DEMOLITION, D.O.R.A. DISCUSSED — Toronto Council was updated Monday on the planned demolition of the former Cooper Hardware building on Market Street and briefly discussed a proposal for a Designated Outdoor Recreation Area on North Fourth Street. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — Toronto Council was updated Monday on plans to demolish the former Cooper Hardware building at 300 Market St. and a proposal to establish a Designated Outdoor Recreation Area, or D.O.R.A., where possession of an open container of alcohol would be permitted at certain times.

Bill Lucas, who represents the city on the Jefferson County Land Bank board, advised the panel has accepted a $54,999 bid from Raze International of Shadyside, Ohio, for asbestos abatement for the three-story building and another from the same source, in the amount of $13,171, for a one-story building connected to it.

Lucas said the work is expected to be completed June 18, while the board is slated to open bids for the building’s demolition at its July 3 meeting.

City officials have expressed concerns about the building’s deterioration with some reporting its roof is collapsing.

To deter pedestrians from going close to it, yellow tape has been extended around the adjacent sidewalk, and council members learned glass panes have been removed from the building’s windows.

The Jefferson County agency acquired it through a tax auction held by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

Mayor John Parker said the city is expected to contribute toward the demolition’s cost with the understanding the property will be transferred to the city.

Plans have been made to establish an amphitheater on the vacant lot that remains and name it for late former mayor Bob Wilson.

Parker said he’s secured $13,000 from the Jefferson County Commission’s recreation funds for the project and continues to seek other money.

In other business, 4th Ward Councilman Greg Herrick, who chairs council’s safety committee, said information about the proposed D.O.R.A. is still being gathered for council’s consideration.

The committee was approached last month by local business owners Abby LeMasters and Phil Livingston, who suggested the designation to allow patrons of businesses on North Fourth Street to carry designated cups of alcoholic beverages outside in that area during a street fair they have planned for July 5.

It was suggested a digital QR code would be printed on the cup that would direct patrons to a website where a map of the D.O.R.A. and rules for it would be posted.

They suggested the move could extend to specific time periods at other times of the year and would help to draw more people to the city’s businesses.

They noted D.O.R.A.s have been established in other Ohio cities, but it would be the first for Jefferson County.

Because it requires approval by council and the state Department of Commerce, LeMasters and Livingston were encouraged to seek a temporary permit from the state for outdoor alcohol consumption for the fair, as was done for the all-school reunion held on the street last year.

Councilman at large Mike Burkey said council will want to know, if the D.O.R.A. is approved, “what council’s rights would be, if it isn’t working, what changes can you do on the fly and what can’t you do.”

He also wanted to know if specific dates will be set for it.

Lucas, who also is the city’s insurance provider, advised the creation of a D.O.R.A. wouldn’t affect the city’s cost for liability coverage.

But he advised businesses serving liquor in the area must present to the city evidence they have liquor liability insurance.

Council also amended the ordinance setting wages for all city employees to include changes for the city swimming pool’s staff.

They are: $1,344 per month for the pool’s manager, $1,232 per month for one assistant manager, $10 per hour for four other assistant managers who will work about 28 hours per week; $12 per hour for lifeguards, and $8 per hour for desk, concession and maintenance workers.

Also on Monday, Council President Frank McEwen said residents of the Walton Acres area and some areas of the city’s south end have complained of recurring power outages.

He said one occurred for 22 hours and while it was linked to the April 29 storm, others have followed that lasted between two and eight hours and not always in bad weather.

Parker suggested the safety committee meet with officials with American Electric Power to discuss the problem.

In related business, Lucas, who chairs the city’s planning commission, advised a representative of Comcast has told him the company is in the process of securing pole permits from the power company that would enable it to offer its services in the city.

Council’s next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. June 23 at the City Building.