JOHNSTON – The issue of excessive noise seemed to take center stage Monday night at Johnston Town Council; discussion was heard over the use of jake brakes by truckers moving through town, and whether or not fireworks should be allowed during Christmas and New Year’s.

Councilman Stone raised the issue over trucks using their Jake brakes when moving through Johnston, and whether the brakes were necessary. He was curious as to whether Johnston can prohibit the brakes.

While council does not have the authority to limit the use of brakes, tickets can be given for unnecessary noise. The question was also raised as to whether Johnston could create a truck route; Mayor Livingston pointed out that if a new route was created, it could also be used for automobile traffic, thus potentially hurting possible customers and tourism for downtown Johnston. The town will discuss the issue further at the next meeting.

Johnston Police Chief Aston asked Council if they wished to permit fireworks during the holiday season; Councilman Burton voted against allowing fireworks, raising concerns over the possible fire hazards of the firecrackers landing on nearby roofs, and over the noise created late at night.

Councilman Stone advocated for the fireworks to be allowed throughout the week, but the final decision was to allow fireworks on December 24, 25, and 31 with a cutoff time of 12:30 a.m. Second reading and approval was heard to change the due date for business licenses; licenses are now due by March 31 rather than the previous May 31.

Councilman Miller asked that the town look into repairing the bathrooms at the town’s Armory. The bathrooms currently are leaking sewage and experiencing pipe problems. In closing, Mayor Livingston stated he would like to begin compliant property reports again in January. He also told council that a letter was sent to the State Department of Transportation pointing out several problems in Johnston, including drainage at J.C. Park. A deep pothole was repaired on Hwy 121 near Citi Trends.

The town also received a letter that their current insurance company will be going out of business; the town will be looking into new companies for their employees.