Public Meetings - Los Alamos County, New Mexico

The Los Alamos County Library Board met on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Building Room 110. Chair Beth Stelle called the meeting to order with a quorum present: Beth Stelle, Ryan Parker, Jason Chappel, and Michelle Altherr. Also present were Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza, Senior Librarian Veronica, and Council Liaison David Reagor. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting. Motion by Ryan Parker, seconded by Michelle Altherr. Discussion Items - Library Board Work Plan 2026 Presentation – Chair Stelle will present the Board’s 2026 Work Plan to the County Council on March 17, 2026 at the White Rock Fire Station. She will use a template from the previous year. Councilor Reagor suggested highlighting the outdoor classroom and programming. Members noted that other board members may attend but cautioned about quorum concerns. - Outdoor Classroom Designs – Gwen Kalavaza presented four layout options from Wayne Lloyd Architects, revised due to utility line constraints. The layouts vary in size (400–560 sq. ft.) and seating configuration. Key features include a concrete stage with canopy, built-in edge seating, a storage shed, ADA-accessible tables, and landscaping as a sound buffer. Board members discussed the impact of gas lines, shade needs, and programming flexibility. There was a strong preference against Layout 4 (smallest, adjacent to the building), and support for Layout 2 (514 sq. ft., minimal sidewalk impact) and Layout 3 (560 sq. ft., with an additional wheelchair-accessible pad). No formal vote was taken; feedback will guide a public input meeting scheduled for late March or early April. - Chair’s Report – Beth Stelle reported that the Board interviewed a candidate for the vacant seat; the recommendation will go to the council on March 35 (likely a typo for March 25). She will request a permit for a National Library Week banner (week of April 12). The Semiquincentennial art competition was cancelled, and she encouraged collaboration with other boards/commissions. - Boards and Commission Luncheon Report – No report was given; the next luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 5. - Friends of the Library Liaison Report – Michelle Altherr was not present, but Beth Stelle attended and reported that the Friends of the Library Board voted to award a block grant of $55,000 to the library for this year, exceeding the typical $35,000–$40,000 earnings. The Friends also noted that thrift book sales are beneficial. - Manager’s Report – Gwen Kalavaza provided February statistics: print circulation 22,120; digital circulation 10,030 (32% of total). The library held 64 programs with 1,395 attendees. Highlights included the All Schools Art Show opening (running through March), tabletop game day, and a cell phone photography class in White Rock (with a waiting list). Upcoming programs include seed library birthday celebration, a talk on Georgia O’Keeffe’s connection to Los Alamos, and lunchtime musical performances. Projects: The library software replacement is expected to go before council on March 3; implementation will run April–September to avoid the busy summer. EV charging stations (grant-funded) will be installed on the west side of the parking lot, likely by summer. Staffing is stable, with only casual positions being filled. Patron feedback was positive regarding the new Craft & Hobbies database. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from February 2, 2026 (unanimous). - No formal votes were taken on the work plan presentation or outdoor classroom design; board feedback will inform next steps. - Next meeting scheduled for April 6, 2026, at the White Rock Branch Library, with an option to join via Zoom.

The Arts in Public Places Advisory Board met on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 1000 Central Avenue, Suite 110, Los Alamos, NM, and via Zoom. Chair Stephanie Haaser's final meeting after two terms/four years was recognized, and the board covered Fire Station 4 public art, a canceled art competition, officer elections, working-group updates, and a draft deaccession policy. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was offered for items not on the agenda. Discussion Items Approval of Minutes - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the January 22, 2026 APP meeting. Jasmine Stephens made the motion, Anna Buckthorpe seconded, and all members voted in favor. Fire Station 4 Art Discussion - LAFD Chief Witzenberg joined online, along with a county senior project manager, to discuss the proposed public art for the new Fire Station 4. - Board members voiced concerns that a design tied to escaped prescribed burns could reopen community trauma from the Cerro Grande, Las Conchas, and Cerro Pelado fires. One member described the proposed glass beads representing lost homes as feeling like a kick in the face. - Chief Witzenberg said he supports educational and potentially therapeutic art on the station and thought the concept was well put together, but he was not committed to the specific design. He had no objection to hands-on or functional art. - The board agreed to request a written statement from the fire department about the art's goals and to conduct a community survey focused on theme and sentiment, not the specific proposal. The proposed front-of-station location was generally accepted; privacy film was discussed for windows into the exercise area. Election of Officers - The board tabled the election of chair and vice-chair because Tim Foley was absent. Jasmine Stephens will serve as acting chair until the March 26, 2026 meeting, when the election will be held. Semi Quincentennial Art Competition - The working group recommended canceling the Semi Quincentennial Art Competition because of unresolved logistical issues, including concerns about whether a juried show and acquisition fit APP's ordinance and the four-month timeline before the planned Step Up gallery exhibition. - Andy Wright moved to cancel the project; Anna Buckthorpe seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff will notify Step Up and the county manager's office so the project can be removed from the board's work plan. Working Group Updates - The Historic Preservation Board and county staff expressed support for placing art at four new sign locations, but recommended waiting until the sign language and designs are finalized around April before issuing a call for art. - Designs for the lion sculpture are due March 9, 2026; a community survey will follow after the working group reviews the designs. The police department is also working on a memorial design. - Art conservators provided a cost estimate of $25,000 to $38,000 to move the clown sculpture. Pros included better site fit and reduced UV exposure; cons included the need to cut the piece, risk of crumbling, damage to handprints, and possible increased climbing by children. The working group will seek the artist's opinion before making a recommendation. Deaccession Policy and Procedures - Staff presented the current disposal policy, a draft revised deaccession policy, and a sample decommission report. The draft emphasizes that removal should be rare, carefully considered, and documented; it adds formal criteria, legal review, and council approval. - The board formed a Deaccession Working Group with Andy Wright and Jasmine Stephens to test the process using the Aquatic Figures mural and other potential candidates. The existing clown-sculpture relocation group will remain separate. - Aquatic Figures, a 1988 mural at the aquatic center, was discussed as the first test case. Aquatic center staff reported flaking paint and a need for wall space for safety equipment and life jackets. The pool is closing for resurfacing until October, making timing relevant. The mural was one of seven pieces identified in a fall community survey as possible future deaccession candidates. - Staff noted the artist's whereabouts need to be researched. Board members also discussed periodic collection audits, reviewing older pieces over 20 years old, and including deaccession language in future acquisition contracts. Pending Project Updates - Justice Center Mosaic: the first artist payment was reissued and FedExed; installation and three community engagement days are targeted for early June at the library, subject to temperature and artist availability. - Senior Center Security Gate: work is behind schedule; the contract deadline is being extended to April 30, 2026. - Nature Center Sculpture: installed; a ribbon cutting may be combined with PEEC's Earth Day celebration in April. - Lion sculpture: design proposals due March 9, 2026, with a community survey to follow. - Oppy Groves sign: installation expected within the next 45 days. - White Rock Pottery relocation: the conservator will provide handling instructions for the contractor moving the piece. Board/Staff Communications - Staff Liaison Chelsea Ashcraft reported that she will be out of town and asked a board member to attend the quarterly board luncheon on March 5, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in council chambers; Anna agreed to attend. - Pacific Coast's annual maintenance visit is scheduled for August 24-28, 2026. The board will not service the Tranquility sculpture in the pond because the cleanup effort is considered to outweigh the value of the piece. Key Outcomes - Approved the January 22, 2026 meeting minutes. - Canceled the Semi Quincentennial Art Competition unanimously. - Tabled the election of officers; Jasmine Stephens will serve as acting chair. - Established a Deaccession Working Group and selected Aquatic Figures as the pilot case. - Directed staff to draft a Fire Station 4 community survey and obtain a fire department statement. - Next regular meeting: March 26, 2026.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a brief meeting on February 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting focused on routine approvals, officer elections, and scheduling updates. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda (as amended): The agenda was amended to move the discussion of Los Alamos County Development Code Chapter 16, Article IV, Division 8: Signage to the April 8, 2026 meeting. The agenda as amended was approved unanimously. - Approval of January 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the January 14, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Chair Karen Easton was reelected as Chair. Commissioner David Hampton was elected as Vice Chair. - Department Report: Staff announced that the March 11, 2026 regular meeting is cancelled; instead, an open house for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment will be held from 5:30-7:00 PM in Council Chambers, hosted by consultants CZB. Commissioners were strongly encouraged to attend and a quorum notice will be filed. - Chair's Report: Chair Easton stressed the importance of attendance at the March 25, 2026 meeting, which will feature significant cases and will be the last meeting for Commissioners Adler and Nakhleh. She also reminded that the signage code discussion is rescheduled for April 8, 2026. - Council Liaison's Report: Councilor Haviman reported on the February 17, 2026 County Council meeting, including recognition of the finance department's "triple crown" award, an update on the climate action plan, a public hearing for $40 million in GRT bonds for broadband, and the appointment of Carly Blair to the Environmental Sustainability Board. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved as amended (moved signage discussion to April 8, 2026). - Minutes of January 14, 2026 approved. - Chair Karen Easton reelected; David Hampton elected Vice Chair. - March 11, 2026 meeting cancelled; open house scheduled. - Commission encouraged to attend March 25 meeting.

The Los Alamos County Environmental Sustainability Board convened on February 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting focused on finalizing and approving the Fleet Conversion and Community-Wide Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Plan, appointing liaison assignments, and receiving updates on sustainability initiatives. The board unanimously voted to support the plans as presented and forward them to the County Council. Consent Calendar - The board approved the agenda and the minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on items not included on the agenda. Discussion Items - Fleet Conversion and Community-Wide EV Charging Plan (Presentation by Stantec Consulting): Stantec presented the final versions of both plans, which included revisions based on public comments, board feedback, and feedback from the Board of Public Utilities. Key changes included adding charging locations in residential areas and White Rock, and improving clarity on prioritization of multifamily housing. The fleet conversion plan analyzed two scenarios: continuing the current policy of converting two vehicles per year (EV Policy, reaching 31% electrification by 2050) and an accelerated scenario aligned with the Climate Action Plan (CAP Policy, reaching 86% electrification by 2050). The CAP Policy scenario would reduce cumulative greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2050 but carries a 33% higher total cost of ownership compared to a business-as-usual ICE-only scenario. Financial modeling showed negative net present value (NPV) for generic pre-loaded scenarios, but Stantec emphasized that the accompanying Excel tool allows the county to evaluate site-specific returns on investment. Board members discussed the financial viability, noting that public charging investments may not always yield positive returns but can enable equitable EV adoption. The board also discussed Section 5.3.2 of the EV charging plan regarding updating building codes to incentivize EV-ready construction; some members proposed revising it to align with existing codes, but the final motion accepted the plan as presented. - Liaison Assignments: The board reviewed and approved liaison assignments: Sue Barns and Shannon Blair as co-liaisons to the Board of Public Utilities, Sue Barns as liaison to the Los Alamos Sustainability Alliance, and Joseph Chandler as liaison to the Parks and Recreation Board. David Hampton will continue as liaison to the Transportation Board and Planning and Zoning Commission. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously passed a motion to "support the fleet conversion and community-wide electric vehicle charging plan and recommend forwarding this plan to council as presented." The motion was made by Sue Barns, seconded by Jack Grow, and passed unanimously. - Liaison assignments were approved as described. - The board acknowledged the need for ongoing site-by-site financial analysis using the tool provided by Stantec. Reports - Chair's Report (David Hampton): Thanked new members for attending. Noted that Councilor Riedy raised questions about green building codes during Council's February 17 meeting; staff are reviewing code alignment with efficiency standards. - Board Liaison Reports: - Sue Barns and Shannon Blair reported no update from the Board of Public Utilities meeting as both were out of town; they will review the recording. - David Hampton had no update from the Transportation Board. - No update from Parks and Recreation Board. - Council Liaison Report (Councilor Melanee Hand): Reported on the February 17 regular Council session, including recognition of the Government Finance Officers Association Triple Crown award, approval of a budget revision for NMDOT grant funds ($435,388), and issuance of bonds for the broadband project. Welcomed new board member Carly Blair (appointed by Council). - Working Groups: - Bee City Los Alamos: No representative present; noted a wildflower seeding class on February 28. - Los Alamos Sustainability Alliance: No meeting in January. - Education and Outreach Work Group: Sue Barns is a member; the county hired Firebrand consulting for climate marketing and education campaigns. Focus groups are planned for the coming week to test messaging. - Staff Report (Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule): - February sustainability newsletter focused on fast fashion; subscribers increased to 126 with a 75% engagement rate. - EV Charging Infrastructure: Six Level 2 chargers installed at the Municipal Building; over 400 unique charging sessions in the first month. Two DC fast chargers at Mesa Public Library are in design; a budget revision was approved by Council. - Firebrand will be on-site next week for community engagement. - The county was selected to receive a $1.2 million EPA grant for a food composting program (currently on hold due to site constraints). - Jemez Mountain Trail Run zero-waste station volunteer opportunity on May 9 (sign-up via Kristine Coblentz). - Commuter Trip Reduction research is a new project; volunteers welcome. - Presented the January 2026 Residential Sustainability Report: 20% diversion rate (recycling and yard trimmings); 83 tons recycled, 91 tons yard trimmings; 20 trucks of trash sent to Valencia Landfill costing $38,321.60. - Preview of Upcoming Agenda Items: - Possible presentations from Mozart DEVCO and the New Mexico Climate Action Plan (March or April). - The board's work plan is under review and expected to be finalized by Council on March 3.

The Inclusivity Task Force met to review, amend, and approve its final report to the Los Alamos County Council, with a quorum present and all votes unanimous. The agenda header lists the meeting as January 21, 2026, while the meeting metadata provided with the transcript says February 18, 2026; this summary uses the supplied meeting date. Chair Lueninghoener said she would not change approved wording, only formatting, before presenting to Council. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously. - Minutes of the December 10, 2025 meeting approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Final report objectives: Chair Lueninghoener reviewed revised objectives that included determining community inclusivity perspectives through focus groups, racial equity and inclusivity data, existing Council data and plans, county staff input and presentations, facility tours, surveys, interviews, and identification of data gaps. She stated that the objective of identifying best practices from other communities was not completed and that the report would be honest with Council about that. - Needs identified by working groups included education on Native American culture, community empathy, cultural contributions, accessibility, land and labor acknowledgements, Jewish contributions, LGBTQ+ contributions, immediate stabilization options for unhoused individuals particularly those living in vehicles, improved access to affordable and emergency housing, better coordination and navigation across services, reduced housing barriers such as rental application fees and landlord resistance to vouchers, supportive services tied to housing stability, and addressing accessibility issues that create overlapping burdens for people with disabilities. Members added community-based social services, not only churches, to the service coordination item. - Near-term solutions included improving county communications about reporting accessibility issues, working with tribal governments on a possible land acknowledgement, making Pueblo culture more visible through street and trail names and maps, piloting overnight safe parking tied to case management, developing an outdoor accessibility rating system with Peak, completing minor trailhead accessibility fixes, applying an accessibility checker to the county public website, keeping sidewalks clear of signs and debris, adding more accessible crossings with louder signals and flashing lights, creating sensory booths at large county events, and educating about the Sunflower Project for neurodivergent residents. County staff member Linda noted that ADA web accessibility requirements take effect by 2027 and that a contractor is being brought on, so members narrowed the website item to the county public website. - Peace statue discussion: Tina DeYoe and Jovita Mowrer described the peace statue as a children’s gift promoting peace with ties to Los Alamos that was previously refused or tabled by Council. Richard Brethour-Bell questioned whether it clearly met a stated need, and Karen Edwards noted Art in Public Places Board requirements and donation processes. The group decided to move it from near-term to long-term, recommending that the county work with the Art in Public Places Board to incorporate more inclusive art, including considering the return of the peace statue. - Near-term vs. long-term definitions: Members described near-term as one to two years or work that could begin immediately, and long-term as five to ten years or ongoing efforts requiring more sustained commitment. - Long-term solutions included creating a standing inclusivity board, offering community education and inclusivity training, strengthening tribal government relationships, exploring a Native American cultural center, improving service coordination and referral pathways, developing resource maps, continuing cross-board and cross-department collaboration, expanding bus service, considering car-free walkable corridors downtown, developing a system for continuously surveying building accessibility and following through on fixes, collecting more data on emergency and transitional housing needs, and working with the Art in Public Places Board on more inclusive art. - Lessons learned included that the task force’s scope was very broad, volunteer time was insufficient for the size of the work, most members were new to board service, dedicated staff support would make the work more impactful, more community engagement and surveying training would have helped, and there is ongoing tension between urgent needs and cautious policy or regulatory environments. Tina DeYoe added that collaboration across county departments should be part of the staffing recommendation. - Future board recommendation: The report says the work is not finished and a long-term plan is needed. Members discussed whether to recommend a full-time staff position or dedicated hours; some supported asking for full-time support, while Karen Edwards argued that inclusivity should be embedded across every county department and championed by all employees rather than concentrated in one position. Chair Lueninghoener clarified that dedicated staff would intentionally coordinate the inclusivity lens across departments. - Things going well: Members cited the social services division’s client-centered case management, cross-board collaboration, growing recognition of equity impacts in utility and housing discussions, the library’s DEI specialist and openness to feedback, Parks and Recreation’s trail accessibility work, overwhelming community willingness to share cultural knowledge, and effective county social media presence. Key Outcomes - The task force voted unanimously to approve the final report as amended, with the understanding that the chair could edit the report to add responsible parties for solutions and addenda. - The peace statue recommendation was moved from near-term to long-term inclusive art work with the Art in Public Places Board. - Chair Lueninghoener will present the report at a Council work session on March 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. at White Rock Fire Station 3. - No further task force meeting was scheduled; this was the final session.

The Board of Public Utilities met in regular session on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Six members were present and Member Charles Nakhleh was absent. The board approved the agenda, acted on two action items, received a preliminary FY2027 budget presentation, and approved a water storage tank maintenance task order and a White Rock Substation transformer preparation task order. The agenda and minutes list the meeting as running from 5:30 p.m. to 8:02 p.m. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 4-0 with Member Nakhleh absent. The only remaining consent item after the agenda amendment was approval of the January 2026 regular session minutes. - The draft minutes text refers to the January 15, 2025 regular session, while the agenda and staff report identify the minutes as the January 14, 2026 regular session; no correction was made on the record for this apparent typo. Public Comments & Testimony - No oral public comments were made during the initial or final public comment periods. One unnamed Zoom participant did not raise a hand when invited to comment. Department Business Water Storage Tank Inspection and Maintenance - Task Order No. 4 with Souder Miller & Associates - Deputy Utility Manager James Alarid presented Task Order No. 4 under AGR22-67b for potable water storage tank inspection and maintenance services, covering tank cleaning, water level indicator repairs, hatch sealing, leak repair, and full inspections. - The work responds to a New Mexico Environment Department sanitary survey conducted October 7-8, 2025 that identified 36 corrective actions. DPU had already addressed 18 items, and the remaining items must be completed by April 7, 2026. Procurement authorized the work as an emergency procurement. - The board approved the task order in the amount of $149,212 plus applicable gross receipts tax, including a 15% project contingency, and recommended Budget Revision 2026-41 in the amount of $185,441 to Council. The motion passed 4-0, with Member Nakhleh absent. - There is a small discrepancy in the source materials: the staff report and motion use $149,212 and a 15% contingency, while the attached SMA proposal letter states $149,217 and the budget revision form states a 19% contingency. DPU FY2027 Budget Presentation - Deputy Utility Manager Joann Gentry presented the preliminary FY2027 budget and FY2028 projection. The proposed FY2027 expenditure budget is $100,071,991, an 8% decrease from the FY2026 adopted budget. The FY2028 projection in the packet is $145,507,481. - No action was taken on the budget. Staff will return in March with a final budget for board approval and then Council consideration in April. - The presentation covered a 10-year capital plan, an unchanged FTE count of 107.65, salary and union agreement assumptions, and rate trajectories. Draft rate assumptions included 8% electric distribution in FY2027 and 7% in FY2028; 9% gas in FY2027 and FY2028; 8% potable and non-potable water in FY2027 and FY2028; and 7% wastewater in FY2027 and 8% in FY2028. A staff narrative in the agenda packet describes FY2028 electric as 9%, conflicting with the 7% shown in the financial forecast table. - Richard Valerio presented the debt coverage ratio projection: 1.15 for FY2027 and 0.85 for FY2028, both below the board's 1.3 target. An Electric Distribution Option 2, assuming a $4 million grant for the EA-4 project and delaying $4.5 million in bonding to FY2029, would improve the FY2028 debt coverage ratio to 1.34. - Board members raised questions about reserve target calculations, large swings in unrestricted cash balances, LANL FY2028 load growth, gas sales shortfalls, and the impact of lower debt coverage on future borrowing. Chair Gibson suggested the board revisit the 2016 reserve policy, and Philo Shelton recommended holding a reserve discussion at the March 4 work session. Additional budget discussion was also scheduled for March 4. White Rock Substation Transformer Project - Task Order No. 3 with Sanbros Corp. - Deputy Utility Manager Dennis Astley presented Task Order No. 3 under AGR24-04d for preparation work at White Rock Substation. The new transformer foundation requires four piers 21 feet below grade because rock is about 30 feet deep, and the work includes rerouting SCADA and DC power cables for transformer T2, excavating the oil containment pit, and installing conduit. - Board members asked technical questions about the bus connection and conductor sizing. The cost of drilling the large piers will be covered by a separate task order. - The board approved Task Order No. 3 in the amount of $299,719.24 plus applicable gross receipts tax for a term of 120 days. The motion passed 4-0, with Member Nakhleh absent. Board Business and Reports - Chair Robert Gibson thanked Vice Chair Matt Heavner for presiding previously and reminded members to keep the executive assistant informed of their availability for future meetings. - Utilities Manager Philo Shelton reported on Elk Ridge with 22 homes connected to the new system and about 150 remaining, recruitments, Electric Coordination Agreement negotiations, chromium plume monitoring, the Two Mile Canyon 18-inch water line repair, PFAS sampling, DP Road staging area work, and the vertical switchgear project coming in under budget at about $3.1 million against a $3.3 million budget. Member Eric Stromberg asked whether Elk Ridge homeowners had paid any out-of-pocket costs; Shelton was not aware of direct costs but noted possible water heater replacements. - County Manager Anne Laurent reported on the aquatic center closure except for Leisure Lagoon, Fire Station 4 rebuild bidding, a February 26 special meeting with the school board about North Mesa housing, broadband bond closing and a 3-5 year buildout, a meeting with DOE EM official Tim Walsh, a March 23 trip to Washington, D.C., and NMED fines issued to DOE-EM. - Council Liaison Ryn Herrmann reported that the February 17 Council meeting recognized the Finance and Procurement Division, approved the short-term power purchase agreement with Tenaska Power Services, and approved broadband bonds 7-0. - The Environmental Sustainability Board liaison report was not given because both liaisons were out of town. - Member Jennifer Hollingsworth volunteered for the County Audit Committee and was appointed by Chair Gibson for the remainder of calendar year 2026. The draft minutes state calendar year 2025, but the agenda and staff report say 2026, an apparent typo. - Board expenses were none. Status Reports and Upcoming Agenda - The board reviewed the January status reports covering Electric Reliability, Accounts Receivables, and Risk and Safety with no comments. - For the March-June tickler, the board removed the UAMPS presentation from March 4, delayed the Final EV Plan to the April regular meeting, discussed removing the broadband briefing, and adjusted utilities manager performance review timing because of member travel. The agenda-setting meeting is planned for Friday, February 27, 2026. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved as amended 4-0, moving budget revision item 4.b from the consent agenda to Department Business. - Consent agenda approved 4-0, containing only the January 2026 minutes. - Task Order No. 4 with Souder Miller & Associates and Budget Revision 2026-41 approved and forwarded to Council. - FY2027 budget presentation received; no action taken; final budget presentation expected in March. - Task Order No. 3 with Sanbros Corp. approved for the White Rock Substation transformer preparation project. - Member Hollingsworth appointed to the County Audit Committee for 2026. - Roll-call results in the draft minutes sometimes list Member Nakhleh as voting yes despite his absence; the votes are recorded as 4-0 in the transcript.

This regular session of the Los Alamos County Council was held in hybrid format on February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The council recognized the Government Finance Officers Association Triple Crown awards, received a quarterly update on the Climate Action Plan, held a public hearing to authorize the issuance of up to $40 million in gross receipts tax improvement revenue bonds for broadband and other infrastructure, approved a consent agenda including a short-term power purchase agreement, and appointed a new member to the Environmental Sustainability Board. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the February 3, 2026 regular session. - Approved Contract AGR26-06 with Quicket Solutions, Inc. for court case management software and services ($373,066.55 plus GRT, 15-year term). - Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) providing $350,000 for FY2026. - Approved a short-term Power Purchase Agreement with Tenaska Power Services Co. for $566,481.39 to meet March 2026 power load. Discussion occurred regarding Tenaska’s role as a power marketer and the temporary nature of the agreement. - Approved Budget Revision No. 2026-42 for $435,388 in New Mexico Department of Transportation grant funds. The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Sam Gardner (191 Dome Road, Los Alamos developer) expressed opposition to the county’s support for expanded nuclear weapons production at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He referenced a 2018 county resolution supporting pit production and a recent article on Project Velocity, a Department of Energy deregulation initiative to accelerate warhead modernization. He argued that safety and environmental issues (traffic, chromium plume, construction near misses) are being downplayed, and that the lab’s focus has shifted from science to weapons production (85% weapons, 15% science). He asked council to read the article and questioned their continued support. Discussion Items - Recognition of GFOA Triple Crown Awards (5A): Helen Perraglio, Administrative Services Director, presented awards for the FY2025 budget, FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), FY2024 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), and the NMC-OSA Audit Accountability Award for Mid-Size County. The county has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 33 consecutive years, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 34 years, and has had zero audit findings for three consecutive years. Council expressed appreciation. - Quarterly Climate Action Plan Implementation Update (5B): Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule reported on year-one progress. Accomplishments include hiring a climate marketing and engagement consultant (Firebrand), publishing a draft fleet conversion and EV charging plan, and installing six new EV chargers at the county building (463 charging sessions in January and first 10 days of February). Ongoing work includes expanding EV infrastructure (two DC fast chargers at Mesa Public Library), constructing the Foxtail Flats solar array (delayed to June 2027 due to environmental clearance), developing a commuter trip reduction program, and researching tariff-on-bill financing. The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) has a 17% recycling contamination rate (steady for a decade) and is focusing on education. Councilors asked about the tariff program, contamination causes, coordination with LANL, and building code updates. - Public Hearing: Resolution 26-06 – $40M Gross Receipts Tax Improvement Revenue Bonds (8A): Helen Perraglio explained that the resolution authorizes up to $40 million in bonds to finance improvements to the county’s broadband system and other public facilities. The preliminary official statement will be posted February 18, pricing is expected February 25, and closing March 10. The county maintains excellent bond ratings (S&P and Moody’s), with an estimated borrowing cost of 3.8–4%. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7-0). - FY2026 2nd Quarter Financial Overview (9A): CFO Melissa Dadzie presented the financial status as of December 31, 2025. General fund cash and investments total $180 million (book yield 3.68%); utilities portfolio $57 million (yield 4.27%). Total general fund revenues are at 52% of revised budget, with investment income at 105% due to favorable market conditions. Property tax collections are at 61%. Expenditures are 17% higher than the same period last year, in line with budget increases. Capital improvement projects are at 17% life-to-date, with major projects in design (Fire Station 4, Denver Steels, Emergency Operations Center). No action was taken. - Appointment to Environmental Sustainability Board (10B1): Council interviewed two candidates for one vacancy. After a roll call vote, Carly Blair was appointed (5 votes for Blair, 2 for Laural Hardin) to a partial term ending July 31, 2026. - Councilor Expenses (10G): Council approved up to three councilors to attend the Main Street America Now conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 12–15, 2026. Motion passed unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the consent agenda (7-0). - Adoption of Resolution 26-06 (7-0) authorizing up to $40 million in gross receipts tax bonds for broadband and infrastructure improvements. - Appointment of Carly Blair to the Environmental Sustainability Board (5-2 vote). - Approval of councilor travel expenses for the Main Street America Now conference (7-0). - Next steps: The preliminary official statement for the bonds will be posted February 18, pricing February 25, and closing March 10. The Climate Action Plan update will continue with consultant Firebrand, and the Foxtail Flats solar array is expected to reach commercial operation by June 30, 2027. A joint meeting with the school board is scheduled for February 26, 2026.

The Los Alamos County Parks and Recreation Board met on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 1000 Central Avenue. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, officer elections, a CSD agency performance review update, staff reports on ongoing projects, and extensive discussion on integrating North Mesa recreational planning. Public comments emphasized the need for a comprehensive vision for North Mesa parks. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from December 11, 2025: The board unanimously approved the minutes as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Reeder (3217 Woodland) urged the board to develop a comprehensive overarching plan for all recreational areas on North Mesa, noting that multiple parks (ball fields, North Mesa Park, Loma Linda Park, picnic area, etc.) are being planned separately without integration. She warned this could cause budget issues and recommended a unified recommendation to council. - Carol Braunes (1618 Comina UVA) echoed the need for comprehensive planning, specifically criticizing the Bio Canyon trailhead parking lot proposal. She argued the proposed location is on a steep slope, poses safety risks for sledders, and winter ice would make it inaccessible. She noted the consultant group is not considering alternative parking areas and called for a broader approach. Discussion Items - Election of Officers: Chair Brian Watkins and Vice-Chair Jerry Cowan were both willing to serve another term. A motion was made and seconded to elect Watkins as Chair and Cowan as Vice-Chair. The board voted unanimously in favor. - CSD Director Agency Review Updates: Cory Styron presented the 2025 National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) agency performance review comparing Los Alamos to national medians for agencies of similar population. Key data points: - Residents per park: 511 (national median: 2,400) - Acres of parkland per capita: 20 (nearly double the national median) - Miles of trail: 75 (national median: 17) - Number of programs: 300 (national median: 250) - Cost recovery rate: 15% (national median: 80%) - Operating budget: $9 million (national median: $7 million) Styron noted the data provides context for upcoming budget discussions. Board members expressed appreciation for the report. - Chairman's Report (Brian Watkins): Highlighted recent approvals: North Mesa Master Plan Phase 1 approved by council, Brewer Arena plan approved, and ongoing work on Bio Canyon trailhead and Dinosaur Park planning. Acknowledged community feedback about integration of North Mesa projects and the challenge of balancing input from various stakeholders. Suggested the board could aggregate public feedback and make recommendations. - Board Discussion on Integration: Members discussed the need for better communication and integration of multiple North Mesa projects (parks, trails, stables, picnic grounds, etc.). Ideas included: - Creating a working group of public representatives from different user groups (bike, equestrian, hiking, sledding, disc golf) to collect input. - Embedding integration requirements into future contractor contracts to ensure connectivity is communicated. - Using the county website and surveys to highlight connections. - Agreed to add a formal agenda item for the next meeting to discuss the board's role in facilitating integration. - Staff Report (Katherine Hudspeth and Wendy Parker) : - Ice rink: Chiller performing well; last day of operation is Monday, February 16. - Activity guide: Digital version available; print copies delayed due to weather. - Golf course: Closed; hand-watering greens; driving range planned for March; warranty work (bunkers, trees) this spring. - Aquatic Center: Main pool replaster starts March 2; main pool closes February 22; leisure lagoon remains open; Pinyon Pool leased for outdoor operation May–October (no membership, day pass only). - Mountain bike race: Trans Rocky Mountain event on September 19 in Los Alamos; staff actively involved in permitting. - Athletic fields: Spirio field closed this spring for turf completion; Bun Ryan being finished; Senior Field is in good condition. - Volunteer projects: First event on April 25 (Celebrate Trails Day); all 2026 dates posted online. - Work Group and Task Force Updates: - Equestrian and Livestock Working Group: Final report included in agenda packet. A trail etiquette video (approx. 3 minutes) is now posted on the Los Alamos Trails website. Board member suggested distributing it through the nature center to reach out-of-town users. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Officers re-elected: Brian Watkins as Chair, Jerry Cowan as Vice-Chair (unanimous). - CSD Agency Review Report received as information; no formal action. - Staff reports received; no formal action. - Board agreed to add agenda item for March 12, 2026 meeting on integrating North Mesa recreational planning and the board's role. - Council Communications (Teresa Call) : - North Mesa Master Plan approved Jan 27. - Brewer Arena plan approved Feb 10. - Charter amendments working group formed; boards asked to provide feedback. - Comprehensive plan update: three sections in 2026, final approval expected Dec 2026; temporary signs code update in late spring. - Brownie troop advocated for ADA swings; request noted. - Golf course lease ordinance to be introduced Feb 17, final approval March; new operator expected April. - Next meeting: March 12, 2026, with added discussion on integration.

The Personnel Board convened on February 11, 2026, at approximately 9:30 AM local time (16:15 UTC) to consider the 2026 Work Plan revision and a scheduled training session. Following technical setup and preliminary discussion, the board voted on an amendment to the work plan and adjourned without conducting the training item. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were noted. The meeting focused on a single business item. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. The meeting had no public participation. Discussion Items - 2026 Work Plan Revision (Attachment A): Chair David Hampton presented the amended Attachment A, which lists County Council priorities relevant to the board. The board discussed whether to include the category “Intergovernmental, Tribal, Regional Relations, and Partnerships.” Member Sarah Hoover argued that the board’s primary duties—advising on personnel issues and hearing appeals—do not involve collaborating with outside entities such as Triad or neighboring Pueblos. Member Jennifer Best noted that past salary studies included discussion of Triad, but Hoover countered that the board’s role is focused on county operations. Member Stephanie Haaser questioned the relevance, stating the board does not engage in external collaboration. Despite these concerns, Chair Hampton expressed openness to including the category as a way to reflect the board’s advisory scope. The discussion preceded a formal vote. - Training Item (Employment Appeal Hearings): Agenda item 21265-26 scheduled a training by Tony Ortiz of Ortiz-Zamora Attorneys at Law, LLC. During preliminary remarks, board members and staff noted that the training might be removed from the agenda due to time constraints and a desire to keep the meeting short. No training was conducted. Key Outcomes - Vote on Work Plan Amendment: A motion was made to approve the 2026 Work Plan with the addition of “Intergovernmental, Tribal, Regional Relations, and Partnerships” to Attachment A. The motion passed 3–1, with member Haaser dissenting. The board thus approved the revised 2026 Work Plan as amended. - Training Postponed: The scheduled training on employment appeal hearings was not held. Staff indicated the agenda would be amended to remove the item, and no future date was announced during the meeting. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote.