The Waterville Valley Select Board held its regular meeting on April 1, 2026, covering a wide range of municipal topics including community fundraising for budget-cut programs, departmental updates, a new solid waste management strategy, the upcoming Community Power program launch, and the appointment of a new Town Manager.
Community Fundraising Initiative
During the privilege of the floor, a resident informed the Board about a community-led campaign to raise private funds for town services and events eliminated or reduced by the 2026 budget. The effort targets items such as the July 4th fireworks and other community programs. Contributions are being directed through the Waterville Valley Foundation, with donors designating the intended recipients on their checks. The Board acknowledged the initiative and indicated further discussion would follow during the budget wrap-up later in the meeting. (link)
Minutes Approved
The Board unanimously approved minutes from the Budget and Bond Hearing of February 10, 2026, and the regular Select Board meeting of February 18, 2026. (link)
Department Head Updates
Recreation Department
The Recreation Department reported strong early results from updated program pricing. Camp registration revenue is already $11,000 ahead of the full prior-year total, and year-over-year camp revenue is projected to increase by $15,000 to $20,000. The department attributed part of the expected growth to the discontinuation of a neighboring town’s grant-funded camp program, whose participants are now enrolling in Waterville Valley programs. The department is fully staffed for the summer season. Upcoming events include a community cleanup on May 8th in partnership with the Rey Center, Waterville Valley Academy, and Waterville Valley Elementary School. The Shine and Warriors groups will also be visiting in May, with facility rentals at Packard’s Field, the gymnasium, and the beach. The Board also thanked a resident for donating prizes for the Easter golden egg hunt, an item that had been cut from the budget. (link)
Municipal Services
The Municipal Services Director reported that repairing the existing sludge pumps was determined to be cost-prohibitive; replacement is the only viable option. Lead time is 12 to 16 weeks, placing expected installation between mid-June and mid-July. The department also completed a first-quarter effluent toxicity test, which it passed. Staff noted that flows have been elevated during rain events due to infiltration into the wastewater system. Regarding the EPA visit, staff described the inspection as informal and relatively relaxed. The EPA representative had limited prior familiarity with the facility, requiring staff to walk through equipment operations in detail. The Assistant Town Manager was on site during the inspection. The town and its engineers are still negotiating the terms of an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA. The town is pushing back on the EPA’s interpretation of a proposed study, arguing that the agency is requiring immediate implementation of findings rather than allowing a feasibility review first — a distinction the town considers essential given the region’s limited construction windows and contractor availability. (link)
Public Safety
The Public Safety Director reported several updates. A staff member completed certification through the Bureau of Veterans Affairs, enabling the department to certify veteran hires for GI Bill benefits — the first time the town has had this capacity in-house. The certification process also prompted a broader cleanup of departmental training documentation for police, fire, and EMS. Regarding the Adventure Zone building permit application, the Director described a phased approval approach: site work may begin once a performance bond is reviewed by Town Counsel, but construction cannot start until complete building plans — including foundation, materials, HVAC, and sprinkler details — are submitted and approved. Planning Board members now have access to the department’s ESO records system and can upload permit conditions and track their status. Year-to-date call statistics stand at 469 police calls and 96 fire/EMS calls, consistent with the prior year. The department is also soliciting community interest in a Veterans Memorial Committee. Additionally, the town’s aerial ladder truck is currently providing mutual aid coverage to Woodstock due to a mechanical issue with that town’s tower. (link)
Public Works
The Director of Public Works reported that spring preparations are underway, including road and drainage inspections during recent rain events. The Board noted that new durable benches installed at Packard’s Field have performed well through the winter. Budget constraints prevent further bench replacements this year, but the Board expressed support for continuing the program through a donor plaque initiative when funds allow. Benches along Boulder Path Road will be removed ahead of construction work this season. Regarding the old road signs being held for auction, the failed Town Meeting warrant article for new sign posts has complicated the timeline; the signs are stored indoors and in good condition, so no immediate action is required. A stop sign knocked down at the intersection of Greeley Hill Road and Snow’s Mountain Road will be replaced once the ground thaws sufficiently. A new town access placard system will move forward, with applications to be included in second-quarter water and sewer bill mailings; residents will pick up placards in person rather than receiving them by mail. The Board discussed timing for dam repairs at Corcoran Pond, including replacing the flashboards and sealing minor non-structural cracks noted in a prior inspection. Repairs must be completed by approximately May 15th to allow the pond to reach an appropriate level before Memorial Day weekend. A damaged pond aerator remains unresolved; the Board requested a report on winter coordination with the resort regarding snowmaking water use and how that affected pond management. The department also reminded residents about bear activity and encouraged use of dumpster clips and bear-resistant digesters. (link)
Administrative Services
Administrative Services is preparing to issue first-quarter water and sewer bills the following week. The 2025 equalization ratio study has been delayed due to technical issues with the Department of Revenue Administration’s (DRA) new sales portal, though those issues are reported to be resolved and an updated equalization rate is expected shortly. The Board agreed to include information about new Recreation Department program rates in the upcoming water and sewer bill mailing. (link)
New Business
July Bond Sale
The Board held a preliminary discussion on the upcoming July bond sale through the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank, with the application due at the end of April. (link)
Known bonding needs include $645,000 for the new fire truck (expected delivery June–July) and an additional $500,000 as a contingency buffer for the Boulder Path Road project in case of change orders. Engineering funds for Valley Road, Lost Pass, Cascade Ridge, and Beanbender Road were also discussed; the town has approximately $411,000 authorized for those projects at Town Meeting, but the payment schedule may allow some of that to be drawn in January rather than July. The Board emphasized the importance of managing the debt service impact carefully, noting that last year’s $2.65 million bond at 3.94% raised total debt service by $290,000, pushing it over $1 million for 2026. A more detailed bonding plan will be presented at the next meeting.
Resort Shuttle Services
The Board discussed the town’s decision not to contribute to the resort’s 2026 shuttle service schedule. The Assistant Town Manager will send a formal written notice to the resort, as required by the existing contract, and use that letter to request a meeting to discuss the resort’s future shuttle plans — particularly regarding stops on town rights-of-way. The resort has already begun replacing or removing bus stop signs. The Board noted that the resort’s shuttle is typically on a seasonal hiatus at this time of year, providing an opportunity to negotiate updated agreements before the summer and winter schedules resume. (link)
Municipal Solid Waste Plan
The Municipal Solid Waste Committee presented a conceptual plan to address the anticipated closure of the Bethlehem transfer facility in approximately one year, which will significantly increase disposal costs. The two primary alternatives — hauling to Rochester (more than twice the current distance) or contracting with a private hauler at nearly triple the current per-ton cost — are both substantially more expensive than the current arrangement. (link)
The committee’s recommendation is to centralize all waste disposal at the town’s existing transfer station, eliminating dumpsters throughout town. The proposal would require renting two compactor units that rotate in and out as they fill, constructing a ramp, and building a pole barn to shelter the compactors and open-top containers from weather. Estimated initial construction costs are in the range of approximately $200,000. The long-term projected savings are 30–50% compared to continuing the current model, due to reduced truck maintenance, elimination of dumpster replacement costs, and anticipated reductions in tonnage from better oversight of what enters the waste stream.
The plan raises questions about commercial entities and condominium associations that currently rely on dumpsters. The Director of Public Works noted that the town is exploring private hauling options that could serve those properties. Future steps could include single-stream recycling and pay-per-throw programs, which 34 other New Hampshire municipalities have adopted and which have been associated with meaningful reductions in tonnage.
The Board unanimously supported moving forward with the conceptual plan and directed the committee to continue developing it. The Board will consult Town Counsel about the possibility of calling a special Town Meeting to appropriate construction funds, given that the timeline does not allow for a standard construction season before the Bethlehem facility closes.
Community Power Update
Representatives from the Community Power Committee and ECM Power updated the Board on the launch of the Waterville Valley Community Power program, scheduled for June 2026. (link)
The program was approved by voters in 2023. All eligible ratepayers will be automatically enrolled at a rate that saves one-half cent per kilowatt-hour compared to NH Electric Cooperative (NHEC) rates. Ratepayers who select the “basic” option can save up to one full cent per kilowatt-hour. A 100% renewable energy option is also available for two cents above the NHEC rate. NHEC will continue to handle all service infrastructure; the town’s community power supplier handles the electricity supply component only.
Ratepayers may opt out at any time without penalty. Customers with newer solar panels receiving monetary net metering credits should not enroll and will not be automatically enrolled. Customers with older panels on the NEM1 tariff (installed before 2017) may safely participate. Group net metering hosts should not participate; group net metering members may.
A public information meeting, required by statute within 15 days of the mailing going out to ratepayers, was scheduled for May 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Town Hall, to be held prior to the regular Select Board meeting. The Board agreed to start the regular meeting at 2:00 PM that day to ensure the agenda is completed before the public information session begins. The program will be advertised in the Wig Wag, on social media, and via the upcoming water and sewer bill mailing. More information is available at ecmpower.com/communities/Waterville-Valley.
Old Business
2026 Budget Wrap-up
The Board addressed how to handle private donations for programs and events affected by the 2026 budget. (link)
Three categories were identified. First, private nonprofits such as the Historical Society, WVAIA, and the Rey Center can receive donations directly from the public without town involvement. Second, municipal services such as the library have their own accounting systems; the Waterville Valley Foundation can serve as a vehicle for donations directed to those entities. Third, town-sponsored events with existing contracts — primarily the July 4th fireworks — present a more complex situation.
The fireworks company confirmed it will accept checks from entities other than the town and that the existing contract is potentially transferable. The town currently has a $3,000 contribution from the Waterville Valley Business Association (WVBA) on hand. The remaining amount needed is approximately $17,000. The company has indicated it would appreciate a firm commitment by the end of April; without sufficient funds committed by approximately June 1st, the Board would cancel the contract to avoid escalating cancellation penalties. The Waterville Valley Foundation has agreed to serve as the collection vehicle for donations toward this goal.
The Board will also consult Town Counsel on two related questions: whether the town can legally expend funds on associated event costs such as public safety details and cleanup, and how to structure any reimbursement arrangement if outside donations cover those costs. A rough estimate places those associated costs at approximately $3,600 across both departments.
The “Casting for Kirby” fishing derby will not be held this year, as the coordination required is extensive and available funds are insufficient. However, the pond will still be stocked with fish at an estimated cost of $2,000.
Financial Advisory Committee
The Board announced it is forming a Financial Advisory Committee and is seeking written expressions of interest from community members. The structure, size, and remit of the committee will be determined after the new Town Manager is on board, likely by late May. Interested residents can submit their names via email to the Select Board or the Assistant Town Manager. (link)
New Town Manager
The Board announced the appointment of Ed Mullen as the town’s new Town Manager. Mr. Mullen has signed a three-year contract and is expected to begin on April 30, 2026. He has been in contact with the Assistant Town Manager, requesting one-on-one meetings with department heads in advance of his start date. A press release will be issued, and a swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled. The Assistant Town Manager will relocate to a shared office space to make the Town Manager’s office available. (link)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Update
Engineering firm Black & Veatch is revising flow and load calculations to reflect a smaller facility design. The Board requested a formal project schedule from the engineers, with an anticipated update expected in mid- to late May. (link)
Separately, staff will bring an amendment for the Board to vote on at the next meeting, authorizing Black & Veatch to conduct additional work related to the EPA’s requests. The Board emphasized that the proposed work should be characterized as a feasibility study and facility optimization — not as a commitment to immediate implementation — in negotiating the AOC with the EPA.
The Board also discussed the possibility of establishing a sewer district to spread future wastewater infrastructure costs more equitably across connected properties over time, rather than absorbing the full financial impact in a single budget year. The Board directed staff to schedule a meeting with Town Counsel to explore available options and their legal and financial implications.
Boulder Path Road — Notice of Award
The Board voted to authorize the Assistant Town Manager to sign notices of award for two road reconstruction contracts. The same contractor was the low bidder on both the Boulder Path Road project (awarded at $1,885,099.50) and the Snow’s Mountain Road, Greeley Hill Road, and Jasinski Road project (awarded at $4,235,922.25). Work on Boulder Path Road is expected to begin within a few weeks, with equipment staging at the site. The Board requested confirmation of whether the contractor will need to use the parking area near the tennis courts, noting that this would require advance notice to affected users.
Calendar
- Planning Board: April 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- Next regular Select Board meeting: April 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
- Community Power public information meeting: May 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Town Hall
Correspondence
A Planning Board member submitted a letter dated March 17, 2026 expressing concern about vehicle speeds on Noon Peak Road and offering recommendations. The Public Safety Director noted that a previous study using the department’s radar trailer found that fewer than one percent of vehicles were actually exceeding the 25 mph speed limit, suggesting that the perception of speeding is significantly greater than actual speeds recorded. The Board directed staff to deploy the radar trailer on Noon Peak Road starting around Memorial Day weekend to gather updated data, increase directed patrols during peak times, and consider outreach to neighborhood associations to help address concerns. (link)
Board Concerns and Directives
The Board directed staff to re-engage with property owners west of the cemetery regarding a long-standing unresolved matter, potentially with the new Town Manager’s involvement. A request from “Theater Under the Stars” to use Packard’s Field again this season — including questions about storage and Department of Public Works support — will be discussed at the next meeting. One Board member announced an absence from April 30 through May 7, which will include the May 6 meeting. An update was provided by a member of the Board of Supervisors of the Checklist on a new state requirement to annually scrub the voter checklist, removing voters who have not participated in the previous five years and sending notice letters before removal; the reporting deadline is September 1, 2026. Same-day voter registration remains available.