Public Meetings - Los Alamos County, New Mexico

On March 18, 2026, the Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities (BPU) met in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The board approved the DPU FY2027 budget using Gas Fund Option 3, recommended approval of an Electric Coordination Agreement (ECA) extension, a short-term power purchase agreement, a mobile generator services agreement, and a consent agenda covering minutes, a waterline construction award, and a revenue transfer. All votes were 4-0, with items forwarded to County Council. Consent Calendar - Approved the February 4, 2026 work session and February 18, 2026 regular session minutes as presented. - Recommended Council award of IFB 26-23 for the San Ildefonso Waterline Replacement Project in the base bid amount of $1,617,673.80, plus a $346,384.40 contingency, for a total project amount of $2,078,307 including NMGRT. The project replaces a 65-year-old water distribution line and upgrades it to 12 inches to support North Mesa housing and fire-flow needs. - Approved the FY2026 revenue-transfer calculation based on FY2025 audited sales: $702,838.13 from Electric Distribution and $294,910.60 from Gas, for a combined $997,748.73; approved Budget Revision 2026-48; and recommended Council extend the revenue-redirection option to FY2031 and keep the funds in the Joint Utility Fund for Trinity Drive utility replacement work. Public Comments & Testimony - James Horniki, a member of the public, said the rate increases were difficult to accept, but he reluctantly supported them because waiting would make costs higher. - No public comments were offered during the opening, consent agenda, or closing public comment periods. Discussion Items DPU FY2027 Budget and Gas Rate Options - Joann Gentry presented the FY2027-FY2028 proposed budget. Total FY2027 Joint Utility Fund expenditures are $94,688,744, down from $100,071,991 in the February preliminary budget. Key revisions included correcting double-counted electric production purchase power, increasing the Vactor budget by $100,000, adding $22,000 for required wastewater laboratory testing, and adding a $1.5 million state grant for the EA-4 power line project. - Proposed rate ordinances would increase electric distribution rates 8%, water rates 8%, sewer rates 7%, and gas rates 9%; for a typical residential customer the combined increase is about $20.27 per month, or 7.02%. - Gentry presented three gas-rate structures. Option 1 uses 9% annual increases. Option 2 adds a $0.25-per-therm gas recovery charge for FY2027-FY2028, producing a 23.6% residential gas bill increase in FY2027. Option 3, developed just before the meeting, raises the fixed gas rate to $0.48 per therm in FY2027 and $0.59 in FY2028, with smaller future increases; it would build gas reserves by about FY2032 and produced projected debt coverage ratios of 1.26 in FY2027 and 1.47 in FY2028. - Several board members said Option 3 was more straightforward and less of a customer shock than Option 2, while Member Stromberg said he could support either. The board approved the budget with Option 3 substituted for the staff-recommended Option 2. Electric Coordination Agreement (ECA) Modification 26 - Ben Olbrich requested ECA Modification 26 to extend the existing Electric Coordination Agreement by 120 days, from March 31, 2026 to July 31, 2026, while negotiations continue on a new 10-year agreement. The Los Alamos Power Pool approved the modification on March 11, 2026. Short-Term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) - Olbrich requested authority for a PPA not to exceed $3,833,000 plus GRT for April-June 2026. One indicative offer at about $31 per MWh had been received, and competitive selection would close March 31, 2026. The amount includes a 25% contingency for market price changes. He noted the power pool bought 20 MW for March but needs up to 45 MW for the coming months, partly because LANL's combustion turbine has had outages. Mobile 560 kW Generator and Maintenance Agreement - Clay Moseley presented Services Agreement AGR26-36 with Loftin Equipment Company: a seven-year agreement for $436,603 plus GRT for a mobile 560 kW diesel generator, delivery, and maintenance. The total FEMA/DHSEM hazard mitigation grant and match is $387,476.25, with DPU's 25% match equal to $96,869.06; the grant covers the purchase, while DPU will budget annual maintenance costs. The generator is designed to keep water wells and boosters operating during wildfire-related outages. Board Business and Reports - Chair Gibson noted the retirement of James Alarid, Member Stromberg's campaign for County Council, and a corrected natural-gas usage calculation showing the county has not met its gas-reduction goal. - Utilities Manager Philo Shelton reported that Elk Ridge has 100 homes converted to the new gas system; ECA negotiations with DOE now include a proposed 10-year renewal and an estimated 10-year contract value of $425 million; Jemez Fire Protection Phase III is eligible for about $2.8 million in FEMA funds; Foxtail Flats remains on schedule for June 18, 2027; and PFAS class-action settlement payments may be expedited. - County Manager Anne Laurent reported police and fire reaccreditation, $40 million in broadband bond proceeds, and heightened fire-season concern. - Council Liaison Ryn Herrmann reported Council accepted the EV charging and fleet conversion plans and approved a Trinity Drive construction management amendment. - ESB Liaison Sue Barnes reported a full ESB board, a recycling contamination rate of about 18%, and planning for Earth Day on April 18, 2026. - The board reviewed the APPA National Conference training opportunity in Boston, June 26-July 1, 2026; travel would not exceed $3,000 per member, and no approval was made. Status Reports - Cathy D'Anna presented the DPU Quarterly Report for FY2026 Q2 (October-December 2025). Highlights included 3.0 MW of residential distributed generation, strong December hydro generation, recovery in SAIDI, and recognition of Myron Cordova as Safety Employee of the Quarter. - February 2026 status reports showed electric reliability of SAIDI 1 hour 29 minutes, SAIFI 0.80, and ASAI 99.3487%; accounts receivable more than 90 days past due totaled $13,089.75; and Risk Management reported a utility OSHA recordable injury rate of 15.95 per 100 FTE versus a 1.9 national utility average. - Agenda item 9.b was titled "Status Reports - February 2025," but the attachments and discussion correspond to February/March 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and consent calendar, 4-0. - Approved the FY2027 DPU budget of $94,688,744 with Gas Fund Option 3, and the FY2027 budget option for the $900,000 Fairway Water project, forwarding both to Council, 4-0. - Recommended Council approval of ECA Modification 26, extending the agreement to July 31, 2026, 4-0. - Recommended Council approval of a PPA not to exceed $3,833,000 plus GRT for April-June 2026, 4-0. - Recommended Council approval of Services Agreement AGR26-36 with Loftin Equipment Company for $436,603 plus GRT for seven years, 4-0. - Next steps include April 1, 2026 rate ordinance introductions, an April 15, 2026 LANL presentation, Utilities Manager performance reviews on May 6 and June 3, and possible APPA conference travel if board members express interest.

The Lodgers' Tax Advisory Board (LTAB) met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM. Chair Jennifer Olsen, Vice Chair Conner Tharp, and Member Dana Even were present; Members Sonia Ruiz and Brandi Engeman were absent. The board approved the agenda and the January 13, 2026 meeting minutes, received reports from DestinationiQ and Discover Los Alamos, discussed the Year 7 Tourism Strategic Plan progress, and approved the FY27 budget recommendation. Consent Calendar - Approved today's agenda (3-0). - Approved the January 13, 2026 LTAB meeting minutes (3-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made for items not on the agenda. Reports - DestinationiQ Report (presented by Lindsay, filling in for Kirsten): - February 2026 website user traffic was up 141.24% year-over-year (8,347 total users vs. 3,460), with direct traffic up 142.13% (1,908 vs. 788) and organic search up 10.03% (1,788 vs. 1,625). - Paid search (2,100 vs. 0) and paid social (948 vs. 0) drove growth; organic social rose 1,119.05% (768 vs. 63) partly due to an influencer post. - Meta ads spent $1,000.06, generating 409 landing page views at $2.45 cost per view, a 27% efficiency decline from January's $1.93; the campaign received 1,544 link clicks at an average cost of $0.65 per link click. Tracking issues between Meta and Google were noted. - Google search ads: Bandelier National Monument was the top keyword with 456 clicks and a 6.39% CTR; "visit los alamos" had a 27.39% CTR. Seasonal shift from winter to spring/summer interests was observed, and winter ads were turned off. - Completed tasks include the Tourism Marketing Data Plan, Interim Marketing Plan, Initial Market Assessment, and NM True updates; the annual marketing plan is in development using a stakeholder survey that received 87 responses. - Discover Los Alamos Report (presented by staff in Melanie Peña's absence): - 2025 visitor center totals: Los Alamos Visitor Center 20,657 (-16% from 24,681), White Rock Visitor Center 9,583 (-70% from 32,403), combined 30,240 (-47% from 57,084). - The White Rock decline was attributed to Bandelier National Monument's mandatory summer shuttle no longer operating from the White Rock Visitor Center. - 663 iPad kiosk survey entries were collected in 2025; 83% of Los Alamos Visitor Center respondents rated their experience very positive, and 95% of White Rock Visitor Center respondents did so. - FY26 LTAB Work Plan: - The work plan was approved by County Council on March 3, 2026, and was provided for reference. Discussion Items - Year 7 Progress Report Tourism Strategic Plan Discussion: - Staff presented the 2018 Tourism Strategic Plan Implementation Action Plan status review and recommended the board identify 3-5 immediate items for Council and 3-5 "Phase II" items. - Board members discussed barriers to overnight visitation, including limited hotel supply, high occupancy (Dana Even noted hotels commonly run at 80-85% occupancy), low federal per diem rates ($110 in Los Alamos vs. $167 in Santa Fe), lack of weekend dining and evening options, workforce/labor shortages, and transportation limitations. - Board members expressed support for exploring RV park development as a workforce and visitor accommodation strategy, noting existing county code limits stays and that feasibility studies for locations on NM 502 and Camp May have been challenging. - They also discussed vacant commercial properties and downtown blight, with staff noting a prior council review of vacancy fees was complicated and not implemented. - The board agreed on three immediate items for Council, deferring Phase II to a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Motion (Vice Chair Tharp, seconded by Member Even) to recommend the following three items from the 2018 Tourism Strategic Plan for Council focus: Item 2.1 (identifying parcels for an RV park), Item 3.2 (reducing downtown blight), and Item 4.3 (conducting visitor intercept surveys to measure performance and guide marketing). The motion passed unanimously 3-0. - Motion (Chair Olsen, seconded by Member Even) to approve the proposed FY27 LTAB budget at the FY26 adopted level ($511,357 total) rather than the originally proposed 10% reduction, with the understanding the amount may stay the same as FY26. The motion passed 3-0. The recommendation will be forwarded to County Council for FY27 budget consideration. - Next meeting scheduled for May 2026; no specific agenda items were requested.

The Los Alamos County Council held a work session on March 17, 2026, at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock. The meeting was hybrid, with six councilors present (one excused). The agenda included public comment, proclamations, board briefings, acceptance of the Inclusivity Task Force final report, and approval of the Community-Wide EV Charging Plan and Fleet Conversion Plan, among other items. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert (Bob) Day expressed concerns that the county landfill no longer accepts clean dirt from home improvement projects, leaving residents without a disposal option. He also requested removal of severe penalty provisions (thousands of dollars and up to six months jail time) from the nuisance code, advocating for lien-based enforcement instead. Council noted these items were not on the agenda and could not be discussed. Discussion Items - Proclamation: Council unanimously adopted a proclamation designating March 29, 2026 as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day in Los Alamos County." Linda Carol Alt, Chapter Regent of the Valle Grande Chapter, DAR, accepted and noted a Vietnam veterans flag will be suspended over a pedestrian overpass on Diamond Drive. - Parks and Recreation Board Briefing: Vice Chair Jerry Cowan reported on 2025 accomplishments including approvals of the Rose Garden Fence, Wahee Pine Cemetery Expansion, NM State Road 4 Pedestrian Crossing, Ice Rink Shade Structure, and Brewer Arena Improvement Plan. Three working groups (Open Space, Bike Park, Equestrian/Livestock) were active. Council thanked the board and noted funding questions for future phases. - Library Board Briefing: Chair Beth Stelle highlighted 2025 community engagement, website testing, and 2026 plans including a revised outdoor classroom design (due to a utility line), community needs assessment, and participation in National Library Week and Atomicon. Council praised the library's work. - Inclusivity Task Force Final Report: Rachel Cazier presented the report covering near-term needs (e.g., education on Native American culture, accessible trailheads, housing stabilization, improved communication on accessibility) and long-term solutions (e.g., standing inclusivity board, stronger tribal relations, expanded bus service). The task force sunsetted in February. Discussion centered on next steps: whether to create an ongoing board or integrate recommendations into existing boards. Council heard public comment from David Hampton (supported extending the task force or creating a board), James Warnicky (stressed urgency and need for concrete wins like a wheelchair swing and land acknowledgement), Lisa Reader (thanked task force leaders), Karen Edwards (concerned not all voices were represented; recommended distributing recommendations to relevant departments with a central fund). After debate, Councilor Cole moved to accept the report and direct staff to draft an ordinance (and cost estimate) for an ongoing board/commission. Passed 6-0. - Community-Wide EV Charging Plan: Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule and Stantec consultants presented the final plan, which added four new charging sites (Urban Park, Hilltop Shopping Center in Los Alamos; Smith's and Overlook Park in White Rock) to improve equity. The plan recommends a phased network, streamlined permitting, and continued engagement. Council accepted the plan (6-0). - Fleet Conversion Plan: Annale Castillo (Stantec) presented two scenarios: the current EV policy (2 EVs/year, reaching 31% electric by 2050) and the ambitious CAP policy (80% electric by 2050, 25% more expensive cumulatively). Discussion covered cost assumptions, infrastructure needs, and the plan as a living document. Council accepted the plan (6-0). - Amendment No. 2 to Wilson & Co. Agreement: Jennifer Morrow and Eric Ulibarri requested approval of $17,477 plus GRT for construction management and public outreach for Trinity Drive Safety and ADA Improvements (from Connet Street to Oppenheimer). The project will advertise in April, with bids opening April 16. Council approved (6-0). - Tourism Update: Linda Matteson and Ellyn Felton reported 2025 visitation numbers (0.93% decrease overall despite government shutdowns), lodgers tax trends, influencer campaigns, and new tools like a business directory (51 businesses enrolled). A tourism working group is coordinating events and has received a $25,000 state grant for a trailhead design. Council noted progress. - Electric Coordination Agreement Status: Utilities Manager Philo Shelton updated on negotiations with DOE for a new 10-year fixed-price agreement (replacing the 40-year-old adjusted-price contract). A 120-day extension will be requested. A subcommittee engaged Kutak Rock to draft language; key issues include contract term flexibility for long-term investents (e.g., small modular reactors) and infrastructure investment protection. Council also will consider a budget authorization for short-term power purchases at favorable market rates. Key Outcomes - Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation adopted unanimously. - Inclusivity Task Force Final Report accepted; Council directed staff to draft an ordinance and cost estimate for an ongoing board/commission (motion passed 6-0). - Community-Wide EV Charging Plan accepted (6-0). - Fleet Conversion Plan accepted (6-0). - Amendment No. 2 to Wilson & Co. Agreement approved (6-0). - Approval of minutes for February 26 special meeting and March 3 regular session (6-0). - Approval of agenda (6-0). - Suspending council rules for work session actions (6-0). - Council received updates on tourism activities and electric coordination agreement; no formal votes taken. - Councilor Hand reported on North Central Regional Transportation Board (NCRTB) election results (same officers retained).

The Los Alamos County Parks and Recreation Board met Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1000 Central Avenue, with remote participation available. The board approved the February 12, 2026 minutes, reviewed the new CivicRec recreation management software, discussed coordination of Community Services Department projects, and voted to recommend the North Mesa Bike Park as a budget priority to County Council. No public comments were made during the public comment period. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote, including a remote vote by Paula Knepper after an audio check. Public Comments & Testimony - No comments were offered on items not included on the agenda. One remote attendee indicated they were only listening in and did not provide public comment. Discussion Items - CivicRec Parks and Recreation Management Software: Katherine Hudspeth presented the new CivicRec platform, which replaced RecTrack and launched March 2, 2026. The demonstration showed online browsing and registration for activities, memberships, events, and facility rentals; digital waivers and policy signatures; special event permit requirements for events with 100 or more attendees; optional electricity-use fees; and credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay payment options. Staff noted that pavilions can often be booked same-day, larger facilities such as the rodeo arena have a 14-day online window, baseball fields are currently fully booked and coordinated with field-user groups, banner permits remain with Customer Care, and Fuller Lodge/Betty Ehart rentals stay with the Facilities division rather than CivicRec. - Coordination of CSD Projects: Staff explained how the Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs Integrated Master Plan, the ADA Transition Plan, the CSD Strategic Roadmap, divisional plans, and County Council objectives drive project prioritization. Projects discussed included the 37th Street and Pinyon Park playground replacements, Guaje Pines Cemetery Phase 1 (with a new ossuary and memorial wall, expected late 2026 or early 2027), North Mesa Recreation Master Plan, Bio Canyon Trailhead, Grand Canyon Playlot, and North Mesa Picnic Grounds. The 37th Street and Pinyon Park playgrounds are on or ahead of their April 30 contract completion, with ribbon cuttings scheduled May 5 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Board members raised community questions about coordination between the Bio Canyon and North Mesa Picnic Grounds planning efforts and about equestrian trail access to Bio Canyon. Staff responded that the two consultant teams, Groundwork Studios and Site Southwest, are in direct communication and that project comment summaries and survey results are posted to project web pages. - Bike Park Budget Recommendation: The board discussed that the Bike Park is in Phase 1 of the council-approved North Mesa Recreation Master Plan. Board members described the recommendation as a formal follow-through on earlier Bike Park working group presentations that had been overtaken by the larger master planning process. Concerns were noted about Phase 2 open-space/trail connections, but members cautioned against revisiting public-approved master plan decisions. The board then moved and seconded the recommendation. Board/Staff Communications - Chairman’s Report: Chair Brian Watkins had no formal report; he reminded members of upcoming public listening sessions and the summer concert series, and cautioned board members to avoid accidental quorums at community events. - Staff Report: Staff announced upcoming public meetings: Grand Canyon Playlot virtual meeting March 16 at 5:30 p.m.; North Mesa Picnic Grounds at Fuller Lodge March 19 at 5:30 p.m.; and Bio Canyon Trailhead at Fuller Lodge and online March 24 at 5:30 p.m. They also reported that the Pinyon Park rocket was removed for sandblasting and repainting in a survey-selected color scheme, Ashley Pond’s waterfall pump system had been replaced and turned back on, irrigation water was being restored to selected sports fields to protect turf, and the Community Services Department has an average of $4 million annually for ADA and level-of-service improvements. Key Outcomes - Approved the February 12, 2026 minutes unanimously. - Passed by a 6-0 roll-call vote a motion recommending that County Council consider the Bike Park proposal as a priority item during budget hearings. - CivicRec was presented for information only; no action was taken on the software. - Staff will continue consultant coordination and public outreach on active projects. - The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2026.

This special joint meeting between the Los Alamos County Council and the Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Board was held at Chamisa Elementary School in White Rock, New Mexico. The primary agenda item was a presentation and discussion on the North Mesa Housing Transportation and Utilities Study, which examined the feasibility of developing up to 360 housing units on a 30-acre school-owned site. The meeting included detailed technical analysis, council and board questions, and public comment. Consent Calendar - Approval of LAPS Board Agenda: Motion passed unanimously. - Approval of County Council Agenda: Motion by Councilor, second by Councilor Cull, passed unanimously. Public Comments - Lisa Reader (3207 Woodland Road) expressed support for the study but raised concerns about traffic congestion at North Road and Diamond Drive, especially during peak times and potential evacuation scenarios during wildfires. She noted recent accidents at the roundabout and urged consideration of emergency access. - Mr. Carmichael (speaker identified by name in transcript) questioned the long-term population growth assumptions, noting that artificial intelligence might reduce the workforce at Los Alamos National Laboratory, potentially reducing demand for housing. - David Hampton expressed strong support for the project, stating the land was always intended for housing to generate permanent income for schools and to provide housing for employees. - Phil Gerske, former chairman of the North Mesa steering committee, clarified that the 2019 site design map was not iteratively updated and that the Decker Parish bid exceeded budget, leading to the EPS feasibility study and subsequent Wilson & Company analysis. He recommended that the school board lead the approval process since they are the landowners and the county is the approval agency. - Mr. Warnickey (online participant) supported the land lease model, citing the current assessor's appraisal of $1.38 per square foot as low and suggesting a land lease could generate approximately $700,000 per year for the schools. He argued that traffic concerns are overblown and that building housing on North Mesa would reduce commuting and increase bus viability. Discussion Items - Presentation of North Mesa Housing Transportation and Utilities Study (presented by Dan Osborn, Housing and Special Projects Manager, and Steven Lujan, Wilson & Company): - The study evaluated infrastructure capacity for 210–360 housing units on the North Mesa site (30 acres), plus the Arbolada subdivision (137 units) and Ponderosa Estates (49 units). - Transportation Analysis: 11 intersections along Diamond Drive were analyzed. Under existing conditions, all intersections performed at Level of Service (LOS) C or better except Diamond Drive and North Road (LOS D in AM peak). With full build-out, that intersection would degrade to LOS E in the AM peak. Crash data from 2019–2023 showed 94 crashes, with the highest number at Diamond Drive and Canyon Road. - Wastewater Infrastructure: Existing sewer pipe drop B at Cooper Place has severe corrosion (holes exposing exterior), requiring full replacement at an estimated cost of $1.35 million. Current capacity is sufficient for build-out, using only about 48% of peak capacity due to steep slopes. - Water Infrastructure: Proposed upgrades to address low pressure and high velocity segments, including upsizing pipes. Estimated cost for area A (North Mesa site) is $2.39 million; area B (Arbolada) is $987,000. - Total Preliminary Cost Estimate: Approximately $14.7 million, including $2.82 million for off-site/utility upgrades and $11.88 million for on-site subdivision development. These costs include planning-level contingencies and engineering fees. - Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Identified paint cans, drums, and portable classroom stockpiles (removed in 2021) as a low-risk recognized environmental condition (REC). - ALTA Survey: Not certified due to lack of land title commitment; preliminary research provided. - Council and Board Q&A: - Councilor Reger questioned the 0.5% annual growth rate assumption for traffic, clarifying it applies to the entire county population, not just the North Mesa area. The traffic analysis concluded that the system could absorb the additional development without major LOS degradation except at one intersection. - Councilor Ryti asked about addressing the Diamond Drive/North Road intersection issue; the response indicated that detailed design studies and potential signal warrant analyses would be needed. - Councilor Herrmann inquired about soliciting development partners; staff confirmed they have a list of potential developers and would issue a national solicitation. - Councilor Havemann raised concerns about traffic between North Mesa and Barranca Elementary, noting that the roundabout at Diamond Drive and N.M. 4 was included but internal Mesa roads were not analyzed in detail. - Councilor Hand asked about the impact of adding a sixth grade wing and a new elementary school on infrastructure; staff noted those were not included in the study but likely would not be a showstopper. - Councilor Cull asked about the distinction between on-site development costs (borne by developer) and off-site infrastructure costs (potentially subsidized by the county for affordable housing). Staff clarified that the county could participate in covering costs under the Affordable Housing Act. - President Wyman (LAPS) confirmed that the school district has plans to add a sixth grade wing to the middle school and would eventually need an elementary school on the reserved 5-acre site. - Vice President Copeland asked about the timeline for revenue generation; staff explained that if a lease model is used, revenue would likely not start until the development debt is paid off (30–40 years), but that terms could be negotiated. - Several council members discussed the density mix, with Councilor Neal-Clinton advocating for higher density (townhouses, apartments) over single-family homes to maximize housing and match community needs. - The county manager noted that the intersection of Diamond Drive and Canyon Road (not the North Road intersection) is the primary safety concern based on crash data, but that improvements are possible. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the North Mesa housing project. The meeting was a discussion and information-sharing session. - Next Steps Identified: - County staff will continue to refine the study and prepare for a potential solicitation of development partners. - The school board and county council will need to formalize desired outcomes, including housing targets, revenue expectations, and commitment to affordable housing. - Future land use and zoning changes (comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning from institutional to residential) will be required before development can proceed. - Additional traffic studies and design work for the Diamond Drive/North Road intersection may be initiated. - Adjournment: The county council meeting adjourned first, followed by the LAPS board meeting.

The Los Alamos County Health Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:28 PM at the Municipal Building, Room 110 and via Zoom. Ten members were present (Councilors Richins, Strong, Raffin, Hampton, Dehaven, Luketich-Martinez, Blackwell, Jones, Muck, and Phelps), with one absence (Councilor Riedel). The meeting focused on discussing health council member activities and projects, reviewing the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) quarterly report, and receiving updates from the chairman, staff, and the county council liaison. Approval of Agenda and Minutes - The agenda was approved as presented unanimously. - The minutes from the January 8, 2026, and February 5, 2026 meetings were approved with a correction: the February minutes were noted to have omitted a staff update provided by Councilor Hand; the minutes were approved unanimously with that correction. Public Comments & Testimony - Ramon, Executive Director of Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO), introduced himself and expressed interest in learning more about the health council. - Jen Demas, Executive Director of Family Strengths Network, introduced herself and stated the organization is dedicated to making families feel comfortable and included in Los Alamos. - No additional public comments on non-agenda items were made. Discussion Items Health Council Activities and Projects (Item 21535-26) - Chair Lisa Hampton led a discussion on the distinction between subcommittees (formal, require public notice and minutes) and working groups (established by chair or council for specific topics). The council decided last year to avoid subcommittees due to staff constraints. - A survey of council members was conducted; three respondents indicated they did not wish to take on additional activities, while three expressed interest in specific areas. Input from absent Vice-Chair Riedel was also shared. - Identified project interests included: jail recidivism reduction, a crisis response team (liaison only, as it is outside council control), community health action center advisory, advocacy (referred to the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils), transportation (liaison with Transportation Board), housing (liaison with housing experts), a directory of providers (existing project led by Celeste Raffin and Marna Riedel), a grants lead to identify funding opportunities for partner nonprofits, a community communications lead, intergenerational events (e.g., "Found Family" program), and a guest speaker series for public education. - The group agreed to form a communications team to handle tabling, articles, outreach, and speaker coordination, and to define other project groups (directory of providers, jail recidivism, found family). The remaining interests would be handled through individual liaisons. Chair Hampton will compile a list of projects and liaisons for members to self-select. Review of NMDOH Quarterly Report (Item 21536-26) - Jessica Strong presented an overview of the Department of Health deliverables and quarterly reporting process. The county's contract with NMDOH totals $110,000 for fiscal year 2026 (started July 2025), which was formally approved at the February 24, 2026 County Council meeting. An additional $40,000 is available for extra projects related to expanding Narcan access, suicide prevention, and gun lock distribution, bringing total potential funding to $150,000. The quarterly report (19 pages) tracks outreach events, articles, partnerships, and training attendees. The state uses this data to measure impact, though measuring educational outcomes remains challenging. Reports and Updates Chairman's Report (Item 21537-26) - Lisa Hampton shared highlights from the New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils conference (January 2026 in Santa Fe). She emphasized correct terminology: the social services hub is now called the "Community Health Action Center," the approved document is the "Comprehensive Health Plan," and the annual submission is the "Work Plan." She noted the importance of consistent language to avoid confusion. - Barbara Phelps reported on a potential site visit to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, including a tour of the new Cancer Center. The council will discuss scheduling a group visit at the April meeting. Staff Update (Item 21538-26) - Jessica Strong provided updates: - A Youth Summit will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Mesa Public Library from 6-8 PM, designed by high school students. Activities include food trucks, silent disco, healthy relationships workshops ("red flag, green flag"), guided meditation, art therapy, and overdose response with a peer specialist. Co-sponsored by USB, the YMCA, municipal courts, and libraries. Volunteers are still needed. - New police department recruits will tour the social services office on March 13, 2026, continuing a partnership to connect officers with resources. - A transportation representative will join a social services staff meeting on March 9, 2026, to discuss improving bus access for those needing health care appointments. - A training on the Unite Us closed-loop referral system was held on February 28, 2026, with 14 participants from 10 organizations (including Family Strengths Network, LARSO, local churches, probation). A monthly learning group will follow; additional training dates will be announced. County Council Liaison Report (Item 21539-26) - Melanee Hand reported that the County Council approved all board and commission work plans for calendar year 2026 at the February 24 regular session. She noted that the consent agenda process allows blanket approval unless an item is pulled. The council also discussed federal priorities for 2026, including wildfire mitigation and health access. A working group on the Los Alamos County Charter is reviewing term limits and political party requirements for boards and commissions; input from the health council has been submitted to the county attorney, but outcomes are pending. Key Outcomes - The council identified four initial project groups: directory of providers (Celeste Raffin and Marna Riedel), jail recidivism reduction, "Found Family" intergenerational events, and a communications team. These will be formalized after members self-select via an upcoming survey from Chair Hampton. - Individual liaisons will be assigned for crisis response, community health action center, advocacy, transportation, housing, grants, and guest speakers. A list of all boards and commissions will be circulated for members to indicate liaison interests. - The next meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Agenda items will include follow-up on projects/liaisons, a potential site visit to Christus St. Vincent's, and a presentation by Stephanie Gonzalez (NM Aging and Long-Term Services Division) on new caregiver support programs.

The Transportation Board met on March 5, 2026, to receive presentations on the Denver Steels Phase III improvements and the Atomic City Transit Saturday Service Pilot, elect new officers, and hear the monthly Public Works staff report. The meeting included a public hearing for the Denver Steels project and discussion of long-term Saturday transit options. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved unanimously as presented. - Approval of Minutes: The February 5, 2026 Transportation Board minutes were approved unanimously with no corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - Denver Steels Phase III Public Meeting: Multiple residents of the project area spoke during the public hearing portion of the presentation: - A resident asked about stakes marking the roadway and whether plantings would be restored. The project manager explained the stakes mark curb and gutter offsets and that landscaping remediation would be addressed with the contractor. - Katie Brule (Pueblo Drive resident) reported that plantings and yards had been dug up during Phase II and urged the board to protect property. Staff responded that they would remind contractors to be careful and address remediation. - Cheryl Kuskey (Pueblo Drive) requested a sidewalk on the non-sidewalk side of her street. Staff said she could submit a written comment. - Chris Judson (Pueblo Drive) expressed frustration about lack of communication regarding sidewalk placement and water meter locations. Staff provided details on the phased approach and promised to follow up with his address. - A written comment from Jay Lynch asked about proper grading on Questa Drive to prevent water/snow collection. Staff confirmed the road would be crowned. - Another resident asked about asphalt scheduling; staff explained that each street would get a first lift and then a final lift after all utility work is complete. Discussion Items - Denver Steels Improvements Project Phase III (File 21360-26): Eric Ulibarri, County Engineer, and Jeremy Lawn, Project Manager, presented the project. The area includes 34th, 35th, Ridgeway, Questa, and Pueblo Drives. The project is a joint Public Works and Department of Public Utilities effort with a $3.8 million roadway budget (FY27 CIP) and $1.2 million for utility upgrades from the DPU 10-Year Plan. The road reconstruction includes 4-inch asphalt, curb and gutter, sidewalk, ADA ramps, and broadband installation. The average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is 46.5 (scale 1–100). Design is in-house; construction is anticipated to bid summer 2026 and complete spring/summer 2027. Staging areas identified at Olive Street, Ridgeway Playlot, and Sycamore Street. Public comment period open until April 17, 2026. Board members asked clarifying questions; no action taken. - Atomic City Transit Saturday Service Pilot Program Update (File 21361-26): Transit Manager James Barela and Senior Management Analyst Anna Brunson presented results of the 13-week pilot (August 2 – October 25, 2025). The on-demand service operated Saturdays 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last pickup) within Los Alamos and White Rock. Key statistics: 359 completed trips, 471 riders, 314 new rider profiles, 96 unique riders. Destinations: Smith’s (44 trips), Library, Speedway, Mountain Vista, etc. Trip purposes: 36% shopping, 36% social, 13% other, 8% nutrition, 5% employment, 2% education, <1% medical. 59.23% of trips were shared rides. On-time performance 98.6%. Post-service survey: 157 respondents, 90 of whom did not use the service. Top reasons for not using: have a car, out of town, scheduling conflicts, health issues, uncertainty about reliability. Desired improvements: later service hours, more public awareness, shorter pickup windows (already reduced from 30 to 15 minutes). The service cost approximately $59 per hour. Current driver shortage: 3 full-time and 2 limited-term vacancies, with an additional 2 drivers expected to leave soon (total 7). Staff is seeking a consultant ($80,000 estimated) to model a sustainable Saturday service, potentially using federal funding (80/20 match). Board members expressed support for the pilot but questioned the need for a consultant versus extending the pilot itself. Staff explained that the consultant study is required for FTA service planning and would help reallocate existing fixed-route resources to free up drivers for Saturday service. The study is expected to conclude by July/August 2026. - Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026 (File 21362-26): Chair Hampton presided over the election. David Hampton was nominated and unanimously re-elected as Chair. For Vice Chair, Joshua Muck was nominated; in a roll call vote, Muck received 6 votes (unanimous), defeating a self-nomination by Member Geppert-Kleinrath. The new Chair and Vice Chair will serve for 2026. - Public Works Staff Report (File 21363-26): Public Works Director Eric Martinez provided updates: - Wayfinding signage: 19 signs installed along Central Avenue and Canyon Road; 120 bases previously installed. - Street crews grading Rendija and Bayo Canyons roads for fire evacuation preparedness. - Bandelier National Park service contract expected soon; service will be internal to the park, dates to be announced by NPS. - A $4.5 million grant was awarded for reconstruction of the Canyon del Bui Trail in White Rock (from Rover to Overlook), converting it to a wider, hard-surface multi-use trail. - Rumble strips on NM 502 (Airport Road to East Gate Drive) installation expected within two weeks. - The Airport T-hangar project: contractor mobilizing in 2-3 weeks; hangar structure delivery expected August 2026; construction to be near fuel farm with access maintained. - Airport taxiway relocation and access road: awaiting grant agreement; design at 30% conceptual; construction anticipated around 2028. - Board members asked about pedestrian-level wayfinding for the Canyon del Bui Trail and coordination with the White Rock food truck pad; staff said these would be considered during design. Key Outcomes - Election: David Hampton re-elected Chair, Joshua Muck elected Vice Chair (unanimous). - Minutes Approved: February 5, 2026 minutes approved as presented. - Denver Steels Phase III Public Hearing: No formal action taken; public comment period open until April 17, 2026. - Saturday Service Pilot: Presentation received; staff directed to proceed with consultant study and explore funding. No formal vote. - Staff Report: Acknowledged; no action items. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for April 2, 2026; potential agenda item on EV fleet metrics (pending).

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) met on March 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Room 110, 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos. The meeting focused on planning activities for Historic Preservation Month in May 2026, including outreach events, a possible proclamation, and coordination with community partners. The board also received updates on vacancies, work plans, and council initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approval of Today's Agenda: Approved unanimously. A minor formatting issue was noted (duplicate public comment section) but did not require a change to the approved agenda. - Approval of February 4, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously. A member noted that detailed notes are no longer included in minutes; recordings are available online. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered, either in person or online. Discussion Items - Historic Preservation Month Participation Plan (May 2026): The board brainstormed activities and assignments: - Arts & Crafts Fair (May 9th): Considered sharing a table with the History Museum and Bandelier/Manhattan Project National Historic Park. Last year's table had low traffic. Suggestions included using a community loom as a draw, requesting archive materials (old maps, photos) from Todd (History Museum), and asking for a more central location. - Rose Garden Fence Ribbon Cutting: The new fence is about 80% complete. A possible ribbon-cutting event in May could attract attention. The garden club did the research and should be honored. - Farmer's Market Table (May 21st): Council member is already scheduled; board members may join to distribute brochures and engage the public. - Proclamation: The board will revisit drafting a proclamation for council approval, possibly tied to homestead signage or other historic themes. - Lecture by Historic Master Plan Contractors: The contractors proposed a public lecture in May, but progress is uncertain. The board may support if it occurs. - Homestead Signage: Leslie Lochlin is reducing the number of homestead signs from 17 to 4, based on low tour-brochure demand (fewer than 50 distributed annually). Artwork at each location is under consideration. - Photo of the Week in the Paper: Could promote historic places, possibly featuring the high school graduation or homestead tour. - Board Vacancies and Terms: Planning Manager Danielle Valdez reported one vacancy (short-term, Patrick Moore's seat) and three members terming at end of April (Carrie Gregory, Loretta Weiss, and a third member). Interviews are scheduled for the next week to fill the three new terms; the short-term vacancy is pending legal guidance. - Work Plans and Working Groups: Chair noted two planned working groups (CLG/cultural resources contractors and community outreach) but progress is delayed pending new members. Subcommittees require formal agenda; working groups are a simpler alternative. - Council Liaison Report (Teresa Cole): - Work plans were approved at the last council meeting; a quarterly review is recommended. - The charter working group is considering term limit changes (e.g., allowing a third term or longer terms for planning and zoning). A presentation to full council is set for April 7th; charter changes would require a ballot vote in fall 2026. - A joint meeting with the school board discussed North Mesa development; the board is in a waiting period. - Sub-Committee/Working Group Reports: No formal reports. The arts board liaison (not present) noted the homestead sign reduction. Attendance at other board meetings was encouraged for new members. Key Outcomes - Assignments for Historic Preservation Month: - Carrie Gregory to contact Todd (History Museum) about sharing a table at the Arts & Crafts Fair and borrowing archive materials. - Carrie Gregory to contact Leslie Lochlin about homestead sign updates and possibly a photo for the paper. - Chair will compile a one-page plan and put the item on the April 1st agenda for finalization. - Next Meeting: April 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Agenda will include the historic preservation month plan update, and possibly an update on rose garden fence completion (via email beforehand). - No formal votes were taken; actions were directed to staff and members for follow-up.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) held a work session on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Building, Council Chambers, Los Alamos, NM, with remote participation via Zoom. Chair Gibson called the meeting to order and welcomed Dennis Ansley, the new permanent deputy utility manager for electric distribution. The agenda included an NMED update on the chromium plume at Los Alamos, the DPU FY2025 annual report, a review of the proposed FY2027 budget and cash reserve guidelines, and the annual water system update. The board approved the agenda unanimously and took no other formal votes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment in person or via Zoom during either public comment period. Discussion Items NMED Chromium Plume Update - Mike Peterson (Hazardous Waste Bureau) and Caitlin Martinez (Ground Water Quality Bureau) presented the update. Peterson reviewed plume history, showing that pre-interim-measure contamination at R50 exceeded the state action level of 50 parts per billion (ppb) and approached the Pueblo de San Ildefonso boundary. - After interim measures, extraction wells operated in the plume center and northeast, with injection wells along the expected plume boundary. NMED noted that monitoring at some wells later used for injection had shown chromium concentrations of 60 to 100 ppb. - The new SIM-3 monitoring well on Pueblo de San Ildefonso property was drilled in August/September 2025. Zonal sampling indicated the highest screening-level concentrations in the lower zones, approximately 73 and 62 ppb, prompting NMED to work with the Office of the State Engineer on a dual-screen well design with a lower screen at 1,027–1,047 feet. Peterson said the results were unexpected and did not align with model-based assumptions of hydraulic control in the southern plume area. - Well construction is nearly complete; after aquifer testing and a constant-rate test, initial regulatory samples will be collected, and SIM-3 will enter the regular monthly sampling schedule. NMED said it will work with Pueblo de San Ildefonso on next steps. - Regarding interim operations, NMED said it has not authorized reinjection of treated groundwater but supports continued extraction and treatment with disposal through other permitted mechanisms, such as the existing land application discharge permit. NMED clarified that its pause applied to reinjection authorization, not to extraction. A proposed first action discussed was one extraction well at about 60 gallons per minute, with permitted land application capacity of 350,000 gallons per day. - Martinez discussed adaptive site management using RCRA FIRST and ITRC guidance. Goals include iterative work plans, use of metrics, stakeholder collaboration, and periodic reassessment of the conceptual site model. She also noted the state’s concern that injection above contamination could drive plume migration downward or laterally. A stakeholder group includes Los Alamos County, Pueblo de San Ildefonso, NMED, DOE, Office of the State Engineer, and the Department of Indian Affairs. - Board members asked about model validation, plume migration timelines, and drinking water protection. NMED responded that long-term predictive modeling carries uncertainty and that the state prefers to adapt as new data arrive. A county representative noted that drinking water testing has not shown elevated chromium in county wells, and NMED said monitoring wells are intended to provide early warning before receptor impacts. DPU Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2025 - Catherine D'Anna, Public Relations Manager, presented the annual report for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. She noted the report is required by the county charter and was prepared after Council approval of the ACFR. - Highlights included five awards earned in FY2025, 100 employees, 29 employee promotions (six of them twice), new impact-by-the-numbers pages, and performance measures for electric, gas, water, and wastewater. - A board member flagged that the natural gas section used a target of a 10% reduction in therms per capita per heating degree day, which is not the board-established goal, and that the underlying data showed natural gas use per heating degree day has been essentially constant since 2002, indicating zero progress toward the 2030 milestone. Staff acknowledged the error and said the report would be corrected and re-uploaded within a few days. Proposed FY2027 Budget and Cash Reserve Guidelines - Joann Gentry, Deputy Utility Manager for Finance and Administration, presented cash reserve guidelines supporting the FY2027 budget review. Guidelines include an operations reserve of 180 days of operating expenses, capital expenditure reserves based on depreciation plus 2.5%, a contingency reserve for the largest single piece of equipment, a debt service reserve, and a rate stabilization reserve in electric and water distribution funds. - Restricted cash totals from the ACFR were approximately $25.9 million: $19.72 million in electric, $1 million in gas, $4.6 million in water, and $652,000 in wastewater. - Gentry said financial performance varies by fund; the electric distribution fund is under pressure because sales were lower than anticipated, and staff has shifted revenue forecasting to a five-year historical average. Board members discussed the need for longer-term financial planning, including eventual transition away from natural gas infrastructure. Annual Water System Update - Clay Moseley, Deputy Utility Manager for GWS Services, presented the annual water system update. He described aging infrastructure challenges, including approximately 84 pressure-reducing valves (PRVs), many from the late 1960s. Poorly functioning PRVs contributed to water hammer and line breaks during fire hydrant testing; some PRVs were repaired in-house, while others required full replacement. - Water sales have declined, attributed in part to a wet FY2025 and demographic changes such as fewer large families in the county. Staff is working to improve meter accuracy and reduce non-revenue water. - Capital and maintenance work include water line replacements following Public Works projects in the Denver Steels and Aspen School areas, well and booster station upgrades, a SCADA transition, replacement of an electrolysis chlorination system at Parrito Booster 2, and non-potable water connections for golf course and school fields. - Moseley reported an October 2025 failure of an 18-inch transmission line in Two Mile Canyon, requiring continuous pumping to maintain contract tanks; a redundant steel line was placed in service, and Parker Construction will soon begin slip-line repair of the failed line. - In response to board questions, Moseley discussed vertical motor bearing life, maintenance coordination with LANL on electrical metering, and a recent arc flash incident involving LANL electricians at a county well station. Key Outcomes - The board approved the agenda as presented by a 5-0 vote; no other formal motions were made. - Staff will correct and re-upload the DPU FY2025 annual report to fix the natural gas goal chart. - NMED and DOE will continue with SIM-3 aquifer testing, initial regulatory sampling, and monthly monitoring, and will work through adaptive site management toward a possible restart of extraction and treatment. - The water utility will proceed with the Two Mile Canyon 18-inch transmission line repair and continue PRV, hydrant, meter, and well/booster replacement work. - Chair Gibson asked board members to keep staff informed of travel plans to maintain a quorum; Matt Heavner canceled upcoming travel and will attend the next meeting in person.