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Castine Selectboard approves push-notification system for storm alerts, flags privacy and ordinance steps
Summary
The Castine Selectboard voted 3-0 to move forward with a push-notification system (TextMyGov) to send storm alerts and other notices; staff will confirm vendor privacy practices and a public hearing would be required to amend the town's Traffic Ordinance if the overnight-parking ban is altered.
The Castine Selectboard voted 3-0 on Jan. 22 to proceed with a townwide push-notification system offered by vendor TextMyGov, a step officials said would help the town alert residents to storms and other time-sensitive matters.
Roberta Boczkiewicz introduced the topic, reporting that town staff (Sue and Natalie) had contacted several vendors and identified TextMyGov as the best fit. The vendor offered to waive a $1,000 setup fee if the town commits before Jan. 31, 2024, in exchange for a $2,000 annual subscription. Finance Officer Karen Motycka said there are some funds in the Hardware/Software Capital Account and recommended budgeting an additional $2,000 next year to cover the subscription.
Chair Gordon MacArthur said he favored using push notifications “especially for the winter parking ban,” and raised the idea of replacing the November–May overnight parking ban with on-demand storm alerts. MacArthur also suggested the town consider raising ticket prices for overnight parking during storms; he noted such changes would require a public hearing to amend the Traffic Ordinance.
Dan Leader moved to approve moving forward with the Push Notification project and Roberta Boczkiewicz seconded; the motion carried 3-0. Officials said staff will return with procurement details and answers about vendor privacy and data-sharing practices before a final commitment.
Resident Brooke Tenney asked whether TextMyGov would share cell numbers with third parties; Motycka said she would have staff ask the vendor before the Selectboard signs any agreement.
Next steps include confirming the vendor contract terms, resolving privacy questions, and scheduling any required public hearing if the Selectboard pursues changes to the Traffic Ordinance that would alter the overnight-parking rules.
