Columbia Borough Council Meeting, September 8, 2014

The Columbia Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on September 8, 2014, at Borough Hall, 308 Locust Street.  Highlights of the meeting are as follows:

Citizen Comments (Agenda Items Only)

Former Councillor Mary Wickenheiser stated that council is being "short-sighted" with regard to road improvements. She reminded them that they are facing budget issues and that monies from Verizon and other sources should not be used for roads.  She told council that you will never satisfy everyone with regard to streets, adding that the streets are much better than they were 13 years ago. She said the highway department is doing a great job.

Duval Dollar of TJ's, a Market House stand announced that TJ's will be closing on November 1, 2014.  

Mayor Lutz

Mayor Leo Lutz discussed substance abuse, and issued a proclamation (Proclamation No. 14-09) naming September as National Recovery Month in the Borough of Columbia.  

He also said he had attended the dedication of a drill field at Indiantown Gap on Saturday, September 6. The field was named “Strickler Field,” in honor of Lt. Gen. D. Strickler of Columbia. He added that Columbia has had five generals. 

Lutz also mentioned the demolition that began at 255 North Third Street on Saturday, the 6^th. He said the crew got two rooms “done.” He said the success of the project will ultimately depend on businesses and volunteer labor.

Committee on Public Property

Request for St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church to host their Annual Church Service and Picnic at Makle Park for a picnic on September 14, 2014.  Councillor Barry Ford cited the "policy" regarding time frame for requests and the fact that it was already September 8 but said that he doesn't want to “mess with God!”  Another councillor stated that the requestor routinely makes the request every year (implying it should be approved).

Council said they should make all parties responsible for trash removal at events, which Lutz said is different from “cleaning up,” which groups are already required to do.

“We're providing the space; they should provide the clean-up,” he said.

The motion was approved.

Ironville Pike Construction

According to Councillor Jim Smith, Public Works Director Ron Miller said the project will be 90% done before winter. He added that Miller is handling questions in regard to the project and that residents should feel free to call him.

Committee on Highway

Smith put forth a motion to council to consider establishing a capital account for road improvements funded by revenue generated from the Verizon cell tower at 1020 Blunston Street, and SRMC LCSWMA contract, commencing immediately for a ten-year period. The motion was seconded by Ford.

Sulkosky stated the administration of the borough advises against this, that it is not necessary, and he will vote against it, but suggested they could revisit the issue next year.  He said that the money cannot be spent on routine expenses (ie: filling potholes and general maintenance).  He said the money should be spent on capital items only. He also said it is not an opportune time to do this, in a time of transition, “with the uncertainty we have budget-wise.” He said the first priority should be a balanced budget. Smith replied that they have a clarification from their accountant that an account can be set up for capital items.

Smith said the money is a windfall and one should not depend on a windfall to pay bills. Smith said that the roads and streets are the borough's best investment. He said that businesses looking to invest in the borough will look at infrastructure. He asked why businesses should invest if the borough does not invest.

“We kicked the can down the road long enough,” he said. He also said that a “day of reckoning” will come when federal monies in the form of block grants will no longer be available to fix roads.

Citizen Comments (Non-Agenda Items Only)

Ron “Ollie” Fritz stated he is concerned about the borough raising taxes, which are already at 8 mills.

He told council how he took petitions around last summer that questioned why state funding isn't coming into the borough. He said residents were eager to sign.

Sam Sulkosky interjected that property assessments are relatively stable.

“Is there anybody doing anything on leading this town in the right direction?” he asked.

Fritz stated that the secretary of education in Harrisburg could make Hempfield take Columbia.  He said the process is not difficult. 

Fritz said the borough needs to take the lead on the issue and follow the direction of Highspire in regard to Middletown.  Former Councillor Renee Sears countered that Highspire merged with another district and was not satisfied and is now trying Middletown.  She said their school buildings are empty.  Sears stated that she helped put apartments in one of the old school buildings.  Fritz said the process is that 50% of the citizens must support such a move, after which a judge moves it forward to the secretary of education. 

In regard to consolidation, Councillor Ford asked Fritz, “What makes you think WE want that?”

Frank Doutrich informed council that a "free" parking space (with no meter) at Hickernell's office is improperly marked. The sign is behind the space, he said, not in front of it where it should be.

He then asked council if a fire company in the borough is being investigated.  Council stated they knew nothing about this and could not elaborate even if they did, because it would be a police matter.

Solicitor

Club Good Times:  Both parties waived oral arguments; therefore, a judge will render a decision based on written briefs from both sides.  Borough Solicitor Robert Pfannebecker stated that he (Pfannebecker) doesn't usually comment on such issues but believes the zoning will be upheld.