Kingston Board of Selectmen Grants Extension for Property Cleanup Amidst Health Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Kingston Board of Selectmen meeting, a debate unfolded over a cleanup issue concerning a property on Country Club, owned by Fred Donsburg Jr. The board deliberated on granting an extension for addressing debris on the property, highlighting health concerns and the neighborhood’s quality of life, ultimately agreeing to a brief grace period for the cleanup.
The central focus of the meeting was the ongoing issue at Donsburg’s property, where illegal dumping had allegedly occurred. A representative for Donsburg argued that the town administrator had unfairly targeted the property owner, emphasizing the complex litigation history among family members involved. He expressed that the administrator’s actions seemed biased. The representative questioned why the town administrator was engaging in a dispute instead of addressing broader community issues, implying a double standard in the enforcement of property maintenance rules.
In response, a board member clarified that property upkeep is the owner’s responsibility, regardless of circumstances like illegal dumping. They explained that the complaint originated not from the administrator but from observations made during an inspection related to a separate issue. During this investigation, officials noticed the debris, prompting the formal complaint. The board stressed the need for a resolution to remove the items, asserting that the presence of debris constituted an ongoing problem.
The representative for Donsburg sought to understand the board’s expectations, receiving a clear answer that the board wanted the property cleaned up. A suggestion was made that removing the debris could be accomplished in under an hour, urging prompt action to benefit all parties involved.
Attention then shifted to health and safety concerns linked to the debris accumulation. With cold weather approaching, there was heightened worry about attracting vermin, posing health risks and impacting the neighborhood’s well-being. It was noted that a fine of $450 had already been imposed, and discussions ensued about the possibility of granting an extension for the cleanup. A motion was proposed to offer an additional ten days, with the stipulation that resolving the issue within this period would prevent further fines. This proposal was met with skepticism, but the motion eventually passed unanimously.
The debate underscored tensions among stakeholders, with differing views on urgency and fairness. Some participants appreciated the dialogue, while others felt the situation had been mishandled previously. The board’s decision to allow a limited extension was a compromise aimed at resolving the issue without further delay.
In addition to the cleanup discussion, the board received updates from the Health Agent, who reported on the progress of various permits and collaborations with service providers. The agent highlighted successful operations, including an increase in septage haulers, and mentioned complaints, such as a restaurant’s refund due to a spider incident.
The Health Agent also outlined potential initiatives with CVS for immunization clinics targeting children. Plans for distributing dental hygiene products at community events were also discussed.
The meeting concluded with a routine review of previous minutes and the scheduling of the next meeting for early November. A welcoming sentiment was noted as one attendee acknowledged a member’s return, fostering a positive atmosphere. A motion to adjourn was made and passed unanimously, bringing the session to a close.
City Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/20/2025
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Recording Published:
10/22/2025
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Duration:
26 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Kingston
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