The Foster Town Council discussed a draft ordinance formalizing vehicle-damage claims procedures — often called pothole claims — on Oct. 9, 2025. The draft codifies documentation requirements, a seven-day claim window and thresholds for administrative review or council action.

Why it matters: The ordinance aims to streamline and clarify how residents preserve claims for vehicle damage caused on Foster roads and to set a clear administrative path for resolving small-dollar claims without requiring council action on routine items.

Planning staff explained the draft mirrors Rhode Island practice: claims for pothole damage must be filed promptly (the clerk and finance director confirmed a seven‑day filing requirement is incorporated). For claims up to $300 the finance director may approve a settlement or forward the matter to the council; claims above $300 would go to the town’s insurer or the council depending on deductible thresholds. The ordinance requires supporting documentation such as a valid Rhode Island registration, photographs, an invoice or estimate, a police report or tow receipt, and a tow or repair estimate.

Staff confirmed the ordinance does not require a public hearing under the town charter because it is not a land-use ordinance; councilors agreed to continue the matter for final language and a second meeting review. Members noted that state roads remain the state’s responsibility and that any damage on state routes should be directed to state authorities.

The council agreed that the draft formalizes steps that residents should already follow and asked staff to circulate a final draft and an explanatory guidance sheet for residents and the finance department prior to the next council meeting.