Cortland Standard .net

By TYRONE L. HEPPARD
Staff Reporter
theppard@cortlandstandardnews.net
Mayor Brian Tobin called for collaboration and dialogue between the city officials, residents and other municipalities during his State of the City address Thursday evening, noting some positive changes made in 2014 and goals he and the common council have for 2015.
Tobin delivered the address in council chambers to a group of about 30 people.
Housing is one issue Tobin said he and the city have been committed to addressing, namely through promoting zoning and codes enforcement. He cited the recent implementation of the city rental permit law in August and its nuisance property ordinance as tools officials are using to improve neighborhoods in the city.
The rental permit law mandates that property owners register their buildings and have them inspected either on their own or by city inspectors every three years. The nuisance property ordinance allows the city to penalize landlords or even take away their right to rent because of nuisance violations.
Tobin also announced there will be a public meeting in coming weeks with city Zoning Officer Bob Rhea and Director of Code Enforcement Bill Knickerbocker. Rhea and Knickerbocker will explain the laws and property use expectations at a meeting to be held before the next regular Common Council meeting on April 7.
“We’re moving forward with the opportunity to make sure we’re providing safe properties ... for our residents,” Tobin said.
Tobin also highlighted the city’s efforts at addressing flooding, noting the creation of the city’s flooding task force and an upcoming $600,000 project to expand and improve culverts along Otter Creek.
Tobin also pointed out the need to repair and upgrade Cortland’s aging infrastructure, saying the city is positioning itself to be eligible for funding that may be available in the future. Tobin noted the city is trying to position itself to be eligible for grant funding when those opportunities arise.
Tobin also noted the creation of the city’s new steering and advisory committees as a way the city is being proactive to address its infrastructure needs and he encouraged residents to give input.
Drugs in the community is another issue Tobin said the city is committed to addressing in the short-term, applauding efforts of local fire and law enforcement to combat the problem.
But Tobin said it is also the responsibility of residents and other members of the community who need to be involved in discussions with the city about how best to confront the issue.
“I think we need to schedule some meetings and just invite people from the public to have the conversation about what this problem is and maybe we can come up with different ideas on addressing the issue,” Tobin said.
He also noted the city is in the process of drafting new legislation aimed at protecting residents through stronger safety laws. Tobin said houses where drug labs are found would be closed if necessary until they are once again safe for habitation.
Aldermen Linda Ferguson (D-7th Ward) and Julie Bird (D-1st Ward) were among those who attended the address. Both said they felt Tobin effectively highlighted residents’ concerns and the need to work together to face issues affecting the city.
“I think it definitely has given a good outlook for what the future of Cortland can be and I’m looking forward to it,” Bird said.
Ferguson said with so many issues that need to be addressed, it is difficult to focus on just one, but she added getting the facilities committees started is something she is glad to see move forward.