Town of Jamestown
Jamestown Town Council

Work Session
August 29, 2002

A work session of the Jamestown Town Council was called to order at the 
Jamestown 
Philomenian Library, 26 North Road at 7:05 PM by Council President Guy 
J. Settipane.  The 
following members were present:
David A. Swain, Vice President
Kenneth G. Littman
Norma B. Willis
David J. Long

Also present were:
Maryanne Crawford, CPA, Town Administrator/Finance Director
Arlene D. Kalooski, Town Clerk
Douglas R. DeSimone, Esq., Town Solicitor
Thomas P. Tighe, Police Chief

Town Council President Settipane noted that although the Town has a 
Noise Ordinance, there are no established standards.  

The Town Solicitor informed the Council that in order for this 
ordinance to be enforceable, the noise levels must meet the 
requirements of the American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I.). 

Police Chief Tighe reported that the Police Department has logged 67 
noise complaints.  Following is a list of complaints by the hour 
reported and types of complaints filed:

   	Time of Complaint		# of Complaints
	12:00 PM -  6:00 AM			23
	  7:00 AM -  3:00 PM			12
	  4:00 PM  -  7:00 PM			  3
	  8:00 PM  -11:00 PM			29   

	Type of Complaint

	music from residence			verbal arguments		
	general noise				fishing boats
	fireworks				loud radios
	playground				generators
	motor vehicles				animal noise
	barking dogs				gun shots
	lawnmowers				

The Town Administrator reported that East Greenwich hired Brooks 
Acoustics Corporation as their consultant.  Brooks Acoustics 
Corporation also assisted with training of officers as well as writing 
of reports.

The Council reviewed the letter sent from Carolyn A. Mannis, volunteer 
attorney for the Rhode Island Affiliate, American Civil Liberties 
Union.  It was noted that this letter was sent upon receipt of a 
complaint from a Jamestown resident regarding the proposed noise 
ordinance.

Council President Settipane opened the workshop to public comment:

Donna Mignella, Union Street, reviewed the East Greenwich Noise 
Ordinance, as well as the liquor Control Administration rules; 
specifically, #21, which states no loud noises, music, amplified or 
not, or other nuisance shall be permitted to annoy and disturb nearby 
residents or persons on adjoining streets or sidewalks.  Such noise 
shall include but shall not be limited to the disposal of trash.  Ms. 
Mignella also commented that several communities do not allow any 
outside entertainment. 

Michael Swistak, Narragansett Avenue, suggested that the Police Chief 
or Council hold a workshop for business owners and residents so that 
they would be able to listen to measured decibel levels to gain a 
better understanding of what levels are allowable.

Robert Enton, Bayview Condominium, stated that if there were a live 
jazz band under your window, it wouldn’t matter what the decibel level 
is.  

Jane Miner, East Shore Road, requested that the Council take into 
consideration the existing businesses and their ability to do business.

George Tournas, owner of property located on Narragansett Avenue 
expressed great concern regarding the loud outdoor music from the 
restaurants.

Eileen Hall, Deck Street, suggested that the Council put together a 
community-based committee.

The Council discussed the need for an enforcement procedure.  
Additionally, they discussed the need to establish what the penalties 
or fines would be.  

It was the consensus of the Council that the Town Administrator would 
provide a list of consultants.  There was Council discussion that the 
next workshop should be with a consultant.

There being no further discussion, the workshop ended at 8:30 PM. 

Attest:

Arlene D. Kalooski
Town Clerk