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.