Here’s what else is on Columbia Borough Council’s agenda tonight, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
Locking in electricity. Council will consider a retail power contract with Dynegy Energy Services East at 11.135 cents per kilowatt-hour, running from December 2026 through October 2031. The agenda says the deal would save the borough about $5,000 a year, or $25,000 over the life of the contract. The price can still be adjusted for grid capacity charges during the term, and PPL will continue to deliver the power.
Help at the crosswalk. Because of an ongoing shortage of crossing guards, police officers and staff have been helping children cross at Sixth and Locust streets every day, and at Fourth and Cherry streets in the mornings, according to a police department memo. There is also no backup when a guard can’t work. The department asks council to hire Sean Lukocs as a part-time crossing guard for up to 10 hours a week at $17.51 an hour, pending a background check, medical exam and drug screening. The memo puts the cost at $875 for the rest of 2026 and about $6,500 in 2027.
A new street sweeper, if the state pays. The borough sweeps every street weekly, year-round, and some downtown streets daily. That’s a key part of its state-required stormwater pollution reduction plan. Public Works says the current sweeper has reached the end of its life, with more costly repairs ahead. Resolution 2026-22 would apply for a $350,000 state Local Share Account grant to buy a new Galaxy R-6XL sweeper, quoted at $330,498 delivered.
Replacing a retiring worker. Public Works expects a highway maintenance worker to retire in early 2027. Council will vote on advertising the full-time Highway Maintenance Worker II job, which pays $26.94 an hour after probation, rising 3.25% in 2027.
Dream Center move. Council will discuss supporting the relocation of the Dream Center to the 200 block of North Seventh Street. The meeting packet includes no other details.
Open records officer. Council will vote to appoint Ron Youtz as the borough’s Open Records Officer, the person who handles Right-to-Know requests.
Groups ask for budget support. Council will hear more presentations on requests for donations in the borough budget. At the Nov. 5 workshop, the Columbia Public Library, CCAT, the Greater Columbia Area Ministerium, Our Home of Hope and the Columbia Borough Fire Department each made their case.
Paying the bills. The main bill list for approval totals $300,145.07. A separate check for $189,000, dated Nov. 10, is listed as the borough’s 2026 contribution to the Columbia Borough Fire Department, marked for its fire apparatus fund.
What’s next. Council’s next budget meeting is Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. Tonight’s meeting will be livestreamed on the borough’s YouTube channel.