Friday, July 30, 2010

CEF Golf Tournament

The Columbia Education Foundation held its  annual golf tournament today at Cool Creek. More than 130 golfers partcipated in the event, which will benefit students of the Columbia School District.









Thursday, July 29, 2010

Inside school construction photos

Band room area

Cafeteria

Ceiling tile stored in first floor

Beam in new library

Part of new library

Large group instruction area off library and auditoriun.

Bigger view of library

First floor hallway

First floor classroom

Heat/AC system outside room

Gym

New bleacher area in gym

On the Market Manager

Talked with Brian Long today. He was at the market, trying to make it better, but won't comment on what happened earlier this week. I sensed the situation is not good and still feel that if a borough council member overstepped their bounds or a borough management employee did something, they need to be reprimanded, fired or asked to resign.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Wednesday's wisdom

When I wrote for the COLUMBIA LEDGER, one of my duties was writing a weekly editorial giving the paper's thoughts on what is going on in the community. Sometimes I wrote a weekly editorial column as well, with my views on activities and people.
I've done it from time to time on this venue as well. Lately I feel as though I could do an editorial every day or twice a day because there is so much going on in our town.
So, do I feel that Columbia residents are getting their biggest bang for its buck in terms of how borough is run? No. Does it have to change? Yes. Will it change? I hope so.
I, like others are not keen on how our council meetings are being run. I know there are council members who feel the same way, but, they are in the minority when it comes to make change. We have some "dead weight" on council and perhaps in the best interest of our borough, they should resign but they won't. I think the council members who want to make changes need to speak up.
When I got home last night, I had word on the resignation of Brian Long as market manager and Brad Brubaker as Columbia softball coach.
What I was told about Long's resignation  is most likely being discussed tonight at council's personnel committee meeting. What I don't like is how it came down and if a council member was behind this, this person overstepped her bounds by not going to management first and is not acting in the best interests of Columbia or council and is still holding a grudge about getting fired from the position.
This is the same person involved with the rumors of a second market opening down town.
Does it sound like this council member is working in the best interests of Columbia? No and this person should either resign or be removed from council by council for this latest action. Will this happen? Probably not. Should it happen? Yes!
As far as the vote on moving the River Park baptism, I knew back in June, this one was going to comeback and haunt council. It did and it shouldn't have taken a rocket scientist to figure out why. It's a shame, this had to happen and probably won't long be forgotten.
And finally, like many I was very apprehensive about if the Turkey Hill Experience would ever become a reality. Today, the process of developing the Turkey Hill Experience started and hopefully will work for the betterment of Columbia.
Yes, it was a big day for our town and I hope between now and the opening of the facility next year, a solid plan, as Bill Roberts said today, is developed to get people from point A to point B. If that doesn't happen, it won't work, but let's give it a try.

Monday's meeting is a go

COLUMBIA TALK will host a town meeting on Monday night, Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m. under the big pavilion at Glatfleter Field. (RAIN OR SHINE)
Come with ideas with a vision for the future of Columbia Borough. Ideas that can be presented to our borough leaders.
COLUMBIA TALK have been reading the many comments posted on this site and have an idea of what needs to be done. Sure, there will be some complaining about issues, but if we all work together, with one goal in mind, our entire community, we can make things better.
We have a proud town of around 10,000 people and we need to draw on our pride and our sense of community to do that. COLUMBIA TALK isn't looking for single agenda people or one issue people to help, we have to work together in what is the best interest of the community. If we have to start small, let's do it. We will not form a vigilante group, which has been suggested because that won't get things done. Working together will.
Also, someone has suggested inviting members of the council and school board. They read COLUMBIA TALK and shouldn't need a special invitation if they want to be there.
I'm looking at more suggestions as to what to talk about, but here are a few -- how to run for office, what is needed to run for office, borough council, code enforcement, borough projects and how to make officials become accountable.
If you can't be there and have questions or concerns, let me know and it can be discussed.

Turkey Hill returning to its roots

Some 75 years ago, Turkey Hill Dairy got a small start by delivering milk here in Columbia.
Now, the fourth largest ice cream maker and largest ice tea maker in the United States is returning to its roots.
Welcome to the Turkey Hill Experience, an interactive museum, being built in Columbia at Third and Linden streets.
Around 100 people gathered at the site of the $11 plus million project for the kickoff for construction. The Turkey Hill Experience is expected to be completed in April of next year.
Quentin Frey is the president of Turkey Hill Dairy. They have invested $6 million to the project.
"This is a momentous time for our company and for Columbia," said Frey. "This is the beginning of an exciting times for all of us and will lead to the revitalization of the area and promote tourism."
"This is a very exciting day for Turkey Hill Dairy, a very exciting day for the borough of Columbia, Lancaster County and the state of Pennsylvania," said John Cox, also of Turkey Hill Dairy.
"This day seemed to be slow in coming but with vision, persistence and cooperation helped clear all the obstacles," Cox said.
Cox said between 40 and 50 jobs will be created and its expected more than 250,000 people will visit the attraction yearly.
"Some said this would never happen. This is evidence that we can put to rest that it is going to happen," said Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz.
"This proves purchasing the property was the right decision for the borough," Lutz said.
He thanked a number of people from county and state officials along with borough officials including former councilmen John Collier, who fought for the purchase of the property by Columbia about five years ago.
"This was a gateway for Columbia and it wasn't a good site or a good welcome. We making it a good welcome and gateway to Columbia and Lancaster County," Lutz said.
"We are looking for this project to be the keynote part of the economic revitalization of Columbia," Lutz said.
Jeff Seibert represented the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, who helped broker the deal between the borough and Museum Partners, developer of the site.
"We are here today to celebrate progress and to celebrate the working together for the betterment of all of us," Seibert said.
"Turkey Hill stayed the course on this site when other sites were more attractive," Seibert said.
"In eight months we will have a world class facility that Turkey Hill and Columbia can be proud of," Seibert said. "Columbia Borough has the opportunity to share in the success of this project."
Bill Roberts is president of Museum Partners.
"Without the support of Turkey Hill, this project would be a not be possible," Roberts said.

A Saturday event

Softball coach cites family

It was a record setting year for the Columbia girls' softball team in 2010.
They had their first winning season, qualified for the district playoffs for the first time in school history and won a playoff game.
The architect of the success was first-year coach Brad Brubaker.
Brubaker stunned his team last night when he announced he was leaving the program after one season to become head coach at Section 4 rival Lancaster Mennonite. He told CHS Athletic Director Jim Rhoads on Monday. Brubaker told his team after a summer league game ar Garrett Park in Willow Street.
"I was presented with a situation that I felt I needed to act on as a father. Dean Weiant, Lancaster Mennonite's coach for the past four years was left go about three weeks ago. My daughter Madison, who is heading into her sophomore year, plays at LMH. They have been terrible. They were the only team not to win at least one game in 2010 and have lost 19 straight dating back two years," Brubaker said this morning.

"To the point, Madison asked me to help them get better. As a father I need to place her interests at the top of my priority list and do everything I can to help. So I accepted the position as head coach at LMH," Brubaker said.
Assistant coaches Pinky Geraci and Ali Merrifield will join him at LMH.
"It has been my privilege to have coached at Columbia. If I had seen this coming I would never have come to Columbia for just one year. I take with me many great memories from a season where the girls accomplished so much. I urge them to continue with their dedication to the game and pursue the Section 4 championship in 2011 with all their effort," the coach said.

Turkey Hill Experience photos

An original milk box from when Turkey Hill delivered milk in town.
Here are the photos taken this morning at the kickoff for the construction of the Turkey Hill Experience.



Turkey Hill logo

Artist rendition of the Turkey Hill Experience

The Turkey Hill cow was among those smiling at this morning's ceremony.

John Cox, representing Turkey Hill Dairy was the master of ceremonies.

Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz was among the speakers.
Turkey Hill recognized Norm Meiskey, Jeff Seibert and Leo Lutz for their help with the project.

Bill Roberts is the developer

Quinton Frey is the president of Turkey Hill Dairy.

Norm Meiskey, Jeff Seibert and Bill Roberts pull on a sign.

Jeff Seibert of CEDC.
The new sign at the THE.

Norm Meiskey, Leo Lutz, Quinton Frey, Bill Roberts, John Cox and Jeff Seibert.

THE link

Here is a link to the THE website that will allow people to follow the progress of the construction: http://turkeyhillexperience.com/

WGAL story on THE

Here is a link to the WGAL story on the start of the Turkey Hill Experience project: http://www.wgal.com/news/24422259/detail.html

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Two resignations

There are two resignations of note in Columbia.
Columbia Talk has learned that Brian Long, the newly appointed market manager has resigned. Also, rookie Columbia softball coach Brad Brubaker has also resigned.
Details to follow

Sewer plant plans sent to state

Columbia Borough Council approved submitting to the state its Act 537 Plan, dealing with improvement to its sewer plant.
The approval came following a hearing on the plan as part of a special meeting of borough council on Tuesday night.
The cost of the new park is expected to be at least $16 million and under a worst case scenario presented sewer bills in Columbia could double as the result of the project.
The changes to the sewer plant are not on a wish list of the borough, but a mandate from the state and to help with the clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay, where water from the Susquehanna River empties into.
The last major upgrade to the sewer plant on South Front Street was in 1972, said Patrick Brown, an engineer for Buchart-Horn.
 Columbia has until Aug. 30, 2013 to become compliant with state DEP regulations.
During a power point presentation, Brown outlined the steps, needs and alternatives for Columbia.
He also reviewed the options that were suggested to the Columbia Municipal Authority. Two options considered were selling the plant to the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority or do nothing at the plant.
"Selling to LASA was not an option because Columbia would lose control of the operations and decision making and wouldn't be cost effective," Brown said.
The system chosen for Columbia is something called Aero Med and would meet all the state requirements.
Brown also provided cost estimates of up to $16 million, the possibility of floating a bond for 30 years at a four percent interest rate and getting a state H2O grant covering $10 million.
The worst case scenario, Brown said would mean a doubling of a customers' yearly rate from an estimated $235 to $563.
"The estimates are difficult to predict because we haven 't taken into consideration the grant process," Brown said.
The design of the new sewer plant will begin in August, with contracts, if all the approvals are gained, being awarded next July.
During the hearing on the Act 537 plan, officials discussed the impact of the construction on not only Columbia residents, but the 200 residents of West Hempfield Township, who are hooked into the system and what might happen if WHT would join LASA.
"I can;t imagine they (West Hempfield) would consider pumping to LASA," said Columbia Borough Manager Norm Meiskey.
"We have to be successful in the great application," noted Mayor Leo Lutz.
Questions surrounded the proposed sewer increase. Meiskey said according to projected rates would rise 68 percent on the average gallon of usage. Officials also said because of the economy and many firms looking for work, actual costs for the project might come in less than the estimates.

Council president's questionable moves

Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
Such was the case last night at the special council meeting to discuss improvements to the borough's sewer plant and a couple of other items of business.
Front and center again again was Council President Mary Wickenheiser.
Toward the end of a public hearing, which was an information gather presentation on the proposed $16 million construction proect at the waste water treatment facility, the council president cut off up to four citizens, who raised their hands to ask funding questions regarding funding for the project, which could leaad to a major increase in sewer rates.
Wickenheiser's move came after an hour of a presentation and question ans answer session. When the citizens raised their hands to talk, the council president, quickly moved onto the next topic on the agenda, angering those who wanted to ask questions.
Then, council had to approve changes in a resolution to a previous resolution on small term borrowing, Wickenheiser chided fellow council member Mary Barninger for voting no on the resolution. Barninger voted no earlier this month othe resolution to borrow $125,000 for the purchase of new police cars, a ventilation system for the market house and bollards for the town square.
Barninger explained she was being consistent with her vote, which didn't sit well with the council president.
The final act came when the council sought to approve a previously approved request from the Ashley Tabernacle Church, who each August holds a baptism in the River Park.
In June, council approved use of the park but only for the canoe and kayak area. At the Community Development Committee meeting prior to the special meeting, representatives from the church asked if he baptism could be moved back to the main boat ramp to accommodate the several hundred people who attend the event.
At the committee level, the vote was 2-1 in favor of the request with chairperson Renae Sears and Anna Gerlitzki voting in favor and Wickenheiser voting against the request.
The park's boat ramp will be closed from 3-6:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 8.
Council woman Sandy Duncan said the move was needed to accommodate those attending the event and the fact the church didn't have time to look at the canoe/kayak area to see if it was suitable for the event.
"We've never had any real problems down there," Duncan said.
Resident Harry Knighton said council should approve the request.
"They shouldn't be denied that right," he said.
When it came for the full council to vote on the issue, Wickenheiser again voted no.

Tonight's meeting and....

Just a reminder about tonight's special meeting of Columbia Borough Council at 7 p.m.
The agenda includes possible approval of the borough's Act 537, dealing with the possibility of a new waste water treatment plant, which will include a major increase in sewer rates.
Also, I have learned another part of the growing agenda will deal with the possible sale/lease by the borough of land currently owed by Norfolk Southern near River Park.
Most likely with all special meetings, citizen comment will be limited to agenda items only.

Here is another thought about our council meetings.
Ever wonder what can be discussed at executive sessions? Governments can hold executive sessions to discuss legal, personnel and land acquisition matters. But how many times have residents gone to council committee meetings and two weeks later an item shows up on the agenda that never went through the committee structure? Well, perhaps these type items are being discussed during the personnel committee meetings, which the public can't attend. Just thinking out loud!

More problems in York with parking meters

One part of this story, not being able to read the times is part of Columbia's problem. http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_15612759

Weekly Columbia Police reports

RICHARD A. GETTLE, AGE 47, OF LEBANON, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ON ROUTE 30 WEST AND ROUTE 441, JULY 19.


GEORGE C. WILSON, AGE 39, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE 300 BLOCK OF SOUTH THIRD STREET, JULY 19.

EDWARD O. COLON, AGE 30, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 100 BLOCK OF SOUTH FOURTH STREET, 0438 HOURS, JULY 19.

STEPHEN E. SMITH, AGE 40, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, IN THE 100 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, JULY 20.

DERRICK BARRETT, AGE 29, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE 200 BLOCK OF MILL STREET, JULY 21.

MARY JEAN CRONIN, AGE 51, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS, ON ROUTE 30 WEST, JULY 22.

ARKADY Y. ZEREBILOV, AGE 32, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS ON ROUTE 30 EAST, JULY 22.

JOHN H. TYSON, AGE 22, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT FOURTH. AND LOCUST STREETS, JULY 22.

BRYAN M. BARTON, AGE 22, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION AND FOR REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN THE 200 BLOCK OF LOCUST STREET, JULY 22.

KIMBERLY A. TRACE, AGE 48, OF MARYLAND, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION AND FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, IN THE 300 BLOCK OF NORTH THIRD. STREET, JULY 26.

ROGER ALAN LUEDEKE, SR., AGE 47, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND UNION STREETS, JULY 25.
 
CYNTHIA RAMOS, AGE 27, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, AT MILL AND SOUTH SECOND. STREETS, JULY 24.

MELISSA K. DUCHAK, AGE 35, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED ON ROUTE 30 EAST, JULY 24.

JEAN EILEEN STEVENS, AGE 45, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION; DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED; AND FOR REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, AT CHESTNUT AND NORTH SECOND . STREETS, JULY 24.

ZANE D. SANDERS, AGE 27, OF LITITZ, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED; RESTRAINT SYSTEMS; AND FOR TURNING MOVEMENTS AND REQUIRED SIGNALS, AT 4TH . AND UNION STREETS, JULY 25.

KRISTINE ANN TEBAY, AGE 46, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, AT FIFTH AND WALNUT STREETS, JULY 27.

Saturday yard sale

There will be a yard sale on Saturday, July 31 from 8 a.m.-noon at 544 South 13th St.
Longaberger baskets with liners $10-50, pocketbooks, table (with no chairs). Corner Mantle for a gas insert are among some of the items.

Monday, July 26, 2010

River Park info

Information. limited at that, can be found here: http://www.derckandedson.com/portfolio/columbiaRiver.html

A positive story for Columbia

Here is a link to a WGAL story: http://www.wgal.com/video/24397515/index.html

Monday musings

So, just what exactly are the future plans for the River Park?


What's in Phase II? Phase III? How far along are the plans? Where is the money coming from?

Well today in town, a local businessman, who could benefit from the park’s expansion was running at the mouth, so to speak, about the future park and how is “ramping” up for the future.

This person was spouting off there are plans for an amphitheater, kiosks selling bait, coffee, food, etc.

I had heard this when plans for the park were first revealed, but since Phase I of the project isn’t completely done, how far along is Phase II and III?

The way this person was talking, he’s all but been guaranteed space for his business at the park and it seems the park has become the focus of this town.

But where is the money coming from? Grants? Loans or private financing?

This is something to keep an eye on, especially in light of the cottage owners, who are aware of borough plans to possibly take over the area.

******

I have written a lot and there have been plenty of comments about three huge issues in our town – borough council, code enforcement and police. Over the last few days, I’ve gotten a chance to speak with a member of the council and some officers.

First council, not all of the seven member governing body likes how meetings are run and what is being spent and other issues. But this council member I spoke with, wants to see changes and understands there has to be changes, but this person is in the minority, when it comes to being able to make those changes.

I’m just throwing this out there, if Columbia Borough has some council members who aren’t doing the job or employees, who aren’t performing up to par, why are they still there.

Also, last week when I posted the picture on road construction being done by the highway department in our town, I asked how many streets have been done this summer. The answer was there is a plan to do a number of streets, but the cost of asphalt is high right now, which might limit the number of streets.

So, not all of council is in agreement about how things are being run, but until others get on the bandwagon, changes might be tough.

As for code enforcement issues, I know the “powers to be” are checking this site for the latest problem areas. All well and good, but unless the four people now working in the code enforcement area get out of the office, drive/walk the community, there will be no changes. With the new employees, let’s wait and see if there is any difference. Until then, keep calling and posting the problem areas until there are results.

The same goes for police. Apparently the drug trade is or has been heating up in our town. Police can’t react to anything if you don’t call them. We were sharing with them a couple of recent stories and they want to know of the problems so they can react to them. The guys on the street want to make this town better and if they are not, it’s not because they aren’t trying, it’s because people aren’t calling or they are being held up by the “higher ups” in the borough.

*****

Finally today, I can remember when each summer when the yellow curbs were painted and the white lines on the streets and cross walks were painted as well. I know this is something minor, but it would go a long way toward cleaning up our town.

THE groundbreaking is Wednesday

There will be a groundbreaking at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 28 for the Turkey Hill Experience at Third and Linden streets.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Special meeting of council

Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Columbia Borough Council will be held on Tuesday, July 27, at 7 p.m. (changed from 7/21/10) in the Borough Municipal Building, 308 Locust St., Columbia, PA to hold a public hearing to act on the revised PA Act 537 Sewage Facility Plan, and any other Borough business.
If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend and require an accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Borough Office at 684-2467

Raises tied to performances

This is from the York Daily Record: http://www.ydr.com/ci_15579320

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Discussion on bridge repairs

Here is a story from the York Daily Record concerning improvements to the Route 462 Bridge. http://www.ydr.com/ci_15594263

At the car wash!

Child Safety seat check is held







A Child Safety Seat Check was held at the Kleen-Rite Car Wash, 16th Street and Lancaster Avenue.
Partners are SVEMS, Kleen-Rite Car Wash, Columbia Boro Police Department and Susquehanna Fire & Rescue Co. #4.

A little too much to drink!

Noticed this morning the water fountain was again flowing in the town square, perhaps because soeone had a little too much Natural Light overnight.

Booted

This car in the area of Fifth and Union streets was booted overnight.