KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) At Thursday night’s Keene City Council meeting, councilors balanced celebration with pressing city matters, kicking off the evening with a standing ovation for the Keene State College men’s basketball team before pivoting to weighty discussions on public safety, infrastructure, and emergency staffing.

The evening began on a high note as the council recognized the Keene State Owls men’s basketball team for their exceptional season and program legacy. Over the past four years, the team has notched a remarkable 98–17 record, four straight Little East Conference titles, and a top-five national ranking in Division III. Senior Octavio Britto was singled out for his standout performance, having been named the National Player of the Year.

With ambulance calls surging—particularly from nursing homes and care facilities—the council unanimously approved a resolution to maintain a 12-person minimum staffing level at the Keene Fire Department through the end of the fiscal year next month. The move allows the department to keep a third ambulance in constant service by funding overtime from the city’s unassigned fund balance.

The department has been at a breaking point following the closure of private ambulance provider DiLuzio in 2023. Firefighters are now averaging 60 to 67 hours per week to meet the demand.  City Manager Elizabeth Ferland she will submit a request to hire four new full-time firefighters (making 16 total), despite uncertainty over whether a federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant will come through. Councilors signaled strong support for the hires, citing long-term sustainability and public safety.

The council also voted 14-1 to authorize the mayor or city manager to draft a letter to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, urging consideration of a roundabout at the intersection of Route 9 and Whitcomb’s Mill Road—an area residents and officials agree has become increasingly hazardous.

Councilor and State Rep. Phil Jones emphasized the urgency: “You ask for diamonds and hope you get rhinestones,” he said, “…this is simply a letter communication. It does not conflict with our 10-year plan or anything else that we have, any other projects that we have going. It’s just a communication to the commissioners.”

City Engineer Bryan Ruoff reported that a formal safety audit of the intersection was completed earlier this week in partnership with the DOT. A preliminary report is expected in two to three months, with final findings anticipated within six. Several councilors debated whether the letter should wait until that report is available but ultimately agreed that earlier communication might help fast-track improvements.

“This seems exceptional,” said Councilor Mitch Greenwald. “I see no reason to delay. Maybe the DOT will pay closer attention to the audit knowing we’re watching.”

Other Business

  • The council accepted several informational reports from committees, including updates on downtown infrastructure improvements, Route 9 restriping plans, and progress on Keene’s skate park.

  • Council unanimously approved an expansion of cremation lots in Section B of Monadnock View Cemetery, following a recommendation from the Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee.

  • The council also gave the green light to a proposal allowing the mayor or city manager to weigh in on state legislation by sending letters on behalf of the city.

Keene’s next full City Council meeting is scheduled for April 17, when a vote is expected on the proposed permanent hiring of additional firefighters.