Select Board Approves Ordinance Updates and Reviews Department Progress

Select Board Approves Ordinance Updates and Reviews Department Progress

The Waterville Valley Select Board held a regular meeting on February 6, 2025, chaired initially by Bob Fries due to Rich Rita’s late arrival, with Wendy Rathburn present, ensuring a quorum (link). The meeting focused on approving revisions to Ordinance Number 21 regarding dumpster regulations, signing a letter of intent for the Pemigewasset River Solid Waste District, discussing a pending property donation, and reviewing department updates ahead of a budget hearing.

Ordinance Number 21 Revisions Approved

The board unanimously approved revisions to Ordinance Number 21, governing dumpster regulations, integrating feedback from prior discussions (link). Key changes include a “best efforts” clause to orient dumpster fronts away from streets “to the greatest extent possible,” acknowledging screening challenges (link). Town Manager Mark Decoteau presented clean copies with edits, proposing the ordinance changes for town meeting approval on March 11, with regulation updates to follow post-feedback on March 19 (link). A handout detailing regulation changes will accompany the town meeting presentation.

Solid Waste District Commitment Signed

The board signed a letter of intent to continue participation in the Pemigewasset River Solid Waste District’s household hazardous waste collection, following a prior vote (link). Decoteau noted a scheduled drop-off in late September, with plans to update the town website and Facebook page (link). An April 17 district meeting with select board members and landfill operators was announced to plan future waste management strategies (link).

David Britton Property Donation Update

The 13-acre David Britton property donation remains pending, awaiting the owner’s signature on the deed (link). Decoteau reported recent contact with the owner, aiming for notarization soon, with hopes of finalizing by the March 11 town meeting.

Department Updates and Upcoming Budget Hearing

Department heads provided brief updates:

• Public Safety: Chief Dave Noyes reported Amanda’s Fire Academy training, reducing full-time staff temporarily, and a resolved floor drain issue at the fire bay with a temporary pump (link). A meeting with Speare Hospital addressed their lack of orthopedic services, increasing transport demands to Plymouth (link).
• Public Works: Megan highlighted ongoing snow removal with minor storms, using a skid steer for sidewalks, and preparing for a larger storm (link).
• Recreation: Brooke noted preparations for hiring seasonal staff and programming for upcoming vacation weeks (link).
• Administration: Kristyn reported a smooth transition to a Voice over IP phone system, offering call analytics, and a declined finance administrator offer, with a promising new candidate under review (link). Decoteau added that a $250,000 Northern Borders Regional Commission grant is paused due to federal budget talks (link).

The board finalized slides for a budget hearing later that evening, scheduling a detailed road project discussion for February 13 at 6 p.m. (link). They approved warrant article wording, including a Snow’s Mountain sewer line sense-of-meeting vote (link).

Board Concerns and Adjournment

Bob Fries proposed a proclamation supporting a March 12 charity concert for Ukraine, to be drafted for review on March 19 (link). The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. (link).