Have you been downtown lately, when its been nice?
If you have been and been in the area of Fourth and Locust streets, you probably have seen it at the vacant lot at Fourth and Locust streets.
It's the lot where a building was torn down maybe two years ago, in not longer now, turned into a vacant lot/parking lot.
Since the weather has turned nice, its been the scene of what many are calling an "outdoor yard sale or flea market" on an almost daily basis -- right in the heart od our downtown.
It has also been a problem the last few years when it came time for the Antique, Art and Craft Show, sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce as well. Seems the property owner of the lot is allowing yard sales on the property, the day of that event, making the vendors coming to Columbia for that big day in June unhappy campers. They are paying a fee to be there and those on the lot are not.
Is Columbia has a yard sale ordinance, it is not being enforced. Several years ago there was a proposal before council to limit the number of yard sales a property owner could have, but may not have been acted on.
But is this what we want people coming to town to see every day? Filling up a lot with let's call it what it is -- junk.
Okay, it could be the business that operates at 403 Locust St. moving items outside, but they shouldn't be allowed to do it every day.
Columbia Borough should step in and stop this or control this before it gets out of hand. It just doesn't give off a good impression of our town.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Upcoming activities at the Susquehanna Fire Company
The Susquehanna Fire Conpany, 10th and Manor streets, has announced two upcoming events.
A Chicken Barbecue will be held on Saturday, April 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The cost is $7.50 for a dinner or $4 for a half chicken.
A Mother's Day Cash Bingo Bonanza will be held Sunday, May 9.
Tickets cost $30 for a full set-up and meal if purchased by May 2 and $35 after that date.
Tickets and information for both events can be obtained by calling 684-6297.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Myer resigns at Elco
LancSports.com's Jeff Reinhart has posted a story about the resignation of one of the longest serving girls' basketball coaches in the L-L League, Dave Myer of Elco.
I can remember back in the late 1990s, there were some pretty good wars between Columbia and Elco.
Jeff's View from the Pressbox can be accessed from COLUMBIA TALK, by using the link to the right.
Jeff will also be blogging live starting tomorrow from the Penn State University's Bryce Jordan Center.
I can remember back in the late 1990s, there were some pretty good wars between Columbia and Elco.
Jeff's View from the Pressbox can be accessed from COLUMBIA TALK, by using the link to the right.
Jeff will also be blogging live starting tomorrow from the Penn State University's Bryce Jordan Center.
TMI generators won't move until April
Check out the lancasteronline.com story on the planned move of the old generators from Three Mile Island through the area. It was suppose to happen this weekend, but now has been delayed.
When the story originally broke back earlier this year, it sounded like a pretty easy move. Now after reading the story, it doesn't sound so easy.
When the story originally broke back earlier this year, it sounded like a pretty easy move. Now after reading the story, it doesn't sound so easy.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Does Columbia have "Fish Gate?"
When you are downtown, one of the first things you normally do once you get out your vehicle is put a quarter in your meter. That is unless you are cheap and think you can get away with it and not get a ticket or move your car up or back a space because you don't have 25 cents because another meter has time on it.
Oh, you haven't seen that one yet where a person pulls or backs up their car looking for a meter with money in it? Then you must not be downtown that much.
Okay, enough with the comedy routine. If you look closely at the meters, which few do -- the times they are monitored or you have to place a quarter for 60 minutes of parking in them are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday.
You didn't know that? Shame on you.
Well, now the borough is enforcing those meter times, much to the chagrin of many people who visit or work dowtown. Since the "retirement" earlier this year or late last year by veteran meter maid Linda Colin, who is everyone will admit to it, knew her schedule and knew when they had to plug their meters, things have changed.
Seems the borough has replaced Colin with as many as three, possibly four meter maids or traffic enforcement officers, because one is a guy. You can usually spot one person doing meters in the morning, one early in the afternoon and one much later, well after the meters use to be checked. And many people haven't caught on yet.
Seems this past Saturday night, in the first block of South Fourth Street, where there are meters, a number of people who were attending early church at the church at Fourth and Cherry streets had to dish out more money than what they put in the collection plate. Seems while they were taking money out of their one pocket and placing it into the church's bank bags, the borough was reaching into the other pocket taking some more money out. Seems when the church goers came out to leave and were parked on South Fourth Street, they all got meter violation ticlets. So, as they were giving you see, someone was taking it away (sorry bad pun).
Seems the church mass starfted at 5 p.m. and you have to slug the good old black boxes until 6 p.m., which again, no one reads. The borough following the rules said "got ya."
Some outraged by this, visited the police station and got no answer. Others began calling their elected officials. And over the last two days, word spread like a wild fire, one high ranking elected official told some of those who got tickets, "don't worry about it, it will be taken care of."
So the answer from others, who are now getting ticketed because the laws are now apparently being enforced "is wait a minute, why not me too?"
This is not a good move on Columbia's part, especially because of the high number of tickets that are apparently being written and certain ones possibly are getting excused.
So with "Fish Gate" now on the front burner, what should have been done? Well, since Columbia has no newspaper or any newspapers who will publish anything about Columbia, perhaps the borough could have done one of two things. First, send letters out to businesses telling them that the meters will be enforced to the letter, so they could warn their customers. Two, perhaps they could have put notices on the sewer bills of residents, alerting them to the policy. A third thing could have been a warning also, not only to the church goers, but others. That apparently didn't happen.
So since that didn't happen and many Columbians seem to be checking COLUMBIA TALK daily, here is your warning. Take time to put a quarter in the meter no matter the time of day, or it will cost you $5 or $10 if you don't and if you don't pay it right away, it will cost you a lot more and maybe even result in one of those yellow things put on your front wheel.
So, now we have "Fish Gate."
Oh, you haven't seen that one yet where a person pulls or backs up their car looking for a meter with money in it? Then you must not be downtown that much.
Okay, enough with the comedy routine. If you look closely at the meters, which few do -- the times they are monitored or you have to place a quarter for 60 minutes of parking in them are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday.
You didn't know that? Shame on you.
Well, now the borough is enforcing those meter times, much to the chagrin of many people who visit or work dowtown. Since the "retirement" earlier this year or late last year by veteran meter maid Linda Colin, who is everyone will admit to it, knew her schedule and knew when they had to plug their meters, things have changed.
Seems the borough has replaced Colin with as many as three, possibly four meter maids or traffic enforcement officers, because one is a guy. You can usually spot one person doing meters in the morning, one early in the afternoon and one much later, well after the meters use to be checked. And many people haven't caught on yet.
Seems this past Saturday night, in the first block of South Fourth Street, where there are meters, a number of people who were attending early church at the church at Fourth and Cherry streets had to dish out more money than what they put in the collection plate. Seems while they were taking money out of their one pocket and placing it into the church's bank bags, the borough was reaching into the other pocket taking some more money out. Seems when the church goers came out to leave and were parked on South Fourth Street, they all got meter violation ticlets. So, as they were giving you see, someone was taking it away (sorry bad pun).
Seems the church mass starfted at 5 p.m. and you have to slug the good old black boxes until 6 p.m., which again, no one reads. The borough following the rules said "got ya."
Some outraged by this, visited the police station and got no answer. Others began calling their elected officials. And over the last two days, word spread like a wild fire, one high ranking elected official told some of those who got tickets, "don't worry about it, it will be taken care of."
So the answer from others, who are now getting ticketed because the laws are now apparently being enforced "is wait a minute, why not me too?"
This is not a good move on Columbia's part, especially because of the high number of tickets that are apparently being written and certain ones possibly are getting excused.
So with "Fish Gate" now on the front burner, what should have been done? Well, since Columbia has no newspaper or any newspapers who will publish anything about Columbia, perhaps the borough could have done one of two things. First, send letters out to businesses telling them that the meters will be enforced to the letter, so they could warn their customers. Two, perhaps they could have put notices on the sewer bills of residents, alerting them to the policy. A third thing could have been a warning also, not only to the church goers, but others. That apparently didn't happen.
So since that didn't happen and many Columbians seem to be checking COLUMBIA TALK daily, here is your warning. Take time to put a quarter in the meter no matter the time of day, or it will cost you $5 or $10 if you don't and if you don't pay it right away, it will cost you a lot more and maybe even result in one of those yellow things put on your front wheel.
So, now we have "Fish Gate."
State Police investigating fatal crash
State police are investigating that led to the death of a Columbia man along River Road in Conoy Township, Tuesday afternoon around 5 p.m.
The man, Albert Meiskey Jr., 49, of Perry Street, Columbia, was killed when he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole.
Meiskey had been reported missing as an "endangered person," yesterday by his family. Shortly before the crash, a vehicle registered to Meiskey was spotted by Susquehanna Regional Police in the area of Riverfront Park, north of Marietta.
Police attempted to stop vehicle, but Meiskey continued driving, heading north into Bainbridge on River Road (Route 441). He then turned and headed south on River Road and sped his vehicle up while cresting a hill and the vehicle left the west side of the road, went down an embankment a nd struck a utility pole in the 2000 block of River Road near the Bainbridge Scuba Center.
Meiskey was pronounced dead at the scene of the 5:15 p.m. crash by Lancaster County Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber.
Police were attempting to check on the welfare Meiskey because he was "potentially suicidal."
The man, Albert Meiskey Jr., 49, of Perry Street, Columbia, was killed when he crashed his vehicle into a utility pole.
Meiskey had been reported missing as an "endangered person," yesterday by his family. Shortly before the crash, a vehicle registered to Meiskey was spotted by Susquehanna Regional Police in the area of Riverfront Park, north of Marietta.
Police attempted to stop vehicle, but Meiskey continued driving, heading north into Bainbridge on River Road (Route 441). He then turned and headed south on River Road and sped his vehicle up while cresting a hill and the vehicle left the west side of the road, went down an embankment a nd struck a utility pole in the 2000 block of River Road near the Bainbridge Scuba Center.
Meiskey was pronounced dead at the scene of the 5:15 p.m. crash by Lancaster County Deputy Coroner Eric Bieber.
Police were attempting to check on the welfare Meiskey because he was "potentially suicidal."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Truck leased. police cars put on hold
However, the one issue that took up most of the discussion on the agenda was a proposal to approve a lease with the Wells Fargo Bank not to exceed $95,000 over a four-year period for a Ford F-350 Super Duty truck for the highway department and two new Ford Expedition police vehicles.
The motion was questioned by citizens and members of the borough council.
Vern Detz, a former member of the council, asked if all members of the council had reviewed the documents and bids that were reviewed recently by the council’s finance committee.
Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the lenders wouldn’t consider separate bids for the leases and the truck was needed immediately for use by the highway department.
Another former member of the council asked which vehicles would be replaced. The new truck would replace a 1993 truck and the two police vehicles would replace the two SUV vehicles.
Just as the council was prepared to vote on the motion, Mayor Leo Lutz threw a monkey wrench so to speak in the vote.
He said he wanted the purchase for the police department to be, an Expedition and a Dodge Charger and it would save about $6,000 on the lease agreement.
“Having four wheel drive vehicles wold not be beneficial to the department and not make policing easier,” Lutz said.
Lutz said he’d settle for one SUV and a car, a Crown Vic or a Charger.
“This was recommended out of committee that because of the condition of our roads and its intended use, we stick with what we proposed,” said Kelly Murphy, a member of the council.
“If we change, we have to go back to the banks and get new quotes,” he said.
“There is a need for this highway vehicle. With the police vehicles, there is no documentation as to the need. I am not in a position here tonight to vote on these police vehicles because there appears to be a conflict between the police and administration on this,” said Mary Barninger, council woman.
However, another member of the council, Sandy Duncan, didn’t see any problems because the items were budgeted.
“Right away,” Barninger said, “just because it is budgeted that is the justification.”
Another member of the council, Mike Buery, said the last time police vehicles were purchased, the department got their way.
“The police want another race car,” he said.
Lutz defended the move, saying that twice in his eight years as mayor, council failed to purchase or replace police cruisers on an yearly basis and ended up the following year making two purchases.
“Police vehicles are never an easy discussion for us,” Wickenheiser said.
The vote to lease all three vehicles failed by a 5-2 vote. A vote to lease just the truck passed 7-0.
Voting for the three vehicle lease were Duncan and Beury, while the remaining members voted against that lease.
The police vehicle lease will be reviewed at the committee level and could be voted on at the April meeting of the council.
The state needs to get moving
It sits there idle. It’s been cleaned up and somewhere down the road, the idle property owned by Columbia Borough at Third and Linden streets is expected to become the Turkey Hill Experience.
The inter-active museum, designed something like Hershey’s Chocolate World and a multi-million dollar project for those involved was suppose to open sometime this year, perhaps as early as spring.
Well, as you can see when you drive past it, there is no Turkey Hill Experience, just a neatly cleaned up plot of land with a shell of a building.
So what gives?
At Wednesday’s special meeting of Columbia Borough Council, it was explained that all of the T’s have been crossed and I’s dotted on the borough’s end, that of its broker for the sale, the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, Turkey Hill and Museum Partners, who will purchase the site and develop it.
So, who hasn’t dotted its I’s and crossed its T’s? Apparently the state of Pennsylvania.
At the meeting, council approved extending its deadline with CEDC and Museum Partners until at least, if not before, April 30, to complete the deal. The property was suppose to be settled by the end of the month.
The state or at least the Department of Environmental Protection’s approval is needed because of some soil contamination at the site.
“It is the same problem we have been dealing with since last July,” said Council President Mary Wickenheiser.
The borough has been told the project should get its needed DEP approvals, but, state budget cutbacks at the DEP office, have delayed the approval process.
The approval process is expected to take at least another four weeks, Wickenheiser said.
“We are very frustrated about it,” she said.
“Columbia Borough wants to settle this and sell this property. The developer wants this and Turkey Hill is very anxious because they need to purchase the equipment that goes into the facility,” said Mayor Leo Lutz.
“They are all under the gun and pushing Columbia Borough to entice the state to sign the documents. There is no dragging the feet on this because everyone involved in the process wants to get this done,” Lutz said.
The inter-active museum, designed something like Hershey’s Chocolate World and a multi-million dollar project for those involved was suppose to open sometime this year, perhaps as early as spring.
Well, as you can see when you drive past it, there is no Turkey Hill Experience, just a neatly cleaned up plot of land with a shell of a building.
So what gives?
At Wednesday’s special meeting of Columbia Borough Council, it was explained that all of the T’s have been crossed and I’s dotted on the borough’s end, that of its broker for the sale, the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, Turkey Hill and Museum Partners, who will purchase the site and develop it.
So, who hasn’t dotted its I’s and crossed its T’s? Apparently the state of Pennsylvania.
At the meeting, council approved extending its deadline with CEDC and Museum Partners until at least, if not before, April 30, to complete the deal. The property was suppose to be settled by the end of the month.
The state or at least the Department of Environmental Protection’s approval is needed because of some soil contamination at the site.
“It is the same problem we have been dealing with since last July,” said Council President Mary Wickenheiser.
The borough has been told the project should get its needed DEP approvals, but, state budget cutbacks at the DEP office, have delayed the approval process.
The approval process is expected to take at least another four weeks, Wickenheiser said.
“We are very frustrated about it,” she said.
“Columbia Borough wants to settle this and sell this property. The developer wants this and Turkey Hill is very anxious because they need to purchase the equipment that goes into the facility,” said Mayor Leo Lutz.
“They are all under the gun and pushing Columbia Borough to entice the state to sign the documents. There is no dragging the feet on this because everyone involved in the process wants to get this done,” Lutz said.
Did a council member swear at a citizen?
At the last few borough council meetings, there has been plenty of discussion on issues of respect.
Respect in how members of the borough council treat its citizens, who attend the meeting and others and vice-versa.
This was all prompted by a change in how meetings were run by the use of Roberts Rules of Order. Earlier this month, there was some lively debate about the change from a couple of citizens and members of borough council.
Wednesday night, the issue came up again at a special meeting of the borough’s governing body.
A citizen, who is a former member of the borough council, Vern Detz, said an unnamed member of the council showed “a lack of respect toward a resident” at a recent committee meeting.
Detz, who did not name the council member, but promised too release more details of the alleged incident at council’s April meeting, said a profanity was used toward a citizen at a meeting.
“I would like to see a public apology tonight or that person resign,” Detz said.
There was no comment from borough council on the issue.
Respect in how members of the borough council treat its citizens, who attend the meeting and others and vice-versa.
This was all prompted by a change in how meetings were run by the use of Roberts Rules of Order. Earlier this month, there was some lively debate about the change from a couple of citizens and members of borough council.
Wednesday night, the issue came up again at a special meeting of the borough’s governing body.
A citizen, who is a former member of the borough council, Vern Detz, said an unnamed member of the council showed “a lack of respect toward a resident” at a recent committee meeting.
Detz, who did not name the council member, but promised too release more details of the alleged incident at council’s April meeting, said a profanity was used toward a citizen at a meeting.
“I would like to see a public apology tonight or that person resign,” Detz said.
There was no comment from borough council on the issue.
Stormers-Revs game to benefit chamber
Baseball fans mark Saturday, Aug. 14 on your calendar. That's when the Lancaster Barnstormers play host to the York Revolution at Clipper Magazine Stadium.A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales that night will benefit the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce and its Visitor's Center.
Tickets are $10 for the game and they are available by calling the chamber at 684-5249.
Tickets can also be ordered on line by following these steps:
1. Go to lancasterbarnstormers.com.
2. Click on the fund-raising log-in button.
3. Click on the SVCC logo at the top of the page.4. Enter SVCC when prompted to enter a group fund-raising code.
5. Click "buy."6. A schematic of available seats will be shown in green. Select the seats you want by clicking on the individual locations.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your order.
Fourth Friday upon us again
Downtown art galleries and shops will be open this Friday from 5-9 p..m. as Columbia celebrates another Fourth Friday event.
For more information, follow this link: http://www.fourthfriday.hitart.com/
For more information, follow this link: http://www.fourthfriday.hitart.com/
A Night of Jazz
Perfect Settings, 200 Locust St., Columbia will host Another Night of Jazz, Friday, March 26 from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Featured will be Mitch Cooper, Jeanne Cooper, Chris Cooper, Tom Witmer and Bruce Campbell.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
For more information, call 684-2347.
Antique Appraisal Faire reminder
Treasures in Your Attic, an antique appraisal fair, hosted by the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 116-118 North Third St., the site of the former Revival Skate Shop.
Local antique dealers and appraisers Dave Dickson, Ron Madar and Harold Keller will be on hand to lend their assistance in appraising family heirlooms and treasures. No stamps, coins or military items are allowed and all items must be hand carried to the event.
Tickets are available at two prices – $5 for a verbal appraisal for one item and $10 covers the verbal appraisal of three items.
Tickets can be purchased at the chamber’s visitor center, 445 Linden St., or at the door the day of the event.
Sponsors for the event are the Rivertowne Antique Center, Burning Bridge Antiques Market and Partners and Friends.
For more information, call the chamber at 684-5249.
Local antique dealers and appraisers Dave Dickson, Ron Madar and Harold Keller will be on hand to lend their assistance in appraising family heirlooms and treasures. No stamps, coins or military items are allowed and all items must be hand carried to the event.
Tickets are available at two prices – $5 for a verbal appraisal for one item and $10 covers the verbal appraisal of three items.
Tickets can be purchased at the chamber’s visitor center, 445 Linden St., or at the door the day of the event.
Sponsors for the event are the Rivertowne Antique Center, Burning Bridge Antiques Market and Partners and Friends.
For more information, call the chamber at 684-5249.
Columbia athletes are honored
A number of Columbia winter sports’ athletes were recognized in the annual supplement of Winter Sports All-Stars published by the Lancaster Newspapers earlier this week.
In boys’ basketball, senior Brandon Arnold and junior Tre Simms were named honorable mention all-stars in Section 4,
Named Wrestling Academic All-Stars, for maintaining an A-B average throughout wrestling season were Joey Charles, Brandon Felus, Ben Hank and Rachel Knighton.
Named first team Section 3 All-Stars were Nate Warner (160), tied with Pequea Valley’s Mitch Ball and Brandon Felus (215).
Named to the second team were Jordan Halter (135), Joe Ronca (140) and Marcus Fischer (189).
Named honorable mention were Derek Zercher (125) and John Markley (130).
In boys’ basketball, senior Brandon Arnold and junior Tre Simms were named honorable mention all-stars in Section 4,
Named Wrestling Academic All-Stars, for maintaining an A-B average throughout wrestling season were Joey Charles, Brandon Felus, Ben Hank and Rachel Knighton.
Named first team Section 3 All-Stars were Nate Warner (160), tied with Pequea Valley’s Mitch Ball and Brandon Felus (215).
Named to the second team were Jordan Halter (135), Joe Ronca (140) and Marcus Fischer (189).
Named honorable mention were Derek Zercher (125) and John Markley (130).
Sports Hall announces inductees
The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 2010 class of inductees.The induction banquet will take place on Saturday, May 1, at the Susquehanna Fire Company.
Tickets for the banquet are available by contacting Rich Gerfin at 684-4772 after 6 p.m.
The inductees are:
Ron Caulwell, former athletic director at Columbia High School.
Gayne Deshler, former football coach and athletic director at Donegal High School.
Glenn Robinson, basketball coach at F&M.
John Thomas, former Columbia wrestler.
Leslie Bair Vink, former gymnast at Hempfield.
Jon Witman, former Eastern football player and Pittsburgh Steeler.
Mike Wolfgang, former Columbia football player will be honored as the deceased inductee.
The hall holds its monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at the Knights of Columbus, Fourth and Maple streets at 7 p.m.
For more information on the hall, contact George Seibert at 684-6739.
Wrightsville not too excited over police plan
Here is a link to a story that appears in the York Dispatch about regionalization of police services in York and Lancaster counties. By this and a recent article in the Intell, it appears the regionalization effort is failing.
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/local/ci_14739652
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/local/ci_14739652
Monday, March 22, 2010
Chamber to host legislative breakfast
The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a legislative breakfast at the Fellowship Hall at the Columbia United Methodist Church, 510 Walnut St., April 7.The breakfast, featuring Senator Mike Brubaker and State Representatice Dave Hickernell will update those attending on legislation in Harrisburg and the challenges that lie ahead. The session will end with a question and answer session.
The registration will be held from 7:30-7:45 a.m., when the program begins.
The cost is $5 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.
Deadline for reservations is April 5.
For more information, contact the chamber at 684-5249.
National Watch and Clock Museum News
The National Watch and Clock Museum, Fifth and Poplar streets, has announced two exhibits.
Grand Complications: Art of the Watchmaker will open April 23.
The exhibit combine technical and artistic qualities in watchmaking
A Sense of Time exhibit will be on display through April, 30.
It is a special look at Asian timekeeping.
The exhibits are included in the cost of admission.
Grand Complications: Art of the Watchmaker will open April 23.
The exhibit combine technical and artistic qualities in watchmaking
A Sense of Time exhibit will be on display through April, 30.
It is a special look at Asian timekeeping.
The exhibits are included in the cost of admission.
Art exhibit part of Fourth Fridays
The Jonal Gallery, 653 Locust St., will celebrate the arrival of the Spring and the Easter Holiday Season by sharing the artistic talents of Tom Babec.
The artist carves intricate designs into eggs of all sizes, from tiny Quail eggs to large Ostrich eggs! He will show you his skills Friday night from 5-9 p.m. in the Main Gallery.
The current show, "Flowers of the Garden" will be available for viewing through April 25.
This is all a part of our "Fourth Friday" Celebrations in Columbia,.
The artist carves intricate designs into eggs of all sizes, from tiny Quail eggs to large Ostrich eggs! He will show you his skills Friday night from 5-9 p.m. in the Main Gallery.
The current show, "Flowers of the Garden" will be available for viewing through April 25.
This is all a part of our "Fourth Friday" Celebrations in Columbia,.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Columbia seeks part-time help
POSITION: CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CLASSIFICATION: SALARIED/ PART TIME MAXIMUM 19 HRS./WK.
SUPERVISOR: PLANNING, ZONING, AND CODES MANAGER SALARY: $18.48/ HOUR
BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Perform inspections of properties within the Borough Limits and buildings/structures in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair to insure compliance with standard construction practices, Borough policies and procedures, Borough ordinances, and other local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
2. Investigate safety and health complaints and take necessary and appropriate enforcement action to establish and maintain safe and healthy conditions in the Borough.
3. Review permit and license applications and participate in projects involving outside contractors and their employees ensuring compliance to Borough ordinances, contracts, and safety requirements.
4. Explain code or ordinance requirements to builders, architects, contractors, permit applicants, and the public.
5. Prepare detailed reports, notices of violations, citations, prosecutions, depositions, and testimony for court cases and complete necessary follow-up actions.
6. Compile, file, and retrieve computerized reports and other documents on a Borough computer.
7. Operate and maintain Borough vehicles in a safe, efficient, and orderly manner.
8. Interact well with the public, public officials, fellow employees, and contractor personnel.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
1. A.S. in a technical curriculum w/2-years direct experience, or high/technical school graduate/GED with 5-years building construction experience and with home inspector certifications from one of the following: Commonwealth of Pa., National Association of Home Inspectors, or American Society of Home Inspectors.
2. Current and valid Pennsylvania Drivers License.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of building construction and related health and safety requirements.
2. Knowledge and skill in the proper and safe use/operation of a motor vehicle and inspection tools.
3. Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally; listen effectively; and to read and understand laws, ordinances, codes, written instructions, technical manuals, contracts and detailed engineering drawings.
4. Knowledge and proficiency in using a computer with Windows XP operating system and allied Windows software.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Excellent hand and eye coordination, color distinction, and depth perception.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and; agility and stamina to climb in and out of vehicles; standing or sitting to perform lengthy inspections, investigations and reports; climb up and down steps; climb over and around debris in burned out or dilapidated buildings; erect and remove signs and barricades; etc.
3. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
4. Ability to successfully pass pre-employment and post employment drug and alcohol testing and post employment physical examination.
5. Maintain physical condition to comply with state requirements to be licensed and safely operate Borough and leased motor vehicles.
SUPERVISOR: PLANNING, ZONING, AND CODES MANAGER SALARY: $18.48/ HOUR
BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Perform inspections of properties within the Borough Limits and buildings/structures in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair to insure compliance with standard construction practices, Borough policies and procedures, Borough ordinances, and other local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
2. Investigate safety and health complaints and take necessary and appropriate enforcement action to establish and maintain safe and healthy conditions in the Borough.
3. Review permit and license applications and participate in projects involving outside contractors and their employees ensuring compliance to Borough ordinances, contracts, and safety requirements.
4. Explain code or ordinance requirements to builders, architects, contractors, permit applicants, and the public.
5. Prepare detailed reports, notices of violations, citations, prosecutions, depositions, and testimony for court cases and complete necessary follow-up actions.
6. Compile, file, and retrieve computerized reports and other documents on a Borough computer.
7. Operate and maintain Borough vehicles in a safe, efficient, and orderly manner.
8. Interact well with the public, public officials, fellow employees, and contractor personnel.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
1. A.S. in a technical curriculum w/2-years direct experience, or high/technical school graduate/GED with 5-years building construction experience and with home inspector certifications from one of the following: Commonwealth of Pa., National Association of Home Inspectors, or American Society of Home Inspectors.
2. Current and valid Pennsylvania Drivers License.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of building construction and related health and safety requirements.
2. Knowledge and skill in the proper and safe use/operation of a motor vehicle and inspection tools.
3. Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally; listen effectively; and to read and understand laws, ordinances, codes, written instructions, technical manuals, contracts and detailed engineering drawings.
4. Knowledge and proficiency in using a computer with Windows XP operating system and allied Windows software.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Excellent hand and eye coordination, color distinction, and depth perception.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and; agility and stamina to climb in and out of vehicles; standing or sitting to perform lengthy inspections, investigations and reports; climb up and down steps; climb over and around debris in burned out or dilapidated buildings; erect and remove signs and barricades; etc.
3. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
4. Ability to successfully pass pre-employment and post employment drug and alcohol testing and post employment physical examination.
5. Maintain physical condition to comply with state requirements to be licensed and safely operate Borough and leased motor vehicles.
Columbia needs crossing guards
Here is information from the Columbia Borough website as the borough is looking for crossing guards.
POSITION: CROSSING GUARD CLASSIFICATION: HOURLY PART TIME (Normally :10 hrs/wk Maximum 19 hrs/wk)
1. Assists school-age children to cross public streets safely by directing and/or regulating vehicular and pedestrian traffic at specified intersections throughout the Borough.
2. Performs special assignments for traffic control and pedestrian safety at events in the Borough.
3. Observes vehicle movements and safety permitting, records license numbers of vehicles whose drivers are jeopardizing safe street crossing by operating their vehicles in an unsafe manner and reports them to the Police Department.
4. Reports students who do not adhere to safe street crossing procedures to appropriate school officials.
5. Watches for suspicious persons and/or vehicles that may prey upon young children.
6. Use and maintain designated crossing guard equipment provided by the transportation department, wear appropriate attire for weather conditions such as raincoat, gloves, etc.
1. High school graduate or equivalent knowledge and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as noted above.
2. Must successfully attain Pennsylvania ACT 34 clearance
3. Must not currently or have been with the last ten (10) years on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor. May not have been convicted of an offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above within the last ten (10) years. May not have been at any time, convicted of felony offense or any family violence offense.
1. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decision.
2. Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision and utilizing good time management skills.
3. Ability to use a hand-held stop sign, flashlight, narrowcades and sandbags.
4. Basic safe driving rules and procedures as described in the PA Vehicle operators manual
5. Techniques for communicating with children and adults.
1. Must possess stamina to stand for long periods of time
2. Ability to work out of doors in all weather conditions and with exposure to traffic
3. Visual acuity to include 20/20 vision with corrective lenses as necessary to read printed materials and license plates and color acuity to accurately differentiate colors.
4. Must be able to pass pre-employment drug testing and post employment physical and hearing examinations.
POSITION: CROSSING GUARD CLASSIFICATION: HOURLY PART TIME (Normally :10 hrs/wk Maximum 19 hrs/wk)
BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assists school-age children to cross public streets safely by directing and/or regulating vehicular and pedestrian traffic at specified intersections throughout the Borough.
2. Performs special assignments for traffic control and pedestrian safety at events in the Borough.
3. Observes vehicle movements and safety permitting, records license numbers of vehicles whose drivers are jeopardizing safe street crossing by operating their vehicles in an unsafe manner and reports them to the Police Department.
4. Reports students who do not adhere to safe street crossing procedures to appropriate school officials.
5. Watches for suspicious persons and/or vehicles that may prey upon young children.
6. Use and maintain designated crossing guard equipment provided by the transportation department, wear appropriate attire for weather conditions such as raincoat, gloves, etc.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
1. High school graduate or equivalent knowledge and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as noted above.
2. Must successfully attain Pennsylvania ACT 34 clearance
3. Must not currently or have been with the last ten (10) years on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor. May not have been convicted of an offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above within the last ten (10) years. May not have been at any time, convicted of felony offense or any family violence offense.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decision.
2. Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision and utilizing good time management skills.
3. Ability to use a hand-held stop sign, flashlight, narrowcades and sandbags.
4. Basic safe driving rules and procedures as described in the PA Vehicle operators manual
5. Techniques for communicating with children and adults.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must possess stamina to stand for long periods of time
2. Ability to work out of doors in all weather conditions and with exposure to traffic
3. Visual acuity to include 20/20 vision with corrective lenses as necessary to read printed materials and license plates and color acuity to accurately differentiate colors.
4. Must be able to pass pre-employment drug testing and post employment physical and hearing examinations.
A little something, something for Eastern fans
Just pulled this little nugget off tedsilary.com about Neumann-Gorreti, Tuesday's opponent....
For N-G, the signees are guards Tony Chennault (Wake Forest, named yesterday as Gatorade's Player of the Year for Pennsylvania), Tyreek Duren (La Salle), Mustafaa Jones (Hartford) and forward-center Danny Stewart (Rider). N-G's Lamin Fulton, a junior guard, is also on assorted D-1's get lists.
For N-G, the signees are guards Tony Chennault (Wake Forest, named yesterday as Gatorade's Player of the Year for Pennsylvania), Tyreek Duren (La Salle), Mustafaa Jones (Hartford) and forward-center Danny Stewart (Rider). N-G's Lamin Fulton, a junior guard, is also on assorted D-1's get lists.
PIAA sites are up
With the exception of a couple of games, the PIAA has announced its game sites and times for the Eastern and Western finals.
Check out: http://www.piaa.org/.
Check out: http://www.piaa.org/.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Final Four in PIAA hoop championships
Here are the Final 4 pairings for the state semi-finals in the PIAA basketball playoffs for Tuesday. First number is district and district finish and then record. Sites and Times will be announced probably tomorrow of Monday.
The state finals are Friday and Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State.
Tuesday
Boys A: Reading Central Catholic (3-1, 28-1) vs. Greenwood (3-2, 26-3); Sewickly Academy (7-1, 25-2) vs. Lincoln Park (7-2, 21-7).
Boys 3-A: Eastern (3-1, 31-0) vs. Neumann-Gorreti (12-1, 28-1); Chartiers Valley (7-1, 27-1) vs. Hampton (7-2, 24-3).
Girls 2-A: Delone Catholic (3-3, 23-7) vs. York Catholic (3-1, 27-3); Avonworth (7-4, 25-2) vs. Villa Maria Academy (10-1, 25-2).
Girls 4-A: Red Lion (3-6, 27-4) vs. Archbishop Ryan (12-1, 21-7); Central Dauphin (3-1, 26-6) vs. Mount Lebanon (7-1, 27-2).
Girls 1-A: Tri-Valley (11-1, 23-8) vs. No. Cambria (6-2, 23-5); Vincentian Academy (7-1, 19-7) vs. Bishop Guilfoyle (6-1, 27-0).
Girls 3-A: Villa Maria (1-2, 18-11) vs. Archbishop Wood (12-3, 24-5); Indiana (7-3, 24-4) vs. Chartiers Valley (7-4, 23-5).
The state finals are Friday and Saturday at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State.
Tuesday
Boys A: Reading Central Catholic (3-1, 28-1) vs. Greenwood (3-2, 26-3); Sewickly Academy (7-1, 25-2) vs. Lincoln Park (7-2, 21-7).
Boys 3-A: Eastern (3-1, 31-0) vs. Neumann-Gorreti (12-1, 28-1); Chartiers Valley (7-1, 27-1) vs. Hampton (7-2, 24-3).
Girls 2-A: Delone Catholic (3-3, 23-7) vs. York Catholic (3-1, 27-3); Avonworth (7-4, 25-2) vs. Villa Maria Academy (10-1, 25-2).
Girls 4-A: Red Lion (3-6, 27-4) vs. Archbishop Ryan (12-1, 21-7); Central Dauphin (3-1, 26-6) vs. Mount Lebanon (7-1, 27-2).
Wednesday
Boys 2-A: Imhotep (12-1, 25-5) vs. Strawberry Mansion (12-4, 27-1); South Fayette (7-3, 22-5) vs. Mercyhurst Prep (10-1, 25-5).
Boys 4-A: Liberty (11-1, 25-5) vs. Penn Wood (1-1, 26-3); Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1-2, 27-2) vs. No. Allegheny (7-4, 23-5).Boys 2-A: Imhotep (12-1, 25-5) vs. Strawberry Mansion (12-4, 27-1); South Fayette (7-3, 22-5) vs. Mercyhurst Prep (10-1, 25-5).
Girls 1-A: Tri-Valley (11-1, 23-8) vs. No. Cambria (6-2, 23-5); Vincentian Academy (7-1, 19-7) vs. Bishop Guilfoyle (6-1, 27-0).
Girls 3-A: Villa Maria (1-2, 18-11) vs. Archbishop Wood (12-3, 24-5); Indiana (7-3, 24-4) vs. Chartiers Valley (7-4, 23-5).
Traveling Trunks coming to Columbia
One Book Every Young Child Campaign will bring What A Treasure “Traveling Trunks” to public libraries in Lancaster County!
This spring public libraries around the county will host programs featuring “Traveling Trunks” with activities that relate to this year’s One Book Every Young Child selection, What A Treasure! by Jane and Will Hillenbrand.
On March 27 and during the month of April and May, public libraries around the county are hosting special What A Treasure! storytime & family night programs that will incorporate reading the selected book along with themed-related activities from a “What A Treasure Traveling Trunk." The Traveling Trunks were created by museum partners, The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The Traveling Trunks provide library staff with story time extensions such as book-related puppets, games and toys to bring the museum experience to children who otherwise could not visit one. Storytime activities are aligned with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards: Language and Literacy; Approach to Learning; Social Studies; Science; and Creative Arts.
The event will come to the Columbia Public Library at 3 p.m., Friday, April 16, with a special storytime led by Senator Mike Brubaker.
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