Siren issue to comebefore town council

September 13, 2007

The Cathlamet Town Council will hear the pros and cons of continuing the use of the Cathlamet Fire Department's siren to call emergency responders to duty.

Neighbors and business owners have filed two separate petitions asking that the town's policy be changed to use the siren only in cases of major disaster, such as tsunami or wildfires. Currently the siren is used for 911 emergency response calls.

The petitioners argue that the siren is no longer needed with modern forms of communication available. Residents and business owners near Town Hall say the siren confuses visiting vehicle operators, causes hearing damage, disrupts business and interrupts sleep. Fire department leaders counter that the volunteer emergency responders don't always carry their radios and that there are still some radio dead-spots where reception is difficult.

"This is a classic situation about local control," said Cathlamet Mayor Dick Swart. "Most people want what is best for the town, but may differ on how to accomplish it."

The council has requested a discussion of the different points of view at its September 17 meeting. A panel will present views supporting and opposing the petitions. Citizens whose views are not reflected by the panel will be given a limited amount of time to express their own thoughts. The council will then deliberate and decide what, if any, policy it wishes to adopt.

"The council and I urge everyone interested in this issue to attend Monday night's meeting," Swart said.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the River Street Meeting Room in Cathlamet.