[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6233275,"mediaKeyId","3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6","parentId",3423670,"title","New finance officer starts; board reviews audit delay and temporary support for building and planning","audioSeconds",2549,"startMs",2363000,"endMs",4912000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6&start=2363&end=4912","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6/thumbnail_2363000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233275/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/New-finance-officer-starts-board-reviews-audit-delay-and-temporary-support-for-building-and-planning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233275-cfd1c4233e933903c4052244832dc37e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156049&Signature=GB9ejPLI1FntVayrVq2lrV5A4bZQzet5dHABCJGkpSfYR1wLYH-7fV6JTcT59MlIMK0DGq-ObDG1DqM9tPzAdkd6vKB133qVjDCCEcWtQ2~tZuu72iHGXYe2Oqi4XfuiMU7FiMIpWCrTH9WZFwCJ~da2D8cb1GVwnCfG1xN4hnzUkALC9Y~UJneJQrwUomLGRI3xBqpYAUqAGa9eKvT2lDqHzWOFjkeshMmwB6cA6XoG1JZD8HFo4BMn3Ht1zjY0NdwH2GaXImaMpreVfzU6ALG3-NNRwLBZPsfq0ilafF5tbTxnaaxkQIwJEAteytfT9ztG9TgOkxoYl~hNrXsDqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Kingston NH","date","2025-05-21T12:11:04.697Z","article","Marissa Federico, the town’s newly hired finance officer, introduced herself at the May 19 Select Board meeting and reported she is reconciling accounts, meeting with banks and departments, and preparing materials for the New Hampshire Retirement System audit, which she said is due Wednesday.

Board members also discussed a delayed 2023 municipal audit. Select Board member Ellen said she had seen a draft and that the town was waiting for a letter from the town’s attorneys before auditors can finalize the report; the board agreed to follow up with the auditors and counsel to determine the outstanding items and timing.

On staffing and human resources, board members discussed short‑term relief for departments that are currently overloaded during building season. Select Board members proffered a plan to use money not spent while a position in Human Services remains vacant for about six weeks to fund temporary help for the Building and Planning departments. Laurie Swede said the unspent salary funds could fund a temporary administrative person for those busy seasons; the board asked staff and the finance officer to verify the available amounts and report back.

Separately, the board opened discussion of a compensation and benefits study procurement: six proposals were received, with prices ranging from about $19,500 to roughly $54,000. Board members agreed to review proposals in depth before choosing a vendor and noted travel costs included in some bids could be reduced if the board accepted remote meetings for portions of the study. The board asked Susan (administrative staff) and members Laurie and Susan to review proposals and present recommendations at the next meeting.

No final procurement decisions were made at the meeting; the board set follow‑up assignments to verify audit status, confirm temporary funding availability, and narrow compensation‑study bidders for decision at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kingston, New Hampshire - Select Board - May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","New finance officer Marissa Federico began work and briefed the Select Board on account reconciliation and an upcoming retirement system audit; the board also discussed a delayed 2023 audit and agreed to explore temporary help for overloaded departments using unspent salary funds.","taxTitle","Kingston, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",54738,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6233280,"Revision Energy continues feasibility work on Kingston closed‑landfill solar; Select Board could consider warrant article in 2026",211,4031000,4242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6&start=4031&end=4242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6/thumbnail_4031000.jpg","/articles/6233280/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Revision-Energy-continues-feasibility-work-on-Kingston-closedlandfill-solar-Select-Board-could-consider-warrant-article-in-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233280-5264937a71e095585fea527fff652442/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156049&Signature=B4ZihMiMaSrE-uA79diTeotYUqSIpyz7KvA1Q34H4j~AWILVl5dEJya3T4swFayIcfAMFkuYGZMzH8WEVDIebGasr6DXrvMmmVM2IMYxOBoe4-NcBx4-tsqX496My3RHryTREF2BdcQgeYrj7e3hxQeUATJB2li6Tw-mKdv7hM5sK5m9DYEQJm1ixPA6yW39SRIQ6r6CjvDQV1Jwf5yhe-XF7EsMw3ImELNfbC0wBdx-GKcXkPAo5hfzBNFWJB6eeKBJeyRy1XXxrlXKlohdY~zAAABaekGEPUPID9~dR1oE-fFfSFbAJEasA1vDW87tWV9oFPLZqQFHiQShscNVpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingston Energy Committee updated the Select Board on May 19 that Revision Energy is still studying proposals for a solar array on the town’s closed landfill and is working through interconnection cost questions with Unitil.

Energy Committee members reported Revision Energy is assembling a matrix of system sizes, interconnection costs and investor inputs to quantify project costs and benefits. Committee members said Revision hopes to provide a package of options the Select Board could review “late summer or into the early fall.”

If a feasible proposal is presented, committee members told the board it would then be the Select Board’s decision whether to place a warrant article before voters in 2026 to authorize site use, financing structure or related town action.

Town staff cautioned that the size of a proposed system and the cost to interconnect with Unitil will materially affect economics and any potential town revenue or savings. The Energy Committee said it will continue to engage Revision Energy and will report back as technical and financial details become available.","The town's Energy Committee reported that Revision Energy is continuing feasibility and interconnection discussions about a possible solar array on the closed landfill site; the company expects to present options later this summer or early fall for the Select Board to consider, possibly as a 2026 warrant article.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6233285,"Historic‑district approvals clash with enforcement limits; Select Board and HDC seek clearer process",574,3224000,3798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6&start=3224&end=3798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6/thumbnail_3224000.jpg","/articles/6233285/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Historicdistrict-approvals-clash-with-enforcement-limits-Select-Board-and-HDC-seek-clearer-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233285-63667091cca415b9d40ddd3b7ad0a91e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156049&Signature=n0hO93YWNiTP0LrA8h9S5dE1P500~aimqzu7wFea4~9~JEBT~L1op66EnTOQZ5u7MT1eRT5bGZtpnAcyuz~hdFxNnn9TClGrOwG5tpyvtNxIzHtUKnKU0kGMNyKrKFMX12T~eTaPJQpga1pgmVqRsp-etD3PJEgYCcVAKV0S8QWE3tpR3KO1fWJJ5Z2DnT3tfDWXD~fHMT3nzXE8LrF0x~hJgpTUQ3kKa-UndFDT5AJH72NjzUK2NkXEHkmkxpgrQoeRm1Ey9WtGUlaHFxRmiseky8336g30JZ3ype8uc1i3O~lQ49rvvbE6N3Pcndx~yLSMxz2vDDKBfAGY6Jpj5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Select Board members and the Historic District Commission (HDC) last week described a recurring problem: property changes that meet building code but diverge from an HDC certificate of approval and, once installed, are difficult to remedy.

At the May 19 Select Board meeting Laurie Swede and other board members described examples including exterior electric panels and septic elements placed where they diminish historic character. Swede observed that the HDC can require landscaping or other mitigations as a condition of its approval, but that the HDC “is not an enforcement arm.”

Building Inspector Pedro Avila said that items included in a certificate of approval can be enforced in connection with building department processes: for projects requiring building permits, the town’s cloud permit workflow can flag HDC conditions and withhold final approval or a certificate of occupancy until those conditions are met. He said, however, that many of the visual concerns—like placement of panels or exposed mechanicals—are often not violations of building or safety codes, and therefore not directly enforceable as a public‑safety issue.

The HDC and board discussed possible remedies including clearer, more detailed language in certificates of approval, a requirement for a performance bond on larger projects so the town can fund corrective work if necessary, and improved pre‑permit coordination so building inspectors see HDC conditions early in the review process.

Board members requested that HDC be more explicit in conditions attached to approvals and that town staff explore whether changes to the application and approval workflow (including a stronger sign‑off step with the building department on HDC approvals) would reduce after‑the‑fact problems.

No formal change to ordinance or enforcement policy was adopted at the meeting; the board and HDC will follow up on procedure updates and the feasibility of performance bonds for projects not subject to standard building enforcement.","Members of the Historic District Commission and Select Board debated how to prevent after‑the‑fact alterations that conform to code but violate a property’s certificate of approval, and discussed performance bonds and closer coordination with building staff.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6233291,"Heritage Commission donations accepted; Select Board approves Heritage Day on The Plains",5131,609000,5740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6&start=609&end=5740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6/thumbnail_609000.jpg","/articles/6233291/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Heritage-Commission-donations-accepted-Select-Board-approves-Heritage-Day-on-The-Plains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233291-aa2e08c8ad0a662fb969321ce15ed24b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156049&Signature=JRdWMVP3pA-4AJ84KfnNnb1YQQdgIWCu-tXfdQJmtPFZdDhULY2hF7IeAiTe6U7Gp-DRlaJ2toVrYc59RXAAdBNMq6TxNAut6gvpybp~JNaHgapusuLXaW9s~K2KxH3aPrUFwnEMrcxt1rxIin8sd~nzk3SXGmqFCIUt83AtxHuJdVINjoETLk13i1uixowzePzxT1wjZ5-YaolYuslRA2bjlrHjlds9lw05xgynneYyfd5lH4x~rNxYucBotUJlHiMcnHUnCBJJ8E2Ke42Tr7oDD0kRm6PyrXGvSqUWfW-CCR7UIsm~OJEHsMtRj-OgUeauOw3mHW5hHfMp2Er6zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingston Select Board on May 19 voted unanimously to accept several in‑kind and monetary donations to the Heritage Commission’s 300th‑anniversary celebration and authorized the commission to expend those funds.

Ernie Landry, speaking for the Heritage Commission, listed contributions the commission had received: “a hundred dollar gift certificate from Market Basket,” “plasticware from McDonald’s,” “a hundred dollars worth of goods [from] Walmart,” and “a donation of $222 to sponsor the June 13 iconography gallery talk and gallery exhibit at the library.” Landry said additional support was expected from Edward Jones depending on remaining needs.

The board moved and approved a motion to accept the donations and to authorize expenditure from the Heritage Fund; the motion passed unanimously.

Separately, the board approved a facilities‑use permit for a Heritage Day event on The Plains, submitted by Friends of the Kingston Historical Museum Association. Laurie Swede moved to approve the application and Ellen (Ellie) Alessio seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The approved application included a certificate of liability insurance naming the Town of Kingston as certificate holder and identified Areas 1–3 on The Plains for vendor, vehicle‑display and activity space. The fire chief’s office required a staffed ambulance with two EMS providers for the event.

Board and department staff noted a coordination point: utility access on The Plains is limited (power is currently near the gazebo), so vendors in other areas would need to supply their own power. Town staff also flagged ongoing well‑drilling and possible trenching timelines; event organizers were told to coordinate with highway and building staff to avoid conflicts.

The board encouraged departments and committees to sign up for the planned historic tours and to provide brochures or informational material for an organizational table at the celebration.","The Kingston Select Board accepted multiple donations for the Heritage Commission’s 300th anniversary events, authorized expenditure of the funds, and approved a facilities‑use request for a Heritage Day event on The Plains in August.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6233293,"Kingston board declines blanket waiver for treble-fee building violations; inspector urges stricter enforcement",738,1296000,2034000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6&start=1296&end=2034","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3423670-5c87568b8a77e7afa174acc75a428cb6/thumbnail_1296000.jpg","/articles/6233293/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Kingston-board-declines-blanket-waiver-for-treble-fee-building-violations-inspector-urges-stricter-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233293-3106cce436367fec8f8a164af9eacfbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156049&Signature=oaLXyAR97oxPAolav72NoTwyC5SBM-9PCSG~vjzbaBHLY9x5iS3b-lyopxSa-Iejq9sK~apJaRR9eTUIa1zTxdKIVNE7v24IqnoZiNO6G-A35ikLjES7AcGTvbz7PNdqZQkncSDz5PxBZfKbmBEhHsRs4vlzDjx2RpfyR6IJQEHn622qmFPdhK2lcuLWK9C63rgt8FLCuFaPPzB9xKdxDJ3YmEY4PMSXaKPCd1OGl9jORR-6ec7K99geKGVe02nKsjzsFe1zxDXmvhpXU8RLzEBfjV0jMnE74In4kbv2j04DD32Ja1rne3XHxAnnGplvKxvMzKog3Q6WctIDXL26rA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingston Select Board on May 19 declined to approve a blanket reduction of treble-fee penalties for building permit violations after hearing from Building Inspector Pedro Avila about a recent wave of unpermitted work.

Avila told the board he had identified 12 properties where contractors began work without an approved permit and that “when there is a violation to the building portion of the ordinance, fees should be trebled.” He said the town’s cloud permitting system automatically applies the trebling when a stop‑work order and violation are entered.

The board’s discussion centered on who ultimately bears the cost when contractors fail to pull permits. Multiple board members and residents said the penalties often end up charged to homeowners who believed their contractor had handled permitting. Avila said he posts legal stop‑work orders on site, documents the violations with photographs and uploads evidence into the town’s permit system, which flags addresses and calculates the escalated fee when a permit is later pulled.

Board member Ellie Alessio opposed leniency, saying, “I’m not in favor of giving them a break. Absolutely not.” Select Board members instead voted unanimously that there would be no general waiver; homeowners or contractors may submit individual, written requests for relief for the board to consider case by case.

Clarifying details presented at the meeting included an example in which a deck job with an estimated job value of $210 produced a calculated treble fee of roughly $615.75, and Avila said the software has limited ability to go below a double fee without board action. Avila also described the public‑facing effect of the system: customers can see contractor histories flagged with past violations when researching hires.

The board asked Avila to continue issuing stop‑work notices and to route any written waiver requests from residents to the Select Board for individual consideration. The decision preserves the town’s current ordinance enforcement approach while allowing the board to hear individual appeals.

The board did not change the ordinance at this meeting; any modification to the trebling requirement would require a future action by the Select Board or ordinance amendment.","The Kingston Select Board refused to adopt a blanket reduction for permit violation penalties after the building inspector reported 12 active cases where work proceeded without approved permits and explained the town ordinance requires trebling of permit fees for violations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

New finance officer starts; board reviews audit delay and temporary support for building and planning

Revision Energy continues feasibility work on Kingston closed‑landfill solar; Select Board could consider warrant article in 2026

Historic‑district approvals clash with enforcement limits; Select Board and HDC seek clearer process

Heritage Commission donations accepted; Select Board approves Heritage Day on The Plains

Kingston board declines blanket waiver for treble-fee building violations; inspector urges stricter enforcement