Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Fire service receives grant
This is from the Columbia No. 1 Fire Department webpage: http://columbiafire.com/fullstory.php?136111
Grant discussion dominates council meeting
Monday's Columbia Borough Council meeting lasted a tad more than three hours, however, 78 minutes of that was spent sometimes heatedly discussing a grant proposal that could leave to physical at both River Park and Rotary Park.
After the lengthy discussion, a 5-2 vote passed to take $75,000 from the borough's Capital Fund Balance as a local match to a $1.28 million DCNR grant application for those projects. Voting against the proposal were councilmen Jim Smith and Mike Beury. During the discussion, all but two members of the council, Mayor Leo Lutz and Norm Meiskey, borough manager, chimed in.
It was the second time in two weeks, the application was discussed. Two weeks ago at a special meeting, the council discussed filing the application. Monday's discussion centered on the matching funds.
Meiskey explained the need to add the local match for the grant, saying it will help complete Phase I and II at River Park. Those phases, Meiskey said, are to construct a marina building and make the Walnut Street crossing ADA accessible and also add a pavilion, benches and restroom facilities and create a link to the Northwest Trail.
“We need to maximize the points for the grants,” Meiskey said.
At Rotary Park, the plans call for a new basketball court, pavilion, improved parking area and playground equipment. The Columbia Rotary Club will lend a hand with a financial contribution for that part of the project.
Mary Barninger, council vice-president, was the first to speak out. She was concerned about taking money out of the capital budget for this.
“This will complete all three projects,” Mayor Lutz said.
:”If we don't get this, River Park will not be completed, the Northwest Trail will be in limbo and Rotary Park won't get done,” he said.
Kelly Murphy, another member of council said, the lack of the grant could cause some red flags to be thrown up.
Said Beury, “I don't see the need for the marina building and the trail. I want to see Rotary Park.”
Smith said he talked with officials in Marietta about the trail's impact and it was minimal at best.
The pros and cons of the discussion centered on the needs and wants of the boorough and other entities involved.
 |
| If a grant application is successful, Rotary Park could see improvements. |
After the lengthy discussion, a 5-2 vote passed to take $75,000 from the borough's Capital Fund Balance as a local match to a $1.28 million DCNR grant application for those projects. Voting against the proposal were councilmen Jim Smith and Mike Beury. During the discussion, all but two members of the council, Mayor Leo Lutz and Norm Meiskey, borough manager, chimed in.
It was the second time in two weeks, the application was discussed. Two weeks ago at a special meeting, the council discussed filing the application. Monday's discussion centered on the matching funds.
Meiskey explained the need to add the local match for the grant, saying it will help complete Phase I and II at River Park. Those phases, Meiskey said, are to construct a marina building and make the Walnut Street crossing ADA accessible and also add a pavilion, benches and restroom facilities and create a link to the Northwest Trail.
“We need to maximize the points for the grants,” Meiskey said.
At Rotary Park, the plans call for a new basketball court, pavilion, improved parking area and playground equipment. The Columbia Rotary Club will lend a hand with a financial contribution for that part of the project.
Mary Barninger, council vice-president, was the first to speak out. She was concerned about taking money out of the capital budget for this.
“This will complete all three projects,” Mayor Lutz said.
:”If we don't get this, River Park will not be completed, the Northwest Trail will be in limbo and Rotary Park won't get done,” he said.
Kelly Murphy, another member of council said, the lack of the grant could cause some red flags to be thrown up.
Said Beury, “I don't see the need for the marina building and the trail. I want to see Rotary Park.”
Smith said he talked with officials in Marietta about the trail's impact and it was minimal at best.
The pros and cons of the discussion centered on the needs and wants of the boorough and other entities involved.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Article on River Park
Found this article on DCNR webpage: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/newsletter-10/9/10-09-ColumbiaBorough.aspx
Other business
Mayoral proclamations
Leo Lutz signed two proclamations – one for National Police Week and the other for Emergency Services Week, both May 15-21.
Lutz also said he received a thank you letter from the Northeast Region of the Department of Interior, who recently toured the River Park area, along with other state government agencies.
He also reported during a recent survey of handicap parking in the borough that there were no problems as reported at a recent committee meeting. He said this year so far, police have cited 22 people for illegal parking in handicap spaces.
Good news from Philadelphia
The borough said it received $32,000 from a grant, which will place traffic control devices such as rumble strips around town. The money comes via Philadelphia, who collected fines for people running red lights that were caught on video.
Loan paid off
It was announced the borough paid off a $865,894.30 loan/grant to De Lage Landen Public Finance, which was used in connection with the Turkey Hill Experience project.
Vehicle purchased
The purchase of a Chevrolet 3500 one-ton dump truck was approved at a cost of $47,000.
Resident questions
Frank Doutrich and Vern Detz were the only two residents to address the council at the end of the three hour meeting.
Doutrich questioned the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Joe Greenya among other things, while Detz had finance and code issues.
Leo Lutz signed two proclamations – one for National Police Week and the other for Emergency Services Week, both May 15-21.
Lutz also said he received a thank you letter from the Northeast Region of the Department of Interior, who recently toured the River Park area, along with other state government agencies.
He also reported during a recent survey of handicap parking in the borough that there were no problems as reported at a recent committee meeting. He said this year so far, police have cited 22 people for illegal parking in handicap spaces.
Good news from Philadelphia
The borough said it received $32,000 from a grant, which will place traffic control devices such as rumble strips around town. The money comes via Philadelphia, who collected fines for people running red lights that were caught on video.
Loan paid off
It was announced the borough paid off a $865,894.30 loan/grant to De Lage Landen Public Finance, which was used in connection with the Turkey Hill Experience project.
Vehicle purchased
The purchase of a Chevrolet 3500 one-ton dump truck was approved at a cost of $47,000.
Resident questions
Frank Doutrich and Vern Detz were the only two residents to address the council at the end of the three hour meeting.
Doutrich questioned the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Joe Greenya among other things, while Detz had finance and code issues.
Borough receives clean audit
Columbia Borough received a clean opinion from its auditors Monday night.
Mike Reiner of the firm of Sager, Swisher and Company presented the 29-page document to the full council, which was approved later in the meeting. Reiner had made a detailed report at council's April finance committee meeting.
Reiner said the borough's economic condition has improved and actually ended 2010 with a small surplus.
Reiner said over the last five years, the borough has been able to build up their low fund balances.
The auditor recommended that municipalities keep three months of operating money in reserve.
“But there is no rule of thumb,” Reiner said.
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey said the borough hasn't raised taxes in three years and has been operating in the black the last two years.
Mike Reiner of the firm of Sager, Swisher and Company presented the 29-page document to the full council, which was approved later in the meeting. Reiner had made a detailed report at council's April finance committee meeting.
Reiner said the borough's economic condition has improved and actually ended 2010 with a small surplus.
Reiner said over the last five years, the borough has been able to build up their low fund balances.
The auditor recommended that municipalities keep three months of operating money in reserve.
“But there is no rule of thumb,” Reiner said.
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey said the borough hasn't raised taxes in three years and has been operating in the black the last two years.
Perfect again
Detz, the team's lone senior, pitched her second perfect game of the season, struck out 10, in the Tide's 15-0 mercy rule win over Lancaster Mennonite this afternoon.
It was also her fifth no-hitter of the season as the Tide wrapped up their first ever Section 4 title with a win over their ex-coach Brad Brubaker.
Ten of Lancaster Mennonite’s 12 outs were strikeouts. The other two: A grounder back to Detz and a bunt which was fielded cleanly by Columbia’s first baseman.
Detz threw 46 pitches Tuesday – 35 for strikes. She also helped out at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBI and four runs scored for Columbia.
Detz’s regular-season stats to date: 111 innings pitched, 174 striketouts, 12 walks, three no-hitters, two perfect games and a 0.32 ERA.
Update on Turkey Hill Experience
Official release on car break-ins
On 5-9-11, the Columbia Police Department received numerous calls from residents regarding their vehicles being entered and items being taken.
A number of different items were taken from the vehicles, including but not limited to a GPS unit, bookbags, and a Beretta .32 caliber pistol. Many of the vehicles that were entered were unlocked, however, at least one vehicle was locked, and the perpetrators forcibly entered the locked vehicle by breaking a window. These thefts occurred during the overnight hours, and were not limited to a specific area of Columbia.
The Columbia Police are actively investigating these thefts and are speaking to potential witnesses.
The Columbia Police wish to remind its residents that it is of paramount importance to ensure that all unattended vehicles are locked, even if the vehicles are parked in a private driveway. The Columbia Police also recommend removing valuables from vehicles when they are parked. However, if valuables are left in vehicles, it is wise to secure the items and keep them from plain view.
Anyone with information about these thefts is to contact Sgt. Marc Tremblay or Officer Troy Engle at 717-684-7735.
Also, the Columbia Police wish to encourage its residents to contact the Police immediately if they notice suspicious vehicles or persons around their vehicles or property.
A number of different items were taken from the vehicles, including but not limited to a GPS unit, bookbags, and a Beretta .32 caliber pistol. Many of the vehicles that were entered were unlocked, however, at least one vehicle was locked, and the perpetrators forcibly entered the locked vehicle by breaking a window. These thefts occurred during the overnight hours, and were not limited to a specific area of Columbia.
The Columbia Police are actively investigating these thefts and are speaking to potential witnesses.
The Columbia Police wish to remind its residents that it is of paramount importance to ensure that all unattended vehicles are locked, even if the vehicles are parked in a private driveway. The Columbia Police also recommend removing valuables from vehicles when they are parked. However, if valuables are left in vehicles, it is wise to secure the items and keep them from plain view.
Anyone with information about these thefts is to contact Sgt. Marc Tremblay or Officer Troy Engle at 717-684-7735.
Also, the Columbia Police wish to encourage its residents to contact the Police immediately if they notice suspicious vehicles or persons around their vehicles or property.
Sports Hall of Fame honors two
Rich Gerfin, a longtime member of the Hall received the Jimmy Sheckard Award for community serivce.
Gerfin, the hall's treasurer is also a member of the Sunsnappers and Lions Club, the Columbia Education Foundaation and the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of Fame, among his many civic minded activities.
Former Solanco football player Matt Gibson, who was presented the William Mable Courageous Athlete Award.
Gibson is battling Asperger's Syndrome.
Inductees were:
* Jerry Brooks, former administrator in the Penn Manor School District and coach and longtime official and former District 3 committee chairman.
* Robert Derr, current field hockey coach at Warwick High School and top high school and college wrestling official.
* Jim Dougherty, former Columbia Raider and cable television personality.
* Scott Martin, football and wrestling standout at Lancaster Catholic and current Lancaster County Commissioner.
* Bernie Santaniello, former football player at Lancaster Catholic and longtime coach at McCaskey.
* Carmine Taglieri, former athletic director at Lancaster Catholic and longtime PIAA official.
Detz crowned May Queen
Pool for sale
School leader passes suddenly
Joseph Kurijaka, the chief financial officer of the Manheim Township School District and board member of the Hempfield School District, suddenly passed away last night at the age of 48.
He also served the Columbia School Disttrict.
Here is his biograhy from the Hempfield School District website:
Joe was elected to the Hempfield Board of School Directors in November 2009. Joe has been a resident of Hempfield School District for 37 years. He is currently employed by Manheim Township School District as their Chief Operating Officer and has been with Manheim Township for nearly 19 years.
Prior to working for Manheim Township, Joe worked for Columbia School District as their Business Manager and also worked for the PA Office of Auditor General where he performed audits of school districts. Joe is a graduate of Lancaster Catholic HS and Penn State where he earned a BS in Accounting.
Joe has been married for nearly 20 years to Lynn who is a graduate of Hempfield. They have two daughters, Kari and Kristin, who currently attend Hempfield schools.
Joe is honored to have the opportunity to serve and contribute to the Hempfield community in his role as a school board member.
Council gets tough
At Monday's council meeting, the borough took a major step that will return the area to a vacant lot. Council approved a motion to stop the lot from being used as a parking lot and also instructed its highway department to repair the curb on the Fourth Street side and lien the property for the cost of the repair.
Makle Park gets "makeover"
Councilman Smith said 75 emloyees from Comcst and 25 volunteers from SACA in Lancaster, spent a Saturday cleaning up debris, mulching and making other repairs to the park.
"The park now looks like something out of Home and Garden," Smith said.
Others assisting were McCarty's Seal Coatinbg and Kreider's Mulch, Smith said.
River Park gets rental area
The rental fee will be $100, $40, of which will go to the Old Columbia Puiblic Grounds Company and thr remainder to the borough.
"This will be a welcome addition and will generate significant business," Mayor Leo Lutz said.
The mayor also noted that by having a building at the park, it would deter vandalism such as the bridge pier painting and the breaking of the light fixtures.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Police warn residents to lock cars
Tonight, Mayor Leo Lutz said within the past week, someone has been going around town “popping locks” on vehicles and taking items from these vehicles. Those items include change, phones, IPods and GPS systems.
“We found books that were taken from school bags, but the bags themselves were missing,” Lutz said.
Lutz said in at least two cases, the school books were found along the road.
“The break-ins are happening in different areas within blocks of major roadways,” the mayor said at Monday's council meeting.
The mayor said residents need to report any break-ins.
“We are developing times and patterns and if you see suspicious people in your neighborhood, call,” Lutz said.
The police department's number is 684-7735.
Guilty plea in traffic death
From lancsteronline.com: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/387699
Truck crash on Route 30
A truck ws involved in an accident on Route 30: http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/news/27823659/detail.html
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Update on Dairy Queen robbery
The armed robbery happened shortly after 10 last night when the suspect knocked on the rear door of the store at 16th and Lancaster Avenue and demanded money.
The suspect fled on foot toward the Columbia Bowling Center.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 684-7735.
There were no injuries.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Night time armed robbery
There are reports that the Dairy Queen at 16th and Lancaster Avenue was robbed at gun point shortly after 10 p.m.
More details when they become availablr.
More details when they become availablr.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)