Trustees review panic-button system and alarm upgrades after staff safety discussion

Trustees discussed employee safety equipment and the alarm system after trustees and staff raised concerns about panic-button reliability and false alarms.

Director Noelle said every employee now has a working panic button. The library is working with town facilities and the vendor to refine the system: a new alarm company has won the town contract and the cameras remain monitored through the incumbent provider, requiring coordination between systems.

A library technical contractor told trustees existing single-button devices cannot be reprogrammed to require a multiple-press sequence; the alternative would be to purchase different devices that require simultaneous activation of two controls. The director said existing devices cost roughly $50 each and she will obtain pricing for any alternative hardware.

During discussion a trustee who identified prior police experience observed that in an emergency “the single button is the best,” arguing people under stress often cannot remember a multi-step activation. Trustees agreed to continue testing the current devices, to get cost estimates for two-button alternatives, and to explore a written staff safety policy to complement equipment improvements.

A trustee offered to meet with the director and town staff to review the system and the emergency binder that is already maintained at each desk. The board noted that town counsel advised trustees would not be personally liable for lacking a formal safety policy but emphasized the value of a clear employee-safety protocol.

No formal action was taken; trustees asked staff to return with cost estimates and any recommended policy language.