OATHS ADMINISTERED — Oaths were administered on Monday evening to several re-elected Toronto officials and to Carl Hinerman, who has been promoted to captain of the city’s fire department. From left are: City Fire Chief Ryan Boyd, Hinerman, Councilmen Ron Holmes and Larry Glenn, Council President Frank McEwen, City Treasurer Jim Orsini, Councilman Michael Burkey and Mayor John Parker, who administered oaths to Hinerman. Oaths were administered to the others by Toronto county court Judge Lisa Ferguson. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — The first phase of the Walton Acres water project is nearing its end, while crews are expected soon to begin ground work at the planned site of a public amphitheater.

On Monday, Mayor John Parker said crews with Columbia Gas should complete the replacement of gas lines along East Fernwood Drive in the next few weeks.

He said once they are finished, crews can install three more catch basins and repave streets that have been affected by the project.

Slated for spring, the paving had been delayed to accommodate the installation of new gas lines by the utility after crews discovered the original gas lines ran through areas occupied by catch basins installed more than 40 years ago.

TK Excavation of Niles has installed 1,935 feet of water line, added 15 valves and five hydrants to the area, which includes about 25 homes.

The $1.4 million project is being funded with $600,000 in federal funds secured by former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and a grant and loan from the Ohio Water Development Authority.

Parker said to replace more water lines in the Walton Acres area, he’s pursuing additional funds to offset the $1.2 million loan awarded for the project.

The mayor said crews with Mike Kelly Excavating of Toronto are slated after Christmas to begin removing part of the foundation of the Cooper Hardware building.

Acquired by the Jefferson County Land Bank and declared dilapidated, the building at North Third and Market streets was torn down this summer, leaving a 9,600 square foot lot.

Estimated at under $50,000, the work will include filling and compacting the empty lot to accommodate the establishment of an amphitheater where public concerts and other events may be held.

A $38,000 grant has been awarded by the Charles and Thelma Pugliese Foundation and $13,000 in county recreation funds approved by the Jefferson County Commission for the project, while Parker continues to seek other money for it.

Prior to Monday’s council meeting, Toronto county court Judge Lisa Ferguson administered oaths of office to Councilmen at large Mike Burkey, Larry Glenn and Ron Holmes, Council President Frank McEwen and City Treasurer Jim Orsini, who will begin new terms in January after being re-elected, as unopposed incumbents, in November’s general election,

The mayor also administered oaths to Carl Hinerman, who has been promoted captain of the city’s fire department.

Council also reorganized for the new year, reappointing Linda Burkey, city services director, as city clerk; Holmes as president pro-tem, which involves leading council meetings in the council preident’s absence; resident Bob Bertram as council’s representative to the TEMS Joint Ambulance District, an independent, Toronto-based ambulance service; and 3rd Ward Councilman Troy Stewart as alternate to the ambulance board.

Also on Monday:

• City Police Capt. Derek Piatt thanked council for its contribution to its Christmas with a Cop effort, through which the city’s police department were able to deliver gifts to 42 local children in need.

Piatt noted the department also received donations from the public.

• Council approved end of year transfers of funds for various expenses to bring a close to the city’s budget for the year.

In related business, City Auditor Kayla Whitlatch advised city offices will be adopting new software that will allow its financial records to be stored digitally and backed up by a third-party server.

• It was announced the recreation board comprised of representatives of the city and local school board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Karaffa Recreation Center and is expected to consider rate for the upcoming summer.

Council’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the City Building.