Columbia Borough Council at the January 22, 2019 meeting
Council president Kelly Murphy acknowledged receipt of the letter from an attorney for the law firm Stock and Leader requesting clarification from the borough solicitor about the borough’s Revolving Loan Program. Murphy explained that the issue is currently being reviewed by the borough solicitor. (No solicitor has been present for at least the last two regular council meetings.)
It was announced that Georgianna Schreck is retiring from the borough. Schreck was recently promoted to assistant borough manager from the position of finance manager. Borough manager Rebecca Denlinger will take over as the borough’s open records officer. Schreck formerly served in that capacity.
Several citizens commented publicly – pro and con – on the Revolving Loan Fund, tax hike, etc.
Resident Frank Doutrich asked council about a meeting that occurred this past Monday night at Councilman Cleon Berntheizel’s Second Street Cafe Garth. Councillors appeared initially stunned by the question until Berntheizel claimed the meeting was for the Republican committee. Columbia Spy has learned that the meeting included Mayor Lutz and his wife, council president Kelly Murphy, councilman Berntheizel and local developer Don Murphy, among others.
Council spent an hour attempting to hammer out the details of a lease agreement with Dennis Farina of K.T. Graham for the former Columbia Number One Firehouse at 137 South Front Street. Problems include questions about the building’s tax assessment and the fact that the borough does not own the adjacent parking lot. K.T. Graham is a distributor of cranes and forklifts.
Mayor Leo Lutz attempted to push back on the details of the Heritage Drive fence that Columbia Spy reported on HERE. Resident Frank Doutrich objected to Lutz’s statements and told him he is “all wet.” Lutz said his information came from Norfolk Southern’s head office, “not someone on a gang.” [NOTE: In response to a previous request from Columbia Spy, Norfolk Southern spokesman Jonathan Glass had informed Columbia Spy of details of the fence project in an email.] Columbia Spy stands by its reporting on the fence issue.
Columbia Spy 
As a resident and taxpayer on a fixed income I'd like to thank you also for all your efforts. God Bless
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You know at one council meeting I stated before I went in, That if I were on council it should be a pleasure to meet with tax payers and listen to them outside of the meetings this should be a rewarding position to hold, I'd go to Hinkle's, Black Olive, Weis Markets, Musser's Grocery. Discuss matters that really matter to the Tax Payer. Discuss what our Idea's were to make it right in town. Of course not everything will suit everybody body. A lot of issues that on the table right now that will affect this town for years, needs to be fixed. VOTE IN NOVEMBER, ATTEND OUR CONCERNED CITIZEN MEETINGS
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Sharon you don’t want to be incorrectly labeled but you go around doing it to everyone else. Remember karma is a bitch and what goes around comes around. I’m sitting around looking at this shit show you started with the same cast of characters. It’s beyond ridiculous to the level you have taken it. People from other towns think you have lost your marbles. Such blatant hate you have. Just remember you are not perfect either. You are just a very hateful soul
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Please proofread your comments. It is very hard to comprehend what you are trying to relate. I certainly couldn’t vote for anyone who couldn’t express themselves more clearly
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I love the previous comment. Be careful what you ask for, you just may get it
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Wow! You're blaming Sharon for the 21% tax increase? For voting and passing an illegal ordinance? For spending more taxpayers dollars than what was there to spend so that you couldn't pay a new hire? Blaming her for hiring more employees than the taxpayer could afford to pay? You must be a special kind of stupid, like our current council or their spouses and friends who support your dumbass decisions! This, councilors is the shit show YOU created!!!
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To Anonymous at 3:38 PM: This “shit show” has now added 1,150+ people, so not quite the same cast of characters. I must have quite a following to have people in other towns think I've lost my marbles. Rather lose my marbles than my money, so I'll keep at it. Ahh Karma…I have plenty more that has yet to be said. Sharon Lintner
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You keep going Sharon! You are getting to them, along with the other 1150+ taxpaying residents.
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What people from other towns? One person from W. Hempfield? And maybe one State Rep. from York county?
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Anonymous 3:38 I guess the rest of us are, Norm, Brian, Linter's are all beyond ridiculous, plus the over Thousand tax payers are to. Your invited to our next meeting and speak your peace. Howard Stevens God Bless
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Well, anonymous @ 3:38 pm … them's strong, irresponsible and incoherent words … especially for someone who is too timid or cowardly to “demonstrate pride of authorship.”I'm pretty certain one person did not begin the “shit show” you state. It began with a citizen response sparked by a less than transparent action resulting in a tax increase. The tax increase might be explained; the lack of transparency and absence of widespread communication cannot.That (hateful soul) is real big-boy, big girl speak, hurling names at people while donning the hood of anonymity is sheer terrorism. Take off the hood.
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Methinks anonymous @ 3:38 pm may have started drinking much earlier in the evening today than he did before posting inebriated rantings 2 weeks ago!!!!
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Anonymous 3:38, seems your the one filled with hatred. Seek help.
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This is to expected, there are over 1000 Tax payers pissed, and possible 9 people who may run, if you think your right come to our meetings. CHANGE will happen. I will bring information from a businessman on what he has seen in this town and his comments at our next meeting.
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the merchandiser had a article this past week if any of the town people of columbia who are thinking about ruining for council about a up coming seminar (class) about information on running for local government and i think on what council members need to know and are aloud to do i dont have that paper any more but thought you might be interested in it
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Attention Concerned Tax Payers in Columbia, another meeting is in the works for us and those who have interest in running for Council, I'll know By Tuesday a location we may be able to get. I want to discuss this years budget and I will also present facts and suggestion from a business owner. Matters of concern should be brought up at this meeting, so that we are on the same page.
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