OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session – June 30, 2026: Water Rate Hike, Speed Cameras, Gymnastics Purchase Approved

County Council & Boards — Tuesday, June 30, 2026
BodyLos Alamos County, New Mexico
SessionCounty Council & Boards
DateTuesday, June 30, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:51:39

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Uh welcome everybody to the uh June 30th uh 2026 uh county council regular session.

0:07

Uh so tonight's meeting will be in uh hybrid format.

0:10

So we'll have uh counselors, presenters, and other attendees either here in person in council chambers or on Zoom.

0:19

And uh just as a reminder, we'll be taking uh public comment at the beginning of the meeting for items that are not on the agenda.

0:28

Um during uh public comment.

0:31

Um I believe it's Mr.

0:33

Royale over there.

0:34

Uh we'll be taking um looking on Zoom for people uh that like to make comments.

0:41

Um also would ask that people limit their comments to three minutes or as otherwise directed, and make sure that you state your name if you're on Zoom.

0:50

If you could have your name so you can be properly addressed on Zoom, that'd be uh appreciated.

0:56

Um, and also ask that comments be addressed to the chair and uh be uh regarding the topics being considered.

1:03

Our goal is to end the meeting uh no later than 10 p.m.

1:06

We'll be checking our progress at 9 p.m.

1:09

if we're still meeting at that time.

1:11

Uh so um we're on to item number one, which is the role opening roll call.

1:17

So um we're gonna have two counselors uh on Zoom.

1:22

So uh can the clerk please call the roll.

1:25

Councillor Hand.

1:28

Here.

1:29

Councilor Reddy.

1:31

Here.

1:31

Councilor Call.

1:33

Here.

1:34

Councilor Neil Clinton.

1:36

Here.

1:37

Councilor Ragar.

1:39

Here.

1:40

Councilor Habiman.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Councillor Herman.

1:44

Here.

1:45

We have seven counselors present total with two remote councilor Neil Clinton and Councillor Cole.

1:53

Okay, let the record show all counselors present.

1:55

Uh counselors call and Neil Clinton are on Zoom.

1:59

Uh so next item is the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:01

Uh so if you're willing and able, please uh join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:17

Under this call.

2:29

Okay, so now we're on to item number three at public comment, which is already mentioned.

2:33

This is for items that are not on the agenda.

2:36

So I think we might have some people that would like to make public comment tonight.

2:42

So if you could uh just come up to the podium and just state your name and we'll have get the timer up for you.

2:53

Thank you.

2:54

Um Chairman Righty and members of the council.

2:56

My name is Greg Mello.

2:58

I live in Albuquerque and am a frequent um visitor here in Los Alamos.

3:05

Uh I respectfully request on behalf of the Los Alamos Study Group, whom I rec represent that we be provided with actual agenda time to present to you some background information and questions regarding the new and rapidly growing Los Alamos National Laboratory plutonium pit production mission and some concerns we have about it, and we think that you might want to have about it.

3:34

We began discussions about the future of the lab in the fall of 1989 up here 37 years ago, and have been extensively involved with nuclear weapons policy issues and with landlisses ever since then, in both local, national, and international settings.

4:08

We maintained an office here in Los Alamos and were members of the Chamber of Commerce.

4:13

We are hearing that despite some initial and perhaps naive support for the new LANL Pitt mission, perhaps not fully understanding quite where it was leading.

4:23

There are now considerable doubts in the community about the proposed scale and intensity of that mission.

4:30

What was once less than 20 pits per year, and then a nominal 30, then at least 30 with surge to 80.

4:37

In February of this year, now is at least 60 per year.

4:42

Um a single production shift became two and now 24-7 work.

4:50

Safety standards have been lowered outside the normal peer review process.

4:54

I have just returned from Washington, DC, where we met with congressional and committee staff, and importantly, with the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board.

5:02

The legitimate of which, as an organization, is now denied by this organization.

5:09

It is really a crisis in nuclear safety.

5:12

The entire regimen of nuclear safety and oversight that was painstakingly created on the over the injuries that were occurred around the complex, including at this lab, uh is now being discarded.

5:27

We have some positive suggestions for the council, which we would like to present and discuss with you in public.

5:33

And meanwhile, thank you very much for your attention.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████17%
Procedural██████████████14%
Transportation Safety██████████████14%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Technology and Innovation█████████████13%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Animal Welfare████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session – June 30, 2026

The Los Alamos County Council held a regular session on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to approximately 10:15 PM. The meeting featured public hearings, presentations, and votes on a range of topics including water rate adjustments, creation of an Inclusivity Board, expansion of dog bite ordinances, a presentation on camera and data collection practices, approval of an automated speed enforcement contract, purchase of the Los Alamos School of Gymnastics building, selection of a design concept for the Ashley Pond Safety Improvement Project, approval of the Betty Ehart Senior Center HVAC replacement task order, and salary adjustments for contract employees.

Consent Calendar

  • Board/Commission Appointments – Property Valuation Protest Board: Council approved the reappointments of Wendy Keffler (Professional representative), Kenneth Milder (Professional alternate), Richard Klamann (Community representative), and Kevin Talley (Community alternate) for terms July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. Motion passed unanimously (7-0).
  • Budget Revision 2026-89 – Transit Division interdepartmental charges: Approved to increase expenditure authority by $772,718. Unanimous.
  • Budget Revision 2026-33 – Risk/Workers Compensation Funds: Approved to meet capital adequacy obligations ($227,866). Unanimous.
  • Approval to Apply for Cultural Properties Restoration Grant – Manhattan Project-era Dormitory Project: Council authorized application for a $500,000 grant. Unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Greg Mello (Los Alamos Study Group): Requested agenda time to discuss concerns about the expanded LANL plutonium pit production mission, citing safety and oversight issues. He noted the mission grew from less than 20 pits per year to “at least 60 per year,” with reduced safety standards.
  • Carolyn Cowan (White Rock resident): Described severe traffic congestion on NM 4 on Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth) due to simultaneous construction closures east- and westbound and a crash. She requested better communication, proactive emergency management engagement, and review of the emergency management manual.
  • Heike Wilcox: Expressed privacy concerns regarding camera systems; timing was deferred to the camera presentation item.
  • Multiple public speakers (including Chris Lucchini, Rachel Reese, Heike Wilcox, Jacob Connect, Lindsay Smith, Andrew Delore, and Jim Rickman) voiced opposition to the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and speed camera programs, citing privacy violations, potential for misuse, lack of public awareness, and concerns about data security and mosaic tracking. Support for the speed camera program was expressed by some residents who noted it could deter speeding and improve safety.
  • Miles Beaux and Louise Janicky (Los Alamos School of Gymnastics): Spoke in favor of the building purchase, noting proceeds would go to debt repayment and college scholarships.
  • Lisa Reeder: Supported the purchase of the gymnastics building for continued community use.

Discussion Items

1. Presentations, Proclamations, and Recognitions

  • “America the Beautiful” – Performed by the Lasses and Lads of Enchantment barbershop chorus.
  • Proclamation Recognizing July 4, 2026 as the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence – Accepted by Linda Carol Alt (Regent, NSDAR Valle Grande Chapter).
  • Proclamation Designating July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month – Accepted by Wendy Parker and Katherine Hudspeth (Community Services Department). Los Alamos Community Services was named a 2026 National Gold Medal Award finalist.

2. Introductions of Ordinances (future public hearings)

  • Ordinance No. 757 (Charter amendment on Board and Commission party affiliation limits): Introduced; public hearing scheduled for July 14, 2026.
  • Ordinance No. 758 (Charter amendment deleting requirement to transfer remaining utility operating profits to General Fund): Introduced; public hearing scheduled for July 7, 2026.

3. Public Hearings

  • Water Rate Ordinance (No. 02-380): Joann Gentry presented the proposed two consecutive 8% increases (FY2027 and FY2028) for residential, multifamily, commercial, county, and school customers, effective October 1, 2026 and October 1, 2027. New rates for Pajarito Mountain Service Area, irrigation, snowmaking, and bulk water deliveries to LANL would take effect July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027. The LANL bulk rate is increasing 33% ($7.45 per 1,000 gallons) to incorporate debt service and contingency reserves. A new monthly service charge for irrigation/non-potable water was added at half the potable rate. The 10-year forecast shows positive cash flow restored in FY2029. Council adopted the ordinance 6-1 (Councilor Reagor opposed).
  • Inclusivity Board Ordinance (No. 02-383): Linda Matteson presented the code repeal and replacement to create a seven-member Inclusivity Board representing diverse perspectives. Recruitment would begin July 2026 with appointments anticipated in August. Adopted unanimously (7-0).
  • Dog Bite/Impounding Ordinance (No. 02-384): Police Chief Dino Sgambellone explained the amendment extends authority to detain and quarantine dogs involved in aggressive incidents with domestic or pet animals, not just humans. The term “domestic or pet animal” is defined broadly in existing code (excluding skunks). Adopted unanimously (7-0).

4. Presentation on Cameras and Data Collection (Item 10A)

Chief Sgambellone presented an overview of current systems: ALPR cameras (introduced 2023, transitioning from Motorola to Axon), speed enforcement cameras (proposed), body worn cameras, in-vehicle cameras, security cameras (180-day retention), traffic operation cameras (28-day retention), and MyDrive cameras (28-day retention). He emphasized data ownership, strict access controls, quarterly unannounced audits, and compliance with New Mexico Senate Bill 40 (effective July 2026) which restricts ALPR data use and prohibits sharing for certain purposes. Council discussed privacy, audit ratios, cost, and potential federal access. No action was taken on this item.

5. Ashley Pond Safety Improvement Project – Design Concept Selection (Item 10D)

Senior Engineer Jennifer Morrow presented three concepts (Piers, Rustic Planters, Natural Rocks). Public survey results (592 responses) showed 70% preferred Concept 3 (Natural Rocks), 17% planters, 13% piers. The Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Board, and Transportation Board all recommended Concept 3. Cost estimates: Piers ~$75,000, Planters ~$100,000, Boulders/plantings ~$120,000 (potential cost reduction if boulders sourced locally in White Rock). Council approved Concept 3 unanimously (7-0).

6. Betty Ehart Senior Center HVAC Replacement – Task Order No. 33 (Item 10E)

Senior Project Manager Miguel Jimenez presented the $3,673,522.86 task order (with $5 million project budget) to replace the 28-year-old gas/evaporative cooling system with an all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. Scope includes electrical upgrades, lighting/ceiling finishes, and forthcoming general renovations (windows, doors, ADA upgrades). LARSO programs will relocate to Fuller Lodge from August 2026 through May 2027. Council approved the task order unanimously (7-0).

7. Salary Adjustments for Contract Employees (Item 10F)

Council approved 4% for the County Manager, 3.5% for the Utilities Manager, and 3% for the County Attorney, effective first full pay period in July 2026. Motion passed 6-1 (Councilor Reagor opposed).

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Consent Agenda (4 items) – Unanimous.
  • Adopted Water Rate Ordinance 02-380 (6-1) – 8% increases in each of FY2027 and FY2028; new rates for LANL, Pajarito Mountain, irrigation.
  • Adopted Inclusivity Board Ordinance 02-383 – Unanimous.
  • Adopted Dog Bite Ordinance 02-384 – Unanimous.
  • Approved Automated Speed Enforcement Agreement with Modaxo (5-2) – $2,132,676 plus GRT for 5 years, five fixed cameras, option to renew two additional years.
  • Approved Purchase of Los Alamos School of Gymnastics building – $500,000; motion carried 7-0.
  • Selected Design Concept 3 (Natural Rocks) for Ashley Pond safety barriers – Unanimous.
  • Approved Task Order No. 33 for Senior Center HVAC replacement – $3,673,522.86; project budget $5 million; unanimous.
  • Approved Salary Adjustments for contract employees – 4% County Manager, 3.5% Utilities Manager, 3% County Attorney (6-1).
  • Instructions to Staff: Follow up on public comment regarding White Rock traffic communication; schedule future engagement on License Plate Reader policies.
  • Upcoming: Public hearings on charter amendments (July 7 and July 14); potential LEDA ordinances for CB Fox and The Rock on July 7 (may slide to July 14).

Meeting Transcript

Uh welcome everybody to the uh June 30th uh 2026 uh county council regular session. Uh so tonight's meeting will be in uh hybrid format. So we'll have uh counselors, presenters, and other attendees either here in person in council chambers or on Zoom. And uh just as a reminder, we'll be taking uh public comment at the beginning of the meeting for items that are not on the agenda. Um during uh public comment. Um I believe it's Mr. Royale over there. Uh we'll be taking um looking on Zoom for people uh that like to make comments. Um also would ask that people limit their comments to three minutes or as otherwise directed, and make sure that you state your name if you're on Zoom. If you could have your name so you can be properly addressed on Zoom, that'd be uh appreciated. Um, and also ask that comments be addressed to the chair and uh be uh regarding the topics being considered. Our goal is to end the meeting uh no later than 10 p.m. We'll be checking our progress at 9 p.m. if we're still meeting at that time. Uh so um we're on to item number one, which is the role opening roll call. So um we're gonna have two counselors uh on Zoom. So uh can the clerk please call the roll. Councillor Hand. Here. Councilor Reddy. Here. Councilor Call. Here. Councilor Neil Clinton. Here. Councilor Ragar. Here. Councilor Habiman. Here. Councillor Herman. Here. We have seven counselors present total with two remote councilor Neil Clinton and Councillor Cole. Okay, let the record show all counselors present. Uh counselors call and Neil Clinton are on Zoom. Uh so next item is the Pledge of Allegiance. Uh so if you're willing and able, please uh join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Under this call. Okay, so now we're on to item number three at public comment, which is already mentioned. This is for items that are not on the agenda. So I think we might have some people that would like to make public comment tonight. So if you could uh just come up to the podium and just state your name and we'll have get the timer up for you. Thank you. Um Chairman Righty and members of the council. My name is Greg Mello. I live in Albuquerque and am a frequent um visitor here in Los Alamos. Uh I respectfully request on behalf of the Los Alamos Study Group, whom I rec represent that we be provided with actual agenda time to present to you some background information and questions regarding the new and rapidly growing Los Alamos National Laboratory plutonium pit production mission and some concerns we have about it, and we think that you might want to have about it. We began discussions about the future of the lab in the fall of 1989 up here 37 years ago, and have been extensively involved with nuclear weapons policy issues and with landlisses ever since then, in both local, national, and international settings. We maintained an office here in Los Alamos and were members of the Chamber of Commerce. We are hearing that despite some initial and perhaps naive support for the new LANL Pitt mission, perhaps not fully understanding quite where it was leading. There are now considerable doubts in the community about the proposed scale and intensity of that mission.

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