Board approves website accessibility software; panic‑button alert system discussed

The board voted March 5 to contract with AudioEye for one year of website accessibility tooling to help the township meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Information technology staff described AudioEye as a CivicPlus‑compatible service that can apply accessibility features, generate alternate text using AI and assist with compliance; the quoted annual cost in the meeting was $3,500. Trustees voted in favor of a one‑year agreement.

Trustees also discussed a proposed panic alert solution (TeamAlert) for the dais. IT staff presented TeamAlert as a web‑based panic button that triggers an automated call into dispatch and plays a prewritten text‑to‑speech message identifying the location and incident type. Police officials on the call said dispatch integration and response protocols would need to be worked out; board members raised concerns about the lack of two‑way interaction with dispatch, potential false alarms, and whether a single prerecorded message provides sufficient context for emergency responders. The police chief and captain recommended vetting options with dispatch and testing message flows; trustees asked IT to coordinate with public safety and return with a recommended configuration (including consideration of dual buttons for “assistance” vs. “emergency”).

The AudioEye purchase was approved by recorded vote (motion passed). No purchase order for the panic‑button system was approved at the meeting pending further internal review with public safety.