NOTE: In the previous post, it was stated that Columbia Borough Council President Mike Beury said during the meeting that he was resigning from council. He also stated he had written up his resignation during the meeting. When Item 13c of the agenda (sale of wastewater treatment plant) was discussed, he said he could not resign until he signed papers related to the sale on May 27 (this morning). As of this writing, it is not known if he actually tendered his resignation. At the end of last night's meeting, council adjourned to a personnel session.
A second summary of the highlights of the May 26 Meeting of the Whole:
Chiques Rock Outfitters
Jim Cox, proprietor of Chiques Rock Outfitters, asked to install a bait vending machine at River Park. Councillor Barry Ford read him a lengthy statement from the borough's solicitor detailing stipulation for such a venture. In summary, the project must be bid out.
Columbia Kettle Works
Bill Collister, Columbia Kettle Works proprietor, asked council for a variance to allow sidewalk tables and seating outside his establishment on Third Street. He stated that his enterprise has succeeded in bringing people into town and that his customer base is fairly well-off. He also stated that his business is more of an attraction than a bar and closes by 10 p.m. Council informed him that such seating must be at least 20 feet from any adjacent street (for example, Walnut Street or Avenue H) and that a number of parking spaces versus seats must be provided, according to ordinance. Councillor Ford said he would talk to Zoning and Planning Officer Jeff Helm about the issue.
Municipal Legislation
Councillor Barry Ford discussed a requirement for registration/inspection for vehicles to park on borough streets. After a brief discussion, he expressed his displeasure with the codes department citing people for backyard basketball nets.
"We've got bigger fish to fry in Columbia," he said. "We want people to be out playing."
Ford also expressed concern over the so-called "bomb trains," trains hauling a large number of oil-carrying cars. He stated his wish to send a letter to Senator Bob Casey supporting his efforts to address train safety, since trains run through the borough on a regular basis. Mayor Leo Lutz added that the issue relates to Homeland Security.
Sewage Issue
Jerry Hawn, who owns a property on the 500 block of Walnut Street, addressed council about the sewage problem he has dealt with since January. He had addressed council about this issue at a previous meeting. Although the situation has since been resolved, Mr. Hawn expressed concern over the lack of response from the codes department, citing specific phone calls that were not returned. He presented photographs of his basement with a significant amount of sewer water on the floor. He also stood a five-gallon bucket on the floor before councillors and asked what would happen if he spilled the contents. Council stated that he would have to clean it up, and then he asked, "What happens if I don't?" He said that codes cited his son for a butterfly bush growing out of concrete, but would not condemn a house with a sewer water leak.
Interim Borough Manager Ron Miller and council remained steadfast that it is not the borough's problem; he was told to file a civil lawsuit. Mr. Hawn tried pointing out that the codes department bears some responsibility in their failure to act.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Meeting of the Whole May 26, 2015 Summary - Part 1
Following is part one of a summary of the highlights of the meeting:
Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2014
The meeting opened with an Audit Report for Fiscal year 2014 by Mike Reiner of Sager Swisher, LLC. The report included the expected discussion of tax revenue, debt, expenses, etc. One significant item discussed was the police pension plan which is underfunded by $1.7 million. However, Mr. Reiner said that council is conservatively budgeting revenues and are under-budget on expenses. Councillor Jim Smith said, "We have to pay attention."
SGHA Presentation of Columbia Crossing
Representatives from the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area (SGHA) proposed a partnership with the borough for operating the Columbia Crossing building at River Park, since there is currently no concrete plan for its use. Mark Platts, president of the organization, said the building will be the main gateway to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and will attract lots of visitors. (The trail is scheduled to be completed this October.) The proposal would be a cooperative 5-year agreement between SGHA and the borough.
Bidding would not be required (as was the case with Daisy Pagan's previous offer to operate the building), because the foundation would be offering a professional service. Resident Frank Doutrich later asked council if they were aware that the operating expense is projected to be $150,000 per year, and council answered in the affirmative.
From SGHA's Power Point presentation at last night's meeting
Bidding would not be required (as was the case with Daisy Pagan's previous offer to operate the building), because the foundation would be offering a professional service. Resident Frank Doutrich later asked council if they were aware that the operating expense is projected to be $150,000 per year, and council answered in the affirmative.
A discussion of River Park concerns followed the presentation. Issues explored included confusion over parking, poor signage, and people swimming at the docks. The SGHA representatives left as the discussion continued.
Avenue J
Longtime borough resident Mary Loreto spoke of her wish to convert Avenue J (between South Second Street and Bank Avenue) to a non-vehicular, walking-only area, in line with recommendation of consultants at the recent charrette gathering at Perfect Settings. She said the borough hired consultants to undertake the study. She added that doing so would help retain the Avenue's historical nature and enable the borough to apply for grants. (As Mrs. Loreto addressed council, two councillors carried on a conversation between themselves.)
"I'm praying you have the wisdom to make that happen," she told council. "This is your time to shine."
Mrs. Loreto left the meeting immediately following her presentation, and a discussion of the issue ensued. During the give-and-take, Council President Mike Beury, who was considering making a motion, took exception to a side conversation Councillor Mary Barninger was having with Mayor Leo Lutz. When she explained she was talking to the mayor, Beury said, "You shouldn't have been without ... permission." Councillor Barninger said she did not want to make a motion without knowing everything that transpired when councillors visited the area and talked to residents.
"You want this stinkin' job, you can have it," Beury said in a moment of pique. When Megan Bigler (Mary Loreto's granddaughter) said that was not professional, Beury replied, "I know it is not professional, but I can only take so much."
"You are fighting. Disrespectful," Ms. Bigler said as she left the meeting.
Beury then told council, "You'll have my resignation in the morning. You can get somebody else for president and council members because I've had enough of this crap!"
Council then discussed several options for the alley, including closing the alley at both ends, closing only one end, and keeping it open.
Councillor Smith said council spends a lot of time on this issue at every meeting. Resident Elaine Beckley reminded council to consider the consultants' recommendations to keep Avenue J for walking. Another resident said the consultants were only looking at maps and thought the alley was unused when they made the recommendation. When it was suggested by another resident that one person was responsible for the Avenue J controversy, Beury said he was told "that was a beautiful street to live in until he moved in." At the conclusion of the discussion, the issue had not been voted on or resolved.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
COLUMBIA BOROUGH PARKS AND RECREATION 2015 SUMMER PROGRAM
The Columbia Borough Parks and Recreation Commission will be providing a summer playground program for children entering 2nd grade through 6thgrade. The playground program will be located at Rotary Park and Makle Park starting June 15, 2015 through July 24, 2015. The hours for the playground program will be 9:30 AM until 12:00 noon Monday through Friday.
There will be various sports related activities such as basketball, softball, soccer, football, kick ball, jump rope, whiffle ball, horse shoes, quoits and various board games.
Parents will need to complete a registration and waiver form in order for their child/children to participate. In addition, parents, babysitters, or guardians are responsible to pick up their child/children each day.
In case of inclement weather, the playground will be cancelled for that day.
There is no cost to participate in this program. Open the following link to fill out the Registration form. Preregistration forms can be dropped off at the Columbia Borough Office located at 308 Locust Street, Columbia, Pennsylvania on or before June 8, 2015.
Registration, waiver and Release Form for Summer Program
IBS Request Letter to Council
Meeting of the Whole tonight
Columbia Borough Council will hold its Committee of the Whole meeting tonight, Tuesday, May 26, at the borough offices, 308 Locust Street, at 6 p.m.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Notes on last week's Call Center meeting
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