Columbia Borough Council Meeting Recap — March 10, 2026

ColumbiaPA.online – Government & Community News

The Columbia Borough Council met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, for a wide‑ranging meeting that included public prayer, agenda adjustments, community comments, financial approvals, infrastructure updates, police matters, and several special‑event requests. The meeting opened at 7 p.m. with roll call confirming all council members present.

Opening Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting began with an invocation delivered by Evangelist Jan Perez of Ashley Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, representing the Greater Columbia Area Ministerial Association. Evangelist Perez offered a passionate prayer focused on unity, guidance, and thoughtful decision‑making for the betterment of Columbia.

Council then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda Adjustments

Council approved modifications to the agenda, removing Ordinance items 8F through 8I and adding two new items:

Waiver of vendor fee for the CCAT pop‑up event at the Market House
Approval request for the Police Chiefs Association meeting at the Market House

The revised agenda passed unanimously.

Public Comment Highlights

1. Wrightsville Police‑Services Proposal Transparency Concern

A resident raised concerns about earlier questions regarding a proposed police service arrangement with Wrightsville Borough, noting inconsistent responses from officials and stressing the need for accountability and transparency. Supporting documents were provided to council.

2. Single‑Hauler Trash Discussion

Another resident spoke extensively about the ongoing “single trash hauler” debate. Key points included:

Belief that the borough should lead the process rather than haulers dictating terms
Emphasis on public input before any final decision
Potential for lower costs, reduced street wear, and decreased noise
Offer from the resident to assist in negotiations due to professional experience
Support for improved efficiency even if some residents lose individual hauler choice

The speaker also addressed comments previously made regarding “top cop” terminology, expressing concerns over interpretation and leadership communication. Council clarified that the phrase was cited from court language outlining the Mayor’s administrative oversight of the Police Department—not personal wording.

3. Borough Meeting Decorum & Streaming Issues

A resident thanked council members for improvements to meeting livestreams but reported audio issues at the end of the last session. The borough confirmed new technology is being integrated and the issue will be reviewed.

The resident also requested regular announcements of C.A.T. (Columbia Area Town) meetings, a suggestion council agreed to implement.

Approval of Minutes

Council approved:

February 24, 2026 regular meeting minutes
March 3, 2026 workshop minutes

Mayor’s Report

The Mayor highlighted:

Warmer weather brings increased bicycle and scooter use — urging safety, lights, and proper equipment
Rising mosquito activity expected this season; informational flyers will be distributed
Annual Lancaster County Drug Task Force report showing:
- Increased cocaine and methamphetamine activity
- Reduced opioid and fentanyl cases
- 4,500 lbs of unused medication collected countywide
Reminder: The Borough Police Department lobby has a secure drop box for unused prescriptions

The Mayor also discussed community safety concerns and upcoming events.

Police Department Update

The department reported:

Hosting the Lancaster County Chiefs of Police meeting at the Market House
Request for the borough to waive the $375 rental fee (approved later in meeting)
A positive letter from a Millersville resident praising an officer for professional assistance during a roadside incident on the Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge

Financial & Development Actions

1. Bills Approved for Payment

Council approved borough invoices, noting higher‑than‑usual accounting expenses related to the annual audit.

2. ADA Ramp Fee‑in‑Lieu Request – 750 South 9th Street (Rivertown Estates)

Following engineer recommendations, council:

Approved a $4,000 fee‑in‑lieu for a ramp that cannot be constructed to ADA standards due to road geometry
Accepted a sidewalk and grading easement from the developer

3. Union Street CDBG Project Advertisement Approved

Council authorized advertising for bids on the 300 Block Union Street Improvements, a $340,000 project funded largely through grants and state liquid fuels.

4. Resolution 2026‑13 Adopted

Council finalized documentation required for the borough’s RACP grant submission.

Fee Waivers & Special Events

Council unanimously approved:

✔ CCAT Market House Pop‑Up (March 21, 2026)

$35 vendor fee waived.

✔ Lancaster County Police Chiefs Association Meeting (March 18, 2026)

$375 Market House rental fee waived.

✔ Canoe Mobile Event at River Park (October 1–17, 2026)

Annual youth canoe‑education program approved again for 2026.

Solicitor’s Statement on Text‑Message Rumors

The borough solicitor addressed rumors regarding alleged inappropriate communication between a former employee and an elected official.
Key points:

Borough investigated fully in July 2024
Allegations were unfounded
No civil or criminal complaints were filed
Borough considers the matter closed and will not comment further

Engineer’s Report

Updates included:

Approval received to transfer remaining River Park grant funds to the Mill Street Project
Upcoming construction on the 100–200 blocks of Walnut Street scheduled for spring/summer 2026
Resident notices will be mailed once PennDOT schedules are finalized

Council Member Announcements

Highlights included:

Regional affordability discussions attended by Council Member Byers
Lancaster County Parks & Trails Master Plan update to be released for public comment
Pending state legislation (House Bill 1291) on legal‑notice publication modernization
Ongoing EMS provider contract discussions, including a proposed 10‑year agreement with a five‑year renewal clause
Fire Department box‑alarm map updates expected on a future agenda
Reminders about warm‑weather safety and increased local motorcycle traffic

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned unanimously. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for:

📅 Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.