Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Residential tax relief application at 128-130 School Street
A public hearing was held on an RPRZ application for 128-130 School Street. The designation could shape how the property is renovated or revitalized.
Wells Garage public parking and parking fund sustainability
The garage went permit-only a few years back and now sits half empty since overnight street parking rules loosened. Reopening 40-50 covered spaces at $2/hour could bring in up to $127,000 a year and offset revenue lost to downtown free parking.
FY25 clean audit and city finances
Independent auditors gave Keene a clean bill of financial health for FY25, with a healthy unassigned fund balance and a roughly $35 million pension liability being funded over time.
Food service establishments ordinance amendment
Keene is the last self-inspecting New Hampshire municipality still on the 2009 FDA Food Code. The update adds a certified food protection manager requirement, with a year-long grace period and modest training costs.
City Clerk's Office Renovations During City Hall Repairs
With City Hall's rear wall repairs forcing the Clerk's Office to relocate for three to four months, staff want to use the downtime to fix long-standing problems: a cramped lobby, no privacy at the counter, ADA gaps, and staff safety concerns — funded by $22,000 in leftover personnel money.
Wage Schedule Revision
Ordinance O-2026-12 would revise the city's wage schedule, affecting pay for city employees.
FY26 Fire Department Budget Update
The Fire Chief updated the council on the fiscal year 2026 fire department budget.
Outside Agencies funding policy
Thirteen agencies asked for funding; representatives from Meals on Wheels, Southwestern Community Services, MFS, Arts Alive and others made their pitches. MFS notably pushed back on being slated for $9,800 versus a $25,000 request, citing $2 million in unpaid services to Keene.
Public Works strategic plan and benchmarking
Vacancies dropped from 17 to 4 thanks to in-house CDL training, but mid-career employees still leave for other towns. Leadership is working with HR on retention.
IT infrastructure and phone system replacements
The city plans to replace aging network gear, servers, storage, and eventually the phone system — including a FY 29 decision on whether to move phones to internet-based service. Councilors raised data-security questions about cloud vendors.
Casino host-community revenue use
The first Revo Casino donation is going to police dispatch equipment. Councilor Favolise suggested future casino funds might also flow to sidewalks and street repairs near the casino.
WWTP, Robin Hood Park and Recycling Funding
Three resolutions would move city money: reallocating unspent bond funds for the wastewater treatment plant water system, engineering funds for Robin Hood Park improvements, and funds for recycling equipment replacement.
CDBG Grant Applications — 657 Marlboro Street and Community Kitchen
Two Community Development Block Grant applications were up for public hearing: one for 657 Marlboro Street and one for the Community Kitchen. CDBG funds support community development and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
Council Rules of Order for 2026–2027
Resolution R-2026-01 sets how council meetings run for the next two years — meeting dates, special meetings, quorum rules, and remote participation. It shapes how accessible and predictable city government is for residents.