Los Alamos County Council Regular Session – June 9, 2026
Los Alamos County Council Regular Session – June 9, 2026
The Los Alamos County Council held a regular session on June 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to approximately 10:10 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public hearings, business items, and board appointments. Notable actions included the adoption of a cable franchise agreement with Comcast, a fireworks restriction resolution due to drought, and the failure of a gas rate increase ordinance. The council also discussed charter amendments, approved a FEMA grant for electrical undergrounding, and authorized a letter opposing uranium exploratory drilling in Carson National Forest.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Approval of minutes (May 12 and May 19, 2026), contract amendment with Stryker Sales LLC for cardiac monitors ($1,201,186.57), deaccession of "Split Infinity" sculpture and acceptance of replacement, award of bid for Western Area Twin Tanks Piping Upgrades ($607,890), deaccession of "Aquatic Figures" mural and funding for wall restoration ($45,000), collective bargaining agreement with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 412 (July 2026–June 2031), power purchase agreement for July 2026 (up to $4,725,000), appointment of Jennifer Best to Planning & Zoning Commission, budget revisions for Arts in Public Places ($33,285) and Municipal Court software ($40,000), vacation of utility easement at 1110 Canyon Road, submission of 2028-2032 ICIP for Senior Centers, and other routine items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Greg Mello (Los Alamos Study Group): Expressed concerns about the county lobbying for NNSA programs and the conflict of interest from weapons-related revenue. Urged public discussions and citizen diplomacy with Russia and China.
- Paige Ramsey (resident): Opposed the proposed gas rate increase, stating it would burden working families and seniors. Argued the county should absorb shocks rather than treat residents as a captive market.
- Lisa Shin (small business owner): Opposed the gas rate increase, citing affordability concerns for middle-class families and small businesses. Questioned the $1.7 million deficit and urged keeping costs low rather than offering assistance programs.
- David Hampton (resident): Supported eliminating party affiliation requirements for advisory boards, citing examples from Transportation Board and Environmental Sustainability Board where party balance did not affect function.
- Robert Gibson (individual): Opposed removing party affiliation requirements, arguing it protects against stacking boards and maintains a balanced pool of future candidates.
- Ms. Reader (resident, via Zoom): Supported eliminating party affiliation but suggested a mechanism to bypass requirements if vacancies persist.
- Lisa Hampton (Health Council Chair, via phone): Supported eliminating party affiliation for advisory boards, noting difficulty filling Health Council vacancies due to the requirement.
- Louise Janecky (Los Alamos School of Gymnastics): Expressed hope the building would continue to serve children, whether as a county or school facility.
Discussion Items
- Proclamations & Recognitions: LGBTQ+ Pride Week (June 7-13) was proclaimed, accepted by Xeph Ivankovich. Special Olympics athletes Bella Sieberg (15-mile run) and Ben Blewett (50K run) were recognized.
- Wildlife Assessment Project: Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc. presented a kickoff for a 12-month project to address deer overpopulation, vehicle collisions, and human-wildlife conflicts. The project has three phases: information review (June–Sept 2026), risk assessment (Oct–Dec 2026), and management options (Jan–Apr 2027), with a final report by May 2027.
- Comcast Cable Franchise (Public Hearing): A 10-year franchise agreement with 5% gross revenue fee was adopted unanimously. The new ordinance updates safety codes, PEG access channel quality standards, and reporting requirements.
- Gas Rate Increase (Public Hearing): Proposed ordinance (02-379) would have raised residential/commercial rates 29% in FY27 and 17% in FY28, plus service charge increases. The council debated the impact on residents, the need to restore negative cash flow ($1.7 million projected deficit in FY27), and alternative options. The motion failed 3-4. Councilors Ryti, Reagor, Hand, and Herrmann voted no.
- Charter Amendment – Term Limits (Public Hearing): Ordinance No. 755 proposing to change board/commission term limits from two to three consecutive terms was adopted unanimously for the November 3, 2026 ballot.
- Fireworks Restriction (Public Hearing): Resolution No. 26-11 prohibited sale and use of aerial fireworks, ground audible devices, and display fireworks for 30 days due to extreme drought. Limited sparkling devices allowed in paved/barren areas with water source. Adopted unanimously.
- Bond Reimbursement Intent (Public Hearing): Resolution No. 26-10 declared intent to reimburse up to $8 million from $35 million in bond proceeds for Fire Station 4 construction costs. Adopted unanimously.
- Finch Street Extension: Award of $2,023,166.50 bid to H.O. Construction, Inc. for extending Finch Street and relocating Los Alamos Medical Center driveway. Approved 5-2 (Councilors Cole and Neal-Clinton opposed).
- Electric Resource Pool Budget: Approved FY27-28 budget for DOE/Los Alamos County power pool. Projected costs per MWh: $68.93 (FY27) and $76.72 (FY28). Adopted unanimously.
- Charter Review Discussion: Council discussed three items: (1) Party affiliation requirements – directed drafting an ordinance to limit requirements to Planning & Zoning, Board of Public Utilities, and Personnel Board (approved 5-2). (2) Utility profit transfer – directed drafting an ordinance to delete Section 509(6) requiring operating profits to be transferred to general fund (approved 7-0). (3) Filling partial terms of elected officials – motion to revise to allow voters to fill vacancies at next regular election failed 2-5.
- Purchase of Gymnastics Building: Discussion only. The county may purchase the building for $500,000 (appraised at $545,000) to consolidate land ownership. Los Alamos Public Schools has expressed interest in a land swap. Formal action scheduled for June 30.
- FEMA Grant for Electrical Undergrounding: Approved budget revision accepting $2,632,746.18 federal share (75%) for Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project, with $842,770.27 local match. Total project: $3,475,516.45. Adopted unanimously.
- 2027 ICIP Submission: Approved submission of Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan to New Mexico DFA. Top priorities include Community Health Action Center, EA-4 Power Line Replacement, Emergency Operations Center, White Rock Town Center, and Extended Stay RV Parking.
- NACo Policy Proposals: Approved submission of four policy proposals to National Association of Counties: renewal of Energy Communities Infrastructure Program, and new proposals on fire mitigation funding, WIFIA water infrastructure, and Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Unanimous.
- Letter Opposing Uranium Drilling: Approved sending a letter to Carson National Forest Supervisor opposing exploratory drilling in the Chama watershed and requesting a full Environmental Impact Statement. Adopted 6-1 (Councilor Reagor opposed).
Key Outcomes
- Comcast Cable Franchise (Ordinance No. 754): Adopted unanimously. 10-year term, 5% franchise fee.
- Gas Rate Increase (Ordinance No. 02-379): Failed 3-4. No increase approved.
- Charter Amendment – Term Limits (Ordinance No. 755): Adopted 7-0. To be placed on November 3, 2026 ballot.
- Fireworks Restriction (Resolution No. 26-11): Adopted 7-0. Effective immediately for 30 days.
- Bond Reimbursement Intent (Resolution No. 26-10): Adopted 7-0.
- Finch Street Extension (Bid Award): Approved 5-2. Project budget $2,720,000.
- Electric Resource Pool Budget: Approved 7-0.
- Charter Revision – Party Affiliation: Council directed drafting ordinance to limit party balance requirement to Planning & Zoning, BPU, and Personnel Board (5-2).
- Charter Revision – Utility Profit Transfer: Council directed drafting ordinance to delete Section 509(6) (7-0).
- Charter Revision – Filling Partial Terms: Motion failed 2-5. No further action.
- FEMA Grant for Electrical Undergrounding: Approved 7-0. Budget revision and sub-grant agreement accepted.
- 2027 ICIP Submission: Approved 7-0.
- NACo Policy Proposals: Approved 7-0 for submission.
- Letter Opposing Uranium Drilling: Approved 6-1.
- Appointments: Historic Preservation Advisory Board: Carrie Gregory and Rachel Adler appointed (7-0). Los Alamos County Health Council: Stacy Frers and Susan Williams appointed (7-0).
Meeting Transcript
So I think we're ready to get started. We're still waiting for one counselor to join us remotely, but we'll get going in the meantime. So want to welcome everybody to the June 9th, uh, 2026 County Council regular session. And uh just a little bit on the procedure. Uh the procedure is the same as it's been for many years now. It's gonna be in hybrid format with uh council presenters and public participation in person or on Zoom. I just thank everybody for being in person here tonight in council chambers. Um virtual attendees can participate by computer or other device. We also do have phone lines. So we'll be uh taking public comments tonight on items that are uh not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting here shortly, and then we'll have comments on agenda items as we go through the items during the meeting. Uh during the meeting, uh Mr. Real will look for virtual attendees that use the raise your hand feature, or if they're on uh the phone line, they use star nine. And we're gonna ask the people you limit their comments to three minutes or other as otherwise directed, and make sure that you state your name before making comments. Uh, we also ask the virtual commenters include their name on Zoom, so they may be properly addressed. Uh, we also ask the comments be addressed to the chair and be focused on the topic being considered. Our goal is to complete the meeting no later than 10 p.m. tonight. We'll check our progress around nine with this goal in mind. So now on to uh the first item, which is opening and roll call. So um we ask if we have uh one counselor on Zoom. Can the clerk please uh call the roll? Councilor Riley. I'm here. Councilor Regard? Here. Councillor Hand. Counselor Cole? Here. Counselor Havman here. Councillor Neil Clinton? Here. Councillor Herman here. We um I'm sorry, uh all counselors present except for counselor hand. Okay, let the record show that we have uh five counselors here in person. We have counselors Havam and Neil Clinton, Cole, Brady and Rieger, and we also have Counselor Herman online. So uh we're on to item number two now, so it's the Pledge of Allegiance. So if you're please stand if you're willing to enable and join us in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, so uh now we're on to item number three, which is uh statements regarding the closed session. So there's a counselor willing to read this statement into the record. Counselor Cole. Following statement should be included in the minutes. The matters discussed in the closed session of County Council held on June 9th, 2026, that began at 4 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 requested this statement be included in the minutes. Okay, thank you, Councilor Cole. Um, so now we're on to public comment, as I mentioned a couple minutes or two ago. Um so if there's any public comment for items that are not on tonight's agenda. Okay, not well, I think we have we do have one comment.
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