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TORONTO -- Several matters involving the city's recreational facilities and steps needed to cement the merger between the Toronto and Knoxville fire departments were before Toronto Council on Monday.
First Ward Councilman Bob Bertram asked council to reconsider accepting the donation of property near James Way at Wallace Heights.
Bertram earlier advised the small lot was offered by members of the Franke family who own it and suggested it be used by the city to create a property for children in that neigbhorhood, which is separated by state Route 7 from the central part of the city and its parks.
But the proposal stalled after Thrasher Engineering provided council with an estimate for the site's preparation and the addition of such features as a playground, half basketball court and small picnic pavilion that ranged from $250,000 to $489,000.
Bertram said he believes the estimates are exaggerated and include some items, such as the pavilion, that had not been envisioned by its donors.
"What's it going to take for the city to take over this property so we can build a park there?" he asked.
Bertram said the only commitment the city would face is cutting its grass while it sought grant money for a park.
Councilman at large Mike Burkey said he is concerned about accepting the property with stipulations from its donor, suggesting council could only say it would do its best to establish a park there.
He noted Thrasher has estimated the park would cost $250,000 at a minimum and suggested hidden costs could arise.
Second Ward Councilman Walt Sninchak said there had been drainage issues near the property that resulted in some slippage in that area.
Bertram said drainage structures were installed to address that while acknowledging the lot would need to be leveled.
Council President Frank McEwen suggested council vote on whether to approach the Frankes about accepting the property without stipulations.
Supporting that move were Bertram, Burkey, Sninchak and Councilmen at large Ron Holmes and Larry Glenn while 3rd Ward Councilman Jason Fogle voted against it.
Fourth Ward Councilman Greg Herrick didn't attend the meeting.
In related business, City Services Director Linda Burkey opened bids for work on the roof of the city's poolhouse.
She said 15 to 20 of its shingles are loose and bids were sought both for temporary repairs to be done before winter and the roof's replacement, with the latter bids to be used when budgeting for next year.
Submitting bids for the temporary repairs were: Glenn's Grounds Crew of Toronto, which proposed two fixes costing $1,500 or $4,500; McCart Construction of Toronto, which bid $11,250; and Border Patrol of Hopedale, which bid $11,250.
Bids for a new roof ranged from $22,500 to $72,700.
Burkey said she also sought and received bids for new soffit and fascia and a new door for the pump room.
Council referred the bids to the city's board of control for review. The board includes Mayor John Parker, City Safety Director William Scalley and Burkey.
Council also accepted a bid of $3,397 from Ridge Machine and Welding Co. of Toronto to replace the metal framework for the pool's main pump. Burkey noted city crews performed some work for the pump to save the city money.
Glenn, who serves on the city's recreation committee, advised hydraulic oil used in the elevator at the Karaffa Recreation Center must be replaced. He said the Schindler Group has provided a quote of $10,385 to remove up to 110 gallons of the old oil, clean the tank and replace it and $1,735 to dispose of the old oil.
Council authorized Linda Burkey to contact Schindler in hopes of negotiating a lower price.
Glenn also advised the Toronto recreation board, a joint committee of the city and local school district, has agreed to raise the rent for space at the recreation center to $300 per room.
Council is expected to consider the increase at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 27.
Council also agreed to create new line items in its budget for various expenses involved in operating the Knoxville fire station.
Mike Burkey, who chairs council's finance committee, said he, City Auditor Kayla Whitlatch and the fire department auxilary met recently to discuss the proper separation of city funds and Knoxville's own funds, generated by a levy, for use in the two areas served by them.
Council recently agreed to merge the city and Knoxville fire departments after learning the latter, a volunteer department, was suffering from a lack of manpower.
Because the city can't own property outside its borders, ownership of the Knoxville fire station near state Routes 213 and 152 will be transferred to the city's fire department while all of Knoxville's equipment will belong to the city.
City Fire Chief Bill Scheel has pledged to maintain service to about 4,000 residents in Knox Township.
He said the Knoxville fire station is undergoing a facelift, including exterior painting, new siding and gutters and other cosmetic improvements.
Scheel announced an open house will be held there from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and will include a Chinese auction for assorted hardware and other items and a gun raffle and food.
Also on Monday:
• Fogle submitted his resignation, effective immediately, citing other commitments. He thanked residents of the 3rd Ward for allowing him to represent them since 2006.
Last week he was re-elected as an unopposed candidate for the seat.
Because Fogle was a registered Democrat, the Jefferson County Democratic Party is expected to seek and appoint an individual to fill his seat until the next city election.
• Council approved the $112,005 purchase of two Ford Explorers and pertinent equipment for city police cruisers. The vehicles will be supplied by TEAM Ford of Steubenville.
• Because council's second meeting in December falls on Christmas Day, members agreed to meet at 7 p.m, Dec. 27.