CORTLAND — With heavy rainfall in the past week, Cortland is just like many communities facing flooding problems.

In a filled council room Monday, residents voiced their concerns. The discussion lasted more than an hour.

Residents spoke of flooded basements, streets and yards in addition to the loss of home appliances after water filled basements.

Walnut Run resident Cheryl Thomas said she wanted to know what can be done to help affected residents. She said a nearby creek overflows mostly after heavy rains.

“It was a living nightmare the other day,” Thomas said. “The front of our house was like a lake. We could have put a canoe in our front yard.”

She said she had a foot of water in her basement.

Other residents said trees by the creek are ready to fall into the water.

Council President Kevin Piros said the cause of the flooding needs to be investigated.

Some residents asked why precautions have not been taken. They suggested contacting state officials to see what they can do to help.

“We will try and find the best solution. We sympathize for what you have been through. We will look at different options,” Piros said.

He said the water distribution system, pump station and manholes will be looked at.

The Cortland Fire Department said that several homes in the Walnut Creek area, many on Tournament Trail, were dealing with flooding.

Petrosky said she has been in contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to see if they can assist.

NEW POSITION

In other business, council approved creating the position of economic and community development manager. The legislation was tabled last month.

Piros said the position’s duties will include obtaining funds for city projects or equipment.

The new position would replace the city’s use of consultants. This position will act as the liaison between the city departments and business community.

Council also repealed an ordinance that created two associate service director positions for the city.

Officials have said the new position of compliance coordinator replaced them.