DuBois City Police Officer Brian Lockwood gave an update on some changes he'd like to see made to the city's code enforcement program at Thursday's city council work session.
Lockwood said he has been working with Jim Mackie, who handles code enforcement for three municipalities in Jefferson County.
"One big recommendation he has that has worked well is door hangers," Lockwood said. "And they have been upheld by the judges in Jefferson County."
Lockwood said the door hangers are placed on the homeowner's door and they identify the officer and the violations and also list the time frame in which the person has to fix the violation.
"The officer also takes a picture of it as evidence that it was served," he said. "It's my recommendation that the city implement an ordinance that replaces the certified letter."
Councilman Randy Schmidt asked if the district judges would enforce the door hanger and police Chief Steve Davis said if it is an ordinance, a judge is mandated to enforce it.
Mayor John "Herm" Suplizio said he would also like the council to consider bringing in Mackie to work with Lockwood in code enforcement next year.
Ed Reitz also addressed the council on plans for a soapbox derby being planned for next year.
Reitz said it's been 55 years since a soapbox derby was held on Maple Avenue and a group is bringing it back, but to a different location.
"We want to race toward the center of town," he said. "We are looking at running down Long Avenue with the finish line toward Evergreen Street."
Reitz said with the original races, there was single elimination. "It you lost one race, you were out," he said. "Now it's going to be double elimination, meaning you can lose twice in both lanes."
Reitz said the derby is scheduled for June 20, with a rain date of June 21. He said it is the weekend after Community Days and follows Firemen's Week. He said there will be a race trial date June 6, which would include "one trip down the hill."
"There has been a tremendous interest so far," he said. "We have 25 interested sponsors and eight have committed to backing a racer."
Reitz said there are 20 young people interested in participating in the derby; 17 boys and three girls.
Reitz said with the council's approval of the plans, the next step is to contact the neighbors in the area of the planned derby and let them know what is going on.
"We are going to put a portable fence up along the road," he said. "There will be no holes put in the ground for it."
Reitz said the goal for the derby is to have a minimum of 24 cars or a maximum of 30.
"That would be 60 races and a full day," he said.
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