Council hears first readings on controlled deer hunting ordinance and civil service age limit change

The Cortland City Council held first readings on two ordinances March 3: an amendment to codified ordinance 505.11 to allow controlled deer hunting and an amendment to ordinance O-52-22 to update civil service provisions for the police department.

Councilman Jim Bradley presented the deer-hunting ordinance (listed as O-6-25 and O-56-22 in the record). Bradley said the changes reduce the eligible acreage where bow and crossbow hunting would be allowed, “so it’s drastically reduced the properties or addresses where you could… deer hunt,” and that the ordinance clarifies violations and the police chief’s enforcement role. The item was read for first reading and a motion and second were recorded.

The council also held first reading of ordinance O-07-25 amending O-52-22 to update civil-service rules. The change removes the maximum age of 40 for original appointment to the police department. The council discussed testing procedures: a council member noted the city previously conducted local tests but the new approach uses a national testing service that lets applicants take exams online and be placed on a rolling list. The council noted the change broadens the applicant pool by removing the age cap; the item was presented as submitted by the police department and the civil service commission and was held for first reading with a motion and second recorded.

Why it matters: The deer-hunting amendment would authorize controlled bow- and crossbow-based deer hunting during Ohio’s deer hunting season within specified, reduced acreage in the city and clarifies enforcement; the civil service amendment would remove a prior age limit for initial police appointment, potentially expanding the candidate pool. Both items were at first reading and not adopted at this meeting.

Details and next steps

- Deer-hunting amendment (O-6-25 / O-56-22): First reading. Presented by Councilman Jim Bradley; council discussed acreage reductions and clearer violation language and noted coordination with the police chief. No final vote taken; further readings or action may follow.

- Civil service amendment (O-07-25): First reading. Amends O-52-22 to eliminate a maximum age of 40 for original police appointment. Discussion noted use of a national testing service and that applicants can appear on a rolling list; council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting.

Ending

Both ordinances were presented for first reading with motions and seconds recorded; no adoption vote occurred during the public portion of the meeting.