Toronto Council updated on projects
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TORONTO -- On Monday, Toronto Council members received updates on the replacement of a bridge at the Toronto's north end, the extension of water and sewer lines through at the city's south end and preparation of its swimming pool for the summer season.
Council President Frank McEwen said he learned at a recent pre-construction meeting for the Alexander Street Bridge project that work on the short span is expected to begin about June 5, though it's likely that will involve mostly preparations.
Passing over the Norfolk-Southern Railroad at the city's north end, the two-lane bridge is part of the Robert Urich Interchange, which links state Route 7 and North Fourth Street.
It's named for the street that existed before the newer section of the highway and the north end on-ramp were built.
The work is expected to include repairs to the bridge's deck and construction of new approach slabs, backwalls and expansion joints.
Guardrail along the span also are to be replaced.
McEwen said plans call for one lane of traffic to remain open during the project, but concerns about abutment plates for the span could change that.
The $1 million project is being funded with $837,489 in state funds, with the city providing the remainder.
McEwen added work is expected to begin in the near future on the extension of water and sewer lines from Nebo Drive to Titanium Way.
Funded with a $1.8 million 30 year loan from the Ohio Water Development Authority, the project involves about 1,600 feet of water line, 7,500 feet of sewer line and 1,700 feet of stomwater line.
The extensions will serve a handful of homes at the end of Titanium Way that currently are served by wells and septic tanks.
But the work is part of a larger project involving the construction of a half-mile road from Nebo Drive to the homes to allow the remainder of Titanium Way to be used exclusively by the TIMET plant.
TIMET officials are in the process of expanding its production of titanium from its present 25 acre site to an adjacent 14.8 acres.
Pusateri Excavating of East Liverpool is the contractor for the water and sewer project, which has been designed by Thrasher Engineering.
McEwen said Thrasher is working with Mayor John Parker to pursue funds for the new road.
Council also learned of efforts to prepare the city's swimming pool for summer through council members serving on its recreation committee and City Clerk Linda Burkey, who also serves as assistant city services director.
Burkey said the pool has been powerwashed and chemicals have been ordered for it, while city crews and volunteers have been cutting and cleaning its grounds and facilities, with a volunteer offering to paint areas of the concession stand.
She said the lifeguards' chairs need repair and efforts are being made to address that.
Councilman at large Larry Glenn said repairs have been completed for showers in the male and female locker areas, which had raised concerns about the pool opening for Memorial Day weekend.
He added the recreation department also has received 20 applications for summer positions, alleviating concerns about a shortage of seasonal workers.
Burkey said the pool and its splash pad are expected to open for the holiday weekend as planned, with its hours to run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.for adults only and 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
She noted the pool may close at 6 p.m. for private pool parties, and those interested in booking such a party using the pool or its shelter should call (740) 537-3611.
In other business, council:
— Approved the city's annual agreement calling for the county engineer's office to chip and seal damaged roadways. McEwen said council members have been asked to suggest streets in need of repair to the mayor.
He confirmed city officials had postponed street paving but as the city's financial constraints have improved, that's being revisited.
— Supported a resolution honoring the late John Skrabak, who served as the city's services director from 2002 to 2010.
Skrabak served aboard a destroyer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, was a supervisor at Weirton Steel and built his own home in 1953. According to his family, he had hope to live to be 100 years old but fell 6 months short of it when he died, at age 99, on April 30.
Councilman at large Ron Holmes said of Skrabak, "He was very dedicated to the city of Toronto. He was out at 2 o'clock in the morning for water line breaks and everything else."
"He really loved the city of Toronto. He's going to be missed by a lot of people," said Holmes.