OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session - March 3, 2026

County Council & Boards — Tuesday, March 3, 2026
BodyLos Alamos County, New Mexico
SessionCounty Council & Boards
DateTuesday, March 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:36:34

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Okay, uh thank you.

0:03

So uh welcome everyone to the March 3rd uh 2026 uh county council regular session.

0:11

So tonight's meeting will be in hybrid format, uh meaning we'll have council presenters and public participation either in person or remotely on Zoom.

0:22

Um you can participate remotely using computers or other devices.

0:26

And we also have phone lines available.

0:29

So we're gonna have public comment accepted at the beginning of the meeting on items that are not on the agenda tonight.

0:36

Um please ask uh people that that uh we'll have Ms.

0:41

Massman look for attendees that are virtually um on on Zoom that want to speak, raise their hand, and also please make sure that you include your uh your full name so you can be properly addressed.

0:54

I'd like to uh request request people uh keep their comments to three minutes or uh otherwise directed during the meeting and to state your name when making comments.

1:04

Um so comments should be addressed to the chair and focused on the topic being considered.

1:11

And lastly, our goal is to complete the meeting uh no later than 10 p.m.

1:15

And we'll check our progress from now 9 p.m.

1:18

if we're still meeting at that point.

1:20

So um on to next item one.

1:23

We have so we have one uh counselor on Zoom, so maybe we should have a roll call.

1:33

Councillor Cole here.

1:35

Counselor Rigor?

1:37

Here.

1:37

Counselor Hand here, Councillor Haviman?

1:40

Here.

1:41

Counselor Herman.

1:42

Here, Counselor Neil Clinton.

1:44

Here and Councilor Reiki.

1:46

Here.

1:48

Okay, let the record show we have all counselors are attending, one is attending remotely.

1:54

So uh item number two is uh pledge of allegiance.

1:57

If you're willing and able, please join us in the pledge.

2:05

Hi, public course under God.

2:22

Okay, so now we're on on to item number three, which is a statement regarding the closed session.

2:27

Is there counselor uh counselor hands?

2:31

Thank you, Chair.

2:32

Uh the matters discussed in the closed sessions of county council held on March 3rd, 2026 that began at 4 30 p.m.

2:40

was limited only to the topics specified in the notice of the closed session, and no action was taken on any matter in the closed session.

2:47

We request that this statement be included in the meeting minutes.

2:51

Okay, thank you, Councillor Hand.

2:53

Uh so now we're on to item number four, which is public comments was I mentioned just a moment ago.

2:58

Um this is for uh public comment on items that are not on the agenda tonight.

3:03

So is there anyone uh there's looks like there's somebody wanting to make a public comment tonight?

3:07

So please come up and just state your name and we'll get the timer ready for you.

3:14

Hi, my name's Sam Gardner.

3:15

Um at 191 Dome Road in the Hamis, and I was born and raised here in Los Alamos.

3:21

Good evening, Council.

3:22

Um Councillor Reide.

3:24

Thanks for having me.

3:25

Um I'd like to speak again about the the nuclear deterrence summit and and some of the conclusions that were um made available to us, kind of about the new mission and um Mr.

3:38

Wyke.

3:38

I'm I'm glad you're here to answer some questions.

3:41

Um so uh let me just go over a few of these.

3:45

Um and I went over some of these last time.

3:47

Um let's see, um uh Brandon Williams said that Cuban Missile Crisis um uh the geopolitical climate uh as the most dangerous since the Cuban Missile Crisis, urging an American first shift.

4:06

The NNSA is no longer defined solely as a scientific stewardship organization.

4:11

We are focused on weapons production, delivering real capacities capabilities and innovations at speed to meet today's threats.

4:21

At the end of the meeting to um kind of wrap things up from what I understand, uh Richard Coral, commander of the U.S.

4:30

Strategic Command said we will continue to deter and manage escalation by providing all credible options, which I uh assume are nuclear weapons to the president, um, which I assume is uh Donald Trump right now in in um subsequent presidents.

4:49

Um that cause any potential adversary to say not today.

5:00

Um so I want to point out that um the president that uh is referenced here.

5:07

Um if we turn on CNN, Fox News, or just open your phone and listen to the news.

5:13

Um, we're in the middle of uh uh a conflict uh in a major conflict, and um uh with without NATO's involvement, without our allies' involvement.

5:26

And um at this point, I'd like to bring up and Mr.

5:30

Wiker, you can tell me if this is uh true.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████18%
Nuclear Safety█████████████████17%
Environmental Protection████████████████16%
Strategic Planning███████7%
Legal Review██████6%
Federal Regulations██████6%
Energy Management█████5%
Public Engagement████4%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session – March 3, 2026

The Los Alamos County Council held its regular session on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Avenue. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with all seven councilors present (one remotely). The session included proclamations, a major presentation from the NNSA, approval of a consent agenda with 14 items, two public hearings on variance appeals, several business items, and approval of the 2026 federal priorities and board work plans.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes for the February 10, 2026 Work Session and February 17, 2026 Regular Session.
  • Agreement with ByWater Solutions, LLC for library software implementation, hosting, and support (15-year term, $572,125 plus GRT).
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Española under the Regional Strategic Fund (through March 2036).
  • MOU with Rio Arriba County under the Regional Strategic Fund (through March 2036).
  • Appointments to the Transportation Board (four members: Paul Lisowski, Joshua Muck, Jacquelyn Connolly, and Hermann Geppert-Kleinrath, terms expiring February 28, 2028).
  • Budget Revision 2026-41 for Task Order No. 4 with Souder Miller & Associates for potable water storage tank inspection and maintenance ($185,441).
  • Supplemental Agreement to Easement No. M24NA70474 for a fence along the Norton Transmission Line near White Rock.
  • Budget Revision 2026-44 for a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health (increase of $42,794 for a new total of $110,789).
  • Appointments to the Art in Public Places Board (Tim Foley and Jasmine Stephens, terms expiring March 27, 2028).
  • Appointment to the Personnel Board (Martha Katko, term ending March 31, 2029).
  • Appointments to the Los Alamos County Health Council (Rebecca White and Trevor Abeyta, terms expiring March 3, 2028).
  • Budget Revision 2026-37 for a grant from the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department for vehicles for the Betty Ehart Senior Center ($123,000).
  • Budget Revision 2026-32 for Phase One of the Cemetery Master Plan ($200,000).
  • Approval of County Manager’s Delegation of Authority for Treasurer to Helen M. Perraglio.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Sam Gardner (resident) spoke twice. He expressed opposition to the nuclear weapons production mission at LANL, questioning the “peace through atomic strength” slogan and the safety of the community given heightened global tensions. He also asked about the percentage of LANL funding for science versus weapons development and requested that NNSA funding be used for public safety measures.

Presentations

  • Proclamation for Mozart Week (March 9–14, 2026) and Music in Our Schools Month, accepted by a representative of the Los Alamos Community Winds.
  • NNSA Los Alamos Field Office Manager Ted Wyka and Stephanie Stringer (Associate Deputy Field Office Manager) presented an update on LANL operations and the Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement (SWEIS). Highlights:
    • LANL expects ~$5.3 billion in federal appropriations, with a solid budget.
    • Hiring of 1,000–1,400 new employees annually (net increase of 100–500 after attrition).
    • No hiring freeze.
    • No violations in annual NMED RCRA inspection.
    • Rendija Canyon land transfer: Housing feasibility study and UXO scan funded (approx. $500,000), delayed due to federal workforce changes.
    • Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade (EPCU) work on Pajarito Plateau expected to begin fall 2026.
    • Flange tritium waste containers successfully depressurized and shipped off-site without safety issues.
    • The final SWEIS, evaluating operations through 2038, analyzes three alternatives: No Action, Modernized Operations, and Expanded Operations (preferred). Key changes from the draft include removal of surplus plutonium disposition, updates to workforce and waste projections, and incorporation of the 2023 SWEIS Yearbook.
    • Councilors asked about workforce impacts on traffic, housing, wildfire mitigation, and the electric coordination agreement. The NNSA representatives noted that traffic mitigation includes telework, busing, and satellite offices, and that wildfire mitigation is a continuous high priority.

Discussion Items

  • Public Hearing on Appeal APL-2025-0023 (Barbara Martinez, carport variance at 1968 40th Street): The council considered a joint motion to remand the case to the Planning and Zoning Commission due to a 3-2 vote that failed to meet the required four affirmative votes. The motion was approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Public Hearing on Appeal APL-2025-0024 (Jacoby and Heather Baker, carport variance at 2339 35th Street): Same situation as above. The joint motion to remand was approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Granting of Easement in Bayo Canyon to DOE Office of Legacy Management: The easement ensures notification of subsurface radiological contamination and allows DOE access for monitoring. Council approved the easement unanimously (7-0).
  • Fleet Management Software Agreement (AssetWorks, Inc.): Five-year agreement not to exceed $1,215,609.32 plus GRT for fleet asset management, motor pool, and GPS/telematics services. Council approved unanimously (7-0).
  • 2026 Los Alamos Federal Priorities: The council approved the draft priorities as amended, including support for LANL missions, cleanup, land conveyance, wildfire mitigation, and opposition to federal preemption of local authority. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
  • Board and Commission Work Plans for 2026: The council approved the work plans as submitted from ten boards, with the understanding that approval does not represent budget approval. The motion also directed continuation of annual presentations to council. Passed unanimously (7-0).
  • Councilor Expenses: Approval for up to three councilors to attend three upcoming conferences (NACo West in Hawaii, NM Counties annual conference, NACo annual conference). The motion passed 6-1, with Councilor Cull opposing due to cost and timing concerns.

Key Outcomes

  • All 14 consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
  • Both variance appeals were remanded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for rehearing with a special instruction that at least seven members be present.
  • The Bayo Canyon easement was granted.
  • The fleet management software contract was awarded.
  • The 2026 federal priorities were adopted, with an amendment to include support for NACo/NLC positions on permitting reform and preemption.
  • Ten board and commission work plans were approved.
  • Councilor expenses for three conferences were approved (6-1).
  • The council will discuss single-use plastic bag policy at a future meeting, as requested by the Environmental Sustainability Board.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, uh thank you. So uh welcome everyone to the March 3rd uh 2026 uh county council regular session. So tonight's meeting will be in hybrid format, uh meaning we'll have council presenters and public participation either in person or remotely on Zoom. Um you can participate remotely using computers or other devices. And we also have phone lines available. So we're gonna have public comment accepted at the beginning of the meeting on items that are not on the agenda tonight. Um please ask uh people that that uh we'll have Ms. Massman look for attendees that are virtually um on on Zoom that want to speak, raise their hand, and also please make sure that you include your uh your full name so you can be properly addressed. I'd like to uh request request people uh keep their comments to three minutes or uh otherwise directed during the meeting and to state your name when making comments. Um so comments should be addressed to the chair and focused on the topic being considered. And lastly, our goal is to complete the meeting uh no later than 10 p.m. And we'll check our progress from now 9 p.m. if we're still meeting at that point. So um on to next item one. We have so we have one uh counselor on Zoom, so maybe we should have a roll call. Councillor Cole here. Counselor Rigor? Here. Counselor Hand here, Councillor Haviman? Here. Counselor Herman. Here, Counselor Neil Clinton. Here and Councilor Reiki. Here. Okay, let the record show we have all counselors are attending, one is attending remotely. So uh item number two is uh pledge of allegiance. If you're willing and able, please join us in the pledge. Hi, public course under God. Okay, so now we're on on to item number three, which is a statement regarding the closed session. Is there counselor uh counselor hands? Thank you, Chair. Uh the matters discussed in the closed sessions of county council held on March 3rd, 2026 that began at 4 30 p.m. was limited only to the topics specified in the notice of the closed session, and no action was taken on any matter in the closed session. We request that this statement be included in the meeting minutes. Okay, thank you, Councillor Hand. Uh so now we're on to item number four, which is public comments was I mentioned just a moment ago. Um this is for uh public comment on items that are not on the agenda tonight. So is there anyone uh there's looks like there's somebody wanting to make a public comment tonight? So please come up and just state your name and we'll get the timer ready for you. Hi, my name's Sam Gardner. Um at 191 Dome Road in the Hamis, and I was born and raised here in Los Alamos. Good evening, Council. Um Councillor Reide. Thanks for having me. Um I'd like to speak again about the the nuclear deterrence summit and and some of the conclusions that were um made available to us, kind of about the new mission and um Mr. Wyke. I'm I'm glad you're here to answer some questions. Um so uh let me just go over a few of these. Um and I went over some of these last time. Um let's see, um uh Brandon Williams said that Cuban Missile Crisis um uh the geopolitical climate uh as the most dangerous since the Cuban Missile Crisis, urging an American first shift.

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