KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council’s Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday tackled a wide range of issues, from nuisance dog barking and school traffic congestion to major infrastructure projects, groundwater monitoring and the ongoing downtown reconstruction effort.

One of the evening’s first discussions centered on complaints about persistent daytime dog barking in residential neighborhoods. A Hillside Avenue resident told councilors that barking in her neighborhood can continue for extended periods and has become disruptive. City Attorney Amanda Palmeira explained that under New Hampshire law, barking must continue for at least 30 consecutive minutes before enforcement action can be taken, creating challenges for police officers tasked with verifying complaints. She noted the city’s ordinance must align with state law, limiting local flexibility. Committee members said residents can submit time-stamped videos from personal devices as evidence, though officers still must verify violations before citations are issued. Councilors also discussed seeking advice from a local dog behavior expert to explore additional ways to reduce nuisance barking complaints.

The committee also revisited traffic and safety concerns during school pickup times on Royal Avenue. City staff said they recently met with school district officials to discuss congestion and dangerous driving behavior near the school. Potential solutions could include closer monitoring by staff, improved traffic control measures and possibly installing fencing or gates to better direct students and parents. Residents described heavy congestion and near misses during dismissal periods, while councilors emphasized the importance of continuing to monitor the issue when the next school year begins.

Representatives from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation also presented updated plans for the Route 101 improvement project. The project carries an estimated $21.6 million price tag and will include pavement rehabilitation, drainage improvements, work on the Branch River Bridge and the installation of a new roundabout at a relocated intersection with Swanzey Factory Road. DOT officials said that roundabout would be similar to the one at the other end of Swanzey Factory Road on Route 10. The project is expected to span three construction seasons from 2029-2031 and will be funded through a combination of federal and state money. Plans also include five-foot shoulders intended to improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists and allow for possible future sidewalk connections. A public hearing on that project is scheduled for Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Heberton Hall.

Committee members additionally recommended authorizing the city manager to negotiate easements and temporary access agreements needed for the Court Street water main replacement project. Public works officials said the work will replace aging water infrastructure dating back to the 1930s and improve reliability in the area.

A portion of the meeting focused on the detection of pesticides in groundwater near the Court Street well area. City officials stressed repeatedly that Keene’s drinking water remains safe and that the pesticide levels detected are far below established health risk thresholds. Well #3 has been removed from service while additional testing and flushing continue.

Officials said the city is working with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the state Bureau of Pesticide Control to establish a pesticide management area around the wells, which would increase oversight of chemical applications in the area. The city also plans to significantly expand its monitoring program by conducting pesticide sampling during the spring, summer and fall. Testing will prioritize 17 locations, including monitoring wells, production wells and raw water sources, while a broader 25-site sampling effort is planned for the summer. Officials said testing costs range from roughly $1,375 to $1,700 per sample location, contributing to a supplemental budget request of $75,000 for the expanded monitoring program.

The committee also received an update on the downtown infrastructure project. Public Works Director Don Lussier said an informational binder for downtown business owners is being finalized and will be distributed in the coming weeks to help businesses navigate the construction period. Monthly “Coffee and Hard Hats” meetings will begin June 10 at the Transportation Center to provide project updates and answer questions from the public and business owners. Lussier said work will begin in mid-July, though a firm start date has not been established. Central Square is expected to reopen by the end of November. Councilors also discussed marketing efforts, including partnerships with social media influencers, aimed at encouraging continued foot traffic and support for downtown businesses during construction.