Quote for today … “ … countries such as Australia are far ahead of the United States in delivering preventive care and trying to curb such harmful behaviors as smoking. We are falling behind our competitors in health.” – Extracted from this Washington Post article about life expectancy in the U.S.

A second quote for today … “The current reality is that ‘transparency’ remains prominent in mission statements and news conferences, but conspicuously absent in meeting rooms.” – From today’s LNP – Always Lancaster editorial entitled “In the dark.”

• Legal Notice: “COLUMBIA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Final Budget and Per Capita Tax Notice” – Lancaster Online

• The room was crowded at the onset of the Borough Council meeting. As the evening wore on the those with specific interests left. Last night, the seated councillors interviewed two citizen applicants for the vacated councillor position necessitated by the resignation of Sherry Welsh. A third applicant was not in the gallery. Marilyn Kress Hartman was selected and assumes the position that expires in January 2018. Kress Hartman’s name is one on the Unofficial Candidates for Public Office for May 16, 2017 Municipal Primary In Ballot Order.

Marilyn Kress Hartman was appointed to fill a vacant council seat at last night’s meeting. Kress Hartman is a real estate agent. She and the other applicant, Robert B. Thompson, said they wanted to be councillors because they are pleased with the progress the borough is making and they want to contribute to that success.

• The borough will be seeking input in response to a “Request for Expression of Interest” that will be issued sometime soon. The intent is to have an entity or an individual suggest uses for these existing properties: Borough Hall, the Market House and the vacant structure on Front Street that had housed the former Columbia No. 1 Fire Company. The mayor expounded on an idea to consolidate the Borough offices and the Columbia Borough School District offices and consolidate in the School District’s building. He said it’s important that Columbia Borough demonstrate its willingness to be proactive when applying for state grants and funds. Nothing is set in stone, the borough is simply looking for opportunities and options.

Last night’s meeting agenda lists the depth of topics covered including (1) acknowledging the coordinated life-saving response of Columbia’s first-responders in a cardiac-arrest incident; (2) a follow up presentation about the re-use potential of the sewage treatment plant; (3) the installation of two citizens on the planning commission; (4) the announced rate schedule and naming of the Columbia Trolley Works; (5) the announcement that five applicants will be interviewed for the position of trolley driver and much more as listed on the Borough Council Meeting Agenda.

• The mayor and Safety Committee chairperson, John Novak, complimented the emergency responders and students from Columbia High School’s drama club for the explicitly-staged simulation of a drinking and driving accident held yesterday morning at the high school (Columbia Spy‘s got excellent coverage, including pictures, here.); everyone has to know that drinking and driving is just plain dumb! Click here to see the Columbia Police Department’s post “Prom Promise.”
  

• It’s likely that state programs will have to be cut dramatically as the “annual budget shortfall is now at $1.2 billion dollars.” – WITF

• Packed school board meeting: “300 parents, residents, teachers, and students … “ – Philly.com

• Huh? | “Comcast-Charter confirm wireless deal with ‘no-adultery clause’” – Philly.com