Select Board adopts electronic message‑board policy to govern town signage and postings

The Plaistow Select Board on March 30 adopted a formal policy governing the town’s electronic message board, setting guidelines for permitted content, submission procedures and oversight.

A board presenter explained the policy’s purpose: to ensure the town’s electronic message board displays factual, concise, lawful messages that promote town events, public safety alerts and community announcements while prohibiting campaign messaging, commercial advertising and personal announcements. The policy specifies that content requests must be submitted through the town manager or executive assistant at least seven days prior to the requested display date unless an emergency exists, and that final approval rests with the town manager or designee.

A select board member asked whether nonprofit events (for example Lions Club or Cub Scouts) would be allowed; the presenter said nonprofit, town‑relevant postings would be permitted. After brief discussion, a board member moved to accept the policy, a second was given, and the board voted in favor. The board asked that the policy be posted on the town website after adoption.

The policy creates an administrative framework for programming and content review rather than changing the physical signage; departments and permitted outside entities must comply with the submission and approval rules described in the policy.