The Foster Town Council on Nov. 13 authorized the planning department to submit a Department of Environmental Management (DEM) grant application to fund lighting and related improvements for the town’s recreational fields.

Staff said the state has $5 million in a bond pool to award to subrecipients statewide and that the maximum per award is $500,000. Using updated engineering estimates and inflation adjustments, staff proposed applying for the $500,000 maximum. With a 25% municipal match requirement, staff said Foster’s portion would be about $167,000, producing a total project estimate of roughly $667,000. Staff identified potential match sources including the town’s payment‑in‑lieu fund (revenue from subdivisions), capital requests, and in‑kind contributions.

Councilors and members of the public discussed dark‑sky protection and fixture selection. Linda Tibbetts (16 Mill Road) asked whether the project would use dark‑sky‑compliant LED fixtures; staff said the grant narrative includes energy‑efficient LED lighting and compliance with the town’s dark‑sky ordinance and that lights would be timed for game hours to limit impacts. Resident Mike Krawczyk said improved nighttime lighting would enhance safety for children on the courts and fields.

A motion to allow the planning department to submit the application and to accept the award if granted was moved, seconded and approved. Staff said awards are typically announced several months after submission (previous rounds were adjudicated in February–March) and, if funded, implementation would start in spring 2026 with a one‑year timeline.

What’s next: Planning staff will submit the application (deadline noted in meeting discussion) and, if awarded, council will consider appropriation and capital plan adjustments during the next budget cycle.