Toronto Council falling forward

LOOKING AHEAD — Though autumn is still several weeks away, fall events were a recurring topic at Monday’s Toronto Council meeting. — Warren Scott

TORONTO — On Monday, Toronto Council found itself falling forward, figuratively, as upcoming autumn events entered the discussion.

Third Ward Councilman Troy Stewart reported on a recent meeting of the recreation board comprised of representatives of council and the Toronto Board of Education, noting the Toronto Little League has made plans for a gun bash on Nov. 16.

Stewart said representatives of the group asked that panel to consider cutting by 50 percent rental fees charged of nonprofit groups for use of the Karaffa Recreation Center for such events and other activities.

The suggestion received tepid response from council members, however, with some noting an effort was made in recent years to ensure uniform rates are charged to the various groups using the center through the year.

Fourth Ward Councilman Greg Herrick said before considering a cut, the finance committee would need to determine how many nonprofits operate in the city.

“I believe there are quite a few,” he said.

Stewart said he doesn’t support cutting the rates but the recreation board had made the recommendation to council, and he agreed to pass it on.

He said revenue generated by the fees can be used to maintain and improve the center’s facilities, with a fitness room with equipment that would be available to the public one long-term goal that has been eyed.

Stewart said from the same recreation board meeting came news that local businesses had made plans to promote another pub crawl like the one held around St. Patrick’s Day.

Through the cross-promotional event, residents and visitors were invited to patronize local bars and other establishments that serve alcohol through a designated evening.

Stewart said as a safety measure, a group is considering providing transportation to those participating.

Local police were asked if they were aware of plans for the event, which is slated for Oct. 26.

First Ward Councilman Clark Crago, who heads the TEMS Joint Ambulance District, questioned whether a permit for such events should be required to ensure emergency departments are aware.

City Police Chief Charley Daniels said organizers of such events are responsible for covering the cost for additional officers to be on duty.

Following the meeting, Council President Frank McEwen confirmed a city ordinance requires those holding an event in which alcohol will be served at a social or rental hall or other public place to pay for a city officer to be present.

The requirement includes weddings and parties that aren’t open to the public at large unless they are held in a home.

Because the next pub crawl is expected to tie in to Halloween, Herrick suggested council get ahead on one matter: the setting of trick or treat hours for the city’s children.

Council agreed to set them for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31.

In other business:

• Council approved a resolution accepting the rates and amounts received in revenue for the city’s general and recreation funds.

The resolution was presented by City Clerk and Services Director Linda Burkey, who said they must be submitted annually to the county auditor’s office.

It reflected $224,766 collected from county-collected property tax and other revenue for the city’s general fund, including $23,252 allocated for the firefighter’s fund and $23,252 allocated for the police pension.

The resolution also acknowledged $38,752 is collected for the city’s recreation fund from a 0.5 mill five-year levy supported by voters, most recently in 2018.

• Herrick said many residents have expressed appreciation for efforts by the police department and its public nuisance officer to address eyesores in the city.

He and others also praised the recent removal of a dilapidated building on North Third Street.

Councilman at large Ron Holmes said the roof of a structure on North Fifth Street has caved in and he’s concerned about parts of the building falling into the street.

Holmes was reminded he can file a complaint to initiate its possible demolition.

• Members of council’s insurance committee were advised the city’s insurance provider wishes to speak to them, and plans were made for a meeting of the panel at 6 p.m. before council’s next regular 7 p.m. meeting on Aug. 26.