Friday, January 9, 2015
Real River Rats
While sitting at Hinkle's recently, I decided to see what Wi-Fi was available in the area - just for fun. I've posted a screenshot from my phone of what I found. The fourth one down is "I Live Below Real River Rats." I'm not sure exactly what that means. Does the owner intend it literally, in that he or she actually resides in a structure with rodents living above the ceiling? Or is it meant as a nickname for us locals - you know, the one we Columbians call ourselves, as a symbol of pride.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
DA says Lancaster County-wide police force would save money, solve more crimes
Stedman has been an advocate for regional policing: the consolidation of numerous, smaller departments which work under separate contracts for separate bosses.
His vision for Lancaster County includes keeping Lancaster city police as is, but combining the county's dozens of other suburban departments.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Council overrides mayor's veto in unanimous vote
All seven council members voted to override Mayor Lutz's veto of the borough's 2015 budget at a special Columbia Borough Council meeting Wednesday night. Surprisingly, the mayor supported an override of the veto before a vote was taken.
"I would suggest you override my veto, so that we can get on with the budget. The purpose of my veto is to have the discussion that we're having here now," Lutz said, citing the need for transparency in the budget process. He suggested that council have separate budget meetings in which residents can comment, because the borough "owes it to the taxpayers." Lutz also pointed out changes made to the budget without his input as another example of why increased transparency is needed.
"I would suggest you override my veto, so that we can get on with the budget. The purpose of my veto is to have the discussion that we're having here now," Lutz said, citing the need for transparency in the budget process. He suggested that council have separate budget meetings in which residents can comment, because the borough "owes it to the taxpayers." Lutz also pointed out changes made to the budget without his input as another example of why increased transparency is needed.
[A clarification: A previous post on this site stated that the mayor arrived at the December meeting of the whole, wearing a jacket with a police logo. After tonight's meeting, the mayor informed us that he purchased the jacket and did not receive it free of charge.]
[More meeting details to follow.]
"National Milk Day" to be celebrated Sunday at Columbia's Turkey Hill Experience
Turkey Hill is celebrating "National Milk Day" Sunday with a free sample of milk for everyone who visits a top Lancaster County visitors' site, the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, just up the road from the dairy.
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/national-milk-day-to-be-celebrated-sunday-at-columbia-s/article_f07290cc-95d2-11e4-9d82-47130855fb9f.html?mode=jqm
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/national-milk-day-to-be-celebrated-sunday-at-columbia-s/article_f07290cc-95d2-11e4-9d82-47130855fb9f.html?mode=jqm
Charlie Hebdo Mohammed Cartoons with English Translations
I am posting this video as a show of solidarity with our French brothers and sisters at Charlie Hebdo magazine, whose offices in Paris were attacked today by terrorists. At this writing, 12 people are reported dead and many wounded. Police are currently searching the city for the attackers.
Charlie Hebdo is a satirical magazine that has often poked fun at the "prophet" Mohammed. Their offices have been attacked in the past.
If you can't see the video, follow (Copy and paste) the link shown below:
http://youtu.be/U56q428amN0
If you can't see the video, follow (Copy and paste) the link shown below:
http://youtu.be/U56q428amN0
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
DA's office gets $22,312 grant to extract data from cell phones
The Computer Forensic Unit of the Lancaster County District Attorney's office has been using Cellebrite for the past three years and has examined hundreds of mobile devices. The UFED (Universal Forensic Extraction Device) is portable and can be readily used in both the laboratory and field.
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/da-s-office-gets-grant-to-extract-data-from-cell/article_5db980ec-95eb-11e4-82eb-e77b8c97f3ef.html?mode=jqm
The US Supreme Court ruled that the warrantless search and seizure of digital contents of a cell phone during an arrest is unconstitutional:
We Are Number One! Top 16 Small Cities In Pennsylvania
Columbia has been named Number One of Top 16 Small Cities in Pennsylvania.
GO HERE FOR THE LISTING:
http://citydescribed.com/2014/12/top-16-small-cities-in-pennsylvania/16/
GO HERE FOR THE LISTING:
http://citydescribed.com/2014/12/top-16-small-cities-in-pennsylvania/16/
Keystone Testing - Columbia Borough School District
Students at the Columbia High School will participate in the winter wave of Keystone Exams or make-up exams from January 7, 2015 through January 21, 2015. Students who are currently enrolled in a Semester I class for Algebra I, Biology, and/or Literature will be taking these exams. Students who have these classes scheduled during Semester II will take their exams in the spring.
Pennsylvania school code allows interested parents to review these exams prior to having their student participate with the testing. Arrangements to view the tests must be made with the high school principal, Ms. Maura Meiser, by calling 717-684-7500 to set up an appointment.
Additional information on the the Keystone Exams can be found at the following link:
Monday, January 5, 2015
Budget fight in Columbia about more than a police car
From an editorial in this morning's edition of lancasteronline:
Mayor Leo Lutz gave two reasons for vetoing Columbia Borough's hold-the-line budget for 2015: a budget process he saw as not including the public in discussions and council's failure to include the lease of a new police cruiser. Borough Council has scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the borough building, 308 Locust St., to discuss overriding the mayor's veto. The votes of five of the council's seven members are required to override a veto.
To be fair, the mayor was not present at all council meetings, either. But, to his point, council did not, as it has in the past, make a point-by-point presentation of its budget prior to the Dec. 8 meeting at which it voted to advertise the budget and schedule it for a vote.
That effectively reduced, from two to one, opportunities for the public to learn about the budget.
Transparency is about more than holding votes in public. It’s also about airing matters of public importance fully and publicly.
Of all the public matters a governing body addresses, its spending plan for the year is among the most important.
It sets priorities for use of taxpayer money, and it ought to be done with full consideration, in full public view and with adequate notice to the public for residents to get a chance to understand it and make their voices heard.
Two full hearings should have been held on the 2015 budget.
Of all the public matters a governing body addresses, its spending plan for the year is among the most important.
It sets priorities for use of taxpayer money, and it ought to be done with full consideration, in full public view and with adequate notice to the public for residents to get a chance to understand it and make their voices heard.
Two full hearings should have been held on the 2015 budget.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
What I saw today - January 4, 2015
About a dozen cedar waxwings, including the one seen above, helped themselves to plentiful berries in a tree at Trinity House Apartments this afternoon.
It was also a good day for a walk on the tracks.
This blast from the past sits behind a shop window on the 400 block of Locust Street.
Planes, planes, and more planes flying low over Columbia
Numerous planes flew low over Columbia this afternoon, a few minutes apart. Their low altitude may have been due to heavy cloud cover for much of the afternoon. The number of planes may have been due to the many travelers returning home after the holidays.
A few of the planes are shown below:
Evidence of strength
Clifford Shupp, owner of Shupp's Barber Shop at 270 Locust Street, has twisted metal and bent nails hanging on his barber shop wall. Why? Because it's evidence of several visits by Columbia artist and strongman, Tom Hermansader, who bent the metal objects by hand during his demonstrations of strength at the shop.
A profile of Tom Hermansader can found HERE.
Below are recent photos of his handiwork.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
A happy ending to the story
Dear Cole,
A note of thanks to you for posting the "found cat" on your site a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, not one person has inquired about this cat, but there is a happy ending thanks to the Pet Pantry of Lancaster County. I am writing to get the word out about the excellent facility that they operate. Their services include no-kill animal rescue, low-income feeding program, and low-cost veterinary services. I would encourage everyone that is able to help to do so, they have a wish list and several drop-off locations all over Lancaster County. Luckily, there was room for the cat I was fostering and for a nominal fee, I was able to surrender her into their care. She was tested for FeLV and FIV prior to being accepted. They will continue to monitor her behavior and health, prior to putting her up for adoption. The services that the Pet Pantry provides are invaluable. The staff was empathetic toward my situation and went out of their way to help.
[Name withheld by request]
[Name withheld by request]
Columbia's Dean Young named Texas State Poet Laureate
2014 blew by, and I didn't get around to posting this announcement. Dean Young, formerly of Columbia, was named 2014 Texas State Poet Laureate. He is also a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Dean was born and raised in Columbia and graduated from Columbia High School.
Go HERE for the story.
Go HERE for Dean's Wikipedia page.
On top
Yesterday, it looked as though a hawk was trying to get closer to heaven on top of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church on Locust Street.
Lookin' good at 855 Chestnut
The remodelers at 855 Chestnut have done a good job of removing the midriff bulge at the back of the house and matching the siding with the color of the brick. It's a beautiful structure and will shine once again if or when it's totally restored.
But for some reason, I still can't help picturing this going on inside.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Fire on Kinderhook Road
Several local fire companies responded to a dwelling fire on the 1700 block of Kinderhook Road in West Hempfield Township this morning.
(Photos by Owen Shirk)
(Photos by Owen Shirk)
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Mayor Lutz pushes for police vehicle at meeting
Mayor Lutz arrived at the December 22 Meeting of the Whole sporting a jacket with a Columbia Police Department logo. As the meeting wore on, his support for police became increasingly apparent in his push to include a new police cruiser in the 2015 budget.
During the sometimes contentious discussion, it was revealed that the borough owns 10 vehicles, four whose mileage is 5,000 miles or less, one with 70,000 miles, and others with mileages ranging from 13,000 to 42,000. A detective's car, a van, and a street sweeper are among the 10 vehicles.
"We had to look at some really tough numbers this year with the budget," Councillor Kelly Murphy said, noting that there is only one vehicle nearing the end of its life. "We didn't feel it was necessary to replace one this year," adding that the purchase of a new vehicle was pushed back one year. Lutz stated there had been a previous discussion that a new vehicle would be purchased to replace a 2005 Tahoe with 71,000 miles. He said the vehicle is costing the borough money to keep it on the road. Lutz also noted that there are currently no vehicles except for a Ford Fusion used by the detective that has less than 4,000 miles. Another vehicle is a replacement due to a "demolition."
"This Tahoe is going to cost us money for the next year and a half that it's going to take before it gets to another budget cycle for the sake of going out for a municipal lease that's in the budget for $7,000," Lutz said. "We'll probably approach most of that within the next year and a half in maintenance costs on that vehicle. This doesn't make sense, none whatsoever, especially when you're sitting on a capital reserve that you're currently sitting on. If you don't do it this year you're going to live with this thing for another year and half." Lutz also said that if one of the vehicles goes down, two patrolmen will need to ride in one vehicle.
Murphy said he has not received any information about the expense of maintaining the vehicles. He said that according to the previous borough manager and verified by other sources the vehicle purchased for the detective is not being used - to the point that the battery needs to be jumped to get it started. He said the detective is putting miles on police vehicles that the police should be putting on. Lutz countered by saying the vehicle was being jumped due to an electrical problem. He said the vehicle has a mileage of 3,000, because only one person is using it, and a lot of his work is done in the office.
Councillor Barry Ford asked Lutz how many cars per shift are being used. Lutz said that it depends on how many officers are on a shift. "It could be four. It could be five," Lutz said. "It could be three. It could be two." Lutz also noted that vehicles cannot be run "24/7."
"I need to know whether we're going to have a vehicle or not," Lutz said. He noted that the borough has a budget reserve of $3.2 million. "That's 10 mills. If anything, the borough ought to give the people a mill tax reduction this year, and give them a break."
Councillor Jim Smith said, "I'd go for that rather than buying a police cruiser." But Murphy cautioned that the projection for next year could pull the reserve down by almost $800,000.
Lutz then claimed that for 12 years the police department has returned $1.9 million into the general fund, not including fines, citations, reimbursements for overtime from the school district, or money reimbursed for vests and other items. "Probably 66% of your budget reserve was earned by the police department," Lutz said. Murphy asked how that was possible. Lutz shot back, "I don't know. Ask your accountant, because I took the figures off your accountant."
"That budget comes from you," Murphy said. "You're saying you saved us $1.9 million."
"I don't do that part of the budget," Lutz replied. "I can't support this budget unless you give me reassurances we're buying a police vehicle."
Smith said, "You're saying what this car's going to cost. How about showing something? All that is - that's your word."
Lutz replied, "It's in the budget! The chief told me the vehicle is starting to cost us money. I know the Tahoes are costing us money, because of the downtime in the shop."
Councillor Mary Barninger asked which shop is servicing the vehicles, citing the absence of bills in the check registers.
Several councillors recalled a bill from Lancaster Avenue Garage for a water pump for a Tahoe, as well as one for $42 for an inspection.
"We need to have some factual information," Murphy said. "Supporting documentation always helps. We've asked for this how many years now." He said spreadsheets should be made available to show vehicle maintenance costs.
Acting Borough Manager Ron Miller said, "We have it. We just don't have an organized spreadsheet. I'll just work on getting that spreadsheet together, because the information's there."
Council voted unanimously to pass the 2015 budget, with the cuts intact and no increase in the tax rate.
Lutz subsequently vetoed the budget at some point after the meeting.
Follow-up: A reliable source informed this website today that Mayor Lutz contacted LNP about his decision to veto the budget. He did not officially inform council.
During the sometimes contentious discussion, it was revealed that the borough owns 10 vehicles, four whose mileage is 5,000 miles or less, one with 70,000 miles, and others with mileages ranging from 13,000 to 42,000. A detective's car, a van, and a street sweeper are among the 10 vehicles.
"We had to look at some really tough numbers this year with the budget," Councillor Kelly Murphy said, noting that there is only one vehicle nearing the end of its life. "We didn't feel it was necessary to replace one this year," adding that the purchase of a new vehicle was pushed back one year. Lutz stated there had been a previous discussion that a new vehicle would be purchased to replace a 2005 Tahoe with 71,000 miles. He said the vehicle is costing the borough money to keep it on the road. Lutz also noted that there are currently no vehicles except for a Ford Fusion used by the detective that has less than 4,000 miles. Another vehicle is a replacement due to a "demolition."
"This Tahoe is going to cost us money for the next year and a half that it's going to take before it gets to another budget cycle for the sake of going out for a municipal lease that's in the budget for $7,000," Lutz said. "We'll probably approach most of that within the next year and a half in maintenance costs on that vehicle. This doesn't make sense, none whatsoever, especially when you're sitting on a capital reserve that you're currently sitting on. If you don't do it this year you're going to live with this thing for another year and half." Lutz also said that if one of the vehicles goes down, two patrolmen will need to ride in one vehicle.
Murphy said he has not received any information about the expense of maintaining the vehicles. He said that according to the previous borough manager and verified by other sources the vehicle purchased for the detective is not being used - to the point that the battery needs to be jumped to get it started. He said the detective is putting miles on police vehicles that the police should be putting on. Lutz countered by saying the vehicle was being jumped due to an electrical problem. He said the vehicle has a mileage of 3,000, because only one person is using it, and a lot of his work is done in the office.
Councillor Barry Ford asked Lutz how many cars per shift are being used. Lutz said that it depends on how many officers are on a shift. "It could be four. It could be five," Lutz said. "It could be three. It could be two." Lutz also noted that vehicles cannot be run "24/7."
"I need to know whether we're going to have a vehicle or not," Lutz said. He noted that the borough has a budget reserve of $3.2 million. "That's 10 mills. If anything, the borough ought to give the people a mill tax reduction this year, and give them a break."
Councillor Jim Smith said, "I'd go for that rather than buying a police cruiser." But Murphy cautioned that the projection for next year could pull the reserve down by almost $800,000.
Lutz then claimed that for 12 years the police department has returned $1.9 million into the general fund, not including fines, citations, reimbursements for overtime from the school district, or money reimbursed for vests and other items. "Probably 66% of your budget reserve was earned by the police department," Lutz said. Murphy asked how that was possible. Lutz shot back, "I don't know. Ask your accountant, because I took the figures off your accountant."
"That budget comes from you," Murphy said. "You're saying you saved us $1.9 million."
"I don't do that part of the budget," Lutz replied. "I can't support this budget unless you give me reassurances we're buying a police vehicle."
Smith said, "You're saying what this car's going to cost. How about showing something? All that is - that's your word."
Lutz replied, "It's in the budget! The chief told me the vehicle is starting to cost us money. I know the Tahoes are costing us money, because of the downtime in the shop."
Councillor Mary Barninger asked which shop is servicing the vehicles, citing the absence of bills in the check registers.
Several councillors recalled a bill from Lancaster Avenue Garage for a water pump for a Tahoe, as well as one for $42 for an inspection.
"We need to have some factual information," Murphy said. "Supporting documentation always helps. We've asked for this how many years now." He said spreadsheets should be made available to show vehicle maintenance costs.
Acting Borough Manager Ron Miller said, "We have it. We just don't have an organized spreadsheet. I'll just work on getting that spreadsheet together, because the information's there."
Council voted unanimously to pass the 2015 budget, with the cuts intact and no increase in the tax rate.
Lutz subsequently vetoed the budget at some point after the meeting.
Follow-up: A reliable source informed this website today that Mayor Lutz contacted LNP about his decision to veto the budget. He did not officially inform council.
What I saw recently
Mason jars at Tollbooth
Not OSHA-approved - at Third and Walnut
Coming soon - more antiques (across from Burning Bridge Antiques)
A Musser's cart in Shawnee Creek (with a scooter)
A Weis Markets cart at Musser's
Enjoying the view from the Trail Services Building on a balmy afternoon last Saturday
A murder of crows on Grinnell Avenue. Yes, that's really what a group of crows is called.
It's happening again
Old habits die hard. Once again, old tires are being dumped at the wooded area near South Tenth and Wright Streets. This problem reached critical mass about a year ago, with over a dozen tires being dumped, after which the borough (presumably) cleaned up the mess.
Columbia mayor vetoes stay-the-same tax rate for 2015
Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz
Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz has vetoed the borough’s approved 2015 tax rate, which remains at 8 mills.
On Dec. 22, borough council unanimously approved the 2015 budget along with an ordinance to keep the tax rate the same as in 2014.
Lutz's action means that council will have to vote to override the veto in order to secure the tax rate and set the budget.
"Unless they override my veto or change the tax millage to something I would agree to, they will have no money for the budget," Lutz said.
Council President Mike Beury expressed surprise when called today for comment. Lutz had not, apparently, officially informed council of the veto.
“He's gonna lose,” Beury said. “Everybody voted for it the first place. They will vote for it again.
MORE:
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Homegrown hemp on the horizon?
Columbia resident Shawn House has to import the starring ingredient in his Hempzels food products from Canada. He would like that to change.
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/homegrown-hemp-on-the-horizon/article_07f33556-905d-11e4-8d31-47426f4d0c15.html?mode=jqm
MORE:
http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/homegrown-hemp-on-the-horizon/article_07f33556-905d-11e4-8d31-47426f4d0c15.html?mode=jqm
State could be ready to rule if Susquehanna is "sick" by this summer
Last week, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, in its every-two-year review of Pennsylvania's water-quality plans, said it agreed that there is still a lack of data to declare the Susquehanna sick or not.
But that determination may be soon at hand, EPA said.
MORE:
Little Boy Captures Video Evidence of Santa in Columbia
A Christmas wish came true for a little boy named Evan.
The 7-year-old's family helped him set up a video camera on Christmas Eve, and he managed to capture something magical — Santa personally delivering presents to his home in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
Let there be light - Take 2
Yes, let there be some.
These three street lights on the first block of North Third Street (near Burning Bridge Antiques) have been out for several weeks. This issue was first brought to the attention of council at its December 8 meeting, during citizen comments. At the December 22 Meeting of the Whole, Acting Borough Manager Ron Miller said there had been a "hiccup" as lights were being strung, which had knocked out some street lights. Are these the ones? This section of the block is very dark at night, with the only light available coming from businesses and passing vehicles.
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