Columbia sells Wastewater Treatment System to LASA

On May 27, 2015, the Columbia Borough and Municipal Authority sold the sewer collection system in the Borough to Lancaster Area Sewer Authority (LASA). LASA is now responsible for operations and maintenance of the sewer collection system.

LASA is a regional sewer authority that provides sewer service to 33,000 customers in the townships of East Hempfield, West Hempfield, Lancaster, Manor, and Manheim and the boroughs of East Petersburg and Mountville. For more information about LASA, visit their website at www.lasa.org.

Sewer Problems or Emergencies

To report a problem or emergency with your sewer service, contact LASA at the following numbers:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm – Call 717-299-4843, select Option 3

Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays – Call 717-396-9619 (24 hour Call Center)

Billing

You will receive one final sewer bill in mid-June from Columbia for sewer service through the end of May. After that, you will receive your sewer bills from LASA. LASA’s billing process differs from Columbia’s, so a transition time is required.

Residential and Public customers  – For residential and public customers (municipal / church / firehouse / post office), LASA charges a fixed (of flat) amount per quarter for each dwelling unit, regardless of water usage. Each quarterly bill is mailed at the beginning of the quarter in January, April, July, and October. During the transition time, LASA will bill on the following schedule:

Bill Date                            Period Covered

August 1, 2015                June and July

September 1, 2015         August and September

November 1, 2015          October, November,  and December

January 1, 2016               January, February, and March

Quarterly thereafter for each upcoming quarter

 
Commercial/Industrial Customers – For commercial and industrial customers, LASA bills quarterly based on water consumption. Each quarterly bill is mailed at the end of the quarter in January, April, July, and October. During the transition time, LASA will bill on the following schedule:

 
Bill Date                            Period Covered

October 1, 2015              June, July, August, and September

January 1, 2016               October, November, and December

Quarterly thereafter for each prior quarter

 
LASA will be communicating directly to you before their first billing in August to provide additional details about the billing transition. For more details about LASA and their purchase of the Columbia sewer collection system, visit their website atwww.lasa.org.

Meeting of the Whole – Part 3 – Concerns over the Call Center

At last night’s meeting of the whole, several residents questioned borough council’s intention to back a proposed call center at Columbia #1 Fire Company.  Resident Cleon Berntheizel expressed concern about parking needed for the endeavor, since parking is already limited in the borough. He cited  SGHA’s proposal for Columbia Crossing which would require a large number of parking spaces.  He noted that the borough would be taking away three parking lots in the downtown for one business. He also questioned the amount the borough will spend if awarded the project.

“If the borough’s going to spend close to a million dollars on helping one business developer create 135 jobs, I would think you could probably give about 20 businesses – mine included – in Columbia a couple thousand dollars to have an extra employee or two or five,” he said.

He questioned the wisdom of taking away most of the available downtown parking that other businesses now rely on, including the Market House and Kettle Works. The call center would require parking Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. He noted that the River Park will be used every day (when the trail is completed and Columbia Crossing is in operation).

He said the borough should pay off the fire company’s debt and own the current Columbia #1 building, with the possibility of using it to house the police force and borough offices and convert the existing borough hall back to businesses, since it is in the business district.

“If you’re going to own the building, why give it away to be developed?” he asked.  “In five years he (IBS President William Roberts) will own everything, and something else could go there, and he’s going to make all the profit from it.”

Mr. Berntheizel also cited the recent charrette in which “disconnects” were discussed. He said huge business disconnects currently exist from the 200 block to the 400 block of Locust Street.

Councillor Barry Ford said there’s a residency requirement to work at the building.  Employees must live in Lancaster County. Fourteen jobs will be coming from the Lancaster County office with the remainder being “new.” He said a source told him that the starting salary would be about $42K per year. He agreed that parking would be an issue. He also said that East Petersburg is being heavily favored for the call center at this time, according to his source.

Resident Elaine Beckley questioned the large expenditure for the call center when council squabbled over the cost of a new police car recently.

“I don’t understand how you can argue that point and then turn around and give away $900,000,” she said. “People are losing their homes, because they can’t afford to pay the taxes.” She cited other businesses that have been successful in the borough without receiving public funds. “I didn’t think our money was to prop up a business.”

Resident Frank Doutrich asked what council got in writing about number of jobs and salaries. Councillor Jim Smith replied that salaries were not mentioned in the proposal. (At the May 18 special council meeting at Columbia Crossing, realtor Jeff Seibert said entry level salaries would be $50K per year.)  Smith said that according to his own research, entry level salaries are $30-35K per year.

Resident Don Haines told council that he works in civil service, and to his knowledge, entry level jobs start at a low salary. He also said that a government agency will sometimes hire from a temp agency and pay employees $10 an hour.

“It’s just too much uncertainty,” he said.

Mr. Berntheizel added that a million dollars invested in the downtown would be better spent. He also noted, “You’re agreeing to a plan that doesn’t even have planning or zoning approval.”

(It was reported that council subsequently passed a motion not to allow the use of municipal parking for call center employees.)

Meeting of the Whole May 26, 2015 Summary – Part 2

NOTE: In the previous post, it was stated that Columbia Borough Council President Mike Beury said during the meeting that he was resigning from council.  He also stated he had written up his resignation during the meeting. When Item 13c of the agenda (sale of wastewater treatment plant) was discussed, he said he could not resign until he signed papers related to the sale on May 27 (this morning). As of this writing, it is not known if he actually tendered his resignation. At the end of last night’s meeting, council adjourned to a personnel session.

A second summary of the highlights of the May 26 Meeting of the Whole:

Chiques Rock Outfitters
Jim Cox, proprietor of Chiques Rock Outfitters, asked to install a bait vending machine at River Park. Councillor Barry Ford read him a lengthy statement from the borough’s solicitor detailing stipulation for such a venture.  In summary, the project must be bid out.

Columbia Kettle Works
Bill Collister, Columbia Kettle Works proprietor, asked council for a variance to allow sidewalk tables and seating outside his establishment on Third Street. He stated that his enterprise has succeeded in bringing people into town and that his customer base is fairly well-off. He also stated that his business is more of an attraction than a bar and closes by 10 p.m. Council informed him that such seating must be at least 20 feet from any adjacent street (for example, Walnut Street or Avenue H) and that a number of parking spaces versus seats must be provided, according to ordinance. Councillor Ford said he would talk to Zoning and Planning Officer Jeff Helm about the issue.

Municipal Legislation
Councillor Barry Ford discussed a requirement for registration/inspection for vehicles to park on borough streets. After a brief discussion, he expressed his displeasure with the codes department citing people for backyard basketball nets.

“We’ve got bigger fish to fry in Columbia,” he said. “We want people to be out playing.”

Ford also expressed concern over the so-called “bomb trains,” trains hauling a large number of oil-carrying cars. He stated his wish to send a letter to Senator Bob Casey supporting his efforts to address train safety, since trains run through the borough on a regular basis. Mayor Leo Lutz added that the issue relates to Homeland Security.

Sewage Issue
Jerry Hawn, who owns a property on the 500 block of Walnut Street, addressed council about the sewage problem he has dealt with since January.  He had addressed council about this issue at a previous meeting. Although the situation has since been resolved,  Mr. Hawn expressed concern over the lack of response from the codes department, citing specific phone calls that were not returned.  He presented photographs of his basement with a significant amount of sewer water on the floor.  He also stood a five-gallon bucket on the floor before councillors and asked what would happen if he spilled the contents.  Council stated that he would have to clean it up, and then he asked, “What happens if I don’t?”  He said that codes cited his son for a butterfly bush growing out of concrete, but would not condemn a house with a sewer water leak.  

Interim Borough Manager Ron Miller and council remained steadfast that it is not the borough’s problem;  he was told to file a civil lawsuit.  Mr. Hawn tried pointing out that the codes department bears some responsibility in their failure to act. 

Meeting of the Whole May 26, 2015 Summary – Part 1

 

Last night’s Columbia Borough Council Committee of the Whole meeting lasted nearly five hours and addressed a multitude of issues, including many concerns brought forth by residents. The sometimes contentious meeting almost derailed several times as residents occasionally spoke over each other and out of the order of the agenda.

Following is part one of a summary of the highlights of the meeting:
Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2014
The meeting opened with an Audit Report for Fiscal year 2014 by Mike Reiner of Sager Swisher, LLC. The report included the expected discussion of tax revenue, debt, expenses, etc. One significant item discussed was the police pension plan which is underfunded by $1.7 million. However, Mr. Reiner said that council is conservatively budgeting revenues and are under-budget on expenses. Councillor Jim Smith said, “We have to pay attention.”
SGHA Presentation of Columbia Crossing
Representatives from the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area (SGHA) proposed a partnership with the borough for operating the Columbia Crossing building at River Park, since there is currently no concrete plan for its use. Mark Platts, president of the organization, said the building will be the main gateway to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and will attract lots of visitors. (The trail is scheduled to be completed this October.) The proposal would be a cooperative 5-year agreement between SGHA and the borough.

From SGHA’s Power Point presentation at last night’s meeting

Bidding would not be required (as was the case with Daisy Pagan’s previous offer to operate the building), because the foundation would be offering a professional service. Resident Frank Doutrich later asked council if they were aware that the operating expense is projected to be $150,000 per year, and council answered in the affirmative.


A discussion of River Park concerns followed the presentation. Issues explored included confusion over parking, poor signage, and people swimming at the docks. The SGHA representatives left as the discussion continued.
Avenue J
Longtime borough resident Mary Loreto spoke of her wish to convert Avenue J (between South Second Street and Bank Avenue) to a non-vehicular, walking-only area, in line with recommendation of consultants at the recent charrette gathering at Perfect Settings.  She said the borough hired consultants to undertake the study.  She added that doing so would help retain the Avenue’s historical nature and enable the borough to apply for grants. (As Mrs. Loreto addressed council, two councillors carried on a conversation between themselves.) 
“I’m praying you have the wisdom to make that happen,” she told council. “This is your time to shine.”
Mrs. Loreto left the meeting immediately following her presentation, and a discussion of the issue ensued. During the give-and-take, Council President Mike Beury, who was considering making a motion, took exception to a side conversation Councillor Mary Barninger was having with Mayor Leo Lutz. When she explained she was talking to the mayor, Beury said, “You shouldn’t have been without … permission.” Councillor Barninger said she did not want to make a motion without knowing everything that transpired when councillors visited the area and talked to residents.  
“You want this stinkin’ job, you can have it,” Beury said in a moment of pique. When Megan Bigler (Mary Loreto’s granddaughter) said that was not professional, Beury replied, “I know it is not professional, but I can only take so much.”
“You are fighting. Disrespectful,” Ms. Bigler said as she left the meeting.
Beury then told council, “You’ll have my resignation in the morning. You can get somebody else for president and council members because I’ve had enough of this crap!”
Council then discussed several options for the alley, including closing the alley at both ends, closing only one end, and keeping it open.
Councillor Smith said council spends a lot of time on this issue at every meeting. Resident Elaine Beckley reminded council to consider the consultants’ recommendations to keep Avenue J for walking. Another resident said the consultants were only looking at maps and thought the alley was unused when they made the recommendation.  When it was suggested by another resident that one person was responsible for the Avenue J controversy, Beury said he was told “that was a beautiful street to live in until he moved in.” At the conclusion of the discussion, the issue had not been voted on or resolved.
MORE TO FOLLOW

COLUMBIA BOROUGH PARKS AND RECREATION 2015 SUMMER PROGRAM

The Columbia Borough Parks and Recreation Commission will be providing a summer playground program for children entering 2nd grade through 6thgrade.   The playground program will be located at Rotary Park and Makle Park starting June 15, 2015 through July 24, 2015.   The hours for the playground program will be 9:30 AM until 12:00 noon Monday through Friday.

There will be various sports related activities such as basketball, softball, soccer, football, kick ball, jump rope, whiffle ball, horse shoes, quoits and various board games.

Parents will need to complete a registration and waiver form in order for their child/children to participate.   In addition, parents, babysitters, or guardians are responsible to pick up their child/children each day.  

In case of inclement weather, the playground will be cancelled for that day.   

There is no cost to participate in this program. Open the following link to fill out the Registration form. Preregistration forms can be dropped off at the Columbia Borough Office located at 308  Locust Street, Columbia, Pennsylvania on or before June 8, 2015.     
Registration, waiver and Release Form for Summer Program

Notes – May 18, 2015 meeting on proposed call center

Beury, Ford, Murphy, Weisser, Barninger, Welsh present; Smith absent.
Mayor Leo Lutz, Interim Borough Manager Ron Miller, Finance Manager Georgianna Schreck, Solicitor Barry Handwerker present.
Council President Mike Beury: Anyone in the county can bid on this.
Councillor Barry Ford: We needed to do this asap. We need to put the bid in asap. It’s not a welfare office; it’s a call center.

Responses are due back June 12 – in order for developer to make the timeline. They need to have some decisions made so that they know how to put their proposal together.
Bids will be opened June 15.
Realtor Jeff Seibert made the presentation. IBS President Bill Roberts was not present.
Seibert: If Roberts doesn’t come to an agreement with the things he asking for from the borough, he most likely won’t bid on it
The project has to be up and running and complete by December 31
As part of the previous proposal:
– 300 parking spaces would be built on adjacent land to provide the needed parking for the facility.
– Seven proposals were submitted.
– The state pulled back and said they were going to withhold that and not issue anyone the contract.
  • Of the seven proposals the one from Columbia was the highest by almost 2-1/2 times, according to Jeff Seibert; 2-1/2 times higher than the second highest proposal. (Columbia’s proposal was submitted thru IBS.)
Seibert: “Because of that we were able to investigate a little bit and find out where we fit in the proposal”
Seibert: “They did us a big favor by pulling that out because they’ve got to be stewards of some fiscal responsibility. We were just totally out of order.”
Part of it was due to the need for developing a lot of parking which doesn’t have to be done this time.
Taking down a house doesn’t have to be done this time. (Buy house and tear down)
Purchase price of bldg was part of noncompetitive aspect.
This time, the call center is much smaller.
IBS wants to submit another proposal for a call center at this site.
Seibert: “I’m not part of IBS development.”
IBS Development cannot afford to pay as much as they offered for the building the last time.
When you lease something to the state you lease it to them including taxes, maintenance, insurance. You’re paying the heating bill; you’re paying the electric bill. So they write you one check of everything.
It’s like the ultimate gross lease, gross meaning inclusive.
There will be 129 jobs at this call center, and the entry level will be just under $50,000.
129 people of some education at that level of affluence will be coming to our borough M-F 7am-7pm.
They will: eat in restaurants (probably), shop in stores (hopefully), go to the market house. The borough will get some economic development out of this; borough will collect taxes
  1. Promotes economic development in boro
  2. Allows fire companies to merge in a fashion where they’ll be financially strong and will be able to protect us in the future.
Someone else could use the building to store heavy equipment with only only 10 seasonal jobs.
Consolidation is not contingent on sale of bldg; was supposed to happen April 1; real estate subcommittee was put together to oversee sale of any properties left over after consolidation.
Scott Ryno: the facility has been professionally appraised; appraisal used to set price; the building has so far not been listed for sale outside this discussion.
Ryno: Current outstanding debt is $1,035,000. Borough paid for appraisal which is $850,000 for building not including the land; land is $104,000; fire company owns parcel of land between house and Union Street (two addresses).
Seibert: A lot of what’s in there [Columbia No. 1 building] is site-specific; IBS feels it can afford to pay $200,000.
First call center was 36,000 sq ft; total cost $51.28/sq ft including operating costs; competitive numbers were $17-19/sq ft – undocumented; we need to be between $18-20/sq ft to be competitive in operating costs and bldg rent.
At 200K it ends up not including operating expenses and ends up being $1.87 sq ft – that’s what you can charge them in rent for the acquisition of bldg. Before any engineering any improvements.
If this falls thru, fire co will not be forced to sell; company signed agreement with an “out” for them.
Seibert: “The intent is to get 129 quality jobs into Columbia Borough.”
Columbia Boro owns the land.
Seibert: “We just want to be able to get our proposal in by June 12.”
Has to be free and clear title for fire company to sell bldg
10-year lease; IBS will be sole owner. 10-year lease with option to renew, but IBS can opt out after 5 years.
Seibert: “They might form a partnership that umbrellas underneath them.”
Councillor Mary Barninger asked if Seibert has an agreement with No. 1 to sell the bldg; Seibert said, “Subject to certain conditions, yes. Conditions that would allow them not to move forward if they cant move forward.”
Seibert: “IBS Development is submitting two projects for this call center. One is going to be at this facility. One is going to be in another location in Columbia Borough [the Turkey Hill Experience].”
Seibert: “ There’s nothing in this agreement of sale that says if he [Roberts] doesn’t get the call center, he won’t go through and buy this bldg. This could be the end to that bldg being an albatross even if we don’t get the call center, but our plan is to get the call center. He would develop it in another fashion.”
Seibert said this is the best and easiest fit of the two projects.
2nd and Locust, Hotel Columbia considered, but cant be done in time, plus parking problems
Money comes from general fund (currently about $3 million)
It was suggested previously that the borough might enter into an agreement with the fire company for a 0% interest loan to repay that money over time.
It was asked if Bill Roberts could get it built between August 31 and December 31, the final deadline, after which the state will impose heavy fines.
Seibert: “We think we can … he’s done it before.”
Doolittles building 2nd and Locust couldn’t be done in time
There are other buildings it could fit in, but probably would not be ready in six months.
IBS might not be agreeable to those terms because it would be more on their back end
Seibert: Is that the kind of obligation you want to put on the newly merged fire company?
Barninger: If the borough footed the difference to clear the title, the borough could then enter into an arrangement with the newly consolidated fire department in a zero interest loan to repay money over time
Siebert: I really think of it as investment in the borough.
Seibert said employees might even buy houses and live here.
Seibert:“All our numbers are based on 10 years, but if that building stays in operation for 40 years . . .you have 130 people making 50 grand a year for 40 years.”
Columbia’s budget: 5.2– 5.3 million a year.
Seibert: If you have parking you’re going to be given more favorable consideration.
Seibert: as part of request letter to the borough:
– use of the 47 parking spaces at 106 Locust Street, on a non-fee permit parking basis for commonwealth employees M-F 6:30 am to 7:30 pm (hours of operation for the call center are M-F 7 am to 7 pm,
  • plus 16 parking spaces in Avenue H (a Century Link)
  • plus a fair game shot at the parking on Sadie Lane (21 spaces – municipal lot)
  • 24 at the fire company
  • a couple could be gotten out of the vacant ground
  • .21 acres on the two tracts next to Union Street, which could yield about a dozen spaces
Discussion of curb and sidewalk not need along Front Street – Seibert: would not add value to the project; asking for waiver.
According to Mayor Leo Lutz, if you don’t have a curb and sidewalk you don’t have to install them until the neighbors on either side install them.
Daisy Pagan of Perfect Settings voiced a concern about parking for her events on Friday afternoon.
Seibert: “It might get to the point where Columbia needs a small bus service, and Glatfelter’s becomes a parking lot.”
Seibert: “We have event parking issues, there’s no doubt about that.”
Barninger: Why would it not be in the borough’s interest to foot the whole bill and own the building?
Barninger: Why would we pay the debt on it and have no skin in the game on it?
If theres nothing the SFP which prohibits a sublet
Seibert: I’m just the messenger; will submit the idea to Roberts.
Lutz: The cost of the lease would offset the taxes.
Lutz: The use of the trail is going to put a burden on parking
Possible new business at Mifflin Press; parking concerns were expressed at previous consultants’ meeting held at Perfect Settings.
Seibert said he could end up being a partner with Roberts.
Solicitor: Borough can’t do this transaction without approval of CEDC.
Tax revenue from building would be $8,000/ year, based on 8 mils.
All six council members present approved the motion.