today’s news and information gleanings from here and there!

Quote for today… “LIVID at this place right now! Hosting two major tournaments this weekend but lacking the infrastructure to support them. Parking is non-existent and there is only one road in and out if this place.” – Facebook commenter, in wake of weekend event at Spooky Nook. Read the Nook’s response at its Website.

• “late March or thereabouts” – the last word we have on Columbia Kettle Works. Here’s the link to the face book page.

• At Monday’s council meeting, a citizen and a couple of councillors opined about the need for consistent application of codes in the borough. Look at what Harrisburg’s doing. – Fox 43
  

• Also at Monday’s meeting, while the councillors want to “bring our town back” with “zero tolerance” code applications against whatever infractions are committed by residents or “slum landlords,” one councillor thought it was OK to put chairs, or other parking space devices in areas that persons shovel out. Councillor Barry Ford recited his observation that Columbia needs to do what Berwick does. Berwick has instituted a NEW Landlord Ordinance that places responsibilities on the doorstep of “owners, managers and occupants share responsibilities to obey the various codes adopted to protect and promote public health, safety and welfare.” Berwick’s codes are searchable here.

• But Berwick’s got a good Website that includes an in-progress “Report it yourself” page. What a great idea; asking citizens for input.

• Also from Monday’s meeting: the position of part-time Code Enforcement Officer is still being advertised at the borough Website. Reason: no qualified applicants have applied for the position.

• Also from Monday’s meeting: Several councillors wondered about the very low rent being paid by the kayak operation at River Park. Appears the $60 a month rental is below market rate; the borough will be advertising for a vendor to submit proposals to rent kayaks at the River Park for a “not less than” rental amount. Click here to see the 2013 legal ad. Click here to see the March 2012 legal ad. Columbia news, views & reviews noted following the May, 2011 council meeting that, “Council voted to approve the ‘acceptance of a lease with Chiques Rock Outfitters as a River Park land area’ operator to provide canoe/kayak leasing for a six month period. The mayor noted that the presence of Chiques Rock Outfitters personnel will inhibit the ‘bad actors’ who have defaced public property or committed acts of vandalism at the park.” The first solicitation for a kayak rental provider was published on March 10, 2011; it began: “INVITATION FOR BIDS The Borough of Columbia is soliciting bids to lease portions of that parcel of property in the Borough of Columbia known as River Park for a term of not less than one year, from individuals or entities who wish to utilize such space for canoe and kayak rentals.”

• Berwick’s about the same population as Columbia; its police department has 15 officers and two clerks and no K-9 resource. The police department website is fairly comprehensive with tabs for monthly reports to the community and its Community Watch Group.

• Interestingly, according to the council meeting minutes, the rental rate council approved in May, 2011 call for a rental rate of $100 a month.

• More on the “dog flap” or “kerfuffle” (great word) – MyColumbiaNews

• Donegal’s looking at a $3.5 to $4 million, 1,800 seat football stadium – Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

• Columbia – Trinity match-up tonight at the Giant Center, 7:00 pm

• Column on what google hires (and it isn’t just success and grades): general cognitive ability, emergent leadership, humility and ownership. – Thomas L. Friedman column, The New York Times.

• Bitter Craigslist ad: “Do not reply to rentals in columbia they are a waste of time they do not respond at all”