The Jamestown Town Council is elected for a two year term in November, on even years. There are five members with one serving as the President and one as Vice President who are chosen by a majority vote of the other Council members.

They preside over the Town’s governing under the State Licensed form of Council – Administrator. Meaning that the Administrator is charged with implementing actions approved by the Council only by a majority vote. The Town Charter identifies the Administrator’s duties in more detail.

The Council meets twice a month with one of the meetings beginning with sitting as the Board of Water and Sewer Commission. As needed they will also sit as the Alcohol Beverage Licensing Board.

There meetings allow for Public Comment under the Agenda item of Open Forum where they are usually limited to how they respond, if at all, due to State Open Meeting Law requirements to have pending decisions posted on a Public Agenda 48 hours before a meeting is held.

In most cases the Council will also allow Public Comment on Agenda items they might vote on.

The Charter Review Committee is appointed by the Town Council as needed for a Special Charter issue, and every six years for a Full Review. Any amendments proposed by the Committee are subject to Council Approval in order to be presented to the citizens for adoption at the ballot box.

Zoning Board meetings are a quasi judicial hearing that often includes a court stenographer. Members are appointed by the Town Council for a 5 years on staggered terms. State Law requires there to be 5 regular members and 2 alternate members who are present to hear applications when any of the main members are not present or have a conflict of interest regarding the property being reviewed.  The public is allowed to speak in favor or against any application being heard but are required to take an oath affirming to tell the truth.

The Planning Commission is appointed by the Town Council when terms expire. According to the Charter it can not have more that seven members, who can not serve more that three consecutive terms of three years, unless a member is deemed by the Town Council as having unique knowledge of value to the Town. 

According to the Town Charter... the Planning Commission shall be responsible for:
(1)The preparation of, or extension of, a Comprehensive Community Plan for the improvement and physical development of the town.(2)The adoption, modification, and amendment of rules and regulations governing the platting and other subdivision of land.(3)The approval of all plats or other subdivisions of land before the same may be recorded in the land evidence records of the town or used as the basis for the sale of lots.

Their Charge states... "They are to act in an advisory capacity to the Administrator and Town Council in all matter concerning the physical growth and development of the Town as such growth and development affects the general health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town."

The Harbor Commission consists of seven members who are appointed by the Town Council and serve a three year term and are limited to three terms in total. It is is the primary regulatory and management group for the waters of the Town of Jamestown consistent with the authorities granted the Town under Rhode Island General Law § 46-4-6.9 The Commission also acts as the Waterfront Authority. Their official charge is...
The harbor commission shall be the local advisory and regulatory body authorized by the town council to manage the coastal waters and harbor areas of the town through the implementation of the comprehensive harbor management plan and subsequent ordinances. The harbor commission shall enforce
the provisions and ordinances of the harbor management plan as well as adopt additional policies, rules, and regulations for the implementation of the harbor management plan and such ordinances, subject to the approval of the town council and the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council.
13 (b) Composition. The harbor commission shall consist of seven qualified electors and
residents of the town, appointed by the town council, chosen from a list of interested
parties maintained by the town administrator, after duly advertising the availability of
these positions. To achieve diversity, preference shall be given to representatives
of each of the following groups:
(1) The nonriparian recreational boating community; (two persons)
(2) The nonriparian recreational boating community;
(3) (2) Riparian property residents (harbor waters);
(4) (3) Riparian property residents (coastal waters);
(5) (4)The commercial fishing industry;
(6) (5)The commercial mooring operators;
(7) (6) A nonboating resident.
The commission shall have, among its members, representatives 1 of both East and West Harbors.

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members who are appointed by the Town Council and serve a three year term and limited to three terms in total. Under state law the Commission's purpose is to promote and develop the natural resources, protect the watershed resources, and preserve natural esthetic areas within municipalities.