Cortland : Rule to curb debate is revoked

Vehicle gas tanks are being emptied by thieves drilling holes in them.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- City Council President Frank Stocz has revoked his rule limiting debate by fellow lawmakers.
Stocz said during council's Monday meeting, however, that he wants legislation passed to limit comments by the public to two minutes each.
Stocz imposed the two-minute rule before council's March 20 meeting because some council sessions run nearly two hours long as members of the public argue among themselves.
Stocz said he wants those attending the meeting to focus on the agenda and to avoid making duplicate comments about the same topic.
The council president said he was backing off imposing the rule on council members at the suggestion of Law Director Patrick Wilson. He noted that Wilson told him that limiting the comments of lawmakers may not be legal.
The council president said he will continue limiting the public's comments, but he has asked Wilson to draft legislation that would make the two-minute rule permanent.
Monday's meeting took only 25 minutes.
Gas thefts
During the session, police Chief Gary Mink asked for the public's help in catching those who are stealing gasoline by drilling holes in vehicle gas tanks.
He said there have been eight such thefts in the past three weeks. They included three thefts at Greenwood Chrysler, Jeep & amp; Dodge Trucks dealership.
During what Mink termed a "spree," thieves crawl under a vehicle, drill a hole in the gas tank and empty it.
Nearly all the thefts have occurred at night, and all appear random, the chief said.
Not only are the thefts being invasive, Mink explained, but the tanks could explode if the hole is drilled above the fluid level where there are gas fumes.
Nonprofit status
Mayor Curt Moll also announced that the Internal Revenue Service has given nonprofit status to the Cortland Community Foundation.
As a result, donations to the foundation are tax deductible, the same as gifts made to public charities.
The foundation will accept donations from individuals, families, corporations and organizations to provide opportunities to those in need.
In addition, lawmakers agreed to increase the pay of summer help from $6.50 to $7 hourly. It increased the hourly pay to $7.45 for those hired for their fourth consecutive summer.
The city usually hires four temporary employees during the summer, and it already has received 12 applications, including three from people who worked last year.
yovich@vindy.com