BOND ISSUE ADVANCED — On Monday, Toronto Council took the last step needed to place a bond issue for the city’s fire department on ballots in the city’s May 6 primary election. — Warren Scott
TORONTO — Voters in Toronto’s May 6 primary election will consider passage of a bond issue to support the replacement of two city fire trucks.
An ordinance approved by Toronto Council on Monday states the sale of $3.5 million in bonds will allow the city to purchase a new fire engine and new ladder truck.
To pay off the bonds and 5 percent in annual interest over a 10 year period, the city will introduce a 4.86 mill tax for each $1 of property assessed by the county auditor’s office.
According to the ordinance, the amount will equal $170 for each $100,000 of assessed property.
City officials initially considered pursuing a 5 mill levy for the trucks but opted for a bond issue because it will mean a lesser burden to the city’s taxpayers.
Council President Frank McEwen said an ad hoc committee of city officials and citizens has been formed to promote the bond issue and will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at Tri-B’s Coffee Shop.
During the last several months, council has heard from leaders of the city’s fire department who said a 1999 pumper truck and 2004 ladder truck are nearing the end of their expected lifespans.
City Fire Chief Bill Scheel and Fire Capt. Ryan Boyd have reported the pumper truck has required about $16,293 in repairs over the last three years while the ladder truck has received about $3,562 in repairs for the same period.
Scheel said the pumper truck was produced by Luverne, a company no longer in business, and it’s been difficult to find replacement parts.
McEwen, a former Toronto fire chief, said once the trucks are purchased, it takes two to three years for them to be built.
In related business, City Clerk Linda Burkey reminded council members of steps they must take, under guidelines of the state ethics commission, when filing as candidates in the next election.
The office of council president and treasurer and three at large council seats also will be determined in this election year.
In other business:
• Council applauded the fire, police and personnel with the TEMS Joint Ambulance District for their response to a house fire at 1008 Franlin Ave. on Friday afternoon.
Scheel said the fire emanated from a chimney and spread to the home’s exterior siding and clapboard while also releasing smoke inside, resulting in a resident being transported for treatment of smoke inhalation.
He said the American Red Cross offered assistance with temporary lodging to the residents who lived there.
Scheel also expressed thanks to city crews who used their vehicles to block the street until the firefighters were able to extinguish it and to members of the Stratton, Pottery Addition and Mingo Junction fire departments who assisted.
• Third Ward Councilman Troy Stewart, who chairs the city’s planning committee, reminded all department heads to submit their goals and needs for the city’s next five-year plan.
McEwen said the city is in the middle of its current five-year plan and it’s important, for budgetary purposes, to know what equipment, improvements and other expenses the departments expect to face in the years ahead.
• Stewart said some residents have asked about removing the traffic signal at Loretta Avenue and Findley Street.
Mayor John Parker said the signal’s placement was based on a history of crashes and the volume of pedestrians in that area, which includes the Toronto Library and several churches.
McEwen said the signal also addresses a visibility barrier presented by a large structure on the northeast corner of Loretta.
• In reorganizing for the new year, council appointed Burkey, the city’s services director, as clerk of council; Councilman at large Ron Holmes as president pro tem, which involves presiding over meetings in the council president’s absence; and former councilman Bob Bertram as its liaison to the TEMS Joint Ambulance District Board, with 4th Ward Councilman Greg Herrick to serve in Bertram’s place if needed.
Abstaining from the votes were those considered for each position and 1st Ward Councilman Clark Crago, who abstained from votes on the TEMS board representation because he is director of that agency.
Council’s next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the City Building.