Waterville Valley, NH – The Waterville Valley Select Board convened on April 15, 2026, addressing a range of town matters including infrastructure projects, community programming, and ongoing financial planning. Key discussions focused on Snow’s Mountain Road, the annual Theater Under the Stars season, updates from town departments, and the future of municipal solid waste management.
Public Concerns Highlight Infrastructure and Financial Strain
During the Privilege of the Floor, a resident expressed significant disappointment regarding the handling of the Snow’s Mountain Road sewer line project (link). The resident criticized the decision to separate the sewer project from a larger bond, stating that affected property owners did not wish to bear the costs of construction or borrowing. The resident suggested the formation of a separate sewer district as an alternative approach. Additionally, concerns were raised about an aging water line on Boulder Path Road, which the Board acknowledged would cost approximately $500,000 to replace, and an unresolved easement issue related to the Golden Eagle property (link).
A second resident requested a suspension of the July 31st deadline for dumpster enclosures (link), citing uncertainty about the town’s future waste management plans. The resident questioned the logic of investing $3,000–$4,000 in enclosures if the overall system might change significantly within the next year or two.
Theater Under the Stars Approved for 21st Season
A representative from Theater Under the Stars (TUTS) presented a proposal for their 21st season of free and low-cost programming for children and families, requesting use of Packard’s Field and the Waterville Valley ice rink from approximately July 15th to August 15th, with a setup period beginning in late June (link). The Board discussed the town’s capacity to assist with moving TUTS equipment, noting that such labor support would likely not be available this year due to budget constraints and staffing limitations (link).
Concerns were raised about the condition of Packard’s Field following last year’s season, with the Director of Public Works noting that funding for field repairs had not been allocated given the extent of last year’s damage (link). The TUTS representative attributed the field damage primarily to a record drought and the tent configuration, and proposed operational adjustments — including raising tent sides during the day and shortening the overall setup period — to mitigate future impact.
A discussion followed regarding portable restrooms. The TUTS representative noted they could not afford the estimated $750 per month cost, in part because they had lost approximately $5,000 in combined town and Waterville Valley Resort Association funding (link). The Board indicated it would work to find a solution for at least one portable restroom. The Board ultimately approved the TUTS request, affirming the program’s community value.
Department Head Updates
Recreation Department: The Recreation Department reported 15 children enrolled in the spring after-school program. Recent highlights included a successful speaker series event and upcoming community trips. Pickleball participation is winding down seasonally as players shift to outdoor venues. The annual community cleanup is scheduled for May 8th at 11 a.m., with a gathering afterward at the Rey Center, sponsored by local businesses (link). Summer camps are nearly full, with approximately 68 spots remaining. Enrollment is currently split roughly 50/50 between taxpayer and guest participants, with staff noting that the guest category often includes relatives of residents. The department projects approximately $45,000 in increased revenue for 2026 based on recently approved rate changes (link). The Freedom Pass program is operating smoothly. The Board noted that the Waterville Valley Lodging Association has not coordinated with the Recreation Department regarding its planned summer events.
Public Safety Department: The department highlighted recent school engagement activities, including “Stop the Bleed” training for middle school students and a junior first responder fitness challenge. Staff also completed annual firearms training and firefighter mask fit testing. Seasonal call data showed roughly half the usual mountain calls compared to prior years, offset by an increase in town calls, with illness — rather than trauma — driving the higher town volume (link). Updates were provided on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, currently awaiting federal approval at the state level, and the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which has not been updated since 2010 (link). The EOP update is estimated to cost approximately $2,500 if completed through the existing contractor, or $3,500 with a grant match. The department noted the EOP should be budgeted for next year. An officer is graduating from the police academy next Friday, and a retiring officer with 16 years of service will remain on part-time. The new Engine 1 fire truck is expected to be ready for factory inspection by end of May, with delivery anticipated mid-June to early July. Adventure Zone permitting is awaiting review of an updated performance bond from Tyrell.
Public Works Department: The department announced the trash truck is back in service after repairs. Spring preparations are underway, including street sweeping expected approximately one week before Memorial Day, and crosswalk signs have been installed (link). Dam block removal for pond maintenance is on schedule, though the pond may not be ready for boat operations by Memorial Day weekend under the current timeline (link). A bench memorial program proposal was submitted for Board review. The department also flagged two tall trees near the library as potential safety concerns, with removal estimated at approximately $5,000 (link). The Board recommended engaging a qualified arborist before proceeding and suggested prioritizing previously identified problem trees across town given budget constraints. Brush day is coordinated with the May 8th community cleanup. A staff member recently passed the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test and will now assist with trash truck operations.
Municipal Services Department: The department reported ongoing post-winter repair work on lagoon aeration headers and preparations for the upcoming breakpoint season. For the Wastewater Treatment Plant project, the engineering firm has been engaged and is at work. The town is awaiting a revised draft of the Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) from the U.S. EPA (link). A recent meeting with EPA was described as productive; town staff educated EPA representatives on aspects of the lagoon system they had not fully understood, and the agency appeared amenable to the town’s concerns regarding project timelines and compliance feasibility. Town staff pushed back on EPA’s proposed study completion date of September 2026, proposing end-of-December 2026 instead. The Board is also seeking to bond for potential failures in the existing facility, particularly the remaining functioning carbon vessel. Staff noted they are still awaiting a response from the NH DES Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) contact regarding federal funding availability.
Administrative Services: A software update caused a slight delay in mailing quarterly utility bills; bills have since been printed and are being sent. The Tax Collector name on bills has been updated, and past-due property tax amounts have been removed from utility bills to reduce customer confusion. Auditors are scheduled to be on-site April 30th. The new Town Manager has already begun an informal onboarding process, meeting with department heads and sitting in on capital project meetings ahead of his official April 30th start date.
Ongoing Projects and Future Planning
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): The Board discussed transfer station staffing now that a staff member has obtained a CDL, expressing strong support for keeping Sunday hours open and suggesting reduced hours during the current shoulder season as a way to manage overtime costs (link). The Board noted that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are not recognized holidays and cannot be used as closed days. The incoming Town Manager is expected to review transfer station operations. The Board requested an updated assessment of non-compliant dumpsters now that winter has passed, to be discussed at the next meeting. The July 31st deadline for dumpster enclosure compliance was kept in place, with the Board directing staff to focus on obtaining outstanding plans from properties that have not yet submitted them (link). The question of the town’s legal obligation to service commercial solid waste is still pending a response from Town Counsel.
Boulder Path Road Construction: A meeting was scheduled for April 16th with the engineering firm and road contractor to finalize the construction schedule. The Board discussed the anticipated approach of completing Boulder Path Road in 2026 and Snow’s Mountain Road work in 2027, while noting complexities related to water line interconnections that may affect how Snow’s Mountain Road work can be phased (link). A special Select Board meeting was tentatively scheduled for April 22nd at 1:00 p.m. to review the finalized construction plan (link).
Conference Center Connector Trail Repairs: The resort has expressed interest in upgrading the Conference Center Connector Trail, which runs partially on town land, to improve terrain, clear obstacles, and potentially add lighting (link). The Board is enthusiastic about the project and is working to establish maintenance and use agreements to prevent future deterioration and clarify responsibilities for the town-owned portion of the trail.
Town Lighting: Staff requested approval to replace two non-functioning older solar lights in town — one at the corner of Valley Road and Packard’s Road, and another at the corner of Lost Pass and Valley Road — using the Street Light Capital Reserve Fund, which holds approximately $50,000 (link). The Board asked staff to compile a comprehensive list of non-working lights and associated replacement costs, emphasizing the need for uniform lighting aesthetics across town.
Financial Advisory Committee: The Board is compiling a list of interested candidates for the new Financial Advisory Committee. The incoming Town Manager will review the candidates, define the committee’s structure and membership criteria — including whether a full-time residency requirement should apply — and is expected to have the committee operational by late May or June (link).
Fireworks Display: The Waterville Valley Foundation is organizing a fundraiser to fund the 2026 fireworks display. The Board set a confirmation deadline of May 20th. Discussions covered the town’s financial obligations for special detail personnel (police and fire) and the potential cost savings of holding the display at an alternative location such as the golf course, which could reduce staffing needs and duration of road closures (link). A legal opinion is being sought regarding the Foundation paying the fireworks vendor directly. The Board noted that detail costs will come out of the existing special detail budget line regardless of location, and that any funds donated to the town must be recorded as revenue rather than offsetting expenses directly.
Board Concerns and Directives
The Board discussed takeaways from a recent Planning Board meeting, noting that the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will need to include the Wastewater Treatment Plant project, and that the town should implement an impact fee ordinance covering various categories of development impact (link). Town Counsel is working on draft ordinance language, with existing templates available from other municipalities. The Board also discussed the importance of communicating Planning Board condition compliance — including any modifications made in the field — back to the Planning Board as part of a regularized reporting process.
The Board noted that a discussion of Select Board meeting times and format will be taken up with the incoming Town Manager, who has been asked to review the overall structure of Board meetings and consider whether adjustments to timing or format could improve public accessibility.
The Board then moved into non-public session to discuss a legal matter (link).