I received an e-mail from Patrick Varine informing me of an error in my last Blog. The park-let is being named for Rose Wigfield and not Mary Wigfield. He informed me that he was doing a story on Rose. I am looking forward to reading it and learning who this woman was in our community. I am grateful to Patrick for informing me of my factual error as well as taking the time to read the blog.
If any of you see mistakes in my blogs, please let me know. If you disagree or agree that information is also welcome. I am here to serve you and can be reached at david4delmont@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Saturday, March 19, 2016
March 8, 2016 Council Meeting Notes
There was a lot of emotion involved with the recycling issue. It still upsets me personally that some of our elected officials insist on trying to hide behind Environmental initiatives. On the flip side environmental issues have been highly political since the late 60's and early 70's resulting in the formation of the US Environmental Protection Agency. There is still confusion that I do have a plan to get to the bottom of. It is imperative that anyone who has a desire to serve the public accept accountability for their actions without blaming other state or federal agencies for their positions. The public we serve has the right to know our true positions so they can informatively choose the people they want to represent them in elected government.
I was attacked by a councilwoman for saying that council pushed the decision through to end the use of Borough Land for Recycling. Carl Boyd moved to set a departure date of all Lion recycling equipment land from the Borough Garage Property. This action was necessary to make room necessary for the construction of a retention pond that is being paid foe by a grant. He then made the motion to "end recycling". Jim Bortz said that question could be tabled to latter. However, Carl was adamant that it had to end now. Becky Matesevac seconded the motion and it passed 4 to 2 with Debbie Jobe being absent. Jim Bortz and myself were opposed. The token offer to try to find an alternative site was not made until after this vote. This all happened at the February meeting. I believe the facts as they transpired should be able to be recalled more than 30 days after the event. My interpretation of this action was the Lions were railroaded because the second vote was not tabled for study and exploration but pushed through. Everyone is free to interpret these actions as they wish, but this is why I specifically, used the term railroaded and it was this expression that brought the angered response from Becky to me.
The Lions made a very good argument and there are a lot of grant opportunities available for recycling. It would take research to determine if Council support would be needed to obtain the grants.I received a phone call from a long time resident who informed me that he would personally make a drive to continue recycling. Thus resident is a member of the Lions as well as a former Borough official.
The way the "final decision" statement was delivered left me conflicted. Being an elected official we must make decisions and some of the them are hard. The actions that we may declare "final" are final only as long as the majority of those who made a particular decision are in a position to uphold it. The beauty of a democracy is officials only serve at the will of those who entrust them to represent them in government. It was stated that "change is good" I believe a more fundamental change to those who would be more receptive to the will of the Borough residents would exemplify the quote, "Change is Good"
This next comment I will probably take some heat on, but so be it. The mayor asked, to name the park after a Mary Wigfield. I will concede that the Mayor can name areas in the Borough anything she wants. I also concede that naming can be a highly debatable issue. Personally, I believe that the naming of places, buildings, monuments, etc should be of persons or organizations that have Historical Significance or have made major contributions to life in our Borough. Perhaps there should be guidelines and/or a citizens committee that suggests names for consideration. Forgive my ignorance but I have no personal knowledge of any historical significance or community involvement that would warrant the park let receiving her name. I am doing more research on the historical aspect to see if I might have missed something from that perspective. Off the top of my head some more appropriate names for the park let could be: Joann Mook, Marjorie Ewing, Norman Hines, John Mook, Lion's Club, Rotary, Jim Davis, Monnis, Bash, Faulk, Paul Kerstein, or others. The point is that names of places in communities should reflect important cultural ties to the community.
Again the rest of the Council is choosing to sit on the contract with Westmoreland County Port Authority. This could effectively end Bus service in our Borough even after The United Church of Christ made great strides to alleviate the parking problem. I urge all citizens that want bus service from Delmont to push the issue. 6 to 1 says it would be tabled yet again, if I attempted to bring it up. Although citizens of other communities may not be given a chance to speak, this would be the decision of Council President, I would encourage you to come to a Council Meeting if you use this service.
I was attacked by a councilwoman for saying that council pushed the decision through to end the use of Borough Land for Recycling. Carl Boyd moved to set a departure date of all Lion recycling equipment land from the Borough Garage Property. This action was necessary to make room necessary for the construction of a retention pond that is being paid foe by a grant. He then made the motion to "end recycling". Jim Bortz said that question could be tabled to latter. However, Carl was adamant that it had to end now. Becky Matesevac seconded the motion and it passed 4 to 2 with Debbie Jobe being absent. Jim Bortz and myself were opposed. The token offer to try to find an alternative site was not made until after this vote. This all happened at the February meeting. I believe the facts as they transpired should be able to be recalled more than 30 days after the event. My interpretation of this action was the Lions were railroaded because the second vote was not tabled for study and exploration but pushed through. Everyone is free to interpret these actions as they wish, but this is why I specifically, used the term railroaded and it was this expression that brought the angered response from Becky to me.
The Lions made a very good argument and there are a lot of grant opportunities available for recycling. It would take research to determine if Council support would be needed to obtain the grants.I received a phone call from a long time resident who informed me that he would personally make a drive to continue recycling. Thus resident is a member of the Lions as well as a former Borough official.
The way the "final decision" statement was delivered left me conflicted. Being an elected official we must make decisions and some of the them are hard. The actions that we may declare "final" are final only as long as the majority of those who made a particular decision are in a position to uphold it. The beauty of a democracy is officials only serve at the will of those who entrust them to represent them in government. It was stated that "change is good" I believe a more fundamental change to those who would be more receptive to the will of the Borough residents would exemplify the quote, "Change is Good"
This next comment I will probably take some heat on, but so be it. The mayor asked, to name the park after a Mary Wigfield. I will concede that the Mayor can name areas in the Borough anything she wants. I also concede that naming can be a highly debatable issue. Personally, I believe that the naming of places, buildings, monuments, etc should be of persons or organizations that have Historical Significance or have made major contributions to life in our Borough. Perhaps there should be guidelines and/or a citizens committee that suggests names for consideration. Forgive my ignorance but I have no personal knowledge of any historical significance or community involvement that would warrant the park let receiving her name. I am doing more research on the historical aspect to see if I might have missed something from that perspective. Off the top of my head some more appropriate names for the park let could be: Joann Mook, Marjorie Ewing, Norman Hines, John Mook, Lion's Club, Rotary, Jim Davis, Monnis, Bash, Faulk, Paul Kerstein, or others. The point is that names of places in communities should reflect important cultural ties to the community.
Again the rest of the Council is choosing to sit on the contract with Westmoreland County Port Authority. This could effectively end Bus service in our Borough even after The United Church of Christ made great strides to alleviate the parking problem. I urge all citizens that want bus service from Delmont to push the issue. 6 to 1 says it would be tabled yet again, if I attempted to bring it up. Although citizens of other communities may not be given a chance to speak, this would be the decision of Council President, I would encourage you to come to a Council Meeting if you use this service.
Training Update
This post is to keep you updated in my commitment to you to gain the necessary information to make informed decisions for our Borough.
Attended the Public Works Management Course by the PA State Association of Boroughs on March 10, 2016. It was a full day seminar and provided great information along wit some money saving suggestions.
On March 15, 2016 there was a half day session on 2016 Ethics scheduled. Ironically, it was postponed due to lack of interest.
Spent 6 hours 27 minutes studying Lincoln Institute Comprehensive Planning Course.
Spent 7 hours 15 minutes on FEMA training.
Attended the Public Works Management Course by the PA State Association of Boroughs on March 10, 2016. It was a full day seminar and provided great information along wit some money saving suggestions.
On March 15, 2016 there was a half day session on 2016 Ethics scheduled. Ironically, it was postponed due to lack of interest.
Spent 6 hours 27 minutes studying Lincoln Institute Comprehensive Planning Course.
Spent 7 hours 15 minutes on FEMA training.
Response to Radon Question
I apologize for the length of time since the last post, there have been many activities with kids, and life stuff that has been occupying time. A few days have even been occupied in training for the position of Councilman as well.
Many years ago, I was certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Radon Measurement Proficiency Program Certification #139806T. This was a vigorous process that required much study and a test but was required of anyone wishing to conduct radon testing in homes or businesses, or be involved with radon mitigation strategies such as sub-slab depressurization.
Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Delmont, because of our geological substructure structure, has higher than normal radon levels. It is not just Delmont, but Pennsylvania as a whole. In fact, Radon was originally discovered in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania. I think it was at the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, one of the nuclear power plants out east, workers were arriving to start their shifts and setting off the radiation detectors at the power plant. These were the same workers who went home with no radiation detected at the end of their shifts.Naturally, this phenomenon was alarming to the nuclear regulators and industry because the needed to find the source. It was discovered that radon, a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, tasteless gas was responsible. Radon is produced in natural decay of uranium and has a half-life of 3.84 days. The danger from radon is the alpha particle emission in the decay process. Although, the alpha particle can be stopped with a sheet of paper, it becomes dangerous when inhaled and damages the soft tissue of the lungs. Radon can also diffuse into water and be re-released into the air when the water turns into a mist, like in a hot shower for example. Radon gas will follow natural openings in the ground and buildings.
The question I was asked is, "If there was nuclear waste on the speedway property 1) wouldn't it raise the radon levels all over Delmont, and 2) Wouldn't they test for radon before the property was transferred? In response to question 1, It is highly unlikely that a potential localized source would find open pathways underground that would diffuse throughout the Borough. Equal distribution of the diffused gas would be an impossibility. I would say buildings in a close proximity would have a higher probability of experiencing an increased radon level. However, it depends on the composition of the potential waste. It would have to be known at what level of decay the daughter particles are in as well as the state of original substance disposed. (U236,, U238, Plutonium). More important is determining where the waste is and what it is.
The answer to the second question is much simpler. No. Radon testing is conducted when buildings are involved in the transfer of real estate. If there is radio active waste on the site, and the location of the buildings would be constructed in close proximity to the waste, or adjacent to openings the gas can move through, I would bet the radon level in that building dwarf any readings in other buildings in Delmont. It could produce a harmful level of radon, especially for those exposed to it all day. Trying to test for radon in an open setting is counter-productive because it is a naturally occurring gas and it is inside concentrations that increase risk.
I would urge all citizens of Delmont to test for radon especially if you have small children. The higher levels of radon contamination are generally in the lower floors, and basement.
PA DEP information http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/RadiationProtection/RadonDivision/Monitoring/Pages/Publications.aspx#.Vu1dLpwrKUk
US EPA information https://www.epa.gov/radon
Many years ago, I was certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Radon Measurement Proficiency Program Certification #139806T. This was a vigorous process that required much study and a test but was required of anyone wishing to conduct radon testing in homes or businesses, or be involved with radon mitigation strategies such as sub-slab depressurization.
Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Delmont, because of our geological substructure structure, has higher than normal radon levels. It is not just Delmont, but Pennsylvania as a whole. In fact, Radon was originally discovered in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania. I think it was at the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, one of the nuclear power plants out east, workers were arriving to start their shifts and setting off the radiation detectors at the power plant. These were the same workers who went home with no radiation detected at the end of their shifts.Naturally, this phenomenon was alarming to the nuclear regulators and industry because the needed to find the source. It was discovered that radon, a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, tasteless gas was responsible. Radon is produced in natural decay of uranium and has a half-life of 3.84 days. The danger from radon is the alpha particle emission in the decay process. Although, the alpha particle can be stopped with a sheet of paper, it becomes dangerous when inhaled and damages the soft tissue of the lungs. Radon can also diffuse into water and be re-released into the air when the water turns into a mist, like in a hot shower for example. Radon gas will follow natural openings in the ground and buildings.
The question I was asked is, "If there was nuclear waste on the speedway property 1) wouldn't it raise the radon levels all over Delmont, and 2) Wouldn't they test for radon before the property was transferred? In response to question 1, It is highly unlikely that a potential localized source would find open pathways underground that would diffuse throughout the Borough. Equal distribution of the diffused gas would be an impossibility. I would say buildings in a close proximity would have a higher probability of experiencing an increased radon level. However, it depends on the composition of the potential waste. It would have to be known at what level of decay the daughter particles are in as well as the state of original substance disposed. (U236,, U238, Plutonium). More important is determining where the waste is and what it is.
The answer to the second question is much simpler. No. Radon testing is conducted when buildings are involved in the transfer of real estate. If there is radio active waste on the site, and the location of the buildings would be constructed in close proximity to the waste, or adjacent to openings the gas can move through, I would bet the radon level in that building dwarf any readings in other buildings in Delmont. It could produce a harmful level of radon, especially for those exposed to it all day. Trying to test for radon in an open setting is counter-productive because it is a naturally occurring gas and it is inside concentrations that increase risk.
I would urge all citizens of Delmont to test for radon especially if you have small children. The higher levels of radon contamination are generally in the lower floors, and basement.
PA DEP information http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/RadiationProtection/RadonDivision/Monitoring/Pages/Publications.aspx#.Vu1dLpwrKUk
US EPA information https://www.epa.gov/radon
Thursday, March 3, 2016
March 3, 2016 Update
Sorry it has been longer than I like since reporting in to you. Council activities have been a bit slow or not as urgent as some family activities.
I have e-mailed letter of concern to John Rusty Young of Speedway detailing concerns with the Kunkle property they purchased. If you are interested in reading it, it can be found at https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/108679940/Speedway%20Letter.doc. If you have trouble downloading you can request a copy by e-mailing me at david4delmont@gmail.com.
I realize that there has been some discussion of this in the media. Here is my overall reply to any statements. If you are not a resident of the Borough of Delmont, I really don't care what opinion you have about issues taking place in our Borough. I was warned in Newly Elected Borough Officials Training that their are individuals who like to cross local government boundaries to stir up meetings and other government activities. The instructors stressed the fact that non-residents should receive no time at the local meetings or the important business of meetings would not be accomplished. If people choose to comment in public newspapers without all facts or available information that is certainly their Constitutional Right. I simply take solace in the quote from Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain) concerning such situations: " Tis better to remain silent and appear foolish, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Ignorance speaks for itself. I do wish to say that there are exceptions to me listening from people who do not live in the Borough of Delmont. They are as follows: 1) I will listen to any citizens of governmental entities that are in discussions with the Borough of Delmont for Cooperative Governmental Agreements. 2) I will listen to anyone who owns property in the Borough but chooses to reside elsewhere. 3) I will listen to anybody who has a place of business within the Borough. 4) I will listen to employees of companies within the borough. 5) I will listen to anybody who uses services within the borough (Westmoreland County Transit customers). 6) I will listen to anyone who is directly affected by descions of Delmont Council. Clearly, if you are 2.1 miles away that doesn't include you.
I will mention and encourage all residents to vote in the March 15, 2016 special election for District 57 State Representative which was vacated when Representative Krieger became Judge Krieger.. There is a good chance that candidate Eric Nelson will attend the Council Meeting of March 8, 2016. His opponent Linda Lezzi attended last months meeting.
I have received some comments about the potential of radio active waste being on the old Kunkle property and effects on Radon levels in the Borough. I will address Radon in my next blog in a couple of days. I have registered for the following activities from Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs: 1) Public Works Management 2) 2016 The Ethics Act, and 3) 2016 Annual Conference. I truly hope my $440.00 in this segment of training activities will make me a better Councilman for you.
I have e-mailed letter of concern to John Rusty Young of Speedway detailing concerns with the Kunkle property they purchased. If you are interested in reading it, it can be found at https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/108679940/Speedway%20Letter.doc. If you have trouble downloading you can request a copy by e-mailing me at david4delmont@gmail.com.
I realize that there has been some discussion of this in the media. Here is my overall reply to any statements. If you are not a resident of the Borough of Delmont, I really don't care what opinion you have about issues taking place in our Borough. I was warned in Newly Elected Borough Officials Training that their are individuals who like to cross local government boundaries to stir up meetings and other government activities. The instructors stressed the fact that non-residents should receive no time at the local meetings or the important business of meetings would not be accomplished. If people choose to comment in public newspapers without all facts or available information that is certainly their Constitutional Right. I simply take solace in the quote from Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain) concerning such situations: " Tis better to remain silent and appear foolish, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Ignorance speaks for itself. I do wish to say that there are exceptions to me listening from people who do not live in the Borough of Delmont. They are as follows: 1) I will listen to any citizens of governmental entities that are in discussions with the Borough of Delmont for Cooperative Governmental Agreements. 2) I will listen to anyone who owns property in the Borough but chooses to reside elsewhere. 3) I will listen to anybody who has a place of business within the Borough. 4) I will listen to employees of companies within the borough. 5) I will listen to anybody who uses services within the borough (Westmoreland County Transit customers). 6) I will listen to anyone who is directly affected by descions of Delmont Council. Clearly, if you are 2.1 miles away that doesn't include you.
I will mention and encourage all residents to vote in the March 15, 2016 special election for District 57 State Representative which was vacated when Representative Krieger became Judge Krieger.. There is a good chance that candidate Eric Nelson will attend the Council Meeting of March 8, 2016. His opponent Linda Lezzi attended last months meeting.
I have received some comments about the potential of radio active waste being on the old Kunkle property and effects on Radon levels in the Borough. I will address Radon in my next blog in a couple of days. I have registered for the following activities from Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs: 1) Public Works Management 2) 2016 The Ethics Act, and 3) 2016 Annual Conference. I truly hope my $440.00 in this segment of training activities will make me a better Councilman for you.
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