Thursday, October 23, 2014
Rep. Joe Pitts: Take a stand on the pipeline proposed for Lancaster County
Why is this man laughing?
Because he knows the joke is on you!
By not answering the question, he has answered the question.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Columbia EDC targets vacant hotels for revitalization
The Columbia EDC has bought the Hotel Locust and Hotel Columbia sites for $150,000. The nonprofit wants to find a developer who'll bring new life to the adjoining structures.
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/columbia-edc-targets-vacant-hotels-for-revitalization/article_cfa46b8a-5951-11e4-b16d-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Columbia Borough Council Meeting - 10-13-14
The Columbia Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on October 13, 2014, at Borough Hall, 308 Locust Street. Highlights of the meeting are as follows:
Mayor Lutz
Mayor Leo Lutz asked Police Chief Jack Brommer to introduce newly hired police officer Amy Kuhrmann. Kuhrmann was raised in Maryland and attended Alvernia College.
[A decision was made previously not to apply for the grant for a school resource officer, due to required funding after grant money runs out.] Lutz spoke of the need for a school resource officer. He cited incidents in local schools involving fighting and assault. He said he had attended a football game two weeks previous, in which several skateboarders were disruptive. He said a school resource officer could help address such issues. Lutz praised School District Superintendent Carol Powell, saying she is the right choice for the job. He cited her words, "There's a new sheriff in town," but added that every sheriff needs a deputy [in terms of a resource officer].
Chief Brommer said, "Adding a school resource officer would not only assist the department, but it would most certainly assist the school with controlling many issues that occur there."
The grant for the resource officer would have been for one year, with the potential to renew itself without reapplication; in essence, it could be a two-year grant. The grant would cover salary and benefits up to $60,000. After grant funds run out, the program must be continued for three to four years. Continued funding beyond the grant was the deciding factor in not pursuing the program.
Lutz said local organizations had raised $13,000 to replace a section of fence on the Park School playground that the school said it could not afford to replace. He cited this example to show that the borough has been helping the district and that they could meet the borough halfway on the resource officer issue.
Lutz referred to an issue raised by Ron "Ollie" Fritz at one of the previous meetings regarding school funding. [The link is HERE. Go to "Citizen Comments (Non-Agenda Items Only)."] Lutz said he has been working with State Senator Mike Brubaker, State Rep. Dave Hickernell, and others on the issue. He said it is a state issue, not just a Columbia Borough issue.
"If this is the way things are going to be, it's almost time to take the keys up to Harrisburg, to the department of education, hand them over, and say, 'Here, you do it. We can't do it no more,' and maybe that'll start something and get something moving," Lutz said.
Changing topics, Lutz said that a group of Lancaster County mayors, of which he is a member, have been meeting for about a year, regarding the heroin issue. "It's at epidemic proportions," he said. Lutz said the mayors have created a heroin task force and have started enlisting partners such as Lancaster General Hospital and others. He said the effort would entail an enforcement side as well as a prevention/educational side to educate parents and children. He said ages 18-40 have been the hardest hit by the epidemic.
Committee on Public Property
Information about the discussion of a purchase of a fire police vehicle can be found HERE.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Council raised the question of alternative uses for the wastewater treatment plant in anticipation of the LASA sale. Borough Manager Sam Sulkosky mentioned the possibility of using the plant as a hauled waste facility. He also said various callers had expressed interest in purchasing the plant. Sulkosky suggested undertaking feasibility studies on what the potential alternative uses of the plant could be. He said the asset is worth a few million dollars to the borough. Council voted to investigate alternative uses for the plant.
Committee on Public Safety
Council approved using $3,668 from the fire department radio fund to upgrade the borough's Knox Box system to make it compatible with the new radio system.
Information on consolidation issues discussed at the meeting can be found HERE.
Committee on Highway
Councillor Jim Smith said Ron Miller will present a 5-, 10-, and 20-year road plan at November's Committee of the Whole meeting.
Mayor Lutz
Mayor Leo Lutz asked Police Chief Jack Brommer to introduce newly hired police officer Amy Kuhrmann. Kuhrmann was raised in Maryland and attended Alvernia College.
[A decision was made previously not to apply for the grant for a school resource officer, due to required funding after grant money runs out.] Lutz spoke of the need for a school resource officer. He cited incidents in local schools involving fighting and assault. He said he had attended a football game two weeks previous, in which several skateboarders were disruptive. He said a school resource officer could help address such issues. Lutz praised School District Superintendent Carol Powell, saying she is the right choice for the job. He cited her words, "There's a new sheriff in town," but added that every sheriff needs a deputy [in terms of a resource officer].
Chief Brommer said, "Adding a school resource officer would not only assist the department, but it would most certainly assist the school with controlling many issues that occur there."
The grant for the resource officer would have been for one year, with the potential to renew itself without reapplication; in essence, it could be a two-year grant. The grant would cover salary and benefits up to $60,000. After grant funds run out, the program must be continued for three to four years. Continued funding beyond the grant was the deciding factor in not pursuing the program.
Lutz said local organizations had raised $13,000 to replace a section of fence on the Park School playground that the school said it could not afford to replace. He cited this example to show that the borough has been helping the district and that they could meet the borough halfway on the resource officer issue.
Lutz referred to an issue raised by Ron "Ollie" Fritz at one of the previous meetings regarding school funding. [The link is HERE. Go to "Citizen Comments (Non-Agenda Items Only)."] Lutz said he has been working with State Senator Mike Brubaker, State Rep. Dave Hickernell, and others on the issue. He said it is a state issue, not just a Columbia Borough issue.
"If this is the way things are going to be, it's almost time to take the keys up to Harrisburg, to the department of education, hand them over, and say, 'Here, you do it. We can't do it no more,' and maybe that'll start something and get something moving," Lutz said.
Changing topics, Lutz said that a group of Lancaster County mayors, of which he is a member, have been meeting for about a year, regarding the heroin issue. "It's at epidemic proportions," he said. Lutz said the mayors have created a heroin task force and have started enlisting partners such as Lancaster General Hospital and others. He said the effort would entail an enforcement side as well as a prevention/educational side to educate parents and children. He said ages 18-40 have been the hardest hit by the epidemic.
Committee on Public Property
Information about the discussion of a purchase of a fire police vehicle can be found HERE.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Council raised the question of alternative uses for the wastewater treatment plant in anticipation of the LASA sale. Borough Manager Sam Sulkosky mentioned the possibility of using the plant as a hauled waste facility. He also said various callers had expressed interest in purchasing the plant. Sulkosky suggested undertaking feasibility studies on what the potential alternative uses of the plant could be. He said the asset is worth a few million dollars to the borough. Council voted to investigate alternative uses for the plant.
Committee on Public Safety
Council approved using $3,668 from the fire department radio fund to upgrade the borough's Knox Box system to make it compatible with the new radio system.
Information on consolidation issues discussed at the meeting can be found HERE.
Committee on Highway
Councillor Jim Smith said Ron Miller will present a 5-, 10-, and 20-year road plan at November's Committee of the Whole meeting.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Something positive at the park
A prayer walk for Columbia Schools concluded with a cleanup of Locust Street Park on Sunday afternoon. Organizer Brenda Petroski of Vision Columbia and about two dozen volunteers walked from the gazebo to Columbia's various schools and back again, offering prayers for unity and an end to bullying, among other issues.
Vision Columbia Pastor Clair Good talks to Brenda Petroski at Locust Street Park
Volunteers helping with cleanup . . .
Renovation at 855 Chestnut
On Sunday morning, workers were renovating 855 Chestnut Street, site of the former Long's Funeral Home. The building has structural damage and has been vacant for years.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Council to CCFD: Get on board or get shut down
At last Monday's meeting, Columbia Borough Council voted to shut down Columbia Consolidated Fire Company (CCFD) if it does not get on board with the current consolidation process in the borough. CCFD leadership has until the close of the monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 21 to comply or be decertified by Fire Chief Scott Ryno.
Susquehanna No. 4 Treasurer Henry Reese told council that Susquehanna and Columbia No. 1 have each put up $2,000 for legal fees and signed off on the agreement. CCFD has also put up $2,000 but has thus far not signed off. "We have no idea what their intent is," he said. Currently, the plan of merger cannot be initiated, because not all three departments are supporting the process, Reese added. He asked council to facilitate a deadline to get the process underway. "We want them to be part of it. We need them. We want them in the process."
Councillor Mary Barninger said she had spoken to Steve Henry, Jr., chairman of the board of the newly formed organizational structure at CCFD, who told her that the merger document the other two companies have signed is in the hands of their attorney.
Ryno said CCFD is struggling to get fire trucks out the door due to dwindling membership.
"We're in a potential serious situation," he said, adding that fire calls with no water could occur. "It's getting worse by the day. It very much concerns me," he said.
Ryno explained that Columbia has three zones, giving each station a primary responsibility. "I strongly feel for the protection of the community I've got to ASAP redo some things on the box alarms and put additional resources into their [CCFD's] zone. I'm not going to take them off of their calls, but they're going to get additional help coming to their calls to ensure the protection of the community."
Susquehanna No. 4 Treasurer Henry Reese told council that Susquehanna and Columbia No. 1 have each put up $2,000 for legal fees and signed off on the agreement. CCFD has also put up $2,000 but has thus far not signed off. "We have no idea what their intent is," he said. Currently, the plan of merger cannot be initiated, because not all three departments are supporting the process, Reese added. He asked council to facilitate a deadline to get the process underway. "We want them to be part of it. We need them. We want them in the process."
Councillor Mary Barninger said she had spoken to Steve Henry, Jr., chairman of the board of the newly formed organizational structure at CCFD, who told her that the merger document the other two companies have signed is in the hands of their attorney.
Ryno said CCFD is struggling to get fire trucks out the door due to dwindling membership.
"We're in a potential serious situation," he said, adding that fire calls with no water could occur. "It's getting worse by the day. It very much concerns me," he said.
Ryno explained that Columbia has three zones, giving each station a primary responsibility. "I strongly feel for the protection of the community I've got to ASAP redo some things on the box alarms and put additional resources into their [CCFD's] zone. I'm not going to take them off of their calls, but they're going to get additional help coming to their calls to ensure the protection of the community."
Friday, October 17, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Judge approves petition for Highspire to switch school districts
Why doesn't Columbia do this?
A judge in Harrisburg has approved a petition signed by more than half of Highspire residents who want to switch school districts. "We got over 55 percent of the taxpayers to sign a petition requesting that this matter go to the Department of Education, and that they review it based on educational merit," said the Highspire Education Coalition's lawyer David Deluce.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Fire Police to get "new" truck
The 1998 Ford F-450 from York Area United Fire Police
Columbia Borough Fire Police will have a "new" truck to provide service to the borough. The truck, actually a "pre-owned," will be purchased from York Area United Fire Police Station 89 for $13,000. After a brief recess to inspect the vehicle, Columbia Borough Council voted last night to loan the Fire Police $8,000 to enable completion of the sale. The vehicle is a 1998 Ford F-450. Small modifications, such as lettering, will need to be made. Fire Police Captain Mike Rhodes intends to transfer anything usable from the old vehicle before putting it up for sale.
Borough Council members inspect the truck.
What I Saw - October 14, 2014
Red-tail on Barber Street
Raindrops on Second Street
Workers at Columbia Plaza
LEGAL NOTICE: 631 South 13th Street
The sign pictured above was seen on the front lawn of 631 South 13th Street today.
The main text of the letter reads as follows:
LEGAL NOTICE The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Columbia will meet on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at 7:00 P.M., in the Municipal Building at 308 Locust Street, Columbia, PA, to consider the following application(s) and/or appeal(s): Vincent Fiorella is requesting special exception(s) and/or variance(s) to construct an accessory building at 631 South Thirteenth Street in a Low Density Residential (LDR) zoned district. Robert Basler is requesting special exception(s) and/or variance(s) to subdivide a developed residential property at 25-27 South Second Street in a High Density Residential (HDR) zoned district. Radiovision Christiana Management is requesting a modification of a previous Zoning Board decision as well as special exception(s) and/or variance(s) to improve property by construction of higher communications towers/ dish(es), equipment, fencing, and accessory storage/maintenance/support structures at 173 Deascenti Drive in a Light Industrial (LI) zoned district. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend this meeting and require an accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Columbia Borough Office at 684-2467 to discuss how the Borough may accommodate your needs. Jeffrey Helm, Zoning Officer
Monday, October 13, 2014
Meeting of the Whole 9-22-14
The regular monthly meeting of the Columbia Borough Council Committee of the Whole was held Monday, September 22, at 6 p.m. at Borough Hall, 308 Locust Street.
Highlights of the meeting are as follows:
Near the beginning of the meeting, there was a discussion by citizens and councillor about the property at 631 South 13th Street. Details can be found HERE.
UPDATE: The property owner has applied for a variance, and the issue will now go before the Zoning Hearing Board on October 29 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.
Highway:
Public Works Director Ron Miller said there will be additional costs for the Northwest River Trail Services Building at Columbia River Park for heating and electricity and that the amount is currently unknown. Councillor Jim Smith asked if there had been any outreach to other members of the Northwest Trail to share costs. Borough Manager Sam Sulkosky said that it is the borough's building. Finance Manager Georgiana Schreck said the building could be rented out for functions that would generate income. Sulkosky said there is interest in the building and until it is rented out, it's hard to project what that revenue will be. Smith said the building is available for all communities to use.
Miller said one way to generate revenue for the borough would be to sell compost from the borough farm, which would be fairly lucrative. "The farm has the potential to make money," he said.
Miller suggested trading in the current JLG lift for a bucket truck. He said the JLG (which he calls the "creepy crawler") is "like new" but is too slow. He also said Columbia Borough maintains the bridge exclusively (including the maintenance of lights) but is reimbursed by PennDOT. He added that there are over 1000 lights in the borough and a bucket truck could manage the whole borough.
Resident Mary Wickenheiser asked if it would be possible to get a person for landscaping. She said the borough can't rely on volunteers, because the numbers are dwindling. Miller said the borough could get people trained, but the problem is resources. Smith mentioned that it was originally said that we have the volunteers to handle this but that everyone knew the volunteers would dwindle. "We have to be careful what we take on," he said.
The highway department also reported that it paved 10 blocks this year, probably the most it has done in that amount of time. A milling machine from outside saved two weeks. Miller said paving takes a day, but preparation (milling, etc.) takes a long time. Miller said the two blocks of Manor Street that were paved recently took 12-1/2 hours as compared to the two weeks it would have taken the borough with its own milling machine. He added that an outside milling machine costs 13 cents per square foot, as compared to the $1.30 per square foot it would cost the borough to do the same work.
Police:
Details about the discussion on the police budget can be found HERE.
During the discussion, Councillor Smith said 8 mills generates 2-1/2 million dollars. "We're asking to spend $300,000 over the eight mills for public safety, he said.
Mayor Leo Lutz replied, "Public safety is the reason you have a municipal government."
He added, "The safety of the people who live here is the number one reason for existing here."
Smith said his deepest concern is for the taxpayers and that he knows some of the people who have lost their homes. Lutz said the safety of the people who live in the community is the number one priority and that you must improve the value of your community by bringing in business and increasing the value of housing. "The bottom line is you must increase the value of your community," he said.
Codes:
Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Helm reported that the Codes Department has new computer software for the tablets in the field but that there may be a lag due to a learning curve and testing in the field, revisions. etc. He said some municipalities take a year or more to get up and running. He said new EMA radios will enhance the ability to do field communications. A base station will be located at the Hambones. The goal is to mimic emergency response to a situation in the field. He said there is an emergency button on top of each of the two portable radios that opens communication with 911 when pressed for two seconds.
Highlights of the meeting are as follows:
Near the beginning of the meeting, there was a discussion by citizens and councillor about the property at 631 South 13th Street. Details can be found HERE.
UPDATE: The property owner has applied for a variance, and the issue will now go before the Zoning Hearing Board on October 29 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.
Highway:
Public Works Director Ron Miller said there will be additional costs for the Northwest River Trail Services Building at Columbia River Park for heating and electricity and that the amount is currently unknown. Councillor Jim Smith asked if there had been any outreach to other members of the Northwest Trail to share costs. Borough Manager Sam Sulkosky said that it is the borough's building. Finance Manager Georgiana Schreck said the building could be rented out for functions that would generate income. Sulkosky said there is interest in the building and until it is rented out, it's hard to project what that revenue will be. Smith said the building is available for all communities to use.
Miller said one way to generate revenue for the borough would be to sell compost from the borough farm, which would be fairly lucrative. "The farm has the potential to make money," he said.
Miller suggested trading in the current JLG lift for a bucket truck. He said the JLG (which he calls the "creepy crawler") is "like new" but is too slow. He also said Columbia Borough maintains the bridge exclusively (including the maintenance of lights) but is reimbursed by PennDOT. He added that there are over 1000 lights in the borough and a bucket truck could manage the whole borough.
Resident Mary Wickenheiser asked if it would be possible to get a person for landscaping. She said the borough can't rely on volunteers, because the numbers are dwindling. Miller said the borough could get people trained, but the problem is resources. Smith mentioned that it was originally said that we have the volunteers to handle this but that everyone knew the volunteers would dwindle. "We have to be careful what we take on," he said.
The highway department also reported that it paved 10 blocks this year, probably the most it has done in that amount of time. A milling machine from outside saved two weeks. Miller said paving takes a day, but preparation (milling, etc.) takes a long time. Miller said the two blocks of Manor Street that were paved recently took 12-1/2 hours as compared to the two weeks it would have taken the borough with its own milling machine. He added that an outside milling machine costs 13 cents per square foot, as compared to the $1.30 per square foot it would cost the borough to do the same work.
Police:
Details about the discussion on the police budget can be found HERE.
During the discussion, Councillor Smith said 8 mills generates 2-1/2 million dollars. "We're asking to spend $300,000 over the eight mills for public safety, he said.
Mayor Leo Lutz replied, "Public safety is the reason you have a municipal government."
He added, "The safety of the people who live here is the number one reason for existing here."
Smith said his deepest concern is for the taxpayers and that he knows some of the people who have lost their homes. Lutz said the safety of the people who live in the community is the number one priority and that you must improve the value of your community by bringing in business and increasing the value of housing. "The bottom line is you must increase the value of your community," he said.
Codes:
Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Helm reported that the Codes Department has new computer software for the tablets in the field but that there may be a lag due to a learning curve and testing in the field, revisions. etc. He said some municipalities take a year or more to get up and running. He said new EMA radios will enhance the ability to do field communications. A base station will be located at the Hambones. The goal is to mimic emergency response to a situation in the field. He said there is an emergency button on top of each of the two portable radios that opens communication with 911 when pressed for two seconds.
Police: Thief steals winning lottery ticket, caught on camera cashing it
Township police ask anyone who can identify him to call Cpl. Miles Bixler or Cpl. Douglas Ober at 1-717-285-5191.
Tipsters also may call Lancaster City/County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913 or anonymously text LANCS plus your message to 847411 (TIP411).
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