SPECIAL RECOGNITION — Among many local youth recognized by Toronto Council on Monday was Pax Joseph Frey of Boy Scout Troop 41, who, for his Eagle Scout project, oversaw the design and construction of a gaga ball court behind Toronto Junior-Senior High School. On hand for the presentation of a resolution in Frey’s honor were, from left: Eric Frey, his father and a Scout leader; Frey, Mayor John Parker and Gary Hawkins, Scoutmaster for Troop 41. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — Toronto Council Monday supported a permit for the development of camping hookups at the north end marina after hearing from the marina’s new owners and residents opposed to the development.

Bill Lucas, chairman of the city’s planning and zoning commission, told council that board approved a conditional use permit allowing Wild Knights LLC to establish 10 concrete pads with utility hookups for recreational vehicles and travel trailers at the site.

He said the business’ owners, Roger Fisher and Vince Zastudil, said it would provide a place for boaters to stay when not sailing on the Ohio River.

The marina also is home to a restaurant and bar.

Lucas said letters were sent to 22 residences within 200 feet of the site and a public hearing was held.

He said the hearing, held on Veterans Day, was attended by four people, three of whom voiced opposition to the proposal.

Lucas said the opponents expressed concern residents at the site would cause a disturbance and could include sexual predators.

He said any area of the city could be occupied by a sexual predator though those who are convicted must register their addresses with the state.

Lucas said the city would have the power to declare the site a public nuisance and close it if needed.

He said the business still must obtain approval from the state health department and meet its criteria for operations.

He presented to council a list of answers from the business to questions raised by residents.

Lucas said he’s aware the residents may appeal the planning and zoning commission’s action through council but not sure of the procedure involved.

He asked council to affirm the commission’s decision while also stating council should consider the business owners’ rights to its property.

Second Ward Councilman Steve Sninchak asked Vince and Sarah Zastudil if there are plans to add other RV lots further north along North River Avenue and was told that’s a possibility.

Lucas said no city zoning specifically addresses RV sites but he doesn’t believe the planning and zoning commission can limit them at that site.

Councilman at large Mike Burkey suggested a buffer zone about 50 feet from the curb could be established, but he doesn’t believe the development will adversely affect traffic on the street.

He said the Zastudils own multiple businesses, have a good reputation and will cooperate with police if an issue arises.

“We appreciate you coming here from my standpoint,” Burkey told them.

He noted the marina and various restaurants have operated at the site for more than 35 years.

Alaina Lazear, who lives on North River Avenue, told council, “We don’t want to be made out to be the bad guys when we don’t want to live across from it.”

Her husband, Todd, said, “I have a view of the river. I’ve had that, my family’s had that, my whole life.”

The Lazears presented a petition opposing the development they said was signed by 172 residents.

Fourth Ward Councilman Greg Herrick praised the planning and zoning commission for its “due diligence” and moved for council to affirm its decision, which was approved unanimously.

On Monday, council also accepted a collective bargaining agreement for the city’s police force between Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 and Mayor John Parker and City Safety Director William “Butch” Scalley with the help of the law firm of Isaac, Wiles, Burkholder & Miller.

Council also authorized the mayor to employ the law firm in negotiations for the city’s paid firefighters with International Association of Firefighters Local 2229.