Keene FOP committee approves donations, grants and infrastructure appropriations; tables social-district ballot and authorizes casino host agreement

At its meeting the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee approved a series of funding and authorization items and took one item off the table for later review.

Makerspace donation: Marty Fisk, the library director, and Amy Kramer, head of youth and community services, asked the committee to accept a $15,000 annual donation from the Friends of the Keene Public Library to fund part-time staffing for the library makerspace. The presenters described the makerspace’s equipment (three 3‑D printers, a laser engraver, a CNC carving machine, laminator and sewing machines), community workshops and the role of student interns. The committee approved a motion authorizing the city manager to accept and expend the $15,000 donation.

Juvenile diversion funding: Alyssa Bender Jesse, youth services manager, asked the committee to accept a subcontract from the New Hampshire Juvenile Court Diversion Network. She said the program has state accreditation for more than 20 years, the subcontract this year is $45,800.36 and the diversion program served about 80 youth last year. The committee voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to accept and expend the funds.

Public‑works appropriations: City Engineer Brian Roff…