Matthews board asks staff to study metal detectors and other security measures at town hall, votes 5–1

The board on Nov. 10 directed the town manager to have staff investigate security options for Town Hall after Commissioner Renee Garner proposed exploring metal detectors and other measures.

Garner said the proposal arose from concerns about meeting safety and a desire to refresh active‑shooter training last conducted in 2019. "I just want to gauge the board's temperature on whether to ask the police chief to look into security measures for town hall," she said. Commissioners debated whether any detectors would be used only upstairs for meetings or building‑wide, whether detectors should be permanent or used on meeting nights, and the staffing and cost implications of monitoring devices.

The police chief (present) and other commissioners said they would welcome input; one commissioner noted the greatest vulnerability may be in parking lots rather than inside the building. Commissioner Ken McCool moved to instruct the town manager to direct staff to explore options, and Commissioner Garner seconded the motion. The motion passed 5–1, with one commissioner recorded as voting no.

What’s next: Staff will survey comparable municipalities, assess staffing and cost implications, and return recommendations — likely coordinating with the police chief. Commissioners suggested the topic may be revisited by the incoming board in December if timing is tight this month.