Waterville Valley, NH – The Select Board convened for its regular meeting on September 16, 2026, addressing a range of town matters including an update on the landfill closure project, new transfer station operating hours, the future of the town dock, progress on the wastewater treatment plant, and community power contract negotiations.
Landfill Closure Update
A representative from an environmental engineering firm provided an update on the town’s landfill closure project (link). Testing conducted over the summer has helped define the 3.3-acre landfill’s lateral extent and characterize the existing cap material. In several locations, cap thickness measured seven feet or more, well above the general minimum standard. The next phase will involve detailed mapping using a geoprobe to create a grid pattern across the site, measuring the precise thickness of existing clean cap material and identifying any areas requiring additional fill.
The board discussed submitting plans to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) for approval under a pre-1981 landfill closure designation, which carries less rigorous requirements and does not qualify for certain state reimbursement programs available to post-1981 sites.
A significant discussion point was the potential to use dredged material from Corcoran Pond as capping material for the landfill. The board noted that coupling the two projects — pond dredging and landfill capping — could offer substantial cost savings by eliminating the need to truck material both in and out. The engineering consultant indicated that the pond material is likely to be relatively clean, though testing would be required to confirm its suitability. The board agreed that the state has generally been flexible on project timelines, provided progress is being demonstrated. The town manager was directed to work with the consultant to obtain cost estimates for the geoprobe grid survey and preliminary monitoring wells in time for 2027 budget discussions.
A post-closure monitoring plan involving hydrogeological study and groundwater wells was also noted as part of the long-term landfill closure work plan, though that element is not required before advancing the capping and design phases.
Transfer Station Hours
The board took up the Municipal Solid Waste Committee’s recommendation for new transfer station operating hours (link). The proposed schedule — Thursday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. — reflects staffing considerations and feedback that Monday is a high-demand day due to condo rental turnover patterns.
The board agreed to implement these hours effective November 1, 2026, with outreach to residents and property owners planned through the town’s quarterly billing statements (due to mail in mid-October), signage at the transfer station, and the town website. A public hearing on transfer station operations is scheduled for October 14 at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room. The board noted that hours remain subject to adjustment based on observed demand, and that holiday coverage will be coordinated as needed.
The board also accepted, subject to negotiation by the town manager, a proposal from an engineering firm for design of the new transfer station compactor and ramp facility, with the goal of reducing the proposal’s scope and cost. Two line items — conceptual alternatives development and bidding assistance — were identified as potentially unnecessary and removable from the contract.
The board also discussed the transition for condo associations and property managers navigating the shift away from town trash collection. A community member with knowledge of the local property management landscape described ongoing conversations with associations about private hauler options, noting that many are still working through logistics but that hauler interest is solid. The board affirmed that staff transitioning away from curbside collection routes will have more time available for DPW beautification and landscaping work around town.
Town Dock Repairs
The board addressed the deteriorating condition of the town dock on Corcoran Pond (link). A site inspection revealed that the cost of necessary repairs would likely approach or exceed $100,000, significantly higher than earlier verbal estimates in the $70,000–$80,000 range. Both access points to the dock have significant structural compromise, and UV degradation has rendered the composite decking brittle. The board agreed the dock is not safe for public access in its current condition.
Rather than installing temporary barriers, the board voted to authorize the town manager to remove the dock as soon as practicable and, if interested, to approach the ski resort about taking the structure as-is. The board noted that the dock sits primarily on Tyrell Development and resort land, with only a small corner of the dock falling within town-owned property. No easement or formal written agreement was found in town records governing the current arrangement. Following removal, the board discussed presenting a warrant article at the next Town Meeting to let voters decide whether to fund a replacement structure.
Safety barriers will be installed promptly at the brick staircase leading to the former dock location. Members expressed a desire to make any temporary barrier as aesthetically appropriate as possible given the dock’s prominence in the Town Square area, especially during the fall foliage season.
Corcoran Pond Winter Operations MOU
The board briefly addressed an updated memorandum of understanding with the resort regarding Corcoran Pond winter operations (link). With edits agreed upon, the town manager indicated he would bring the document forward to the resort for signature. New security hardware fabricated by DPW staff for the pond’s dock blocks was noted as a significant improvement.
Skijoring on Boulder Path
The board discussed a question about the future of skijoring, an annual winter event traditionally held at Boulder Path (link). The recent installation of curbing as part of the Boulder Path reconstruction may affect how horse trailers and participants access the area. The town manager indicated he would reach out to the event organizer to coordinate early and explore solutions, including a possible temporary road closure if the location remains preferable. The event has historically drawn a crowd and raised money for the Rey Center.
Community Power Rate Agreement
The board received an update from the chair of the Community Power Committee on the newly executed electrical service agreement (link). After several weeks of negotiations with the town’s energy management consultant, the town signed a 36-month contract at a rate of 14.55 cents per kilowatt hour — up from the prior six-month rate of just over 10 cents per kilowatt hour, representing an increase of approximately 40 percent. The committee chair noted that the 12-month rate at the time of contracting would have been 15.2 cents, making the 36-month term the most cost-effective option available.
The current NH Electric Cooperative default rate stands at approximately 14 cents per kilowatt hour, putting the community power rate only marginally above the alternative. The new contract includes a minimal renewable energy adder — approximately one percent additional renewables — at virtually no additional cost to ratepayers. No adder for local community energy projects was included, as the committee determined the rate level did not support it.
The committee chair indicated that the program’s focus will now shift toward local renewable energy projects and resident outreach. Residents who prefer a different plan can opt out through the program’s website.
Highway Safety Grant
The board formally accepted a highway safety grant totaling $10,423.38 (link). The police chief described the grant’s components: reimbursed overtime for speed enforcement during high-traffic periods on weekends, two dedicated traffic safety mobilizations focused on distracted driving (April 5–12, 2027) and seatbelt compliance (May 17–June 6, 2027), and an 80/20 cost-share grant for in-car radar units. The town’s share for the radar equipment is estimated at approximately $1,800. The board voted to accept the grant terms as presented.
The board also discussed establishing a law enforcement revolving fund to allow reimbursed grant funds to return to a dedicated account rather than the general fund. Staff were directed to research the applicable RSA provisions and bring a proposal forward at the next meeting.
Capital Reserve Fund Disbursements
The board approved three capital reserve fund disbursements (link): $9,060 for repairs at the Rey Center’s Curious George Cottage, $33,796 for streetlight repairs, and $2,650 for solid waste truck repairs. All disbursements were drawn from capital reserve funds established for those specific purposes.
Veterans Memorial Committee
A member of the Veterans Memorial Committee presented the committee’s proposal to locate a veterans memorial at the corner of Packard’s Road and Valley Road, near the existing flower garden (link). The proposed design — in its current conceptual phase — would feature a monument recognizing the branches of military service, a flagpole, and compatible landscaping. The committee indicated it intentionally scaled back from earlier, more ambitious plans following Town Meeting feedback, and that the design would be developed through further public input before any final decisions are made.
Board members expressed general support for the Packard’s Road and Valley Road location but discussed the possibility of revisiting an alternative site near the pump house by the river, which some felt offered a more contemplative setting with room for future expansion. The committee was encouraged to check with the current wastewater superintendent about feasibility at that location, given that the prior water superintendent had objected to it.
The board also discussed the potential to connect the memorial to broader town projects, including the Waterville Valley bicentennial in 2029 and a possible Hall of Fame walk component along the Packard’s Field corridor. The committee was encouraged to pursue a revolving fund mechanism to support fundraising and long-term maintenance of the memorial.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The board received a wastewater treatment plant project update (link). Value engineering has brought the total project cost estimate down from approximately $118 million to roughly $95 million — a reduction of about $23 million — though the board noted it hopes to reduce costs further. The engineering team continues to evaluate additional alternatives. A call with NH DES is scheduled to explore further options.
The town manager described a site visit to the Plymouth Village Water and Sewer District to observe a larger treatment facility using different technologies. The board also discussed engaging a lobbyist to supplement outreach efforts by the engineering and legal team. The engineering firm has not yet submitted formal funding applications, as it prefers to reach 60 percent design completion — projected for December — before doing so.
A public information session on the project remains scheduled for October 9 at 6 p.m. The board agreed that even though some cost figures remain in flux, holding the session would be valuable given the high level of public interest.
Road Projects
The board received a road projects update (link). Granite curbing installation on Boulder Path is substantially complete, with the east-side curve finished and approximately 100 feet from Snow’s Mountain Road back toward Town Square expected to be completed imminently. The contractor is targeting conditional completion by October 9 or 10, ahead of Columbus Day weekend. Sidewalk construction, grading, and seeding will follow once curbing is in place.
The golf course operator has offered to provide seed for the final grading to ensure consistency with the golf course turf, and has requested two bump-out areas along the sidewalk where he will install benches at his own expense. The board discussed ensuring that any benches installed on Boulder Path are consistent in style with composite benches already in place at Packard’s Field.
Regarding Valley Road, the board noted that a culvert failure and sinkhole between Packard’s Road and the Village will likely require action, though formal engineering estimates are still pending. Other road projects under discussion for 2027 budgeting include West Branch Road and Lost Pass. The board also discussed the status of the Corcoran Pond dredging project, reiterating interest in coordinating with the environmental engineering consultant to test pond sediment material for potential use as landfill cap material.
Road Sign Auction
The board discussed plans for auctioning retired town road signs (link). After considering a Columbus Day auction, the board decided to postpone to Memorial Day weekend (tentatively Saturday, May 29, 2027) to allow time for a larger inventory of retired signs to accumulate and to create a more festive event atmosphere at the DPW building. The auction is envisioned as a community fundraiser and informal celebration of the start of summer.
Joint Select Board and School Board Meeting
The board noted that a joint meeting with the School Board is scheduled for the following day at 3 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Agenda items are expected to include capital improvement planning for both the town and school, elections, and recreation department matters.
Correspondence — Bus Service
The board addressed a volume of resident correspondence regarding changes to resort bus service (link). Members noted that the Schuss Bus is a resort service, not a municipal service, and that the town has no authority over its scheduling or stop locations. Funding for the service had been included in prior town budgets but was not included in the FY2026 budget. The board discussed putting funding back on the ballot as a warrant article for FY2027 and is drafting a public statement to clarify the town’s role and direct residents with concerns to the resort. The board also noted that some correspondence has come in supporting resort funding of the service.
Planning Board Report
A board member who serves as ex-officio on the Planning Board provided an update (link). The Planning Board recently approved a lot division on Greeley Hill Road. Two additional matters are expected at the Planning Board’s next meeting: a request to amend the use table for a Special District zone to allow food service, and a request to modify the parking space dimension standard in the zoning ordinance. The latter arose because existing parking spaces throughout town — including at town facilities — measure nine feet by eighteen feet rather than the current regulation minimum of ten feet by twenty feet. Forcing compliance with the current standard could result in a loss of sixty or more parking spaces across town.
The board also noted that a proposed site plan review regulation update, which had been developed by a now-disbanded committee, received significant criticism when it came before the Planning Board. Concerns centered on provisions that may be impractical or overly restrictive given Waterville Valley’s limited land area. The Planning Board will revisit the draft, and the Select Board member indicated he would share any provisions warranting full board input before the Planning Board votes.
Other Business
The board noted that a change to the term length for Supervisors of the Checklist will need to be placed on the Town Meeting warrant. The board also flagged the need to include a keno opt-out warrant article, as state law now defaults to allowing keno unless a municipality votes to prohibit it.
Conservation Commission and Community Power Committee appointments were addressed. The board accepted the resignation of a Conservation Commission member from her regular member seat and appointed her as an alternate, filling an available alternate vacancy. Discussions regarding Community Power Committee membership structure — specifically whether to maintain seven regular members and one alternate, or move to a smaller five-and-three configuration — were tabled pending follow-up from the committee chair, with the board affirming that in-person attendance will be required of all members going forward.