Foster public meetings in 2025

Engineering Board

The Foster Engineering Board has no meeting planned for December 2025. Consequently, there are no agenda items, decisions, or discussions scheduled for that month.

Town Council

The Foster Town Council will approve FY26 warrant expenditures of $76,323.65 (GW#8) and $316,665.25 (GW#9). It will renew dozens of existing business, victualing, gun shop, and other licenses for entities on Danielson Pike, Anthony Road, and other locations. The council will hold public hearings on a private detective license for Matthew Labonte (30 Victory Highway) and a cannabis retail license for Green Wave CC, Inc. (187 Danielson Pike). Additional items include updates on the police building, a vehicle‑damage ordinance, and a reappointment to the Alternative Zoning Board.

• Approval of FY26 warrants: GW#8 $76,323.65 and GW#9 $316,665.25
• Renewal of multiple business licenses (e.g., Aunt B’s Eclectic Finds, GCC Auto Sales, Cooke Brothers Imports, Foster Xtra Mart)
• Public hearing for private detective license – applicant Matthew Labonte, 30 Victory Highway
• Public hearing for cannabis/retail business license – applicant Green Wave CC, Inc., 187 Danielson Pike
• Reappointment to Alternative Zoning Board – Ed Lawson

The Foster Town Council approved a cannabis retail business license for Green Wave CC, Inc. and adopted a new ordinance allowing residents to file claims for vehicle damage caused by potholes. The council also approved a private detective license for Matthew Labonte, reappointed Ed Lawson as an alternate on the Zoning Board, and confirmed two business‑license renewals that had been removed from the consent agenda. The Community Learning Center grant was noted as $380,000.

• Approved cannabis retail business license for Green Wave CC, Inc. (5‑0)
• Approved new vehicle‑damage ordinance (5‑0)
• Approved private detective license for Matthew Labonte (5‑0)
• Approved two business‑license renewals for Stone House Inn and Cornerstone Farm (3‑0, 2 recusals)
• Removed Stone House Inn and Cornerstone Farm licenses from consent agenda (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda minus the two licenses (5‑0)
• Reappointed Ed Lawson as alternate on Zoning Board for one‑year term (5‑0)
• Noted Community Learning Center municipal grant of $380,000

Land Trust

The Foster Land Trust will meet to discuss charter reviews, state conveyance tax changes, and property updates. The body will enter executive session to address dam repairs, security devices, and the acquisition of real property P10/L35A.

• Discussion of Tom Woods Preserve property update (P13/L46, 20 acres)
• Review of 2025-2026 Trust Safety/Security Grant application
• Executive session regarding dam #526 repairs/litigation
• Executive session regarding acquisition of real property P10/L35A
• Discussion of RI State Conveyance Tax changes

The board unanimously accepted the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes. It also voted unanimously to convene an executive session to discuss dam repairs, security devices, property acquisition, and public fund investment, and later voted unanimously to return to the public meeting. The treasurer will seek clarification on the conveyance tax change and the board will gather information for a Charter Review Committee presentation.

• Accepted 11.04.2025 Minutes and Executive Minutes (unanimous)
• Convene Executive Closed Session on dam repairs, security devices, property acquisition, and fund investment (unanimous)
• Return to Public Meeting from Executive Session (unanimous)
• Treasurer to seek clarification on conveyance tax change (no vote recorded)
• Board to gather information for presentation to Charter Review Committee (no vote recorded)

Engineering Board

The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific projects, contracts, or ordinances are listed for decision or discussion.

The Engineering Board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a printer and software for creating accountability tags for all members. The board also decided there will be no town‑wide drill in December and no Engineering Board meeting that month. Additional announcements included upcoming fundraisers and community events.

• Approved purchase of printer/program for accountability tags (unanimously)
• Cancelled town‑wide drill in December (decision)
• Cancelled Engineering Board meeting in December (decision)

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Foster Police Headquarters on November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM. The event will take place at 110 Danielson Pike and includes remarks from local, state, and federal officials. The project’s total cost is $4,680,000. On‑site parking will be provided for attendees.

• Ceremonial groundbreaking for Foster Police Headquarters
• Location: 110 Danielson Pike, Foster, RI
• Total project cost: $4,680,000
• Speakers include Town Council President, state and federal representatives, and Police Chief Gina Lindell
• Onsite parking available next to the construction site

Town Council

The Town Council will review warrants totaling $553,790.25 and tax roll abatements. The body will also discuss updates to the police building and phone system, as well as the Police Chief contract.

• Approval of FY26 GW#7 warrants for $553,790.25
• 2025 Real Property Tax Roll Abatements of $31,005.03
• Public hearings for liquor license renewals
• Discussion of Police Chief contract
• Review of DEM Grant Application and Plan

The Foster Town Council approved the October 23, 2025 minutes and the FY26 warrant for $553,790.25, both unanimously. It accepted the consent agenda items after a brief discussion of item #4, also unanimously. The council approved a new business license for Legendary Transportation and set annual fees for several liquor license classes. It granted renewal licenses and fixed the number of liquor licenses to be issued for the 2025‑2026 term, all votes 5‑0.

• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved FY26 warrant for $553,790.25 (5-0)
• Accepted Consent Agenda items except #4 (5-0)
• Accepted Consent Agenda item #4 on Additions and Abatements (5-0)
• Approved business license for Gary McNally d/b/a Legendary Transport (5-0)
• Set annual liquor license fees: Class A $500, Class B $500, Class D $800, extra hour $200, entertainment $300, holiday sales $100 (5-0)
• Granted renewal liquor licenses to Healey’s Liquor, The Watering Hole, and other listed businesses (5-0)
• Fixed number of liquor licenses for term: 2 Class A, 5 Class B, 1 Class D (5-0)

Police Department

The Foster Police Station Building Committee will review the status of contracts, engineering, and construction plans for the new station at the Benjamin Eddy Building.

• Review of contract status with New England Construction
• Review of foundation plan and construction plan status
• Review of subcontractor vetting and bids
• Discussion on temporary power and schedule
• Review of buyout status from New England Construction

Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee will discuss preparations for Bright Night 2025, including decorations and vendors. The body will also review the budget and discuss events such as Santa, Adopt a Tree, and Fill A Cruiser.

• Bright Night 2025 planning (decorations, participants, and Farmers Market vendors)
• Budget review
• Trunk or Treat recap
• Phillips Field discussion
• Planning for Santa, Adopt a Tree, and Fill A Cruiser events

Land Trust

The Foster Land Trust will hold its regular November 4 meeting to review minutes, public comments, financial reports and grant information. The board will also consider a draft memorandum of understanding with RIDEM for bow hunting on trust lands and a donated bench for the Spencer Pond area. An executive session is scheduled to address necessary repairs and litigation for dam #526 and the acquisition of property abutting Tom Woods Preserve. The meeting is open to the public with accommodations available upon request.

• Donation of a second HA bench for the Spencer Pond area
• Draft MOU with RIDEM Division of Fish/Wildlife for bow hunting on FLT properties
• Executive Session: dam #526 repairs and related litigation
• Executive Session: acquisition of real property abutting Tom Woods Preserve (P13/L46)
• 2025‑2026 Trust Safety Grants & Scholarship deadline November 21, 2025

The board unanimously accepted the October 7, 2025 minutes and executive minutes. It also unanimously approved applying for a Trust Safety Grant. In an executive session, members unanimously authorized a closed session to address dam #526 repairs and the acquisition of real property abutting Tom Woods Preserve, then unanimously voted to close the executive session and resume the public meeting.

• Accepted October 7, 2025 Minutes and Executive Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved application for Trust Safety Grant (unanimous)
• Convene Executive Closed Session for dam #526 repairs and property acquisition (unanimous)
• Close Executive Session and return to Public Meeting (unanimous)

Engineering Board

The Foster Engineering Board will convene to approve the prior meeting's minutes, receive reports from the fire station, police, and Emergency Management Agency, and consider any old or new business items. The agenda also includes a period for public comment before adjourning.

• Approval of previous meeting’s minutes
• Station reports
• Police report
• EMA (Emergency Management Agency) report
• Public comment period

The board set the date for a town‑wide emergency drill on November 18, 2025. It also announced that capital‑budget planning will start in November and operating‑budget planning will begin in January. No votes or formal approvals were recorded; the meeting consisted mainly of reports and discussion.

• Scheduled town‑wide drill for November 18, 2025
• Planned start of capital‑budget planning in November 2025
• Planned start of operating‑budget planning in January 2026

Town Council

The council will consider consent agenda items including approval of October 9 minutes and a FY26 warrant for $70,688.48. It will discuss old business items such as a police building update, charter review committee appointments, revisions to the business dumpsters ordinance, and a new vehicle‑damage ordinance. New business includes a recreation committee appointment and the schedule for November/December meetings.

• Approval of Minutes for October 9, 2025
• Approval of FY26 warrant $70,688.48
• Police Building Update
• Revision of Ordinance Sec. 12-48 Business – Dumpsters
• New Ordinance – Vehicle Damage

The council accepted the consent agenda, which included approval of the FY26 GW#6 warrant for $70,688.48 and the October 9 minutes. It appointed five members to the Charter Review Committee, revised the dumpster ordinance, postponed the vehicle‑damage ordinance, and made new committee appointments. The council also changed the meeting schedule for November and December.

• Approved FY26 GW#6 warrant $70,688.48 (5-0)
• Accepted Consent Agenda, including October 9 minutes (5-0)
• Appointed five members to Charter Review Committee (5-0)
• Revised Ordinance Sec. 12-48 Businesses – Dumpsters (5-0)
• Postponed Vehicle Damage ordinance to Dec 11 meeting (5-0)
• Appointed Mary Jo Chretien to Semiquincentennial Committee (5-0)
• Appointed Tara Krawczyk to Recreation Committee (5-0)
• Changed council meeting schedule: Nov 13, cancel Nov 27; Dec 11, cancel Dec 25 (5-0)

Conservation Commission Agendas

The Conservation Commission will meet to review reports from the Land Trust and Social Media liaisons. The body will discuss a budget update and plans for Earth Fair 2026.

• Budget Update
• Earth Fair 2026

The commission approved the September 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved spending up to $500 for vests or sweatshirts with logos for Earth Day and other town events. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved up to $500 for Earth Day vests/sweatshirts (motion carried unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried unanimously)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a pre-application conference regarding a kennel and rescue facility. The board will also consider a landscape plan for the police station and a recommendation letter to the Town Council.

• Pre-application conference for Roxie’s Place Animal Sanctuary at 88 Danielson Pike
• Police Station Landscape Plan approval
• Final decision for 6 Cucumber Hill Rd
• Preliminary Plan Approval for 11 North Rd

The Planning Board amended the August 20, 2025 minutes to correct a recording error and then approved the amended minutes. Both motions passed by unanimous consent. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Amended August 20 minutes to reflect Ms. Downes-Fortune’s absence (unanimous consent)
• Approved the amended August 20 minutes (unanimous consent)

Town Council

The council will hold a public hearing on a new ordinance that sets procedures and fees for disposing of bulk residential waste. It will also consider several financial items, including approval of FY25 and FY26 warrants totaling $117,775.28. Additional agenda items include updates on the police building and a progress report from the municipal fellow.

• Approval of FY25 warrant $523.98 and FY26 warrant $117,251.30
• Public hearing on bulk residential waste disposal ordinance and fee schedule
• Bid approval for gas and diesel
• Bid approval for winter sand
• Bid approval for gravel

The council approved the bulk residential waste ordinance (Sec. 28-3) and adopted its fee schedule for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year. It also approved procurement contracts for gas and diesel, winter sand, and gravel, each by a 4‑0 vote. The consent agenda, including FY25 warrants of $523.98 and FY26 warrants of $117,251, was accepted unanimously.

• Accepted consent agenda (FY25 $523.98, FY26 $117,251) – vote 4‑0
• Adopted Sec. 28-3 Collection and Disposal of Residential Bulk Waste ordinance – vote 4‑0
• Adopted bulk waste fee schedule for FY2025‑2026 – vote 4‑0
• Approved gas and diesel contract to Dennis Burke, Inc. at $0.265/gal gas, $0.195/gal diesel – vote 4‑0
• Approved winter sand contract to DiFazio Materials, LLC at $21.90/ton delivered – vote 4‑0
• Approved gravel contract to DiFazio Materials, LLC at $21.90/ton delivered – vote 4‑0

Land Trust

The Foster Land Trust meeting will discuss new and old business, including a request to use trust property for bobcat habitat research and repairs to auxiliary spillway Dam #526. The agenda also covers a bench donation for Spencer Pond and updates on stewardship and finances. An executive session will focus on dam #526 repairs/litigation, acquisition of property near Tom Woods Preserve, and investment of public funds.

• Presentation request by Christopher Hickling to use FLT property for bobcat movement research
• Flagging of auxiliary spillway Dam #526 for upcoming repairs with GZA Environmental Engineering
• Family request to donate a bench in memory of Dr. Robert and Marjorie Spencer for Spencer Pond
• Executive session: § 42-46-5(a)(2) dam #526 necessary repairs/litigation
• Executive session: § 42-46-5(a)(5) acquisition of real property abutting Tom Woods Preserve (P13/L46; P10/L35A)

The trustees unanimously accepted the September 2 minutes and executive minutes. They approved granting Mr. Hickling use of FLT properties for bobcat movement and habitat research. They also approved contacting Pinetop LLC to repair the concrete spillway at Spencer Pond. The meeting was closed for an executive session and later reopened, both motions passing unanimously.

• Accepted 09/02/25 Minutes and Executive Minutes (unanimous)
• Granted Mr. Hickling use of FLT properties for bobcat research (unanimous)
• Authorized contact with Pinetop LLC to repair Spencer Pond concrete spillway (unanimous)
• Closed public meeting and convened executive closed session (unanimous)
• Closed executive session and returned to public meeting (unanimous)

Recreation Committee

The Foster Recreation Committee will review its budget and consider several new items, including Phillips Field, Woody Lowden, and a Trunk or Treat event. The committee will also update the calendar with upcoming events such as Veterans Day and Bright Night. Old business includes a recap of the recent yard sale, and the committee will discuss plans for Bright Night 2025 before taking public comment.

• Phillips Field
• Woody Lowden
• Trunk or Treat event
• Calendar / Schedule (Veterans Day)
• Bright Night 2025

Engineering Board

The Engineering Board will meet to review reports and conduct general business. The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate with no specific projects or votes listed.

The board reviewed station reports, training updates, and upcoming events. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded. The meeting consisted of informational items and scheduling notices only.

Town Council

The council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance for disposing of bulk residential waste and adopt a fee schedule for the current fiscal year. It will also act on routine items including approval of minutes, warrants totaling $113,890.72, and reports, as well as discuss updates on the police building, charter commission appointments, and a bid for winter salt. New business includes a community survey.

• Approval of minutes for September 11, 2025
• Approval of FY25 warrant GW#27 $262.09 and FY26 warrant GW#4 $113,628.63
• Public hearing on bulk residential waste disposal ordinance and fee schedule
• Police building update
• Bid approval for winter salt

The Town Council approved the consent agenda, continued charter commission appointments, appointed Joann Johnson and Joyce Lepaoja to the Semiquincentennial Committee, accepted the winter salt bid from Eastern Salt at $76.45 per ton, and authorized the council president to create a general survey for all residents. All motions passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved consent agenda (4-0)
• Continued Charter Commission appointments (4-0)
• Appointed Joann Johnson and Joyce Lepaoja to Semiquincentennial Committee (4-0)
• Accepted winter salt bid to Eastern Salt at $76.45 per ton (4-0)
• Authorized council president to create a town-wide resident survey (4-0)

Conservation Commission Agendas

The Foster Conservation Commission will review the town's budget and consider actions related to the 2026 Earth Day Conservation Fair, the Dark Skies Initiative, and Saturday clean‑up events at the DPW. The meeting includes routine items such as approving minutes and receiving reports from the land‑trust and social‑media liaisons. No final decisions are noted; items are marked for discussion or potential action.

• Approval of May 2025 meeting minutes
• Budget discussion (potential action)
• Earth Day Conservation Fair 2026
• Dark Skies Initiative update
• Cleanup Saturdays at DPW (potential action)

The commission approved the May 2025 meeting minutes, with the motion carried. No other formal actions were taken; the members discussed plans for the 2026 Earth Day Conservation Fair and related items. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The Foster Town Council will conduct public hearings for two business license applications. The body will also discuss a heating oil price lock for the 2025-2026 season and a DPW capital request for ball field netting.

• Business license hearing for AZ Hives North America LLC, Carnica Farm & Apiary LLC, and Jonna A. Sanders at 3 ½ Burgess Road
• Business license hearing for L&M Auto Repair & Performance LLC at 45 Anthony Road
• Approval of warrants FY25 GW#26 for $1,659.31 and FY26 GW#3 for $555,072.02
• Heating oil price lock extension with Rambone and Sprague for 2025-2026
• DPW Capital Request for ball field netting

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and granted business licenses to AZ Hives (Agricola Slovenia) and L&M Auto Repair. It also appointed members to the 250th Semiquincentennial Committee, reappointed two Juvenile Hearing Board members, awarded a $56,275 netting contract for the ball field, and approved a heating‑oil price‑lock extension and a PTO fairgrounds event waiver.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5‑0)
• Approved business license for AZ Hives North America LLC / Agricola Slovenia at 3% Burgess Road (5‑0)
• Approved business license for L&M Auto Repair & Performance LLC at 45 Anthony Road (5‑0)
• Appointed Sharon Antonelli, Nancy Robinson, Denise DiFranco, and Matthew Haynes to the 250th Semiquincentennial Committee (5‑0)
• Reappointed Mary Jo Chretien to the Juvenile Hearing Board for one‑year term (5‑0)
• Reappointed Steven Croteau to the Juvenile Hearing Board for three‑year term (5‑0)
• Awarded netting contract for the ball field to RA DeFusco & Son for $56,275.00 (5‑0)
• Approved heating‑oil price‑lock extension with Rambone & Sprague for 2025‑2026 season (5‑0)

Planning Board

The Board approved a variance for 6 Cucumber Hill Rd with conditions, then approved the subdivision of the property. The Board also reappointed the Chair and Vice Chair and authorized a letter to the Town Council addressing dam‑related concerns. All motions were adopted by vote.

• Approved variance with conditions (30‑day equipment removal, no structures on Lot 32) – vote 5-1
• Approved subdivision of 6 Cucumber Hill Rd – vote 6-0
• Authorized letter to Town Council on dam concerns – vote 5-1
• Reappointed Anthony Renzi as Chair and Hilary Downes‑Fortune as Vice Chair – vote 6-0
• Approved August 6, 2025 minutes – vote 6-0
• Motion to adjourn the meeting – passed

Town Council

The council approved the Department of Public Works request for a rubber‑tire excavator (5‑0). It allocated $5,000 to South Foster, $10,000 to a firefighter incentive program, and $35,000 to the Engineering Board for public‑safety purposes (3‑0, with two recusals). The council also accepted the resignation of building/zoning official George Dumont (3‑0, with two recusals). Routine items such as the consent agenda, minutes, and warrants were approved unanimously.

• Approved DPW rubber‑tire excavator request (5‑0)
• Allocated $5,000 to South Foster fire company (3‑0, 2 recusals)
• Allocated $10,000 to firefighter incentive pay program (3‑0, 2 recusals)
• Allocated $35,000 to Engineering Board for public‑safety use (3‑0, 2 recusals)
• Accepted resignation of building/zoning official George Dumont (3‑0, 2 recusals)
• Approved consent agenda as presented (5‑0)
• Approved minutes for June 26 2025 and July 10 2025 and related warrants (5‑0)
• Moved DPW capital request item to New Business before consent agenda (5‑0)

Planning Board

The board reviewed staff findings on the proposed division of 6 Cucumber Hill Rd. into two residential lots, hearing the applicant’s presentation and extensive public comment about lot size, access, septic systems, and pond impacts. Members raised concerns about zoning compliance, water treatment upgrades, and the need for proof of historic dwelling use. No vote or final decision was recorded in the minutes.

Land Trust

The Foster Land Trust approved several items unanimously, including acceptance of prior meeting minutes, a library Story Walks request, and a contract with SumCo Eco Contracting. The board also designated representatives for a Planning Board hearing and authorized Dennis Therrien to sign all documents for the purchase of the P13/L46 parcel adjacent to Tom Woods Preserve. Additional actions included contacting Pinetop LLC about trail maintenance and moving into and out of an executive closed session.

• Accepted July 1st and 17th minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Jayne Lear’s library request for Story Walks on FLT property (unanimous)
• Accepted SumCo Eco Contracting contract pending minor corrections (unanimous)
• Designated Ms. Tibbetts, Mr. Therrien, and Mr. Boyden to attend Planning Board hearing (decision)
• Authorized Mr. Therrien as signatory for all documents for purchase of P13/L46 property (unanimous)
• Ordered contact with Pinetop LLC to address high‑bush encroachment on Spencer trail (decision)
• Moved to close public meeting and convene executive closed session (unanimous)
• Moved to close executive session and return to public meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The council approved the $4.86 million contract with New England Construction to build the new police station, passing the motion 4‑0. They also approved FY25 warrants GW#22 for $59,152.27 and GW#23 for $14,583.33, with a 5‑0 vote. The council waived the permitting fee for the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge roof repairs, passing 4‑0. Additionally, they continued approval of the June 26, 2025 minutes to be considered at the August 14 meeting, passing 4‑0.

• Approved $4.86 M police station contract with New England Construction – passed 4‑0
• Approved FY25 Warrants GW#22 ($59,152.27) and GW#23 ($14,583.33) – passed 5‑0
• Waived permitting fee for Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge roof repairs – passed 4‑0
• Continued approval of June 26, 2025 meeting minutes to August 14 meeting – passed 4‑0

Land Trust

The board unanimously approved the June 3, 2025 minutes. The discussion of management plans was tabled. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting reviewed Dunbar dam bids and reported stewardship updates.

• Accepted June 3 minutes (unanimous)
• Management plan discussion tabled (no vote recorded)

Town Council

The council approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from June 12, 2025 and a $153,909.60 FY26 warrant. They also voted to continue the allotment of funds for other public safety matters until the July 10 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved consent agenda (3-0)
• Approved minutes for June 12, 2025 (as part of consent agenda)
• Approved FY26 warrant GW#21 for $153,909.60 (as part of consent agenda)
• Continued allotment of funds for other public safety to July 10 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Town Council

The council approved Step 3 of the police station project at a guaranteed maximum price of $4.68 million, voting 5‑0. The consent agenda—including approval of the May 22, 2025 minutes, FY25 warrant GW#20 for $96,723.04, and statute‑of‑limitations abatements—was also approved after motions with a 4‑0‑1 vote and one recusal. The council voted to continue the garbage‑fee schedule and police‑station progress items to the next meeting (5‑0). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Step 3 of police station project at guaranteed maximum price $4.68 M (5‑0)
• Approved FY25 warrant GW#20 for $96,723.04 (4‑0‑1 recusal)
• Approved minutes for May 22, 2025 (4‑0‑1 recusal)
• Approved statute of limitations abatements (item 3) as amended (4‑0‑1 recusal)
• Removed item 3 from consent agenda (4‑0‑1 recusal)
• Continued garbage‑fee schedule and police‑station progress items to next session (5‑0)
• Swore in new police officer Daniel Arraial (ceremonial action)

Land Trust

The board voted unanimously to accept the April 16 and May 13 regular meeting minutes and also the April 16 and May 13 executive minutes. The board received an offer for invasive plant management but decided to take no action. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Accepted April 16 and May 13 regular minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted April 16 and May 13 executive minutes (unanimous)
• No action taken on invasive plant management offer

Town Council

The council accepted the consent agenda, including the May 8 minutes and a $79,459.41 warrant. It approved a one‑year $40,000 audit contract with Bacon & Co. and authorized the president to sign. The council also approved Foster Preservation’s request for historic markers at the Shippee Schoolhouse site and voted to recognize Juneteenth as a town holiday.

• Accepted consent agenda (minutes, warrant #19) – vote 4‑0
• Approved $40,000 audit contract extension with Bacon & Co. – vote 5‑0
• Authorized council president to sign audit contract – vote 5‑0
• Approved Foster Preservation signs at Shippee Schoolhouse site – vote 4‑0
• Recognized Juneteenth as a town holiday – vote 4‑0
• Moved to Executive Session for litigation work – vote 4‑0
• Adjourned meeting – vote 4‑0

Planning Board

The Board voted unanimously to approve a motion to draft and send a letter to the Town Council expressing the Board's intent to beautify the town and shift implementation responsibility to the Council. The March 19, 2025 minutes were tabled for review at the next meeting. No other formal actions were taken.

• Tabled March 19, 2025 minutes for review at next Planning Board meeting
• Approved motion to send a beautification letter to Town Council (unanimous)

Conservation Commission Agendas

The commission approved payment of all expenses incurred for the Earth Day 2025 event and the final bills for May advertisements and signs. A modified Dark Skies policy was adopted. The commission approved a summer break with no meetings in July and August, resuming in September. April 2025 meeting minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved payment of Earth Day expenses and final May ads and signs bills (motion carried)
• Adopted modified Dark Skies policy (motion carried)
• Approved summer break schedule with no meetings July/August (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion carried)

Land Trust

The trustees unanimously approved the April 1 minutes. They then voted to close the public meeting, convene an executive closed session on dam maintenance and land‑acquisition matters, and later close the executive session and return to the public portion, keeping all executive‑session minutes sealed.

• Accepted April 1 minutes (unanimous)
• Closed public meeting (unanimous)
• Convened executive closed session on dam maintenance and land acquisition (unanimous)
• Closed executive session, returned to public meeting, and kept executive‑session minutes sealed (unanimous)

Town Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included Warrant #18 for $111,511.24 and three new business licenses. It also approved a business license for Tri State DOT at 146 Danielson Pike, authorized the president to sign the solid‑waste agreement with RI Resource Recovery, and voted to move forward with a new roof for the historic Town House.

• Approved Consent Agenda, including Warrant #18 for $111,511.24 (5-0)
• Approved business license for Tri State DOT (Jamie Linde) at 146 Danielson Pike (5-0)
• Authorized Council President to sign RI Resource Recovery solid‑waste agreement (5-0)
• Approved proceeding with Town House roof replacement (budget under $32,500) (5-0)

Engineering Board

The Engineering Board reviewed station reports and noted that town‑wide EMS training in April was cancelled. They discussed radio coverage, a May 20 training on fire alarms and solar panels, and mutual‑aid response. John Barrett was assigned to write a letter to the Police Chief requesting a mutual‑aid tanker for the nearest station. No votes or formal approvals were recorded.

• John Barrett to write letter to Police Chief about mutual‑aid tanker (no vote)

Town Council

The council unanimously (5‑0) approved the business license application for Marvin J. Nadiger Jr. and Marvin J. Nadiger III d/b/a Joe's Towing. The council also unanimously (5‑0) approved the recommended amendments to Chapter 38 zoning sections, including 38‑272, 38‑277, 38‑286, 38‑287, 38‑289, 38‑321, 38‑322, 38‑324, 38‑325, 38‑386, 38‑387, 38‑388, 38‑467, 38‑468, 38‑469, and 38‑470.

• Approved business license for Joe's Towing (5-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapter 38 zoning sections 38-272, 38-277, 38-286, 38-287, 38-289, 38-321, 38-322, 38-324, 38-325, 38-386, 38-387, 38-388, 38-467, 38-468, 38-469, 38-470 (5-0)

Conservation Commission Agendas

The Conservation Commission approved the March 2025 minutes with a unanimous vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:05 p.m. after discussion of budget updates and upcoming Earth Day events.

• Approved March 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Land Trust

The board unanimously approved a motion to close the public meeting and enter an executive closed session for dam #526 maintenance and necessary repairs litigation. They later voted unanimously to close the executive session and resume the public meeting. The board also unanimously accepted the final GZA report pending Ms. Chretien's approval and the draft request for proposals for the Dunbar dam project. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

• Motion to close public meeting passed unanimously
• Motion to convene executive closed session for dam #526 maintenance/repairs/litigation passed unanimously
• Motion to close executive session and return to public meeting passed unanimously
• Motion to accept final GZA report pending Ms. Chretien's approval passed unanimously
• Motion to accept draft RFQ for Dunbar dam project passed unanimously
• Public meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Town Council

The council adopted the FY 2026 budget with a total of $18,214,541 for the General Fund and $110,000 for the Land Trust. It also adopted a resolution urging the state to restore general revenue sharing and approved several contracts, including a three‑year refuse/recycling contract and a three‑year animal‑control contract. Additional actions included authorizing a deputy town clerk job posting, permitting a beer tent at Old Home Days, and accepting two recreation committee resignations. All motions passed unanimously (5‑0).

• Adopted FY 2026 budget $18,214,541 General Fund and $110,000 Land Trust (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2025-02 requesting reinstatement of state revenue sharing (5-0)
• Approved Refuse/Recycling contract with Rambone Disposal, total $1,123,525 over 3 years (5-0)
• Approved Scituate Animal Control contract (July 1 2025 – June 30 2028) with $3,000 annual increase (5-0)
• Authorized Town Clerk to advertise Deputy Town Clerk position (5-0)
• Approved beer tent for Foster Old Home Days (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of Danielle Scott from Recreation Committee (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of Elaine Gugliotti from Recreation Committee (5-0)

Tax Board of Review

The Foster Tax Board of Review elected Patti Moreau as Chair and Denise DiFranco as Secretary, with each motion passing unanimously (3‑0). The board discussed the Secretary's duties, including minute‑taking and quarterly reports. Lynne Rider will contact Randy Rossi of the League of Cities and Towns to explore a class on reviewing policies and procedures. No appeals were presented.

• Patti Moreau selected as Chair (3-0)
• Denise DiFranco selected as Secretary (3-0)
• Lynne Rider to contact Randy Rossi about policy‑review class

Land Trust

The Foster Land Trust board unanimously accepted the March 4th regular and executive minutes. The board then unanimously closed the public meeting, convened an executive closed session regarding dam maintenance and property acquisition, and later unanimously closed the executive session and returned to the public meeting. No other substantive business was reported.

• Accepted March 4th regular minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted March 4th executive minutes (unanimous)
• Closed the public meeting (unanimous)
• Convened executive closed session on dam maintenance and property acquisition (unanimous)
• Closed executive session and returned to public meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The council approved the FY 2025‑2026 preliminary budget resolution with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. They also appointed Peter Lapolla as interim town planner (5‑0) and approved the consent agenda, except for the March 13 minutes (5‑0). The March 13, 2025 minutes were accepted (4‑0‑1) and several zoning ordinance items were sent back to planning (5‑0).

• Approved FY 2025‑2026 preliminary budget resolution (5‑0)
• Appointed Peter Lapolla as interim town planner (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda (except March 13 minutes) (5‑0)
• Accepted March 13, 2025 minutes (4‑0‑1)
• Approved Warrant #15 for $107,208.59 (5‑0)
• Sent back zoning ordinances 38‑273, 38‑280, 38‑293, 38‑301, 38‑323, 38‑326 (5‑0)

Engineering Board

The Board formally denied the application for a new fire truck grant. No vote count was recorded. Other agenda items were informational reports or discussion topics, with no approvals or rejections noted.

• Denied new truck grant (no vote recorded)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the January 9 and February 19 meetings. It confirmed a waiver of Minor Land Development requirements for 93 Danielson Pike (Lot 101) after accepting a Class 4 survey. The board also adopted amendments to zoning sections 38‑292 (solar installations), 38‑356 (residential compounds) and 38‑358 (Highway Commercial 2), each passing unanimously.

• Approved January 9, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
• Approved February 19, 2025 minutes with corrections (6‑0)
• Waiver of Minor Land Development requirements for 93 Danielson Pike approved (5‑0‑1)
• Approved Sec. 38‑292 solar installations amendment (6‑0)
• Approved Sec. 38‑356 residential compounds amendment (6‑0)
• Approved Sec. 38‑358 Highway Commercial 2 amendment (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)