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
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
Longaberger baskets with liners $10-50, pocketbooks, table (with no chairs). Corner Mantle for a gas insert are among some of the items.
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