CORTLAND — City council has given the initial reading to increase the size of properties on which controlled deer hunting with a bow and arrow or crossbow can take place within city limits.

Officials said at Monday’s council meeting that the current minimum of 5 acres will be increased to 15 acres. Hunting still will be allowed during the state’s deer hunting season.

The original ordinance allowing for controlled deer hunting was passed in November 2022. Councilman Jim Bradley said council believes it is in the best interest of its residents that the acreage upon which hunting is permitted should be enlarged to 15 acres or more.

The minimum 15-acre requirement may include two parcels that abut each other with common ownership in order to achieve the minimum.

Hunting permits from the city at no fee are required to hunt deer, including those who hunt on their own properties. All landowners who permit others to hunt on their land must retain a logbook to include the name, address and phone number of those whom the landowner has approved for hunting in case this information is requested by police, fire or city officials.

REMOVAL OF MAXIMUM AGE

Council also gave the initial first reading to remove the civil service requirement that sets the maximum age for being a police officer at 40. Mayor Deidre Petrosky said it has been hard to find police officers, so to expand the pool of candidates, the maximum age is being removed.

Law Director Patrick Wilson said times have changed, with it becoming more difficult to find police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

In other business, council:

l Passed resolutions requesting the county auditor to advance $100,000 collected through real estate taxes for the general fund, $200,000 for the police levy fund and $200,000 for the fire levy fund.

l Heard from fire Chief David Rea that open burning is prohibited statewide for leaves, sticks and other items between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. March through May in unincorporated areas.

l Are reviewing the advertisement seeking a service director as former director Kim Blasco resigned to accept a position in Boardman. The interim service director is Sean Ratican.