The regularly scheduled meeting for the Columbia Market House committee meeting was scheduled to be held last night (July 6) at 6:00 pm. There were an insufficient number of councilors present to effect a quorum so council president Mary Wickenheiser announced that the evening’s forum would be “an informational meeting only” following the agenda which committee chairperson, Kelly Murphy, had prepared; he was unable to attend due to a severe bout with biological inflammation that has afflicted him for the past four days.

The borough Website states “The Committee on Markets shall, in conjunction with the Borough Manager, control, manage and supervise all markets held in the public market house, and shall arrange for the renting of stalls therein; shall administer all matters relating to markets and foods sold in markets; shall attend to all duties which may properly be referred to such Committee by Council and shall comply with and enforce the requirements of all laws and ordinances relating to markets. 

Meeting times: 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm. Committee Members: Kelly Murphy – Chair; Sandy Duncan – Vice-Chair; Mary Wickenheiser – Member; James Smith – Alternate.”

The mayor, borough manager, six Market House Trust board members, the market manager, the Market House stand holders representative and one citizen attended the informational meeting. The market house manager presented an oral update on market activities and presented this written report.

Following the informational forum the members of the newly forming Columbia Historic Market House Trust held their monthly organizational meeting. Click here to see that agenda. This new management entity is in the process of filing all documents required to operate as an official 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The members have been conducting the diligence process required to under state and federal laws. They have been working on establishing by-laws, mission statements, filing required documents to operate. The committee members just received the news yesterday that the Columbia Historic Market House Trust has received status as a legal business entity in the state. Click here PA business entity registration – Columbia Historic Market House Trust to see the registration.

One citizen in addition to the council president and the market house manager attended this meeting that was called to order at 6:30 pm and adjourned at nearly 8:30 pm. Kudos to the members of the Columbia Historic Market House Trust who have voluntarily contributed their time, energy, ideas, ethics and experience to jump start this welcome initiative.