DRAFT DRAFT
TOWN OF BRADFORD
FIRE DEPARTMENT
PROPOSED SPRINKLER ORDINANCE
PUBLIC HEARING
APRIL 15, 2008
7:00PM
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief, and Preston Starr came before the Selectmen and the public at the Public Hearing to present the Proposed Sprinkler Ordinance. The intent of this ordinance is to require residential sprinklers in newly constructed one or two family dwellings and manufactured homes based on the current NFPA 13D code. A video was shown as well as hand outs for attendees. (Copy of handout attached)
The Building Inspector, Edwin Fowler, advised he is in support of the ordinance. Some of his reasons being the Fire Department is all volunteer. The sprinklers could put fire out or at least suppress it, and it is relatively cheap.
In reply to a question Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised he cannot say when, but it is inevitable that there will be an Ordinance.
Conversation ensued with questions regarding how much water, size of holding tanks, where placed, who inspects this and under what parameters etc., what happens to system if house is closed up for a while.
Some of the numerous towns enumerated having the ordinance were: Allenstown, Atkinson, Conway, Henniker, Pittsfield.
Consensus seems to be it should be an individual choice. Also pointed out was that towns with public water system seem to be involved with the ordinance, not individual water systems.
Perry Teele suggested more detailed information needs to be presented at town meeting then was available this evening.
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised that further input and follow-up should be by contacting the Fire Department. There will probably be another public meeting concerning this prior to next town meeting per Mark.
Andrew Pinard thanked Mark Goldberg and Preston Starr for their information.
Public Hearing closed at 8:10PM.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley, Secretary
Selectmen