TORONTO — An upcoming project to replace aging water lines in the Walton Acres area and efforts by multiple first responders to extinguish a brush fire on Thursday were among matters discussed at Monday’s Toronto Council meeting.

Council recently accepted a bid of $1,457,295 from TK Excavating & Concrete of Warren for the first phase of the water project at the recommendation of the Thrasher Group, the Weirton-based engineering consultant for the city.

The bid was the lowest of six received for the project, which will involve the replacement of 1,800 linear feet of water line and three fire hydrants in the area of East Fernwood Drive.

It will be funded with a $1.2 million loan and a $150,000 grant from the Ohio Water Development Authority secured by the mayor and $600,000 in federal funds allocated by former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Parker said work on the project is expected to begin in 15 to 30 days, pending suitable weather.

Council President Frank McEwen asked Parker if catch basins in the project area would be replaced, noting heavy runoff at one side of East Fernwood Drive.

Parker said an effort is being made to replace all storm drains and drainage structures when such work is done.

Council has authorized Parker to seek additional funds for a proposed second phase of the project.

Parker also has received council’s approval to apply for funds from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the development of recreational trails on property in the Mount Nebo area donated by local developer Gene Calabrese.

Hike Toronto, a group of volunteer citizens, has been clearing old logging roads on the hilltop there, with a loop established between two large boulders.

In other business, Parker and Councilman Greg Herrick, who chairs council’s safety committee, commended the city’s fire department and other emergency departments that responded to a brush fire Thursday night near County Road 56 and township Roads 376 and 428.

Herrick said he was told 24 agencies were involved, while four residents lent bulldozers used to dig a trench to contain the blaze.

He and others noted a hunting cabin was destroyed by the fire, but no other structures were touched and no one was hurt.

City Fire Chief Bill Scheel said the fire started when a tree fell onto a power line and the two struck the dry ground.

He said crews with the power company arrived soon after but delayed repairs until the fire was extinguished and the scene was secured.

Also on Monday:

• Councilman at large Mike Burkey, who chairs the finance committee, moved that council provide $1,000 each to the city’s youth baseball and softball leagues in lieu of supplies the city has provided them in the past.

The motion was approved by council.

• It was noted the city will continue to accept applications for summer help, including lifeguards and concession workers at the city’s swimming pool, up to April 11.

The applications can be obtained at the City Building or Toronto Junior-Senior High School.