Select Board Reviews Town Meeting Warrant, Wastewater Project Funding, and Short-Term Rental Rules
Waterville Valley, NH – The Waterville Valley Select Board convened on February 18, 2026, covering a wide range of topics including department head updates, short-term rental permitting regulations, wastewater project developments, and an extensive review of the 2026 Town Meeting warrant articles. The meeting also addressed Special Olympics preparations, a ski-joring event debrief, and an update on the town manager search. (link)
Department Head Updates
Recreation Department
The Recreation Department reported its afterschool program is currently serving 19 children, noting the program provides essential aftercare for families. (link)
Upcoming programming highlights include an art club launching March 13th on Fridays, a speaker series event with a local presenter on the topic of financial markets, and an amateur radio group presentation on February 27th. A learn-to-play pickleball session is scheduled for the 23rd at 4:30 p.m. Cross-country ski excursions to destinations including Bretton Woods and Gunstock are being offered on Fridays. (link)
Summer staffing is tracking exceptionally well, with record numbers of returning staff requiring the department to manage placement logistics rather than actively recruit. (link)
The Board also discussed the status of the Freedom Pass program following the resort’s change in ownership. The program is continuing under negotiated terms through 2026, with reimbursement rates unchanged from last year. The reporting process has been modified to include names of pass users rather than aggregate numbers. The program’s continuation into 2027 will depend on decisions by the Waterville Valley lodging association. (link)
The Board noted the revival of the Waterville Valley community newsletter, which will be distributed via a tiered subscription model. The newsletter remains accessible for free on the visitwatervillevalley.com website. (link)
Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The police chief reported that the town is preparing to host Special Olympics athletes beginning Monday, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in town square. Events run through Wednesday, with athletes participating in time trials, resort experiences, and a Tuesday evening dinner and dance at the base lodge. A board member agreed to deliver a welcome address at the opening ceremony. (link)
The chief also noted that a joint law enforcement training exercise involving area agencies and Grafton County will take place at the school on Monday during school vacation week, with signage posted to inform the public. The training involves familiarization with school facilities to improve emergency response readiness. (link)
Skijoring Event Debrief
The Board and police chief discussed the recent skijoring event held during the first weekend of school vacation week. The event was described as wildly successful but far larger than anticipated, drawing participants from as far as Colorado due to limited snow conditions in the West. (link)
Parking extended up Snow’s Mountain Road and along Osceola Road, and the event drew far more spectators than hockey participants. One detail officer was originally assigned but two additional duty officers were ultimately pulled in to assist. Cleanup of the Boulder Path area was noted as incomplete. The Board agreed a planning meeting with event organizers well in advance of next year’s event is necessary to address parking, pedestrian safety, shuttle options, sanitation, and cost-sharing. The planned installation of a sidewalk and curbing in the area next year adds additional complexity. (link)
Public Works / DPW
A sewer line on River Road froze temporarily, affecting one residence. The line was thawed without breaking, but the issue is expected to recur due to frost depth and low system usage. The Board discussed pursuing engineering solutions. (link)
A dumbwaiter used for chemical transport at a town facility failed its state inspection due to door alignment issues. Finding a certified repair technician has proved difficult, and some companies are requiring a costly annual service agreement before they will perform any work. The Board directed staff to contact the state inspector about fines and potential waivers. (link)
The town’s trash truck is experiencing ongoing warning light issues. A heavy mechanic performed a diagnostic visit and reset several codes, but concerns remain about the vehicle’s long-term reliability. Pothole filling is underway during the mild weather, with attention given to locations including Boulder Path Road and Village Road. A missing road sign at the River Road and West Branch Road intersection is being replaced. (link)
Town Administration
The town report is nearly complete, pending one remaining department submission. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for an upcoming construction project is scheduled, which will serve as an indicator of contractor interest. (link)
Short-Term Rental Permitting
The Board reviewed updated language for the town’s short-term rental (STR) registration program. After prior discussion about how to define which properties are subject to registration, the Board agreed on language stating that all short-term rentals that are privately owned and individually rented — and not part of a hotel, lodge, condominium, or homeowners association rental program — must be registered with the town. Properties managed through commercial rental programs with annual life safety inspections would be exempt. (link)
The Board also discussed the interplay between STR regulations and the proposed changes to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules coming before Town Meeting. Questions were raised about whether primary residents living in an attached ADU could rent the main home short-term. The Board agreed to clarify these questions with the town’s contract land planner during an upcoming meeting on February 24th. The recommendation was to finalize STR regulations now, then revisit any language involving ADUs after Town Meeting resolves related zoning amendments. (link)
Wastewater Project Update
Engineering and Value Study
A value engineering study for the wastewater treatment facility project was completed the prior week, with a draft delivered to the engineering firm for quality review. The Board expects to receive the final version the following Wednesday. Preliminary indications suggest the study yielded some viable cost-saving ideas but no dramatic reductions — the project budget is not expected to decrease by more than a few million dollars from the current estimate of approximately $117 million. (link)
EPA and Legal Update
Town legal counsel reached out to EPA regarding an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC), and the agency indicated it intends to deliver the document within the next few weeks — potentially before Town Meeting. The EPA expressed satisfaction with the proposed timeline submitted by the town. (link)
Funding
The town received its fourth disbursement of $249,000 from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund, drawing on the design contract with the engineering firm. Approximately $500,000 remains available under that contract. Staff emphasized the importance of entering a construction engineering contract to maintain disbursement continuity. (link)
Staff also attended webinars hosted by a U.S. Senate office on congressional directed spending opportunities. All programs were described as still open, with a March application deadline for fiscal year 2027 funding. The Board agreed to pursue a federal grant application for the following year, noting the project’s maturity and town support would strengthen an application. The town’s engineering firm has a government finance division that may assist with grant applications. Federal resources including grants.gov and SAM.gov were also discussed. (link)
2026 Town Meeting Planning
Polling Hours and Logistics
The Board voted to set polling hours for the March 10 Town Election from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the business session beginning at 6:00 p.m. The change from the previously posted 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. window was made to allow adequate time to count ballots — particularly given the large number of bond articles and zoning amendments requiring secret ballots — before the start of the business session. Absentee ballots will be processed beginning at 1:00 p.m. Voting will take place in the school gymnasium, with DPW handling setup the day prior. (link)
The Board also discussed the possibility of a second session on the following evening if business is not completed in one night, contingent on room availability and progress made during the first session. A practical threshold of three hours was suggested before deciding whether to adjourn to a second night. (link)
Warrant Article Review
The Board conducted a detailed walkthrough of the draft warrant, resulting in several structural changes. (link)
Article 4 — Wastewater Treatment Facility ($75.2 million authorization): The Board voted 3-0 to recommend. The article includes specific reference to the Municipal Revenue Bond Act (RSA Chapter 33-B), which the Board’s bond counsel advised is critical for accessing federal revenue bond financing, including WIFIA loans with longer borrowing terms. The Board plans to defer full discussion of this article to later in the meeting session, after completing the other bond articles and starting the clock on required open voting periods. (link)
Articles 5 and 6 — Road Infrastructure Bonds: Article 5 covers water line and paving work and received a 3-0 recommendation. Article 6 covers sewer line extensions and received a 2-0-1 vote (one abstention due to a conflict of interest). The Board agreed to create a new Article 7 specifically for sewer line work on a road where costs are disproportionately high relative to the number of homes served — approximately $550,000 for four houses. The new article was given a split vote of 1-1 with one abstention, with the Board noting voters should have the ability to make an independent judgment on that expenditure. The Board discussed that the two articles are logically linked, as the Jasinski Road sewer extension would not be viable without the broader sewer project also passing. (link)
Article 9 — Tripoli Road Work ($1.24 million): This article passed 2-1, with one board member voting against due to unresolved questions about the scope of work permitted within the national forest and ongoing discussions with the U.S. Forest Service. (link)
Article 10 — Engineering for River Road and West Branch Road Sewer: Originally drafted as a $50,000 bond article, the Board agreed to remove it from the bond category and fund it from the town’s fund balance instead, creating a cleaner standalone article. The change avoids a required supermajority vote and reduces the number of secret ballot items. (link)
Zoning Amendments — Articles 3 and 6 (Planning Board): The Board voted 3-0 to recommend Amendment 3 (general definitions update) and voted 2-1 on Amendment 6 (ADU-related provisions). The Board noted the Conservation Commission will provide its own brief presentation on the relevant article at Town Meeting. (link)
Capital Reserve Articles: The Board reviewed and approved recommendations for multiple capital reserve fund contributions covering public safety equipment, assessing, municipal facilities and property, and municipal equipment. The community power reserve fund contribution was separated into its own standalone article to avoid confusion and ensure voters understand its purpose — potentially funding a solar panel feasibility study. (link)
Operating Budget (Article 12): The Board voted 3-0 to recommend the operating budget as presented, noting the two primary drivers of the approximately 12% increase are debt service and personnel costs. The Board declined to reduce the $100,000 contingency line, arguing it provides a necessary safety net and any unspent funds are returned to surplus, which can be used to reduce the tax rate later in the year. Discussion of employee benefits arose following a community member’s question; the Board reaffirmed its support for the town’s contribution structure, citing surveys showing comparable or lower salaries relative to surrounding towns. (link)
A community member also raised questions about whether the town could more directly recover costs associated with increased public safety and infrastructure demands during high-traffic resort periods. The Board acknowledged the topic of impact fees and commercial rate structures is on their agenda for the coming year, particularly with an eye toward future development. (link)
Article on Tax Collector Position: The Board discussed an article that would formalize the separation of the tax collector duties from the town manager position. Town counsel recommended placing it on the official ballot given precedent from when the positions were originally combined. The Board will prepare an explanatory sheet for the ballot, and a discussion of contingency plans was tabled pending Town Meeting outcome. (link)
Ordinance Updates: Several later articles address updates to town ordinances, focused on removing duplication and aligning language with current state law. The Board emphasized these are housekeeping changes, not policy shifts, and will be accompanied by clear explanations at Town Meeting. (link)
Capital Account Carry-Forwards
The Board voted to carry forward $2,583,834.38 in prior appropriations (including road bond funds and fire truck authorization) and lapse $109,596.84 to surplus, following the recommendation of the town’s auditor that these actions could be taken in a single motion. (link)
Town Manager Search Update
The hiring committee has completed Zoom interviews with approximately 10 to 12 candidates and is on track to present three to four finalists to the Select Board for in-person interviews. The Board tentatively selected Thursday, March 12 — two days after Town Meeting — as the date for finalist interviews, with the possibility of moving to March 17 or 19 depending on scheduling. A full-day format was preferred, with morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate multiple candidates. (link)
The Board noted it will provide a brief update on the search at the opening of Town Meeting, including recognition of those who have stepped in during the transition period. (link)
Ex Officio Reports
The Municipal Solid Waste Working Group met and is exploring options beyond the Pemi Baker Solid Waste District as the group assesses solutions to the closure of the Bethlehem facility. The group is meeting monthly. (link)
A planning board update noted that a community member has submitted a request to be appointed as an alternate member. Additionally, a current alternate member has requested a full member seat, and a current full member has requested to step down to alternate status. The Board indicated these changes would be processed, maintaining a full planning board through the transition. The planning board will also be considering parking baseline requirements, particularly in light of potential changes at Town Square. (link)
The Board adjourned at 6:24 p.m.