Columbia Borough Council’s May 12 meeting painted a clear picture of a town that’s active, engaged, and improving—but also facing real challenges that residents say can’t be ignored.
From concerns about park safety and police staffing to finances and public health issues, the evening brought forward both praise for what’s working and pressure to fix what isn’t.
Historic Church Closing Marks End of an Era
The meeting opened with a major announcement from Pastor Mark Harris of Historic Salem United Church of Christ on Walnut Street.
After more than two centuries in Columbia, the church will close and merge with Trinity UCC in Mountville. Founded in 1803, it is the oldest congregation in the borough.
Residents will have one last chance to connect with its history:
- Final service scheduled around May 24
- Alumni service and historical display set for May 17
Afterward, the church’s extensive records—spanning 223 years—will be organized before the property is eventually sold.
Residents Praise Events, But Demand Safer Parks
Columbia’s efforts to create family-friendly events drew praise—especially the recent bike rodeo organized by Parks & Recreation.
Resident Scott Frederick commended the borough, noting that Columbia offers more for families than many nearby towns.
But that praise quickly turned into concern over conditions at Makle Park.
Frederick and others described ongoing problems:
- Vandalism and damage to new facilities
- Graffiti
- Groups using foul language late at night
- Families avoiding the park due to safety concerns
Frederick shared a personal experience of being chased by a group in the area and made a direct appeal to council:
“Protect what we have.”
In response, borough officials confirmed plans to upgrade surveillance. New cameras—estimated at $13,000 to $15,000 for three units—are being planned to improve coverage and image quality.
Police Department Feeling the Strain
Police Chief Holly outlined a department under pressure.
The borough aims for 17 officers but currently has about 13 available, with injuries, training, and time off often leaving only two officers on duty at a time.
Efforts are underway to rebuild staffing:
- A cadet will graduate June 26
- Five candidates are scheduled for interviews May 28
- Additional academy training is expected this summer
Officials acknowledged the issue isn’t unique to Columbia, with departments everywhere struggling to recruit.
Questions About Police Response and E-Bike Enforcement
Resident Frank raised concerns about response times, describing an incident where police were called for a disturbance but didn’t arrive while multiple police cars sat at the station.
Chief Holly explained that vehicle presence doesn’t reflect officer availability, with as few as three officers covering the borough at times.
Frank also questioned enforcement around e-bikes and scooters.
Officials confirmed:
- E-bikes can be confiscated
- Parents are involved in retrieval
- Enforcement depends heavily on available staffing
Market House Operating at a Loss—for Now
Council provided a detailed update on the Columbia Market House, and the numbers show it’s not yet paying for itself.
Year-to-date:
- Revenue: $23,498
- Expenses: $50,222
That puts revenue at just under half of expenses.
Officials say changes are already underway:
- Manager Bonnie moving to part-time, saving about $14,000
- Hiring a part-time assistant without benefits
- Increasing events to boost attendance
Despite strong vendor participation, the borough acknowledged it will take time to move toward profitability.
Feral Cat Colonies Becoming a Bigger Issue
One of the most debated topics of the night was Columbia’s feral cat program.
Mayor Leo Lutz and several residents raised concerns about cats using private gardens as litter areas, potentially creating health risks.
The borough currently allows registered cat colonies, with about 30 in place, but oversight appears limited.
Concerns include:
- Lack of inspections
- Inconsistent reporting
- Colonies becoming permanent
Mayor Lutz emphasized the seriousness:
“This could become a health issue.”
Council agreed the ordinance likely needs review, with possible changes to enforcement and management expectations.
Dumping and Cleanliness Frustrations Continue
Illegal dumping remains a sore point for residents.
Frederick highlighted furniture left on sidewalks, including couches along South Fifth Street.
Borough officials confirmed:
- Violators are ticketed
- Cleanup costs are passed back to responsible parties when possible
Still, residents say the issue speaks to a larger problem—community pride.
Events Bring Activity—and Optimism
Council approved two upcoming events aimed at bringing positive activity to local spaces:
- Corpus Christi procession on June 7, with street closures and waived fees
- A basketball event at Maple Park on May 30, expected to draw 50–100 people
Officials noted that organized events can help deter negative behavior by increasing visibility and community presence.
Board Changes and New Faces
Council removed Parks & Recreation board member Chris Ver after more than a year of non-participation.
At the same time, a new candidate stepped forward.
Jesse Rabinowitz, an architect with over a decade of experience in residential, commercial, and church design, was introduced for a seat on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Council members praised his qualifications and familiarity with zoning, and a formal appointment is expected at the next meeting.
New Approach to Hiring Public Works Employees
Facing hiring challenges beyond the police department, borough officials are considering a new pipeline strategy.
The proposal would bring in a recent high school graduate for summer work as a trial for potential full-time employment.
Mayor Lutz stressed the importance of setting expectations early so applicants understand it could lead to a long-term role.
Walnut Street Project Will Disrupt Traffic
Residents should prepare for a major construction project on the 100–200 block of Walnut Street.
Work is expected to:
- Begin around May 26
- Last up to six months
- Be mostly completed by late summer
Detailed notices, including maps and parking instructions, will be sent to nearby residents.
Police Earn Recognition for Recent Arrests
Despite staffing struggles, the meeting highlighted strong police work.
In one case, Officer Ember responded to a burglary on Locust Street, chased a suspect, and helped recover a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
In a separate incident, officers recovered more than 200 grams of marijuana following a domestic call.
Council members praised the department for its effectiveness under pressure.
A Town Engaged—but Expecting More
The May 12 meeting reflected a community that’s paying attention.
Residents showed appreciation for events, improvements, and investment—but also made it clear they expect action on safety, cleanliness, and accountability.
Columbia continues to move forward, but as voices in the room made clear, progress now depends on both leadership and community involvement.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m.
