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Welcome sign in Toronto discussed

TORONTO – A city Boy Scout approached council members for their support for an Eagle Scout project during Monday’s City Council meeting.

City resident Mike Sabol, also a member of Boy Scout Troop 41, was introduced to council by city resident Bob Bratt. Sabol asked council for permission to erect a welcome sign at the north end of the city where Fourth Street meets county Road 7E. Sabol said he believes a city welcome sign would be a worthwhile project.

“It’s a big part of my Scouting experience,” said Sabol, adding the project would be used to attain Eagle Scout status. “The Eagle Scout rank is the highest (in Scouting). I wanted to do something for the betterment of the community as a whole (for the project).”

“I know that he can do the project,” said Mayor John Geddis. “The Scoutmaster will make sure the project is done correctly.”

Bratt and Sabol said the sign would welcome residents traveling on county Road 7F into the city. They also asked council for its support and assistance in determining who owned the land for the proposed sign. Bratt said Sabol also has the support of the Toronto Beautification Committee and the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization. He added funding the project already is available.

Some councilman questioned whether the sign would block the view of traffic. However, Bratt said the sign would be constructed “to the city’s (ordinances).”

Council indicated it supported the project.

“We’ll find out who owns that property,” said Council President Tom Thomas.

In other business:

R.J. Stewart, chairman of the Toronto Fourth of July Committee, said fundraising for the city’s fireworks display on July 6 at the city high school stadium is proceeding.

“The funds are coming in,” said Stewart. “We should be ready to go.”

Geddis said the committee still needs to raise about $5,000 for the show, and all donations are welcome.

First Ward Councilman Diane Julio, chairman of the service committee, said the city’s cleanup week last week proceeded unusually well.

“We collected 1,000 tires last week during the cleanup,” said Julio, adding the JB Green Team assisted with collecting the tires.

Council voted to send a letter of appreciation to the agency.

Fourth Ward Councilman Mike Watt, chairman of the recreation committee, said the city pool will open on May 25. Daily admission will be $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Individual and family season passes also are available. Seasonal passes must be purchased by May 25 at the pool or the Roosevelt Recreation Center.

Geddis announced any residence not following city codes concerning maintaining yards will be “aggressively cited” by City Police for not doing so. He added properties owned by banks, absent landlords or owner-residents will be charged $25 per hour per person if city crews are to maintain the property and liens placed on the residence.

Geddis announced a YMCA soon will be locating in the city on the plaza strip on Franklin Street Extension. He said the business should be open by the end of the month.

Council voted to place a 0.5-mill recreation levy renewal on the Nov. 5 ballot for voters’ consideration. Geddis emphasized the levy is a renewal of the current levy approved by voters in the past.

The next council meeting has been changed to 7 p.m. on May 28 due to the Memorial Day holiday.

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