DUBOIS – Sandy Township and DuBois City will consider the possibility of a consolidation.
On Monday night, City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio announced that a letter was received from the township asking if the city would like to have a joint consolidation study done.
At their reorganizational meeting Jan. 6, the Sandy Township Supervisors voted to explore the possibility of a municipal consolidation of Sandy Township and DuBois City.
Suplizio said he had previous discussions with Township Manager Shawn Arbaugh, and council would officially vote on whether or not to join the consolidation study.
Council subsequently voted, 4-0, to have a joint consolidation study with Sandy Township. Suplizio said additional details would be available at a later time, and a meeting was planned for Jan. 23.
In other business, council tabled action on a subdivision request, made by Dr. Jeffrey Rice, at 90 Beaver Dr., pending the settlement of a parking issue.
Rice requested the subdivision in order to sell a portion of the property to Penn Highlands Healthcare. However, council tabled action to grant the solicitor more time to research the issue.
Solicitor Toni Cherry explained that the property met the required setbacks; however, there was some concern over whether either or both properties would meet the minimum parking requirements.
Rice said it appeared as though the current parking was sufficient. Cherry said under one owner, a parking space count may have been overlooked and more spaces may be necessary under multiple owners.
On Monday night, Shane Dietz was also sworn in as the fifth city council member. He fills the vacancy left behind by new City Mayor and former Councilman Randy Schmidt.
Dietz resigned from his previous position as controller, and DuBois City will begin its search for a new controller Jan. 23. Dietz’s council position and that of controller are two-year terms.
Councilman Jim Aughenbaugh was excused from the meeting.