Buffalo Grove's notification system under fire

Just two weeks before a boil order was issued in town, the Buffalo Grove village board talked about implementing a reverse 911 system.

That issue was back on the table Monday after some residents complained that the village wasn't effective enough in getting the word out about the boil order instituted last Friday after water tests found bacteria.

That order was ultimately lifted on Saturday evening when a second round of tests found that no bacteria were in Buffalo Grove water.

Village Manager Bill Brimm said he found out about the testing irregularities Friday afternoon and followed the procedures laid out for notification, such as sending out information to press, e-mailing residents and putting up notices on the Web site.

Staff also remained in village hall to handle phone calls from residents on Friday and Saturday.

However, some residents have said that for those who don't have computers and aren't monitoring the news, a phone call is the only way to ensure notification of emergencies.

"There's a disturbing undercurrent of discontent," Trustee Jeff Berman said Monday.

While board members defended and commended staff's actions, they agreed that if residents would like other notification systems, it should be discussed.

Berman asked Brimm to come back to the board in 30 days with a report on how the water system and test process works and the emergency protocol in town.

"Our staffs did their jobs and did them well," he said. However, he said the board has the responsibility to respond to resident concerns.