Last night, the Columbia Borough changed the flow of sewer discussion and decided, in a 5-1 vote, that the borough would enter into discussion with the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority for the operation of and possible purchase of the entire Wast Water Treatment System.

This action was one of many topics discussed during the monthly “committee of the whole” meeting in the borough’s meeting room. Six of the borough’s councillors, the mayor and borough manager plus an audience of a half-dozen of others (citizens, a member of the sewer authority, a member of LASA) wrestled with a full slate of topics (below) from 6:00 pm until 9:31 pm. Councillor Barry Ford, it was stated, is absent because he is in the hospital.

Agenda – page 1

Agenda – page two

Due to the length of this meeting (and some early morning commitments today), Columbia news, views & reviews is unable to provide expanded details on individual agenda topics at this time. Here are some abbreviated items that were addressed:

150th Civil War Celebration. According to Chris Vera of the Columbia Historical Preservation Society, Columbia will host probably “the largest assembly of infantry in Columbia since 1863” as its 150th Celebration of the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge beginning on June 29, 2013. The council approved the use of River Park and adjacent grounds for the event.

Friday, June 28, 2013: 150th Commemoration
7:00-8:00 PM: Music by the Susquehanna Travellers on the grounds of the John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville, PA
8:00 PM: Opening Ceremony
8:30-9:30 PM Music by the Susquehanna Travellers
9:30 PM “Flames Across the Susquehanna,” the burning of the braziers atop the abandoned bridge piers (raindate: June 29)
10:00 PM Fireworks

Saturday, June 29th:

Military Ball for re-enactors with music by the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers.
Sunday, June 30, 2013: Closing Ceremony at the United Methodist Church, Walnut Street at Route 462, with a community chorus directed by Chuck Williams at 7 PM.

This information and more is available at the ColumbiaHistory.net Website.

Many of the events scheduled for the day are also listed at the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Website.

River Baptism. Council approved use of River Park for the Ashley Tabernacle’s hosting of the Annual River Baptism ceremonies on the afternoon of August 11.

Voting in borough council meeting room. Council approved a portion the borough hall as a polling place for the upcoming primary election.

Suicide. The mayor announced that he and the police chief are spearheading a community meeting on April 30. He said notification would be sent to virtually everyone encouraging the community to attend. He has been in communication with Lancaster city housing authorities about a “block by block improvement” process that has been in place in the City. His hope is that a similar program will improve some of the conditions that exist in Columbia. He followed that conversation by stating that earlier in the day, the police discovered a person who had committed suicide in an apartment with no running water and no heat. The mayor said the property has been problematic for years.

There will be more about this meeting in coming Columbia news, view & reviews issues.