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Residents tell Jefferson council chippers installed by Queen Bedding are creating 24/7 noise; some cite ADA concerns
Summary
Neighborhood residents, including Ken Tomlinson and Dan Harrigan, told the council that chippers installed in March 2025 by Queen Bedding generate sustained decibel levels (reported in the high 60s–low 70s) and urged enforcement of the city's noise ordinance; one resident raised a possible ADA impact for people with PTSD.
Residents of Cedarwood North and nearby subdivisions pressed the Jefferson City Council to move more quickly on a months-long noise complaint tied to chippers installed in March 2025 by Queen Bedding.
A resident opened public comment saying the machines were "quite noisy" after they were installed and asked the council to record a previously submitted letter and set a time limit on the city's investigation and enforcement. City staff and the police chief have visited the neighborhood and the city purchased a decibel meter; in the meeting packet staff indicated the city attorney is reviewing the matter and the investigation remains open.
Ken Tomlinson, introduced at the meeting, described the 5–17 acre area he said is being affected and said neighborhood meter readings are "in the high sixties, low seventies most of the time when it's running decibels." He also asked the council to consider potential impacts on property values, noting appraisal-district conversations estimating hypothetical revenue changes if sale prices declined.
Dan Harrigan, who said he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, told the council that he researched the ADA and related Texas law and that, in his view, industrial noise that prevents an individual with PTSD from enjoying their home could be a disability-related impact or private nuisance. Harrigan asked the council for enforcement of the city's noise ordinance.
The city administrator told speakers that the matter is under investigation, that staff continues to work with the city attorney, and that the chief had compared meter readings with the resident. Residents asked for a target date for the investigation; the council did not set a deadline at the meeting and directed staff to continue working with the attorney and report back.
What’s next: Staff will continue the investigation with the city attorney and police; residents asked the council for a time limit on the review and enforcement steps and may follow up at a future meeting.
