[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6252890,"mediaKeyId","3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157","parentId",3185146,"title","Council hears update on downtown infrastructure project; engineering says banner and audio/data alternates feasible","audioSeconds",1790,"startMs",2576000,"endMs",4366000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157&start=2576&end=4366","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157/thumbnail_2576000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6252890/New-Hampshire/Council-hears-update-on-downtown-infrastructure-project-engineering-says-banner-and-audiodata-alternates-feasible","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252890-cb44a1f5ebba6f558d4255de5d8bb0e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209898&Signature=ZgTzsmwwxolptNwLjGGcxjwf9ypPAjjUoZMsfTA8CGnVonZuuTVFRtWMr9NkWsg8WujkrO6pp4Yib~WDAD4AK8fASAIAfKCvudwEFgamJs~NOIZDGZtecCIu8O06M-wqgO~5QJ~Eny20P1gkjb3fYsCmgvbgoBRbOwV41fvi0X5AKKwGsn41LOg-s8dECmRDcL0u38MngMUg1nJqxRk~GlLQwikRjACadtFTK4~fBEL5cJmT4EqMOu0SdpG2G189mpWNssllLz5mY0ZpCNQzLxVBeWGilFpbF9uV6v5m7GALi6VGYgmnGYUBkBluh1L9RzUaWWJYfMswvT2cTv0Gtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Keene NH","date","2025-05-03T08:35:15.057Z","article","The Keene City Council received an informational update on the downtown infrastructure project at its May 1 meeting, and the Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee requested additional time to consider several related items, including audio/data cabling and infrastructure to support banners over Main Street.

Why it matters: The downtown infrastructure project is a multi-year capital effort; decisions about optional design elements and bid alternates affect project scope, timeline and cost and may determine whether features are included in the October bid package.

What was discussed:
- Committee report: The MSFI committee provided a verbal update on the downtown infrastructure project. No formal action was taken; the report was accepted as informational.
- Bid alternates and timing question: Councilor Michael J. Remy asked whether deferring consideration of audio/data cabling and banner-post infrastructure to committee “more time” would prevent those elements from being offered as bid alternates. City Engineer Brian Rufe responded that the plan is to put the project out to bid by October and that, based on preliminary borings and engineering work, the banner-post and other elements could still be incorporated as bid alternates.
- Additional items: The committee also raised safety issues at driveway and Court Street locations and pedestrian-safety concerns; those matters were granted more time for committee consideration.

Engineering perspective: Brian Rufe, the city engineer, said the team completed borings at proposed banner-post locations and believes the audio/data and banner infrastructure options could be incorporated into the October bid package if final design decisions are made in time.

Next steps: MSFI will continue deliberations on the audio/data, banner and safety items; the engineering team will refine design details and advise whether elements should be included as bid alternates or base-scope items before the October bidding schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting LIVE - 5/1/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Keene City staff provided a verbal update on the downtown infrastructure project and the Municipal Services committee granted more time to study adding audio/data cables and banner infrastructure as possible bid alternates.","taxTitle","Keene City Council , Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire","taxId",68537,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252893,"City Council reallocates $20,000 to Brian A. Matson Recreation Project to complete work",118,3836000,3954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157&start=3836&end=3954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157/thumbnail_3836000.jpg","/articles/6252893/New-Hampshire/City-Council-reallocates-20000-to-Brian-A-Matson-Recreation-Project-to-complete-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252893-60787487fef812351be609c3a586ea6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209898&Signature=iJnq7URijQO4X~UKckN7jhS9SnAKjkdVWcL5GgmZTyNW42dUHxlp4caX-mg1fzVEdmUcZcvyGNc4~ZcYko3ToWZd9VQS4-fJP-6eHcuqW551phCNmMOHPEctz02FzLqV2Lw-TUQqF5-P1beYkwvyEu2M-0kaqIG13DfKGFYGndK0gt7pcIhZLyK1zJY8KVRavM8R-oKqlRSx-Ec2Bd5y5BpjPkWnn13XnJMeVk~VyA36I0jD3v5d8KDJ85StPd7KhN8pSQDycj2yS1wWOTNWAKsjfgF~KgWhrDM0sHZg92SBEsqK9Mgonrb6ihjgQnlV9M6A2h1ojv40VCV47Eiu9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keene City Council approved a reallocation of $20,000 from the Public Works facilities operating budget to the Brian A. Matson Recreation Project at its May 1 meeting after councilors voted to suspend rules and act that evening.

Why it matters: Councilors said the recreation project is near completion but short on funds; the reallocation is intended to allow the project to be completed by August and to align with grant timing and project requirements.

Details of the action:
- Suspension of rules: Councilor Thomas F. Powers moved to suspend the rules (Rule 26) so the council could act the same night; the motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote.
- Reallocation motion: Councilor Thomas F. Powers moved to reallocate $20,000 from Public Works facilities account (65316672 operating budget line) to the Brian A. Matson Recreation Project (project account 65J0005A, clarified in discussion as 65J0004A for the correct project bucket). Councilor Brian J. Lake seconded the motion. The council approved the reallocation by unanimous roll call.

City staff said the funds came from available balances in Public Works’ facilities lines and that completing the project this summer aligns with grant specifications connected to the work.

The council clerk recorded unanimous yes votes on both the suspension and the reallocation motion; staff will manage the internal accounting transfer and proceed with project completion.","The Keene City Council voted unanimously to reallocate $20,000 from Public Works facilities operating budget to the Brian A. Matson Recreation Project to cover a shortfall and allow completion this summer.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252894,"Keene to consolidate downtown ParkMobile zones, add text-to-park payment",124,2714000,2838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157&start=2714&end=2838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157/thumbnail_2714000.jpg","/articles/6252894/New-Hampshire/Keene-to-consolidate-downtown-ParkMobile-zones-add-text-to-park-payment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252894-415ea96c4ce3f6dfea471c271444f6c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209898&Signature=UFoAPaSGCLhjpnZ2mUvfhWHlqmtlc98bsdjYjuu5BQ9Z6r~a8Fifdzc0zJ6oWEPn3-QHnhhunq9iiyyF8XVLtTPgGI3S7hnc6GN7nQ6~sHv6TUdR48HIZBaZHZ-O9dApAKFs9EYXzclScsNUIzXG4fWmV7FOMBapuV8S8Pks7ymPj2Xyx7FBd5BYSAE4QQmh1K0pQYmpA46f7Qp99vDyhqfVNlA7giYvfaOa4YI7KCT5~F~Q5cJDTWWJoEBmlIVY~gIHN860eg5Qz3TkSfbkt8X1pmxwzJL5ig2gFhhgpnaEqocONpy71W1ycsReKH6wb9Z-ayrEhtsHTSXmA~5-2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Keene City Council on May 1 that the parking office will consolidate downtown ParkMobile zones to allow drivers to pay once and move within a zone without paying again. The changes are intended to make downtown parking more flexible and easier to use.

Why it matters: Under the new setup, Central Square will become a single unified zone; Main Street (from West Street to Marlborough/Winchester) will be another zone; and side streets such as Washington Street and Court Street will be grouped as a single zone. Customers will be able to pay at any pay station within the same zone and use the ParkMobile app without incurring extra processing fees when moving within that zone.

Operational details announced by the manager include a new “text to park” option: motorists can text the zone number shown on a pay station to a provided number and receive a secure payment link, enabling app-free payments. The manager said the new zones will appear in the ParkMobile app starting the Monday after the meeting and that the city expects the change to improve convenience, compliance, and reduce enforcement needs.

City staff recognized the parking manager and communications staff for implementing and publicizing the changes; the manager encouraged downtown users to look for updated zone information in the ParkMobile app and city notices.

The changes were presented as an informational update during the manager's remarks and will be implemented administratively by the parking office.","City staff will consolidate multiple downtown parking zones into larger unified zones and introduce a text-to-park payment option to allow greater flexibility and app-free payments, the city manager said.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252895,"Keene Council adopts multiple traffic-code updates, adds stop sign at Wilbur and Water",816,4538000,5354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157&start=4538&end=5354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157/thumbnail_4538000.jpg","/articles/6252895/New-Hampshire/Keene-Council-adopts-multiple-traffic-code-updates-adds-stop-sign-at-Wilbur-and-Water","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252895-cbef116c076c35587b6f22d28ea3e955/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209898&Signature=gicSEaQ6Uoek~TwpkdvllD0E980tp5d2gM8Ih3IVD6oRbYu8cHwsuoLppNCdLom0NSC8bWTJPikEoCfA-bdbTPZmtn54Zbkq~TWPytC3xkxf-7BnkpPFtSSiu2Z9RFPybcL79k6qY9glyFH7pXGFTJANeqkHhqVL3hHyJ16dUV9OLJYV81KmSG1v0ibkxRVTYmRU0P6Lb6L-hwqqaLaLgU48RbB6-Oq0VCWK669brAdQugb4uuTmCL6ml9uOi-3njHtPx-JOxZoWL4SLdty6aIC~A9UPqQEyJDKdPgQPlUFI6vz9WMkn7TR85n~3gxl774~4r8lQsqy4UOVUo97ESA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Keene City Council unanimously adopted a series of amendments to the municipal traffic code at its May 1 meeting, approving updates to stop-sign and yield-sign lists, traffic-signal entries, and vehicle turning limitations to reflect current installations and conditions.

Why it matters: The ordinances update the city code to match installed signage and newly constructed traffic features, clarify obsolete entries, and establish one new stop sign recommended by the city engineer.

What was approved:
- Stop signs: The council adopted ordinance O-2025-10-B, which updates the city code's stop-sign listings to add signs already installed and remove entries for signs that no longer exist. Councilors reviewed one entry for accuracy and amended the draft to retain a contested line before adopting the ordinance.
- Yield signs and traffic signals: Ordinances O-2025-11-A and O-2025-12 were adopted to align the yield-sign and signal listings with current field conditions.
- Turning limitations: Ordinance O-2025-13-A updated no-turn provisions and center-median restrictions.
- Wilbur & Water Streets: The council adopted O-2025-14-A to install a stop sign at Wilbur Street and Water Street after the municipal services committee and the city engineer reported the location meets Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants.

Assistant City Engineer Brian Rufe explained the package primarily updates code language to match existing field conditions and installations, noting that some code entries dated to traffic changes (for example, roundabout installations or one-way conversions) and needed correction. On the Wilbur/Water request, Rufe said the engineering analysis met MUTCD standards for a stop sign and recommended installation.

The council voted on each ordinance by roll call; all motions carried unanimously.

Council procedure: Councilor Mitchell H. Greenwald and the Municipal Services, Facilities, & Infrastructure Committee led the items through committee. Councilor Andrew M. Madison identified a clerical inconsistency in the stop-sign list and moved an amendment that the council accepted before final adoption.","The council unanimously approved a package of traffic-code amendments — stop signs, yield signs, traffic-signal listings and turning limitations — and approved a new stop sign at Wilbur and Water Streets after an engineering recommendation.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252896,"Keene manager introduces FY26 budget projecting 2.06% city tax increase; includes four firefighters",849,2864000,3713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157&start=2864&end=3713","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3185146-5dd37510eeca0cc1138fcd5b9e4a4157/thumbnail_2864000.jpg","/articles/6252896/New-Hampshire/Keene-manager-introduces-FY26-budget-projecting-206-city-tax-increase-includes-four-firefighters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252896-128d2823105c03fbaad2d836e39cecf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209898&Signature=MjI-1EcozSJuweceNBjaaxrFaAFqgotIpSuJ1R0i~9HuU3wPJRGBa3X~oxny0VpsyHxOIucmWqP551R0~FJwDryiY9Os8V6lllMKPVWtX8K8b-dltNYrYlJRih0JjvMNLiANbJeuublPG5qiBw6T9ESylz7LnlN5fhyns1YE2QkEGad5UCLQukJJ~GR~NJoiO3qWSAfYTXr8lB3GazVfUI60C1yj0ILaKg6wp-KsUew7S6sp-Sjc88mF0Z5eBRdYsR5Mud7FPSLcGqCbOgHryqBNcTqhWUTeFoeWmCp4BPQGWmhoXoYD8OU2paCPZJgps2hkHB649NyissA7cszQ5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Manager introduced the proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget at the Keene City Council meeting on May 1, presenting a plan that is $468,506 below the council's fiscal policy limit and anticipates a 2.06% increase in the city's portion of the property tax rate — approximately $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The proposed budget includes four additional firefighters (one per shift), a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for union and nonunion employees, and increases in part-time wages in the library. The manager said interest income is projected to rise by about $600,000 and that motor vehicle registration and ambulance-billing increases are contributing to revenue projections.

Why it matters: The manager said the proposal balances staffing and service needs with the council's fiscal policy, which limits property-tax revenue increases to a rolling three-year average of the Northeast Region CPI. The council must review the book in committee meetings in May before a public hearing and potential adoption in June.

Key details from the introduction:
- Fiscal position: The manager said the proposed budget is $468,506 under the fiscal-policy ceiling.
- Tax impact: An “anticipated 2.06% increase in the city's portion of the tax rate,” described by the manager as roughly $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed value.
- Staffing and wages: The proposal reflects four new firefighter positions (one per shift) already approved by the council and a 3% COLA; library part-time wages rise to match recent staffing changes.
- Capital changes: The downtown public-restroom debt project was moved out a year while the Gilboa Avenue portion of the downtown infrastructure project was deferred to fiscal 2027; the West Keene Fire Station remains on hold pending grant funding.
- Revenue assumptions: The manager described a conservative assumption of no net increase in citywide assessed value pending a scheduled revaluation next year; interest income and some fee revenues were forecast higher in the proposal.

The manager recognized staff involved in preparing the document, including Finance Director Carrie Chamberlain, Assistant Finance Director Rob Constable, HR Director and Assistant City Manager Beth Fox, Deputy City Manager Andy Bohannon, and Deputy City Manager Rebecca Landry, and outlined a schedule of Finance, Organization and Personnel (FOP) committee meetings beginning May 6. The public hearing on the operating budget is set for June 5, with potential adoption on June 19.

Council reaction was broadly procedural: Councilors were urged to review the budget memo and supporting book ahead of the scheduled FOP sessions. The manager emphasized that further discussion and adjustments will follow during committee review.

The council's next steps include multiple FOP special meetings in May to review departmental budgets and the salary ordinance; the public hearing on the budget is scheduled for June 5.","The Keene City Manager introduced the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, forecasting a 2.06% increase in the city's portion of the tax rate, new staffing, and capital adjustments. Council set review sessions before a June 5 public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears update on downtown infrastructure project; engineering says banner and audio/data alternates feasible

City Council reallocates $20,000 to Brian A. Matson Recreation Project to complete work

Keene to consolidate downtown ParkMobile zones, add text-to-park payment

Keene Council adopts multiple traffic-code updates, adds stop sign at Wilbur and Water

Keene manager introduces FY26 budget projecting 2.06% city tax increase; includes four firefighters