The Columbia Historic Market House Trust is being returned to the borough. Members have resigned, and a 90-day notice has been given.
Trust directors Jeanne Cooper and Kellan Kernisky made the announcement at Tuesday night's Property Committee meeting. The 90-day notice was originally stated in a May 5 letter to the borough. Several trust members have resigned, but four remain. The trust is not being dissolved, and the borough will need to decide its fate.
Council President Kelly Murphy offered three options:
1. Keep the trust, but get new members.
2. Hire a consultant.
3. Employ someone who works for borough under the guidance of a Market House Committee.
The borough will also need to evaluate an option for a Market House manager. Stephanie Weisser, property committee chair, said that everyone would need to apply for such a position, including current manager Teresa Allen. Weisser presented a proposal letter to Cooper from former Market House Manager Beth Troxell regarding the position. Weisser also mentioned the need for an advisory board to move to the next stage. Cooper and Kernisky offered their help during the transition.
At the request of the Property Committee, trust members will still hold monthly meetings and send minutes to the borough during the 90-day period. Members will also attend the June 13 full council meeting when the matter is brought forward for discussion.
