Rye Beach Committee clarifies who maintains bacterial warning signs; members note signs look worn

Under old business the committee considered bacterial warning signs on the beach. Member Doug Beattie asked who is responsible for maintaining the signs, according to the minutes.

Co-Chair Chuck Latvis explained that the State notifies Rye’s Public Health, Fire and Police Departments; Fire Department staff put up the signs and the Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for taking them down. Latvis also observed that the signs appear old and should likely be replaced or repaired, though the minutes do not record a specific follow-up action or funding decision.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn by Doug Beattie, seconded by Co-Chair Coleen Penacho; the minutes record adjournment at 5:58 p.m. with all in favor.

The minutes do not record public testimony, vendor presentations, or a formal DPW response on replacement funding; they record responsibility assignments (state notification, Fire to post, DPW to remove) but no timetable for sign replacement.