Public Meetings - Los Alamos County, New Mexico

The Los Alamos County Transportation Board met on February 9, 2026. Note: the agenda and transcript for this meeting are dated February 5, 2026, while the provided timestamp lists February 9, 2026. All seven board members were present; Chair David Hampton presided, with Vice Chair Nancy Talley and Member Michael Altherr participating online. The board tabled its annual officer election until March, reviewed NM 502 safety improvements, approved a revised work-plan attachment, and recognized outgoing members. No public comment was offered. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously as amended to table the election of Chair and Vice Chair until the March 2026 meeting. - Minutes from the December 4, 2025, Transportation Board meeting were approved unanimously as presented. Presentations and Discussion Items - NM 502 Safety Improvements (Jennifer Morrow, Senior Engineer): The presentation addressed multiple crashes along NM 502, including a September 2024 lane-departure fatality, and a 2025 road safety audit initiated by Los Alamos National Laboratory (draft completed August 2025). Crash data from 2015-2023 showed lane departures as the primary cause. The county completed restriping at the Camino Entrada intersection in November 2025 and is developing a centerline rumble strip project from Airport Road to just east of Eastgate Drive, which will remove the passing zone adjacent to the airport, install a double yellow centerline, and provide gaps in rumble strips at left turns. NMDOT provided a letter of support. Presenter Morrow cited FHWA data indicating rumble strips can reduce head-on collisions by up to 45%. Next steps are a contract for installation and a construction start date to be determined. - Board discussion on NM 502: Member Altherr questioned the source of the 45% statistic, asked that data be provided, and expressed the position that enforcement of speed and cell-phone use could be more effective than rumble strips. Chair Hampton identified FHWA as the source. Keith Wilson stated snow removal should be unaffected and that LAPD conducts regular peak-hour enforcement. The board also heard that the fatal crash was a head-on lane-departure collision, and that the road safety audit focused on the Camino Entrada intersection. A roundabout at the intersection was discussed but raised concerns about traffic backing up the hill during inclement weather. Member Altherr expressed support for a roundabout. Member Edwards asked whether the projects were a direct response to the fatality; staff said yes and that they fit with LANL’s broader traffic-safety initiative. - Revised Attachment A of the 2026 Work Plan: Chair Hampton presented the Council-revised Attachment A with checked priority categories matching the board’s previously approved work plan: Communication and Engagement; Intergovernmental, Tribal, Regional Relations, and Partnerships; Infrastructure Asset Management; Downtown Revitalization; Tourism and Special Events; Mobility; and Open Space, Parks, and Recreation. The board approved the revised Attachment A unanimously. - Election of Chair and Vice Chair: The board voted unanimously to table the 2026 officer election until the March meeting, anticipating two new board members. Board and Staff Reports - Chair Hampton welcomed Council Liaison Suzie Havemann and recognized outgoing members Vice Chair Nancy Talley and Member Michael Altherr with certificates for their service; members were reminded to complete annual disclosure forms. - Member Altherr raised concerns about signs on public rights-of-way, calling them a potential distracted-driving hazard, and suggested the board could support a motion to regulate them through the planning and zoning process. - Vice Chair Talley thanked the board and staff, noted her husband’s retirement, and said she would not apply for another term. - Public Works Director Eric Martinez reported that Los Alamos was redesignated as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists; Denver Steels Phase II construction is underway; County Council approved a HAWK pedestrian beacon for the NM 4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail project between La Vista and Sherwood; wayfinding sign installation resumed, with more than 150 signs planned; and a consultant will study Saturday transit service expansion. The staff report also provided operational statistics, including 320 airport operations in December and 15,713 unlinked passenger trips on Atomic City Transit in the latest transit reporting period. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda, as amended, unanimously. - Approved the December 4, 2025, meeting minutes unanimously. - Approved revised Attachment A of the 2026 Work Plan unanimously. - Tabled the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair election until the March 2026 meeting unanimously. - Next meeting/future agenda items include the officer election, an update on Trinity Drive barrier/traffic safety options, and a request for EV fleet metrics comparing fuel use and electricity as the county’s electric vehicle fleet expands.

The meeting, held from 12:00 PM to approximately 1:38 PM, focused on a comprehensive overview of the Social Services Division and the Health Council's roles, funding, and initiatives. New members were introduced, and extensive discussion centered on streamlining meeting structure, establishing working groups, and aligning the work plan with the comprehensive health plan and budget. No formal votes were taken. Discussion Items - Social Services and Health Council Overview (Presenter: Jessica Strong): Jessica Strong, Social Services Manager, presented "SSD & LACHC Overview" covering the Social Services Division's org chart, services (health care assistance, case coordination, outreach, contracts), facilities oversight, and the Health Council's mission as an advisory body to the County Council. She detailed funding sources: the NMDOH contract (recently amended to approximately $105,000) and over $800,000 in opioid settlement funds allocated over five years for prevention, treatment, and post-treatment support. She also described regional collaborations (Region One Behavioral Health Initiative) and initiatives such as the comprehensive health plan, suicide prevention training (110 people trained in first six months), harm reduction (Narcan distribution, gun locks, potential vending machines), and a closed-loop software (Unite Us). - Resource Database and Information Sharing: Members discussed the lack of a centralized community resource database and the challenge of staying informed about county-wide events. Council Liaison Melanee Hand noted that quarterly luncheons allow board chairs and liaisons to share summaries, and suggested the health council could use its work plan to request improved communication. - Meeting Structure and Working Groups: Multiple members (including Tyler, Jyl, and Barbara) expressed frustration with the current informational meeting format, which left insufficient time for substantive work and decision-making. They advocated for a shift to action-oriented meetings with working groups focused on top priorities from the comprehensive health plan (e.g., housing, suicide prevention, harm reduction). Jessica Strong and Councilor Hand supported the idea, noting that the work plan can be used to propose meeting structure changes (e.g., separate evening speaker series) and that members should bring specific project ideas and working group preferences to the March 2026 meeting. - Opioid Settlement Fund Usage: Tyler asked if funds could cover long-term medications (e.g., Vivitrol) or transportation to treatment. Jessica Strong explained that anti-donation clauses prevent direct payments to individuals, but the county is exploring contracting with mobile medical providers to bring services to Los Alamos. - Senior Center Facilities Oversight: A member questioned why Social Services oversees senior center facilities. Jessica Strong explained it is a historical arrangement; the division handles contracts for programs and submits maintenance tickets to public works. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approval Deferred: Approval of the January 8, 2026 meeting minutes was postponed to the March 5, 2026 meeting pending corrections regarding a discussion on members' terms. - Next Steps for March Meeting: Members agreed to come to the March meeting prepared to propose specific action items, working group topics, and suggestions for meeting structure changes. Councilor Hand advised that the work plan should be updated to reflect these desires and will be reviewed by the county council's work plan review committee. The work plan is tied to the budget, so proposed changes must be included. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 5, 2026, with an anticipated presentation from Stephanie Gonzalez on aging initiatives, plus continued discussion on working groups and action planning.

The Los Alamos County Health Council met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:38 PM in a hybrid format (Municipal Building Room 110 and Zoom). Chair Lisa Hampton was absent; Vice-Chair Marna Riedel presided. The meeting focused on a comprehensive presentation by Social Services Manager Jessica Strong reviewing the Social Services Division (SSD) and the Health Council's role, followed by a robust discussion on restructuring meetings, forming working groups, and aligning the council's work plan with the county budget. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Social Services and Health Council 101 Presentation (Jessica Strong): Strong provided an in-depth overview of SSD's organizational structure, services, and community partnerships. Key points included: the division's growth from a small team to a larger staff (including a new outreach specialist); services for homelessness (estimated 50-75 unhoused individuals), food security, healthcare assistance (HCAP), and opioid settlement fund management (over $800,000 allocated over five years). She highlighted harm reduction efforts (free Narcan distribution at multiple sites, with over 200 attendees at a community Narcan training) and the upcoming regional behavioral health grant ($2 million) aimed at creating a crisis continuum across Judicial District 1 (including Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba counties and eight Northern Pueblos). Strong also reviewed the Health Council's mission, its role as an advisory body to the County Council, and deliverables tied to the New Mexico Department of Health contract (approximately $105,000 for the current year). - Future Meeting Structure and Working Groups: Members discussed the challenge of limited time during regular monthly meetings for substantive work. Suggestions included: separating educational speaker series into evening events, creating working groups to tackle specific priorities from the Comprehensive Health Plan (CHP), and using the upcoming work plan submission to formalize these changes. County Council Liaison Melanee Hand advised that the council can propose structural changes (e.g., different meeting days/times, working group formation) in the annual work plan, which is tied to budget approval. She also noted ongoing regional transportation efforts that intersect with health council goals. - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting were not approved; approval was deferred to the March 6, 2026 meeting due to discrepancies in recording the discussion on council member terms and the vote for chair. Key Outcomes - Deferred approval of January 2026 minutes to the March 5, 2026 meeting (minutes to be corrected). - Agreement to develop a formal work plan that includes proposals for working groups, potential evening meetings for educational content, and alignment with the Comprehensive Health Plan. The work plan will be submitted for review by the County Council's work plan review committee. - Next meeting scheduled: March 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with an update from Stephanie Gonzalez on aging initiatives and a continued discussion on dividing action items among working groups. - Action items from discussion: Chair Riedel and staff will circulate the presentation slides; members were encouraged to reflect on priorities and potential working group participation before the March meeting. - No new votes or formal decisions were taken, but consensus was reached to pursue a more action-oriented meeting format and to leverage the work plan process to implement changes.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) held a work session on 2026-02-04 at 5:30 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers, Los Alamos, NM. Chair Robert Gibson participated online, and Vice Chair Matt Heavner presided. The board voted to suspend its procedural rules so formal action could be taken, recommended approval of a short-term Tenaska power purchase agreement, approved BPU travel to the ECA Forum, and received informational presentations on electrification planning, the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, and the H2 2025 customer survey. All formal votes were 5-0. Procedural Actions - The board voted 5-0 to suspend the procedural rules for the February 4, 2026 work session. - The agenda was approved as amended by a 5-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Joni Aaron, representing Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety, commented during the Tenaska PPA item. She said she could not open the referenced WSPP document on wspp.org, receiving a server error 50403 with “forbidden access is denied,” and expressed concern that a county expenditure of more than half a million dollars for roughly 30 days of power should include public access to all relevant documents. Staff said they would follow up by email. - No other public comments were made at the start or end of the meeting. Presentations and Discussion Short-Term Power Purchase Agreement with Tenaska (Agenda 4.a) - Ben Olbrich, Deputy Utility Manager-Power Supply, presented a request to recommend approval of a one-month Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tenaska Power Services Co. for the Los Alamos Power Pool's March 2026 load. - The requested amount was $423,112.80, plus a $106,000.00 (25%) contingency, for a total of $529,112.80 excluding Gross Receipts Tax (GRT). GRT at 7.0625% added $37,368.59, for a total of $566,481.39. - The current Mercuria PPA ends February 28, 2026. DPU needs about 22 MW for March, received two offers, and selected the lower-priced offer. The PPA will be executed under the WSPP Inc. master agreement dated October 31, 2025, through a confirmation letter. - Olbrich told the board that the estimated price is roughly plus or minus $30 per megawatt-hour, substantially below the approximate $78/MWh under the current Mercuria agreement. Forward prices suggest a gradual rise toward about $50/MWh by summer. The current ECA authority limits purchases to one-month increments and runs through the end of March; if no follow-on authority is in place, DPU would either return to BPU for approval or buy power on the day-ahead market. - A motion to recommend approval and forward the agreement to Council was made by Jennifer Hollingsworth, seconded by Charles Nakhleh, and passed 5-0. Distribution and Electrification Plan Implementation (Agenda 4.b) - Dennis Astley, Deputy Utility Manager-Electric Distribution, gave an informational update on implementing the 2025 Distribution System Electrification Study, originally presented by Burns & McDonnell. - Asset replacement costs are expected to be larger than system improvement costs. Most of the electric distribution system has adequate capacity, but age is a primary concern. Electrification is expected to be driven mostly by residential conversions to heat pumps, electric water heating, and electric vehicles. - Residential electric use has risen about 2% per year on average over the past decade despite efficiency gains, while residential gas use has generally declined. Board members questioned whether these trends were normalized for population, new construction, or heating degree days; staff said the data came from residential consumption reports and had not been weather-normalized. - Staff are addressing study recommendations by adding a Line Superintendent, improving the Milsoft power-flow model/GIS linkage, considering Volt-Var controls and Rule E-5 changes for rooftop solar, designing the East Gate Substation, upgrading the EA4 line, replacing White Rock Substation transformers, and reviewing demand-side management, asset replacement planning, integrated resource planning, and cross-departmental engineering coordination. - The County Broadband “make-ready” project is a major near-term opportunity. The first seven of about 20 requested sections are in White Rock. DPU plans to bundle overhead maintenance with broadband pole/anchor/clearance work, including removing open-wire secondaries, replacing rotted crossarms with post insulators, and upsizing transformers where needed. - The 10-year capital list includes repeated underground residential distribution (URD) replacements in Los Alamos and White Rock, EA-4 power line replacement, SCADA installation, East Gate Substation construction, and roughly $1 million per year in each community for unspecified URD replacement in later years. - Board discussion covered future capacity needs. Astley said townsite demand in the electrification study was around 60 MW, while current peak load is about 17-18 MW; the U.S. DOE Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade (EPCU) is expected to add about 200 MW to the network, but the townsite share is not yet defined. - Robert Gibson proposed a deliberate board policy discussion on undergrounding, noting that current upgrades will set the tone for the rest of the century. Jennifer Hollingsworth noted a recent community survey indicated 71% of respondents had no intention of electrifying and questioned the cost and fairness of undergrounding. Dennis Astley estimated undergrounding is at least five times more expensive than overhead and identified secondary-service costs as a major hurdle. Philo Shelton said the topic could be added to a future agenda and noted new development is already required to install underground. Asset Management Team 10-Year CIP Budgets (Agenda 4.c) - James Alarid, Deputy Utility Manager-Engineering, and James Martinez, Senior Engineer, presented the rationale behind the FY2027 and FY2028 project budgets in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan. No formal action was taken. - Electric production includes $200,000 in FY27 to install replacement wicket gate hydraulic servos at Abiquiu, and FY28 work at El Vado totaling about $1.05 million for shaft seal repair, controls upgrade, and synchronizer replacement. - Electric distribution includes $2.485 million in FY27 for White Rock URD replacement (Aragon, Ridgecrest, Garver, Catherine), overhead system replacement, a DP Road staging-area contribution, and East Gate Substation design. FY28 includes $9.45 million for several URD replacement projects, the EA-4 power line replacement, La Senda, Los Pueblos Phase 1, and more overhead work. - Gas distribution has shifted to maintenance mode after aggressive 2002-2022 improvements, with roughly $100,000-$220,000 per year for repairs and equipment. - Water distribution projects are coordinated with Public Works road repaving, including Denver Steels Phase III in FY27 and 34th & Little Urban in FY28, using Drinking Water State Revolving Loan and Water Trust Board funds, plus DPU profit-transfer funding for some waterline work. - Water production projects include Pajarito Tank 4A repainting ($1.6M), Pajarito Road transmission line replacement Phases I and II ($1.7M and $2.2M), Pajarito Well No. 3 replacement design and test well drilling/hydrogeology ($300,000 and $1,500,000 in federal allocations), North Mesa tank altitude valve, and booster station mechanical/electrical upgrades and building renovations. - Wastewater spending shifts from lift-station refurbishment to rehabilitating/replacing aging vitrified clay sewer lines because of recurring failures, overflows, and claims. FY27 sewer collection totals $1.885 million and FY28 totals $4.15 million; FY27 wastewater treatment has $300,000 for converting effluent wash water to a gravity system, with no FY28 wastewater treatment capital budget. - In board discussion, staff explained that the DP Road staging area is intended to reduce complaints at the Sycamore site and would include fenced contractor laydown space, subject to a public process and Council master-plan approval. Robert Gibson questioned why ratepayers should pay for the Pajarito Well No. 3 replacement study when the lost well is tied to DOE-related chromium contamination; Philo Shelton responded that the design/study is needed to develop cost estimates and funding arguments, and discussions with DOE are ongoing. The board also asked for a deeper future discussion on El Vado because federal decisions on the dam remain uncertain. Transactional Survey Report for July-December 2025 (Agenda 4.d) - Catherine D'Anna, Public Relations Manager, presented the semiannual GreatBlue Research Transactional Survey update. The H2 2025 survey had 136 completes and a margin of error of +/-8.37% at the 95% confidence level; the full calendar year had 303 respondents, the highest since 2022. - Respondents were overwhelmingly residential; only 5 commercial customers responded. More than 67% were one- or two-person households, 55% lived in the townsite, 80% were homeowners, 49.3% had been DPU customers for at least 20 years, and 37% for 10 years or less. - Top contact reasons were billing questions and payments/pay arrangements; payments/pay arrangements topped billing questions for the first time in the 2022-2025 comparison. Move-related contacts fell about 5%. About 17 of 136 respondents called with electric-related questions, the first time electric has appeared as a stated reason since CY2023. - Customer effort improved: 31% of H1 2025 respondents needed multiple contacts, falling to 19% in H2 2025. The average rating for six DPU representative characteristics rose from 84.4% to 93.3%, with four characteristics at 94% or higher. About 74% of respondents interacted with Customer Care Center representatives. - D'Anna noted that new tap/QR pads were added at the Customer Care Center to try to increase in-person survey participation. Jennifer Hollingsworth asked about older-skewing demographics; D'Anna said the phone-based distribution likely reaches that group and she is open to ideas for reaching younger customers. Business Items ECA Forum Travel Approval (Agenda 5.a) - Philo Shelton presented the request for BPU member travel to the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) Forum in Augusta, GA, April 21-23, 2026, with tours on April 24. - The board approved travel expenses for Member Eric Stromberg to attend the 2026 ECA Forum. The motion passed 5-0. Council Liaison Ryn Herrmann also planned to attend, and Vice Chair Heavner said a previous ECA Forum was valuable. B&C Luncheons and Farmers Market Volunteers (Agenda 5.b, 5.c) - Board members volunteered for the 2026 Boards & Commissions luncheons (11:30 AM-1:00 PM, Council Chambers): Eric Stromberg on March 5, Charles Nakhleh on May 14, Robert Gibson on September 10 (tentative), and Jennifer Hollingsworth on November 12. - Board members volunteered for the Farmers Market booth (fourth Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 AM at Ashley Pond Park): Jennifer Hollingsworth on May 21, Robert Gibson on June 25, Charles Nakhleh on July 23, Matt Heavner on September 24, and Eric Stromberg on October 22. There was no August booth due to the County Fair. Key Outcomes - Approved suspension of procedural rules and agenda (5-0). - Recommended Council approval of the Tenaska short-term PPA for March 2026, up to $566,481.39 including GRT (5-0). If not approved, staff said they would use day-ahead market purchases with price risk. - Approved BPU travel for Eric Stromberg to the ECA Forum (5-0). - Received informational updates on Distribution and Electrification Plan implementation, the FY27/FY28 CIP budgets, and the H2 2025 Transactional Survey; no formal action was taken on those items. - Agreed to consider a future policy discussion on undergrounding and a deeper review of El Vado/hydroelectric investments.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) held its monthly work session at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in the Municipal Building Council Chambers, with Zoom participation. Vice Chair Matt Heavner chaired in person; Chair Robert Gibson participated remotely, along with Utilities Manager Philo Shelton and Council Liaison Ryn Herrmann. The board suspended its work-session procedural rules so formal action could be taken, approved the agenda, and then heard presentations on the March 2026 power supply contract, distribution electrification, the 10-year capital improvement plan, and customer service survey results. Agenda and Procedural Action - The board voted 5-0 to suspend procedural rules for the work session, allowing formal action. - The board voted 5-0 to approve the February 4, 2026 agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Joni Ahrens, representing Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety, said she could not access the WSPP.org document referenced in the Tenaska PPA materials and received a server error. She asked that all documents tied to a county expenditure of more than half a million dollars for roughly one month of power be readily accessible. Staff offered to follow up by email. - No public comments were made during the second public comment period. Presentation: Short-Term Power Purchase Agreement with Tenaska - Deputy Utility Manager Ben Olbrich requested approval of a short-term PPA with Tenaska Power Services Co. to serve the Los Alamos Power Pool in March 2026. - The current PPA with Mercuria expires February 28, 2026. About 22 MW are needed for March, and DPU received two offers and selected the lower-priced one. - Estimated cost is $423,112.80 before gross receipts tax (GRT), plus a 25% contingency of $106,000.00, for a subtotal of $529,112.80; GRT of 7.0625% adds $37,368.59, for a total of $566,481.39. The final price can move with market prices until execution. - Olbrich explained that the agreement will be executed under the WSPP master agreement dated October 31, 2025, with a confirmation letter prepared immediately before signing. WSPP is a membership organization with a FERC-accepted master agreement whose members include Los Alamos County and Tenaska. - Olbrich noted the estimated price is roughly $30/MWh, down from about $78/MWh under the Mercuria contract; forward curves suggest higher prices later in 2026. - Board questions covered WSPP membership, why purchases are limited to one-month increments under the current ECA, and the fallback of daily market purchases if no PPA is in place. - The board voted 5-0 to recommend Council approval of the PPA. Presentation: Distribution and Electrification Plan Implementation - Dennis Astley, Deputy Utility Manager-Electric Distribution, gave an informational update on work related to the 2025 Distribution System Electrification Study. - The study found asset replacement costs will be more significant than system improvement costs; most of the distribution system has sufficient capacity, but age is the primary concern. - Residential electric use has risen about 2% per year on average over the last 10 years despite energy-efficiency gains, while residential gas use appears to have declined. - Suggested improvements already underway or planned include adding a line superintendent, improving the Milsoft power-flow model and GIS alignment, updating Rule E-5 for Volt-VAR control and balcony solar, designing the East Gate Substation, upgrading the EA-4 line and White Rock substation transformers, studying demand-side management, developing an asset replacement plan, preparing an Integrated Resource Plan, assessing cross-departmental synergies, and recruiting an engineering project manager. - Underground cable and switchgear replacement are major focus areas; many 1970s-era direct-buried cables and undersized secondary services need upgrading. - Broadband make-ready work is being coordinated with overhead system maintenance; broadband identified the first seven sections in White Rock, with 20 sections total planned. Work includes pole replacements, crossarm replacement, anchor installation, and removal of open-wire secondaries. - The 10-year CIP covers underground residential distribution replacements in neighborhoods such as Piedra Loop, Los Pueblos, Quemazon, Sandia, Grand Canyon/Bryce/Richard Court/Rover, La Senda, Tewa/Otowi/Nambe Loop/Santa Clara, Oakwood Loop, Sage Loop, Kimberly Loop, and Trinity. East Gate Substation construction is planned for FY2030. - Board discussion addressed future capacity needs, a possible policy discussion on undergrounding, cost implications, and the need to align system goals with service reliability rather than simply following the study. Presentation: Asset Management Team - Capital Improvement Plan Budgets - James Alarid and James Martinez presented the FY2027 and FY2028 capital improvement plan budgets. - FY2027 highlights include $200,000 for Abiquiu wicket gate servo replacement; $2,485,000 for electric distribution, including $1,500,000 for White Rock URD replacement, $450,000 for overhead system replacement, $35,000 for the shared DP Road staging area, and $500,000 for East Gate Substation design; $135,000 for gas distribution; $1,235,000 for water distribution; $3,635,000 for water production; and $2,185,000 for wastewater treatment and sewer collection. - FY2028 highlights include $1,050,000 for El Vado repairs and controls; $9,450,000 for electric distribution, including $4,000,000 for EA-4 Power Line replacement; $110,000 for gas distribution; $1,300,000 for water distribution; $5,220,000 for water production, including Pajarito Well No. 3 test drilling; and $4,150,000 for wastewater treatment and sewer collection. - Discussion covered the DP Road staging area, which would also provide fenced contractor laydown space; replacement of Pajarito Well No. 3 after contamination of the existing well; uncertainty around El Vado dam and hydro plant investments; and the need for a deeper board discussion of hydro projects. Presentation: Transactional Survey Report (July-December 2025) - Public Relations Manager Catherine D'Anna presented the semiannual survey conducted by GreatBlue Research. - There were 136 responses in the second half of 2025, with a margin of error of +/-8.37% at the 95% confidence level. Full-year 2025 participation was 303 respondents, the highest since 2022. - Respondents were predominantly residential; only 5 commercial customers responded. More than 67% lived in one- or two-person households, 55% in Townsite, 80% owned their homes, 49.3% had been DPU customers for at least 20 years, and 37% for 10 years or less. - Billing questions and payments/pay arrangements were the top reasons for contact; 2025 was the first year payments/pay arrangements ranked above billing questions. About 17 of 136 respondents reported electric questions. - The share of customers needing multiple contacts to resolve issues fell from 31% in the first half of 2025 to 19% in the second half. Average ratings of DPU representative characteristics rose from 84.4% to 93.3%, with four ratings at 94% or higher. About 74% of respondents interacted with Customer Care Center representatives. - DPU added tap pads at the Customer Care Center to make it easier for in-person customers to complete the survey. Business: ECA Forum Travel, B&C Luncheons, and Farmers Market - Utilities Manager Philo Shelton asked for a board member to attend the 2026 Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) New Nuclear Forum in Augusta, Georgia, April 21-23, 2026. The board approved travel expenses for Member Eric Stromberg to attend. - Board members volunteered for 2026 Boards & Commissions luncheons: Eric Stromberg on March 5, Charlie Nakhleh on May 14, Robert Gibson on September 10, and Jennifer Hollingsworth on November 12. - Board members volunteered for Farmers Market booth dates: Jennifer Hollingsworth on May 21, Robert Gibson on June 25, Charlie Nakhleh on July 23, Vice Chair Matt Heavner on September 24, and Eric Stromberg on October 22. No booth in August due to the County Fair. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda and suspended procedural rules for the work session. - Voted 5-0 to recommend Council approval of the Tenaska short-term PPA for March 2026, totaling $566,481.39 including GRT and contingency. - Approved BPU member travel for Member Stromberg to the 2026 ECA Forum. - Scheduled board member attendance at B&C luncheons and Farmers Market dates. - Informational items on electrification implementation, the CIP budget process, and the transactional survey required no formal action. - Board members discussed scheduling future discussions on undergrounding policy and on the future of El Vado and hydroelectric investments.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Los Alamos County Council held a regular session in hybrid format at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, a public hearing on road mileage certification, approval of a contract amendment with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan Update and Chapter 16 Code Amendments. All agenda items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Heidi Heyman Lee (co-leader, Girl Scout Troop 10507) and several Girl Scouts (Olivia Connor Lee, Annabelle Heidemann, Scarlett Rasmussen, and a letter from Hope Connor Lee) requested the installation of inclusive/ADA swings in all public playgrounds. They emphasized that children with disabilities currently cannot swing with their peers and that inclusive swings benefit everyone. - Courtney Kreller (mother of Emmy Dietz, who has Rett syndrome) stated that while Los Alamos values inclusivity, playgrounds lack truly inclusive equipment. She noted that upgrades at Rover Park made it less inclusive and requested an adaptive swing at every playground, with a long-term goal of an all-inclusive playground. - James Warniky (former Parks and Rec Board chair and current Inclusivity Task Force member) supported the request, stating that liability concerns about adaptive swings have been resolved in other jurisdictions. Public Hearing - RE0671-26: Resolution 26-05 – 2026 Annual Road Mileage Certification - Eric Martinez (Public Works Director) and Eric Ulibarri (County Engineer) presented the annual certification for NMDOT road funds. The mileage did not change from the previous year. No public comment was offered. Council voted 7-0 to certify the resolution. Discussion Items - AGR1190-26: Amendment No. 2 to General Services Agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico - Anne Laurent (County Manager) and Victoria Pacheco (Benefits & Pension Manager) explained that the signed agreement contained erroneous stop-loss premium rates ($2.36 vs. the negotiated $2.20 per employee per month), resulting in a $14.71 per employee per month overpayment for calendar year 2025. The error was found during a routine audit; employee premium rates were not affected. Blue Cross Blue Shield will audit and reconcile the overpayment, crediting the county. Council voted 7-0 to approve the amendment. - 21250-26: Overview of Comprehensive Plan Update and Chapter 16 Code Amendments - Pete Lombardi (CZB consultant) presented the 12-month process for updating the Comprehensive Plan, last significantly updated in 2016. The plan will address growth, values, and priorities through public engagement (stakeholder interviews, community survey, workshops). Elias Isaacson (Community Development Director) outlined the parallel Chapter 16 code amendments: Articles 1 and 5 (targeting June 2026), Articles 2 and 4 (targeting March 2027, pending the comp plan), and temporary sign code revisions (targeting November 2026). Councilors discussed timelines, open space rezonings, stakeholder inclusivity, and the need for alignment with the comp plan. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion only. Key Outcomes - Approval of Agenda – Motion passed 7-0. - Resolution 26-05 (Road Mileage Certification) – Approved 7-0. - Amendment No. 2 to Blue Cross Blue Shield Agreement (AGR24-67) – Approved 7-0. - Council Business – Councilors reported on recent board meetings (Planning & Zoning, Inclusivity Task Force, Environmental Sustainability Board, North Central Regional Transit District, North Central New Mexico Economic Development Board). Council Chair Randall Ryti noted meetings with constituents and a discussion on dangerous dogs. The next work session will include a review of potential charter changes.

The Los Alamos County Library Board met on February 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Municipal Building Room 110 and via Zoom. The board approved the December 2025 minutes, adopted the 2026 Work Plan with amendments, received a Strategic Plan update, discussed a semi‑quincentennial art contest with the Art in Public Places Board, and heard the manager’s report on operations, budget, and patron feedback. Consent Calendar - Minutes from December 1, 2025: Motion by Member Altherr, seconded by Member Parker, passed with 4 votes in favor (Member Reardon absent). The minutes were approved. Discussion Items - 2026 Library Board Work Plan: Chair Stelle presented the draft. After discussion, the board agreed to three amendments: (1) update the Council Liaison to Councillor Reger, (2) add an item in section 2.2 to provide feedback on sound study next steps if needed, and (3) add in section 3.3 an interface with the Friends of the Los Alamos County Library. The board voted to approve the work plan as amended. Motion by Member Altherr, seconded by Member Parker; passed unanimously. - Strategic Plan Update (presented by Library Manager Gwen Kalavaza): Kalavaza reviewed progress on the 2024‑2026 plan, which is aligned with the Community Services Integrated Master Plan. Highlights included a new website, videos for the Community Resources section (focus on business/entrepreneurship, social services, tourism), partnerships with Social Services, Courts, JJAB, and Seed Stewards, and expansion of the Library of Things (including meeting owls for checkout). Statistics for FY25: 58 programs in December with attendance of 11,000 (some annual figures: 20,640 print circulation for January; digital 9,897; total circulation for December 32,386, with 9,833 digital; reference questions increased despite a dip in FY24 due to new staff training). Revenue is primarily from the county; expenditures are dominated by staff salaries. The library is working on WCAG 2.2 accessibility compliance (deadline April 2027), a community assessment (draft survey for next meeting), a teen summit on March 6, a hold locker for White Rock, and implementing sound study recommendations. A new adult program series “Discover DIY” starting in February at White Rock (first: cell phone photography with Leslie Bucklin). Marketing challenges were acknowledged. - Semi‑Quincentennial Art Contest (presented by Andy of the Art in Public Places Board): The contest commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and will be an open call for art displayed in the Step Up Gallery. Call for entries is about to be released (delayed for legal review). The board discussed ways to support: signal‑boost the call, possibly help with judging artwork that fits gallery dimensions, and consider a complementary display in the library lobby. A reception is planned for June 20, 2026. The library board expressed willingness to collaborate. - Chair’s Report: Chair Stelle noted that Board Member Brian Reardon has ended his term early; the county will list a vacancy. She encouraged members to share the vacancy. She also reminded members about opportunities to engage with patrons at the library (lobby outreach, tabletop game days) and suggested using name badges. Members will notify staff when attending events for a proper introduction. - Friends of the Library Liaison Report (Member Altherr): Friends are working on a 50th anniversary video; 2024 sales increased, so they may increase the block grant to the library next spring. They continue to fund four $2,500 scholarships. - Manager’s Report (Gwen Kalavaza): January print circulation: 20,640; digital: 9,897 (32% of total). December programming: 58 programs, attendance 11,000. Most popular: Winterfest Crafternoon and New Year’s Eve event. Projects: outdoor classroom design still delayed due to utility lines; amended design expected by end of week. FY27 budget preparation has started, requiring a 10% reduction in operational expenses (staffing unaffected; hopes to maintain collection budget). Hiring casual substitute librarians. Patron comments included thanks for diverse book selection, welcoming space, and New Year’s Eve event. One comment suggested purchasing Blu‑rays instead of DVDs; board discussed market viability and cost. A request to circulate puzzles was denied due to resource intensity. - Council Liaison Q&A (Councillor Reger): Asked about the outdoor classroom space between the library and senior center; Kalavaza clarified it will be managed by the library but shared with the senior center, pending redesign for utility clearances. Also asked about adult programming; examples given (author talks, workshops, Chautauqua performances). Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of December 1, 2025 minutes. - Unanimous approval of the 2026 Library Board Work Plan with three amendments. - Board agreed to support the semi‑quincentennial art contest through promotion and potential volunteer assistance. - Board noted the vacancy left by Brian Reardon and will seek new member. - Next regular meeting: March 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM, Municipal Building Room 110 and Zoom.

The Los Alamos County Council met in regular session on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 1000 Central Avenue, in hybrid format. All seven councilors were present, with Councilor Havemann participating online. The council approved the agenda and the consent calendar unanimously, conducted one public hearing, accepted the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan and the FY2025 financial reports, approved a HAWK signal on NM4, declined to establish a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Commission, and approved a 10-year Axon public safety video systems agreement. A closed session was held earlier beginning at 4:00 p.m.; Councilor Cull read the required statement that the closed session was limited to posted topics and that no action was taken. Consent Calendar - Approved 7-0 with the motions in staff reports included for the record. - Items included: approval of the January 6, 2026 Regular Session and January 13, 2026 Work Session minutes; a $1,000,000 seven-year services agreement with Armystick, LLC for water systems mechanical devices rehabilitation; a Cintas Corporation uniform rental agreement not to exceed $310,000 plus gross receipts tax; Amendment No. 4 with Unum Life Insurance Company for long-term disability benefits not to exceed $1,250,000; Amendment No. 1 with Dearborn Life Insurance Company for life, AD&D, and voluntary life insurance benefits in the amount of $950,000; an increase to the Stryker Sales, LLC contract to $804,173.33 for six additional LifePak 35 cardiac monitors; award of IFB 26-24 to TSI Tower, Inc. in the amount of $559,395 plus contingency and gross receipts tax for fiber optic line installation; Budget Revision 2026-34 for Souder Miller & Associates potable water storage tank inspection services; a capital outlay grant agreement for Betty Ehart Senior Center HVAC, window, and renovation work; and board appointments for Jack Grow to the Environmental Sustainability Board and Celeste Raffin to the Los Alamos County Health Council. Public Hearings - The council held a public hearing on Resolution No. 26-03, authorizing the county to apply to the Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division for the Local DWI Grant and Distribution Program. Court Program Coordinator Lauren Tomko requested $40,531 for treatment, prevention, checkpoints, sober community events, driver education, and the Arrive Alive Tour. She noted last year’s grant was just under $32,000. The resolution passed 7-0, and the council chair was authorized to sign the MOU and Statement of Assurances. Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agenda public comment: Leslie Linke described hitting a deer on Diamond Drive on January 15, 2026, reported 68 deer accidents countywide from August 2024 through November 2025, and urged installation of street lights along the golf-course stretch. She also criticized proposed spending on field reconfiguration and AstroTurf. - North Mesa Recreation Master Plan: Many residents and organizational representatives spoke. Supporters included Greg Weist of the Los Alamos Tough Riders Mountain Biking Club, Warren Hurley, Grant Fox, Nathan Mayer, and others who supported the bike park and pump track as valuable, safe, family-friendly infrastructure. Roller derby and volleyball advocates, including Daniel Jackson, Ashley Connell, Lauren Cooper, Jordan Dugan, Michelle Carlson, Stacey Buck, Phoebe Sanderbeck, Drew Hall, Michelle, Anna Alves, Stacy Myers, Eli Cahill, Brittany St. Jacques, Elizabeth Zhomek, and Hannah Wilcox, strongly supported the proposed multi-use pavilion, citing a lack of adequate indoor practice and competition space, the need for space for junior and adult roller derby, and potential tournament tourism. Equestrians Krista Sauchuk and Carol Braunis raised concerns about horse-bike conflicts, trail access, and phasing; they asked for education, signage, and safety measures. Lisa Reeder questioned the phasing, urged that existing facilities and trails be prioritized before new amenities, and asked how competing capital projects would be prioritized. Ashley Pryor recommended integrating the existing underutilized gymnasium into the North Mesa planning effort. - HAWK signal on NM4: Richard Gaddis and Jessica Robinson of the Mirador subdivision spoke about the need for a safer crossing for children, with Gaddis asking council to revisit prior mixed-use development provisions for ADA and pedestrian connections. Greg Weiss supported the project but suggested a 40 mph speed limit rather than 35 mph. - MRA Commission discussion: Lisa Shin expressed concern that the current internal county staff review committee would be too fast and insufficiently transparent, and requested that the public be invited to review-committee meetings, that Zoom meetings be recorded, and that residents and property owners in the MRA be notified. Jeff Branch and Greg Gonzalez of Columbus Capital opposed creating a new commission, saying it would add delay and bureaucracy, and Branch disputed claims that a formal funding request had been made, noting the company had already committed over $16 million to the community. Phil Gersky also opposed a separate commission and recommended using the county’s public application portal and an extra public meeting before ordinance introduction instead. - Axon agreement: Brittany St. Jacques asked about restrictions on redacting videos and transcriptions. Staff responded that redactions are governed by IPRA and state law, the original recordings are always preserved, and releases are subject to privacy protections. Discussion Items North Mesa Recreation Master Plan - Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker, Community Services Director Cory Styron, and Sites Southwest consultants Corinne Rogers and Bob Oberdorfer presented the final plan. Engagement included over 250 participants, two listening sessions, a community workshop, an open house, and more than 190 survey responses. - The plan is phased, with no current funding commitment. Phase 1, estimated at about $3.5 million, includes a bike park and pump track, path rehabilitation, bike shed, parking, and asphalt improvements. Later phases include west-side habitat improvements, sand volleyball courts and dog park improvements estimated at $1.3 million, community garden improvements estimated at $800,000, a multi-use pavilion and food truck plaza estimated at $4 million, and about $1.3 million in miscellaneous improvements. The grand total was estimated at $12.9 million in current dollars including a 15% contingency. - Staff emphasized that the plan can be adjusted and phased according to future budget decisions and council priorities. Councilor Cull asked whether the earlier community survey was used; consultants said they relied primarily on the project-specific outreach. - The council accepted the plan 7-0. HAWK Signal on NM4 - Deputy Public Works Director Keith Wilson presented a proposal for a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk signal on NM4 approximately 550 feet east of La Vista Drive, tied to the NM4 multi-use trail improvement and Piñon School trail projects. - The project originates from Mirador subdivision growth and efforts to connect Mirador and White Rock. Federal funding was awarded in May 2022. The design includes a westbound lane reduction from two lanes to one, placing the trail within the roadway, a two-stage mid-block crossing with a median, and a proposed speed limit reduction to 35 mph. - Staff evaluated placing the crossing at La Vista Drive and rejected it because of higher vehicle-pedestrian conflict points, a 67-foot crossing distance, and reduced safety. The mid-block location has about a 20-foot crossing segment. A trail in the off-road buffer area was estimated to cost roughly five times more due to utilities and shallow basalt. - Traffic data showed 95–98% of westbound morning traffic uses the right lane, supporting the lane reduction. Police and fire officials raised no concerns. Transportation Board reviewed the project in December 2024, February 2025, and November 2025. A future signal at Sherwood Boulevard remains tied to the mixed-use development and is not replaced by this project. - The council approved installation of the HAWK signal 7-0. Staff indicated the DOT maintenance agreement will come back to council in February, bids are expected in March, a contract award could come in April–May, construction could begin around June 2026, and completion is anticipated in spring/summer 2027. FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit - CFO Melissa Dadzie presented the FY2025 ACFR and Single Audit Report. Total ending net position was $660.3 million, an increase of $26.8 million from the prior year. Governmental funds ended the year with an $855,000 surplus, reflecting an $18 million decrease in total revenues, primarily gross receipts tax, and a $17 million increase in expenditures, primarily capital assets. - GRT revenue decreased by $18.3 million year over year; LANL funding accounts for approximately 80% of GRT revenue. The county issued two separate reports because the federal government shutdown delayed the 2025 OMB compliance supplement. - Auditor Farley Venier of Hinkle + Landers reported unmodified, or clean, opinions on both the financial statements and major federal programs, with no findings. The county has received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 34 consecutive years. - The council accepted both reports 7-0. Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Commission Discussion - Council discussed whether to establish an MRA commission. Councilor Hand supported a new commission to provide relevant expertise and improve transparency. Councilor Reagor supported an economic advisory board to advise on MRA and LEDA projects, citing past difficulty with complex business projects. Councilor Cull, Councilor Herrmann, Councilor Neal-Clinton, Councilor Havemann, and Council Chair Ryti expressed concerns that another commission would add delay, bureaucracy, and recruitment challenges without enough additional benefit, and that council should retain decision-making authority. - Public comment was split, with Columbus Capital representatives and other speakers urging council not to create a new commission. Councilor Cull requested that potential applicants be encouraged, where possible, to present proposals at open council meetings to allow public comment; the county manager agreed to carry that forward. - The council passed a motion 5-2 to take no further action and maintain council as the governing decision-making body for MRA funding requests. Councilor Reagor and Councilor Hand voted against. Axon Public Safety Video Systems Agreement - Police Chief Dino Sgambellone presented Agreement No. AGR26-858 with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for a 10-year public safety technology bundle not to exceed $6,826,839.59. - The bundle includes body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, license plate readers, interview room recording, digital evidence management, AI tools including search, redaction, transcription, and translation, training, warranties, support, and scheduled equipment refreshes. The county estimated nearly $1.5 million in savings from bundling and up to $1.8 million in offsetting savings from replacing current platforms. - Staff clarified that the contract maximum includes potential cancellation penalties and that the anticipated spend is about $1 million less than the maximum if the contract is not cancelled. The agreement includes automatic activation features for officer safety and translation into over 100 languages. - The council approved the agreement 7-0. Key Outcomes - Agenda and consent calendar approved 7-0. - Resolution 26-03 for the Local DWI Grant Program approved 7-0. - North Mesa Recreation Master Plan accepted 7-0; future funding and phasing will go through the county budget process. - HAWK signal on NM4 approved 7-0; next steps include the DOT maintenance agreement, advertising in March, contract award in April–May, and construction expected around June 2026. - FY2025 ACFR and Single Audit accepted 7-0. - Motion to not establish an MRA commission passed 5-2, with Councilor Reagor and Councilor Hand voting no. - Axon Agreement AGR26-858 approved 7-0. - Council business included adjustments to board/commission liaison and working group assignments, including continuing attendance at New Mexico Counties events; the county manager’s December 2025 report noted MRA applications being posted online, ongoing hexavalent chromium plume discussions, LEDA retail applications, a tourism debrief on January 29, 2026, and the aquatic center closing February 22, 2026, for maintenance.

The Los Alamos County Arts in Public Places (APP) Advisory Board met on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM at 1000 Central Avenue, Suite 110, and via Zoom. Chair Stephanie Haaser presided with members Tim Foley and Andy Wright present; members Jasmine Stephens and Anna Buckthorpe were absent. Staff liaison Chelsea Ashcraft attended, and Leslie Bucklin, Assistant Public Information Officer, presented on the Homestead Interpretive Signage Project. The meeting covered updates on multiple working groups and active public art projects. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 18, 2025 APP meeting. Motion by Tim Foley, seconded by Andy Wright. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on items not on the agenda. Discussion Items Homestead Interpretive Signage Project Update Leslie Bucklin provided an overview of the project to replace the existing 17 homestead interpretive signs (installed as part of a LANL settlement) with four new, standardized signs. She explained that the previous signs suffered from sun damage, were not ADA-compliant, and the driving-tour brochure was unpopular (only 500 printed in 2021, none distributed; contrast with 30,000 Oppenheimer film location tours given out in 2025). The new signs will be placed at Kwagy Mesa Trail, North Road near the posse shack/stables, and two at the Romero Cabin downtown. They will complement the existing historical walking tour signage. The board expressed disappointment at reducing to only four signs, feeling the earlier multiple locations gave better coverage, but accepted the rationale after discussion. A working group had previously voiced concern that the tour was under-advertised. Bucklin also noted plans for two to four wildlife interpretive signs and four existing "discovery spot" signs awaiting installation. Board member asked about the Marjorie Bell Chambers historical marker at Ashley Pond; Bucklin confirmed it should still be there, though landscaping and bollard installation may have changed the area's appearance. Working Group Updates - Homestead Working Group: Reported disappointment that signs were consolidated to one location (Romero Cabin) rather than multiple sites, fearing it might send the wrong message to visitors about homestead history. The group discussed ideas for benches and sculpture chickens at homestead locations, but noted ADA compliance requirements. - Police Station / Lion Sculpture Project: Jasmine Stephens reported difficulty scheduling meetings. Chelsea Ashcraft updated that two contracts are signed with a March 9, 2026 deadline for artist deliverables. One artist requested to give a video-chat presentation instead of in-person; the board agreed to allow this without a formal vote, deeming it acceptable within the already-approved project. The call for art will be issued soon. - Library Board Collaboration: A representative from the library board (unidentified speaker) attended and offered collaboration on the upcoming art show, possibly providing help with community engagement and displays. The APP board welcomed the offer and discussed coordinating for the down-select process if many art submissions are received. The library board's next meeting is February 2, 2026, and an APP member may attend to describe the project. - Strategic Plan Working Group: Working on a deaccession plan for public art, developing a flowchart to guide decisions on whether to maintain, retire, or replace pieces based on cost, community sentiment, and condition. Chair Stephanie Haaser is term-limited but may continue on the working group as a community member. - Clowns Mosaic Working Group: Tim Foley reported slow progress on the project plan. He discovered the mosaic wall is made of cinder blocks and the tiles are unique, making them irreplaceable if damaged when moving the piece. This will be documented in the project plan. - Fire Station Working Group: Jasmine Stephens reported significant challenges. She encountered firefighters unaware of the project and offended by the concept of commemorating the three local fires (Cerro Pelado, Las Conchas, and another), as it reopens trauma. Anna Buckthorpe (absent but via prior report) also heard similar concerns from a coworker. Stephanie Haaser proposed a revised process: first, ask the fire department for a designated representative to join the working group; then, gather community input on the story to be told, not on a single theme. Chelsea Ashcraft noted that Sobia (project manager) wants a board decision on location and theme. The board decided to first clarify from Sobia whether rejecting the location would slow construction (the superstructure will be built regardless), and then have the working group, with a fire department representative, decide if a location vote is appropriate at the next meeting. - Justice Center Wall Mosaic: Contract signed. Artist will come in late May/early June for installation. Mesa Public Library has offered conference rooms and rotunda space for a three-day community engagement event during installation. Planning includes banners and social media promotion. - Senior Center Security Gate: Contract signed with March 1 artist deadline. A new installer is needed for permitting (egress issue), and the artist is providing a better sketch for the permit. Parks will store the gate if needed before installation. - Nature Center Sculpture ("Raven Dialogues" - corrected from "Raven Dialogue"): The sculpture is scheduled for delivery and installation on January 23, 2026, 11-1 PM. The stone was changed due to availability; the gallery owner believes the new stone is superior. The site has no irrigation issues. Peak board would like a ribbon cutting on Earth Day. - Lion Sculpture Artists: Deadline for submissions is March 9, 2026. Video presentation option now allowed. - Other Projects: Oppenheimer and Groves installation and White Rock Pottery installation have no updates yet. The maintenance contractor (Pacific Coast) will be contacted about the clowns mosaic and annual maintenance priorities based on survey results. Staff Liaison Report Chelsea Ashcraft provided updates throughout the working group reports and noted the upcoming recreation of board vacancies. Applications for board membership are due January 30, 2026; only one application received so far (from Stephanie Haaser for reappointment). Interviews will be scheduled after the deadline. Chairman's Report Chair Stephanie Haaser had no additional items. Key Outcomes - Approved December 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous). - Agreed to allow video-chat presentations from lion sculpture artists. - Directed that the fire station working group, with a fire department representative, determine readiness to vote on art location at the February meeting, pending clarification from project manager Sobia on implications of rejecting the location. - The call for art for the police station lion sculpture will be issued promptly, with the rollout plan approved by the working group. - Appreciated library board's offer of collaboration and will follow up. - Set next meeting: Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM.