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.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Docks installed at the River Park
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Choices for new cars
Here are the choices Colubia Borough Council had for the purchase of new police cars -- a Crown Vic, Ford Expedition and Dodge Charger. Also check out previous post on Intrepid.
Just found this
In light of Monday's discussion and vote at borough council, I found this: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/03/new-ford-police-interceptor-cruiser-car-fuel-efficient-no-v8.php
One or two more things
This has been on my mind since Monday night and after thinking about it some and talking with others, I just had to write something. It bothered me a little in the wake of one of the exchanges Monday between Council President Mary Wickenheiser and Frank Doutrich, a formmer member of the governing body.
The comment was made "if the shoe fits..."
So here goes.
At the May council meeting, eight people spoke for well over two hours. They all signed the sheet, asking for the opportunity to address council. About midway through citizen comment portion, an older, wearing a hat, dressed in jeans and carrying a bag walked into the meeting. That's really nothing new, as people get there late all the time and leave early.
The gentlemen, who rents two properties on Locust Street (both without electric), quietly approached Solicitor Robert Pfannebecker. Once the last speaker was finished and President Wickenheiser was ready to move on to the business part of the meeteing, she was interupted by Pfannebecker, who said the gentleman, came late and wanted to speak.
So, he was allowed to speak, even though he did not follow procedure and extended the comment portion until 9:26 p.m. The entire meeting was over about 45 minutes later.
So Monday night, just two citizens signed the sheet to comment. There was a group of cabin owners from along the river, who were at the meeting and probably wanted to comment.
However as the meeting ended, a cabin owner raised his hand, asking how to be allowed to speak.
Now, I didn't think anything of this until later or the next day, but because the cabin owners were unsure about the policy, shouldn't have at least one of them been allowed to address council? After all, that's what happened the previous month.
The other thing I was a little startled about and outside of last year when I was without a job and later recovering from my accident and even for a few months earlier this year, there's been another change.
President Wickenheiser was explaining to the cabin owners the proper way to get on the agenda. One, they can sign the sheet and be recognized to speak, or, they could call the borough office prior to the meeting and be placed on the agenda.
Well, President Wickenheiser was quickly corrected by Borough Manager Norm Meiskey. Somewhere along the line, it was changed that residents no longer can call the borough office and asked to be placed on the agenda. The only ones who need to call are those who need assistance with visual aids, etc. So, when did this change and how come even the council president, didn't know about it?
Just a few thoughts!
The comment was made "if the shoe fits..."
So here goes.
At the May council meeting, eight people spoke for well over two hours. They all signed the sheet, asking for the opportunity to address council. About midway through citizen comment portion, an older, wearing a hat, dressed in jeans and carrying a bag walked into the meeting. That's really nothing new, as people get there late all the time and leave early.
The gentlemen, who rents two properties on Locust Street (both without electric), quietly approached Solicitor Robert Pfannebecker. Once the last speaker was finished and President Wickenheiser was ready to move on to the business part of the meeteing, she was interupted by Pfannebecker, who said the gentleman, came late and wanted to speak.
So, he was allowed to speak, even though he did not follow procedure and extended the comment portion until 9:26 p.m. The entire meeting was over about 45 minutes later.
So Monday night, just two citizens signed the sheet to comment. There was a group of cabin owners from along the river, who were at the meeting and probably wanted to comment.
However as the meeting ended, a cabin owner raised his hand, asking how to be allowed to speak.
Now, I didn't think anything of this until later or the next day, but because the cabin owners were unsure about the policy, shouldn't have at least one of them been allowed to address council? After all, that's what happened the previous month.
The other thing I was a little startled about and outside of last year when I was without a job and later recovering from my accident and even for a few months earlier this year, there's been another change.
President Wickenheiser was explaining to the cabin owners the proper way to get on the agenda. One, they can sign the sheet and be recognized to speak, or, they could call the borough office prior to the meeting and be placed on the agenda.
Well, President Wickenheiser was quickly corrected by Borough Manager Norm Meiskey. Somewhere along the line, it was changed that residents no longer can call the borough office and asked to be placed on the agenda. The only ones who need to call are those who need assistance with visual aids, etc. So, when did this change and how come even the council president, didn't know about it?
Just a few thoughts!
Wednesday odds and ends....
Just a couple of reminders -- two fire companies, Columbia No. 1 and Susquehanna will be holding chicken barbecues on Saturday.
Also, I have been keeping an eye on how people are voting on these polls each week. I did one not too long ago about what the Columbia School District should do because of a funding crisis. Overwhemlingly, the poll said cut administrators and staff. The district has cut an administrator and not filling a number of staff positions. They listened.
Also, I have been keeping an eye on how people are voting on these polls each week. I did one not too long ago about what the Columbia School District should do because of a funding crisis. Overwhemlingly, the poll said cut administrators and staff. The district has cut an administrator and not filling a number of staff positions. They listened.
River Experience is this weekend
Plan on attending this event http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=35582
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
View from the Press Box
Jeff Reinhart has posted some basketball information: http://blogs.lancasteronline.com/jeffreyreinhart/2010/06/15/l-l-league-boys-hoops-coaching-update/
Problems in Marietta
A problem with the construction of the square in Marietta has led to a lawsuit. Here is the link: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/259893
More junk
The late edition of Is This What We Want
The lights that never worked
As part of the improvement, bump outs were installed at two intersections to slow traffic and special lighting was placed in the streets at Ninth and Locust, Ninth and Walnut and Ninth and the Ironville Pike designed to light the crosswalks at night.
One problem, the lights never worked. Now, those in-ground lights are being replaced with one that will hang on traffic poles in the area.
The change was revealed at Monday's borough council meeting.
Mary Barninger was the first to speak to the issue.
"It is not the way it was designed and its disconcerting that a vendor can weasel his way out of a project like this," Barninger said.
Mayor Leo Lutz it was learned that other municipalities were having trouble with the lighting system as well.
"The new lights will be more efficient," Lutz said.
Street improvement planned for Plane Street
Plane Street from Manor Street to Route 441 could be getting a new look.
At a public hearing during Monday’s borough council meeting, Columbia will apply for a 2011 Lancaster County Community Block Grant for new curbs and sidewalks and repaving the area.
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey said the borough would seek a grant in the amount of $250,000 for the project and the total cost would br $350,000.
The other $100,000 would be the borough’s match for the grant and would come from the borough’s liquid fuels fund.
The county will award the grants in the fall.
*****
Resident Heather McDonald asked the council the status of previous requests concerning parking issues in the 100 block of Locust Street.
*****
Mayor Leo Lutz during his report commented on the recent passing of Columbia Fire Police Chief John Murphy.
“He was always there and you could rely that with him on the scene, everything was under control,” Lutz said. “We are going to miss Chief Murphy.”
*****
Mayor Lutz also reminded residents that the Cruisin’ Columbia Car Show will be held this week and two of the benefactors are the Columbia K-9 program and the Columbia Food Bank.
*****
Mayor Lutz also reported the proposed Route 441 relocation project is still on the Lancaster County Planning Commission’s transportation list for the next two years.
*****
Announced market rentals are changing from a six-month lease to a 12-month lease and stand holders would now have pay a fair rate for use of electric.
*****
Approved the consent agenda, including items for a request to close a part of Avenue I, July 23 for a pig roast at the Garth Gallery on Second Street; use of Makle Park by the St. Paul’s M.B.Chirch, June 26 and the Ashley COGIC for use of the River Park for its annual baptism in Augiust, but the church may only use the canoe/kayak area and not the grass.
*****
Announced plans for a special meeting on July 21 at 6 p.m. to discuss its Act 537 plan for its wastewater treatment facility.
*****
Endorsed the submission of a 2010 Lancaster County Urban Enhancement grant application by the Columbia Economic Development Corporation for the Turkey Hill Experience.
*****
Approved the preparation of a small borrowing resolution in the amount of $125,000 for capital improvement purchases and projects.
At a public hearing during Monday’s borough council meeting, Columbia will apply for a 2011 Lancaster County Community Block Grant for new curbs and sidewalks and repaving the area.
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey said the borough would seek a grant in the amount of $250,000 for the project and the total cost would br $350,000.
The other $100,000 would be the borough’s match for the grant and would come from the borough’s liquid fuels fund.
The county will award the grants in the fall.
*****
Resident Heather McDonald asked the council the status of previous requests concerning parking issues in the 100 block of Locust Street.
*****
Mayor Leo Lutz during his report commented on the recent passing of Columbia Fire Police Chief John Murphy.
“He was always there and you could rely that with him on the scene, everything was under control,” Lutz said. “We are going to miss Chief Murphy.”
*****
Mayor Lutz also reminded residents that the Cruisin’ Columbia Car Show will be held this week and two of the benefactors are the Columbia K-9 program and the Columbia Food Bank.
*****
Mayor Lutz also reported the proposed Route 441 relocation project is still on the Lancaster County Planning Commission’s transportation list for the next two years.
*****
Announced market rentals are changing from a six-month lease to a 12-month lease and stand holders would now have pay a fair rate for use of electric.
*****
Approved the consent agenda, including items for a request to close a part of Avenue I, July 23 for a pig roast at the Garth Gallery on Second Street; use of Makle Park by the St. Paul’s M.B.Chirch, June 26 and the Ashley COGIC for use of the River Park for its annual baptism in Augiust, but the church may only use the canoe/kayak area and not the grass.
*****
Announced plans for a special meeting on July 21 at 6 p.m. to discuss its Act 537 plan for its wastewater treatment facility.
*****
Endorsed the submission of a 2010 Lancaster County Urban Enhancement grant application by the Columbia Economic Development Corporation for the Turkey Hill Experience.
*****
Approved the preparation of a small borrowing resolution in the amount of $125,000 for capital improvement purchases and projects.
Looks like Experience is ready to roll
Last week, Columbia Borough settled and fianlly sold the property they owned for decades at Third and Linden streets. It will become the Turkey Hill Experience. Since the settlement, a trailer has been placed on the site and it looks like there will be some construction started in the near future.
A little heated debate at meeting
Last month Columbia Borough Council President Mary Wickenheiser was called "Mary Pelosi" by former council member Frank Doutrich during his monthly question and answer session at the meeting.
There were some chuckles last month. So Monday night, Doutrich when discussing the possibility of the Municipal Authority giving the borough up to $100,000 for the relocation of the highway department building across Front Street, he used the reference again.
"Madam Pelosi," Doutrich said.
Before he was able to continue his question, Wickenheiser declared Doutrich "out of order."
"I am finding you disrespectful," Wickenheiser said.
Doutrich then countered that the council president was disrespectful to him a few months back when at a committee meeting, Doutrich said a council member called him "an f-ing butthole."
"If the shoes fits, where it," Doutrich said.
Monday night, other issues Doutrich addressed the council:
* That he needed to correct a statement he made at last month's highway concerning the use of flowable fill on a highway project. He found out the material was used.
* Questioned the River Park project signage and the need to trim trees hanging out over the river.
Doutrich said he's bringing up all these issues "to make sure council is accountable to the people."
He also addressed a proposal where Safe Harbor Power will give land to the borough where cabins now stand along the river. Doutrich complained there were no agendas at a recent meeting of the borough's property committee and the issue was not even planned to be discussed.
"We are just trying to make you accountable. These people came here to get honest answers. I know what goes on behind the scenes. Don’t tell me you (council) didn’t know about it. Be honest with the people, come out and tell them what you have in mind,” Doutrich said.
He also questioned council’s format dealing with citizen comments again.
“I wish you people (council) would come out here (in the audience) and see how it feels,” he said.
Other issues he was concerned with were the use of a van used by the police department and the recent sale of the former Silk Mill property at Third and Linden streets.
All of his issues were answered by various nembers of the council and staff.
There were some chuckles last month. So Monday night, Doutrich when discussing the possibility of the Municipal Authority giving the borough up to $100,000 for the relocation of the highway department building across Front Street, he used the reference again.
"Madam Pelosi," Doutrich said.
Before he was able to continue his question, Wickenheiser declared Doutrich "out of order."
"I am finding you disrespectful," Wickenheiser said.
Doutrich then countered that the council president was disrespectful to him a few months back when at a committee meeting, Doutrich said a council member called him "an f-ing butthole."
"If the shoes fits, where it," Doutrich said.
Monday night, other issues Doutrich addressed the council:
* That he needed to correct a statement he made at last month's highway concerning the use of flowable fill on a highway project. He found out the material was used.
* Questioned the River Park project signage and the need to trim trees hanging out over the river.
Doutrich said he's bringing up all these issues "to make sure council is accountable to the people."
He also addressed a proposal where Safe Harbor Power will give land to the borough where cabins now stand along the river. Doutrich complained there were no agendas at a recent meeting of the borough's property committee and the issue was not even planned to be discussed.
"We are just trying to make you accountable. These people came here to get honest answers. I know what goes on behind the scenes. Don’t tell me you (council) didn’t know about it. Be honest with the people, come out and tell them what you have in mind,” Doutrich said.
He also questioned council’s format dealing with citizen comments again.
“I wish you people (council) would come out here (in the audience) and see how it feels,” he said.
Other issues he was concerned with were the use of a van used by the police department and the recent sale of the former Silk Mill property at Third and Linden streets.
All of his issues were answered by various nembers of the council and staff.
New market manager is hired
Almost seven months after Renae Sears was removed from her duties as the market manager, borough council has hired a replacement.
Monday night, borough council approved the hiring of Brian L. Long as the new market manager, at a salary of $18.50 an hour for 26 hours a week.
Long and another undisclosed individual were interviewed Friday.
Long is a former advertising manager with the Lancaster Newspapers and other publications.
Also Monday, council approved a new title for Finance Manager Georgianna Schreck. Her new title is Manager of Finance and Human Resources.
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey explained the promotion was the result of Schreck's added duties and all administration employees and the new market manager will report to her.
Also, Robert Osborne was hired as a part-time Code Enforcement Officer, replacing an employee, who was hired last month.
And under its finance committee report, a 2010 budget change request was approved to accounnt for management raises, without comment.Also, Robert Osborne was hired as a part-time Code Enforcement Officer, replacing an employee, who was hired last month.
New traffic officer is hired, but....
It was something on Monday's borough council agenda that is usually rubber stamped. A recommendation from council's personnel committee. So, no eyebrows were raised when council approved the hiring of Charles Poff as a part-time parking enforcement officer, not to exceed 19 hours a week.
Monday night, Mayor Leo Lutx said Poff would be splitting time with the current meter reader.
But, here is what the borough doesn't apparently want people to know.
Remember Fish Gate earlier this year when a change in meter reading hours caused those attending a church service on a Saturday night to get ticketed and the uproar behind it, well let's just say Ticket Gate could be brewing.
On some meters, not all, times of enforcement are listed: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Something that has never really happened is the proper enforcement of the ordinance.
Well folks, Poff apparently is being assigned the afternoon shift and will be reading meters until 6 p.m.m as listed and 9 p.m. on Fridays.
So be forewarned, things are going to be properly enforced in Columbia, so those who do come downtown can get nickled and dimed for a $5 ticket if they fail to plug the meter.
Also Monday night, council hired Pearl Hall, Kenneth Yarell, Jean Urban, Linda Donnley and Fran Resch as crossing giards for the 2010-2011 school year.
Monday night, Mayor Leo Lutx said Poff would be splitting time with the current meter reader.
But, here is what the borough doesn't apparently want people to know.
Remember Fish Gate earlier this year when a change in meter reading hours caused those attending a church service on a Saturday night to get ticketed and the uproar behind it, well let's just say Ticket Gate could be brewing.
On some meters, not all, times of enforcement are listed: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Something that has never really happened is the proper enforcement of the ordinance.
Well folks, Poff apparently is being assigned the afternoon shift and will be reading meters until 6 p.m.m as listed and 9 p.m. on Fridays.
So be forewarned, things are going to be properly enforced in Columbia, so those who do come downtown can get nickled and dimed for a $5 ticket if they fail to plug the meter.
Also Monday night, council hired Pearl Hall, Kenneth Yarell, Jean Urban, Linda Donnley and Fran Resch as crossing giards for the 2010-2011 school year.
Veterans walk through area
Tour comes to Columbia
Traffic alert
First Tuesday post of Is This What We Want?
Chamber to host contest
The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (SVCC) in Columbia is seeking bakers to enter a cupcake contest to be held in Columbia's Locust Street Park on Saturday, June 19.
Setup will begin at 9:30 a.m., and judging will start at 10 a.m. Judges from The Flour Child, The Daily Grind and Columbia Borough will sample cupcakes and rate them based on appearance and flavor. Awards will be given in two categories, bakers 16 and under and bakers over 16. The winner in each category will receive a prize package valued at $75.
Following the judging and awards ceremony, cupcakes will be sold to the public. Bakers are asked to provide a minimum of four dozen cupcakes and must agree to sell them for a set price. All money collected from the cupcake sale will be shared by the Columbia, Wrightsville and Maytown food banks.
Interested bakers are asked to fill out an application form and submit it along with an entry fee to SVCC.. For more information or an application, interested persons may call the SVCC at 684-5249
Setup will begin at 9:30 a.m., and judging will start at 10 a.m. Judges from The Flour Child, The Daily Grind and Columbia Borough will sample cupcakes and rate them based on appearance and flavor. Awards will be given in two categories, bakers 16 and under and bakers over 16. The winner in each category will receive a prize package valued at $75.
Following the judging and awards ceremony, cupcakes will be sold to the public. Bakers are asked to provide a minimum of four dozen cupcakes and must agree to sell them for a set price. All money collected from the cupcake sale will be shared by the Columbia, Wrightsville and Maytown food banks.
Interested bakers are asked to fill out an application form and submit it along with an entry fee to SVCC.. For more information or an application, interested persons may call the SVCC at 684-5249
Crusin Columbia Car Show is Saturday
The streets of downtown Columbia will be filled on Saturday. Here is a link: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=35360
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