Franklin considers new alert system

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Borough Council is looking at options for a new borough alert system that would push important information to residents via email and text message.
Members on Tuesday specifically discussed the Nixle system, an alert notification system offered by a company called Everbridge. Nixle, which is used by emergency responders like the New Jersey State Police, allows residents to sign up for notifications related to things like severe weather and traffic information as well as local events. The system also includes social media publishing and voice messaging tools.
Borough Administrator Alison McHose noted she would likely be the one to run the system – she already administers the Borough's Facebook page – but would take input from various department heads as to what alerts they would like sent to residents.
“It's very costly to produce a newsletter and to mail it, and this is another option for getting information out to our residents,” she said.
Councilwoman Dawn Fantasia said she was on board with the idea, but wondered if there would be a way for residents to choose what type of alerts they would receive – for example, distinguishing between emergency notices and local event plugs. That would help avoid citizens feeling like they're being bombarded with information they don't want, she said. McHose replied that the system can be tailored to meet the Borough's needs.
The Nixle system would cost the Borough $2,250 for the remainder of the 2017 calendar year, and that figure would bump up to $4,500 for the full year 2018.
While the Borough doesn't have to take the issue out to bid because the cost is less than $6,000, Fantasia asked McHose to check prices with vendors of similar systems before the council moves ahead.
At Tuesday's meeting, Borough Attorney Thomas Prol noted the owner of the Miner's Cove property a few doors down from the Municipal Building is looking to move ahead with construction of a second building of townhomes. A final plan for the work has yet to be presented, but Mayor Nicholas Giordano said the new owner has a reputation for good work.