At its first meeting after the end of the 2009-10 school year, the Columbia School Board heard a report on enrollment within the school district.
Special Education Director Jennifer Zolenas-West reported at last Thursday's meeting, that 56 students moved into the school district within the past year, many needing special education services. There were also 35 students who moved out of the districts and six, who dropped out needing services.
In other business, the board:
* The board approved use of the First English Room at the District Administrative Center by the Columbia-Middletown Elks Lodge on Nov. 14 for a district meeting.
* Approved use of the CHS Auditorium, Sept. 30 from 6-9 p.m. for a public presentation on Columboa's Strategic Economic Development Plan.
* Denied awarding a contract for the exterior painting of the district's Administrative Center.
* Accepted the resignations of Amy Greenfield, high school chemistry teacher; Maren Crucitt, elementary kindergarten teacher; James Jones, junior high westling coach and Kelly Santoro, junior high cheerleading coach.
* Hired Tina Warfel as substitute summer school teacher; Robin Youn, safey patrol and student council advisor at Taylor; Bonnie Miller, technology liason, Taylor; John Moody and Daniel Young, junior high football coaches; Danielle Diaz, assistant junior high football coach and Brian Brown, assistant junior high boys' basketball coach.
* Approved the transfer of Brenda Terry from literacy coach to kindergarten teacher.
* Approved the support staff handbook,effective through June 30, 2014.
* Approved a base value format to calculate support staff salaries for the 2010-2011 school year.
* Approved continuation of the football booster club and elementary student activity account.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Police called for fight
Letter sent to council president
Received this letter from resident and former council president Tim Swartz, which he sent to current council president Mary Wickenheiser today.
As a member of the audience in the Council chambers I must share my concerns regarding the June 14th Council meeting. I found it very disturbing the exchange of dialogue between a citizen and you, the Council President. It was unprofessional on your part to talk down to a citizen as you commonly do. When any citizen stands before a Council their purpose is by and large, someone seeking answers to a question. To be told to sit down and your questions will be answered is demeaning.
It comes across as though you have better things to do rather than be bothered by a taxpayer. The body language displayed by certain elected officials was so noticeable and the side bar comments that so often happen while a citizen is asking questions is unbecoming of any public official.
Regardless of who stands in front of Council and certain remarks are made, elected members must toughen it out. Mr. Doutrich’s leading off comment and your reaction set the tone for the evening. In my opinion the lack of leadership prevailed over the entire meeting. One should always address in an appropriate manner. In return, the governing body should display professional mannerisms.
As you well know, there have been many new faces coming to Council meetings for a number of reasons. Some off the comments related to that meeting by in large were not favorable ones. Words used to describe the meeting such as lack of leadership; circus atmosphere and the lack of knowledge on issues were commonly brought out.
As a former Council President, it was my approach to have each and every member of Council respond to a citizen’s question relating to his or her committee. My purpose was to hold members of Council responsible to their constituents. It almost seems as though every question is answered by the Borough Manager or the Mayor.
So I truly ask the question. Who really runs this Borough? Public perception clearly tilts away from Council. With that being said, a true remedy in my opinion is change. That’s coming in the year 2011. Not soon enough quite frankly.
I want to briefly mention two action items that come to mind. The last property meeting the gavel was passed to you. The explanation from you was that the Chair was inexperienced to run this meeting. This is six months into her term? I believe as others do, you talked her into this. Perhaps your ability to appoint, needs some guidance.
The motion on the floor to purchase two new police vehicles is a perfect example of not knowing what to do. All motions were made and the discussion among Council members was excellent. As soon as Council knew the motion wasn’t going to pass, another member of Council wanted to rescind her second. As Council President I would have thought you knew this was not possible and it was an up and down vote. However, you relied once again on someone else, the Solicitor. I question if you know procedure on how to run meetings.
Please view my comments as constructive criticism. I would not want the few good members of Council to be brought down by poor leadership. I often praise Mary Barninger and Kelly Murphy on how their committees are conducted. Openness and transparency along with their ability to make the citizens a part of the end result. Make no mistake, when I was in your position it wasn’t an easy one. Don’t make it any harder by setting your tone as the only one.
Regards,
Tim Swartz
As a member of the audience in the Council chambers I must share my concerns regarding the June 14th Council meeting. I found it very disturbing the exchange of dialogue between a citizen and you, the Council President. It was unprofessional on your part to talk down to a citizen as you commonly do. When any citizen stands before a Council their purpose is by and large, someone seeking answers to a question. To be told to sit down and your questions will be answered is demeaning.
It comes across as though you have better things to do rather than be bothered by a taxpayer. The body language displayed by certain elected officials was so noticeable and the side bar comments that so often happen while a citizen is asking questions is unbecoming of any public official.
Regardless of who stands in front of Council and certain remarks are made, elected members must toughen it out. Mr. Doutrich’s leading off comment and your reaction set the tone for the evening. In my opinion the lack of leadership prevailed over the entire meeting. One should always address in an appropriate manner. In return, the governing body should display professional mannerisms.
As you well know, there have been many new faces coming to Council meetings for a number of reasons. Some off the comments related to that meeting by in large were not favorable ones. Words used to describe the meeting such as lack of leadership; circus atmosphere and the lack of knowledge on issues were commonly brought out.
As a former Council President, it was my approach to have each and every member of Council respond to a citizen’s question relating to his or her committee. My purpose was to hold members of Council responsible to their constituents. It almost seems as though every question is answered by the Borough Manager or the Mayor.
So I truly ask the question. Who really runs this Borough? Public perception clearly tilts away from Council. With that being said, a true remedy in my opinion is change. That’s coming in the year 2011. Not soon enough quite frankly.
I want to briefly mention two action items that come to mind. The last property meeting the gavel was passed to you. The explanation from you was that the Chair was inexperienced to run this meeting. This is six months into her term? I believe as others do, you talked her into this. Perhaps your ability to appoint, needs some guidance.
The motion on the floor to purchase two new police vehicles is a perfect example of not knowing what to do. All motions were made and the discussion among Council members was excellent. As soon as Council knew the motion wasn’t going to pass, another member of Council wanted to rescind her second. As Council President I would have thought you knew this was not possible and it was an up and down vote. However, you relied once again on someone else, the Solicitor. I question if you know procedure on how to run meetings.
Please view my comments as constructive criticism. I would not want the few good members of Council to be brought down by poor leadership. I often praise Mary Barninger and Kelly Murphy on how their committees are conducted. Openness and transparency along with their ability to make the citizens a part of the end result. Make no mistake, when I was in your position it wasn’t an easy one. Don’t make it any harder by setting your tone as the only one.
Regards,
Tim Swartz
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Cooling off on the river
Something to think about
Saturday, June 19, 2010
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Cruisin Columbia was a success
Man pulled from Susquehanna after jumping
The man was found knee deep in the water.
Police investigating were Columbia and West Hempfield Township.
Rescue crews from the Columbia No. 1, Susquehanna Fire Company, West Hempfield Township, Highville, Washington Boro and Bainbridge were in the scene.
At the time of the incident, the River Park was estremely active.
No other information is presently available. There were also reports of a rescue along the Susquehanna between Wrightsville and Long Level this morning where reportedly a vehicle was pulled from the river.
Another new business has surfaced
It was the former Keystone Fire Company and in the last month or so made news under the name of the Mighty Dog Fun Center in the first block of North Fourth Street when a young Lancaster man was gunned down and killed during a weekend shooting.Tree is cut
Anyone wuth any information about the incident is asked to contact police at 684-7735.
One for the Sweeth Tooth
More on the new market rumor
Yes, David Doolittle and another investor, Marco Sardi, who is involved in selling some of Doolittle's properties, have expressed interest i n opening a market in the former office building. A borough official said those plans may have been toned down a little, but one can neveer be sure when Doolittle is involved.
Others said the rumor has been making the rounds for weeks and there might be code issues and licensing issues at the Sprint building.
On another note, there was also an open house held at the future site of the Timeless Inn at Fourth and Loucst streets, showcasing the apartments that are for rent on a shot term basis. There are still plans for a hotel at the site, which does have parking.
Here's another site that will be available at the end of the month across the street when the M&T Bank shuts its doors at the end of the month, which will be vacant.
Another Fourth Friday is upcoming
This will be the ninth installment of this event and the response has been growing steadily each month. Not only is Fourth Fridays in Columbia bringing patrons to Columbia, it is also bringing artists to town to see what our galleries have to offer.
For more information:: http://www.fourthfriday.hitart.com/ or call (717) 405-0604
The Participating Venues:
Garth Gallery, 22 S. Second St.
Jonal Gallery, 653 Locust St.
Modest Gallery, 427 Locust St.
Burning Bridge Antiques Market, 304 Walnut St.
Global Time Wizard, 515 Locust St.
Ladybug Keepers, 477 Locust St.
Menagerie, 301 Locust St.
Rivertowne Antique Center, 125 Bank St.
Perfect Settings, 200 Locust St.
Bully's Restaurant & Pub, 647 Union St.
The Restaurant at Hinkle's Pharmacy, 261 Locust St.
Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen, 50 Lancaster Ave.
Union Station Grill, 173 South Fourth St.
Friday, June 18, 2010
A rumor to throw out there
Friday's thoughts
Here are some "sweeping" Friday thoughts for today.
* Early this morning, I received a text about street sweeping in Columbia and how it apparently isn't running its normal run, except for the downtown area.
Here's what I know. In trying to restructure financial concerns, cut down on the wear and tear on the sweeper, borough council had discussed changes in the way the sweeper is used. The plan was to continue to sweep downtown (Locust Street and side streets) every day and the remainder of the town, perhaps once or twice a month.
I am not sure that was ever adopted by borough council, or, if it was, never really announced.
So, here are some thoughts...
Since this might be the new schedule and it might sound like the borough is trying to hide the change, yes they are and no they are not. Here's why. Look at the signs that are erected on the light poles, etc. Some may say street sweeping but more likely they say "street maintenance."
So, technically they can give those who don't move their vehicle according to the signs, they can still ticket.
I know it is a "low blow" and hopefully this will never happen. What I think they are trying to do, from what I've seen in my area,is continue with the schedule that is posted, but alternate weeks, so people really don't know when the sweeper is coming.
Again, is it right? No. But the signs are there. Yes, it would be nice to know what the exact schedule it, but again, the signs say....
* Earlier this week after the council meeting, I posted about "one of those things they don't want you to know" concerning traffic or meter enforcement.
Well, here is another. Since the first change in parking enforcement earlier this year by the retirement of longtime parking enforcement officer Linda Colin, there have been a lot of tickets written because those downtown had gotten use to Colin's schedule.
Now with the new enforcement, it appears that revenue from the $5 tickets being written has risen by about $1,000 in the downtown.
* I will be posting information over the weekend concerning last night's Columbia School Board meeting. Just haven't had tie to sit down and review everything.
* Early this morning, I received a text about street sweeping in Columbia and how it apparently isn't running its normal run, except for the downtown area.
Here's what I know. In trying to restructure financial concerns, cut down on the wear and tear on the sweeper, borough council had discussed changes in the way the sweeper is used. The plan was to continue to sweep downtown (Locust Street and side streets) every day and the remainder of the town, perhaps once or twice a month.
I am not sure that was ever adopted by borough council, or, if it was, never really announced.
So, here are some thoughts...
Since this might be the new schedule and it might sound like the borough is trying to hide the change, yes they are and no they are not. Here's why. Look at the signs that are erected on the light poles, etc. Some may say street sweeping but more likely they say "street maintenance."
So, technically they can give those who don't move their vehicle according to the signs, they can still ticket.
I know it is a "low blow" and hopefully this will never happen. What I think they are trying to do, from what I've seen in my area,is continue with the schedule that is posted, but alternate weeks, so people really don't know when the sweeper is coming.
Again, is it right? No. But the signs are there. Yes, it would be nice to know what the exact schedule it, but again, the signs say....
* Earlier this week after the council meeting, I posted about "one of those things they don't want you to know" concerning traffic or meter enforcement.
Well, here is another. Since the first change in parking enforcement earlier this year by the retirement of longtime parking enforcement officer Linda Colin, there have been a lot of tickets written because those downtown had gotten use to Colin's schedule.
Now with the new enforcement, it appears that revenue from the $5 tickets being written has risen by about $1,000 in the downtown.
* I will be posting information over the weekend concerning last night's Columbia School Board meeting. Just haven't had tie to sit down and review everything.
Friday's Is This What We Want
Here is a question?
It is no longer a public building, i.e., fire company. It is a commerical building with the possibility of apartments perhaps in the second floor.
The question is that since this building is no longer a fire company, why haven't the "no parking" signs or yellow paint removed or been taken down, parking meters installed and the street lined for parking spaces?
Just asking!
Hotel and restaurant planned
This is perhaps the second or third different plan he has had for this site, all dealing with a hotel.
Across the street, at the former CAP building, where John deVitry is planning the Timeless Inn, it appears those plans are on hold, or, have gone out the window entirely. Signs are cropping up all over town looking for renters for the apartments in he building, along with possible office space. But then again, out of the two projects, deVitry's is more probable in getting done.
Visitors to town
Happy Valley for the weekend
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday's thoughts
Was in town for quite a while today, with plenty of discussion. Here are some thoughts?
* The legal ad that Columbia Borough ran in yesterday's Lancaster Newspapers concerning a special meting Wednesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. concerning improvements to the wastewater treatment facility and a possible 60 percent increase in sewer bills has a number of people talking.
To voice your concern, attend the meeting.
* Also discussion on Borough Manager Norm Meiskey's comments concerning how to speak at a council meeting. Apparently, the borough manager was right and also wrong. For those needing visual aids to speak to the council such as a projectorm video screen, etc., residents must call the borough office so they can prepare the needed equipment. But, unlike what the borough manager said that you don;t need to call ahead to be placed on the agenda ahead of time to speak, residents can still do that. Just wasn't explained that way.
* The new docks at River Park, which were installed today look nice. But I don't want to rub anyone wrong but Monday night, council approved a request from the Ashley Tabernacle Church of God in Christ to hold their annual baptism at the park, but only use the canoe and kayak areas and stay to stay off the grass.
Okay I can see the grass request, because its all new grass, but since the baptism brings a number of people to the event are the canoe and kayak areas big enough? Also, is the request to use the canoe and kayak areas because of an up roar two years ago or so when peopke complained they couldn't get their boats in or off the water because this group was there?
* Not to use the discrimination word, but since I am getting around town more and I won't accept any smart remarks about this, because I am not the only one who sees this, because they travel the same areas. So here goes and if anyone feels slighted by this, too bad because for people with disabilities and those walking with canes, etc. it is a safety issue. But, there are a large number of curbs that aren't ADA accessible and some that are, the drop off isn't easy to drop down off of (for the lack of a better term).
I noticed this before when I was using a walking getting around town, but have noticed it more with the use of the scooter.
And as for some of the sidewalks in this town, well, that's another story.
* Was at the market today around the lunch hour, not a bad crowd, not a big crowd, but the back end of the market was bare. Good luck ot new Market Manager Brian Long in getting this facility backto were it shouild be.
* And saw some strange faces, no not the usual suspects, but out of town people. The National Watch and Clock Association is holding its national convention in York and a number of people are visiting the local museum and taking time to venture into downtown Columbia.
* The legal ad that Columbia Borough ran in yesterday's Lancaster Newspapers concerning a special meting Wednesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. concerning improvements to the wastewater treatment facility and a possible 60 percent increase in sewer bills has a number of people talking.
To voice your concern, attend the meeting.
* Also discussion on Borough Manager Norm Meiskey's comments concerning how to speak at a council meeting. Apparently, the borough manager was right and also wrong. For those needing visual aids to speak to the council such as a projectorm video screen, etc., residents must call the borough office so they can prepare the needed equipment. But, unlike what the borough manager said that you don;t need to call ahead to be placed on the agenda ahead of time to speak, residents can still do that. Just wasn't explained that way.
* The new docks at River Park, which were installed today look nice. But I don't want to rub anyone wrong but Monday night, council approved a request from the Ashley Tabernacle Church of God in Christ to hold their annual baptism at the park, but only use the canoe and kayak areas and stay to stay off the grass.
Okay I can see the grass request, because its all new grass, but since the baptism brings a number of people to the event are the canoe and kayak areas big enough? Also, is the request to use the canoe and kayak areas because of an up roar two years ago or so when peopke complained they couldn't get their boats in or off the water because this group was there?
* Not to use the discrimination word, but since I am getting around town more and I won't accept any smart remarks about this, because I am not the only one who sees this, because they travel the same areas. So here goes and if anyone feels slighted by this, too bad because for people with disabilities and those walking with canes, etc. it is a safety issue. But, there are a large number of curbs that aren't ADA accessible and some that are, the drop off isn't easy to drop down off of (for the lack of a better term).
I noticed this before when I was using a walking getting around town, but have noticed it more with the use of the scooter.
And as for some of the sidewalks in this town, well, that's another story.
* Was at the market today around the lunch hour, not a bad crowd, not a big crowd, but the back end of the market was bare. Good luck ot new Market Manager Brian Long in getting this facility backto were it shouild be.
* And saw some strange faces, no not the usual suspects, but out of town people. The National Watch and Clock Association is holding its national convention in York and a number of people are visiting the local museum and taking time to venture into downtown Columbia.
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