Waterville Valley Select Board Discusses Hockey Group Issues and Adopts New Sewer Ordinance
The Waterville Valley Select Board held its regular meeting on October 22, 2025, addressing community concerns, utility regulations, and infrastructure maintenance.
Resident Raises Concerns About Hockey Groups
A resident from Black Bear Lodge expressed frustration over noisy hockey groups staying at the lodge during a recent weekend. The complaint highlighted excessive drinking by parents, unsupervised children causing disturbances, and the potential negative impact on the town’s reputation and tourism. The resident suggested extending town ordinances on drinking to hotels and lodges and proposed that lodges hire police for patrols.
Board members noted this is a recurring issue, often stemming from parents rather than children. They recommended calling the Department of Public Safety for noise complaints, even after hours via 911 or the dispatch line. The board also discussed the Hockey Academy’s efforts to ban problematic teams and their hiring of a coordinator to address such issues. They agreed to follow up with the academy to ensure procedures are effective. (link)
Another attendee echoed the concerns, emphasizing the economic impact on local businesses and questioning the town’s handling of the ice rink, which attracts large groups but generates little income.
Review and Adoption of Sewer Use Ordinance
The board reviewed a draft sewer use ordinance to comply with state regulations, replacing outdated rules. The 64-page document, based on a state template, outlines usage standards for the wastewater collection system, including prohibitions on certain discharges like heavy metals.
Discussions focused on ministerial edits, pollutant limits (set to zero for most due to the absence of manufacturing), and whether to include specific charts or generalize restrictions. The board debated making it an ordinance versus regulations for easier future modifications, noting it does not require town meeting approval as a utility matter. They emphasized protecting the system without overburdening businesses and agreed to refine the language before submission to the state. (link)
Packard’s Field Repairs
The board considered repairing damage to Packard’s Field from recent events, including tent and stage setups. Options discussed included sodding affected areas at an estimated $4,000, versus cheaper seeding. Concerns were raised about drainage issues, the field’s primary use for soccer, and the timing—fall versus spring—to avoid further damage or scheduling conflicts.
A motion to approve $4,000 for sodding, funded from remaining drainage and summer maintenance accounts, was proposed but ultimately withdrawn in favor of waiting until spring. (link)
Town Signage Update
Plans were discussed to update signage incorporating “Home of America’s First Network of Trails.” The board approved redesigning an existing freestyle skiing sign to include the new phrase, potentially adding the town’s establishment year (1809). This approach avoids new permits. Proofs will be reviewed at a future meeting. (link)
Tax Bill Issues and Interest Waivers
Administrative services reported mailing third-quarter water and sewer bills, which included outstanding property tax balances. This prompted over 30 calls from residents who claimed they never received their first-period tax bills, likely due to U.S. Postal Service issues.
The board noted these residents had histories of timely payments and agreed to waive associated interest upon written requests from affected individuals. This ensures documentation for town records while addressing fairness. A claim has been filed with the USPS. (link)
Power Outages and Utility Concerns
Recent power outages, including a 10-hour disruption on a Sunday, were discussed. Impacts included business losses, HVAC system damage at the athletic club, and issues with water and wastewater motors. The outages affected only Waterville Valley and were attributed to a faulty transformer at the base of Snow’s Mountain, per the co-op’s outage map.
The board expressed concern over lack of communication from the co-op and directed staff to inquire about causes, replacement timelines, and protocols for notifying the town during extended outages. They emphasized the need for better coordination to protect the local economy. (link)
Other Business
The board reviewed upcoming meetings, including special sessions on legal matters and the town plan website, and the next regular meeting on November 5. They also requested a status update from the town manager search committee by November 5.
The meeting adjourned to a non-public session on legal matters.