The Waterville Valley Select Board convened on June 3, 2026, to discuss a range of town matters, including significant infrastructure projects, financial approvals, and community updates. The meeting covered progress on the new wastewater treatment plant, road reconstruction, solid waste management, and various departmental reports.
Community Initiatives and Tributes
A resident addressed the Board regarding the replacement of a dying memorial tree near Packard’s Field. The resident offered to purchase an indigenous tree and requested assistance from the Department of Public Works for digging the hole and installation. The Town Manager confirmed that the Department of Public Works would coordinate with the resident on the details and logistics of the tree replacement. (link)
The Board officially acknowledged the recent passing of David Britton, recognizing his significant contribution to the town, particularly his donation of over 13 acres of land for the perpetual use of town residents and taxpayers. Arrangements for a memorial service have been made to use Packard’s Field, with a date of June 20th mentioned. (link) The Board noted that the donated land — a former town dump — is still the subject of ongoing state review regarding capping requirements. A public hearing will be held in the future to gather input from residents on the best uses for the land, with a dog park having been a particular interest of Mr. Britton’s. (link)
Financial Approvals and Updates
The Board approved the minutes from their April 1st and April 15th meetings. (link)
A significant financial action was the authorization of a vote to finalize the borrowing of $4.556 million from the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank. This bond sale bundles funding for a new fire engine, road repairs, and the wastewater treatment plant. The Board unanimously approved the motion, with the interest rate expected to be known within a couple of weeks. (link)
The Board also approved the acceptance of a $4,059 refund from the town’s insurance provider, Primex, due to a surplus in workers’ compensation payments. This amount will be deposited into the general fund as miscellaneous revenue. (link)
The Board announced that the Assistant Town Manager has been appointed to the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank by the Governor and confirmed by the Executive Council — a development expected to be beneficial for the town’s future financial dealings. (link)
Departmental Updates
Water Department: A water system operator reported that the town is currently at “abnormally dry” status — the lowest level of drought concern — following recent rainfall. Residents were encouraged to remain conservative with water use as the dry season approaches. (link) The Board discussed the need to re-engage on developing regulations for commercially installed sprinkler systems to manage water consumption. (link) Staff also repaired a leaking chlorine injection saddle, and work is progressing on activating a new water line that will provide redundancy for the town’s water supply. (link)
Recreation Department: The Recreation Director announced that the school program ends soon, followed by a kickball and barbecue event with the school. Registration for the July 4th parade float is open, and for the first time, walkers and bikers are also invited to register, with a nominal fee covering bike decorations and supervision. (link) The annual family carnival will also take place on July 4th, running from noon to 3:30 PM. Boat rentals are open on weekends until June 21st, then will run Tuesday through Sunday until August 16th. New playground chips have been delivered to Packard’s Field, enhancing safety. (link) Two missing barrels on the beach are being replaced, and participation in guided hikes and bike rides remains strong. Efforts are underway to offer more excursions outside the valley — including destinations in Vermont and Albany — to increase the value of guided programs. (link)
Police and Fire Department: The Director of Public Safety reported that the new fire engine is expected to be delivered in July following a successful inspection in Florida. The new utility pickup truck and administrative vehicle have also been received. A new officer is working solo shifts, and another staff member is expected to return from surgery the following week. The Chief also mentioned working with the Adventure Zone to address erosion issues near the pond following recent heavy rain. (link)
Adventure Zone: Construction on the mini-golf course at the Adventure Zone was expected to begin on the day of the meeting, with plans reviewed and approved by the Planning Board. The mini-golf course is anticipated to be installed this season, though the facility’s main building plans are still pending. (link)
Department of Public Works: The Public Works Director reported on general operations, including mowing and cemetery work. Discussions are underway to relocate pathway lights along the paved path from the Golden Eagle to Town Square, and to potentially add electrical outlets to those fixtures. (link)
Grant Opportunities and Funding
The Assistant Town Manager provided an update on several grant opportunities: (link)
- A $60,000 grant for lead investigation in the water system is moving forward, with a kickoff call scheduled with the state.
- A $250,000 grant through the Northern Borders Regional Commission for a CMOM (Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance) study of the wastewater collection system is also being pursued.
- The town has resubmitted its Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) application to reflect updated project costs, and is also working on the State Aid Grant (SAG) application, which now requires annual reapplication.
- The Board is considering initiating an application for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program, which could cover up to 80% of project costs. While the application fee is substantial — estimated at approximately $25,000 — there is no penalty if the loan is ultimately not borrowed. (link)
Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
The Board received an update on the wastewater treatment plant project. Engineering firm Black & Veatch is actively engaged, with multiple meetings per week and a site visit scheduled for June 16th to assess the existing plant’s operational needs until the new plant is complete. Engineers specializing in biomass will evaluate the lagoons to quantify sludge depth. (link) Design conditions are progressing, with 60–80% of the preliminary design complete. The AOC was signed and submitted to NH DES on May 29th, and the town confirmed it is currently in full compliance with all legal obligations. (link)
Efforts are also underway to secure additional funding, including outreach to a lobbying firm — identified in the transcript as Sheehan and Penny, a Manchester and Portsmouth firm with over 70 attorneys and 40 lobbyists — to advocate for the project at the state and federal levels. (link)
Solid Waste Management
The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) working group recommended extending the deadline for dumpster enclosure compliance by one year, to the end of July 2027. This extension would allow condo associations and commercial entities more time to evaluate their options, whether using the transfer station or hiring private haulers. (link) The Public Works Director is also developing a Request for Information (RFI) for the design of a pole barn, ramp, and compactor at the transfer station to gather cost estimates for a future town meeting appropriation. (link) The Board noted that 84.5% of solid waste operating costs are currently covered by quarterly payments, with the remaining 15.5% coming from general taxation. (link)
Road Projects
The Boulder Path Road project is now scheduled to begin on June 8th, a delay from the initial mid-May start. The project includes re-engineering for a hydrant relocation and water main adjustments. Through proactive work by water department staff, the town avoided the need for a temporary water line installation, reducing a $43,000 change order to just over $9,000. (link) The Board acknowledged concerns from local businesses about the impact of construction delays during the peak summer season. A resident asked whether the project could be postponed until September or even deferred a full year given the contractor’s pattern of delays, and the Board noted that any such change would require negotiation with the contractor. (link)
Other road work includes borings on Valley Road scheduled for June 8th, and ongoing engineering for Cascade and Lost Pass. (link) A recurring sewer freezing issue at the end of River Road near the Soper House was identified as requiring an engineering solution before that section can be repaved. The Board also noted that the delay in addressing this problem had previously held up a larger West Branch Road project. (link)
The Board also discussed a request to revisit the decision not to install sewer lines on Snow’s Mountain Road. Because the current Boulder Path Road construction requires 600 feet of sewer installation for a future Snow’s Mountain Road tie-in, changing course mid-project would be difficult. However, natural delays in the construction schedule may create an opportunity to revisit the question. The issue of sewer access on Snow’s Mountain Road has come before voters multiple times. (link)
Other Board Concerns and Directives
The Board discussed the need to expand the town cemetery, noting that the community will require additional capacity in the future. Re-contacting adjacent landowners is on the Town Manager’s list of priorities. (link)
The Board also emphasized the importance of securing outstanding easements, particularly for the Golden Eagle and the Village Trail, to ensure continued access and maintenance. (link)
Pond dredging was another topic of discussion. The Board reviewed the existing $4 million design — which had been placed on hold — and considered alternatives, including engaging other engineering firms for less expensive designs and the potential use of dredged material as a cap for the former landfill on the Britton property. The Board plans to hold a dedicated meeting on pond dredging and expressed interest in involving a resident with extensive research into the pond’s classification and the possibility that routine maintenance dredging could be far less costly than the current design. (link) The Conservation Commission also noted that a sedimentation control structure under the bridge near the pond’s inlet had been ruled out by the EPA, and that upstream sedimentation work on Snow’s Brook is being pursued through the small projects approval process, with a US Forest Service meeting scheduled. (link)
The Town Square dock, which is in disrepair and partially off town property, was identified as another item needing attention. A prior repair estimate had come in around $15,000–$18,000. (link)
New transfer station placards will be available beginning the following day. Residents must appear in person at the transfer station to obtain them, though the application form will be available on the town website. Each tax property is allowed a maximum of two placards; replacements for lost placards will cost $10. The deadline for all residents to obtain new placards is December 31, 2026. (link)
The Board also raised beautification concerns, requesting that the developer of Golden Heights Road complete landscaping at the intersection of Golden Heights Road and Valley Road (link), and asking staff to follow up with the ski resort regarding leaning or knocked-over cross-country trail signs. (link)
Finally, the Board initiated discussions about forming a Bicentennial Committee to plan for Waterville Valley’s 200th anniversary. The town’s incorporation date is believed to be June 24, 1829, which falls close to Independence Day — potentially allowing for a combined celebration in 2029. Board members noted that planning for a notable keynote speaker would require beginning the process well in advance. (link)
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a non-public session for a legal matter. (link)