KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council will hold its final meeting before its annual summer break Thursday evening, with a wide-ranging agenda that includes a citywide property reevaluation, downtown construction, road safety, data centers, the Gilbo Avenue solar pavilion and several financial matters.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City of Keene City Hall.

One of the evening’s presentations will focus on the citywide property reevaluation, with the City Assessor scheduled to brief councilors.

Several communications from residents and councilors could generate discussion. They include a request to reconsider restrictions on dogs during the Keene Pumpkin Festival, a request for a comprehensive planning study of the Gilbo Avenue property before development of the proposed solar pavilion, and a proposal for temporary free parking in active downtown construction zones.

Councilor Philip Jones is also asking the Council to consider establishing a temporary moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities. Councilor Laura Tobin is seeking an update on the city’s Roadway Safety Action Plan.

Downtown Project, Roads And Infrastructure

The agenda contains several items related to city infrastructure.

Councilors are scheduled to receive an update on the Downtown Infrastructure Project, along with discussion of a request from Eversource Energy for temporary access to the Class VI portion of Old Gilsum Road while the utility replaces five transmission structures.

Other infrastructure-related items include proposed rumble strips on Routes 12 and 9, a roadway safety audit at the Route 9 and Whitcomb’s Mill Road intersection, restrictions on vehicular access to the Wastewater Treatment Plant driveway and renovations to the Keene Airport terminal.

The Council also will consider an appropriation related to the Marlboro Street and Cheshire Rail Trail Improvements Project.

A resolution concerning Thompson Road is also on the agenda. The city is proposing to alter the historic layout of the road after determining that portions of the traveled roadway do not align with the existing right-of-way. The proposed alteration would add approximately 5,098 square feet to the public right-of-way and incorporate public infrastructure into the layout.

Gilbo Avenue Solar Pavilion

The future of the Gilbo Avenue property also appears on the agenda in two separate items.

One resident is asking the city to conduct a comprehensive planning study of the 1.9-acre site before finalizing the layout of the proposed solar pavilion. The request argues that the downtown property could potentially accommodate housing and commercial development and asks the city to examine its broader potential before proceeding.

The Council also has a “more time” item concerning the Gilbo Avenue Solar Pavilion conceptual design.

New Ordinances and Financial Matters

Two ordinances are scheduled for first reading.

One would amend city regulations governing food service establishments, while the other would install two stop signs on Roxbury Street.

The Council also will consider several resolutions, including one concerning the city’s fiscal policies and another appropriating $32,000 from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Capital Reserve Fund for an HVAC replacement project.

A resolution involving Thompson Road and another recognizing Dr. Dottie Morris for her service to Keene State College, the city’s Human Rights Committee and the broader community also are on the agenda.

The Council is additionally being asked to approve an appropriation for the Marlboro Street and Cheshire Rail Trail Improvements Project.

City officials are also seeking approval to accept more than $27,000 in donations, including $23,686.70 from Revo Casino as part of its host-community partnership, a $2,000 donation for a bench at Robin Hood Park, and contributions supporting Community Night, the Keene International Festival and the city’s “Branch Out for Parks” program.

The meeting will be the Council’s last regular gathering until September. At its July meeting, councilors were reminded that the summer break would begin following tonight’s meeting and extend through Labor Day, with committee meetings resuming in September.

SEO Excerpt: Keene City Council meets Aug. 6 before its summer break, with property reevaluation, downtown construction, road safety and new ordinances.

Keene City Council will meet Thursday evening for its final regular meeting before the annual summer break.