CORTLAND, N.Y. — Members of Cortland Common Council got a first look Tuesday night at a proposed law that would impose more stringent regulations for cleaning up city residences where methamphetamine was produced.
The proposed legislation would allow the Cortland Fire Department to prevent the re-occupancy of city residences where meth was produced until testing “shows the premises to be free of Methamphetamine Lab residue,” the law reads.
The law would also expand the city’s nuisance code to include “byproducts of the manufacturing or use of methamphetamine.”
Cortland Mayor Brian Tobin said the law would ensure that city properties are cleaned to a level that is safe for occupancy.
“City government has asked itself, ‘What role can we play in the safety of our residents?’ We want to try and make sure that properties are being cleaned to an adequate standard,” Tobin said.
Tobin said by enacting such a law, the city would be taking the lead on an important issue.
“Neither the State of New York nor the County of Cortland has taken a legislative interest in regulating exposure to Methamphetamine residue,” the proposed law reads. “The City of Cortland will be taking the first step toward this regulation.”
The property owner, or their insurance company, would be responsible for costs associated with cleanup efforts, according to city counsel Ric VanDonsel.
A public hearing on the proposed law will be held on Dec. 6 at 6:55 p.m., just prior to the Common Council meeting.
