Wis. city in debate over emergency siren issueDiscussions have been on and off for at least a decade in the debate over installing severe weather emergency sirens
By Mark Schaaf
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
FRANKLIN, Wis. — The debate over installing severe weather emergency sirens in Franklin is not a new one.
As the only community in Milwaukee County not to have sirens sound in case of severe weather, many residents and some city officials have wanted them for some time. Indeed, discussions have been on and off for at least a decade.
This week, the Common Council batted around the idea again. Aldermen on Tuesday night unanimously supported emergency sirens, as a matter of policy, and directed city staff to find out more details on a siren system, installation and funding.
Those details will then be brought back to the Common Council before a final vote.
Sounds of doubt
Despite the unanimous vote, not everyone was truly ready to commit to such a project.
Some aldermen who expressed doubts said the proposal contained too many question marks, such as where sirens should be placed and how many sirens should be installed.
Then there's the cost: roughly $150,000.
"I'm going to make this statement, (and) I'm sorry if it offends people: I don't need the government to tell me when to come out of the rain," Alderman Steve Olson said. "Just because we have the cash doesn't mean we have to spend it."
Officials noted some disadvantages — the sirens are ineffective for people indoors and carry a high initial investment.
Sounds of support, too
On the other hand, officials noted, the maintenance costs are relatively low and the units should last 30-plus years.
Other aldermen said the sirens had great public support and would likely win if put to a referendum.
Mayor Tom Taylor said he counted 149 signatures on a petition in support of sirens and has also heard people advocate for them in budget listening sessions.
Residents told aldermen they understood the tight budget situation, but the money would be worth it to enhance safety of Franklin.
Mark Carstensen supported installing sirens and said he would let one be installed at his Innovative Health and Fitness business, 8800 S. 102nd St.
"One of my passions is flying airplanes," Carstensen said. "I'm able to see weather from a whole different perspective and how fast and furious something can happen when you think nothing's going to happen."
Another emergency measure
In Tuesday's meeting, the council also supported the idea of an emergency notification system commonly known as "reverse 911," through which residents could get phone call alerts on any type of emergency situations around them.
Compared to emergency sirens, the reverse 911 system would be much cheaper — about a $7,200 initial cost and an annual price of $4,500.
Such a system is in place in several area communities, including neighboring Oak Creek. The system allows residents who have signed up to receive alerts through their telephones on certain ongoing situations, which could include news from the health, police and fire departments.
Aldermen generally supported the idea, although as with the sirens, said the city still needs to clear up issues before committing to such a system. Specifically, officials have to decide when to send out alerts so as to not send out too many and cause residents to eventually ignore them.
No date has been set as to when the council will receive the addition information on either the sirens or reverse 911.
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