Cortland council OKs request for tornado warning sirens

CORTLAND -- Despite the protests of three of its members, city council approved Monday the fire chief's request to buy outdoor warning sirens.
Councilmen Brian Fischer, Michael Hillman and James Chubb have said at past meetings they don't think the sirens are the most effective way of warning residents of tornadoes.
Fire Chief William Novakovich said Willow Park is set as the site for one siren. He is still looking to place the other two in northern and southern locations in the city.
He expects the sirens to be installed by the end of the year.
Waterline OK'd
Council also approved a waterline extension to Cortland BP, which is outside city limits.
Service Director Paul Makosky said he mistakenly gave the gas station a permit to tap the waterline more than a year ago.
Hillman said council's agreement to extend water to the station is not a change in policy, but a way of correcting the mistake.
He said it is "the first and last time."
Council also agreed to allow police Chief Gary Mink to hire an additional officer.
The department received a three-year $125,000 federal grant through the cops in schools program, which gives communities money to hire police to patrol schools in hopes of reducing student misconduct.