Planning Board Addresses Appointments, Budgets, and Infrastructure Needs
The Waterville Valley Planning Board convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss key administrative updates, financial planning, and major infrastructure projects. The meeting, held at 8:00 a.m., covered new appointments to the board, the approval of consulting services, and ongoing efforts to address the town’s aging public facilities and wastewater treatment needs.
Board Appointments and Organizational Changes
The meeting opened with updates on Planning Board appointments, effective as of March 13, 2025. Three members—Mike (appointed as a full member), Alan Berko (reappointed as an alternate), and Rob Wilson (reappointed as an alternate)—were reappointed by the Select Board for three-year terms (link). Rick Smith was appointed to a full member position, leaving an alternate position open, which Nancy gracefully agreed to fill for a one-year term. Following these updates, the board elected new officers, with Bill nominated and approved as the new chair, Kathy Brennan as vice chair, and Morgan Dean as secretary (link).
Consulting Services Approved for Strategic Planning
A significant portion of the meeting focused on hiring consulting services to support the town’s planning efforts. The board reviewed a proposal from the S.E. Group, accepted for $12,500, to conduct an audit addressing policy alignment with the master plan, growth issues, and comparisons with other resort communities (link). The S.E. Group’s work will be supplemented by the North Country Council on a project-specific basis, particularly for matters involving potential conflicts of interest with Waterville Valley Resorts, Inc. The board confirmed that the $15,000 budgeted for the Planning Board, approved at the recent town meeting, covers these costs, with developers typically bearing additional project-specific expenses.
Infrastructure and Capital Improvement Discussions
The board tackled pressing infrastructure concerns, notably the condition of the current town hall and public safety building. Members discussed the need for a new facility, citing issues like deteriorating floors in the fire bays (link). Mark Decoteau noted that a space needs assessment, funded by an approved consultant, will evaluate options, including potentially relocating town administration to Town Square—an idea previously considered in Tyrell’s conceptual master plan. This process, expected to span several years, will culminate in a public hearing and a town meeting vote, possibly in 2027 or 2028.
Additionally, the wastewater treatment facility, a $40 million project, was a focal point. The board confirmed that the plant is being designed to meet current EPA permit requirements at 80% of maximum buildout, with scalability for future expansion if needed (link). Final design plans are expected by July 2025, locking in equipment and layout decisions.
Zoning Updates and Public Engagement
Following the town meeting, all proposed amendments to the zoning ordinances were approved, with updated ordinance documents expected by next month (link). The board also addressed questions about the Corcoran Pond agreement, clarifying that related documents are available at Town Hall for public review. Suggestions to enhance transparency, such as posting these agreements online, were considered but not immediately adopted due to concerns about information overload.
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Membership
The board reaffirmed its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee, with Rob, Morgan, and Rick appointed to oversee equipment financing and infrastructure priorities (link). Discussions included leasing versus buying equipment, with the CIP tasked with recommending financing options—such as leasing a front-end loader—to the Select Board for town meeting approval.
Looking Ahead
The next Planning Board meeting, scheduled for April 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., will include a public hearing to review site plan regulation amendments (link). Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input.
The meeting underscored Waterville Valley’s proactive approach to growth, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. Video of the full discussion is available below for those seeking additional details.