Waterville Valley, NH – The Waterville Valley Select Board met on May 20, 2026, for a regular meeting covering a broad range of municipal topics, including the future of the Snow’s Mountain Road sewer project, fireworks funding, code enforcement concerns, infrastructure updates, and the rollout of the town’s Community Power program.
Snow’s Mountain Road Sewer Project
During privilege of the floor, a public official raised concerns about the planned sewer extension along Snow’s Mountain Road, asking the Board to postpone construction (link). The speaker argued that voter fatigue at the March 2026 Town Meeting — following approval of a $70.2 million wastewater treatment plant bond and a $5.05 million road project bond — may have contributed to the defeat of the Snow’s Mountain sewer warrant articles. Key points included that excavation to sewer depth will be necessary regardless for water main repairs, making this a cost-effective opportunity; that residents on the road who lack sewer access may have legal standing to challenge their share of wastewater treatment costs; and that a standalone warrant article with clearer public education could fare better at a future town meeting.
A second member of the public, a former Select Board member, agreed with postponing the project and suggested that properties along Jasinski Road might be more affordably served by routing lines down to Lower Greeley Hill Road rather than pumping uphill (link).
Staff confirmed that the engineering firm has been asked to pause further design work pending this discussion. The state has already rejected the firm’s proposed “Jellyfish” drainage technology, requiring a traditional drainage system and an Alteration of Terrain permit. The Board noted ongoing uncertainty about the contractor’s plans and expressed reservations about proceeding with Snow’s Mountain Road construction this year. Both Board members present indicated their intent to revisit funding a sewer warrant article for next year’s Town Meeting (link).
Fireworks Funding Secured
A representative of the Waterville Valley Foundation confirmed that fundraising for the upcoming fireworks display has been successful (link). The Foundation committed at the outset of its April fundraiser to cover any shortfall from its savings — noting that the Waterville Valley Business Association had already contributed $3,000 toward the estimated $17,000 cost. The Foundation’s role concludes with payment to the pyrotechnics company; all logistical coordination going forward is the town’s responsibility.
Code Enforcement and Town Aesthetics
A Planning Board member raised two code enforcement matters (link):
Dark Skies Ordinance: A hotel was identified as having a drop light bolted to its railing in apparent violation of the town’s dark skies ordinance. The Board explained the enforcement process: the presumed violator receives notice and has 30 days to correct the issue, followed by a second 30-day period before court action may be taken. The Board confirmed the matter is already under review by code enforcement and committed to following up on the timeline.
Golden Heights Landscaping Condition: A planning board condition required Arborvitae plantings to screen a front parking apron at the Golden Heights development. The development instead installed Mountain Laurels, which grow significantly lower (link). The Board noted that a specific species was in fact required under the condition and agreed to investigate whether the developer is in violation. Staff indicated the matter should be submitted in writing to code enforcement, and the Board expressed a desire to ensure compliance before a construction sign-off is issued.
A Planning Board member, speaking as a private citizen, also requested the installation of a split-rail fence or similar safety barrier around a recently repaired storm drain near Tri-Pyramid Condos, noting the drain drops sharply below grade and could pose a hazard to pedestrians at night (link). The Director of Public Works confirmed the town will look into it.
The Board also addressed an ongoing arrangement with Tri-Pyramid Condos regarding debris pickup from a town-owned strip of land between the road and the condos (link). The town agreed to continue picking up leaves and small branches, provided they are bagged going forward. Staff noted that budget and personnel constraints may make the arrangement harder to sustain in future years.
Merrimack River Watershed Coalition Proposed
A former Select Board member suggested that Waterville Valley form a regional coalition with watershed organizations and municipalities along the Merrimack River to amplify its voice in seeking federal and state funding for the wastewater treatment plant project (link). The speaker noted that Waterville Valley sits at the headwaters of the Merrimack River and is held to the highest discharge standards in the country, yet has only approximately 740 full-time residents to bear a project cost estimated around $100 million. Suggested partners included the Merrimack River Watershed Council, NH Rivers Council, Trout Unlimited, NH Association of Conservation Commissions, Pemi Baker Land Trust, the Nature Conservancy, Five Rivers Conservation Trust, the Society for the Protection of NH Forests, and downstream communities in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The interim Town Manager noted that staff had held a call that same day with the office of U.S. Senator Shaheen and received contacts in Washington, D.C. for additional funding mechanisms. Staff also confirmed they had made similar arguments about the town’s small population and outsized financial burden to congressional staff. The Board welcomed both efforts as complementary approaches to building support.
Department Head Updates
Public Works (link): Preparations are underway for Memorial Day weekend, including reinstalling boats and docks at the pond and conducting street sweeping. Delineators are scheduled to go up the following day. The Director reported that dam repairs are complete and the pond valve has been restored to working order after several years out of service. Regarding the pond water level, the Board confirmed an informal agreement with the ski resort to maintain the state-recommended winter level of elevation 1474, with coordinated increases permitted temporarily for snowmaking. Discussions on formalizing this in a written maintenance and use agreement with the resort are ongoing. The Board also discussed bent roadside reflectors and an illegible “no parking fire lane” sign near the Academy and West Branch Road — both items were flagged for follow-up with code enforcement and public works.
Public Safety (link): The Police Department responded to 67 calls for service over the reporting period, including welfare checks, suspicious incidents, dog bites, 26 motor vehicle stops, and three accidents. Fire and EMS responded to seven calls, including a structure fire in Campton and a bear rescue. A “Coffee with a Cop” community event is tentatively scheduled for June 3rd at the Jobtown location, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. New equipment has arrived, including a utility truck and a second administrative vehicle. Two staff members are currently in Florida for an inspection of Engine 2. Code enforcement issued permits for two renovations, one new construction, and one permit for the fireworks display.
Staff also noted that landscaping contractors have been responsive to requests to stay off multi-use walkways and are parking on the opposite side of the road instead.
Parks and Recreation (link): The after-school program ends June 4th, with summer camp and seasonal evening programs beginning June 22nd. Staff orientation week runs June 15–19. Boat rentals open at Corcoran Pond on May 23rd, and playground wood chips are scheduled for delivery June 2nd. The town anticipates increased summer camp enrollment following the cancellation of a neighboring town’s program. The Board requested data at the next meeting on the breakdown of camp enrollment between residents and non-residents.
Administration (link): The Board discussed an ongoing source of resident confusion: an “Other Amount Due” line on property tax bills that also captures outstanding water, sewer, and trash balances. Staff explained the line has been effective at recovering previously uncollected amounts, but acknowledged the formatting — with negative revenue figures shown in red with parentheses — can be misread as a deficit. Staff will explore adding explanatory language to the town website and work with the billing software vendor on display options.
New Business
Budget Advisory Committee (link): The Board is establishing a Budget Advisory Committee to provide fiscal recommendations. Nine residents have expressed interest. The Town Manager asked each to submit a brief background statement, after which the Board will select three citizen members to serve alongside the Town Manager and one Select Board member. The committee is expected to be constituted in mid-to-late June, with an organizational meeting to follow.
Pond Loop Trail Closure (link): Construction activity associated with the Adventure Zone development has led to intermittent closures of the Pond Loop Trail near Corcoran Pond. The Board expressed dissatisfaction that the town was not notified in advance. The Chair noted that the town holds a 16-foot pedestrian and bicycle easement that must remain within 100 feet of the pond and stated a strong preference against any extended closure. The Board suggested that temporary construction details — similar to flaggers used in road work — could allow the trail to remain passable even when equipment is operating nearby, rather than requiring outright closure. Staff agreed to request an updated construction management plan addressing trail access, and asked the developer to identify any other anticipated impacts on town operations (link).
Old Business
Wastewater Treatment Plant (link): Staff reported receiving the long-awaited “flows and loads” analysis from the project engineering firm the previous day — a critical step in advancing the design process. The report had not yet been reviewed in detail but will be shared with the Board once staff has had a chance to assess it. The Board confirmed the EPA Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) has been signed, committing the town to a study timeline. A $42 million state funding commitment has been secured, and staff are actively pursuing additional federal and congressional funding sources, including contacts from Senator Shaheen’s office and Congresswoman Goodlander’s office (link).
Municipal Solid Waste (link): The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) working group is now meeting twice monthly to work through the details of a proposed transfer station upgrade. A request for proposals (RFP) has been drafted for a compactor, pole barn, ramp, and associated electrical work. Discussion continues on how to equitably structure fees across different property categories — including hotels, condominiums, and purely commercial entities. A representative of a hotel property raised concerns during public comment that cost structures should not shift burdens unfairly onto property owners who are already paying per-unit trash fees and may have limited practical ability to use the transfer station directly. The Board acknowledged these complexities and reaffirmed the goal of creating an equitable system available to all property owners. The closure of the Bethlehem transfer facility in 2027 was cited as an additional external pressure making the transition increasingly urgent (link). The MSW committee meets again Tuesday, May 26th at 9:00 a.m.; the public is welcome to attend.
Boulder Path Road Construction (link): Equipment and materials are being staged on the sidewalk side of Boulder Path Road in advance of ground-breaking, expected the Tuesday after Memorial Day. The pedestrian pathway alongside the road will be fully closed for the duration of the project, which is estimated to run through the end of August. The road itself will remain open most of the time, with single-lane and occasional full closures anticipated for specific construction phases. The Board emphasized that residents and visitors must be clearly directed to the alternate route along Osceola Road, and noted that information will be included in the June 1st issue of the Wig Wag. The Board also raised concerns about protecting Wonder Points — informational signs concreted into the ground along the path — and nearby benches. Staff agreed to assess whether the markers need to be removed before construction begins and will coordinate with the parties who own the signs.
Community Power Update
A member of the Community Power Committee provided an update on the town’s new community power aggregation program (link). Residents received letters in late April describing three participation options — a default middle-tier option offering approximately half a cent per kilowatt-hour in savings over the standard NH Electric Co-op rate, a lower-cost “basic” option saving slightly over a full cent per kilowatt-hour, and a premium 100% renewable option — as well as the ability to opt out entirely. The opt-out window closed May 23rd. As of the meeting, early opt-out rates were tracking well below the 10–20% baseline seen in other towns. Some residents who had been defaulted out of the program due to pre-existing competitive supply or net-metering arrangements have chosen to opt in. The program officially begins in June, with enrollment activity figures expected by July 1st. A follow-up update is planned for the June 3rd Board meeting.
Board Concerns
A Board member noted that Waterville Valley Elementary School is hosting a Memorial Day walkway event open to the public. The member also requested that the American flag at Town Square — described as tattered and torn — be either replaced or properly retired before Memorial Day (link).
The next regular Select Board meeting is scheduled for June 3rd at 3:00 p.m. at Town Hall.