This Just In ...

Does Franklin need tornado sirens?

Posted by Kevin Fischer on May 4, 2009

I thank Franklin Alderman Kristin Wilhelm for her latest e-mail update. In it, she writes:

“Tornado Sirens – Recent press coverage about our lack of sirens has raised concerns so I asked Fire Chief Jim Martins opinion.  He agreed that surrounding municipal sirens could be heard within Franklin so we are not completely without coverage. The need is based on sound distance rather than siren location. (Areas are studied for distance and the circular areas should slightly overlap). For example, I can hear the airport siren from my home. However, according to Chief Martins, there is a ‘significant’ area of the city that has a lack of siren coverage. The budget included funds to determine areas in need. However, there is not full agreement at the Council for this to move forward.”

It’s hard to imagine anyone not having access to information about severe weather, but I repeat. A small personal investment is better than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Alderman Wilhelm also writes:

“Franklin’s Mission/Vision – An 8am Saturday Council meeting was held to discuss the City’s vision and mission, plus other items. Unfortunately, two aldermen weren’t able to make it (myself included). The Council adopted the previous mission/vision statements for the city. I heard citizens were not eager to join and provide input at 8 am on a Saturday.”

Gee, imagine that.