staying informed written by Susan Fleming Morgans
We know you care about what happens in Mt. Lebanon, but we also know you’re busy—it’s hard to find time to attend a Commission meeting after a long day at work, when you’re catching dinner on the run, taking kids to sports event, helping with homework and supervising baths.
And if you don’t have kids at home, you may be at a time in life where you’re enjoying the chance to travel, do volunteer work, take long walks with your dog or try to get a handle on news that happens in the wide world beyond Mt. Lebanon.
Including busy residents in conversations about local government decisions is one of the Mt. Lebanon Commission’s and staff’s major goals. We want the “silent majority”—not just those who have an up close and personal stake in an issue—to know what is taking place before the Commission makes decisions and spends tax dollars, because decisions often set precedents and have wide-reaching implications.
So how can you keep informed and, when you wish, express your opinion? Here are some tips:
Read Mt. Lebanon Magazine in print or online.
Read other reputable local news media, including the Post-Gazette, the Tribune Review and The Almanac.
Use Mt. Lebanon’s social media. Become an mtl Facebook fan; check out the municipal homepage regularly and familiarize yourself with its search features; subscribe to LeboALERT (click on the button on the home page) for updates about meetings, events, safety alerts, traffic and road conditions and other important things.
Check out the Commission agendas for the discussion and regular meetings that take place the second Tuesday and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 and 8 P.M. respectively. These agendas are posted the preceding Friday.
If you have questions or need clarification on issues under consideration, call or email any department head or Municipal Manager Steve Feller. (All are listed at www.mtlebanon.org; click on “Departments.” If you don’t know whom to call, Public Information Officer Susan Morgans, 412-343-3780, smorgans@mtlebanon.org, can direct you to the right person. You also may call or email your ward Commissioner or all the Commissioners.
Be sensitive about when you call them, but do not worry about “bothering” them; that goes with being an elected official.
If you have formed an opinion, use the E-comment feature of our Granicus videotaping system to share it with the Commission. Our video system not only broadcasts commission meetings in the days following the meeting but also permits you to comment on agenda items right up until the afternoon of the meeting.
This E-comment feature has been underutilized so far, but it is a simple way to let the Commission know how you feel about an issue prior to a discussion session or a vote.
And if you don’t have kids at home, you may be at a time in life where you’re enjoying the chance to travel, do volunteer work, take long walks with your dog or try to get a handle on news that happens in the wide world beyond Mt. Lebanon.
Including busy residents in conversations about local government decisions is one of the Mt. Lebanon Commission’s and staff’s major goals. We want the “silent majority”—not just those who have an up close and personal stake in an issue—to know what is taking place before the Commission makes decisions and spends tax dollars, because decisions often set precedents and have wide-reaching implications.
So how can you keep informed and, when you wish, express your opinion? Here are some tips:
Read Mt. Lebanon Magazine in print or online.
Read other reputable local news media, including the Post-Gazette, the Tribune Review and The Almanac.
Use Mt. Lebanon’s social media. Become an mtl Facebook fan; check out the municipal homepage regularly and familiarize yourself with its search features; subscribe to LeboALERT (click on the button on the home page) for updates about meetings, events, safety alerts, traffic and road conditions and other important things.
Check out the Commission agendas for the discussion and regular meetings that take place the second Tuesday and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 and 8 P.M. respectively. These agendas are posted the preceding Friday.
If you have questions or need clarification on issues under consideration, call or email any department head or Municipal Manager Steve Feller. (All are listed at www.mtlebanon.org; click on “Departments.” If you don’t know whom to call, Public Information Officer Susan Morgans, 412-343-3780, smorgans@mtlebanon.org, can direct you to the right person. You also may call or email your ward Commissioner or all the Commissioners.
Be sensitive about when you call them, but do not worry about “bothering” them; that goes with being an elected official.
If you have formed an opinion, use the E-comment feature of our Granicus videotaping system to share it with the Commission. Our video system not only broadcasts commission meetings in the days following the meeting but also permits you to comment on agenda items right up until the afternoon of the meeting.
This E-comment feature has been underutilized so far, but it is a simple way to let the Commission know how you feel about an issue prior to a discussion session or a vote.
You may comment on an agenda item as soon as the agenda is posted. If you sign up under the “public meetings” category of LeboALERT, you will receive a text or email when a public meeting agenda is posted.
Talk with your neighbors. If you find you have a shared concern about a community or neighborhood issue and everyone can’t attend the Commission meeting, appoint a delegate or delegation who can attend and share the message you’ve all agreed upon. If several people are able to attend, ask each one to address a different aspect of the issue so they’re not repeating each other. If no one can attend the meeting, contact your ward
Commissioner or all the Commissioners.
Depending on your issue, attend an advisory board meeting (such as planning, parks or historic preservation) or review their agendas and minutes. Agendas and minutes are online as are videos of board meetings.
Most of these volunteer boards, which advise the Commission, meet monthly. All accept public comments that eventually may be included in a recommendation to the Commission.
Watch videos of the Commission’s discussion sessions. The discussion sessions, which begin at 6:30 p.m. before the regular 8 p.m. meetings, is where Commissioners talk about issues that may come up for vote. These meeting videos are online, permanently archived by topic. You’ll find out about evolving issues in time to share your opinion with the Commission, in person, by phone, letter or email or via E-comment.
If you really care about an issue, share your opinion at a Commission meeting. (Don’t assume that just because a lot of people are talking about an issue someone who agrees with you will show up!) Public comment is always at the start of the regular meeting, and you are free to leave as soon as you have spoken. If you want to speak, sign the sheet at the back of the room and remember that comments are limited to five minutes per speaker. And comments are preferable to questions, although depending on the time available, Commissioners may be able answer a question.
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39 comments:
no commissioner report this month?
A "reputable" publication - The Almanac - advised in an editorial that Mt. Lebanon shouldn't install artificial turf.
The ESB advised against turfing, to which the commission stated it needn't follow the advice of one of their own appointed boards.
The school board is washing it hands of the ESB and now we are to believe they ready to engage in conversations and collaborate.
Really?
Let's review:
"This is bullshit and I'm going home. That is what Public Works Director Tom Kelley said at the June 3, 2014 Parks Advisory Board meeting at 00:55:13.
PAB Chair Hugh Beal was asking for an accounting of the funds allocated to the Parks per the Budget. Not enough money is being spent on the Parks, in his opinion."
"Brumfield says, "Corbett Sucks!"
"On November 25, 2013, the then commission liaison, Kristen Linfante, "misrepresented" the Environmental Sustainability Board's position concerning artificial turf."
"For anyone keeping score, another board has been emasculated by the Commission. Let's see. So far, the Environmental Sustainability Board, the Parks Advisory Board, and the Planning Board have told us that the Commission voted on November 25 for a project that no one knew about. I have published the ESB's statement about being misrepresented by Kristen Linfante, commission liaison. I published the August 2013 Planning Board agenda prior to any concrete plans about the project. During a Sports Advisory Board meeting, the Parks Advisory Board liaison admitted that the PAB had not been informed.
No public hearing occurred. Boards were not informed. The vote came down to three commissioners - Dave Brumfield, Kristen Linfante, and John Bendel. Kristen let it be known that they are the decision makers and don't need any input from boards."
Isn't it a bit curious that 'poof' suddenly the municipality ispushing to be open and accesible and want everyone's opinion? Wasn't it just a short time ago that President Linfante told everyone that they have information that their constituents don't and that makes their votes OK?
Are they suddenly going to share what they know or will it continue to be a one way bricked (as in brick wall) street?
While this sudden open arms invitation is heartening, the fact that they start off marking the turf with their choice of 'reputable' media outlets siggest it is just a PR ploy.
Kristen Linfante doesn't think lebomag is misleading.
Lebomag article
Elaine
"When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest." —William Hazlitt
Don't give up the controversy if you want more than 30% of registered voters casting informed votes!
Carl Sagan — 'If it can be destroyed by the truth, it deserves to be destroyed by the truth.'
Elaine, you surely didn't think Ms. Linfante would say that Lebomag is misleading, did you?
It beares noting that Ms. Linfante, found no need to prove why she feels it isn't misleading, like maybe suggesting that they have word the permit is arriving any day now. Or that perhaps a few inconsequential tweaks or revisions to the turf project are necessary and that is the reasoning behind the start of the project.
No, no effort to let you in on what she knows or recognize that you are a concerned taxpayer wanting to know what is up with the use of your tax dollars.
"The keys to brand success are self-definition, transparency, authenticity and accountability. — Simon Mainwaring
It shall be interesting if the PIO truly wants to successfully maintain the Mt. Lebanon brand or just playing lip service.
"Construction is expected to conclude in late October."
Was the article subject to editing, after the question was asked?
There are specific codes in the PA Municipal Planning Code that dictate all the procedures that have to be followed including financials, engineer specifications, certain construction materials, drainage, access to public highway ( I think they have to get a permit just for that alone) before the overall permit will be issued. ML floated the bond because of insurance requirements , a certain % of money to be paid to contractor before work can start. These are just a few examples. Also, certain % of financial debt has to be addressed. ML is probably in the process of ironing out all of the wrinkles. ML would be in "hot water" with the state if construction started with no permit. That is highly illegal!
Elaine,
This commentary by Mrs. Morgans is the most humorous article she ever wrote. First she says parents are too busy to come to meetings because they work, take kids to sports events, and give baths (she forgot homework help). Then she suggests we link to Facebook, Lebo Alerts, the Almanac, the Tribune Review and her favorite Post-Gazette. After that we should attend meetings of the various advisory boards, where we may not be admitted,, and, of course, the commission meetings where we will hear Kristien referring to budget items by number so the public doesn't catch what she is talking about.
Nice try Susan. I'm not buying it.
The PIO actually has the process nailed. You could become quite exhausted, confused and angry trying to get a problem solved in Mt Lebanon. The process is highly dysfunctional for residents, but functional for everyone else.
Waaay too much propaganda being put out by the PIO office! And she thinks that the public is fooled!!! Guess again, WE'RE NOT!!!
10:33 Maybe she knows we aren't fooled and thus, the propaganda is escalating!
Hey 8:25 did you even read the article?
"We know you care about what happens in Mt. Lebanon, but we also know you’re busy—it’s hard to find time to attend a Commission meeting after a long day at work, when you’re catching dinner on the run, taking kids to sports event, helping with homework and supervising baths."
I see homework right there.
Also, being able to attend a fixed meeting time vs. signing up for alerts and reading articles on your own time are very different things.
10:33 & 12:07, there is another possibility.
Perhaps there is a lot of proverbial sh*t about to hit the fan and the agenda is to act like they're accessible and will readily listen to residents that read their choice of "respectable" news sources.
Of course these news sources just report the PR releases from- you got it- the Public Information Office.
When was the last time you saw an Almanac, PG or Trib reporter file an RTK?
8:48 AM, that was the reason why I started uploading podcasts of school board meetings, and then later adding commission meetings to my website, www.lebocitizens.com. I had been doing that for a couple of years already before the municipality added videos to their website in 2013. Unfortunately, Dave Brumfield thinks I edit the podcasts, while Kristen Linfante thinks I edit RTKs. I guess that is why I am not considered a reputable source, neither this blog or my website. I just can't be trusted.
Elaine
9:01 am: Oh, I think you're right about the s... hitting the fan!!! Probably the state is asking about community involvement ( which there is none ) and ML has the article so they can point to it and say, " Oh, yes, we invite the entire community to ask ?'s, clarify what is going on, etc....., yada, yada, yada, The truth is we did not have any referendums in regards to the HS, now the "stinking" turf fiasco. The taxpayers have a right to decide what they want in their community. Suddenly, we have this PIO article and it clearly DOES NOT PASS THE SMELL TEST!!!
12:14, I don't think we have to have a referendum on every item that comes before our elected bodies. After all Linfante is correct when we see states that is why we elect people to represent us.
The problem lies in the facts that you have dirty politicking and elected officials like Capucci who responded to the High School Renovation Advisory Committee when presented with their "advice" stands pat and proclaims: "I have no intention of revisting plans for Bldg. C!"
Same goes for the turf, after much evidence against turf Brumfield claims he doesn't see it.
Don't forget the RTK showing Susan Morgans writing, "The purpose of this meeting it [sic] NOT to discuss the potential harmful effects of artificial turf..." "You can't handle the truth"
But this "unreputable" blog is the only place where it has been discussed.
If there is any s... hitting the fan, you won't read about it anywhere but here. Likewise, the decline in deer population, as documented in the last aerial survey, was never mentioned anywhere, thanks to the PIO.
The PIO also felt that calling the turf project "Field enhancements" is much more palatable than calling it artificial turf.
Outbursts from staff during PAB meetings and inappropriate behavior by certain board chairs just get swept under the carpet.
Remember how the PIO had a fit when I had the 100 year anniversary logo on my website? I got a cease and desist from the manager because I was using a copy written logo that even the school district wouldn't adopt.
If the PIO says something enough times, it must be true.
It has never has been a contest for me. I am not a writer, an engineer, a communications major, a lawyer, a graduate from Juilliard, or an educator. I am just a mom who has a passion for sewing and shares it with others who have the same passion. I shouldn't be viewed as a threat to anyone in the biz. I just write what I see.
Elaine
The sh*t is going to hit the fan BECAUSE Allegheny County, Mt Lebanon and Mt Lebanon School Board are going to be raising taxes at the same time as the State. We are being advised to relocate our business if not outside the U.S. than outside of PA. Add that to all the stupid wasteful spending on field sports that serve a few and you end up with a "Perfect Storm". I'd hate to be one of the commissioners or a next door neighbor.
Maybe the sh*t will hit the fan when taxes are too high for the average homeowner, elderly homeowners and parents with 2 +kids that leave for other places to live that are more affordable with lower taxes! This makes common sense! No residents want to live where the taxes are too high, expensive amenities, and small houses on tiny plots!
Plus, parents with kids demand good teachers, an excellent curriculum, and a school district that have fiscally sound administrators and commissioners, who know how to make financially sound decisions based on demographics, the current economy, and a projected forecast about what will happen in the next 25-30 years on our community!
Speaking of raising state taxes, do people not understand that when a candidate for governor says he'll raise taxes on this corporation or that, we'll still get hit with it?!!!!
Corporation do not pay taxes... they collect them in the form of higher prices for their goods or services, then pass it along to the giverning body that imposed the tax.
OK, we're starting to go off topic, Folks.This is about staying informed through reputable sources such as the Public Information Office.
Remember how I was instructed to refer people to Susan Morgans when they had a question?
I don't know if the recorder picked up the exchange I had with Susan Morgans during the Junior Commissioner interviews, but it went something like this. The young man was interviewing and all candidates were asked to leave the room and the doors were closed. I sit off to the side, when I record the meetings. Susan Morgans tried to enter the side door with another candidate and I explained that interviews were going on for junior commissioner. Susan wanted to let in the candidate, so I tried to explain one more time that an interview was in progress. She turned to the candidate and said that I am "the keeper of the door" and would not let them in. Nice, huh?
Elaine
Question on the topic of staying informed.
On the school district website they welcome back students and show a logo with a ribbon stating "100 years of excellence in education."
Trouble is this is the district's 102nd year. Does this mean the last two years have been mediocre. Or perhaps there have been a year here or year there where MTL education has been maybe just so-so?
Just interested in staying informed.
12:38 PM, either there were a couple of off years, or it is result of using TERC math.
Elaine
The District uses TERC math and can't add up columns. No need to be precisely correct, ballpark is OK.
12:38 PM, you may find some difficulty staying informed on the school district website. School board president reports and superintendent reports only go up to May 2014. Somebody is asleep at the switch over there.
Elaine
It's understandable I guess, from a group that hands out bonuses to administrators for overseeing a renovation that missed their $100 million or less expectation by $13 million.
This is after all public education and being close counts, right Mr. Kubit?
Elaine - Tim did a super job with play by play Tweets of the 1st football game. Thats staying informed.
http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/policyblog/detail/lies-from-psea-leadership
"Repeating the same lie over and over does not make it magically come true. Yet this hasn’t stopped the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) leadership from an endless campaign of deception regarding education funding in the commonwealth.
A recent release from the PSEA claims that state funding cuts are causing disproportionately poor test scores for low-income students.
Unfortunately for the “research division” of the PSEA, the truth is state education spending has increased since 2010-2011 and is currently at a record high. What’s more, there is considerable evidence that increased spending has no relationship with improved academic performance."
I wonder if the public information office finds the school board and especially a "Corbett Sucks" commissioner reputable distributors of accurate information. That and when will the PIO correct for the public misleading information?
High School Fantasy Football would be a great pizza lunch activity.
I am guessing that the "at least while sober" comment was said in jest. It isn't a joking matter when you read the police blotter. Link to Mt. Lebanon's Police Blotter.
Elaine
Speaking of the police blotter, why is it OK to publicly embarrass someone that gets a DUI, but not OK to out someone that skips out on dozens of parking fines?
I received an update to the story about the cats that were abandoned and euthanized. You won't read this on lebomag.com. This is so sad. I can't believe this is happening here. Seventy-two Cats Dead and Alleged Animal Abuser Unable to be Prosecuted Due to Humane Officer Breach of Duty
With Kristen Linfante wanting to kill at 90% of the deer population and reading this about the poor cats, I am just sick.
Elaine
The woman-hoarder of cats on PA Ave. may have been the same woman who rented a house on Abbeyville Rd., a couple of doors down from Hoodridge (3rd. Ward), who 5 years ago had over 25 cats in her house. One of them my daughters, that had been taken. The MLPD were of no help even though the cat had an implanted microchip. The woman eventually moved. Same hoarder ? This is not a new problem in the bubble !
9:32 AM - meant Valleyvista, not Abbeyville. There was a rumor that the cat hoarder had moved from Valleyvista to Abbeyville, but perhaps not so.
Tell ya what--if that woman had been hoarding DEP permits for turf, the Lebo Five-O would have been ordered to spare no effort in taking down the house including use of their super cool anti-Goldfinger armored Winnebago.
Curious as to why neither our our PIOs, school district or muninicpality, feel obligated to correct misinformation when it is distributed by our elected officials or public employees.
Especiallly when they make remarks like "Corbett Sucks" or "Corbett has cut state education funding."
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2014/07/22/Democrats-misrepresent-Corbett-s-education-funding/stories/201407220032
"First, it’s important to note that Gov. Corbett did not cut education spending by $3 billion. That tall tale is even more absurd than the $1 billion lie that millionaire former revenue secretary Tom Wolf and his public sector unions are perpetuating about the governor.
The truth is that it was Mr. Markosek and Mr. Wolf’s liberal tax-and-spend ally, former Gov. Ed Rendell, who made drastic cuts to education by replacing state money with one-time federal stimulus dollars, despite repeated warnings not to use a one-time revenue stream for a recurring cost like education."
The real facts are that Harrisburg K-12 spending is at a record all time high, but our public servants don't want us to know that. That would interfere with plans to raise more taxes!
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