OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session - August 4, 2026

County Council & Boards — Tuesday, August 4, 2026
BodyLos Alamos County, New Mexico
SessionCounty Council & Boards
DateTuesday, August 4, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:56:43

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Okay.

0:02

Apologize for that being a little loud, but uh someone welcome everyone to the August 4th uh 2026 County Council uh regular session.

0:12

Um so tonight's meeting is going to be in uh hybrid format, meaning we'll have uh presenters and council in person and also remotely on Zoom.

0:23

So we'll be taking uh public comments uh on items not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting here shortly.

0:30

Um then we'll be uh also taking public comment for each item that we're discussing tonight.

0:36

And uh we just ask that uh you keep your comments focused on the issue at hands uh tonight as we go through them.

0:44

Um then when we go through public comment, uh Mr.

0:47

Real will be looking for commenters on Zoom.

0:51

And uh we just also ask the people uh have their name on Zoom so they can be properly addressed.

0:57

And uh we also ask the people uh limit their comments to three minutes or as otherwise directed.

1:05

Um and also just ask the comments be directed to the chair.

1:09

So I think that's all the preliminary information.

1:12

So uh Ms.

1:14

Rayl, is uh counselor handline.

1:24

Sure, I'm not seeing her online yet.

1:26

Okay, so we'll just keep an eye for her if she does able to join.

1:29

So she'll let me know that she was probably not attending tonight.

1:32

So um I think given that we have six, maybe we should take the roll just to confirm.

1:39

Councillor Cole.

1:41

Present Councilor Rigor.

1:44

Here.

1:45

Councilor Havaman.

1:46

Here.

1:47

Councilor Herman.

1:49

Here.

1:49

Councillor Neil Clinton here.

1:52

Councillor Brady.

1:54

Here.

1:55

We have six counselors present in chambers with counselor hand absent.

1:59

Uh yeah, let the record show we have six here present and uh counselor hand has been excused.

2:05

Um so then we go on to item number two, which is pledge of allegiance.

2:10

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

2:22

One individual with liberty and justice.

2:33

Okay, so now we're on to the public comment item for items that are not on tonight's agenda.

2:39

Do we have anyone present uh here in the council chambers that would like to make public comment for items that are not on the agenda?

2:46

Please come forward and just ask that you state your name for the record.

2:51

My name is Larie L A R E Mitchell, and I would like you to consider changing all the street lights to have a delayed red that prevents accidents.

3:01

Also, the street lights on Trinity should all be green at the same time for 45 seconds.

3:07

The side street should only be green for 20 seconds.

3:11

It takes longer to get out of the town with the lights changing constantly than it does getting down the hill.

3:18

Typical passenger car waste one half to one-fifth gallon of fuel for every hour it sits idling, idling burns, fueling completely, releasing high amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons directly into the air.

3:34

Studies by the Department of Energy show that keeping an engine running while parked or waiting for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and creates more total emissions than the brief burst caused by turning the car off and restarting it.

3:50

Thank you.

3:51

Thank you.

3:52

Okay, do we have anyone else who wants public comment for items that are not on tonight's agenda?

3:59

Not seeing anyone.

4:00

Uh Mr.

4:00

Real, can you uh please check on a line force?

4:03

If you're online and you'd like to make a public comment, please raise your hand.

4:11

No one online, Chair.

4:13

Okay, thank you.

4:14

So um move on to item number four, which is approval of the agenda.

4:18

Is there counselor interested in making a motion on the agenda?

4:21

Council Cole.

4:23

I move the that we approve the agenda as presented.

4:27

Is there a second?

4:28

Second.

4:30

Okay, we have a motion by councillor cole, second by councilor Neil Clinton.

4:34

Um not seeing any discussion on this item, we can go ahead and just do a show of hands.

4:38

All those in favor, raise your hand.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Environmental Protection██████████████████████████████████34%
Procedural████████████████████████24%
Energy Management████████████████████20%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Government Transparency████4%
Affordable Housing███3%
Public Safety██2%
Transportation Safety█1%
Waste Management█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session - August 4, 2026

The Los Alamos County Council met in regular session on August 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 1000 Central Avenue, with six of seven councilors present (Councilor Hand excused). The meeting covered the Quarterly Climate Action Plan update, introduction of two ordinances, a public hearing on workforce housing bonds, a discussion on a proposed plastic bag ban, and other council business. Key actions included approval of consent agenda items, introduction of a gas rate increase ordinance and an economic development project ordinance, adoption of a resolution supporting workforce housing bonds, and rejection of a motion to advance a single-use plastic bag ordinance.

Consent Calendar

  • Task Order No. 5, Revision 2 (Lloyd and Associates) – $174,616 plus GRT for incorporating specialized technology, furniture, equipment, and sustainability features into EOC construction documents at Fire Station 3. Approved unanimously.
  • Revised FY2027 Equipment Replacement Schedule – Replacing a forklift with a telehandler and moving a transit bus to FY2027. Approved unanimously.
  • Art in Public Places Fund Expenditure – Up to $75,000 plus GRT to commission artist Daniel Borup for a lion sculpture at the Police Station, as recommended by the Art in Public Places Board. Approved unanimously.
  • E911 Grant Agreement – $757,179 from the Department of Finance and Administration for FY2027, plus Budget Revision 2027-06. Approved unanimously.
  • HPE Cohesity Software Renewal – Adjustment to Purchase Order No. 91298 for three-year renewal at $403,706.31 plus GRT. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Lare Mitchell requested changes to street light timing to reduce idling and emissions.
  • Scott (public comment on Climate Action Plan) urged lower EV charging rates and better charger placement; also advocated for plastic bag recycling education rather than a ban.
  • Janice? (unclear name) asked about deer feeding ordinance and expressed concern that composting may attract bears.
  • Crystal Cheney (on EV chargers) noted that charging rates are too high, reducing utilization.
  • Philip Gerski (online) cautioned that increased construction costs from green codes could hinder affordable housing.
  • Stephanie Knopke (online) argued that higher upfront costs could push development outside the county, increasing vehicle miles traveled and emissions.
  • Joyce Anderson (on plastic bag ban) thanked the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) for its recommendation and urged the Council to reject a ban, emphasizing personal choice.
  • Sue Barnes (on plastic bag ban) cited lifecycle analysis and potential environmental harm from alternatives, asking the Council to let the matter go.
  • Jody Benson (on plastic bag ban) urged the Council to adopt an ordinance, stating it is a low-cost, low-effort step supported by science.
  • Lisa Shin (on plastic bag ban) argued the ban would increase costs for residents and businesses and encourage online shopping.
  • Linda Daly (online, on plastic bag ban) expressed support, noting widespread adoption elsewhere and environmental benefits.

Discussion Items

  • Quarterly Climate Action Plan Implementation Update (Angelica Gurule, Sustainability Manager): Presented progress on 13 climate actions (1 completed, 5 ongoing, 4 in progress, 3 upcoming). Highlights: 5 EVs added in FY26, 2-4 planned in FY27; Foxtail Flats solar/battery project under construction; EV charger utilization increasing but operating at a loss; food composting RFP being finalized; green building standards recommended to let base codes (2021 IECC) do the heavy lifting rather than adopting reach codes. Council discussed costs of achieving carbon neutrality, EV charger pricing, commuter trip reduction, and cooling centers.
  • Eli Isaacson, Community Development Director (on green building): Presented analysis showing base codes have improved efficiency ~40% since 2006; recommended education and incentives over mandates. Council discussed lifecycle costs, incentives, and state adoption of 2024 codes.
  • Gas Rate Increase Ordinance (Introduction) – Ordinance No. 02-385 proposes a single rate adjustment (rather than a multi-year step increase) for natural gas. The fixed cost recovery charge would rise from $0.34/therm to $0.48/therm; service charges increase slightly. A public hearing is set for August 25, 2026.
  • Economic Development Project for VE Holdings (Introduction) – Ordinance No. 760 proposes a $868,000 zero-interest LEDA loan to redevelop the former Time Out Pizza building in White Rock into a sports bar, frozen yogurt shop, laundromat, EV charging stations, and food truck pads. Loan terms: 10-year, 24-month deferral, then $9,041.67/month. Public hearing set for August 25, 2026.
  • Workforce Housing Revenue Bonds (Public Hearing) – Resolution No. 26-17 approves issuance of up to $230 million in tax-exempt bonds for the Coyote Mesa project (380 workforce housing units). Bonds are not a debt of the county. Approved unanimously.
  • Proposed Single-Use Plastic Bag Ordinance – ESB Chair David Hampton reported that the board voted 6-0 to recommend against adopting the ordinance, citing public opposition (66% opposed in community feedback), potential environmental trade-offs, and better focus on CAP goals. Council debated; Councilor Havemann moved to direct staff to bring back a revised ordinance with amendments (remove

Meeting Transcript

Okay. Apologize for that being a little loud, but uh someone welcome everyone to the August 4th uh 2026 County Council uh regular session. Um so tonight's meeting is going to be in uh hybrid format, meaning we'll have uh presenters and council in person and also remotely on Zoom. So we'll be taking uh public comments uh on items not on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting here shortly. Um then we'll be uh also taking public comment for each item that we're discussing tonight. And uh we just ask that uh you keep your comments focused on the issue at hands uh tonight as we go through them. Um then when we go through public comment, uh Mr. Real will be looking for commenters on Zoom. And uh we just also ask the people uh have their name on Zoom so they can be properly addressed. And uh we also ask the people uh limit their comments to three minutes or as otherwise directed. Um and also just ask the comments be directed to the chair. So I think that's all the preliminary information. So uh Ms. Rayl, is uh counselor handline. Sure, I'm not seeing her online yet. Okay, so we'll just keep an eye for her if she does able to join. So she'll let me know that she was probably not attending tonight. So um I think given that we have six, maybe we should take the roll just to confirm. Councillor Cole. Present Councilor Rigor. Here. Councilor Havaman. Here. Councilor Herman. Here. Councillor Neil Clinton here. Councillor Brady. Here. We have six counselors present in chambers with counselor hand absent. Uh yeah, let the record show we have six here present and uh counselor hand has been excused. Um so then we go on to item number two, which is pledge of allegiance. So if you're willing and able, please join us in the pledge. One individual with liberty and justice. Okay, so now we're on to the public comment item for items that are not on tonight's agenda. Do we have anyone present uh here in the council chambers that would like to make public comment for items that are not on the agenda? Please come forward and just ask that you state your name for the record. My name is Larie L A R E Mitchell, and I would like you to consider changing all the street lights to have a delayed red that prevents accidents. Also, the street lights on Trinity should all be green at the same time for 45 seconds. The side street should only be green for 20 seconds. It takes longer to get out of the town with the lights changing constantly than it does getting down the hill. Typical passenger car waste one half to one-fifth gallon of fuel for every hour it sits idling, idling burns, fueling completely, releasing high amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons directly into the air. Studies by the Department of Energy show that keeping an engine running while parked or waiting for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and creates more total emissions than the brief burst caused by turning the car off and restarting it. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, do we have anyone else who wants public comment for items that are not on tonight's agenda? Not seeing anyone. Uh Mr. Real, can you uh please check on a line force? If you're online and you'd like to make a public comment, please raise your hand. No one online, Chair.

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