Waterville Valley Select Board Discusses Town Manager’s Health, Implements Water Restrictions Amid Drought
The Waterville Valley Select Board held a regular meeting on September 3, 2025, addressing several key issues including the town manager’s medical situation, drought conditions, fire permits, water usage restrictions, and ongoing reviews of ordinances and easements.
The board began with a statement regarding the town manager’s recent serious cardiac event, expressing support for his recovery and emphasizing compliance with HIPAA regulations to protect medical privacy. The board assured residents that town operations would continue at high standards, with an interim town manager to be appointed soon. (link)
The meeting approved minutes from August 19, while deferring others pending revisions. Under new business, the board discussed the MS-535 financial form, which is being finalized with an extension from the Department of Revenue until September 30. No significant financial decisions were made, but the form’s completion is required for town compliance.
Fire permits were a major topic due to moderate drought conditions declared by the state. All open burning permits have been suspended until significant rainfall improves conditions. The board noted recent fires in nearby areas and emphasized proactive monitoring of campsites and high-risk locations. (link)
In response to the drought, the board voted to implement a level one voluntary water use restriction per the town’s water use ordinance. This encourages residents to refrain from landscape watering between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. and limit outdoor water use. Notifications will be posted in public locations, on the town website, and through social media. The wells are currently stable, but conservation is urged following state recommendations to stop lawn watering and follow fire restrictions. (link)
Under old business, the board reviewed submissions for dumpster enclosures. Several properties remain outstanding past the extended September 1 deadline, and the board agreed to send reminders with a new deadline of September 30. Noncompliance could lead to fines or service suspension by July 2026. One property’s proposed screening solution, which avoids installing a gate, will be discussed at the October 8 meeting. (link)
The board also addressed ongoing reviews of select board ordinances and easements. Department heads will review relevant ordinances for clarity and grammatical updates, with substantive changes potentially requiring town meeting approval. Easement discussions continue with properties like the Golden Eagle Lodge and others, aiming for clearer language on fees and terms. A special meeting may be scheduled to advance these items. (link)
Additional topics included lighting repairs on Village Trail, potential updates to the town website with consideration of alternative vendors due to expected cost increases, and proposals for new signage highlighting the town’s historic first network of hiking trails. The board also discussed improvements to the meeting’s audio-visual system for better remote viewing.
The meeting concluded with a calendar review, noting upcoming planning board and joint school board meetings, before entering a non-public session.