Sunday, January 31, 2016

Response from the Chief of Police UPDATED

In my previous post, I shared a copy of the email that I sent to Police Chief Aaron Lauth and Manager Keith McGill. Since "sharpshooting" begins tomorrow, I did not have the luxury of waiting 35 days for an answer to a Right To Know. Below is Chief Lauth's response, which includes an attachment of the developed protocols regarding inspections of the proposed culling locations.    (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9r_1biKte_bR1VpcG1HX3VMOUk/view?usp=sharing)

Ms. Gillen,

I believe that items #7 and #12 listed in the "FAQs  -  Deer Management—Professional Sharpshooting", that were released on January 21, 2016, most specifically address the safety measures that have been implemented leading up to the sharpshooting program.  

7. How are potential sites evaluated? The site inspection team consists of White Buffalo professionals and two Mt. Lebanon police officers who have extensive training as police marksmen and have participated on our regional Critical Incident Response Team. They evaluate each potential location based on a variety of factors, including shooter position, elevation to be used, sight lines/obstructions, proposed weapons (.22/.223), minimum/maximum target range, backdrop selection, potential for human activity, proximity to any safe walking route and compliance with the 1000-foot Gun Free School Zone criteria applicable to public properties.

12. What safety measures will be implemented? Safety is the paramount concern. White Buffalo, Inc. has worked for nearly two decades to control deer in many different environments, and no injuries or deaths have ever resulted. White Buffalo, Inc. is recognized nationally as the leading expert in this discipline and has trained several law enforcement agencies in deer sharpshooting techniques. Mt. Lebanon Police Department will remain in close communication with White Buffalo throughout the program. White Buffalo will inform the police approximately 24 hours in advance of where technicians plan to work and will report back to police each day when their field operations conclude. Signs will be posted at all public parks where shooting may take place. The parks will remain open, and police will monitor them as usual. White Buffalo sharpshooters immediately will contact the police chief or his designee should any culling activities not go according to typical operating procedures. 

I have also attached the detailed site assessment plan that was developed by the established task force.

Please see below for answers to your specific questions:

1. Setback requirements for "sharpshooting."
As I'm sure you are aware, safety zones and setbacks are not required for a sharpshooting cull permitted by the PA Game Commission, however all efforts will be made eliminate the potential for any human conflict at any of the proposed culling locations. Based on our preliminary discussions with White Buffalo, locations will be selected mostly because they are isolated from any potential conflicts that could have an influence on safety or the culling activities.

2. All types of "fixed elevated locations" used for MTL "sharpshooting."
These "fixed elevated locations" will be situation dependent, based on the specific dynamics of each proposed culling location. Some of these methods for establishing elevation might be a tree stand, deck, porch, top of a hillside (shooting toward a natural valley), etc., and will be evaluated individually for safety during each site inspection.

3. The justification for having two different start times for "sharpshooting" in public vs. private properties.

The potential for human conflict was a factor that was considered by the task force when the start time was established at 6 p.m. for public properties. Since the parks and other public properties will remain open during the culling operations, a later start time was established that will promote safety while still considering the success of the program. Private properties will have significantly less potential for human conflict, unless someone is trespassing on the property, therefore an earlier 4 p.m. start time was justified.

4. The hours that the "sharpshooters" have permission to enter all properties for both baiting and "sharpshooting."

The special-use deer control/political subdivision permit allows culling activities to take place seven days a week through March 31, 2016. Sharpshooting operations will be conducted seven days a week on private properties beginning no sooner than 4 p.m. and concluding by 11 p.m. Sharpshooting operations will take place on public property Monday through Friday only beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. It is my understanding that other components of the operations, such as baiting, may take place outside of these established sharpshooting hours.

5. Curfews

No specific curfews were established by the task force for implementation during the sharpshooting program. Public properties will remain open during the culling operations and safety will remain the top priority throughout the sharpshooting program.


Thanks,

Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Mt Lebanon Police Department
555 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA  15228
(412)343-4015

On Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 6:39 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:
Hi Keith and Aaron,

Keith wrote, "The Police Department is the department tasked with ensuring the safety of the public, which includes this program. As such I will defer to Chief Lauth or Deputy Chief Gallagher for any additional response to your questions related to public safety."

I am still waiting for answers to my questions asked nine days ago. I looked on the MLPD website and saw nothing about the deer "sharpshooting." I did see the warning about the IRS scam, but nothing about deer. As I consider myself as one "who has an interest in the issue," I am unable to find the information.

Since this is time sensitive, I really don't want to file a Right To Know, knowing that it would take 35 days. I am interested in:

1. Setback requirements for "sharpshooting."
2. All types of "fixed elevated locations" used for MTL "sharpshooting."
3. The justification for having two different start times for "sharpshooting" in public vs. private properties.
4. The hours that the "sharpshooters" have permission to enter all properties for both baiting and "sharpshooting."
5. Curfews

Elaine Gillen

Update January 31, 2016 8:07 PM A concerned parent wrote to Chief Lauth today.

Subject: Re: Sharpshooting...
From: Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>
To: Concerned mother

Mrs. ______,

It is recommended that students travel on the identified safe walking routes via streets and sidewalks, and that no shortcuts are taken through private properties. Also, the following is some additional information that was shared with another parent who had a similar question...

All safe walking routes are recommended routes of travel that are established using public streets and their adjoining sidewalks (where appropriate). No safe walking routes recommend that children walk through private property during their travels to and from school. Also, none of the public properties identified for use during the sharpshooting activities are recommended for travel by the established safe walking routes.

Since the established safe walking routes encompass nearly all of Mt. Lebanon, you are correct that some of the private properties that have been selected for culling activities may be adjacent to public streets and sidewalks where these recommended routes exist.

As you are aware, the MLPD has been tasked with evaluating the safety of the culling activities throughout the program. As part of this safety analysis, specific criteria and a site inspection team have been established. The site inspection team consists of White Buffalo professionals and two Mt. Lebanon police officers who have extensive training as police marksmen and have participated on our regional Critical Incident Response Team. They will evaluate each potential location based on a variety of factors, including shooter position, elevation to be used, sight lines/obstructions, proposed weapons (.22/.223), minimum/maximum target range, backdrop selection, potential for human activity, proximity to any safe walking route and compliance with the 1000-foot Gun Free School Zone criteria applicable to public properties.

As I'm sure you are also aware, safety zones and setbacks are not required for a sharpshooting cull permitted by the PA Game Commission, however all efforts will be made to eliminate the potential for any human conflict at any of the proposed culling locations. Based on our preliminary discussions with White Buffalo, locations will be selected mostly because they are isolated from any potential conflicts that could have an influence on safety or the culling activities.

As is evidenced by the established protocols listed above, safety will always be the top priority of this culling program.

Thanks,


Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Mt Lebanon Police Department
555 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA  15228
(412)343-4015

On Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 1:43 PM, A concerned mother wrote:
Aaron:

My issue with sharpshooting is concerning school dismissal. Mellon Middle School dismisses at 2:58PM. My daughter walks home to Sunset Hills from Mellon. Occasionally, she must stay after school for various reasons. (After School Activities, meeting with a teacher, etc.) In those cases, she will be walking home starting at 4:00PM. How can I be certain that my daughter will not encounter a sharpshooter?

I'm all for hunting, but in areas that are not densely populated.

Concerned mother

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Bow hunting signs have been replaced

All the bow hunting signs were removed this past week. The No Hunting sign in Rockwood Park has also been removed. New "sharpshooting" signs have gone up.

Entrance to Robb Hollow

Public Works
Notice how small the word "sharpshooting" is. I just can't believe the "areas" are remaining open.

My emails to the police chief and manager, with commissioners cc'ed, are being ignored. I am asking AGAIN, for the following information.

Hi Keith and Aaron,

Keith wrote, "The Police Department is the department tasked with ensuring the safety of the public, which includes this program. As such I will defer to Chief Lauth or Deputy Chief Gallagher for any additional response to your questions related to public safety."

I am still waiting for answers to my questions asked nine days ago. I looked on the MLPD website and saw nothing about the deer "sharpshooting." I did see the warning about the IRS scam, but nothing about deer. As I consider myself as one "who has an interest in the issue," I am unable to find the information.

Since this is time sensitive, I really don't want to file a Right To Know, knowing that it would take 35 days. I am interested in:

1. Setback requirements for "sharpshooting."
2. All types of "fixed elevated locations" used for MTL "sharpshooting."
3. The justification for having two different start times for "sharpshooting" in public vs. private properties.
4. The hours that the "sharpshooters" have permission to enter all properties for both baiting and "sharpshooting."
5. Curfews

Elaine Gillen

No response.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Nice thought, but seriously, Folks?

Check out what time these after school programs end. Kids will be leaving Mellon when the sharpshooting begins at 4 PM.

From: Mellon Middle School
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 10:48 AM
To: Mellon Middle School Parent
Subject: Cabin Fever 2016

Mellon Students and Families:
What is Cabin Fever?  Cabin Fever is a middle school program after school that affords students the opportunity to participate in activities hosted by our teachers that tap into the unique talents and skills our teacher's possess outside of the classroom!  This is a great way to find fun activities through the cold winter months.
The link below will take you to the Cabin Fever Catalog which lists all the opportunities available for students.  The information will also be posted to the Mellon Middle School website.  Students will receive registration forms in homeroom.  Those registration forms can be turned into homeroom teachers or directly to the office.
I hope that everyone will give something new a try during Cabin Fever!  
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the school.
Chris Wolfson
Principal


MTLSD DISCLAIMER: THIS TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE ADDRESSEE AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, RETENTION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY.


I posted this on NextDoor. Feel free to share. See below.

Just a reminder to parents. These programs typically end around 4 or 4:30 PM. "Sharpshooting" begins at 4 PM on undisclosed private properties on Monday, Feb.1 - to March 31, 2016.

From: Mellon Middle School
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 10:48 AM
To: Mellon Middle School Parent
Subject: Cabin Fever 2016

Mellon Students and Families...

Doesn't sound like a deer/car collision

Kids had to step over a dead, bloody deer between 7- 7:45 AM on the way to school. The deer was on the sidewalk in front of the Christ Scientist Church on Washington Road.

No blood was on the street. Blood was on the grass though. It appeared that the deer came from the Bird Park, not the street. "It was really gross." No cops around. No bloody tarp. The deer had been removed before 9:00 AM.

These photos were taken at 12:04 PM.




Does anyone have any additional information?

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

"an open-records push"

Officials have not identified the hunters or properties where deer hunting occurred, despite an open-records push to do so.  
That is a quote from the Trib's Mt. Lebanon deer culling to resume on Monday. The open-records push reference? That would be me. My case is on February 26, 2016.

The you-know-what is starting to hit the fan. Mothers are against mothers on Facebook. On blogs and social media forums, commissioners' bullying disciples personalize attacks on those who oppose sharpshooting, and praise the government-protection of their gardens and yards as their entitled MTL version of "The American Dream."*

Parents want to know where the personal properties are. The municipality will not reveal the locations. The school district has washed its hands of it. Mt. Lebanon maintains that property owners will be harassed. Parents just want to keep their kids safe. Why is that so difficult to comprehend? Mt. Lebanon police claim that White Buffalo will be using frangible ammunition, which makes it that much safer. The bullets that can kill a 150 pound deer will be perfectly safe for pets, children, and adults.




*Courtesy of a great MTL philosopher and educator.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Scott is hopping mad at Mt. Lebanon

Last night, our commissioners met in executive session to discuss a possible settlement with Scott Township over Twin Hills. In October, Scott Twp. was able to get a temporary injunction to stop the killing of deer in Twin Hills.

On Scott's agenda for tonight, Twin Hills settlement was listed, but on a revised agenda, Twin Hills was removed. It came up anyway during Citizen Comments. Scott's position is that they are against killing deer by any means in any of their parks, including Twin Hills. They have the injunction and they are not backing down. Good for Scott Township!

Live from Mt. Lebanon, it's Dr. Timmy UPDATED

From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2016 10:59 AM
To: Mt. Lebanon Parent
Subject: Update: Municipal Deer Management Program

Dear Mt. Lebanon School District Parents/Guardians,  

In our ongoing effort to keep you apprised of local issues, I am attaching two pieces of information that I recently received from the Mt. Lebanon Municipality. The information is in regards to a municipal deer management program that the Pennsylvania Game Commission licensed between February 1, 2016 and March 31, 2016. This same information is also being shared with all of our principals, teachers, and support staff. Extensive information is found on the municipal website athttp://www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?nid=2114 . Please note the activity is scheduled to occur at identified public parks on weekdays (6:00 – 11:00 p.m.)  and on private property 7 days a week (4:00 – 11:00 p.m.). Do not hesitate to contact the Mt. Lebanon Municipality or Mt. Lebanon Police Department should you have any questions.


Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Mt. Lebanon School District




MTLSD DISCLAIMER: THIS TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE ADDRESSEE AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, RETENTION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY.

*******

I am getting blind copies of letters that Timmy is receiving. If you would like me to share your letter here, I will redact personal information and post.

This is what I just sent to him, and copied commission, school board, manager, and police chief.

Tim,
Thank you for sending out the following announcement.

"The information is in regards to a municipal deer management program"
"Please note the activity is scheduled to occur..." 
"Program" and "activity" are all safe words. Why are you avoiding words such as "killing" or "shooting" to describe the municipal deer killing that will start on February 1? Even "management" is just sugar coated for killing.

Why aren't you taking some responsibility for this? Shouldn't you be able to provide answers to concerned parents? Instead, you are passing it on to the municipality and Mt. Lebanon police. Mt. Lebanon police are being asked to protect bait, keep smokers out of parks, and follow up on 911 calls for gun shots and drug deals.

I do want to commend you for actually mentioning the hours that the killing will occur. Our municipality is of the belief that if a person is truly interested, he or she will dig for answers.

Incidentally, the commission has learned from the school district that concerned residents do not deserve a response. Bravo, elected officials. Bravo.

Elaine Gillen

Update January 28, 2016 9:05 AM After a Lebo Citizen parent notified the municipality of Timmy's latest blunder, this email was issued with no explanation. His blunder? Timmy sent the wrong FAQs.

From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Date: Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 4:46 PM
Subject: Updated Link
To: Mt. Lebanon Parent


Dear Mt. Lebanon School District Parents/Guardians,
Please follow the link to the updated Frequently Asked Questions document posted on the Mt. Lebanon Municipal website regarding their Deer Management Program.
Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools



MTLSD DISCLAIMER: THIS TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE ADDRESSEE AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE MESSAGE TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, RETENTION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Guns and Schools

I hope others email these folks, as I just did.

School board directors, commissioners, Tim, Keith, and State Rep. Dan Miller,

Answering my own question concerning the private property exemption in the FGFSZA... State or local laws may pronounce that the FGFSZA applies to private property. The municipality of Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Lebanon School District have chosen not to.

(3)
(A)
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any person, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the person knows is a school zone.
(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the discharge of a firearm—
(i)
on private property not part of school grounds;
(ii)
as part of a program approved by a school in the school zone, by an individual who is participating in the program;
(iii)
by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in a school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual; or
(iv)
by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.
(4)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preempting or preventing a State or local government from enacting a statute establishing gun free school zones as provided in this subsection.

If and when the school district decides to tell parents what is going on, the District needs to be very specific and mention the Federal Gun Free School Zones Act and its exemption for private property that the municipality is applying. As a result, Tim needs to go on to say that shooting MAY occur on certain private properties near or bordering on school property. Extra caution should be urged. And please send a letter on District letterhead, not just forward something from the municipality as done in the past.

Elaine Gillen

Want to email our new senator? UPDATED

Well, you can't. I reached out to our state representative Dan Miller, asking if he or his staff could locate Guy Reschenthaler's email address.

As always, I received a prompt and courteous response from his legislative assistant, Sheryl Cohen.

Good morning Elaine,

We have been told that Sen.  Reschenthaler does not have an email address for constituent use.  His office states that you should contact him through his website here: http://www.senatorreschenthaler.com/contact/

Their office phone number is 412-571-2169 if you would like to speak to them further.

Hope you are staying warm,
-Sheryl

Sheryl Cohen, Legislative Assistant
Representative Dan Miller
42nd District

412-343-3870

Update January 27, 2016 1:19 PM Using the contact form on the senator's website, I asked for an email address for when I want to cc him on emails. Add this to your address books.

From: Kanavy, Kevin <kkanavy@pasen.gov>
To: EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Jan 27, 2016 1:08 pm
Subject: Email List

Good Afternoon Elaine,

My name is Kevin Kanavy and I am the legislative liaison for Senator Reschenthaler in the District. I wanted to respond to your inquiry about adding the Senator to your email list. The Senator does not have a public email address, however, my chief of staff Aaron Bonnaure has asked if you would add our email addresses instead? Mine is kkanavy@pasen.gov and Aaron’s is abonnaure@pasen.gov. Thank you!

Kevin L. Kanavy
Constituent Relations
Senate of Pennsylvania
District Office of Senator Guy Reschenthaler (R-37)
319 Castle Shannon Rd
Mt. Lebanon, PA 15234
Office: 412-571-2169
Fax: 412-571-2000


Friday, January 22, 2016

Shh, we can't let the public know what time the killing starts UPDATED

Mt. Lebanon is definitely keeping the hours of killing under wraps. It is not a conspiracy theory. I have proof!

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; alauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; mgallagher <mgallagher@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Fri, Jan 22, 2016 2:48 pm
Subject: Re: LeboALERT: Read FAQs, see maps ...

Thanks for your reply, Keith. Has answering residents' emails to the commission been delegated to you now? I never hear from the commissioners anymore.

I am very concerned with your belief that anyone who has an interest will be able to find the information. Why must it be a scavenger hunt? To go down three levels is alarming. MANY residents are under the impression that the "sharpshooting" will be done at night. Why are you keeping the hours buried? That information is critical!
Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----

From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; Mike Gallagher <mgallagher@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Fri, Jan 22, 2016 10:25 am
Subject: Re: LeboALERT: Read FAQs, see maps ...

Good morning Ms. Gillen,

I apologize for the delayed response. Deer management is posted on the home page under news and announcements. I believe that anyone who has an interest in the issue is/will be able to find the information.

As to you comment regarding the private property owner I would offer that no removal activities will begin prior to 4:00 PM on private properties. As to the visibility issue I would offer that the professionals conducting the activity have a similar concern and sensitivity to the issue of visibility and as such I do not believe this will be an issue.

The determination regarding the hours was made based on information provided by the contractor and consideration and conversation with the task force, including the Police Department.

The Police Department is the department tasked with ensuring the safety of the public, which includes this program. As such I will defer to Chief Lauth or Deputy Chief Gallagher for any additional response to your questions related to public safety.

Keith

On Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 8:39 PM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Commissioners,

Is there a way to get the important information on the home page of the MTL website? One has to drill down three tiers to reach the latest update about shooting hours. There is no mention on the Home page. It is not under Read On, but buried and found under Additional Info.

How many people will have the patience to dig deeper and deeper for the update? There was no direct link on the LeboALERT.
  • Are you aware that one private property owner said that White Buffalo will be coming on their property at 3 PM, not 4 PM? That means that children walking home from school could potentially see the shooters.
  • Why are there different hours for the public vs. private properties? 
  • Are there any setbacks from the roads established for the public killing areas?
    Will all shooting be done in back yards of private property? Or could it include side yards? Front yards? Visible from the street? 
  • Please define "fixed elevated location." Could that mean from inside a house? From a deck? A tree stand? A tree house? Playground equipment? Top of a hill? Anything else I missed that could be considered a fixed elevated location? 
  • I see that there is no mention of a curfew in your latest update. I never heard either way from any of you when I asked repeatedly about a curfew
Elaine Gillen



-----Original Message-----

From: LeboALERT <noreply@mtlebanon.org>
To: EGillen476 <EGillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Jan 21, 2016 02:52 PM
Subject: LeboALERT: Read FAQs, see maps ...

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.

--

Keith McGill, AICP
Municipal Manager/Municipal Planner
412-343-3684
kmcgill@mtlebanon.org


Update January 23, 2016 1:52 AM
I never got a response to my 2:48 PM letter sent on January 22, 2016. I followed up with this letter sent at 1:49 AM on January 23, 2016.

Commissioners,

I am writing to you concerning the hours of the sharpshooting. Where exactly are the hours posted for the public on the municipal website? http://www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?nid=2114 I see the notification letter to the superintendent, but as a resident who has no children in the Mt. Lebanon School District or any other school system, I would have no reason to read Dr. Steinhauer's letter. Continuing to the sharpshooting FAQ's, I have to go to Question ELEVEN for that information. Question ELEVEN.

I would like a response from the commission.

Thank you.

Elaine Gillen

Update January 23, 2016 12:43 PM No word from the commissioners. I tried to locate an email address for our new senator, but had no luck. I emailed this and the entire email chain to Dan Miller and copied the commissioners.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 23, 2016 2:41 am
Subject: Fwd: LeboALERT: Read FAQs, see maps ...

Rep. Miller and Sen. Reschenthaler,

I am getting nowhere with the Municipality of Mt. Lebanon concerning the publication of the hours of sharpshooting.

Dan, would you or your staff please let me know Guy's email address? I would like to send this email to him.

Thanks for your attention.

Elaine Gillen

Thursday, January 21, 2016

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! (updated)

I see no mention of a curfew. What about the kids at extended day? I have learned that the shooting will start at 4:00 on private properties, but the shooters will be on private properties as early as 3:00 PM.

Mt. Lebanon has updated their website to include these documents. They cannot be found on the Home page. They cannot be found under Read On,  but buried and found under Additional Info.

Notification letter to the Superintendent

Notification list to area schools

FAQsDeer Management—Professional Sharpshooting

Maps indicating the required gun free zone around schools:

Golf Course Check the remaining killing areas at the golf course. It is an hourglass shape running East and West. Why not rule out all of the golf course? Let's make sure we use our GPS instead of following the spirit of the law, right Dr. DeNicola?

McNeilly Park Please tell me how that narrow slice of McNeilly Park at the Brookline and Baldwin borders is going to help reduce car accidents.

Rob[sic]Hollow Most of Robb Hollow is off limits because of The Goddard School. Locations are limited to areas along Cedar Blvd. and Robb Hollow where there is a heavy concentration of Not In My Yard signs.

Please share this information on Facebook and Nextdoor. Don't let the municipality bury this on their website.

Update January 21, 2016 8:44 PM I am going to be posting more FAQ that have been submitted to the commission. If you care to email your FAQ to me at EGillen476@aol.com I will add them here. We may even get some answers!

These were answered by Keith McGill. Kimberly Schevtchuk's Clarification questions for DeNicola

Elaine Gillen's FAQ

Barb Alsko's FAQ

No link -  this was sent to the commission.
The school district notification letter states that "No hunting will take place on safe walking routes." Are you saying that if a child is walking on a safewalking route as mapped on the district website, none of the public or private properties on that route will be having sharpshooting? If this is not what you mean, can you please clarify it for me as a parent of a school-age walking child?

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Birthday parties, proofreading services, cash for blog posts

We're paying for all of this. The commissioners approve the monthly expenditures without even looking at the expenses.

  • Birthday party $289.50 for pizza from Little Nipper's
  • Proofreading services paid to Julie Daubner - Elaine Cappucci's sister in law ($100), Michelle Anderson, Mary-Helen Ferkett, Annette B. Sanchez
  • I'm especially interested in this one. The bloggers for Lebolife blog get paid $25 per submission.  http://lebomag.com/about/blogger-roll-call/ Interested in joining Lebolife blogs? Email editor in chief Susan Morgans. 
Here is the list of expenditures for the month of December 2015.

Last month, there was the Original Pancake House pancake breakfast for $1100.  Who's monitoring this stuff?

Another example of our rogue commission UPDATED

Dear Commissioners, Manager and Solicitor,

I have been noticing a new title in our local government, "Assistant to the Manager." Where did that come from? I do not see it mentioned in the Administrative Code. http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3862

§120 Manager The Manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the Municipality. He shall be subject to appointment and removal by the Commission. During the tenure of his appointment he shall possess and exercise the powers and duties as prescribed by the Charter. The Manager’s compensation shall be as determined by the Commission in the annual salary ordinance. During the disability or temporary absence of the Manager, the Assistant Manager shall exercise the duties and have the authority of the Manager subject to §504 of the Charter
I see Assistant Manager, but not Assistant to the Manager.
§121 Administrative Staff. The Manager, Assistant Manager, Directors and Chiefs of departments, and designated employees in charge of staff functions under the Manager, shall comprise the administrative staff of the Municipality.
I see Assistant Manager, but not Assistant to the Manager.

Why does this remind me of several episodes of The Office? Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute went round and round over that.

Who is our Assistant Manager? Who exercises the duties and have the authority of the Manager should there be a temporary absence of the Manager? Where are the duties listed for Assistant to the Manager?

Is this another example of our rogue commission?


Elaine Gillen

Update January 19, 2016 2:02 PM So our manager can appoint his temporary replacement. That sounds like a good idea.

From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; Philip Weis <philip.weis@bipc.com>
Sent: Tue, Jan 19, 2016 11:07 am
Subject: Re: Administrative Code

Good morning Ms. Gillen,
Following the retirement of Ms. Taylor as Assistant Manager/Finance Director in 2013 the decision was made by the Manager, with the input and consent of the Commission, to hire a Finance Director to perform finance functions and an Assistant to the Manager to principally perform personnel/human resource functions for the municipality.
The municipality does not currently have anyone serving in the position of Assistant Manager. Section 124 Administrative Offices gives the Manager the authority to create such administrative staff offices as may be required to administer the operations and affairs of the municipality.
Keith

Saturday, January 16, 2016

So I ask again...

This is how I have been spending my weekend. Part of this email exchange was published in a previous post. 
I also found out that Tony DeNicola is not a hunter, but a culler, so we will be forced to pay a processing fee of approximately $70 per deer.

From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; alauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; TSteinhauer <TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net>; kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 6:41 pm
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Commissioner Fraasch,

I can't seem to get a straight answer about establishing a curfew since the commission feels they need to protect the property owner over the safety of our children. I know that other residents have asked the same question. As you pointed out during the last commission meeting, your child, like most kids, like to visit friends or play outside after school. My kids loved to socialize after school and would have play dates either at our house or at friend's houses. If the weather was dry, they would ride bikes, skateboard, or play ball in the neighborhood.

During the first cull ten years ago, the hours for shooting were 9 PM to 6 AM, Sunday night through Thursday night. There was no archery program killing 102 deer. The first year, with the goal of 75 dead deer, 69 deer were killed. The second year, the goal of 150 deer was not met with 145 dead deer and one dead deer found on Lindendale making a total of 146 dead deer. Both years, the goals were not met - without a hunt beforehand. I don't understand the need to start one half hour after the elementary schools get out. 

So I ask again. Will you have a curfew?

Elaine


-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; Andrew McCreery <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>; Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; tsteinhauer <TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 12:41 pm
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good afternoon,
Ms. Gillen,
Public parks not being used for the program will not be posted. Unlike the archery program, this is not a hunting program. Only posted parks may be used.

The police department will be the municipal lead related to the public safety aspect of the program. As such, the police department will be establishing appropriate safety protocols related to the program.

Keith

On Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 11:12 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:
Keith,

Thank you for your quick responses. Such a change from our former manager! I appreciate that, Keith.

Please clarify. Will you have two sets of signage for the public properties as you did for the corrals? You had warning signs, and then you had "No Trespassing" signs closer to the shooting sites. Will you post "No Trespassing" signs that are not in the Federal 1000 feet Gun Free School Zones? Will you have signage that lets children and parents know which areas are Gun Free Zones at the parks and golf course where the shooting will occur? Will you have signage in the public parks indicating that there will be no shooting in those parks, as you have for the archery program?

And finally, will you be establishing a 4:00 curfew for our community because of the shooting on private properties starting at 4:00 PM? Or will dismissal be earlier now in the elementary schools? They get out at approximately 3:25 or 3:30 PM.

Elaine Gillen

-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; Andrew McCreery <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>; Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>; tsteinhauer <TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net>; Susan Morgans <smorgans@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 10:46 am
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good morning Ms. Gillen,
Mt. Lebanon did not pay a processing fee for the deer that were donated as part of the archery program. As to the program you referenced, based on my research my understanding is that this program is only available to hunters, such as the archers, and is intended to encourage them to donate the deer removed through hunting to Hunters Sharing the Harvest,
Unfortunately the same program is not offered in conjunction with a cull utilizing sharpshooters as this is not hunting and the Game Commission typically mandates the donation of deer removed in these types of programs to Hunters Sharing the Harvest or their representatives, as is the case with the permit issued to Mt. Lebanon.
White Buffalo has indicated that the processing fee will be approximately $70.00/deer.
As to communication and information on the upcoming sharpshooting program a communication plan has been developed. As part of that plan staff is currently revising the FAQ's to reflect additional information related to the program. It is anticipated that the FAQ's and notification to schools, neighboring communities, etc. should be completed next week.

The permit issued by the Game Commission allows baiting to begin January 24th and culling to begin February 1st, Appropriate signage for the public properties that were approved (McNeilly Park, Golf Course, Robb Hollow Park and the adjacent Public Works property) has been ordered and will be posted in advance of the start of the program. The parks will remain open until normal hours during the program.
Keith


On Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 10:10 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:
Sorry for the duplicate email, but I failed to copy our police chief and our superintendent even though it will confuse him again.

Elaine Gillen


-----Original Message-----
From: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
To: kmcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Cc: commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>; amccreery <amccreery@mtlebanon.org>
Sent: Sat, Jan 16, 2016 10:07 am
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good morning Keith,

I am following up on a few things. 

Did Mt. Lebanon pay for any deer processing fees for the archery program?

As of this morning, I still do not see any hours posted for the "sharpshooting" program. In a previous email chain that a resident had with Dr. Steinhauer, our superintendent was confused that he was being questioned about the archery program and that we were to direct all questions to the municipality. So here are my questions concerning the safety of our school children. When will you be issuing a statement to the parents concerning the hours of operation for the "sharpshooting" program? Will you be establishing a 4:00 curfew for children?

Will you be closing the parks at 6PM? Will you be putting up No Trespassing signs, as you had with the corrals?

Elaine Gillen


-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>; repmiller <repmiller@pahouse.net>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 7:52 am
Subject: Re: Do you EVER do any research?

Good morning Elaine,
Thank you for providing the information. I will discuss with White Buffalo and provide a response to everyone.
Keith

On Fri, Jan 15, 2016 at 6:53 AM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:
Commissioners,

You never cease to amaze me at your lack of due diligence. Tony DeNicola will be charging us for processing fees of up to $100 per deer or up to $15,000 for 150 deer.

There are no processing fees if the meat is donated to Hunters Sharing the Harvest. http://www.sharedeer.org/support/

As announced last season, HSH is proud to continue with the elimination of the $15 co-payrequested from hunters in the past when donating a deer to the program. Hunters can now drop off a whole deer at one of our participating processors found closest to where you live or hunt. There is no fee, there is no charge to donate a deer thanks to major gifts from the natural gas industry along with the PA Game Commission and exceptional yearly support of major corporate sponsors, partners, sportsmen’s clubs and 1000s of individuals who have contributed financial over the years. When you donate a deer, all we ask is that you sign a receipt provided by the butcher so he/she will be reimbursed at the agreed to rate for processing the donated venison for the program. To find an HSH participating processor, please consult the by-county deer processor page for shop locations, or call our toll-free number for more information. That’s it.

The closest participating processor is: 

Allegheny

Kip's Deer Processing
Kip Padgelek
3 Saint John's Drive
Carnegie, PA 15106
412.279.6527
This is the same processor that Merlin Benner used.
Elaine Gillen

--

Keith McGill, AICP
Municipal Manager/Municipal Planner
412-343-3684
kmcgill@mtlebanon.org