Town Meeting members will vote to implement updated noise bylaws at the October 18 meeting, a measure brought about by the Select Board.

"There was concern by Town Counsel," said Town Administrator David Cressman. "Select Board members had heard complaints from residents that we're trying to address."

Current noise bylaws address music and sound from instruments and electronic devices including radios and televisions; shouting, whistling, or unusually loud noise; and devices to attract attention.

The proposed bylaws generally prohibit "any loud, unnecessary or unusual, unreasonable or excessive noise which either disturbs, injures or endangers the peace or reasonable quiet...."

However, drawing from noise regulations in similar communities, the bylaws have expanded to include noise from motor vehicles, snow vehicles, recreational vehicles, jet skis, and air boats; construction, demolition, and commercial landscaping activities; domestic power tools including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws; and dumpsters and trash receptacles.

Vehicles cannot generate sound beyond a 150-foot limit of the vehicle itself. Construction, demolition, and landscaping noise is allowed only during 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays; exemptions include work done in the interest of public safety or welfare.

Domestic tools cannot be powered outdoors or within 150 feet of a residential district, except during 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Dumpsters and trash receptacles cannot be emptied outside the hours of 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Snow and recreational vehicles can only be operated during 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. No engine braking devices are permitted within town limits — excluding Route 6 and Route 195 — unless there is a safety need.

Exemptions include emergency response vehicles, parades and concerts, snow removal, public transportation, school sanctioned events, and agricultural equipment.

Changes were initiated by complaints over a gym-type business that would bring its workouts and boomboxes outside near a residential neighborhood, said Cressman, along with people working on vehicles, and jet skis on Noquochoke Lake.

The penalties have not changed. First violations would be punished with a $100 fine; a second violation within 12 months would be punishable with a $200 fine; further violations within a year's time will result in a $300 fine.

Cressman said he doesn't anticipate additional costs to implementing the changes, nor will it be a significant revenue driver for the town. "It's more the ability to have extra tools," he said.

The proposal was supported unanimously by both the Select Board and Finance Committee.