tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.comments2023-04-22T15:30:35.970-04:00B l o g - L e b oTom Moertelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10226129953235804273noreply@blogger.comBlogger7163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-44833279035663830162015-11-05T20:15:47.532-05:002015-11-05T20:15:47.532-05:00I worked at the Cochran Rd Burger Chef during high...I worked at the Cochran Rd Burger Chef during high school in 1978. Fond memories with manager James Ackleson III and the crew! Played a thanksgiving day football game against neighbor Wendy's. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-37521892192315773722014-09-28T16:48:24.505-04:002014-09-28T16:48:24.505-04:00I grew up on kenmont, we have been doing the tp as...I grew up on kenmont, we have been doing the tp as long as can be remembered. Now the grown kids come back to the street to recreate those childhood memories with their own children. So much fun!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-89736372542924066762013-02-08T09:54:01.115-05:002013-02-08T09:54:01.115-05:00From the Post-Gazette: "Photo by John Flatz
&...From the Post-Gazette: <i>"Photo by John Flatz<br />'Innocence,' a historic painting hanging in the Mercer County Courthouse."</i><br /><br />First, "Innocence" is not a "painting hanging in the Mercer County Courthouse." It's a mural. Murals don't "hang" - they are, by definition, paintings applied directly to walls or ceilings. What is "hanging" is John Flatz's photograph of the mural, and that is in the Mt. Lebanon Library. The P-G article does, to its credit, say, in the fifth paragraph, that "<i>Since 1911, the original "Innocence" mural has occupied one of four corners framing the dome of the Mercer County Courthouse.</i>" It's a minor detail, I realize, but one would expect a major newspaper to catch the contradiction.<br /><br />Second, there seem to be some discrepancies over reports concerning the photo in the Mt. Lebanon Library; whether the "offending breast" is covered and Mr. Fratz's censorship comment is there for all to see. The last I heard the photo was in place and unaltered. <br /><br />Finally, the "law of unintended consequences" has made its presence known in this whole silliness. Instead of protecting the "morals" of some giggling elementary school kids, the Library has given the rest of the country (the story is on the national wire) the impression that Mt. Lebanon is some sort of provincial backwater; probably not what the Library had in mind.Richard Gideonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-87610318264551038392012-11-09T14:31:19.787-05:002012-11-09T14:31:19.787-05:00I wouldn't celebrate just yet; a lot of people...I wouldn't celebrate just yet; a lot of people are going to pay higher real estate taxes next year, despite the drop in millage, due to substantial increases in their assessments.Richard Gideonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-68579448247883464592012-10-24T10:54:21.803-04:002012-10-24T10:54:21.803-04:00So here we are 3 years later- can we or can we not...So here we are 3 years later- can we or can we not have chickens, hens? I really would love fresh eggs and hens are quiet, keep the insect population down and my yard is enormous... <br /><br />Janie JunkerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-30820981375723711522012-10-14T11:37:26.888-04:002012-10-14T11:37:26.888-04:00The "regressive bias" in Mt. Lebanon'...The "regressive bias" in Mt. Lebanon's 2013 assessments is only a symptom of the problem with our property tax system; the actual problem is the property tax itself.<br /><br />Although a case may be made for commercial property used to create profit, residential property produces nothing while it is held by the owner, and only shows a capital gain when it is sold; and sometimes not even then. There is no relationship between the tax and means to pay the tax. Of course, it is that very feature that makes property tax so attractive to the people who constitute a local government; by divorcing it from the means to pay it the tax becomes "reliable." (Keep in mind that local governments are not interested in people per se; rather, they see people as "economic units," and as such it matters not who pays the tax, as long as the tax is paid.)<br /><br />Since the major consumers of property taxes are school districts real reform in this area will probably not occur until there are major changes in our public education system. Until that happens Mt. Lebanon property owners will remain financial targets; easily fleeced, and expected to "shut up and pay the tax!"Richard Gideonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-40208621760227549612012-10-09T16:07:16.074-04:002012-10-09T16:07:16.074-04:00If you want the moratorium, you must email State S...If you want the moratorium, you must email State Senators Pileggi and Scarnati.<br /><br />These two blocked the Senate from voting on the already passed House version of the moratorium.<br /><br />They could easily take it up in their short session this fall.<br /><br />James FraaschJames Fraaschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13590424753782960493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-86115853818977078492012-10-09T09:56:43.133-04:002012-10-09T09:56:43.133-04:00The decisions that governments at all levels have ...The decisions that governments at all levels have made to spend independent of the business cycle or their ability to pay has been very unfortunate.<br /><br />I hope that everyone is watching the events in Europe. We're next. It's not clear when it will happen here, but it will happen here. john david kendricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-84750354143322341312012-10-08T15:12:31.023-04:002012-10-08T15:12:31.023-04:00Tom,
Thank you for posting all this ! What a nig...Tom, <br /><br />Thank you for posting all this ! What a nightmare. <br /><br />What do the odds-makers and legal community say about whether the County will be able to legally "certify" this disaster by December 17th. or year-end as required in order for the 2013 residential assessments and amendments thereto to become effective by Jan. 1, 2013 ?<br /><br />If that is not likely to happen, what will happen ?<br /><br />It would seem that a number of elected and appointed public officials and individuals should be headed for jail when the entire boondoggle of smoke & mirrors is fully investigated and ajudicated. <br /><br />Bill LewisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-8700794830307684212012-10-08T09:08:34.746-04:002012-10-08T09:08:34.746-04:00Excellent article, Tom.
Classic example: There is...Excellent article, Tom. <br />Classic example: There is a home on Hoodridge, on the market for $1.1 million. Its current value is $407,800, with the reassessed value at $511,900. Something is not right.<br />Elaine GillenLebo Citizenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07936908236243700005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-58246761717046449232012-09-21T10:48:09.495-04:002012-09-21T10:48:09.495-04:00This ill conceived *endeavor* has been flawed from...This ill conceived *endeavor* has been flawed from the get-go since its initiation in early 2005 ! The Parking Authority, Municipality, School District, County and Commonwealth all made egregious errors and decisions about this boondoggle at almost every step of the painfully extended process. And a detailed record of all this has been preserved. <br /><br />The only elected or appointed public official who questioned an important aspect of this project in an attempt to provide some degree of protection to the community and taxpayers was School Board member Dan Remely, whose publicly stated concern and recommendations were subsequently disregarded "in order to move forward in a timely fashion". Sound familiar in todays world ? <br /><br />Because of this blatant error, and the fact that we have provided Zamagias six (6) lengthy extentions of time *to fish or cut bait*, we have the prospect of the TIF loan default to deal with, and no project after 17 years of two (2) TIF-related development project failures. <br /><br />The current Commission has invited Zamagias representatives to a Commission discussion session in October, perhaps the 22nd., to review matters. Please plan on attending and expressing your opinions during Citizens Comments at the regular meeting following.<br /><br />Bill LewisBill Lewisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-81608403290004885802012-08-07T16:31:27.306-04:002012-08-07T16:31:27.306-04:00John Conti is a highly accomplished expert and wri...John Conti is a highly accomplished expert and writer on architecture and architectural history. His works on Mt. Lebanon are superb.<br /><br />Bill LewisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-3165372806685324782012-07-27T23:07:01.074-04:002012-07-27T23:07:01.074-04:00For some reason the Muni website posting has not b...For some reason the Muni website posting has not been amended to reflect these changes...the website post date is July 23 ? ?<br /><br />Bill LewisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-65997843428724681612012-07-27T09:31:54.713-04:002012-07-27T09:31:54.713-04:00THIS SCHEDULE HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED - hopefully Leb...THIS SCHEDULE HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED - hopefully LeboAlert or some notice will be officially issued by the Municipality very soon.<br /><br />Bill LEWISAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-33180103146450607342012-07-17T20:52:53.275-04:002012-07-17T20:52:53.275-04:00I did think that was kindof an odd place to set th...I did think that was kindof an odd place to set them off. I suppose those wanting to visit could have simply been escorted in and out as to not completely shut off access.<br /><br />However, I think the real moral of the story is that we're building a high school that's much too expensive for our needs. ;-PMatthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16477311598407527292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-40597761863571378092012-06-24T20:24:55.490-04:002012-06-24T20:24:55.490-04:00There are alot of people who abuse alochol here in...There are alot of people who abuse alochol here in Mt Lebanon, and drugs for that matter..its the ADULTS! children learn from their parents, that is why most children induldge in such behavior, so the problem is not really the kids, its the parents who set bad examples and then tell their kids, oh dont do what I do!Kimberly Hopfnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-18450600236619469332012-06-09T18:51:10.978-04:002012-06-09T18:51:10.978-04:00There's a post and an interesting thread of co...There's a post and an interesting thread of comments over on the lebocitizens.blogspot.com site on this subject.<br /><br />Bill LewisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-86680206129740428032012-05-09T21:02:02.196-04:002012-05-09T21:02:02.196-04:00You could imagine that allowing one project that s...You could imagine that allowing one project that seems limited and simple enough all by itself might open the door to future projects we might not really want. So, maybe we should decide as a group on the kinds of things we can tolerate and those we couldn't, and use that as a basis for a policy against which to evaluate any specific advertising proposal. We should do this without hiring a consultant. We should also consider the overhead that managing various advertising contracts incurs, particularly because once you have created a program, there is an incentive to spread the overhead over more and more projects. Also, it's the sort of thing that's very difficult to change your mind on later, once things have progressed so far.David Brownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-44200145465691816552012-05-09T16:36:47.636-04:002012-05-09T16:36:47.636-04:00Last evening was the the first Commission meeting ...Last evening was the the first Commission meeting that involved any real “controversy”. After hearing from numerous residents and having conversations with staff and other<br /> commissioners, I heard a lot of different perspectives. There were a<br /> number of people that had very similar questions regarding exactly how this<br /> ordinance would be enacted. Who would benefit? Who is responsible for<br /> getting the advertising dollars? Where exactly does the revenue go? After<br /> discussions with our solicitor there were a few amendments that were attached<br /> to the ordinance which allowed me to support it. Passing of this<br /> ordinance is the first step in a process that will include reviewing policies<br /> and regulations regarding such signs. You will see future discussion on exactly<br /> those topics.<br /> <br />One of my top goals as commissioner is to find new revenue sources. I<br /> believe a sign sponsorship has the potential to bring in additional funds that<br /> will benefit all of Mt. Lebanon.<br /> <br />Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any feedback regarding this ordinance or any other community topics. 412.580.7665 or kfraasch@mtlebanon.orgKelly Fraaschnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-13329045755917094602012-05-09T07:11:07.073-04:002012-05-09T07:11:07.073-04:00It is 2012, and it is time to get with the times. ...It is 2012, and it is time to get with the times. If we want to avoid tax increases while at the same time maintaining the level of community resources that Mt. Lebanon residents expect, sponsorship is key. I think most people expect when they go to a field these days that they will see signs. It is a sign of the times (pun fully intended!). If the zoning board were concerned with the appearance of our community, their first step should be to have Dollar General tear down the rusted, falling apart Rite Aid drive through that is on a main entrance into our community. It is an eyesore. Well planned signage at our ball fields will not be!Stephanie Fedro-Byromhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01661381464163830031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-49277923071686638882012-05-03T11:59:38.663-04:002012-05-03T11:59:38.663-04:00Is anyone able to create a simple calculation to r...Is anyone able to create a simple calculation to reflect what the millage changes (to be made) will make one's property tax "look like?" As far as I understand, the county is seeing a 35% increase in assessments, thus millage will be reduced by 35% (I think - but also knowing that there is a 1 mil increase next year). Also, my school district has seen an average 35% increase, so I am assuming a 35% decrease) - my municipality has seen a 60% increase, so I am assuming a 60% decrease in millage. First of all, is it this simple (i.e., a millage for a municipality is at, say 10.00 mills, would a 35% increase in property value mean the millage would go down to 6.5?) That is the first thing I need to find out, then hopefully I can proceed from there.norm ollivisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-58534010389750870022012-04-20T02:58:42.283-04:002012-04-20T02:58:42.283-04:00Glad to know that we're living within our mean...Glad to know that we're living within our means... Oh wait...Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16477311598407527292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-35748579457823469152012-04-16T18:17:50.615-04:002012-04-16T18:17:50.615-04:00Hi Bill,
I was hoping you would chime in, but I&#...Hi Bill,<br /><br />I was hoping you would chime in, but I'm confused. I thought you would agree with me.<br /><br />DaveDavid Brownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-60208783037073300362012-04-15T17:08:53.905-04:002012-04-15T17:08:53.905-04:00Hey David,
How about using the surplus to buy bac...Hey David,<br /><br />How about using the surplus to buy back the outstanding debt remaining on the $1.1 million in bonds for the 911 Center renovation we didn't need, and the $2.0 million bond issue for McNeilly Park we can't sell or afford to use for fields, as well ?<br /><br />Exercise the call provisions for these bonds which carry about 4% in bond interest costs each year. Better to pay off debt before you start spending your savings account or incurring more debt to pay for anything resembling wishes and wants.<br /><br />Bill LewisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15299127.post-57869724679392288682012-04-14T11:27:24.434-04:002012-04-14T11:27:24.434-04:00Anything that reduces future costs, such as paying...Anything that reduces future costs, such as paying down debt or upgrading energy efficiency, would be fine with me. Maybe we could buy back that bond debt that we incurred for street maintenance a couple of years ago, or something equivalent like an investment with the growth dedicated to that debt service.David Brownnoreply@blogger.com