Waterville Valley Select Board Discusses Speed Boards, Ordinances, and State Law Changes
The Waterville Valley Select Board held its regular meeting, addressing public concerns, traffic safety measures, ordinance reviews, and updates on state legislation impacting the town.
Public Input and Speed Board Inquiry
During the privilege of the floor, a representative from the WV AIA requested parking permissions for an event, which the board noted had been previously denied (link).
The board addressed concerns about speeding in town, particularly on Valley Road, where a $4,000 speed board was recently purchased to manage northbound traffic. This decision followed discussions in fall 2023 and 2024, aiming to enforce the town-wide 25 mph speed limit set in 2016 to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. The board noted that Valley Road’s design, originally suited for 40 mph, contributes to speeding issues, prompting the addition of the speed board to complement existing traffic calming measures like road reconstructions. A 2015 warrant article for a radar-equipped school zone speed indicator, costing $15,000 with $6,000 state-funded, was referenced as a historical precedent but failed by a vote of 31 to 35 (link).
A reporter from the Wig Wag attended the meeting, seeking clarification on the speed board initiative. The reporter questioned the justification for the $4,000 expenditure, asking for specific data on speeding incidents and the board’s evaluation of the device’s effectiveness. The board provided 2024 traffic stop data, reporting approximately 652 stops, with about two-thirds (roughly 500) occurring within town limits on roads such as Valley Road, Snow’s Mountain Road, and West Branch Road, and one-third on Tripoli Road. Citation rates increased from 2% in 2022 to 4.6% in 2024, reflecting consistent enforcement. The reporter raised concerns about the mobile speed board’s sensitivity, noting it alerts drivers even at 25 mph, and inquired about plans for additional boards, such as near the ski resort. The board clarified that no further speed boards are currently planned but emphasized ongoing efforts, including increased police patrols and data collection from the new speed board to assess its impact over the next six months, with a review scheduled for early 2026. Community feedback on the board’s visibility and placement was acknowledged, with a commitment to monitor and adjust as needed (link).
Old Signs and Community Events
A resident raised concerns via correspondence about old wooden signs replaced by green ones, questioning their disposal. The town manager confirmed they are inventoried for potential sale or gifting to community contributors, with no plans for discarding (link).
A resort representative clarified an upcoming event in Town Square as part of resort operations, not requiring additional permits. He also addressed frustrations over a food truck permit denial, noting miscommunications and the need for better community dialogue to break down “echo chambers.” The board agreed on the importance of unity and committed to reviewing ordinances (link).
Food Truck Permit and Ordinance Review
The board revisited the food truck application for Snow’s Mountain Road, denied due to zoning restrictions in the special district prohibiting restaurants and lounges. The discussion highlighted ordinance ambiguities, with the board viewing the stationary food truck as a food service establishment. They plan to tighten zoning language on food services and retail, while exploring offsite solicitation permits for temporary uses like events. The representative supported clarifying rules but noted the food truck enhanced the area’s atmosphere (link).
The board intends to review all ordinances this year, including offsite solicitation, to address modern business practices and state-mandated zoning changes (link).
State Law Changes
The town manager updated on various state laws. A new balance billing law for ambulances, effective January 2026, sets reimbursement at 325% of Medicare rates, stabilizing payments and allowing the service to become an in-network provider without financial impact on the town. This reduces unpaid bills and ensures direct payments from insurers (link).
On social districts (sip and stroll zones), towns without open container laws can adopt areas for consuming purchased alcohol from licensed venues. This could benefit Town Square and the ski resort by easing monitoring of outdoor dining and eliminating some licensing needs. The board will review whether this requires a zoning amendment or ordinance change, potentially via warrant article (link).
Other changes include accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals, and building permits, with minimal expected impact but requiring ordinance updates (link).
Space Needs Assessment and Calendar
The town approved a space needs assessment for public safety facilities and town hall. An RFP was issued, with six firms touring sites on August 18; proposals are due September 17 (link).
Upcoming events include a joint Select Board and School Board meeting on September 25, and a Planning Board public hearing on August 22 at 8 a.m. (link).
Working Group Updates and New Ideas
The town core working group will meet as needed, while the MSW group shifts to bi-monthly meetings focusing on state regulations, landfill updates, food waste diversion (including green cone rebates), and single-stream recycling costs (link).
The board proposed a sign welcoming visitors to Waterville Valley as the home of the first organized hiking trail system in the United States, tasking staff to explore locations and designs (link).
A misspelled sign causing community stir is being replaced (link).
Signage Correspondence
Correspondence addressed a real estate sign at Tee House Lane and Boulder Path Road, permitted temporarily but raising ordinance concerns. The board clarified that open house signs could be treated as directional if they include arrows, but general for-sale signs in public rights-of-way need clearer rules. They plan zoning clarifications to avoid content-based restrictions (link).
Cemetery Land Expansion
An update was provided on a meeting with property owners adjacent to the town cemetery. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the potential of acquiring additional land to expand the cemetery’s footprint, as it is currently at 61% capacity. The property owners are open to the possibility of donating or selling some land. A funding request will be included in the 2026 budget to conduct a detailed survey of both the cemetery and the abutting properties. This survey is crucial due to the proximity of the National Forest boundary (link).
The meeting adjourned after entering non-public session for personnel and negotiations.