COLUMBIA SPY

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Fall Open House this coming Saturday

Columbia Borough School District wants a business manager

I predict people will be running away from this opening:
http://jobs.lancasteronline.com /mobile/jobpage.htm ?AffId =2555&DirectApply =11974094

More on the Locust Street Park lease

Columbia Borough Council tabled a resolution empowering police to enforce park rules at Locust Street Park, until its November 10 meeting, due to insurance issues. At its October 27 Meeting of the Whole, council considered Resolution 14-18, a lease agreement with the Old Columbia Public Grounds Company (OCPGC) to give the borough jurisdiction over the park. Park maintenance would continue to be handled by OCPGC. Currently, police cannot legally enforce park rules unless requested by OCPGC but can enforce laws in the Crimes Code.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the resolution, but a spontaneous discussion erupted before the measure could be voted on. Councillor Jim Smith asked why police cited people for offenses there in the past, since the park has always been private property. Borough Manager Sam Sulkosky explained, "Since it's private property, our police are limited on what they can enforce and what they can't enforce."
Smith replied, "They always enforced it."
Mayor Leo Lutz said, "The laws have changed. If it's private property, we cannot cite people," but added, "We can enforce curfew."
"If a person who owns a property observes an illegal activity they can call the police and have them cited," Lutz said.

Lutz also said OCPGC is currently struggling, and if it disbands, ownership of the park will be transferred to the borough, which will then be responsible for maintenance, in addition to enforcement. "It reverts to the borough, same as any cemetery," Lutz said.

Liability insurance is required under the lease, similar to the agreement the borough has with Columbia River Park. Councillors questioned the need for the borough to carry insurance, since the park is already covered under the OCPGC's policy. Mary Wickenheiser, a member of the borough planning commission, cited the difference between the borough's relationship with Columbia River Park and the proposed agreement for Locust Street Park. "The lease of that River Park and the lease of this park are two totally different situations. The lease on the River Park was for the borough to use that property, for the borough to basically have control of that property," she said.

After a brief discussion, council voted to table the lease until its next meeting so that insurance issues could be investigated

Was it vandalism?

Seen today . . .

One of the recently planted arborvitae trees at the Visitors Center at Columbia River Park has been pulled out of the soil, revealing the root ball.

The refractor lens on one of the new bridge lights is broken.
Note the chipped paint and indentations on the top rim.

This is the opposite side of the same light.

It's located on the Columbia side, above the sidewalk.

Tree Society holds membership drive

Standing, L-R: Bill Kloidt, Tom Mimnall, Amy Evans, Mark Zeamer, Ron Fritz
Seated: Claire Storm

The Columbia Tree Society has begun its annual membership drive for 2015. The society is the fundraising auxiliary for the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission. Membership dues enable the shade tree commission to purchase and maintain street trees in the borough.

Over the last 20 years, the Shade Tree Commission planted approximately 770 trees in the community, as well as maintaining street trees, and has received the National Arbor Day Foundation's "TREE CITY USA" designation for 22 consecutive years.

The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission strives to encourage street tree plantings as well as yards, parks, and public places, since trees retain large volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing and cleansing runoff. They also increase property values, reduce air pollution, calm traffic, and lower noise levels. Manageable stormwater runoff results from abundant trees, multi-use catch basins and rain gardens, reduced impervious surfaces, and increased ground vegetation. The benefits are lower costs and a more livable, sustainable environment.

Shaded homes and tree-filled yards make urban life more pleasant and provide practical benefits such as lower heating and air conditioning costs, and increased resale values. The tree canopy is also a major contributor to stormwater runoff reduction.

Dr. Claire F. Storm has been selected by the Shade Tree Commission to be the honorary chairperson for this year's membership drive.

Dr. Storm received her doctorate of education in 1992 from Temple University. She received her Masters of Education in 1976 and her Bachelor of Science in 1972, both from Millersville University. She is a 1957 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. She has been in public education for 29 years and retired in 2001 from the Manheim Central School District as an elementary school principal.

She is past president of Rivertownes PA USA and is a member of the Columbia River Park focus group, Columbia Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee, and the Mount Bethel Cemetery Board of Directors. She volunteers at the Susquehanna Valley Visitors Center and is active in her church.

She is married to her husband Albert for 56 years, and they have five children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Please consider making a contribution to the Columbia Tree Society. Membership categories are as follows:
Student - $2
Individual - $10
Family - $20
Business - $50
Life - $100

Memorial certificates for deceased loved ones can be purchased for $50 and will be presented at the annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Locust Street Park. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors at the Columbia Borough Municipal Building at 308 Locust Street.

Please make checks payable and mailed to:
Columbia Tree Society, PO Box 509, Columbia PA, 17512

A copy of the Shade Tree's annual report to council can be requested by writing to the same address above. Members of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission are: Bill Kloidt, chairman; Tom Mimnall, secretary; Mark Zeamer, treasurer; Ron Fritz,and Amy Evans.

The Commission partners with the Columbia Park Rangers throughout the year in maintaining street trees and park trees. If interested in participating, please attend the Shade Tree Commission meeting held the second Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Borough Municipal Building.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Did we have the first snow of the season Monday in parts of Lancaster County?

Yesterday afternoon, Joe Calhoun said none of the precipitation in the atmosphere would hit the ground. About half an hour later, the precipitation was hitting the ground.
MORE INFO:
http://m.lancasteronline.com /news/local/did-we-have-the-first-snow-of-the-season-monday /article_109b896e-6426-11e4-8861-0017a43b2370.html ?mode=jqm

Enforce law in Locust Street Park

This letter appeared in today's LNP.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Slowdowns will continue this week on westbound lanes of Route 30 near Columbia

GO HERE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com /news/local/slowdowns-will-continue-this-week-on-westbound-lanes-of-route/article_0a179f16-6367-11e4-a32e-0017a43b2370.html ?mode=jqm

At NAWCC, falling back an hour takes all weekend

Imagine if you had a whole museum full of clocks to turn back. Noel Poirier does. He's the director of the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
MORE:
http://m.news.stlpublicradio.org /?utm_referrer =#mobile/40752

Sunday, November 2, 2014

What I saw recently

At CCFD

For Lease at 15th Street & 462

How not to trim a tree
(1500 block of Manor)

Bridge-to-be at Columbia Plaza

The stores at Columbia Plaza continue to enjoy a facelift in a project undertaken by Paul Risk Associates, Inc. The finished structure will resemble the Veterans Memorial Bridge and will enclose the storefronts, providing an updated look and better protection from the weather for shoppers.

A rendering of how the completed structure will look.

The following photos were taken this afternoon and show the progress of the project.

Residents await zoning decision on 13th Street property

Residents who crowded last Wednesday's Zoning Hearing Board meeting will have to wait a little longer for a decision on a partially constructed building they are contesting. The structure, a large pole building/garage at 631 South 13th Street, has raised the ire of neighbors due to its size and appearance, which some say is out of character for the low-density, residential neighborhood and does not meet zoning requirements. The property was recently purchased by Vincent Fiorella, a resident of Manor Township. The board will announce its decision on December 3, having postponed its scheduled November 26 meeting due to the Thanksgiving holiday. At the request of Fiorella's counsel, the board allowed extra time for attorneys to submit briefs, and set a deadline of November 12.

Fiorella told the zoning board he had originally been looking for a residential property with the specific requirement of abundant garage space or enough area to build a garage with sufficient space. Fiorella testified that realtor Jeff Seibert identified the 13th Street property as suitable for his intended purpose of constructing a large pole building for storing and working on personal vehicles, including washing cars. (He also told the board that friends might be on the property, doing oil changes on their vehicles.) According to Fiorella, Seibert then phoned Zoning and Planning Officer Jeffrey Helm, who subsequently deemed the planned structure to be compliant with borough ordinances. Based on Helm's assertion, Fiorella contracted to buy the property, taking possession in June or July of this year. [Records obtained online show a date of May 16, 2014.] Fiorella testified that he also planned to rehab the residential portion of the property - a small, one-unit dwelling - for possible use by his father and brother.

Fiorella said he then contracted with Extreme Pole Buildings to build the structure, contingent on receiving a building permit, which was subsequently issued. He said he believed he was "absolutely 100%" in full compliance with the borough's requirements, having submitted plans to the borough and after receiving a report indicating he could proceed to build.

According to Fiorella, he learned in mid-September - when the building was 85% complete - that the permit was about to be revoked. He said Helm then informed him by phone that the permit had been revoked, because he [Helm] had made a mistake, and the structure was not in compliance. Fiorella said he subsequently received a letter of September 25, ordering him to stop work. He then received another letter, dated September 26, informing him that the permit was being revoked, because the structure exceeded the 1,000-square-foot limit imposed by borough ordinance.

Fiorella told the board he owes the contractor $27,500 for the structural part of the building and had already paid $21,000 when building materials were delivered. Currently, the planned concrete floor has not been installed. According to Fiorella, he had torn down an existing 20' x 24' brick garage with an estimated value of $10,000 to allow construction of the new 72' x 40' building. He said he also owes thousands of dollars for equipment rentals. He stated that all these costs are unrecoverable. Fiorella said the contractor informed him it would cost an additional $12,000 to convert the existing building to meet the borough's 1,000-square-foot limit. Fiorella stated that downsizing would prevent him from proceeding with his intended purpose.

Fiorella's attorney, Mark Roberts, said his client is appealing revocation of the the permit, and is not requesting a variance, as previously applied for by Fiorella on Helm's recommendation.

Several residents stated their objections to the structure. Tom Lindenberger, who lives next to Fiorella's property, testified that the house on the property is about 1,400 square feet, and the garage is double that. He said there is nothing similar to the large structure in the neighborhood. He said glare from the structure prevents him from opening his blinds when the sun is overhead.

Jill Nagy, Lindenberger's attorney, said Fiorella's zoning application does not include notice of friends working on cars and doing oil changes. She said the documentation submitted was a schematic only. Nagy cited a disclaimer on the zoning application stating that any work affecting existing ordinances must be in compliance with those ordinances, major work is subject to inspection, and new structures require a certificate of occupancy upon completion. Further, any misrepresentation of the proposed work is cause for withdrawal of the permit, and work done beyond the scope of the permit is cause for a civil action. She explained that the disclaimer describes circumstances when a withdrawal of the permit can occur and cited Fiorella's testimony that third parties may be on the property.

Resident Mark Eisenberger testified that the zoning is low-density residential. He cited the need to counterbalance with the potential effect on all the residents there. He also said that within the zoning ordinance are stipulations that the zoning board is supposed to be protecting the integrity of the neighborhood, and that the building is going to detract from the neighborhood and property values. "People are here because they love Columbia," he said. "We don't need more reasons to push them out."

Zoning and Planning Officer Jeffrey Helm and Borough Manager Samuel Sulkosky represented the borough but did not choose to actively participate. All parties have the right to file an appeal to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas after the board announces its decision.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Just seen at Mount Bethel

The spirits are early tonight.

The Columbia Taxpayer

Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Deer jumps through Columbia restaurant window

A deer jumped through the window on the right to enter a Subway restaurant in Columbia and damaged the other window when it tried to jump back out Wednesday morning.
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com /news/local/deer-jumps-through-columbia -restaurant-window/article_6b9b1de6-5f82-11e4-822c-001a4bcf6878.html ?mode=jqm

Zoning Hearing Board Meeting 10-29-14

The Columbia Borough Zoning Hearing Board heard arguments regarding a partially constructed pole barn/garage at 631 South 13th Street. The Board set a deadline of November 12th for submission of briefs. A decision will be announced at its next meeting on December 3rd.

[Further details will be posted on this site in the near future.]

Just say no to Dave

This letter appeared in the October 29 issue of LNP.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Hearing on 13th St property Wednesday October 29

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

Kudos to a Columbia artist

This letter appeared in the October 28 edition of LNP.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Agenda - Meeting of the Whole 10-27-14

Council tables park resolution

At tonight's Meeting of the Whole, Columbia Borough Council tabled a resolution empowering police to enforce park rules at Locust Street Park, until its November 10 meeting, due to insurance issues.
Details will follow.

Columbia School Board thanks, praises retiring business manager

Laura Cowburn, Columbia School District's assistant to the superintendent for business services, has served 17 years, managing finances for a district facing more financial challenges than most.

On Oct. 16, officials accepted with regret Cowburn's notice of retirement, effective May 1, 2015.

MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/columbia-school-board-thanks-praises-retiring-business-manager/article_e55fa8a6-5e09-11e4-882c-0017a43b2370.html?mode=jqm

Sunday, October 26, 2014

What's next for CCFD?

Questions on the bridge?

An article appears in this morning's LancasterOnline about a Columbia resident disturbed by chalk marks on the asphalt on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. According to the article, the resident said the marks (left over from the recent Bridge Bust) make the structure look like “a graffiti-covered bridge in Philly.” Today, this reporter took the following shots of the chalk marks. You be the judge of the accuracy of the resident's statements.

On the other hand, the underside of the bridge, near Rotary Park, displays a copious amount of graffiti . . .

And do we even want to discuss the underside of the Wrights Ferry Bridge?

The above message - although potentially true - is ironic in its execution. Currently, there's no evidence of any budding Keith Harings or Banksys on either bridge - above or below.