Waterville Valley Select Board Addresses Cable Franchise, Zoning, and Traffic Safety

The Waterville Valley Select Board met on August 6, 2025, to discuss critical town matters, including the renewal of the cable franchise agreement, zoning regulations affecting a food truck permit, infrastructure projects, and traffic safety measures. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics addressed during the meeting, with expanded details on the cable franchise, food truck permit, and speed board discussions.

Cable Franchise Agreement Renewal

The board opened the meeting with a public hearing on the renewal of the town’s cable franchise agreement with Charter Communications (Spectrum). Residents voiced concerns about Spectrum’s service quality and inquired about the progress of broadband expansion by New Hampshire Broadband (link). One resident noted that other towns served by New Hampshire Broadband have nearly completed their connections, expressing frustration with Spectrum’s high rates, such as $68 for 500 megabits compared to $80 for a gigabit from the cooperative. The board emphasized that the franchise agreement is non-exclusive, meaning it does not preclude other providers like New Hampshire Broadband from entering the market. Discussions with the cooperative revealed a conceptual plan to extend broadband service starting from the town hall, though no firm timeline was provided due to their focus on connecting underserved towns. The board confirmed that the agreement was reviewed by legal counsel, who negotiated changes to Charter’s proposal. After public input, the board unanimously voted to approve the renewed cable franchise agreement (link).

Zoning and Food Truck Permit Denial

A significant discussion centered on a permit application for a food truck to operate at the base of Snow’s Mountain Ski Lift from July 3 to November 1. The board reviewed the zoning regulations for the Snow’s Mountain Special Education District and determined that food service is explicitly prohibited, as outlined in a 2012 article by a planning board member and confirmed by the zoning use table (link). The applicant had been asked to clarify the zoning with the Planning Board but chose not to pursue it further. The board’s research, including a review of historical records and a 2012 ballot issue, confirmed that restaurants, lounges, and retail are not permitted in this zone. Consequently, the board voted to deny the permit application, as it was not a permissible use under the zoning ordinance. The board also identified discrepancies in the zoning use table, particularly regarding public utilities, and plans to collaborate with the Planning Board to ensure accuracy and compliance with current regulations (link). Any future allowance of food service in this zone would require a zoning amendment through a town vote or Planning Board sponsorship.

Space Needs Study

The board reviewed a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a space needs study, approved during the town meeting, to assess future infrastructure needs for town facilities, focusing primarily on the town hall and public safety department. The study will project needs over a 10-to-20-year horizon, considering modular construction for future expansions. A walkthrough with candidate firms is scheduled for August 12 to evaluate the town hall campus (link). The selection process will prioritize qualifications, with pricing to be determined after interviews.

Road Projects Update

The board provided an update on 2025 road projects, noting that paving and edging by GMI are complete. Striping is scheduled for completion within two to three weeks, weather permitting. Minor cleanup, including removing asphalt chunks, is ongoing. Tree trimming and ditch clearing are approximately 85-90% complete across the town (link).

Speed Board Purchase and Camera Discussion

The board debated the purchase of a new Evolis Vision speed board for Valley Road, costing $4,000, to be funded from contingency reserves. The discussion included concerns about the effectiveness and visual impact of speed boards, with one member expressing reservations about their proliferation, citing potential driver distraction and questioning their efficacy without documented evidence (link). Another member supported the purchase, noting that speed boards help reduce perceived speeding and provide data to optimize patrol schedules. A key point of discussion was whether the speed board records identifying information, such as license plates. The board clarified that the proposed speed board does not include cameras or record license plates, focusing solely on collecting speed and traffic data, such as peak times and speeds, to inform public safety efforts (link). The board approved the purchase, with the exact placement to be determined by the Department of Public Safety to ensure optimal safety and traffic management, likely between the bridge and Golden Heights Road or near the athletic center.

Parking on Snow’s Mountain Road

The board addressed a request for on-street parking on Snow’s Mountain Road for croquet events on Sunday afternoons. Following a staff recommendation, the board denied the request due to prior complaints about parking on the road, particularly at the turn coming down the hill, and a commitment to consistent parking enforcement town-wide. Temporary unloading was permitted, with overflow parking directed to designated areas across the street, which are typically available on Sunday afternoons (link).

Wastewater Treatment Update

The board provided a brief update on the wastewater treatment project, noting ongoing work with Black and Veatch on a two-building design plan. Further details, including contract negotiations, were deferred to a non-public session. The project awaits geotechnical drilling to assess suitability for a septic system, with ongoing communication with the Forest Service (link).

Other Matters

Additional topics included a legal nonconforming deck issue resolved through deed research and plans to review state zoning law changes, particularly regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The board urged the Planning Board to ensure zoning compliance with state law by November (link). The meeting also addressed scheduling adjustments due to board member availability, setting the next meetings for August 20, September 3, and September 24.