This is illegal

Placing personal trash in the borough owned/removed in the downtown is illegal. This is one of those trash cans near the post office.

A Columbia tradition

As much as fireworks are a staple on July 4, so too are yard sales on Chestnut Street in Columbia from Fifth Street up. The Walnut Street area also had sone good deals today as well.

COLUMBIA TALK in numbers

When I started COLUMBIA TALK back in early February, I did it to help keep Columbians informed about things going on in our town, since we no longer have a newspaper.
I didn;t know what to expect and to be honest with you, I thought perhaps there would be a couple of hits a day. Well, five months into the process, it has surpassed what I thought. As of this writing, COLUMBIA TALK has had 35,156 hits and the comments made on certain issues have been enlighting to many and apparently keeping people on their toes, where in fact I received an email this afternoon from a political figure, who was reading COLUMBIA TALK, said COLUMBIA TALK is doing more harm than good and he was going to stop reading.
There is a lot going on in our town and there is a lot of good things happening and will happen. I think the Turkey Hill Experience is one, even though like most in town, I am a little cautious about it. I do read all the comments that are posted and sent to COLUMBIA TALK. Yes, there have been some that were deleted and many I agree with and some I do not.
I've been to various meetings in York, Lancaster and Chester Counties for three decades and I have seen a lot, heard a lot and shook my head a lot, not only here in our great town, but other areas as well. I've seen people come and go; people that really should have stayed here and people who should have never been let into town. Yes, I am one of those who wants to take our town back and see it prosper. We need to work together to succeed, but, there are issues in our town, which are making it a "house divided," which is sad.
I understand the feelings of everyone good and bad, so enough for the soap box. Perhaps each day or week, I might start throwing an idea or two out there to see how it takes. It's all part of a bigger plan.
Any way, I have added a statistical column to COLUMBIA TALK. I can look and see how any hits there are a day, a week or month; what the most popular reads are and where the hits are coming from (not addresses). Like just today, there were 925 visitors to the site and 920 yesterday.
All I can say thank you to those who have "hit" this site and keep reading and I will keep posting.

Happy July 4th

Fireworks stands are showing up all over town.

Friday stuff

Columbia Borough allows its employees to park for free in the borough parking lot near the market. I have reserved feelings about that, one especeially when we are trying to draw people downtown, especially to thre market and there's no place to park.
But are employees or park enforcement people allowed to park say in the area of Fourth and Locust or other areas not within the confines of the municipal area and not plug the meters? It was something that was approached to a borough official earlier this week that it just doesn't look kosher, especially when the person is going around town giving tickets for not slugging the meters. Perhaps if the employee would park where the others do, this wouldn't be an issue, or perhaps, the borough should utilize another parking area for employees.
*****

Went to the Market again today, had to getsome more cherries ($1.99 a pound at Keagy's) and spoke fro about 30 minutes or so with new market manager Brian Long. He does have some ideas and has already started a Facebook page for the market. Improvement to the market isn't going to happen overnight and he won't be "run over" by Columbia's political games. But there is a plan in place.  Stop by and meet him and talk with him.

Should there be a concern?

When downtown this morning and speaking to a law enforcement officer, I was informed that a nuisance bar in the 400 block of Locust Street is planning a Hip-Hop/Party next Friday. There is a concern that something could happen and it might be nice to have some extra officers on call to help those working the streets next Friday, but, the extra manpower request might be denied. Perhaps it might be a good idea to put some extra police on the streets, just in case.

Columbia fireworks and carnival are upcoming

Wrightsville's holiday plans

Fireworks set for Wrightsville. http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=35573

Marietta July 4th information

The Pioneer Fire Company of Marietta will host the town;s July 4th celebration. http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=35573

Market was active

The nice weather brought out people to the Columbia Market House today as most stands were busy. Also, Brian Long, the new Market Manager, started today and visited some of the stand holders. This is a picture of the time capsule burried in the 1988 Bicentennial in Columbia.

Water is flowing

For more than a week, the water has been flowing in the fountain in the Town Square.

A West Nile Virus possibility

A reader of this site talked to me this morning and asked me to take a picture of the "hole in the ground," "downtown swimming pool" and former site of the Etzweiler Funeral Home and CA Herr Annex. The concern after heavy rains, the water lays in the hole for days and could be or is a breeding ground for the West Nile Virus.

Blue skies and happy trails

The last two days, its been blue skies and happy trails with some nice beautiful weather.

More trash dropped

I saw this little picture this morning on my way in town at the former Movie Man property near the Town Square as someone is now dropping trash on the property. Someone asked me today how I can see these code enforcement issues and those who are getting paid for it don't? Well, here are some answers. I am usually moving about thee miles-an-hour, travel the back streets and alleys, sorry to be politically correct, avenues and look at things. The code officials if they are out driving are moving considerably faster than I am and obviously don't see things. They also need to be out and about also.

Hearing held in shooting

A preliminary hearing was held yesterday for the May shooting in Columbia. http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/262742

Today along the river

Today at River Park, there were people fishing, riding their boats, borough workers removing graffitti and weeds and other workers getting ready to put the  lights in. And plenty of wildlife walking.

Council seeks deal with railroad

If Columbia Borough Council and the Norfolk Southern Railroad can agree to the purchase of 14 acres of land between the two bridges, the Locust Street Railroada crossing will be closed as part of the agreement.

At a special meeting Tuesday night, Columbia Borough Council approved pursuing a contract with the Norfolk Southern Railroad for the purchase of 14 acres of land between the two inter-county bridges.

This is the access road that will have to be kept open as part of the pending agreement.

The assessed value of the land, which is west of the railroad tracks is $113,900. Columbia will use a grant from DCNR of $30,000 toward the purchase and they hope Norfolk Southern will “gift” the remaining amount of $83,900.
Council made its decision to pursue the purchase following a 30-minute executive session during Tuesday’s meeting.
As part of the pending purchase, which Norfolk Southern still must approve, the borough must erect a chain link fence on the property and keep an access road near the railroad tracks open from Walnut Street, south to Union Street and close the Locust Street crossing.
The purchase of the land not only will be used as part of the River Park expansion project, but also the Route 441 relocation, which will probably happen sometime in 2012 and the Northwest River Trail project, which will link Columbia to Marietta.
In addition to hearing comments from members of the council, President Mary Wickenheiser opened the floor to citizens. Tim Swartz and Frank Doutrich, both former members of the council questioned liability concerns and when Columbia could back out of the project.
Resident Kent Lutz questioned the need to purchase the property, while another resident Harry Knighton asked if the money used for the purchase can be used in other areas of the borough for road and infrastructure improvements.
Mayor Leo Lutz said money planned for the project could not be used for something else.
“The river is what made Columbia and the river is our future. We looked at this development as a way to spur economic development elsewhere in this borough,” said Wickenheiser.
“Why are we spending money for something we don’t need,” said Austin Hogentogler, resident.
Wickenheiser said the park is busy, especially on weekend, where people from at least rive counties use the facility.
Lance Nobile, another resident, criticized the council for the current River Park plan.
“It’s in terrible condition,” he said.
“The project was not in the best interest of the community and not a wise decision,” he continued.

Columbia holding Blanket Drive

In the heat of the summer it is easy to forget the chill of last winter and the winter to come. The Columbia Blanket Drive will be collecting new and gently used blankets which will be donated to our Columbia residents in need. Please consider donating a blanket to our cause.
With your help, together we can comfort our community this winter.
Thank you and let's share the warmth.
Blankets will be distributed in early November 2010
For donation information or to volunteer your time, please call :  (717)-685-9223 or email: blanketcolumbia@gmail.com.

Is This What We Want?

This picture was supplied by Columbia Borough of an apartment complex' trash at Third and Union streets, which was cleaned up by the borough following a complaint.

Council says no to THE request

It’s not often the word “no” is said at a borough council meeting in Columbia.


At a special meeting Tuesday night, borough council did just that, they said no.

The “no” came after a request from Bill Roberts of Museum Partners, the developer of the Turkey Hill Experience, who was asking the borough to loan his group $150,000 so it can continue plans to make the project a “green” project with the installation of a solar energy system.

Actually, there was no vote on the request. After a presentation from Roberts, discussion among council members and citizens, the request could not get a motion or second from the council, thus denying the request.

“We’ve done all we can to support this project. Even making a loan would over extend us. We regret we can’t approve your request,” said Mary Wickenheiser, council president as the end of the discussion.

The two big reasons for the denial were the borough’s finances and a minor fact, the borough was just hearing the request fro Roberts for the first time.

Roberts told the council he’s been involved with the project for four years and the money would be used to install solar panels on the building to make it “electric efficient.”

He said the planning for the solar panels started too late and the window of opportunity to get a grant from the state closed. He was looking to get the $150,000 through a state grant and a similar amount in a federal tax credit.

“I understand it will be a difficult decision. This will be world class building and if you can help, it would be much appreciated,” Roberts said.

Roberts said the borough could release the funds through the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, who brokered the deal, and it would be paid back.

“If we do not do this, where does that leave the solar project?” asked Mary Barninger, council woman.

Roberts said the solar project would be down scaled and wouldn’t produce much electric.

Mayor Leo Lutz said there might be other options to consider and hoped the borough would help Museum Partners investigate those options.

Roberts said he had exhausted all funding sources for the solar project and the time frame to have the building completed by Feb. 1, 2011 left him “pressed for time.”

Resident Frank Doutrich, a former member of the council, spoke about the money.

“Where are we going to get the money?” Doutrich asked.

“The borough has done more than its fair share. We’ve done enough,” said Vern Detz, another former council member.

Another resident Austin Hogentogler said he doesn’t like paying for someone else’s property.

“I am tired of paying high taxes for someone else’s property,” Hogentogler said.

Wickenheiser said don’t blame the borough for the high taxes.

“School taxes are three times higher than municipal taxes. I think we are doing a good job managing finances in this town,” the council president said.

“It’s the school district that is killing this town,” said Mike Beury, councilmen said.

Keith Lutz is president of CEDC.

He explained the financing for the project and offered to sit down with anyone to discuss it.

He explained the request from Roberts came in the last 10 days and offered to see how his group could help.

“We’re all ready for this building to be built and this was the fastest way to get this done. In three years, there won’t be a single person who will say this is a bad project,” Lutz said.

Lutz even suggested the borough give THE $150,000 as a loan.

“Were do we come up with $150,000. That’s big for me,” Wickenheiser said.

Borough Manager Norm Meiskey suggested taking the money out of the borough’s reserve fund.

“We have supported this project 210 percent, but this would hurt the borough financially,” said Sandy Duncan, council woman.

“If you want to see Columbia Borough move forward, you will have to invest in your community. This is a big project and a lot of things can happen because of it,” said Mayor Lutz, just before Wickenheiser asked for a motion.

Another code officer is hired

At a special meeting on Tuesday night, borough council hired George Hart as a part-time Code Enforceent Officer,
Hart's salary will be $18.48 an hour for up to 25 hours a week.
Hart will become the borough's third part-time Code Enforcement Officer. The department also has a full-time officer.
Council explained at its meeting Tuesday that when they hired a previous part-time code officer they had some outstanding candidates, so they decided to hire a third part-time employee.
Mayor Leo Lutz explained Tuesday, that with the hiring of Hart, it would allow the code officec to improve quality of life issues in Columbia.

Did she really mean to say that?

There were just three items on Tuesday's agenda at the special borough council meeting and it still took two-and-a-half hours to complete.

But as a packed council chambers looked on as the borough's governing body turned down a request from the developer of the Turkey Hill Experience for a loan of $150,000; hired a third part-time code enforceent officer and approved a contract for the purchase of 14 acres of land between the two bridges, it was a comment from Council President Mary Wickenheiser that had many in attendance saying "what!"
Vern Detz, a former member of the council, was questioning the request from Bill Roberts about his request for the borough to put $150,000 back into the THE (Turkey Hill Experience) project, he remarked about those in attendance, mostly cabin owners from along the Susquehanna River.
Detz told those at the meeting they need to keep attending the meetings.
"The taxpayers of this borough no longer trust borough council," Detz said.
Wickenheiser responded, "I agree with you on that statement."
So, was she agreeing with Detz that she liked the number of people attending the meeting or she doesn't trust the other members of the council? Hopefully, she met she was happy to see people attending the meeting.

Another yard sale

Saw this again this morning at Fourth and Locust streets, another yard sale/flea market/moving sale on a property owned David Doolittle. The borough has an ordinance concerning the number of yard sales, which was violated earlier this year. The current sale has been going on for about a week. Word is, the people in this building are moving down to South Third Street.

Weekly Columbia Police reports

GARY MAURICE COOK, 53, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, IN THE 600 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, AT 10:47 P.M., JUNE 26.

ROBERT EUGENE WARFEL, 28, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT, (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE), FOR AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED JUNE 27. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE LANCASTER CENTRAL ARRAIGNMENT, AND THEN TO L.C.P., IN LIEU OF $5,000 STRAIGHT BAIL.

REDA HMAMA, 20, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, AT MANOR AND SOUTH NINTH. STREET, AT 1:10 A.M., JUNE 28.

NABIL ESKANDER, COLUMBIA, REPORTED THE THEFT OF $10,000 WORTH OF TOOLS FROM HIS WORK VAN, BETWEEN THE JUNE 10-11, WHILE THE VAN WAS PARKED TO THE REAR OF HIS RESIDENCE. ESKANDER MAINTAINS AND REMODELS PROPERTIES. THERE WERE VARIOUS MAKES OF WRENCHES, SCREWDRIVERS, BRAZING RODS, AN ACYTELEN BOTTLE WITH GAUGES, TWO BOTTLES OF R22 REFRIGENT, A BOTTLE OF 410A REFRIGENT, MILWAUKEE DRILLS, HAMMERS, GRINDER(S), PIPE WRENCHES, BENDER TOOLS, A NITROGEN BOTTLE WITH A GAUGE, AND NUMEROUS MAKITA DRILLS, SAW, HAMMER, DRILL, IMPACT DRILL, ETC. ANYONE WITH ANY  INFORMATION ON ANYONE HAVING POSSESSION OR WANTING TO SELL ANY OF THESE KINDS OF TOOLS, ARE ASKED TO CONTACT COLUMBIA POLICE, AT 684-7735.

CITIZENS IN SEVERAL AREAS HAVE REPORTED CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AND VANDALISM TO POLICE.
ONE WAS REPORTED TO HAVE  HAPPENED IN THE 900 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, WHERE A VEHICLE WAS SACRATCHED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL AREA, THAT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE HAPPENED ON THE JUNE 25, LATE IN THE EVENING. ANOTHER INCIDENT HAPPENED ON JUNE 29 IN THE 1100 BLOCK OF BARBER STREET, WHERE A PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW WAS BROKEN OUT.
A RESIDENT REPORTED THAT SOMEONE HAD  GOTTEN INTO HIS APARTMENT IN THE FIRST BLOCK OF SOUTH THIRD. STREET, BETWEEN 6:30 A.M. AND 2:30 P.M., JUNE 28.
AN HP LAPTOP COMPUTER FROM THE LIVING ROOM AREA OF THE APARTMENT WAS REPORTED STOLEN. VALULE OF THE COMPUTER IS $529.

Crash victim named

Police release crash victim's name: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/262208