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Residents press council on Juneteenth event, agenda control and Market House changes
Summary
During public comment at the June 3 council meeting residents raised concerns about a denied facilities‑use request for a Juneteenth event, whether a single councilmember can block agenda items, and recent Market House staffing and vendor changes.
Several residents used the June 3 public‑comment period to seek clarity about borough processes and Market House operations.
Brad Chambers, a resident who said he organized a Juneteenth barbecue for June 15 from 1 to 3, told council he had financed the event personally and asked for guidance after a facilities‑use request was initially denied. "I have tried to organize a Juneteenth barbecue on June 15, from 1 to 3," Chambers said. Staff and councilmembers told Chambers the footprint of the crossings and Market House building is managed by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), and that organizers needing borough property outside the building must submit a facilities‑use request through the police department and provide a certificate of insurance naming the borough as additional insured (the borough's minimum liability requirement was described as $1 million).
Chambers said Columbia Crossings (managed by SNHA) denied his request and required him to change aspects of the event. Borough staff clarified that use of the building footprint is determined by SNHA per the management agreement and that borough parks and other outside grounds are available but require a facilities‑use application and insurance documentation.
Sharon Littner asked whether a single councilmember can decide whether a topic appears on the agenda, noting a prior meeting where an item the public expected to be discussed was not pursued. Residents said they were concerned that limiting agenda placement would restrict public input. Council members responded that individual councillors sometimes express a personal view about discussing an item, but that matters can be brought forward if a constituent requests it; staff described the process for placing items on future agendas.
Frank Altrich and other residents asked for details about Market House operations. Council and staff said a kitchen vendor started service the previous day and confirmed the manager measures stand square footage and sets fees at $22 per square foot; staff said a June 1 deadline required stands to update contracts to the new pricing. Altrich asked whether the former market manager received the same exit treatment as a prior manager; staff said that did not occur.
Other citizen issues reported during public comment included notice procedures for landlord meetings (staff said landlords and property managers were notified by email and that an annual landlords meeting is planned) and queries about a new restroom at Fifth and Maple (staff said the restroom does not include a shower and borough maintenance staff will handle cleaning).
Ending
No formal council action on these public comments was recorded during the meeting; council members and staff provided procedural guidance and asked residents to file the necessary forms (facilities‑use requests, insurance) with the police department or to provide information to staff for follow up.
