The County Council held a work session on June 23, 2026, from 6:00 PM to approximately 10:00 PM at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock. The agenda covered a range of topics including public art updates, a pedestrian-safety intersection improvement, a comprehensive housing production update, the status of the Foxtail Flats solar/storage project, and introduction of two major economic development projects (LEDA). The council also approved the consent agenda (including a second drone show for July 4th due to drought) and voted to sponsor the Los Alamos Nuclear Forum.
Chair Tim Foley reported on the board’s activities: completed installations (Leisure Lagoon artwork by Amanda Jaffee; “Raven Dialogues” sculpture at Nature Center; “Los Alamos Heritage Gate” at Betty Ehart Senior Center); deaccessioned “Split Infinity” (replaced at no cost) and “Aquatic Figures” mural; considering deaccession of “Tranquility” and “Dino World” due to damage. A community mosaic for the Justice Center wall was completed with over 140 volunteers. One board position remains open; current party affiliation rules preclude registered Democrats from applying because the board already has a Democratic majority. The board is formalizing acquisition and deaccession procedures.
Public Works Director Eric Martinez and Deputy Director Keith Wilson presented the engineering evaluation that led to installation of an all-way (four-way) stop on June 3, 2026. The change was prompted by a fatal pedestrian crash on March 15, 2026, and a citizen petition. Staff analyzed traffic volumes, crash history (8 crashes in 7 years, including the fatality), speed data (85th percentile 27-28 mph), sight distance (marginal on southbound approach), and MUTCD warrants. Warrants B (sight distance) and E (other factors: both roads are collectors, proximity to school and park) were met. The council acknowledged the work and thanked staff. Next steps include monitoring, temporary signage removal by end of August, and a new partnership with University of Nevada, Reno to use LiDAR sensors for proactive traffic safety data collection. Police have issued 8 citations and multiple warnings.
Housing Manager Dan Osborn provided an extensive update. The 2024 Affordable Housing Plan calls for 1,300 new units to maintain status quo and 2,400 to meet demand and achieve affordability. Los Alamos County Area Median Income (AMI) for a 4-person household is $170,900 at 100% AMI. Key projects:
Osborn noted that potential units from approved entitlements total ~2,395, with only 503 completed to date. He emphasized that many projects are in pipeline and will deliver over next 2-3 years.
Utilities Manager Philo Shelton and Deputy Utility Manager Ben Olbrich reported that the 170 MW solar + battery storage project (located in San Juan County on Ute Mountain Ute Tribe land) broke ground on May 14, 2026. Financial close and full notice to proceed occurred April 27, 2026. Current construction progress: clearing complete, grading 48%, pile installation 2%. Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date adjusted to August 20, 2027 (PV) and same for BESS; Outside Commercial Operation Date is April 8, 2028. Power will serve Los Alamos Power Pool (including LANL, Sandia, Kirtland) and surplus sold to market.
Good evening and welcome to the June 23rd, 2026 County Council work session at Fire Station 3. Tonight's meeting is in hybrid format with council, presenters, and public participation in person or on Zoom. Attendees can participate virtually by computer or other devices. Phone lines are also available. Public comment will be accepted at the beginning of the meeting on topics that are not on tonight's agenda. Comments on agenda items will be taken when that item is discussed during the meeting. Please limit comments to three minutes or as otherwise directed and state your name before making comments. During public comment, uh Ms. Madison will look for virtual attendees that use the raise your hand feature on Zoom or Star 9 on the phone line. Virtual commenters should include their name on Zoom so that they can be properly addressed. Comments should be addressed to the chair and should be focused on topic being considered. Our goal is to complete the meeting no later than 10 p.m. We will check our progress around 9 p.m. with this goal in mind. And the first item on the agenda is the opening roll call. Um can the clerk please call for roll. Councillor Regort. Here. Councillor Cole. Here. Councilor Havaman? Here. Counselor Herman. Here. Counselor Reide. I'm on Zoom. Councillor Neil Clayton, here. Councillor Hand? Here. We have five counselors in chambers with Cherry Ride and Councillor Hand remote. Thank you very much. Let the record show that all seven counselors are present with two uh remote. The next item is the Pledge of Allegiance. Please stand as you are willing and able and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I would like to lead tomorrow of the United States. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is the statement regarding the closed session that we had earlier today at four o'clock. Is there a counselor interested in making the statement on the closed session? I move that council approve the items on the consent agenda as presented, and that the motions in the staff report be included for the record. Yes, it's not important. Yeah, it's not just go back and look at the closed session. So we're looking for the closed session statement. That's okay. Thank you. Anybody? Do you ever take that, Councillor Havlin? Thank you, Chair. The matters discussed in the closed sessions of County Council held on June 23rd, 2026 that began at 4.30 p.m. was limited only to the topics as you start at 4 p.m., 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 we request this statement be included in the meeting minutes.