and this would get us started. I see that PW could stay in its designated area but turn towards Lindendale. They would have their entrance/exit off of Lindendale and literally become contained into the area behind the trees. #3 Development of a field would help with connecting our green spaces. It’s a continuation of the other fields on Cedar. It’s next to PW to ease maintenance and can have some value with the green space along Robb Hollow. My second choice for an expansion of field space would be Robb Hollow with the entrance on Kelso. This space is large enough to put a large field. It has some of the clearing done already and is fairly flat compared to anything at McNeilly. However, Robb Hollow isn’t as visible or easily accessible as Cedar Blvd.
My top priorities for parks and recreation are to fix our local neighborhood parks and get them cleaned up. If we fix Bird Park, fix Brafferton/Sunset Hills and add Cedar that will put Mt Lebanon in a far different place than we are now with fields. As a Municipality, we need to ensure maintenance is thorough enough to increase current field usage which will afford us the luxury of maximizing our already existing field assets. It will also allow us time to figure out what to do long-term with our other Recreation needs. On another note, my initial thought was to put the undesignated money into the pool facility. After feedback from the Municipal staff, the Commission was told that they would prefer to not do the project in parts. So the Commission will need to consider the full pool plan at a later time.
A Cappuccino with Cappucci
First, it was a cuppa Jo. Now you can meet with Elaine Cappucci, Bill Cooper, and Mary Birks this Wednesday morning, from 7 am to 9 am at Orbis Coffee on Washington Road. Have a cappuccino with the school board directors and talk about school issues important to you.
If Mellon had lights and turf...
Kids wouldn't know that even the Pirates' night games get rained out.
The homes and condos would have something to complain about with the lights shining in their windows.
Mellon would be a showcase field. The apartments behind it would be the only ones to have a great view, however.
The same people who cost us that huge athletic wing at the high school and got the turf at Mellon would be able to start asking for Jefferson to be turfed. Then all the elementary schools. Think how much use they could get out of those "Save Our School" signs.
We could build on the rock pile for that indoor practice facility at the tune of what $20 million?
Imagine how blogs would have nothing to talk about except maybe helping to find missing persons or some other way for the community to work together.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/pirates/pirates-rained-out-tonight-at-pnc-park-632752/It would benefit businesses along Washington Road. The coaches can take the kids for a beer at The Saloon. How about a little sushi at Little Tokyo? Pizza at Il Pizzaiolo? Sure, kids would be willing to wait for pizza. Mineo's? Would Dinardo's Candy still be open? Maybe the new ice cream shop. Or would they walk down to Rollier's for a Gatorade? They could pick up that bird bath they needed while they were there.
The homes and condos would have something to complain about with the lights shining in their windows.
Mellon would be a showcase field. The apartments behind it would be the only ones to have a great view, however.
The same people who cost us that huge athletic wing at the high school and got the turf at Mellon would be able to start asking for Jefferson to be turfed. Then all the elementary schools. Think how much use they could get out of those "Save Our School" signs.
We could build on the rock pile for that indoor practice facility at the tune of what $20 million?
Imagine how blogs would have nothing to talk about except maybe helping to find missing persons or some other way for the community to work together.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
77 year old female FOUND
From the Mt. Lebanon Police Department website:
Mrs. Henderson has been located and returned home safely. At approximately 5:15pm, an acquaintance who had seen the coverage of Henderson’s disappearance, spotted her in the parking lot of Eat n’ Park Restaurant on Banksville Road. She appeared to be in good health and was reunited with her family.
MLPD wishes to thank the following agencies for their assistance today in locating Mrs. Henderson: Mt. Lebanon Fire Department, STAT MedEvac, Allegheny County Search Mgmt Unit, Allegheny County Search & Rescue, White Oak Search & Rescue, Fayette County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue, PA Wilderness Search & Rescue, Air Search, Castle Shannon Police & Fire Departments, Dormont Police & Fire Departments, Salvation Army, and the multiple media outlets for spreading the information.
Special thanks to all of the residents and passersby, who offered assistance, provided information and joined in the search. The efforts of the community definitely made the difference in returning Mrs. Henderson safely to her family.
It is comforting to know that there are so many agencies willing to help. Thanks to all.
http://www.thealmanac.net/alm/story11/04-25-2012-ML-blog-
Saved in Google Docs
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Complaints, not solutions
I approved the following comment this morning on Sold for gain and the proposed final budget but I thought it deserved starting a new thread.
Elaine,Sean raises some good points. Sean is one of the lucky ones, selling his house for $223,000, just above the average list price according to Zillow. He bought it for $183,900, so I trust his math is correct. However, I am all out of solutions. I started lebocitizens.com to get the facts out to people. I thought creating this blog would open up much needed dialog. I have no solutions, Sean. Thanks for being a faithful reader. I am opening this up to all who follow this blog. What IS the solution?
Where have you been the last 10 years. Did we not have one of the worst housing slumps in history? That being said, I purchased a home in 2004 and sold that same home in 2010 for a 22% increase. I think you need to stop polarizing everything. I follow your blog regularly because of the level of information, which i do appreciate. But all I ever he[a]r are complaints not solutions. Saying that we should do something differently is no a solution.
Sean Sullivan
Friday, April 20, 2012
Feedback on the feedback
I couldn't bare bear (I was thinking about my wallet) to watch tonight's meeting, so I stayed home. Here is what I heard so far.
It was crowded.
We need two turfed fields.
We need an indoor sports facility.
Someone GUARANTEED that the sports groups would raise money for the indoor facility and turf. (Ha!)
The same person admitted that USC is having trouble getting people to subscribe to their facility. But then said that we're smarter and can make it work.
Anyone else care to share some highlights of the meeting? I am afraid to ask.
It was crowded.
We need two turfed fields.
We need an indoor sports facility.
Someone GUARANTEED that the sports groups would raise money for the indoor facility and turf. (Ha!)
The same person admitted that USC is having trouble getting people to subscribe to their facility. But then said that we're smarter and can make it work.
Anyone else care to share some highlights of the meeting? I am afraid to ask.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
An open letter to my commissioner
Kristen,
I am not having trouble understanding how this works. Perhaps Nick Schalles or the other commissioners would explain how they ARE able respond on their mtlebanon.org email address.
Tonight, I did some research on Upper St. Clair's parks and recreation. I found the results of a 1997 survey which seemed to be done in a more equitable way, rather than having eblasts sent out to all the parents of sports teams urging to them to storm tonight's meeting. http://www.twpusc.org/rec/parks/boycemay/masterplan/survey.htm I found Question #4 to be most interesting. This question was not asking what was wanted, but just what residents enjoy doing outside the home. Considering that 82% of the respondents had at least one child in the household up to age 19, it is curious that soccer (#6 out of 8) and baseball (#8 out of 8) were at the bottom of the list.
Tonight's exercise reminded me of the high school renovation process all over again. Those who were the loudest, got what they wanted. It is sad that this community is being controlled by a special interest group, while the older residents get ignored.
Elaine
I am not having trouble understanding how this works. Perhaps Nick Schalles or the other commissioners would explain how they ARE able respond on their mtlebanon.org email address.
Tonight, I did some research on Upper St. Clair's parks and recreation. I found the results of a 1997 survey which seemed to be done in a more equitable way, rather than having eblasts sent out to all the parents of sports teams urging to them to storm tonight's meeting. http://www.twpusc.org/rec/parks/boycemay/masterplan/survey.htm I found Question #4 to be most interesting. This question was not asking what was wanted, but just what residents enjoy doing outside the home. Considering that 82% of the respondents had at least one child in the household up to age 19, it is curious that soccer (#6 out of 8) and baseball (#8 out of 8) were at the bottom of the list.
Tonight's exercise reminded me of the high school renovation process all over again. Those who were the loudest, got what they wanted. It is sad that this community is being controlled by a special interest group, while the older residents get ignored.
Elaine
-----Original Message-----
From: Kristen Linfante <kristenlinfante@yahoo.com>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Apr 19, 2012 10:34 pm
Subject: RE: RE: Parks and recreation
From: Kristen Linfante <kristenlinfante@yahoo.com>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Apr 19, 2012 10:34 pm
Subject: RE: RE: Parks and recreation
Dear Elaine, I believe I already explained to you that I don't have the ability to send mail through the mtlebanon.org server as it is only a forwarding service. When people send me (and the other commissioners) mail at the mtlebanon.org address is automatically forwarded to a designated address, which in my case is the yahoo address. This is not my personal email account, but rather one that is set up specifically for this purpose. I'm sorry you are having trouble understanding how this works. If you would like further explanation, I suggest you contact Nick Schalles, our IT director at the municipality. He can be contacted at nschalles@mtlebanon.org. I'm sure he would be happy to explain the process to you. Kristen Linfante Commissioner, Ward 3 -----Original Message----- From: egillen476@aol.com [mailto:egillen476@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 8:41 PM To: commission@mtlebanon.org Subject: Fwd: RE: Parks and recreation Kristen, As you can see, I did not attend tonight's meeting. First off, using your yahoo account is not being transparent. I would love to see your mtlebanon.org email be your official email. Secondly, the commissioners are far from acting on a whim. You wrote about a rec bond on your campaign website back in October. It was your second to the last post. Wasn't it a campaign promise? So why are you responding on behalf of the commission? I sent this response to the entire commission so that they were included. It is a shame that eblasts were sent out to all the sports parents. The older people in this community don't stand a chance. When do they get represented? When eblasts are sent to hundreds of people saying to show up at the special meeting, it is really a command performance. It is not a true reprentation of the community. Rest assured. Elaine -----Original Message-----
From: Kristen Linfante <kristenlinfante@yahoo.com> To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com> Subject: RE: Parks and recreation Date: Thu, Apr 19, 2012 2:29 pm
Dear Ms. Gillen,
Thanks for taking the time to contact the commission. We have received a multitude of emails regarding fields/rec, and we will surely receive more input from the community at large tonight. It is wonderfully transparent, open-forum discussions like these that surely discourage commissioners from acting on “whim”, but rather on information received by the community. Rest assured.
Regards,
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3
From: egillen476@aol.com Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 1:14 PM To: commission@mtlebanon.org Cc: sfeller@mtlebanon.org Subject: Parks and recreation
Dear Commission:
You are elected stewards of taxpayer funds. It is your responsibility to spend
my money wisely and without regard to influence from special interest groups.
While I know two of you have made campaign promises in the past, it is my
sincere hope that you are now realizing the folly of floating bonds to pay for
your every whim. We do not have the money.
I support the commission spending an appropriate amount of the existing fund
balance to maintain what we have.
Spending more than the existing fund balance or floating bonds for recreation
use should be off the table in this economic environment.
You will, in the very near future, need to ability to float bonds for other uses
that should take priority over recreation.
Please use fiscal restraint when considering how to address your parks and rec
issues.
Sincerely,
Elaine Gillen
Note: I apologize for the variations in fonts.
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