REC CENTER, FIRE TRUCK DISCUSSED — Toronto Council on Monday considered rentals of the Karaffa Recreation Center by nonprofit groups and a levy to support replacement of the Toronto Fire Department’s pumper truck. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — Toronto Council agreed during Monday’s meeting to hire a consultant to prepare a proposed levy to support the replacement of the fire department’s pumper truck and form a committee to support the tax, which could come before voters next year.

City Fire Chief Bill Scheel had approached council earlier about the truck.

Scheel said the truck is nearing the end of its anticipated 25-year lifespan and has required more than $3,638 in repairs and parts, some of which have been difficult to replace because its manufacturer, Luverne, is no longer in business.

Councilman at large Mike Burkey said leaders of the city’s fire department met with the finance committee, which he chairs, and other city officials to discuss the need.

Burkey said Capt. Ryan Boyd and other firefighters presented more than 500 pages of information about the truck and the department’s other equipment.

“A lot of process and thought went into what they actually need,” said Burkey, who added the department has found a Pennsylvania mechanic who can make sufficient repairs for now.

He said while the city’s budgetary picture has improved in recent years, he and others feel the best move is to establish a levy for a new truck, which has been estimated to cost $1.2 million at a minimum.

The current truck was supported by a one-time levy.

Council agreed to hire the Cleveland law firm of Bricker Graydon to aid the city in preparing a levy for the truck.

Council President Frank McEwen said he’s approached citizens about serving with city officials on a volunteer committee to promote it.

Council agreed to hire Bricker Graydon to assist in negotiations for renewal of a 20-year contract with the Jefferson County commissioners through which the city provides water to many county residents.

It was noted the contract will expire next year.

In other business, council heard from Jay Foster, president of the recreation board formed jointly by council and the Toronto school board to oversee the Karaffa Recreation Center.

Foster said that panel had recommended a 50 percent reduction in rental fees for nonprofit groups to use the center and asked why it failed to receive support from council.

He stressed the discount would apply only to fundraisers held by such groups, which some on council said they weren’t aware of.

Foster said current hourly rental fees are $50 for the kitchen, $50 for the commons area and $50 for the gym, with a cap of $450 for the rentals.

He said charging nonprofit groups full rental would greatly diminish their proceeds from fundraisers, forcing them to rely more on donations from local businesses.

Foster said groups using the center do much for the community and include youth sports leagues and Focus in Toronto, a volunteer group that holds the city’s Christmas parade and awards a scholarship to a Toronto High School graduate each year.

He said providing the discount would “just be the city helping organizations that do things for the community.”

He noted one-fourth of the rental fees are charged for school functions held in the building.

Formerly Karaffa Elementary School, it was transferred to the city by the Toronto school board in 2020.

Council agreed to offer the 50 percent discount to nonprofit organizations provided they are based in the city and the events are fundraisers.

In related business, council members advised Foster they are interested in making two vacant rooms on the center’s second floor into exercise areas for residents.

Mayor John Parker said earlier he will seek funds for exercise equipment for them.

Foster agreed to keep open the two rooms or limit their rental to the next two months only.

Third Ward Councilman Troy Stewart said nets have been established for four pickle ball courts to be established in the center’s gym.

Bill Lucas, chairman of the city’s planning commission, told council earlier residents using the courts established near the city’s swimming pool have asked if indoor courts could be made available.

Also on Monday:

• Council voiced its support for a 0.5-mill levy for the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board after hearing from Bill Holt, its executive director. Holt told council the levy is a replacement for one that was introduced in 1976 and adjusted to reflect current property values.

He said if the levy is approved, the average taxpayer will pay $18 per year.

Mental health services funded by the board include employment and vocational support, counseling and therapy, crisis services, peer recovery, prevention, medication assisted treatment and medication management, mental health housing and mental health hospitals and detoxification.

Craig Allen, the city’s legal counsel, told council, “The number of people in the community struggling with mental illness is tremendous.”

• Council accepted the donation of less than half an acre of land from Robert and Wonnona Peckens. A resolution supporting the move noted the land is part of Dennis Way and has been used as a public street for many years.

• Council was advised the owner of Margaret’s Cafe has applied for a liquor license, pending a routine investigation by the city’s police chief.

• Phil Reese introduced himself as the new owner, with his wife, Maria, of Gem City Pizza and offered his assistance to the city.

• Council announced its next regular meeting, at City Hall, will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 because its regular meeting date falls on Veterans Day.

The recreation board will move its next meeting from Nov. 5, Election Day, to Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Karaffa Recreation Center.