KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene councilors Wednesday advanced proposals addressing data centers, dogs at downtown events and food-service regulations, while delaying action on restrictions involving concentrated kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine products.

The Planning, Licenses and Development Committee took action on four major agenda items during its Wednesday meeting.

Kratom Proposal Delayed

The committee voted to put off consideration of Councilor Bobby Williams’ request to restrict the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, and concentrated kratom products.

Dr. John Curtis, an emergency physician and medical toxicologist at Cheshire Medical Center, told councilors that 7-OH acts on opioid receptors and can produce opioid-like effects. He also said concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products present different concerns from naturally occurring kratom.

Councilors called for additional information, including input from police and youth-service organizations, before considering local restrictions.

The proposal is expected to return to the committee next month.

Dogs Could Face New Downtown Restrictions

The committee voted unanimously to have the city attorney draft an ordinance restricting dogs at licensed downtown community events.

Councilor Filiault raised the issue after concerns about dogs at a recent downtown food festival. The proposed ordinance would expand restrictions beyond the existing Pumpkin Festival rules.

Service animals would be exempt. Councilors will review the draft ordinance before deciding whether to send it to the full City Council.

Data Center Moratorium Heads to Planning Board

The committee voted to refer Councilor Phil Jones’ request for a temporary moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to the Planning Board.

Jones said the city should establish regulations before large facilities are proposed, citing potential concerns involving noise, energy and water use, diesel generators, property values and infrastructure.

City officials said a moratorium would require an ordinance and could last no more than one year. The planning board must first consider the need and scope of the proposal.

Councilors also emphasized that any future regulations should distinguish large-scale commercial facilities from ordinary server rooms used by businesses and other institutions.

Food Code Update Recommended

The committee voted 4-1 to recommend adoption of an ordinance that would update Keene’s food-service regulations from the 2009 FDA Food Code to the 2022 version.

One major change would require many food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on site while operating.

City staff said many establishments already meet the requirement and that businesses will have approximately a year to comply with the new standards.

The ordinance now moves to the full council for consideration.