Columbia Seeks Law Moratorium

Regulations, or lack of, for short-term rentals came under discussion at last week’s Columbia Town Board meeting.

Also at the meeting, Highway Superintendent Justin Davis said the used plow sold for $3,050, which is more than he expected for it.

He and Board members discussed the process for putting town equipment for sale.

They agreed the Highway Superintendent will decide what to sell and tell the Board as a courtesy.

The Board then has to give approval for all sales once a new buyer is found.

The Highway crew has started hauling gravel for road work this year and road sand for next Winter, Davis said.

Highway workers had wanted to change the way uniforms are provided, but Davis said a contract was signed in August with the current company that locks in the next five years.

Davis also requested that the Planning Board members, when finding the need for snow removal at the Town Hall, call him rather than issue a complaint in their minutes.

Board members spend a good part of the two-hour meeting talking about short- term rentals and how they fit into zoning regulations.

A place on Elizabethtown Road might be sold and the bank for the possible new owners requires the Town to verify having a short-term rental and wedding venue are allowed.

The property has been used for both under the current owners.

Town Historian Donna Rubin said plans are underway for Columbia to celebrate America 250 this summer.

Columbia has identified 31 American Revolutionary soldiers buried in the town.

Columbia will honor them Aug. 8-9 with a ceremony and history of them.

Twenty-nine of the soldiers are men; the other two were young girls taken prisoner.

Most of the soldiers, Rubin said, were local, while eight were New Englanders who settled locally after the war.

Columbia was part of the Town of Warren during the American Revolution. Rubin said the graves of the soldiers are being repaired and will be rededicated in August.

A monument for those buried elsewhere will be set up in the cemetery also.

Steve Gay was approved as the town’s next Codes Officer.

He will replace Ray Donley when he leaves at the end of June. ...