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City of DuBois reconsiders rerouting downtown traffic
Friday, June 08, 2012
By Josh Woods Staff Writer
DUBOIS - DuBois City Council does not support rerouting downtown traffic at this time following a traffic count and consultation with Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Micks.
Micks said rerouting traffic is a point of discussion that originated when the chamber's economic development committee heard feedback from the chamber's members and contacts. She said when school's out and during certain hours downtown traffic is congested.
"This is not an idea to do, it is a point of discussion," said Micks. "Is there something we could do with the traffic and, if so what would that be?"
Micks said City Manager John "Herm" Suplizio asked the city's summer interns to do a traffic count at the intersection of Brady Street and Washington Avenue for one week. The interns conducted the count the week of May 29- June 4 from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Although the count revealed the downtown area is busy, Micks said, she is unsure if anything could be done about it. Suplizio said the count revealed there are fewer trucks than expected and buses were counted as trucks.
Councilwoman Diane Bernardo said the downtown area is linear, so when cars are stopped in traffic they are seeing all of its stores. Councilman Ed Walsh agreed stating, "My dad always taught me congestion creates interest."
Randy Schmidt said public and private schools and DuBois Regional Medical Center create additional traffic and he would like to see the difference between when school is in and when school is out. He is also interested in a traffic study on Main Street, he said.
In new business, council adopted resolution No. 2012-0220, Clearfield County 2010 hazard mitigation plan. The plan was previously approved by Federal Emergency Management Agency and adopted by Clearfield County Commissioners. According to FEMA rules, in order to be eligible to receive federal hazard mitigation grant program funds for projects related to disasters declared after Nov. 1, 2004 local municipalities must have an approved hazard mitigation plan. The resolution applies to natural and human made hazards that may result in the loss of life or property, economic hardship, and threats to public health or safety.
A second resolution, establishing a fee schedule for the uniform construction code hearing board, was also approved. The city wishes to eliminate all filing fees, permit fees and license fees from the city's code of ordinances and enacts them by resolution from time to time. The resolution establishes the fee to request a hearing before the uniform construction code appeals hearing board as $150 for a preliminary hearing, $300 for a hearing on a matter involving a residential structure, and $400 for a hearing on a matter involving a commercial structure.
Suplizio said Code Enforcement Officer Zac Lawhead has been in contact with other municipalities who are interested in using the city's UCC appeals board.
Council also approved:
• a request from Tri-County Rally Association Director Don Nero to close Juniata Street from West Sherman Avenue to West Second Avenue on Aug. 11-12 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. for a soap box rally race.
• a request from Ashley Lindemuth of GKN Sinter Metals to change the date for its use of the basketball courts at City Park for a 3-on-3-basketball tournament to Aug. 4 with a rain date of Aug. 5.
• advertising a timber sale for wind-damaged and other select trees at DuBois Watershed.
DuBois City Council's next meeting is Monday at 7 p.m. at the city building.
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