City manager announces volunteer portal, Brownfield sponsorship, CIP schedule and winter warming shelter; new deputy city attorney introduced
January 16, 2026 | Keene City Council , Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire
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At the Jan. 15 meeting the Keene city manager provided multiple administrative updates and personnel news to the council.
The manager said the city launched an online volunteer landing page on the municipal website where residents can sign up for opportunities ranging from parks and trail maintenance to youth sports coaching. He credited Deputy City Manager Rebecca Landry and Councilor Laura Tobin for advancing the idea.
On economic development, the manager said the city will serve as municipal sponsor for a Brownfield Assessment Grant application being pursued by the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The sponsorship would initially be limited to participation in the application process and parcel assessment; the manager said he will return to council for authorization to accept a grant if awarded.
The manager also outlined the capital improvement planning schedule: a special workshop at Heberton Hall on March 3 (5:30 p.m., presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.), followed by FOP review beginning March 10, further sessions March 12, a council public hearing on the CIP March 19 and final adoption on April 2.
On homelessness response, the manager described an effort with nonprofits (SCS, Hundred Nights and the UCC Church) to operate a winter warming shelter beginning Jan. 20 through March, open nightly with city funds supporting two overnight staff under an MOU and partners providing volunteers, food and supplies.
Finally, City Attorney Amanda (surname not recorded in the public portion) introduced new Deputy City Attorney Brandon Latham, who joined this week with municipal law experience and prior work with the City of Concord and the municipal association.
Council thanked staff and nonprofit partners for the rapid coordination on the shelter and for work to increase volunteer engagement across city programs.
The manager said the city launched an online volunteer landing page on the municipal website where residents can sign up for opportunities ranging from parks and trail maintenance to youth sports coaching. He credited Deputy City Manager Rebecca Landry and Councilor Laura Tobin for advancing the idea.
On economic development, the manager said the city will serve as municipal sponsor for a Brownfield Assessment Grant application being pursued by the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The sponsorship would initially be limited to participation in the application process and parcel assessment; the manager said he will return to council for authorization to accept a grant if awarded.
The manager also outlined the capital improvement planning schedule: a special workshop at Heberton Hall on March 3 (5:30 p.m., presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.), followed by FOP review beginning March 10, further sessions March 12, a council public hearing on the CIP March 19 and final adoption on April 2.
On homelessness response, the manager described an effort with nonprofits (SCS, Hundred Nights and the UCC Church) to operate a winter warming shelter beginning Jan. 20 through March, open nightly with city funds supporting two overnight staff under an MOU and partners providing volunteers, food and supplies.
Finally, City Attorney Amanda (surname not recorded in the public portion) introduced new Deputy City Attorney Brandon Latham, who joined this week with municipal law experience and prior work with the City of Concord and the municipal association.
Council thanked staff and nonprofit partners for the rapid coordination on the shelter and for work to increase volunteer engagement across city programs.
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