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Selectmen ask staff to draft policy on informal safety signs after residents' requests
Summary
Board discussed resident requests for informational signs (e.g., autistic or deaf child notices), with Highway Supervisor Dan Garlington warning the signs "do not meet federal requirements" and noting potential liability; board asked for draft verbiage and Highway Safety Committee review for return in August.
The Plaistow Board of Selectmen on July 6 opened a discussion about informal safety signs residents place — such as notices about an autistic or deaf child — and directed staff to draft possible policy language and return the item to the Highway Safety Committee for review.
Highway Supervisor Dan Garlington told the board that such signs have been used in other locations but “do not meet federal requirements, so there is no enforcement,” and he warned they can create liability because they are informational rather than regulatory. Chairwoman Liz Kosta asked whether the board was seeking a formal policy when a sign is requested, and Selectman Jonathan Gifford suggested reviewing other towns’ wording to identify acceptable verbiage.
Vice Chair Bill Coye urged creation of a policy that would include requestor contact information and follow-up expectations; Garlington was asked to bring recommended verbiage and the Highway Safety Committee’s guidance back to the Selectmen at the first August meeting.
