RESIDENTS ACADEMY Whether you’re new in town and still getting your bearings, or have been here for some time, the Mt. Lebanon Residents Academy can probably teach you a thing or two. The academy is a free nine-week overview of municipal departments and services. The sixth class graduated in March. 

Created as a complement to the popular citizens academies presented by the police and fire departments (those are both pretty highly recommended), and presented by Mt. Lebanon’s Community Relations Board and the public information office, the Residents Academy provides a broad introduction to all aspects of local government, giving participants a look at the community’s successes and challenges, as well as an appreciation of how tax dollars are spent.

The Mt. Lebanon Residents Academy is an interactive, participatory program rather than a lecture series and each week has plenty of opportunity for questions and answers. Topics include finance, economic development, fire and police, communications, parks and recreation, public works, zoning and library services. Medical Rescue Team South Authority, Mt. Lebanon School District, South Hills Cooperative Animal Control and other service providers also give presentations.

Although the program is free, slots are limited to make for a more dynamic experience.  All previous classes have filled up early, creating a waiting list for the following year. If you’d like to learn more and get on the list for next year, visit www.mtlebanon.org/2383/Residents-Academy, or call 412-343-3552.

SUMMER FUN Mt. Lebanon’s First Friday street party kicks off from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 2, with the Polkamaniacs. July’s artist is blues and funk guitarist Byron Nash, and the Wizdom Worldbeat Reggae Band closes out the series in August. The Uptown Market, presented by the Mt. Lebanon Partnership, returns 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 13. The market features produce, meats, crafts and lots more, in several spots along Washington Road. On the second Saturday of each month, look for music, art, maker projects and possibly the occasional cooking demonstration.

RECREATION, PARKING REVENUES BACK TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS Mt. Lebanon Finance Director Andrew McCreery had some good news for the Mt. Lebanon Commission regarding last year’s revenue projections. At a Commission discussion session, McCreery said the recreation department’s revenues exceeded budget predictions by $102,000, about 3.2 percent over the estimated income. More seasonal programs that returned in 2022 accounted for an extra $39,000 above expectations, and the golf course and ice rink exceeded projections by $16,000 each.

“Overall, the numbers are back to where they were pre-pandemic,” said McCreery. “The parking fund, same thing, it’s in its third year and is finally stabilizing.”

Mt. Lebanon’s Parking Fund was established to account for operational revenue capital improvements and maintenance of parking operations.

“Outside of the Vibrant Uptown project, we would be well above back to where we were revenue-wise, but we’re at least seeing the transient parking, the North and South garages, things are filling up,” said McCreery. “There’s well over $2 million in revenue in that fund—back where we need to be.”

Also on the rise are investment revenues, up $116,000 over 2022 projections. An additional $1.6 million from the COVID-related American Rescue Plan Act covered the $1.27 million cost of a new roof on the recreation center.

The extra income allows Commissioners a chance to discuss possible additions to the municipality’s capital improvement plan, a five-year projection of one-time, big-ticket expenses, or expenses that cover more than can be contained in the annual budget. Projects under consideration include tennis court lighting and an ice rink resurfacer.

HISTORIC SIGNS Mt. Lebanon’s National Register of Historic Places District contains more than 4,400 structures, encompassing most of the center of town. The district was established in 2014. This year, the municipality is boosting the district’s visibility with Historic District signs that are mounted atop street signs throughout the area. If your house is included in the district, you can purchase a medallion from the Historical Society of Mount Lebanon. A portion of the $214 cost goes toward the society’s capital campaign.

SEWER BACKUP? CALL US With the springtime rains comes the springtime sewer backups. If you experience a backup, Mt. Lebanon Public Works Director Rudy Sukal wants to be your first call. Call the public works department at 412-343-3403 during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5. If you have a backup outside of those hours, don’t hesitate to call 911. The best way to report other issues, such as a missed trash pickup or a broken streetlight, or want to register for woody waste pickup, a block party permit, or any other municipal service request is to do it on mylebo, the virtual gateway to the community.

RELAY FOR LIFE Mt. Lebanon’s Relay for Life will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 10, at the Mt. Lebanon High School track.

Relay for Life is a nationwide program that brings together people whose lives have been touched by cancer. The event is free and there is a wide selection of food, games and activities for all ages. Teams circle the track in memory of lost loved ones and in celebration of cancer survivors. Activities include live music, yoga classes, a dunk tank, raffles, food and craft vendors and more.

At dusk, participants will honor those survivors and caregivers and remember those touched by cancer at a luminaria ceremony.

Join a team or start one of your own. Registration of participants and teams is encouraged.

Relay organizers are looking for volunteers to help with planning and to work the day of the event. Contact Kris Callender, callenderfamily@verizon.net if you would like to volunteer.