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Maybrook directs attorney to draft local law on nuisance alarms after repeated false calls
Summary
Trustees authorized the village attorney to draft a local law requiring alarm registration, penalties for false alarms, and key/Knox‑box requirements after the fire department reported repeated false alarms and access problems at a senior complex.
Deputy Mayor Charles Woznick and Chief Dennis Barnett described multiple false alarm incidents at a senior‑housing complex and difficulty locating keys and Knox boxes during emergency responses. Chief Barnett said some calls required emergency elevator rescues and that inconsistent key access delayed response.
Attorney Liz Cassidy told the board she reviewed a similar municipality's false‑alarm local law and recommended focusing on a registration requirement — listing alarm owners, alarm companies and contact persons — and penalties for repeat false alarms. "She would focus on the registration aspect. For example, if you have an alarm in your building, you will need register it with the Village, stating who owns it, who is the alarm company, who are the contacts. Then a penalty for false alarms," Cassidy said. Engineer Sean Hoffman suggested using routine commercial and fire inspections to verify that keys and Knox boxes are correct.
The board voted 4–0 to authorize the village attorney to draft a local law regarding nuisance alarms. No ordinance or penalty schedule was adopted at this meeting; the draft law will return for review when prepared.
