Columbia Borough Council considers business sign ordinance and fire department funding ask

 

Columbia Borough Council addressed two main issues during its July 8 workshop meeting: an ordinance allowing business ads on the Northwest River Trail fence and a substantial funding request from the fire department.

Business sign ordinance 
Borough Manager Steven Kaufhold said that Columbia is considering an ordinance allowing local businesses to display 2-by-3 foot signs on the Northwest River Trail fence. 

The issue first arose at the June 10, 2025 borough council meeting when Mike Knaub of Starview Brews asked about the possibility of signage on the fence. Knaub appeared again at the June 24 meeting to ask to hang a sign. Council denied permission due to questions about the current ordinance. However, Knaub went ahead and hung the sign over the July 4th weekend, because, as he said at Tuesday’s meeting, he had been given permission from "an individual." Councilman Kelly Murphy admitted he had given Knaub permission.

In response, resident Sharon Lintner said, "I don't really have a problem with the whole thing of the signage or anything, but I do have a problem with an individual councilor being able to give permission to a resident to do something."

Murphy replied that his decision was based on what was discussed at the previous meeting. "I made a mistake," Murphy said but quickly changed his mind. "I didn't make a mistake. That's how I interpreted what was said."

Knaub said he noticed an uptick in business over that weekend. He said six people came in on Friday and Saturday who said they hadn't known his business was there. "So, that's the reason I hung the sign," Knaub told council. The borough removed the sign before Tuesday's meeting. 

Such signage faces regulatory hurdles, as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires permits for off-premise advertising, particularly near highways or in scenic and residential areas. Business owners must first receive borough approval before applying for PennDOT permits. Signs under 300 square feet require a $10 fee and must be spaced at least 100 feet apart.

Councilman Peter Stahl noted that applicants must get borough approval before pursuing state permits. The borough plans to enact an ordinance before businesses can begin hanging advertisements along the trail.

Mayor Leo Lutz offered a solution: "Close your eyes. Close your eyes. Set the signs up and let PennDOT deal with it. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

Fire department seeks funding increase
In a significant financial request, Columbia Borough Fire Department President Jared Barninger asked council to increase the borough's annual donation from $111,000 to $300,000 starting in 2026 – an increase that would bring the public safety budget from $256,000 to $445,000.

Barninger cited rising equipment costs as the primary driver, particularly the need for a new ladder truck costing up to $2.2 million. The ladder truck is on a four-year hold and if payments begin early, the department could save $300,000, Barninger said.

The department operates on a $600,000 break-even budget with $1.3 million in liquid cash reserves. Additional funds may come from a capital campaign–or new taxes. Barninger noted the borough hasn't increased its fire department donation in approximately 10 years. The fire department has 60 volunteers and depends heavily on borough donations for equipment, training, and maintenance.

"We want to help and I don't think what you are asking for is unreasonable," responded Council Vice President Eric Kauffman.

Council President Heather Zink said more information about the funding will be available in late October or November.

Additional council business
Mayor Lutz reported successful July 4th weekend activities, noting that River Park's parking lot was full. He suggested improved signage to direct visitors to alternate parking areas during community events.

Council also reviewed several ordinances, including regulations for food trucks and rental property management. 

Police Chief Jack Brommer mentioned a recent case in which a landlord did not complete eviction paperwork for a tenant with three disruptive conduct incidents. He said that because of the landlord’s failure, the three disruptive conduct incidents were dismissed, and the borough had no recourse.

The borough received 64 applications for its new Senior Parking Permit program. Councilwoman Barbara Fisher announced that a temporary part-time administrative assistant began work this week.

The Lancaster Water Company's request to install a new 42-inch main will require a council vote at the July 15 meeting.