SERVICE REMEMBERED — Toronto Council Monday adopted a resolution honoring the late Janet Clore, a longtime clerk with the city who died on Sept. 20. Council President Frank McEwen, center, presented a copy of the resolution to Clore’s daughter, Amy McLaren, and son, Matt. -- Contributed

TORONTO — Toronto Council Monday was updated on a program aimed at making affordable housing available to people with low to moderate incomes and the extension of services by a local ambulance service to Saline Township.

Bill Lucas, chairman of the city’s planning and zoning commission, said the Jefferson County Land Bank plans to build a new house at 801 North Fourth St. as part of the state’s Welcome Home Ohio program.

He noted the county agency was awarded a $660,556 grant through the program to build homes on the vacant lot and at three others in Steubenville, with one at 612 Logan St., nearly completed.

Lucas said Davis Homes Inc. of Steubenville has been hired to build the Toronto home and is expected to start in January, and the land bank hopes to build another house in the city with additional funds from the program.

He said under the program, each of the houses is about 1,300 square feet and valued at about $180,000.

The land bank is partnering with the Jefferson County Housing Development Corp. to identify occupants for the houses.

The Welcome Home Ohio program provides financial assistance with down payment and closing costs.

To qualify, a potential homebuyer’s annual income must be at no more than 80 percent of the area’s annual median household income depending on the size of the household.

Council also heard from Bob Bertram, its representative to the TEMS Joint Ambulance District, who said the independent, Toronto-based ambulance service has entered into a six-month agreement to replace Saline Township’s emergency medical squad.

He noted the agreement calls for TEMS to receive $15,000 per month and the township emergency medical squad’s vehicles and equipment for use in calls there.

Asked why the agreement is limited to six months, Bertram said TEMS’ continued service will depend on passage of a township levy supporting emergency medical services for its residents.

If approved by voters in Tuesday’s general election, the 6-mill levy would replace a 2.5-mill levy that has failed to generate sufficient funds for the township’s own EMS.

In an earlier interview, Township Trustee Ryan Holland said the loss of revenue from the W.H. Sammis Plant, closed in 2023 and currently undergoing demolition, was a key factor in the shortfall.

TEMS has served residents of the township through a mutual aid agreement.

Asked if the ambulance service will have sufficient staff to serve it on a regular basis, Bertram said Clark Crago, its executive director, has been working to add emergency medical technicians and paramedics to its staff.

Also on Monday, council adopted a resolution honoring the late Janet Clore, who died on Sept. 20 at the age of 84.

The resolution noted Clore was employed by the city for many years, serving as a clerk in its water and income tax departments and was known as “a die-hard Red Knights fan,” cheering on its sports teams and volunteering with Toronto High School’s Band Parents.

Councilman at large Ron Holmes said Clore, who was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, was “a true Toronto citizen. She had the city in her heart 100 percent. She will be missed by all.”

Councilman at large Mike Burkey said Clore was among adults who served as role models for him and other youth who grew up in the neighborhood where she lived.

Council President Frank McEwen said he observed her at work in the City Building and found that even on bad days, she went about with a cheerful smile.

“She was always a joy to talk to,” he said.

City Services Director Linda Burkey became tearful, remarking that Clore was a good friend.

A copy of the resolution was presented to Clore’s children, Amy McLaren and Matt.

In other business:

• Council granted a request for $1,000 to Inspire Toronto to defray expenses for the group’s light-up festivities, which will begin at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and have been dubbed Miracle on Fourth Street because that’s where they will be held.

Council members noted the event — which debuted last year and included live music, activities, food and other vendors, was well received.

• Second Ward Councilman Steve Sninchak asked about recent activity along utility lines, asking if it has anything to do with Comcast extending its Internet service to the city.

At council’s request, City Police Chief Charley Daniels agreed to seek information from the crews involved.

In response, some on council said they wanted to dispel some misconceptions among residents.

They said the city’s utility poles are owned by American Electric Power or AT&T, not a local cable company that also provides Internet service, and Comcast must gain permission from the utilities if it wants to use them to provide Internet to the city.

Mike Burkey said city officials have been accused of blocking Comcast, which isn’t true.

Council’s next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the City Building.