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Select Board debates raising fines and installing 911 house-number signs
Summary
Board reviewed the town's 911 addressing ordinance (current civil penalties $10 initial, $15 second offense within six months) and debated options including increasing fines, installing signs and billing property owners to improve emergency response.
The Stamford Select Board spent an extended portion of the meeting on 911 house-numbering rules, enforcement and how to get residents to comply. The existing ordinance sets a civil penalty of $10 for the initial violation and $15 for a second offense within six months; members discussed increasing penalties and using the town to install signs and then bill homeowners.
One participant urged action: "For not having a 911 number signed ... That will get people to respond." Board members proposed several approaches: amend the ordinance and publish legal notice, mail personal reminders, physically install signs and charge property owners, or ask volunteers or staff to sell and install signs. The emergency management coordinator's authority and the mechanics for surveying properties without numbers were discussed in detail.
Members noted practical constraints — locating some camps and properties without road access, state mapping inconsistencies and the town's need to comply with statutory notice requirements — and proposed putting an agenda item next meeting to set a fine that will cover costs and encourage compliance.
