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Columbia council approves routine hires, COA and event waivers while tabling data-center zoning changes
Summary
Alongside a contentious McGinnis debate, Columbia Borough Council approved routine items including bill payments, a COA for 148 Church Avenue, two hires and several market-event fee waivers; the draft zoning amendment regarding data centers was tabled for further work.
While the McGinnis property discussion dominated the evening, Columbia Borough Council handled a slate of routine administrative items on May 26, 2026.
Council authorized bill payments as presented, approved a certificate of appropriateness for 148 Church Avenue (no conditions), and confirmed an appointment to the zoning hearing board (Resolution 20-26-15 appointing Jesse Robotowicz). The council approved hiring motions for a part-time assistant market manager (contingent on background check) and a seasonal public works employee; both hires were approved on voice votes with standard contingencies.
Council also approved a set of one-day pop-up and market-house events and waived the associated fees for community groups scheduled to operate at the borough market house. Council members noted that packet materials and executive summaries are available on the borough website for those seeking more detail.
Separately, the draft zoning text amendment that would add detailed requirements for data centers (item 9c) was discussed and ultimately tabled to allow staff and council legislative leads to further refine the language and schedule the required advertised public hearing. Staff emphasized the amendment is a draft and will require the formal public-advertising process before any ordinance vote.
Council set the next regular meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and adjourned.
