A VARIETY OF ISSUES — An upcoming water project and the filling of positions for the summer season are among issues faced by Toronto Council, which also took time recently to remember a former city employee and council member. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — While cold temperatures and precipitation still loom in the week ahead, Toronto officials are looking ahead to warmer weather and the start of a new water project and the need for summer help.

Mayor John Parker confirmed he has advertised for contractors to perform the first phase of the Walton Acres water project, which will involve the replacement of aging water lines, catch basins and hydrants in the area of East Fernwood Drive.

It will be funded with about $600,000 in federal funds secured by former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and a $150,000 grant from the Ohio Water Development Authority obtained by the mayor.

Parker said he’s continuing to seek funds for a planned second phase that would include replacement of the north pump station serving that area and other line replacements.

Together, the cost for the two phases has been estimated at $1.6 million.

About 30 homes are expected to benefit from the first phase.

Water lines serving Walton Acres are believed to be up to 50 years old and have suffered from frequent breaks, spurred by age and cold temperatures, in recent years.

On Monday, 2nd Ward Councilman Steve Sninchak, as chairman of council’s utilities committee, reported on several line breaks that have occurred in recent weeks.

Councilman at large Mike Burkey, who chairs the finance committee, asked for the city’s water superintendent to compile a list of line breaks so council may plan for future projects.

In other business, Burkey said it’s not too early to spead the word about openings for summer help, noting the city has faced challenges in ensuring sufficient lifeguards are available for the city’s swimming pool.

Councilman at large Ron Holmes noted applications for the temporary, part-time positions are available at City Hall and at Toronto High School.

They must be returned by April 11.

Lifeguards must be certified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid and be at least 15 years and 6 months old.

To attract trained lifeguards, the age is slightly younger than the 16 years required for other summer help, who will be cross-trained to work the pool’s front desk and concession stand and perform maintenance as needed.

The pool will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to noon for adult swimmers only, noon to 5:30 p.m. for all ages and 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. for party rentals.

Earlier this month, council presented a resolution of sympathy to the family of Bob Anderson, a former city councilman who also had worked with the city’s summer staff for a time.

Anderson died on Jan. 7 at the age of 76.

He was employed for 35 years at the Sammis power plant, retiring as an electrical foreman; and was a Navy Vietnam veteran and member of the Toronto American Legion Post.

“He was a fantastic guy,” said Parker, who recalled hiring Anderson for a temporary job maintaining city buildings and grounds.

Sninchak said, “He was a great guy and an even better neighbor.”

He was among several city officials who reflected on Anderson’s approachable, fun-loving nature.

Anderson is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice; sons Robb, Tim and Tom and their spouses; a sister, Denise Rebich; and several grandchildren.

Several family members were on hand to accept the resolution at council’s Jan. 27 meeting.

In other business:

• Council received a thank-you letter from the Toronto Senior Citizens group, whose leader said the city’s financial support allows it to offer many activities to its members at the Karaffa Recreation Center, where it meets regularly.

Last month, council also received a thank-you from the Toronto Sunrise Seniors.

Both groups receive $9,000 from grant monies awarded to the city.

In related business, council agreed to allocate $1,000 to the Historical Association of Toronto, which operates the Main Street Museum in the recreation center.

Carolyn Walker, the group’s president, said the museum again will offer a series of programs with special guests and topics through the warmer months.

• Council approved the first reading of an ordinance outlining health coverage options for the city’s employees.

• Burkey announced the finance committee will meet with department heads and other city officials at 5:30 pm. Thursday at City Hall and again at 5:30 p.m. next Monday as it prepares the budget for the new year.