School board weighs move of borough offices and police to DAC building

The Columbia School Board is weighing a potential offer from Columbia Borough to have the borough offices and the Columbia Police Department join them at the District Administration Center at 200 North Fifth Street. Currently, only the district offices and the board room are located there. Borough offices and Columbia Police are located in the Municipal Building at 308 Locust Street.

According to two board directors, Kathleen Hohenadel and Charles Leader, the idea of a move was suggested at this month's Columbia Borough Community Development meeting. Hohenadel said the issue was announced at the meeting as if it was a "done deal." She said Borough Manager Greg Sahd stated that Tom Strickler, the district's director of operations, told him that the school board is in favor of the move. Strickler refuted that notion, however, and told the board that he never said that. He said he told Sahd that he needs to contact the school district and that the board may be open to have the discussion. He added that he told Sahd to email the school board president.

A joint feasibility study might be undertaken to determine pros and cons of the move.  Hohenadel said the borough has put out a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for borough properties including the Municipal Building (Borough Hall), the Market House, and the former Columbia No. 1 Fire Company building on Front Street. If all aspects of the plan fall into place - among them, the Municipal Building finding another use - borough offices theoretically could then move into the DAC. The borough would pay for use of the center, thereby helping the district, and in the process helping the borough and helping the downtown.

Hohenadel brought up several concerns about the plan, including accommodations for Luthercare and adequate square footage for additional offices. A Luthercare child care facility is currently housed at the DAC. Adequate parking for additional personnel is another issue of concern, according to Director Barry Ford. Ford also said the move would lose the "walk-in" aspect of keeping offices downtown. Both Leader and Ford asked who will pay for the study.

The idea of such a move is not completely new. Mayor Leo Lutz floated the idea at a previous school board meeting.

At discussion's end, Board President Keith Combs said he will contact Sahd to set up a meeting. He said he wants information from Luthercare and borough council before considering a feasibility study.

Teachers get mini-grants from Columbia Education Foundation

The following Columbia teachers received acknowledgment of 2017-18 mini-grants from the Columbia Education Foundation at Thursday's School Board meeting:

School board votes to collect its share of real estate transfer tax

At Thursday's Columbia Borough School Board meeting, the board voted to collect a portion of the real estate transfer tax in the borough. According to Superintendent Robert Hollister, the district had not been collecting its half of the one percent tax levied on sales of real estate. The discovery was made by Acting Business Manager Keith Ramsey during an audit of the books. 

Hollister said a 1965 law provides for the tax to be split evenly between the district and the borough. Since the law was enacted, however, the borough has been collecting the tax and keeping all of it. 

"The school district's been out that money ever since," Hollister said. The amount lost approaches $100,000 on any given year, according to Hollister. "We're thrilled that we're finally tuned into that," he said, adding that the district will start collecting the revenue.

Board Director Kathleen Hohenadel explained the history behind the arrangement.  She said that when the law was enacted, an agreement was made allowing the school district to collect the per capita tax and the borough to collect the real estate transfer tax. The latter brought in far less money, because home ownership was more stable at the time.

All directors present voted to pass the resolution except for Cole Knighton, who attended via phone. Knighton said he couldn't hear the discussion. It was unclear whether Knighton voted on the issue.

Columbia students recognized at board meeting

Students excelling in various subjects were recognized at Thursday's School Board meeting. Many students were unable to attend the meeting due to their participation in a high school concert that evening. The following students were recognized:

Red Cross distributing free smoke alarms today

Volunteers will be canvassing Columbia neighborhoods this morning (Friday, May 19) to distribute free smoke alarms to residents. The American Red Cross and local emergency services are taking part in the effort. The alarms feature a 10-year lithium battery. Any resident may request a smoke alarm.

More charges against Edward Knee for allegedly pocketing Laurel Hill money

 Columbia Borough Police have filed additional charges against former Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens Family Service Counselor Edward Knee.  The additional charges: 4 counts of Forgery, and 5 counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking.

MORE: 

http://fox43.com/2017/05/18/more-charges-against-edward-knee-for-allegedly-pocketing-cemetery-memorial-money/

Fourth Friday Happenings May 26

The Fourth Friday Passport program continues this Fourth Friday! Purchase a passport for $5 and enjoy discounts and giveaways at each participating location. The program will run until August's Fourth Friday. Passports can be purchased at the Visitor Center, Geltz Gotz Goodeze, Mustard Seed Creations, Keagy's Produce, Rebellious Rose Wax Co, and Half Nuts Popcorn. Enter your passport at the end of the summer for a chance to win a gift basket filled with items from each venue. Passport specials are good also during the businesses regular hours as well. For more information people may call 717-684-5249 or email svcc@parivertowns.com. 

Half Nuts Popcorn (450 South Front Street, Wrightsville PA 17368, (717) 515-2290, www.halfnutspopcorn.com) will offer free bags of fresh popped popcorn for Fourth Friday! Their Fourth Friday Flavor for May will be grape!

The Columbia Creative Factory (247 Locust Street, Columbia, PA 17512, (717) 324-0096, https://www.facebook.com/ArtsatHinkles/) will have drawings up in the windows for the bike rack contest for people to vote on their favorite design. Ballots are at the door.  The winning design will be made out of metal and installed down at The Columbia Crossing.

Through the Fire (452 Locust Street, Columbia PA 17512, (765) 532-0301, www.ttfglass.com) is hosting an international post card exhibit with a reception during May's Fourth Friday. Visitors are invited to carefully turn the cards to view the origin, cancellation, postmark and stamp on each.

Columbia Crossing (41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512, (717) 449-5607, http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/explore-2/columbia-crossing-river-trails-center/) will be open for extended hours during Fourth Fridays during the summer. On May 26^th, enjoy live music by the river provided by Jefery Woodall.

Specials and raffles are always happening for Fourth Friday at Geltz Gotz Goodeze (430 Locust Street, Columbia PA 17512, (717) 318-1233).