SPY – Page 424 – Columbia Spy

A new speed limit sign? Well yes…and no…and yes

What appears to be a newly placed speed limit sign near the intersection of 2nd & Chestnut is really only a sign for sale at Tollbooth Antiques. We’re told the cost of the solar-powered unit is $200.

However, Columbia Borough Council recently approved a nearly $16,000 purchase of traffic control equipment similar to what is shown below.

The equipment will be used in traffic control and traffic studies in the borough. Here are the invoices for the two units:

The equipment purchase was discussed at the July 19, 2017 Safety Committee meeting. The relevant minutes are shown here:

Speed/Alert (Radar) Message Boards.

At the June 14, 2017 PSC meeting Chief Brommer noted that he had just secured two quotes for committee review, to support and forward to the proper committee (Finance) to consider the purchase of two units to help with traffic control and necessary current and upcoming traffic studies for the borough. Chair Novak noted that he would secure the emailed quotes and forward to the PSC review for discussion at the July 12, 2017 PSC meeting. It was noted that the two Borough owned devises were antiquated and that the battery packs were non-functional.

During the discussion of the PSC meeting on July 12, Chief Brommer noted that the existing” Boards” do not have the capabilities that the quoted units do because of the advanced technology in today’s units. Chief Brommer also noted that he had received an estimate for repair of the battery packs on the Borough’s existing units. Estimated repair was approx. $500.00 ($250.00 per unit). Chief Brommer also noted that the new technology has the capability to provide more and quicker data for improved traffic controls and improved traffic study data.

Citizen Doutrich questioned if the new units were capable of registering and displaying vehicle speed. Chief Brommer noted that the new unit had that capability, and so much more, enhanced with “blue-tooth”.

The two units in discussion were available through “All Traffic Solutions Inc.”:

Unit one – Speed/Alert 18 Radar Message Sign, Base Unit w/ mounting bracket, power kit and accessories – $5,868 Quote # Q-28418.

Unit two – Speed/Alert 18 RMS base unit w/ mounting bracket, Trailer and required accessories – $9,918.

Quote # q-28419

It was noted that the benefit to the Borough would justify the cost.

The purchase was subsequently approved by council at its August 14 meeting.

The eagle has landed

The mural at Locust Street Park appears to be finished. Compare with the original concept drawing below. The mural was designed and painted by artist Joanna Spicer.

More info HERE.

Lancaster man facing charges after arrest uncovers stolen gun, suspect drugs and drug sales materials

At the time of his arrest, Banchs was allegedly found to be in possession of a Ruger .380 semi-automatic pistol, which had been reported as stolen to Columbia Borough Police.

http://fox43.com/2017/09/20/lancaster-man-facing-charges-after-arrest-uncovers-stolen-gun-suspect-drugs-and-drug-sales-material/

PUC schedules Sept. 27 hearings on Columbia Water Co. rate increase request

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has scheduled two Sept. 27, 2017 hearings for public input on Columbia Water Company’s request to raise rates.

The company serves approximately 10,223 customers across seven Lancaster County municipalities — West Hempfield, Rapho, East Donegal and Manor townships and Columbia, Mountville and Marietta boroughs — as well as Hellam Township in York County.

The requested increase would raise average annual bills for residential customers who have meters from $299.48 to $452.04 in the Columbia Division and $318.48 to $452.04 in the Marietta Division, according to the commission.

The meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 27 in Marietta Borough Hall, 111 East Market St., Marietta.

The commission encourages people to write out they are going to say beforehand and, if they would like to submit a written statement, to bring enough copies to give two to the court reporter and one to several other participants.

More information on the rate making process is available on the commission’s website, http://www.puc.pa.gov/

10 of Lancaster County's juvenile lifers scheduled to be resentenced by Dec. 19

Gregory Sourbeer has spent more time behind bars than any other local juvenile lifer. He was 14 when he shot his mother in Columbia in 1976.

He’s now an inmate at a state prison in Montgomery County.

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/of-lancaster-county-s-juvenile-lifers-scheduled-to-be-resentenced/article_5f54a954-9d90-11e7-b7ca-43468cd27689.html

74-year-old Columbia man finishes prison term for the 1968 murder of his wife

Grover Sanger, who died in state prison of natural causes Monday, was serving a life sentence for the 1968 murder of his wife in Columbia.

http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/09/lifer_finishes_prison_term_for.html

Draft Agenda – School Board Meeting 9-21-17

Elanco, Columbia administrators look at what worked, what didn't in 1-year partnership sharing superintendent

The Elanco school board on Monday unanimously approved new shared services agreements with Columbia, extending each service except that of Superintendent Bob Hollister and Columbia's director of operations, Tom Strickler.

Columbia's finances are more secure than they were a year ago.

But with major changes coming down the pike, one question remains: Was it worth it?

http://lancasteronline.com/insider/elanco-columbia-administrators-look-at-what-worked-what-didn-t/article_3b39efe0-9da2-11e7-a8ef-0f69350b20e3.html

Hempfield faces scrutiny for approved cell tower site behind Rohrerstown Elementary School

Columbia Borough also has an unspecified number of towers on their school properties, according to the district.

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/hempfield-faces-scrutiny-for-approved-cell-tower-site-behind-rohrerstown/article_f1a96aa6-9cbe-11e7-989d-a7272cd91db7.html

About Town – Part 2

Some more pics from around town…

Two officers apprehended three dogs loitering at the clock plaza at 5th & Chestnut last week. Fortunately, the owner responded before the hapless canines were taken away. One person owned all three dogs.

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Speaking of the clock plaza at 5th & Chestnut, here’s the clock.

It is called “Doc’s Clock” and was paid for, and donated to the citizens of Columbia, by Dr. Stephen Perry and his wife Diane.

It was dedicated to his – and his wife’s – parents on June 17, 2006.

A councilperson tells Columbia Spy that the plaza, which includes a brick wall, was constructed by borough workers.

The clock was made by the Electric Time Company of Medfield, Massachusetts.

An urban legend holds that a former Columbia councilperson’s dentures reside within the wall of the plaza.

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It took over a week for the town to bounce back from a bad storm on September 5. Much damage was incurred, including downed utility wires (and, in some cases, poles), trees, and tree branches.