KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council tackled a packed agenda at its Thursday night meeting, highlighted by a 12–1 vote to move forward with new limitations on fireworks permits,

Council Moves Forward on Fireworks Permit Limits

In a move aimed at better managing public safety and neighborhood impact, the Council directed the City Attorney to draft ordinance language that would cap the number of commercial fireworks displays in Keene to five per year, with no more than three events at any single location.

The proposal, brought forward by the Planning, Licenses, and Development Committee, sparked debate over how permits would be fairly allocated. Councilor Mike Remy cast the sole dissenting vote, voicing concerns that individuals could monopolize all five permits early in the year and resell them to other organizations. “That would be a terrible precedent,” he warned.

Two possible allocation systems were floated during the discussion: one that would require all applications to be submitted by a set date for equitable distribution, and another that would allow property owners to select which three organizations could use their site for permitted displays. The Council stressed that final approval of all permits would still rest with the full body.

Other Council Business

In addition to the fireworks discussion and sanctuary city request, the Council approved a number of permits and financial items, including:

  • Approval for the annual July 4th Road Race hosted by Pathways for Keene

  • Authorization for the Keene Pride Festival to use downtown streets on Sept. 21

  • Permission for Otto’s Food and Drink to serve alcohol in their sidewalk café area

  • Acceptance of a $12,800 Local Source Water Protection Grant from NH DES

  • Acceptance of a $2,500 wellness grant from Health Trust

  • Approval of a multi-year contract with Symetra for life and long-term disability insurance

  • Passage of Resolution R-2025-09 updating the 79-E tax relief incentive map

  • Passage of Resolution R-2025-11 appropriating funds to expand Fire Department staffing for three ambulances per shift

The Council also authorized sending a letter to state lawmakers opposing funding cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, warning the reductions could hurt Keene State College and local access to higher education.

Honoring a City Fixture

The meeting closed on a warm note, with city officials honoring longtime City Clerk Patty Little, who is retiring after 46 years of service. Councilors, staff, and members of the public offered tributes to Little, thanking her for her decades of dedication and institutional knowledge.