Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Pepluck #94

85 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Pepluck"

Nice Jon.

Anonymous said...

YAY - a new potluck!
Thank you

Anonymous said...

LOL - I just saw that. Can't say I'm not easy to program : )

Wanda said...

School board Agenda meeting tonight 7:30pm in the LGI room.

Thursday at 7pm is the Superintendents round Table. this is the place for parents to talk to the superintendent in an informal setting, ask any question and receive updates that night. LGI room at the high school.

Anonymous said...

Wondering if outsourcing the Aides will be on the Agenda tonight? Will just have to come to meeting.

Anonymous said...

Sign up to speak and ask the question, don't be shy.

Anonymous said...

If a sB member reads this and can respond tonite that would be great!

Anonymous said...

You can't ask the question if its not on the Agenda.

Anonymous said...

I don't think that's true, and this board isn't that hardnosed and unforgiving. They wouldn't be able to stop you fast enough before you got the question out anyway.

Anonymous said...

rumors, rumors, rumors thats all this town is about. This School Board is open with the public.

Anonymous said...

Have you herd?

Anonymous said...

Pepitone for Superintendent!

Anonymous said...

It's true ...It will happen...Blink your eyes and you'll miss it!

Anonymous said...

Lets not be joking on this matter, it effects a number of peple that work with our children. If this happens it proves that Morrisville is not about education just $$$$.

Anonymous said...

Do Ferrara and DeAngelo get performance bonuses for coming up with ideas like outsourcing the aides?

Anonymous said...

Outsource the Aides but keep the football program.....What?

Anonymous said...

Remember this Board let Tim Latischen go!

Anonymous said...

The best part is if you're wrong, oh well, just move on to the next rumor, no consequences, no reflection, no shame, no brain.

Anonymous said...

Yes but there also rumors we were going to merge with Bristol. That didn't happen. Lets find out what the information is before getting upset. Honestly, if you know something and have the proof and details say it. If you don't your not doing anyone any favors including the aides who work in our schools.

Ted said...

you can ask a question on just about anything in the second public session near the end of the meeting. The first public session is limited to comments or questions about items on the agenda.

Anonymous said...

I would give Ferrara and DeAngelo a performance bonus if they outsourced their positions.

Anonymous said...

I heard Ferrara had a meeting with them and told them that they may be outsourced next year but definetly the following year.

one who knows said...

Well, I heard, and I heard,and did you know that I heard,blah blah blah. get off your computers and get to work and stop the rumors and let these people handle their positions and responsibilities and give someone a break if you are not the one stepping up to do the job. There were several seats open this last election, where were all you complainers who can do better than those we just voted in? yea, thats what I thought, silence in the room, I cant do that, Im too busy, I dont have time to go to a meeting and get the truth, Ill just sit here and go on what the whiners say and run with it since I have no other life. thats what I thought or is that a rumor too

Anonymous said...

Because we trust the people who we elected will do the right thing. Ferrara and DeAngelo were not the peoples choice, they are children of Bill Hellman, who is responsible for creating the problems the school district has.

Anonymous said...

it seems that some who work for the district, are getting paid by the tax payers and posting on the blog during work hours are wondering why someone might consider outsourcing you? of course that goes the same for the teacher who is on here posting too, i hope the board is checking that

Anonymous said...

That explains how Peps can post all day long.

Anonymous said...

I'm really not sure how you could possibly know for certain that a teacher or employee is posting on here. Another thing I'm not certain of is how Mr. Ferrara could tell aides they will be outsourced. Even if he said it (which I don't know either way), I would assume it's not entirely up to him and a school board vote would be needed for that. I recommend everybody who needs one take a chill pill. Besides, we've got bigger issues to worry about, like a bucket truck hanging banners around the boro.

Anonymous said...

"If this happens it proves that Morrisville is not about education just $$$$."

What if outsourcing saved money that could be used for more or better education programs?

"Because we trust the people who we elected will do the right thing."

Who determines what the right thing is? Last year I asked a board member about half day kindergarten. I told them I was upset at the decision. He told me why the decision had to be made which was because of cost and no money in budget left to cover it and any tax increase still wouldn't cover it. He said he was hoping the plan they made sure was put in place would give help to the students who needed it.

I guess what I am saying is that no one wants to see things change but if it does happen I hope the board makes a decision that is justified.

That's why I elected them last time and this time. They seem to make choices after they do their research not like the other group that all they wanted to do was cut cut cut.

Anonymous said...

Hallelujah! Well said.

Anonymous said...

When it comes to the school board and the borough council, even if research is done and decisions are justified, there will always be people who don't want to see it that way. They are the naysayers and they are everywhere. The naysayers will accuse, blame, finger point, lie, spread rumors to unsuspecting others and will knock decision-making by others for any number of self serving reasons. We have several of them them in town, but these days we have more of them than I realized.

Anonymous said...

That is what is so sad and scary about Pepitone - he could have shown what a "stand up" guy he was by using his momentum for something good...

Instead he has turned the whole process into a joke and gotten people all worked up for nothing ~ the man cannot and will not be chief. Better, more qualified people have applied. They deserve the job; not someone who was able to use an election to get his name out there. That is flat out unfair to the other (better qualified) applicants.
Everyone keeps talking about work experience over degrees - apparently, they haven't taken a good loon at Peps. The man was never promoted and had to stick to training other police officers because he couldn't deal with the general public.
That is not who we want running our PD.

Please - let's just move on.

Anonymous said...

Pepitone for drama queen!

Anonymous said...

This is Pepitone's latest plea to be given the police chief job. Why is it that the guy who wants to uphold all the laws of Morrisville and the state of PA wants to ignore the hiring laws? He'll be the hard and swift law for everyone else but for him make exceptions. Another hack Morrisville hypocrite.

At this time I would like to clear up any misconceptions, erroneous judgement and false information that is circulating. There is only one way to lay these to rest- by telling the truth.

I, in fact, did apply for the vacant Chief of Police position back in August, well before the deadline of August 30th. Weeks later I was notified that I was not considered a candidate, which I accepted.

Following my strong showing in the recent Mayoral election, where I received in the area of 500 write in votes with just 6 weeks of steady campaigning, I was approached by numerous residents asking if I was interested in the Chief's position. I explained to them the situation. I was then approached by several residents who were not political supporters but rather critics of my campaign. They challenged my sincerity towards making Morrisville safer, and asked if I was truly willing to protect our Borough. At that time I offered my proposal to the Borough Council.

My offer to accept $30,000 less than the current salary with zero benefits is not a ploy. Whoever the next Chief is, he or she will need resources far beyond what we currently can afford. Placing over $40,000 per year back into our public safety budget does just that. Our police officers, at this time, do not have the resources, equipment, support or staffing to battle the impending crime wave of which we are seeing just the tip of the iceberg. The recent gunpoint carjacking should set off alarms. This isn't a game. We are sliding towards dangerous territory. My offer will provide our police officers with a fighting chance, one that they will need to keep us safe.

My qualifications, experience and background will stand up to any litmus test. No, I do not own a degree. However, I have participated in some of the most high profile incidents in the nation's history, and patrolled some of this country's most dangerous streets when New York City was a cess pool of guns, drugs and prostitution. I was a police instructor and coordinator for the finest law enforcement training institution in the world. If this does not at least equal class room hours, so be it.

I have children in our schools, and I own a home here. My family is here for the long haul and the long battle that lies ahead for all of us. The notion that should I fail (which, I assure all of you, will not happen) I would hold up the Borough for a large settlement is laughable. I am offering to put thousands of dollars back into our community to keep all of us safe, not looking to line my pockets with fat retirement plans and benefits.

Finally, I am not demanding I be hired as police chief. I am merely stating my credentials and offer to help. I will support the next Chief whomever it may be, as we all should. All I ask is that our elected officials keep an open mind, put petty politics behind them, and make a decision now. We don't have 6 to 8 weeks to play with anymore. It is time to act.

For those who still doubt my sincerity or qualifications, I am willing to meet with ANYONE and speak openly about our Borough. I have already issued that open invitation to our officials and residents. My invitation, as well as my offer to help, stands.

Thank you for your time, please be safe, and thank every police officer you see for their bravery and dedication.

Bill

Anonymous said...

How long before his desperation gets him down to $10.00 an hour??
Why are people buying into this? Why do they want under qualified and CHEAP???

Anonymous said...

" I am willing to meet with ANYONE and speak openly about our Borough."

Why do I take so much offense to this? The man who had to be told about the borough to decide to go for a write-in and said in an article that he hasn't been involved, is now going to "school" everyone about our borough.

Jon said...

I'm not going to try to read too much into the significance of this. I'll leave that to others. I'll simply report the raw numbers:

Number of public speakers at tonight's school board agenda meeting = 0.

Total number of public attendees who weren't teachers or recently elected school board members = 2.

Anonymous said...

Here is the advertisement for hiring a chief.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Chief of Police Position Borough of Morrisville, Bucks County, PA

Salary Range: $85,000 to $90,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities: Morrisville Borough is seeking a highly qualified individual with experience in managing the daily patrol operations, investigations, support services, grant writing and operating budget of a (14 Sworn 2 civilian) Police Agency servicing a population of 8,000+

The Police Chief must possess the knowledge, experience and proven ability to balance the needs of public safety, collective bargaining, and form a solid working relationship with borough officials. The Chief is required to reside within a reasonable distance from Borough Hall.

Qualifications: A minimum of ten years progressive supervisory and command level experience in a mid to large size police agency and achieved the rank of Lieutenant or above. A minimum of a Bachelors degree in police sciences, criminal justice, or related field, and successful completion of the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Staff and Command or The Southern Police Institute. A Masters Degree is preferred. The candidate must be currently certified under Pennsylvania Act 120 (53 Pa. C.S.A. 2161), or be eligible to receive certification within 90 days of employment.

Serious candidates must be prepared to engage in a vigorous competitive hiring process.

The recruitment and selection process is being managed by CityBurbs Group. A Letter of Interest and Resume should be mailed to CityBurbs Group, 1347 Chase Rd. Newtown, PA 18940. Deadline: All resumes must be received no later than Friday August 30, 2013

Anonymous said...

Crime and the perception of crime and compromised public safety has shaken off the long stupor of uninvolvement, at least temporarily. Many having emerged angry and misinformed, yet strangely cocksure, it's only natural that their armchair quarterback, weekend warrior demands should suddenly take precedence and be satisfied.

Anonymous said...

Well Jon, I for one, was not there. I was busy typing online about things I know nothing about - just kidding. Thank you for attending the meeting.

Anonymous said...

A minimum of ten years progressive supervisory and command level experience in a mid to large size police agency and achieved the rank of Lieutenant or above.

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in police sciences, criminal justice, or related field,

and successful completion of the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Staff and Command or The Southern Police Institute.

A Masters Degree is preferred, or 20 years in NYPD which sort of the same things as all of the above.

Anonymous said...

http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/communities/falls/chimney-fire-damages-morrisville-home/article_2bedf61f-5bdc-5d1a-8062-21de26266e6d.html

Anonymous said...

It's settled.
Pep's the Chief.
Case closed.

Anonymous said...

How so? He didn't meet the criteria. Sounds like he didn't even make it through the initial phase of applicants. He got a rejection letter months ago.

Anonymous said...

Here's more bullying advice from Seth Godin

Bullying is theft

Someone in your office walks out every day with a laptop under his coat. He fences them down the street and keeps the money.

After he's discovered, how long should he keep his job? What if he's a really hard worker? Perhaps you give him a warning, but, when he's discovered stealing again a week from now, then what?

Bullying costs far more than laptop theft does.

The bully frightens away some of your best employees, because they can most easily find another place to work. He also silences the eager and the earnest, the people with great ideas who are now too intimidated to bother sharing them. His behavior has robbed your organization of the insight that could open so many doors in the future.

I define bullying as intentionally using power to cause physical or emotional distress with the purpose of dominating the other person. The bully works to marginalize people. In an organizational setting, the bully chooses not to engage in conversation or discussion, or to use legitimate authority or suasion, and depends instead on pressure in the moment to demean and disrespect someone else—by undermining not just their ideas, but their very presence and legitimacy.

The end to bullying starts with a question: does senior management see the cost? Do they understand that tolerating and excusing bullying behavior is precisely what permits it to flourish?

If so, the next steps are painful and difficult, but quite direct. Bullies can't work here.

If you don't have buy in on that, spend more time and passion and energy to get it. Not around a certain person or a certain action, but on the general irrevocable principle. An organization that is built on ideas and connection can't thrive when there's a bully in the room. If you're part of one that doesn't care about this, perhaps it's time to considering moving on.

Once you start to clean up the culture, will there be judgment calls and edge cases and a need for warnings and improvement plans? Of course. But just as laptop theft drops when our tolerance of it disappears, so does bullying. Most bullies aren't sociopaths, immune to correction. They are opportunists, using the tools that have often worked for them in the past.

It's a wrenching process for some organizations, but one that leads to few regrets. It's your chance to help a bully get his life straightened out too.

Anonymous said...

Thank you

Anonymous said...

"Thursday at 7pm is the Superintendents round Table. this is the place for parents to talk to the superintendent in an informal setting, ask any question and receive updates that night. LGI room at the high school."

Anonymous said...

I heard Scott Robinson was thinking about running for council in two years. are you F'en kidding me the loud mouth drunk from daceys. How low can this town sink.

Anonymous said...

will someone remind Eileen Dreisbach she is part of council and those that run the borough? Why is she constantly posting on FB about the issues with the borough and she is a member, long time member of council.
She is a disgrace as far as I can see with her posting things like this.

Eileen Dreisbach said--- Come on, do you think no one has seen those applications. That's a joke. That's as bad as me being told there are not bids or the JC project. Yet, Bates put in at least two of his reports that he reviewed the bids.
Those who are running this Borough are a disgrace.

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain, but please keep it semi-respectful. Otherwise, it detracts from your points.

Anonymous said...

We should keep it respectful. However, I am completely dismayed at Eileen's postings on Facebook. It's almost as though she doesn't remember that she is still a member of council and has a lot of responsibility for being an obstruction to progress in Morrisville.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I hear ya, believe me. You don't need to convince me.

Anonymous said...

I see the former mayor is asking thoughtful and respectful questions on FB. Don't forget that we let the obstructionists stop his initiatives. And that's when we got the first woman mayor in Morrisville history.

Anonymous said...

Eileen was a loud mouth complainer before she got elected, and always pointed fingers at everyone else. Once she got elected, any criticism directed at her, and GOD knows she deserved plenty, was seen by her as a personal attack without merit. She's a narcissist, unable to realize just what a hypocrite she is. Thank GOD she's out. Now, maybe she can pay her damn bills.

Anonymous said...

We need another Mayor with class and ability to handle things with grace like Tom Wisnosky. Thank God we have that person starting in January.

Anonymous said...

to the person who posted this

"Anonymous said...
I feel your pain, but please keep it semi-respectful. Otherwise, it detracts from your points."

you ask for respectful post but did you see that she is the one calling those who run the borough a disgrace.

Anonymous said...

I'm asking for respectfulness all around, but with full knowldge that some are more capable of it than others.

Anonymous said...

I gladly went across party lines to vote for Mayor Tom. Twice. I vote for person over party when I know the person. I recall Mayor Tom was slagged for being an absentee mayor. Then he spoke in favor of the new school. Kiss o'death for many. Those were the good ole days.

Anonymous said...

Pepitone's supporters might want to grab a coffee and get on the same page. Either council has seen the resumes submitted to CityBurbs and that's disgraceful or they haven't seen the resumes submitted to CityBurbs and that's disgraceful.

Anonymous said...

While the Pep-boys are grabbing some coffee perhaps they can chew on this...maybe...just maybe...there's a lieutenant out there with a masters and his FBI cert who is willing to do the job for the advertised salary and can do it with alienating the town. He might be from Chicago or LA or even Philly.

Anonymous said...

Pepitone or bust! Pepitone AND bust! 54'40 or fight! Manifest Destiny!

Anonymous said...

That 11/18 council mtg's gonna be juicy! Bring some popcorn!!!

Anonymous said...

Yeah. Why is Eileen posting the confidential memos from her packet? She threw Eric Hellman under the bus and now we all know he's an elected official and cannot fulfill the duties of his post because he has a job. Boo hoo. You ran for the position buddy, either do it or resign so someone else can do it.

Anonymous said...

You're right. Eileen says he's been getting paid for two years and done nothing. Since he's a Republican that's allowed in Morrisville.

Anonymous said...

I keep asking myself if I'm looking at the same thing as these people... Speaking up with the truth would do no good.

Hellman's letter states that he doesn't have time to do the job he wa ls elected to. What??? And because he threw some outrageous lies on a piece of paper, people think certain members of council are acting like mob bosses??

People are whacked.

Anonymous said...

Indeed people are whacked. I wouldn't know Boy Hellmann if I saw him. Then again, apparently very few people see him, especially not around boro hall. His paychecks for doing nothing are direct deposited, I assume?
We've got much than our share, I'll tell you.

Anonymous said...

Food for thought.... sometimes the whistleblowers with the so called smoking guns are incompetent malcontents who make a science out of not doing their jobs.

Anonymous said...

Man oh man have we got a bunch of fact-challenged wannabe Columbo's.

Anonymous said...

Well, I can say a lot on this subject, but all I will say is this; Being the borough controller is not an elected job I could fulfill, so I would never consider running for it. If you are a positive, progressive thinker and you feel that you may be able to fulfill the job of Borough Controller, please consider running for it the next time it comes up. Having someone who will actually do the job intelligently and who does not live within the Hellmann household will truly be an asset to the community. Please think about it. If you feel that you can serve Morrisville in this way, please consider it.

Anonymous said...

Regarding Eileen....
She has done her job. Her job has been to obstruct and assist others in obstructionism. Having done her job of obstruction as a councilperson we find her with a new yet similar job. Her new job is promoting Pepitone and anyone else who will help her friends obstruct. Her means of doing this is very much the same as Pepitone himself. By taking the smallest piece of information, or no actual information at all and building it up, twisting and turning and tossing it to an unsuspecting audience who has no idea what they are talking about. And this unsuspecting audience is craving information, now that they are paying attention. So much so that they aren't bothering to consider the source of their ill-gotten info. They are playing catch up after not bothering to support anyone or anything in Morrisville and now that they are finally listening, but they are only hearing whatever brand of misinformation people like Eileen and Peppy are putting out.

Jane you have to be loving this new revolution you have helped to create. I'm sure you don't even care that your creations will end up ousting you because your work will be done and a new, more intelligent, more devious group of obstructionists with even more members than you could muster will take your place.

Anonymous said...

Thank you - no one has even bothered asking who "Morrisville PA Politics" really is... Maybe that's because anyone who HAS been paying attention can figure it out.

Anonymous said...

Council is a hot mess. Yes there are obstructionists but the sloppy joe way things are run gives them fodder. Loose ships sink.

Anonymous said...

Because some have just surfaced and are seeking information, yet not enough to reach informed opinions or conclusions does not mean that matters concerning Morrisville have been conducted improperly. It just means that you are willing to settle for what little you know to justify your own lack of involvement.

Because some do not understand some decision making does not mean the decision making is improper. It only means these people don't know enough about a situation to form an adult opinion.Decisions regarding Morrisville Borough are based on solicitor involvement. He is the borough's legal representative in their decision making.

If some think council is a mess, take a look at the overall canvas while you are painting with that broad brush.

Consider that there are some who fear that their own involvement and misdeeds over the years will surface under the direction of the current council so every attempt possible is made to divert and conspire to ensure this does not happen.

Anonymous said...

To quote Eileen: exxxxxaaaaactly!

Anonymous said...

When I re-read that Eric Hellman letter, it looks like he got all the snarling charm of his father and improved on it.

Anonymous said...

I would think the letter was actually from his father, since his father has been the "ghost" controller anyway. This is the reason Eric hasn't done his job. Can't continue to take the documents to daddy. He has to stay borough hall to complete his work and can't because daddy has been doing it for him.

Anonymous said...

It def has a whiff of Daddy Dearest. Whether it was Solo Daddy-o, Kid Vicious alone, or a Lenin-McCarthy collaboration is unknown.

Anonymous said...

"Thank you - no one has even bothered asking who "Morrisville PA Politics" really is... Maybe that's because anyone who HAS been paying attention can figure it out."

For the terminally clueless (me) can you just name the culprit?

Anonymous said...

Jane Burger.

Anonymous said...

Morrisville woman attacked in reported home invasion

Posted: Friday, November 15, 2013 5:30 pm

MORRISVILLE — A sleeping woman was attacked in her home and hospitalized early Thursday, police said.

The home invasion occurred shortly after midnight, said Acting Chief Lt. Tom Herron. Herron added that there was no forced entry into the home.

Police were called to the 600 block of Clymer Avenue and found a woman had been beaten in the face and head. She also had a scrape on her neck from a knife.

She was taken by Morrisville Ambulance Squad to Aria Health Bucks County in Falls.

Police have a person of interest and are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the 600 block of Clymer Avenue, between 10:15 p.m. Wednesday and 12:15 a.m. Thursday to contact Officer Bill Smith at 215-295-8111.

Anonymous said...

Veterans ID event scheduled in Morrisville
Posted: Friday, November 15, 2013 4:45 pm | Updated: 7:54 pm, Fri Nov 15, 2013.

By James McGinnis Staff writer

The Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Office is headed for Morrisville on Wednesday to enlist more military veterans in the discount ID card program.

Veteran ID discount cards will be processed from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Morrisville Senior Center, 31 E. Cleveland Ave.

Veterans should bring their DD-214 forms to the sign up for the cards, now accepted for discounts at more than 1,000 local businesses, officials said.

Anonymous said...

Question:
Are some of the people on facebook pages such as
Morrisville PA Town Watch
Morrisville PA Politics
and
"Right To Know" Morrisville PA
considered cyber bullies?

Just wondering what people think about what's considered a cyber bully regarding Morrisville.

Anonymous said...

I saw this on stopbullying.gov:

"Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles."

It says RUMORS POSTED ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES is considered cyberbullying.

Just for clarification, I looked up the word rumor online:
RUMOR - "a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth."

So it would seem that if people are talking about others online, they should be sure their info is true.

Anonymous said...

So...I guess this would mean that a portion of Pepitone's media campaign is considered cyberbullying? Interesting.

MHS All Years Reunion Committee said...

Very proud to report that at last nights School Board meeting Suzanne Albanese-Gavella and Wanda Cummings Kartal presented a check to the Morrisville School District for $2,125.00 from the 3rd Annual All Years Reunion which took place October 5, 2013.

The Reunion Committee requested the funds be distributed as follows:

$1000 towards to the setup of Cyber Classes for next school year
$150 to the Yearbook committee to help make up the difference they need to switch to a different format to make it more affordable to students.
$300 for teacher supplies which will be a drawing of 1 Elementary, 1 Middle School and 1 High School Teacher to receive $100 each to purchase extra supplies for their classroom.
and Finally $675.00 towards the purchase of a new Baseketball hoop to replace the one removed from Grandview school so the borough kids have another resource to remain active and one that was originally provided by a former MHS athlete Mike Vreeswyk.

The Committee was also able to donate $100 to the Morrisville Ambulance Squad (MAS139) for helping out on reunion day and to round out their own fundraising at the park.

This money was raised by many people and the Reunion Committee would like to thank everyone who attended, volunteered, donated chinese auction items and helped out that day to make it a great success.

Special thanks to Corryn Lynn Kronnagel and Paul Terry for their helping to secure Etched Pint Glasses and T-shirts as well as Paul organizing all the music for the day. These two people alone helped increase fundraising by a huge amount and all done because of their connection to Morrisville and their love of their home town and the kids who deserve the best.

See you at the next Reunion October 4, 2014

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful!
THANK YOU