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Board debates Knox key boxes after library elevator incident; motion made to buy three
Summary
After library inspectors became trapped in an elevator and the fire department performed forcible entry, the town discussed installing Knox key boxes; a motion was made to purchase three units for municipal buildings, with funding to be treated as a capital improvement. Vote outcome not recorded in transcript.
The select board discussed emergency access and a plan to install Knox key boxes on town-owned buildings after two inspectors were temporarily trapped in a library elevator, activating 911 and requiring firefighters to force the library door.
The town’s fire chief described the incident and urged the board to adopt Knox boxes that store building keys in a heat-resistant exterior box accessible only by a fire-department key. The chief said the device typically holds 10 keys and cited a retail price of about $499; he said a residential version exists but focused the recommendation on municipal and commercial buildings.
During discussion a board member moved to purchase three Knox boxes—one for the town office, one for the Dr. Shaw Memorial Library, and one for the Mount Vernon Community Center—and another member seconded the motion. Members debated whether the transfer station needed one given its inexpensive padlock and noted the proposal would be treated as a capital improvement rather than drawn from operating or library funds.
The transcript records the motion and seconder but does not include a recorded vote tally or an explicit announcement that the motion passed. The fire chief emphasized the practical benefit: "That's why these Knox boxes are so important," citing the potential cost of repairing damaged commercial doors after forcible entry.
The board also discussed outreach to commercial owners and homeowners about residential options and noted some buildings (including the library) would need budgetary decisions about where the purchase would be charged.
Next steps: the motion was on the floor in the meeting record; the transcript does not state a final vote result or implementation schedule.
