When any class IV, V or VI highway, or any portion thereof, has been discontinued, any existing sewer, drain, water pipe or other utility easements or any permits or licenses previously established pursuant to N.H. Rev. Stat. § 231:159-182 shall be presumed to be reserved and shall remain in effect as an encumbrance upon the underlying land for so long as they remain in active use, unless such easements, permits or licenses are expressly included in the vote to discontinue the highway, or are subsequently discontinued by vote of the city or town.