Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Monthly communications to residents on energy topics
The committee plans short monthly updates — a paragraph, not a newsletter — on topics like cooling centers and solar businesses, sent by email and social media with links for those who want more.
2026 Certified Local Government grant application
The Heritage Commission is applying for a state historic preservation grant that could fund a factory and manufacturing building inventory, cemetery walking tours, education history projects, and documentation of demolished buildings. The state picks winners later this year, with work running into early 2028.
Conservation Fund / Land Use Change Tax allocation
The updated fiscal policy limits how much the general fund kicks in when land-use change tax revenue falls short of the $25,000 annual conservation fund deposit — only when the fund balance drops below $100,000. Council members debated whether the cap could shortchange conservation purchases in big land-sale years.
Diesel exhaust and air quality concerns
Neighbors — including a scientist who studies diesel exhaust — laid out health data on diesel particulates and asked who would enforce anti-idling rules. Staff confirmed the city has no local air quality standards, only a noise ordinance.
Single-use plastic reduction
Elizabeth Hansel asked the council to adopt resolutions aimed at reducing single-use plastics in Keene.
Wetland buffer impacts and the city's tax ditch system
The GMS parking expansion puts stormwater infrastructure inside the 30-foot wetland buffer, adding about 30,000 square feet of pavement. Councilor Chalice warned about contaminated runoff reaching the tax ditch system and questioned whether Keene maintains those ditches often enough.
Emerald ash borer and Dinsmoor Woods harvest
Presentations covered the emerald ash borer infestation and a timber harvest at Dinsmoor Woods due to red pine scale — tree pests reshaping the city's wooded lands.
Recycling equipment replacement
A resolution would appropriate funds to replace recycling equipment, supporting the city's recycling operations.
SB 538 net metering for municipal solar
The council was asked to sign a support letter for Senate Bill 538, which affects net metering credits for solar projects serving cities and towns — potentially lowering municipal energy costs.
Solid waste fund investments and compost program
The transfer station's $2.5 million fund will pay for fire suppression, a climate-controlled work area, upper-level paving and compost operations — no taxpayer dollars needed.
Ashuelot River dam repair-or-removal decision
After years of public meetings, the city will do one more round of in-house public engagement and await a state letter of deficiency before hiring an engineer; construction funding pushed from FY 27 to FY 29. Councilor Laura Ruttle-Miller noted the public strongly opposed removal.