Public Meetings - Los Alamos County, New Mexico

The Los Alamos County Inclusivity Board held an organizational meeting and training session in Room 330 at 1000 Central Avenue, with Zoom access available for remote participation. Six board members were present and one member was absent; no members of the public attended. The board approved the agenda, received training on the New Mexico Open Meetings Act and Inspection of Public Records Act, reviewed reports from the Inclusivity Task Force and the Racial Equity and Inclusivity Task Force, discussed future meeting dates, and elected officers. Note: The printed agenda lists this meeting as Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM, while the meeting record timestamp provided is 2026-11-03 16:30:00+00:00; this summary uses the provided timestamp. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was offered because no members of the public were present. Discussion Items - Introductions: Board members and staff introduced themselves. Linda Madison identified herself as deputy county manager and current staff support, Teresa Cull identified herself as county council liaison, and Katie Twaits and Neil Bellin from the County Attorney’s Office presented or observed the training. Several members cited interest in accessibility, fresh perspectives, cultural inclusion, and prior task force work. - Board purpose and Chapter 8: The board’s purpose and governing language in Chapter 8 were referenced as attachments sent by Linda Madison and were incorporated into the training presentation. - Open Meetings Act (OMA) training: Katie Twaits explained the four requirements for a public meeting: quorum, public notice, a specific agenda, and minutes. She stated that a quorum is a simple majority of appointed voting members, meaning four of the six current members, and that a quorum must exist for the entire meeting. She warned against “rolling” or “walking” quorums, including reply-all email discussions about public business among a quorum of members outside a public meeting. She noted regular meeting notices must be given at least 10 days in advance, agendas must be posted at least 72 hours in advance, and meetings cannot be held if notice deadlines are missed. Minutes must be completed within 10 working days and approved by the board. She also explained that OMA violations can invalidate actions and that individual board members could face a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500. - Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) training: Katie Twaits explained that documents, emails, texts, notes, and recordings related to board business are public records subject to IPRA, with limited exceptions. She recommended that board members segregate public business records from personal records and consider creating a dedicated email address for board work. - Task force reports: The board reviewed reports from the Inclusivity Task Force and the Racial Equity and Inclusivity Task Force. Deputy County Manager Linda Madison recommended members read the reports and prioritize recommendations before the next meeting. Ashley, who served on the REI Task Force, said the two reports’ recommendations were largely aligned and highlighted the recommendation for county oversight on racial equity and inclusivity topics and trainings, including a community speaker series and the use of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). Rachel, who served on the Inclusivity Task Force, cautioned that inclusivity can be very broad, reminded the board that it is an advisory body, and suggested the board develop a methodology for prioritizing recommendations and creating forward movement. - Future meeting calendar: The board discussed scheduling options. Monday evenings at 6:00 PM appeared to work best for most members, while noon meetings did not. One member, Jovita, was unavailable on Mondays through mid-December and unable to meet on Tuesdays. Linda Madison agreed to check whether Jovita could meet on December 7 or December 14 and to bring draft annual calendar options to the next meeting. - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair: Rachel was nominated and appointed as Board Chair by unanimous show of hands. Ashley and Shelby were both nominated for Vice-Chair; after a roll call vote, Ashley was elected Vice-Chair by a 3-2 vote. Council Communication - Teresa Cull, county council liaison, provided updates on upcoming council business. She noted public feedback on Local Economic Development Act proposals for CB Fox and Hilltop House, the upcoming comprehensive plan, the sign code, and a December 3 discussion about license plate readers. She also mentioned a council strategic planning session on November 19 that is open to the public. Key Outcomes - The agenda was approved unanimously by a show of hands. - Rachel was elected Board Chair by acclamation/unanimous vote. - Ashley was elected Board Vice-Chair by a 3-2 vote over Shelby. - Board members were asked to review the Inclusivity Task Force and REI Task Force reports and come prepared to discuss priority recommendations at the next meeting. - The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for December 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM, pending confirmation with Jovita. - Linda Madison will send training materials, procedural rules, task force reports, and draft calendar options; the board will also begin developing its 12-month work plan at the next meeting.

The Los Alamos County Library Board convened on November 2, 2026. Chair Ryan Parker and member Katy Jones-Gulsby were the only board members present, limiting the board's ability to conduct formal business. The primary agenda item was a comprehensive presentation of the 2026 Community Assessment Survey. A significant discrepancy exists between the provided meeting timestamp (2026-11-02 12:30:00+00:00) and the agenda which scheduled the meeting for 5:30 PM. Additionally, the printed agenda listed Elizabeth Stelle as Chair, but Ryan Parker chaired the meeting, consistent with the prior meeting's minutes. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: The Board approved the minutes from the October 5, 2026 meeting. Motion was made by Katy Jones-Gulsby and seconded by Chair Ryan Parker. The motion passed with all voting members in favor. Discussion Items - Community Assessment Survey Presentation: Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza and Eva Jacobson presented statistically significant findings from the survey completed by over 500 respondents. - Demographics & Usage: 95% of respondents are active library users. 65% were women, 29% men. 50% were under 45, and 50% over 45. 93% borrow library materials, and 77% attend programs. - Access & Barriers: 22% of respondents identified barriers to usage, primarily the convenience of online retail (e.g., Amazon, internet) and restrictive library hours. Key underserved groups identified were teens, early career professionals, seniors, newcomers, and people with disabilities. - Collections & Programming: 68% of users find what they need most of the time. Gaps exist in electronic materials and new releases. Surplus demand was noted for arts and crafts programs, intergenerational events, and drop-in formats. - Marketing: Staff expressed that improved marketing across more channels is a critical area for development, noting that 15% of users learn about events from in-library flyers. - Positive Findings: The survey did not reveal widespread service gaps, unexpected accessibility issues, or calls for book bans or censorship. The largest reported issue—the online catalog—has already been overhauled. - 2027 Meeting Schedule: Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza presented the proposed 2027 meeting calendar. Board members discussed moving the January 4, 2027 meeting from the holiday weekend. Formal action was postponed due to the lack of a quorum. - Manager's Report: Reported October circulation of 24,447 items (27% digital). The library hosted 57 programs with 1,693 attendees. New initiatives include Digital Services Office Hours (Mondays, 1:30-3:30 PM), a partnership with Los Alamos Makers, and operational electric vehicle charging stations. The search for a Programming Specialist continues. - Chair's Report: Chair Parker reported an interview was conducted for a vacant board seat, pending approval by the County Council. - Council Liaison Update: The liaison reported no library-specific county council business. A new council liaison is expected to be assigned in January. Key Outcomes - Survey Data Adopted for Planning: The Board received the Community Assessment results, which will serve as a foundational resource for updating the library's Strategic Plan. - Schedule Approval Deferred: The Board could not formally approve the 2027 meeting calendar due to the absence of a quorum. The vote will be rescheduled. - Quorum Deficiency Noted: With only two of five board members present, the board proceeded with informational items but postponed votes requiring a quorum.

The Los Alamos County Personnel Board met on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 11:30 AM in Suite 110, 1000 Central Avenue. The meeting covered approval of the agenda and minutes, adoption of the 2027 Work Plan and meeting calendar, and received reports from the HR Manager, Chair, and County Council Liaison. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - The board approved the agenda as amended, correcting the County Council Liaison name from "Chair Hampton" to "Counselor" (referring to Beverly Neal-Clinton). - The board approved the minutes of the June 23, 2026 meeting as amended. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - 2027 Work Plan: HR Manager Bernadette Martinez presented a draft based on the 2026 plan, updated with current board members and a revised description of employee appeal hearings (one resolved prior to meeting, one proceeded before the board). A minor typographical correction was noted (spelling of “age” in a member’s name). The board approved the work plan as amended. - 2027 Personnel Board Meeting Calendar: Martinez proposed meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with no meetings in May and November, and a second Tuesday meeting in December to avoid the holiday. The board approved the calendar. - HR Manager Report – September 2026: Martinez provided a detailed report covering: - Completion of policy revisions (compensation, recruitment, harassment). - Rollout of mandatory anti-harassment training (every two years for all employees; annually for supervisors). - Personnel rules awaiting union review after working group completion. - Filling of Senior Office Specialist position (Tanya Lujan); one vacancy being reclassified to management analyst. - Safety training: 37 employees completed forklift and aerial lift training. - Job description review underway (required every four years). - Recruitment: 23 jobs posted in September (139 YTD), 279 applications received (2,044 YTD), 8 new hires (142 YTD), 12 promotions (96 YTD), vacancy rate 7.95% (excluding temps). - RFP process for new applicant tracking system; first virtual job fair held on September 30. - Benefits: RFPs for insurance benefits; 6 retirement planning meetings, 10 exit interviews in September. - Employee anniversaries and recognition coins awarded. - Cross-training of HR staff (Matthew Martinez and Tara Polacco moved roles). - Open enrollment begins November 4 with a health fair; changes effective January 1, 2027. - Challenges retaining transit drivers (competition from LANL and industry-wide shortages); a mini market study and policy changes are underway. - Chair's Report: Chair Martha Katko attended the Boards and Commissions Month in September. - County Council Liaison Report: Beverly Neal-Clinton commended the board's work and the comprehensive HR report. Key Outcomes - Approved the June 23, 2026 minutes as amended (unanimous vote). - Approved the 2027 Work Plan as amended (unanimous vote). - Approved the 2027 Personnel Board Meeting Calendar as presented (unanimous vote). - The board expects to review proposed personnel rules at its December meeting (may slip into 2027). - A market study RFP will be issued in early 2027, with changes likely implemented in fiscal year 2029. - The meeting adjourned at 11:58 AM.

The Los Alamos County Council held a regular session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock. The agenda included presentations, a public hearing on a major downtown redevelopment project, and policy discussions on wildfire legislation and environmental management. All seven councilors were present for the meeting that began at 6:00 PM. Presentations, Proclamations and Recognitions - Proclamation: Operation Green Light for Veterans (Nov 3-10, 2026): Councilor Cole read the proclamation. Eluterio Garcia, VFW Post 8874 Commander, accepted it and invited the community to obtain green lights from the VFW to display during the week. - Proclamation: National Native American Heritage Month (Nov 2026): Councilor Hermann read the proclamation. Lieutenant Governor Raymond Martinez from Pueblo de San Ildefonso accepted it, noting the 24 sovereign Indigenous Nations in New Mexico and looking forward to continued engagement with the county. - Los Alamos Medical Center CEO Presentation: CEO Michael H. Covert presented a status update. He reported a net revenue of $63 million against expenses of $46 million, resulting in $12 million in net income reinvested into the facility. The hospital has 200-220 employees, sees approximately 42,000 outpatient visits annually, and 7,200 emergency room visits annually with a current average of 650 per month. Covert identified priority growth areas including primary care (need for 4 additional physicians), cardiology, orthopedics, and gastroenterology. He discussed the closure of OBGYN services due to utilization dropping to only three births over several months, with the three OBGYN doctors leaving and care transitioning to nurse practitioners and midwives. Councilor Neil-Clinton questioned the impact on women's health. Covert cited housing costs and medical malpractice as the biggest recruitment challenges. He noted that telehealth currently provides 32 physicians in specialties like psychiatry and neurology. A new, top-tier MRI and CT scanner will be installed in December. Councilor Havemann raised community concerns about OBGYN access during emergencies. - Canyon Road Median Sustainability Redesign Presentation: Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker presented a conceptual design for eight medians on Canyon Road. The project supports the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan by reducing maintenance needs and improving staff safety, given high traffic volumes on the road. A survey of 112 residents combined preferred elements from two design options ("Bandelier" and "Plateau") into a single proposed design featuring colored gravels, stamped concrete, encased river rock, and xeriscape/low-maintenance plants. The Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC) is $546,115, which does not include overhead, contingency, or GRT. Council discussed worker safety during maintenance and questioned whether a zero-maintenance hardscape-only design was feasible. Public Comments & Testimony - North Mesa Bike Park (Public Comment at Start of Meeting): Six residents spoke in opposition to the proposed location of a bike park on the east side of North Mesa Park Road. Speakers (Georgia Strickfaden, Carol Branis, Jane Northholm, Richard Hughes, Irene Powell, Sean Levy) argued the natural grassland area is heavily used by walkers, supports native pollinators and wildlife, and that community outreach for the master plan was insufficient. They urged the Council to reconsider the alternative western location near the soccer fields and dog park. Wendy Burk Ryan, representing the Los Alamos Stable Owners Association, added safety concerns for horseback riders on trails shared with bikes. Chair Ryti noted no action was on the agenda for this item. - CB Fox/LEDA Project (During Public Hearing): Public comment was split. Supporters, including Sandy Jones (LACDC), Stephanie Knockley, and Janice Chris (SBDC Director), described the project as a catalytic opportunity to recapture retail leakage and create a vibrant downtown destination. Opponents, including Angie Gursett and Lisa Shin, argued the economic projections were inflated, that the project would cannibalize existing businesses, and that there is a severe labor shortage. They requested an outside expert review of the justification. Consent Calendar The Council approved eight routine agenda items by a single 7-0 vote. Items included an amendment to the Smartphone Meter Reading contract (extending through 2033, NTE $362,000); an on-call roofing services agreement with J3 Systems (NTE $2,000,000); a seven-year hanging flower basket contract with Los Alamos Landscaping and More ($390,557.04); an amendment to on-call engineering services increasing the aggregate cap from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000; a medical insurance amendment with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico ($5,100,000, plus up to $300,000 from reserve funding); an amendment to the Unite Us platform agreement (extending to 2030, total NTE $455,344.53); acceptance of a gas utility system deed for Royal Crest Mobile Home Park; and a task order for the Tank 4A 18-inch transmission waterline repair ($460,000). Public Hearing: Ordinance No. 761 - CB Fox Redevelopment (LEDA Project) The public hearing was held for Ordinance 761, which would authorize a Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) project for 1735 Central Investment LLC to redevelop the vacant CB Fox building. The proposed $17.1 million project includes 28,150 square feet of mixed-use space: retail spaces, a food hall and commercial kitchen, a 20-room boutique hotel, and a rooftop bar. The developer requests $6 million in LEDA funds ($4 million grant, $2 million zero-interest loan), with funds held in escrow until the project is completed and meets performance metrics. Project partner Phil Gursky presented the plan, emphasizing community benefit including 25 full-time-equivalent jobs, increased GRT, and downtown activation. Council discussed potential impacts on local businesses and labor supply. Gursky noted plans to partner with local restaurants and train new workers. Councilor Ryti made a motion to continue the public hearing to November 17, 2026, with amendments to correct the employment figures (changing "6" to "25" FTE jobs) and extend the completion deadline from December 31, 2028, to June 30, 2029, with authority for staff to make consistent date changes. The motion passed 7-0. Discussion Items (Council Business) - Conflict of Interest Waiver (Strong in Nature): Judge Elizabeth Allen presented a request to waive a potential conflict of interest to contract with Strong in Nature for Juvenile SMART Recovery Program services (NTE $76,624.62). County Program Specialist Jamie Allbach is co-CEO of Strong in Nature and is married to the other co-CEO, Ryan Ramaker. The motion stated Ms. Allbach disclosed the relationship prior to the RFP, was recused from involvement, and Strong in Nature scored higher than the competitor while proposing costs 2.6 times lower. Council voted unanimously (7-0) to grant the waiver. - Fix Our Forests Act Support: Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg presented a request for Council to support the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471 / S. 1462), federal legislation designed to accelerate forest management and reduce catastrophic wildfire risks. Chief Litzenberg emphasized the act creates "firesheds," prioritizes high-risk areas, streamlines collaboration, and coordinates grant programs. Council expressed general support. Councilor Ryti moved to approve support while also recognizing the need for adequate funding, environmental protections, and community participation. The motion passed 7-0. - Hexavalent Chromium Plume Cleanup Letter: The Council discussed sending a letter to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham requesting the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) regularly attend multi-stakeholder meetings regarding the hexavalent chromium plume cleanup. Councilor Ryti noted NMED's absence at the latest meeting delayed technical decisions. Councilor Rieger opposed the motion, preferring to see a finalized draft of the letter before voting. The motion to send the letter passed 6-1. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 761 Continued: The public hearing for the CB Fox LEDA project was continued to the November 17, 2026, Council meeting. Staff were directed to prepare an amended ordinance. - Conflict Waiver Approved: A waiver was granted (7-0) allowing the County to contract with Strong in Nature for Juvenile SMART Recovery services. - Resolution Approved: Council approved a resolution supporting the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471 / S. 1462) (7-0). - Letter Authorized: Council authorized a letter to the Governor requesting NMED attendance at chromium plume meetings (6-1). - Appointment: Jennifer Armstrong was appointed to the Art in Public Places Board for a partial term ending March 25, 2027, by a 7-0 roll call vote.

The Art in Public Places Advisory Board met on October 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Los Alamos, NM. The meeting covered approval of previous minutes, working group updates, a detailed discussion on the Fire Station 4 art project selection committee, a conservation and maintenance report, and updates on pending art projects. Key outcomes included establishing the selection committee membership and setting initial meeting dates for the Fire Station 4 project, as well as agreeing to a backup plan for approving the police station lion sculpture maquette. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 24, 2026): The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 24, 2026 meeting. Motion by Brian, seconded by Andy. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made or received. Discussion Items - Working Group Updates: No updates were reported for the Homesteaders, Strategic Plan, Dino World, or Nexus working groups. The Fire Station 4 working group was deferred to its agenda item. The Dino World working group noted a 60-day notice to the artist ends November 19, 2026; the item may be placed on the November agenda if no response is received. - Fire Station 4 Art Project Discussion: The board discussed forming a Local Selection Committee for the Fire Station 4 art project. Committee members were identified: - Artist: Jasmine Stephens (filmmaker/multimedia artist) and Brian Fearey (musical artist) as buffered artists. - Arts Professional: Andy Wright (art center role). - User Agency Representative: Fire Chief Eric Litzenberg (and one additional fire department member). - Architect/Engineer: Sobia. - Owner Agency Representative: Tim Foley (APP Chair). - Additional buffers were discussed, including a potential new member to replace Anna and a possible recruit from Ponderosa Estates. - Meeting dates for the committee were set: January 28, 2027 (Meeting 1: develop call for art) and May 27, 2027 (Meeting 2: select five finalists from qualifications). Both will coincide with regular APP meetings to avoid special meeting notices. The state's Meredith will lead Meeting 1. - Conservation & Maintenance Report: Staff reported on the August 2026 visit by Pacific Coast Conservation. The company has a contract through June 14, 2029. They performed maintenance on select outdoor artworks and invoiced $23,112.97, already budgeted. Remaining contract balance is $58,545. One planned project (restoring the "Corky" pony at Ashley Pond) was deferred to apply UV coating on a new art piece at the senior center; this may leave a budget shortfall at contract end. No board action was needed; staff will address the future shortfall. - Pending Items List: - White Rock Pottery Relocation: No update. - Los Alamos Heritage Gate plaque: Not yet installed (on parks to-do list). - Justice Center Wall Mosaic plaque: Not yet installed (parks to-do list). - Police Station Art Project (lion sculpture): Contract negotiations are near completion. The artist requested a backup plan: if the physical maquette cannot be delivered in time for the November 19, 2026 meeting, the board may approve using a 3D video of the maquette instead. The board agreed to this plan B, allowing the artist to proceed without delay. The maquette approval vote will be on the November agenda. - Staff Liaison Report: Chair Tim Foley and Councilor Rieger interviewed two applicants to fill Anna's vacant board position. A recommendation will go to the County Council on October 27, 2026. If approved, the new member will attend the November meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 24, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous). - Established the Fire Station 4 Local Selection Committee members and set Meeting 1 for January 28, 2027 and Meeting 2 for May 27, 2027. - Agreed to allow a recorded 3D video as a backup for maquette approval on the police station lion sculpture, to be included in the contract. - Noted the conservation contract budget status and potential future shortfall; staff will address. - Set the November 19, 2026 agenda to include: new member welcome, working group reassignments, discussion of possible ordinance changes (presentation with pros/cons), Dino World item (if artist does not respond), and approval of the lion sculpture maquette.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) met on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The meeting included a lengthy debate on a 15-year software contract renewal, a revised presentation on APPA financial benchmarking data, and standard board and status reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes for the September 2 (Work Session) and September 16 (Regular Session) meetings. - Tank 4A Waterline Repair: The board recommended approval of Task Order No. 16 with Dub-L-EE for $460,000 (including a 15% contingency and NMGRT) to repair a blowout in an 18-inch transmission waterline in Two Mile Canyon. The item was forwarded to the County Council for approval. - Smartphone Meter Reading (SPMR) Contract Extension: The board recommended Amendment No. 2 to the SPMR agreement, extending it by 15 years through 2033, with a total not-to-exceed amount of $362,000. Board members expressed strong reluctance, criticizing the up-to-10% annual cost escalator clause and the eleventh-hour nature of the request, which left the board with no practical alternative. Staff acknowledged a breakdown in contract oversight, noting the agreement was not properly tracked or flagged for renewal. The board voted 3-0 to approve the extension but directed staff to return 120 days before the 2027 renewal date to present a formal transition plan to an alternative system. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered oral or written comments during the meeting. Department Business - Utility Comparison APPA Data (Item 7.a): Joann Gentry and Richard Valerio presented significantly revised financial benchmarking data. The revisions corrected previous errors (double-counted O&M expenses) and adjusted for the distorting effect of the one-time Uniper settlement. Key findings included high O&M costs ($0.127 per kWh sold), a lean current ratio (1.40), and an operating ratio above 1.0, indicating a financial loss prior to the implementation of new time-of-use rates. Chair Gibson deferred a deep-dive discussion, noting the board needed time to absorb the corrected figures before tying them to FY28 budget preparations. Board Business & Reports - Chair's Report: Chair Gibson reminded members to submit their annual self-evaluations by October 27. - Utilities Manager's Report: Deputy Utility Manager Gentry summarized the report in place of an absent Philo Shelton. Topics included pump skid delays for the Jemez snowmaking project, the discovery that the White Rock substation transformer was too large for the original plans, and an update on staffing vacancies. - County Manager's Report: Anne Laurent reported that County Council members had received feedback that Level 3 EV charging rates are too expensive and inquired about potential rate incentives. She also noted the introduction of an ordinance for LEDA and MRA support for a new development. - ESB Liaison Report: The board was updated on the Environmental Sustainability Board's activities, including a full board and planning for the 2027 work plan. Status Reports - Electric Reliability: Staff corrected a previously mislabeled outage month; the correction resulted in no net change to the annual SAIDI metric. - Accounts Receivable: Accounts over 90 days past due remained generally stable. Write-offs older than four years remain technically collectible if the customer returns, with funds returning to the utility fund rather than the general fund. - Risk & Safety: A typographical error was flagged regarding electrical distribution hours worked in August (listed as 22,196.8 instead of an expected value near 2,000). Staff committed to correcting the report. Key Outcomes - Votes: Consent agenda approved 3-0. - Directives: Staff must return 120 days before the 2027 SPMR renewal date with an alternative. Staff must share the corrected APPA data memorandum with absent board members. The board will schedule an in-depth review of the APPA data to guide budget strategy. - Next Steps: The agenda review meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 23. Upcoming November meetings will address EV rate structures, the DPU fee schedule, and the board's annual evaluation.

The Los Alamos County Council held a work session on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock, with six councilors present (Councilor Havemann excused). The meeting featured five major presentations: updates from the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB), the Environmental Stewardship strategic focus area, the MainStreet & Creative District program, social services data-driven decision-making, and the Quality Governance focus area. Council introduced an ordinance for a proposed 60-room extended-stay hotel redevelopment at 400 Trinity Drive (The Guest House) and approved councilor expenses for future conferences. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the agenda passed 6–0. - Motion to suspend council procedural rules for the work session to allow formal action passed 6–0. - Motion to approve the minutes of the September 29, 2026 and October 6, 2026 regular sessions passed 6–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Janice Khrushchev (member of the public and MainStreet Futures member) commented that the MainStreet presentation provided "real data and metrics" and praised the business accelerator metrics, noting 13 of 14 businesses still operating and 17 new businesses this year. She expressed interest in seeing future vacancy and occupancy rate data and supported funding for commercial kitchen and ADA improvements. - Brittany St. Jacques (public commenter via Zoom) addressed Councilor Hand's concern about LANL clearance stigma, stating that more than half of the LANL workforce has been there less than five years and that stigma around seeking mental health care has not carried over to newer employees. - Jacquelyn Connolly (MainStreet Director), speaking in a separate capacity, praised the social services division's regular presence at the farmers market for SNAP/EBT assistance and community referrals. She noted an uptick in domestic violence reporting being observed by local small businesses and suggested exploring reciprocal resource exchanges with neighboring communities. Discussion Items Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) Presentation David Hampton (ESB Chair) and Angelica Gurule (Sustainability Manager) presented the ESB's 2026 accomplishments, including endorsement of the Fleet Conversion Study and Community-Wide EV Charging Infrastructure Plan (passed by Council), contributions to the Climate Action Marketing Plan for Year 1, and formation of a working group to evaluate a single-use plastic bag ordinance (not endorsed by ESB and not passed by Council). The ESB currently has four working groups: Los Alamos Sustainability Alliance, Supporting Local Food Systems, Education and Outreach, and Commuter Trip Reduction. Future priorities include implementing Climate Action Plan (CAP) Year 1 and 2 priorities, contributing to the municipal food composting program, and continuing community education and outreach. Challenges identified include implementing CAP recommendations, increasing educational initiatives, bridging environmental quality goals with practical costs, and increasing community engagement. Councilor Cull expressed support for lower EV charging rates to encourage adoption and suggested the ESB work with the Board of Public Utilities to explore reducing costs. Councilor Reagor noted the shrinking size of the farmers market. Chair Ryti raised concerns about backyard gardening as a potential wildlife attractant. Councilor Cull asked about tree canopy protections during private construction — staff confirmed the tree mitigation policy is currently internal for county projects only. Discussion covered bear-resistant cart distribution (2,398 distributed, 495 on waiting list, 594 ordered with 280 received), the recycling contamination audit (17.67% vs. 24% national average), and on-bill financing options for energy efficiency upgrades (still in the research and exploration phase due to anti-donation clause questions). Environmental Stewardship Strategic Focus Area Angelica Gurule presented progress across four priority areas: - Natural Resource Protection: Celebrated three years as a Bee City USA affiliate, established backyard pollinator gardens at 150 properties, maintained 7,000+ square feet of pollinator habitat at the golf course, hired County Arborist Megan McCawley, wildlife assessment draft anticipated by January 2027, and continued distribution of bear-resistant trash carts. - Water Conservation: Hired Energy and Water Conservation Coordinator Else Noe, continued partnership with PEEC for conservation education, and initiated updates to the Long-Range Water Supply Plan and Water and Energy Conservation Plan. - Climate Action and Resiliency: Approaching two years since Council adoption of the CAP; CAP Implementation Team advancing 13 priority actions; completed Fleet Conversion Plan and Community-Wide EV Charging Plan; county fleet includes 16 EVs and 3 plug-in hybrids with five additional EVs planned for FY27; advanced energy efficiency at county facilities; expanded induction stovetop program; launched C-PACE financing for commercial properties (no applications received to date). - Waste Management: Recycling contamination audit found 17.67% contamination rate (below national average of 24%); participating in statewide Extended Producer Responsibility initiative; evaluating food waste composting proposals; advancing Transfer Station permitting. Councilor Cull asked about dust control at construction sites (code requires mitigation for projects of certain size). Cull also suggested making the landfill reuse area more visible, possibly with a camera system, which staff supported. MainStreet & Creative District Program Briefing Jacquelyn Connolly (Executive Director) presented the program's performance. The FY2026 budget totals $635,590, with $278,270 (44%) from the county contract. Every county dollar is matched by $1.28 in non-county capital. There is 2.3x budget leverage ratio. District reinvestment data (January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) shows $31.8M in private investment, 39 building rehabs, 17 net new businesses, and 1,112 volunteer hours. The Business Accelerator program had three cohorts with 36 participants: 14 opened businesses (93% still operating), 64% brick & mortar or food trucks, a 400% employment surge from 4 to 20 jobs, and $857K in private build-outs. Cost per job was $1,677, which is 5.15x more cost-efficient than state peer programs and 6.11x ahead of the state LEDA program. Direct services from New Mexico MainStreet totaled $264,476 (2021–2025). Other programs discussed included Tuesdays @ the Square concerts (Boese Bros. reported +75% sales), ScienceFest 2026 moved to September with measurable downtown business spillover, placemaking projects under a $100K Arts and Cultural District Pilot Grant, and legislative advocacy including passage of the Independent Theater Beer & Wine Act. Councilor Hand asked about expanding MRA boundaries and funding sources (funds come from the county's economic development fund, replenished through general revenues during budget process). Chair Ryti asked about the $31.8M investment figure — Connolly noted it comes from building permits and the vast majority represents renovations (especially roofing and ADA compliance). Ryti also inquired about vacancy data; Connolly said data collection for the White Rock district is underway and anticipated to be complete by end of Q1 2027. When asked about obstacles facing business owners, Connolly cited property and location challenges, high startup costs for food and beverage businesses, lack of move-in-ready spaces, and difficulty finding spaces that meet code requirements. Social Services Data-Driven Decision-Making Jessica Strong (Social Services Division Manager) presented current data collection and challenges. The social services system has 1,974 total records; over the past three months, 76 individuals were seen for 118 appointments. Age breakdown: 53% (18–44), 32% (45–64), 15% (65+); 56% male, 44% female. Currently 13 active clients are experiencing homelessness; 7 individuals have been helped to secure shelter in the past 24 months. Lost services impacting homelessness include the loss of the only laundromat in the county, Housing Choice voucher shortages, SNAP benefit cuts, and changes to apartment waitlist availability. Strong discussed the difficulty of measuring outcomes such as prevented suicides, prevented overdoses, and reduced homelessness due to stigma and underreporting. She shared a quote: "Change happens at the speed of trust." Councilor Hand asked about coordination with LANL regarding clearance-related stigma and record confidentiality — Strong confirmed records are confidential with release of information required before sharing. Councilor Reagor asked about the true number of homeless individuals; Strong estimated 70–80 people based on a 2024 back-of-the-envelope calculation with community partners. Councilor Cull noted the difficulty of measuring interventions. Chair Ryti suggested tracking resolution rates, appointment wait times, and coordination with police data on suicide and domestic violence calls. Strong expressed interest in collecting client satisfaction surveys, long-term prevention surveys, and data on time to reach goals. Quality Governance Strategic Focus Area Linda Matteson (Deputy County Manager) presented highlights across three objectives: - Communication and Engagement: New website design launched May 21, 2026, with reorganization under five main sections and an Alerts & Current Conditions page. The Rep'd video system logged 14,966 engagements, saved 393 hours of staff time, answered 4,734 questions, and had a 63.5% completion rate with average watch time of 2 minutes, 11 seconds. The National Community Survey closed October 18 with approximately 620 responses (up from about 420 in 2024). Public meetings continued for the Comprehensive Plan, ALPR education, and playground/trailhead listening sessions. Have Your Say pages provide project timelines. - Intergovernmental, Tribal, and Regional Relations and Partnerships: Joint meeting with City of Espanola and Rio Arriba County on regional landfill effort with MOA approved; unprecedented coordination with Pueblo de San Ildefonso on hexavalent chromium plume; meetings with federal delegation. - Fiscal Stewardship: FY2027 budget adopted April 28; FY2025 audit completed with no findings and a "clean" unmodified opinion; $40 million bond for broadband issued March 2026; $35 million bond for Fire Station 4 and other projects issued October 2026; 34th consecutive year receiving Government Finance Officers Association awards. Chair Ryti suggested the county newsletter highlight items that will see council action so the public can better identify when to engage. He also raised concerns about Have Your Say pages not being consistently updated. Matteson acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve page maintenance and use tags for archiving. Introduction of Ordinance No. 763 — The Guest House Hotel (LEDA/MRA) Elias Isaacson (Community Development Director) and Max Khudiakov (Economic Development Administrator) presented the proposed ordinance for a redevelopment project at 400 Trinity Drive (former Hilltop House). Grand Mesa Partners proposes developing a 40,000-square-foot, 60-room extended-stay hotel targeting LANL employees and business travelers, designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. Estimated construction cost exceeds $15.5 million. Requested County fiscal participation totals $4,025,000: $2,000,000 LEDA grant, $1,025,000 MRA grant for improvements including façade work, balconies, signage, landscaping, and a downtown gateway feature (with a $150,000 allowance subject to a public engagement session), and a $1,000,000 zero-interest, 10-year loan with repayment beginning in year three. The project is expected to generate more than $360,000 in construction-related gross receipts tax revenue, $1,155,923 in new Lodgers' Tax over 10 years, $2.36 million in total salaries/wages for 4 new full-time equivalent jobs, and at least $1,627,320 in annual visitor spending. The developer commits at least $7,263,000 in private funds. Public hearing scheduled for November 10, 2026. Councilor Hand introduced the ordinance without prejudice. Key Outcomes - Vote (Agenda Approval): Motion passed 6–0 (Councilor Havemann absent). - Vote (Suspension of Rules): Motion passed 6–0 to allow formal action at the work session. - Vote (Minutes Approval): Motion passed 6–0 approving minutes from September 29 and October 6, 2026 regular sessions. - Ordinance Introduction: Ordinance No. 763 (LEDA/MRA for The Guest House Hotel at 400 Trinity Drive) was introduced without prejudice; public hearing scheduled for November 10, 2026. - Councilor Expenses Approved (Voice Votes): (1) Up to three councilors approved to attend the Energy Communities Alliance meeting and tour in Carlsbad, New Mexico, December 8–9, 2026. (2) Up to three councilors approved to attend the Waste Management Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, March 9–10, 2027, associated with Energy Communities Alliance meetings. - Councilor Reports Submitted: Chair Ryti reported on Energy Communities Alliance, New Mexico Association of Counties, New Mexico Counties Insurance Authority, and New Mexico Municipal League Self-Insurers Fund activities. Ryti noted he will term out of the Self-Insurers Fund Board at year-end and will make a recommendation for a replacement. The NMC 2027 Legislative Priorities Support Resolution template was shared for information. - Appointments: John Key was previously appointed to fill a vacancy on the Environmental Sustainability Board (term beginning August 1, 2026, ending July 31, 2028); Councilor Ryti noted the ESB would welcome the alternate candidate interested in a working group position. - Next Steps: Strategic planning session scheduled for November 17; upcoming business license fee ordinance discussion; CAP Implementation Team advancing 13 actions; food waste composting proposals under evaluation with potential Council action; public engagement session to be facilitated by Grand Mesa Partners for the downtown gateway feature design.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Building B&C Room 110. The primary action was a public hearing on a text amendment to the temporary sign regulations (Case No. ZCA-2026-0021). The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the amendment to the County Council, including a friendly amendment requiring the expiration date to be written on signs. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: The commission unanimously approved the agenda as presented. - Approval of October 7, 2026 Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 7, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered either in person or online. Discussion Items - Text Amendment ZCA-2026-0021 (Temporary Sign Regulations): Community Development Director Eli Isaacson presented a proposed amendment to Chapter 16, Article IV, Division 8, Section 16-65 of the Los Alamos County Municipal Code. The amendment aims to make regulations content-neutral per the Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert. Key changes include: - Adoption of designated temporary sign zones on an official map (zones added in Los Alamos Townsite at North Road/Sycamore, Canyon behind Pajarito Lodge, Diamond Drive; in White Rock at Sherwood/Rover and a new location at the intersection of East Road and Rover). - Requirement for 60-day maximum duration with online registration (name, contact info, number of signs, placement date), producing a registration number and expiration date. - A 48-hour exemption (within any 7-day period) for signs outside designated zones to promote events like farmers markets, open houses, and yard sales. - Clarification of size limits: 8 sq. ft. maximum sign area, 48-inch maximum dimension in any direction, 48-inch maximum height from finished grade (exclusive of stakes). - Prohibition on obstructing sidewalks, ADA access, site triangles, and mounting on county property. - Removal required within 2 days of expiration; county authority to remove non-compliant signs. - Commission Discussion: Members discussed enforcement capacity, the potential for serial registrations, and the need for clear compliance tools. Commissioner Nelson suggested requiring the expiration date to be written on the back of the sign along with the registration number. After clarification that the current proposal only required the registration number, a friendly amendment was offered and accepted requiring the expiration date on the sign. The commission also noted that the 48-hour exemption and the new zones were developed through stakeholder outreach. Key Outcomes - Recommendation to Approve Ordinance 02-381: The commission voted unanimously (8-0) to recommend approval of the text amendment to the County Council, including the friendly amendment that requires both the registration number and the expiration date to be written on the back of temporary signs in designated zones. - Next Meeting: The commission was reminded that the next meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2026 to discuss the Comprehensive Plan.

The Parks and Recreation Board of Los Alamos County met on October 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM with five members present and two absent. The meeting covered updates on median design, pickleball court issues, a playground renovation, recognition of a national award finalist, and extensive discussion on the Aquatic Center closure. Public Comments & Testimony - James Werneke criticized the county's handling of the Aquatic Center closure, questioning why the pump replacement was added in July 2026 despite long lead times, and why the county has not partnered with East Park Pool (a nonprofit) to provide lap swimming. He argued that county presentations often misrepresent scope, schedule, and cost, and urged the board to demand accountability and keep the issue on the agenda. - Joe Granville, Vice President of Los Alamos Youth Soccer League, requested that the county assume line painting for sports fields, citing benefits for tournaments. He highlighted a Durango tournament that generated over $2.5 million in economic impact, including $125,000 in sales tax and $85,000 in lodgers tax, with 166 teams and 3,000 participants. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (September 10, 2026): Motion by Member Bowman, seconded by Member Marsden, approved 5-0. - Canyon Road Median Design Presentation: Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker presented survey results (112 responses) showing 54% preferred the "Plateau" concept and 45% "Bandelier". Design sentiment was 52% negative, 28% neutral, 19% positive, driven by maintenance and water conservation concerns. Staff recommended presenting both concepts to County Council for funding and approval. The board discussed quantifying maintenance reduction and safety benefits. A motion to recommend support and forward to Council passed 5-0. - Myrtle Street Pickleball Court Discussion: Staff reported ongoing violations of the 8 AM–6 PM operating hours, including use of headlamps and car headlights. Residents have expressed frustration about noise and late play. The board discussed options: enforcing hours, removing the court, or repurposing it as a pocket park with quieter activities. Staff will craft a survey for neighborhood residents and users, and return with findings. - San Ildefonso (Dinosaur) Playground Presentation: Staff presented a design for ADA-compliant playground renovations, including new play equipment, shade structures, bike racks, and a 6-foot wooden fence per neighbor requests. 163 online survey responses informed the design. No formal action was taken; staff plan to combine this project with Canyon median work for bidding efficiencies. - 2026 National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal Finalist: Community Services Director Cory Styron reported that the department was a finalist for the second year in a row, recognized as one of the top four agencies in its category. No action needed. - Aquatic Center Closure and Swimming Options: During Chairman’s Report, Chair Watkins noted community anxiety. Staff explained the pump replacement was added to avoid a second closure, but the pump was delayed; they are exploring temporary options including Española Center. Board members asked why East Park Pool has not been pursued, citing procurement hurdles. James Werneke again commented, claiming the county was misleading about outreach. The board stressed transparency and urged staff to consider all options. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 10, 2026 (5-0). - Approved motion to recommend Canyon Median Design Plan to County Council (5-0). - Staff to develop a survey on Myrtle Street Pickleball Court future use. - Dinosaur Playground and Canyon median projects to proceed together; no vote taken. - Continued commitment to address Aquatic Center concerns; staff to provide updates at next meeting.