From the Progress:

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

By Josh Woods Staff Writer

DUBOIS – DuBois Fire Department has maintained its No. 1 Insurance Services Organization rating. Outgoing Fire Chief John Kelsey last night at DuBois City Council’s regular meeting announced the department underwent a full ISO review and increased its overall score.

“To have that accomplished again in (Kelsey’s) term is a huge, huge success, because no one will understand what that will mean for the City of DuBois having the nomenclature of being a No. 1-rated fire department,” said City Manager John “Herm” Suplizio.

According to ISO’s web site, it collects information on municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. It analyzes relevant data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule and assigns a public protection rating from 1 to 10, the site says. A number one rating represents superior property fire protection.

Suplizio said DuBois is one of two volunteer fire companies in the entire nation that boasts a No.1 ISO rating. The accomplishment secures lower fire insurance premiums, he said.

Kelsey provided a year-end report for 2012. DuBois Fire Department responded to a total of 325 calls, including 21 structure fires, 58 automatic alarms, 36 vehicle accident/rescues, 69 calls for the chief, 51 mutual aid, 25 reports of lines down, 27 natural gas/CO/odors, 10 medical assists, five vehicle fires and 23 miscellaneous calls. The busiest day of the week was Tuesday and the busiest day of the month the 11th, Kelsey said.

The total estimated value of buildings and contents for 2012 was $1,086,225 and the estimated loss of buildings and contents was $318,550, Kelsey said. The figures are based off of insurance claims filed by property owners, he said. The majority of the estimated loss occurred during the Dollar General fire in March, he said.
Kelsey introduced DuBois Fire Department’s 2013 slate of officers: John Emerick, fire chief; Bill Boyle, first assistant chief and Ben Blakely, second assistant chief. Suplizio commended Kelsey for sacrificing his home and personal life during his six years of service.

In new business, council brought uniformity to all of the city’s parking meters. Council bill No. 1883, regulating the times of operation for on-street and off-street metered parking, was approved and amended. The bill stipulates the days and hours of operation for all city parking meters shall be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. The meters would not be operated on city holidays.

Originally the ordinance called for a 2-hour time window for meters, but Suplizio and Police Chief Mike DiLullo said the meters are capable of an 8-hour window. Councilwoman Diane Bernardo expressed concern an 8-hour window would encourage residents to occupy parking spaces for longer periods of time. She said an 8-hour window might be detrimental to businesses. However, a motion to amend the ordinance to include an 8-hour time window for all city meters was unanimously approved.

Suplizio said patrons would be able to pay for up to 8 hours without having to re-feed the meters. The meter rate would remain 25 cents per hour.

A first reading of council bill No. 1882, debt ordinance was approved. The ordinance authorizes the incurrence and increase of non-electoral indebtedness in the principal amount of $4,664,523 to be evidenced by the city’s general obligation note, series of 2013. The note would bear interest at the rates described in a written proposal from S&T Bank and the city’s loan agreement.

At council’s Dec. 20 work session, Suplizio said the city planned to refinance the S&T Bank loan to create a savings of approximately $100,000 per year. A public hearing on the debt ordinance is scheduled for Jan. 28 at 6:45 p.m. at the city building.

Council authorized Mayor Gary Gilbert to sign an ESG program grant for Haven House. Redevelopment Authority Director Joe Mitchell said the city applied for a $50,000 grant on behalf of Haven House, a shelter for disadvantaged individuals. Central Pennsylvania Community Action would administer the grant, and it would used for administration and maintenance, he said.

DuBois Area All-American Soap Box Derby’s request to hold a trial run on June 1 and soapbox derby race on June 22 on the 600 block of W. Long Ave. was approved. DASBD’s Ed Reich said the organization recently appointed a new president, Bill Edwards.

An executive session was held after the meeting to discuss a potential land sale.

Councilmen Randy Schmidt and James Aughenbaugh were absent from the meeting.

Council’s next meeting is Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. A work session is planned for Jan. 24 at 4 p.m.

Story on The Progress website