So, why is the sidewalk closed and....

Last week when I didn’t have to dress up like Nanook of the North to come in town, I decided to scoot around a little.


I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just wanting to see the sites, I guess.

Well, as I have written before, there are still a lot of code issues in our town.

Many have commented on previous posts concerning code issues in our town and it will never end until changes are made.

Columbia needs to have consistent code enforcement and not selective code enforcement. In other words, instead of sending a letter to a resident concerning a low hanging tree branch or a sidewalk out of kilter, why not go after the problem areas.

So, on my little trek through town, I noticed a nuisance bar, which changed it hours because of a probable citation from the LCB. One has to wonder with all of the alleged problems this establishment has had, why it hasn’t been closed a long time ago. Code issues within the building are the least of the problems.

How about the former Sprint building on North Third Street? The windows remain open, a side entrance on Third Street looks like its been pried open. There are also some vents on Third Street that are beyond repair.

And that’s probably the least of the buildings’ problems.

On Fourth Street, check out the former Keystone Fire Company. As of last week, the sidewalk was closed because the windows on the third floor were damaged and falling onto the sidewalk.

All three places should have been closed down a long time ago, but continue to be an eyesore for our town, as our code enforcement people continue to pick on the little people and ignore the big problems.

It’s time for the borough to step uo in this area, along with many others.

Are police fully equipped to do their job?

Columbia Borough passed its 2011 budget this week.

The good news, property owners in Columbia will not face a tax increase for 2011.

The bad news was that the budget exposed other issues. (http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/330404).

Those issues involve the police department, which were exposed at this week’s special meeting.

The council overturned Mayor Leo Lutz’ veto of the budget by a 7-0 vote. The mayor wanted an additional officer and two vehicles purchased among other issues.

The bone of contention during the meeting was the lack of a police budget submitted to the borough over the last three years, not having a working Breathalyzer for the department and only one AED.

The Breathalyzer has been out of service for at least three years, according to what COLUMBIA TALK has learned. It would cost more to replace the out-of-service equipment, than it would to purchase a new one. Without the equipment, police have been transporting alleged DUI suspects to Lancaster General Hospital for blood tests.

Therefore, without the Breathalyzer, which can test blood alcohol contents immediately, taking officers off the street to run to Lancaster was the only option.

So as this information comes to light, one has to ask a few questions again.

One, wouldn’t it be cheaper for the borough to replace the broken unit, tan take officers out of Columbia and run to Lancaster for BAC testing?

Two, since there has been no working Breathalyzer for at least three years are the officers still certified or if one is purchased will the4re be training required?

Three, why wasn’t this pointed out until this week that no police budget has been submitted for the last three years?

In most places, heads would roll if this type of information wasn’t provided.

Four, have we sacrificed the safety of our citizens by not having one?



This raises even more questions:



What about the rumor circulated around town this week that possibly one council member wants to disband the police department? Columbia is use to police coverage 24/7 and having another department or state police serve our town, would make open season for the criminal element.

Are the certifications of the officers to use the lone AED the department has up to date?

There are many other issues within our borough, but one thing that should never be sacrificed is the safety of its people. Right now, there seems to be a lot of playing around with that.

As Eagles coach Andy Reid says weekly at his post-game news conference, “Times’ yours.” The time is now for Columba Borough to explain this mess and if someone has to take the fall for it, so be it.

More honors

Columbia football players Michael Burke and Tyler Harrison have been honored by the Pennsylvania Football News. Here is the link: http://www.pawrsl.com/pfn/2010_pfn_all_state_index.htm

Honor for Donegal grad

Donegal grad Mike Sarbaugh has been named Minor League Manager of the Year. One of the good guys, Mike is the son of former Columbian the late Jim Sarbaugh. http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/awards/manager-of-the-year/2010/2611032.html

There's more to the hunt

There can be lessons learned in the hunt: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/329432

Finally progress on North Second Street

There has been some progess made in demolishing fire damages homes in Columbia: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/328933

Flea market opens

The former skateboard place is part of a new venture: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/327418