TORONTO - The death of a former city official was discussed during Monday's City Council meeting.
Council voted to consider enacting a resolution of sympathy marking the death of Richard Parker Sr., a former city auditor and 4th Ward councilman.
Parker died Saturday.
"Several members of council knew Mr. Parker," said Dorothy Blaner, 2nd Ward councilman and chairman of the ordinance committee. "He represented his ward well, as well as serving as city auditor."
Mayor John Geddis said Parker was a dedicated public servant who always had the city's best interest at heart.
"We worked with Dick a long time," said Geddis. "He loved the city of Toronto and protected the north end. He was a great guy to work with. His convictions ran very deep."
Geddis also lauded Parker's family, while Tom Thomas, council president, noted two of Parker's sons went into public service.
"He served his community well, and two of his sons followed in his footsteps," said Thomas.
Parker's son Rick Parker is a captain with Toronto Police, while John Parker is a detective with the Jefferson County sheriff.
In other matters:
Geddis informed council on several pending issues, including the sale of a property on Logan Avenue to a private buyer for $4,500. Geddis also said the city had obtained funding for the demolition of five delapidated structures in the city. The city has plenty of salt currently in reserve but will be purchasing more, said the mayor. He also said the city may be joining a cooperative purchasing program for purchase of natural gas.
Fire Chief Frank McEwen said the city will flush hydrants the week of Sept. 17 during the afternoons. He added a more detailed schedule would be forthcoming. He also asked council to adopt a resolution noting September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. He also reminded council members of the city's Sept. 11 Memorial Service set for 7 p.m. today centered around the city's war memorial.
It was announced there would be a meeting of the zoning commission at 7 p.m. today in the city building.
Council voted to make city trick or treat hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
