OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Work Session – July 14, 2026: Presentations, Comprehensive Plan Update, and Major Contract Approvals

County Council & Boards — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BodyLos Alamos County, New Mexico
SessionCounty Council & Boards
DateTuesday, July 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:45:00

Transcript — Verbatim
2:19

Okay, I'd like to uh welcome everybody to the uh July fourteenth, twenty twenty six county council work session.

2:28

Um so we'll have the same format as meetings we've had recently.

2:33

So we're gonna be having the meeting in hybrid format, meaning we're gonna have some uh counselors and uh presenters and public participation here in person or remotely.

2:43

We'll be taking uh public comment at the beginning of the meeting for items that are not on tonight's agenda.

2:50

And um when we take uh public comment, we'll want to make sure that uh people have their uh name on Zoom, so they may properly addressed.

3:01

Um then we want to make sure also that people limit their comments to three minutes or is otherwise directed.

3:09

And uh also ask that uh comments be directed towards the chair and focused on the topic being discussed.

3:16

So our goal is to end complete the meeting no later than ten PM.

3:20

And if we're still meeting at nine, we'll check on our progress at that point in time.

3:25

So I think we're ready to go on to item number one.

3:27

Um so we do have counselor on uh Zoom, so uh we'll do a roll call.

3:37

Councillor Call.

3:38

Here Councilor, we go right.

3:45

Counselor Hand here.

3:49

Counselor Haviman here.

3:52

Counselor Herman, here counselor Neil Clinton here.

3:57

Counselor Riley.

3:59

I'm here.

4:01

We have seven counselors present with Councillor Haviman remote.

4:06

Okay, like we're show that all counselors are present.

4:08

Uh, Counselor Hadman is joining us remotely tonight.

4:12

Uh so now we're on to item number two, which is pledge of lynches.

4:15

If you're willing to please uh join us in fledging.

4:42

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

4:47

Is there counselor um have that up?

4:53

Council Henn?

5:00

The matters discussed in the closed sessions of County Council held on July 14, 2026, that began at 4 p.m.

5:06

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.

5:14

We requested this statement.

5:20

Okay, thank you, Counselor Hand.

5:23

So now we're on to item number four, which is uh public comments.

5:27

Again, this is for uh items that are not on tonight's agenda.

5:31

Do we have any members of the public that would make uh I can make public comment tonight in person?

5:37

Yeah, so um please come up to the microphone here and uh just ask you to state your name uh for the record.

5:47

And uh to be audible, you'll have to press the little person looking thing and have the green line coming.

5:54

Right.

5:55

Hi, I'm Catherine Bourne, uh Jusoma Foundation.

5:58

I think I have three minutes.

5:59

Uh I want to create a local Los Alamos AI policy group outside of the lab.

6:04

Um, based on what we can see on Facebook, Nicole O'Daniel, who I mentioned months ago in the same fire station, has not yet had her baby.

6:13

She is the pregnant woman who was the catalyst of uh starting public outcry about LAMC closing down their LD ward.

6:21

Here we are months later, still wanting change, still wanting women in labor to not have to do the harrowing one hour drive through the canyons in the middle of the night and risking a roadside tragedy of which this county would not recover from.

6:33

What does this have to do with AI?

6:35

Simply, we are not going to fix these issues and do adequate research if we don't use AI.

6:40

When we as a community have been fighting for this issue, we, the DuSoma Foundation, have been helping people understand everything from policy to health care rules to budgets, all to understand the um for-profit health care system.

6:54

In addition, our AI research has unearthed anchor health, a massive not-for-profit that is literally $500 million.

7:02

It's supposed to be going towards New Mexico Health and really isn't.

7:05

There's no oversight and scrutiny as far as I can see.

7:08

We have used AI to generate reports and we'd be happy to share.

7:12

I, on behalf of the DeSoma Foundation, ask that we begin creating a committee that can find a balance between AI skepticism and AI usefulness, and outside the lab.

7:23

Let the lab have a policy on big AI, scientific understanding, which is different from the needs of the town site with generative AI.

7:31

Los Alamos needs a truly impactful local policy group that must avoid both the defensive block of those who hate the technology, along with avoiding a commercial power grab by tech companies, tech oligarchs, lobbyists, and people who represent the interests of big for-profit AI companies.

7:49

Instead, we need a mindfully constructed table of tech champions, thoughtful skeptics, everyday community voices, and many actual tech experts to align on a balanced structure before we make a single recommendation.

8:03

We also cannot have AI policies that discriminate.

8:07

Um, like a council grant of arts council grant that denied anybody who used AI to uh translate their application into English, um, just being denied.

8:17

Um, once established, our first priority should be a high-stakes local test case, solving a labor and delivery crisis at LAMC.

8:24

By deploying AI-driven system mapping, we can look beyond generic national grants to instantly uncover and target hidden regional funding grants like Anchorum Health Foundation.

8:36

Let's not just debate AI policy in the abstract.

8:39

Let's build a balanced task force that actively uses urgent use cases to address our community's most critical challenges.

8:48

Okay, thank you very much.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Energy Management███████████████15%
Economic Development███████████████15%
Procedural██████████████14%
Zoning And Land Use█████████████13%
Technology and Innovation█████████9%
Strategic Planning██████6%
Public Engagement████4%
Historic Preservation████4%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Work Session – July 14, 2026

This work session of the Los Alamos County Council was held on July 14, 2026, at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock, with a hybrid format allowing remote participation. The meeting included presentations from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, the Board of Public Utilities, a demonstration of the new Community Dashboard, an update on the Comprehensive Plan revision, and an overview of the Operational Excellence focus area. The Council also voted to suspend its rules to allow formal action, approving the consent agenda (including a multi-year disaster recovery contract and a road project agreement) and a major three-year Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment Agreement.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: Council approved the minutes of the June 30, 2026, Regular Session as presented.
  • Cooperative Use Agreement with NMDOT: Council approved a Cooperative Use Agreement and Maintenance Agreement with the New Mexico Department of Transportation for the NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvement Project in White Rock, which includes a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK Signal) and roadway lighting. The project is scheduled for construction from October 2026 to October 2027, with a total budget of $4,000,000 (federal grants, local match, and CIP funds).
  • Disaster Recovery Site Contract: Council approved a seven-year contract with BIGBYTE.cc Corporation (Agreement No. AGR26-888) for a remote disaster recovery site and data center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at a cost not to exceed $550,000 plus gross receipts tax. This replaces the current location and doubles the available space for network equipment.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Catherine Bourne (Jusoma Foundation) urged the creation of a local AI policy group outside the laboratory, citing the need to balance AI skepticism with usefulness. She also raised concerns about the closure of the labor and delivery ward at Los Alamos Medical Center and suggested using AI to uncover hidden regional funding, such as the Anchorum Health Foundation’s $500 million allocation for New Mexico health.
  • David Hampton praised the Community Dashboard, especially the housing and economic development sections, and asked for inclusion of behavioral health data (e.g., suicides, overdoses, domestic violence) to track trends.
  • Maura O’Neil (Los Alamos Reporter) congratulated staff on the dashboard’s graphics and usability, but asked that the county continue to share data and news releases with local media to reach audiences that do not use the website or social media.
  • Stephanie Knockley thanked the council and consultants for the comprehensive plan discussion, calling it one of the best on the topic she had heard.

Discussion Items

  • Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) Presentation by Chair Patrick Cruz

    • The HPAB’s 2026 work plan focuses on understanding the Historic Preservation Master Plan contract, supporting the hiring of a Cultural Resources Specialist, improving how the county identifies historic properties, and increasing public outreach.
    • Progress includes participation in Historic Preservation Month (May), the Spring Arts & Crafts Fair, the Farmers Market, the Memorial Rose Garden ribbon cutting, and providing input on the Ashley Pond Park Safety Improvements bollard barriers.
    • The board is actively seeking federal and state grant funding for a cultural resource specialist.
    • A major challenge is board vacancies: currently only 3 of 5 positions are filled, making it difficult to achieve quorum.

  • Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Presentation by Chair Robert Gibson

    • The BPU provides electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services with 107.65 employees and a $95M FY27 budget.
    • Wastewater: No major issues; PFAS litigation is ongoing.
    • Water: The PM-3 well remains out of service due to the chromium plume; the county is exploring a replacement well tapping the San Juan/Chama water right, with federal funding needed. The Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project is progressing.
    • Natural Gas: The system is in good condition; the Elk Ridge neighborhood gas system is physically complete but not yet transferred. The county’s goal is to phase out natural gas by 2070, with a 10% reduction by 2030, but usage has not declined relative to heating demand. The BPU encourages all-electric new construction.
    • Electric Supply: The Electric Coordination Agreement (ECA) follow-on is pending. Demand projections (LARES and B&M) show 2–3 times current use. The Foxtail Flats solar-plus-storage project (170 MW solar, 320 MWh storage) is under construction, with completion expected by June 2027. The goal of carbon-neutral electricity by 2040 remains.
    • Transmission: The LANL Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade (third transmission line) will start construction this fall, ensuring any two of three lines can fully supply LAC and LANL.
    • Distribution: The system is aging; renewal projects include the Los Alamos Switch Station and White Rock Substation. A “Plug-In Solar” policy is being developed.
    • Organizational Challenges: Seven vacancies exist, especially acute in Electric Distribution. Rate hikes are driven by inflation, compliance, and catching up; the board is reviewing reserve policies.
    • Councilors discussed the Extended Day Ahead Market (EDAM) scheduled for Fall 2027, battery storage costs, and the need for flexible planning as technologies evolve.

  • Community Dashboard Demonstration by Dave Krueger and Tara Mariano

    • A new online dashboard (accessible from the county website) displays performance metrics tied to the five strategic focus areas. It uses maps, charts, and links to provide real-time data on housing projects, local business growth, tourism, public safety, and more.
    • Examples include a housing map showing project locations and types, business license trends, tourism visitation data (including the post-Oppenheimer increase), and IPRA request volumes.
    • The dashboard is designed to be a living document that can be updated continuously. Councilors praised the tool and suggested adding behavioral health data and setting specific targets.

  • Comprehensive Plan Update by Elias Isaacson, Danyelle Valdez, and consultants Peter Lombardi and Thomas Eddington (czb)

    • The process is in Phase 2 (Vision and Path Forward) with a draft plan expected by August 17, 2026, and adoption by year-end.
    • Public engagement has included stakeholder interviews, surveys, and workshops. Emerging themes: housing opportunities, vibrant activity centers (downtown Los Alamos and White Rock Town Center), and preservation of natural/recreational assets.
    • Core values: neighborly, inclusive, innovative/collaborative. Planning principles: embrace risk-taking, be proactive, balance development and open space.
    • Survey results: 75% agreement with draft values and principles, 70% agreement with “Big Things,” 65% agreement that the emerging vision reflects how the county should evolve.
    • Three implementation pathways were presented: Limited/Passive (zoning and permitting), Moderate/Partnership (targeted incentives, public-private partnerships), and Active/Development (land banking, structured parking, redevelopment authorities). The consultants noted that the community shows appetite for a more active approach in key areas.
    • Discussion touched on fairness of subsidies, the need to address vacant commercial properties, and the importance of regulatory tools (e.g., ADUs, parking minimums). The county’s commuting imbalance was noted as an opportunity to capture more residents.

  • Operational Excellence Focus Area Overview by Deputy County Manager Juan Rael

    • Highlights from the dashboard: commercial and residential permit turnaround times are down (two days if documents are complete); the “Rept Ask the County” tool handled over 10,000 inquiries, saving 340 staff hours.
    • Police and fire departments maintain high performance; fire response times are below benchmark; police reaccredited with 100%.
    • Administrative Services supports behind-the-scenes operations. DPU completed the Elk Ridge gas replacement.
    • Recruitment: 164 positions were vacant (20% of workforce), 2,300 applications received, 154 hired. Three key senior hires (Fire Chief, HR Manager, PIO) were made via national searches.
    • 672 employees completed customer service training.

  • Possible Action to Suspend Council Rules for Work Session

    • Council voted unanimously to suspend its procedural rules for this work session to allow formal action on items on the agenda. Motion passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Approval of Consent Agenda (motion by Councilor Herrmann, second by Councilor Cull): All three consent items were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Approval of Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment Agreement (Agreement No. AGR27-808 with SHI International Corporation): Council approved a three-year agreement valued at not-to-exceed $2,500,000 plus gross receipts tax. The agreement includes Microsoft 365 Enterprise subscriptions, Teams Calling, Azure, AI licensing, and Software Assurance. The procurement uses a cooperative contract (NASPO ValuePoint). Motion passed 7-0.
  • No formal action on other discussion items: The presentations on the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Board of Public Utilities, Community Dashboard, Comprehensive Plan, and Operational Excellence were informational only; no votes were taken.
  • Next steps for Comprehensive Plan: The draft plan will be presented during the week of August 17, 2026, with public workshops and a revised draft by October. The final plan is targeted for adoption by the end of the calendar year.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, I'd like to uh welcome everybody to the uh July fourteenth, twenty twenty six county council work session. Um so we'll have the same format as meetings we've had recently. So we're gonna be having the meeting in hybrid format, meaning we're gonna have some uh counselors and uh presenters and public participation here in person or remotely. We'll be taking uh public comment at the beginning of the meeting for items that are not on tonight's agenda. And um when we take uh public comment, we'll want to make sure that uh people have their uh name on Zoom, so they may properly addressed. Um then we want to make sure also that people limit their comments to three minutes or is otherwise directed. And uh also ask that uh comments be directed towards the chair and focused on the topic being discussed. So our goal is to end complete the meeting no later than ten PM. And if we're still meeting at nine, we'll check on our progress at that point in time. So I think we're ready to go on to item number one. Um so we do have counselor on uh Zoom, so uh we'll do a roll call. Councillor Call. Here Councilor, we go right. Counselor Hand here. Counselor Haviman here. Counselor Herman, here counselor Neil Clinton here. Counselor Riley. I'm here. We have seven counselors present with Councillor Haviman remote. Okay, like we're show that all counselors are present. Uh, Counselor Hadman is joining us remotely tonight. Uh so now we're on to item number two, which is pledge of lynches. If you're willing to please uh join us in fledging. So now we're on on to item number three, which is a statement regarding the closed session. Is there counselor um have that up? Council Henn? The matters discussed in the closed sessions of County Council held on July 14, 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. Okay, thank you, Counselor Hand. So now we're on to item number four, which is uh public comments. Again, this is for uh items that are not on tonight's agenda. Do we have any members of the public that would make uh I can make public comment tonight in person? Yeah, so um please come up to the microphone here and uh just ask you to state your name uh for the record. And uh to be audible, you'll have to press the little person looking thing and have the green line coming. Right. Hi, I'm Catherine Bourne, uh Jusoma Foundation. I think I have three minutes. Uh I want to create a local Los Alamos AI policy group outside of the lab. Um, based on what we can see on Facebook, Nicole O'Daniel, who I mentioned months ago in the same fire station, has not yet had her baby. She is the pregnant woman who was the catalyst of uh starting public outcry about LAMC closing down their LD ward. Here we are months later, still wanting change, still wanting women in labor to not have to do the harrowing one hour drive through the canyons in the middle of the night and risking a roadside tragedy of which this county would not recover from. What does this have to do with AI? Simply, we are not going to fix these issues and do adequate research if we don't use AI. When we as a community have been fighting for this issue, we, the DuSoma Foundation, have been helping people understand everything from policy to health care rules to budgets, all to understand the um for-profit health care system. In addition, our AI research has unearthed anchor health, a massive not-for-profit that is literally $500 million. It's supposed to be going towards New Mexico Health and really isn't. There's no oversight and scrutiny as far as I can see. We have used AI to generate reports and we'd be happy to share. I, on behalf of the DeSoma Foundation, ask that we begin creating a committee that can find a balance between AI skepticism and AI usefulness, and outside the lab.

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