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DuBoistown Borough is a bedroom community that is safe, responsive to residential needs and with a population that continues to see more “fortysomethings” and families.
The borough of 1,356 people is clean, with low crime due to around-the-clock coverage by South Williamsport police and has a lot of families moving in who work in the city, other boroughs and townships in Lycoming County, said Ann Marie Baker, borough manager for three years.
Baker handles the daily operations. Her job, besides fielding calls and dealing with breaking borough issues, includes reviewing plans and updating ordinances ahead of Borough Council meetings.
"We are changing," she said, citing how three years ago the average age of a resident here was 65, based on the prior Census. Today, the median age is 40.
The borough doesn't have a large business district, but it has some commercial and retail businesses. It also has a growing population base of professionals, families as well as the retired.
One of the latest projects and challenges is the infrastructure -- or streets and utilities -- and the borough has been developing a three- to -five to- 10-year plan with the public works department.
This plan will identify streets to be fixed and paved but also loop in the water authority, UGI gas company and state Department of Transportation, Baker explained.
"We want to fix infrastructure, not just pave roads but also contact other utilities and have a list," she said. The goal is to align projects so there isn't a need to excavate after the fact and it is more cost effective for all involved.
Baker tries to coordinate infrastructure projects and grant applications for dual use with Steven W. Cappelli, South Williamsport manager and public safety director.
One example of shared service is on street work. The borough is paving Arlington Street becausit shares it with neighbor South Williamsport, as that borough owns a portion of the street. The borough also shares public works projects with Armstrong Township.
“It is great for all our communities," Baker said.
In terms of public safety previously mentioned, the borough dissolved its police three years ago and has a contract with South Williamsport to provide police service.
It pays $132,000 a year for the services, nothing other than those services, and no maintenance of equipment, insurance or workers comp, Baker said.
The prior police budget was $80,000 and without full-time patrol and service.
The borough has a full-time tax collector through Dottie White Mertz, who has her office in the borough.
In terms of recreation, the borough is trying to improve its walkability.
“We have people who like to walk, ” Baker said.
A location for that exercise to be done other than on sidewalks is a little known park behind the old elementary school on Summer Street.
The borough is doing more community events. Among these coordinating with homeowners who put on the popular Christmas and holiday display on Candy Cane Lane to have a Holiday Festival.
"I am excited about the future of the borough and the moves we are making," Baker said.
Borough officials are trying to focus on being good neighbors with nearby communities and providing the residents with a functionable and safe community, she said.
Other officials include: Kate Weaver, assistant treasurer; Paul McKinley, full-time public works; Greg Beck, part-time public works; Walt Steinbacher, Dean Jones, Kevin Grant, Jeff Hughes and Patrick Melloy, seasonal public works; Mayor Richard Knecht
Council President Michael Rodgers; Council Vice President Dori Rankinen; Council Pro Temp Shawn Millard; Council John McCormick; Council Jeff Kreger; Council Norman J Cowden; Council TBD (Appointment); Tax Collector Dottie Mertz