Sunday, October 12, 2025
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Council suggests killing cats in off-the-rails meeting
Commentary corner
SHARON LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY
The meeting began with seven organizations each requesting a donation from the borough.
There was a five-minute time frame allotted for them to tell council about their organization and why they were requesting a donation. A large timer was positioned on the council table, but was, for the most part, ignored.
The allotted time frame went out of control almost immediately, and what should have been a total of 35 minutes turned into nearly 120 minutes. The first two hours of this meeting were mismanaged, as is often the case.
Last year, the total amount of donations was estimated to be $29,000. That is not an outrageous number. If our tax dollars were being properly managed, there would be no problem meeting that number again this year or even exceeding it slightly. All of these community organizations deserve to have financial help from the borough for services they provide.
There was a five-minute time frame allotted for them to tell council about their organization and why they were requesting a donation. A large timer was positioned on the council table, but was, for the most part, ignored.
The allotted time frame went out of control almost immediately, and what should have been a total of 35 minutes turned into nearly 120 minutes. The first two hours of this meeting were mismanaged, as is often the case.
Last year, the total amount of donations was estimated to be $29,000. That is not an outrageous number. If our tax dollars were being properly managed, there would be no problem meeting that number again this year or even exceeding it slightly. All of these community organizations deserve to have financial help from the borough for services they provide.
Two flags at Borough Hall cost $1,000!
It became clear that some council members did not prepare properly for the discussion. They wanted to argue over donations when they were lacking in facts and even making things up. If you were trying to listen to the discussion on the livestream, it was extremely difficult at times because members were talking over each other. The gavel could have been used to reel everyone in and bring the conversation under control, but it wasn't touched.
CCAT
Council Vice President Eric Kauffman made contradictory statements, first saying the cat population will be controlled by public traffic. In other words, cats would become roadkill. He also mentioned disease and hunger as possible control factors. But minutes later, Kauffman said if the team misses trapping a male and female, they fall four months behind, contradicting his theory that traffic, hunger and disease can control the population.
Then, Councilman Todd Burgard said he was always a proponent of a mixed approach which would include "extermination." He said, it should be part of the process. Otherwise, he explained, you would have to trap all the cats in one day.
Council candidate Jesse Rabinowitz, who was seated at the table with council members, said he'd drop CCAT and give that money to the library. Councilwoman Barb Fisher agreed. Rabinowitz also mentioned that hawks could help control the cat population.
Council President Zink stated that "It's time to let it go," referring to the donation for the organization.
Facilities used for actual surgery were discussed, but it was clear some council members did not have an understanding of how the process works. The York SPCA was used in the beginning of the program, because there was inconsistent veterinary availability at the Columbia shelter. For a while they could not provide TNR services. The trip to York was done by volunteers using their own time and gas. (The drive takes about 25 minutes one-way.) The York County SPCA was gracious enough to accommodate CCAT.
Apparently, Columbia would rather be known for rabies and roadkill instead of a community program which has set an example for other municipalities.
If you wish to address council on this or any other topic, meeting dates for October are as follows:
October 14th at 7:00 pm council meeting
October 16th at 7:00 pm budget meeting
October 28th at 7:00 pm council meeting
If your topic is not listed on the agenda, simply sign in as you enter the lobby and you can speak during citizen comments at the beginning of the meeting. You have 5 minutes to speak.
If the topic is listed on the agenda, you will have to wait until council gets to that topic during the meeting, and then you can raise your hand to speak or comment.
Either way, you can speak at any of these meetings. The taxes you pay go, in part, to fund this program.
Friday, October 10, 2025
Columbia School District has surplus funds, will allocate to capital improvements
When: Columbia Borough school board meeting, Oct. 7.
What happened: Keith Ramsey, district business manager, presented the final expenses of the 2024-25 year to the board at its monthly committee meeting. The pre-audit numbers for the previous academic year include a revenue of $34.1 million and expenditures of $33.3 million, resulting in a $782,383 surplus.
Next steps: Ramsey recommended the district surplus be transferred to the capital improvement fund for future construction projects. The board will vote on whether to transfer these funds at the Oct. 16 meeting. If approved, this surplus would bring the capital improvement fund to a $3.32 million balance.
Restaurant Inspections—Columbia Borough—October 10, 2025
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Griddles Street Social, 15 S. Third St., Columbia, opening, Oct. 4. Pass. No violations.
Andy's Market Inc., 310 11th St., Columbia, Sept. 30. Pass. Observed deeply scored cutting boards (portable brown boards) not resurfaced or discarded as required. Observed in-use knives stored between table edges, an area not easily cleanable and sanitized. Observed food stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.
Aunt Cake's Bakery, 245 Locust St., Columbia, change of owner, Sept. 30. Pass. Observed inside the chemical storage room, paint chipping and peeling from the ceiling and raw wood, both of which are not smooth and easily cleanable. The dock doors located in the back of the food facility has a gap and is not "light tight" and does not protect against the entry of insects, rodents and other animals. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.
Park Elementary School, 50 S. Sixth St., Columbia, Sept. 30. Pass. No violations.
Taylor Middle School, 45 N. Ninth St., Columbia, Sept. 30. Pass. No violations.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Local candidates hold 'Meet & Greet' Wednesday night
[Photos: Sharon Lintner]
Democratic candidates Ethan Byers, Jeanne Cooper, Kyle Ricker and Jasmine Preston held a "Meet and Greet" at Lancaster Distilleries' Columbia location on Wednesday evening, October 8th.
Attendees heard each candidate speak about why they decided to run for office, as well as their particular topics of concern.
Ethan Byers supports fiscal responsibility, looking at expenditure line items where the borough could save money. He also supports CCAT, the Columbia Cat Action Team.
Kyle Ricker, whose background is cybersecurity, advocates for improving the livestreaming of meetings and keeping residents and taxpayers informed through transparency.
Jeanne Cooper has operated businesses in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. As a member of the Merchants Association, she understands the concerns of local merchants.
Jasmine Preston, who is running for mayor against longtime incumbent Leo Lutz, hears those calling for change. She spoke favorably about the Chip Factory Hotel project, saying it will put Columbia on the map and provide jobs.
All four candidates participated in the budget discussion during the October 7th Columbia Borough Council Workshop.
Attendees heard each candidate speak about why they decided to run for office, as well as their particular topics of concern.
Ethan Byers
Kyle Ricker
Jeanne Cooper
Jasmine Preston
All four candidates participated in the budget discussion during the October 7th Columbia Borough Council Workshop.
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