The newly formed Columbia Historic Market House Trust met last night following the Borough of Columbia monthly Market Committee meeting at the Borough Hall.

All seven members of the Trust attended the meeting and began the long process to organize the non-profit organization that will assume operational control of the Market House at some point; there is a target date of early 2012. The Trust embarked on the path last night with an election of officers and a cursory review of Trust by-laws.

David M. Rupp, a Columbia business owner, will serve as the first Trust Chair. Other officers elected are: Don Haines, vice-chair; Elaine Beckley, treasurer and Rebecca Murphy, secretary. The other members of the Trust are Ed Schopf, Ann Grubb and Nancy Jo Lutz.

Earlier in the evening, councilor and Market committee chair, Kelly Murphy conducted the meeting which included an oral report from market house manager, Carmen Swinehart. She announced that there were 23 stands holders at the market. She also reported:

• The Market House Website (http://psabdns4.com/columbiamarkethouse.com/vendors/) on the Borough Website has been updated to include all stand holders. Swinehart also is including coming events at the calendar page (http://psabdns4.com/columbiamarkethouse.com/events/).
• The Market House was featured in a recent Central Penn Business Journal.
• Some issues continue with the installation of the new water heating system. Georgianna Schreck, Borough treasurer, said the Borough is working with the manufacturer and the installation company to resolve the issue.

One citizen attended the meeting; others in attendance included: Mary Wickenheiser, Borough Council chairperson; councilors Jim Smith and Mary Barninger and Columbia Borough treasurer, Georgianna Schreck. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm and was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

May Market Committee agenda