KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council’s Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee unanimously advanced a series of financial and policy recommendations Thursday, with the most significant actions aimed at removing barriers to downtown redevelopment and improving public services during ongoing City Hall renovations.

Among the committee’s recommendations were changes to redevelopment agreements for properties at 112 Washington St. and 34 Court St. that received tax incentives under New Hampshire’s 79-E Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive Program. City Attorney Amanda Palmeira said the city is proposing to waive its ability to place a lien on insurance proceeds if either property is damaged, explaining that the provision has complicated financing because lenders are reluctant to issue mortgages when another lien could take priority.

Committee members also endorsed a request to carry forward $22,000 in unused City Clerk’s Office personnel funds to improve the office while it is temporarily relocated during structural repairs at City Hall. Planned upgrades include expanded public space, improved ADA accessibility, private meeting areas and a more efficient workspace.

The committee also recommended updates to the city’s Conservation Fund policy to provide more consistent funding despite fluctuations in land use change tax revenue and approved a $32,000 appropriation from the Wastewater Treatment Plant Capital Reserve Fund to repair the facility’s heating system after corrosion was discovered in its glycol piping system.

All of the recommendations now head to the full Keene City Council for final consideration.