New fire truck sought in Toronto

NEW ADDITION — Toronto Mayor John Parker administered oaths to Brandon Lauck, who is joining the city’s police department in a part-time capacity, while Lauck’s grandfather, Howard, an Army veteran, held The Bible for the ceremony. A Toronto resident, Lauck served previously in the Tiltonsville Police Department. — Warren Scott

TORONTO — Leaders of the city’s fire department hope city officials will support their request for a levy to support the purchase of a new pumper truck.

City Fire Chief Bill Scheel said the truck is 25 years old, five years beyond the typical lifespan of such a vehicle, and has undergone numerous repairs in the last two years.

It was built by Luverne, a manufacturer no longer in business, and a technician has needed to weld new parts for it, noted City Fire Capt. Bill Perkins.

He said to comply with current standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, the truck would have to be completely refurbished, in some cases using equipment not designed for it.

Council President Frank McEwen, a former Toronto fire chief, said the NFPA, a nonprofit organization that sets standards for fire safety and firefighting, has found a pumper truck can not be used after 20 years without impacting the overall integrity of the vehicle.

He said the city should act swiftly in replacing the truck because in addition to an estimated $1.2 million purchase price, manufacturers of the vehicle may add a $25,000 quarterly charge as it’s being built, which can take two to three years.

The current pumper was supported by a one-time levy, and such a levy had been suggested to pay for a new truck.

An effort to have one put on ballots in the Nov. 5 general election has stalled because it would require the support of council at two special meetings before an Aug. 7 deadline.

But McEwen and others have suggested it could come up for a vote next year.

Following Monday’s council meeting, McEwen voiced strong support for a new truck, saying, “It’s a safety issue for our employees and the citizens of Toronto. We have to be concerned about people’s lives.”

During the meeting, Councilman at large Mike Burkey, who chairs council’s finance committee, asked Scheel for more information, including the status of the fire department’s other vehicles and equipment.

Also on Monday, council adopted a resolution recognizing George and Linda Komar for their service to the city for many years.

The resolution was drafted after city officials learned the pair is moving to North Carolina to be close to family.

As leader of the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization, Komar worked with others to launch a yearly 5K run to raise money for cancer patients in memory of local attorney Pat Campbell, a grant program that helped small business owners to improve their storefronts, banners encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally and the series of free summer concerts at the city’s Gazebo Commons that continues at this time.

The resolution took particular note of the Christmas light-up program held at the park, which includes Christmas music and the lighting of candles in memory of loved ones.

The yearly service is held in cooperation with local funeral homes and others.

Councilman at large Ron Holmes said, “Whenever George had a plan, he got it taken care of and helped the community. He will be missed.”

Council noted George’s wife, Linda, also was an active resident, leading volunteers in the Toronto Beautification Committee in planting and maintaining flowers near the welcome signs at the city’s north and south ends, along North Fourth Street and the Gazebo Commons, which they also decorated for Independence Day and the Christmas season.

In other business:

• Prior to the meeting, oaths were administered by Mayor John Parker to Brandon Lauck, who has joined the city’s police department in a part-time capacity while another officer is on leave.

A Toronto resident, Lauck served previously in the Tiltonsville Police Department.

• Scheel expressed thanks to Pro-X Pressure Washing, a local business, for lending equipment needed to address a leak in the city swimming pool’s chlorine tank.

He also announced that because of a grant received for the new pickle ball courts near the pool, hours must be designated for their use by senior citizens age 55 and older.

As a result, a sign will indicate the courts are available to seniors from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day and to everyone during other hours.