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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session - October 6, 2026

County Council & Boards — Tuesday, October 6, 2026

BodyLos Alamos County, New Mexico

SessionCounty Council & Boards

DateTuesday, October 6, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:04:12

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Okay, uh want to welcome everybody

Speaker 2

0:02

to the uh

Unassigned speaker

0:04

thank you.

Unassigned speaker

0:07

It's

Speaker 2

0:07

very loud.

0:08

Uh sorry about that.

0:10

So I want to welcome everybody to the uh October 6th, 2026 uh county council regular session.

Unassigned speaker

0:17

Uh

Speaker 2

0:18

so tonight's meeting is going to be in hybrid format, so meaning we're gonna

Unassigned speaker

0:22

have

Speaker 2

0:22

counselors uh public participating on Zoom, in addition to meeting in person here at the fire station in White Rock.

0:30

Um so uh we'll be taking public comment for items that are not on the agenda at the towards the beginning of the meeting.

0:39

Uh also want to ask that you uh limit your comments to uh three minutes or rather eyes directed and that you uh direct your comments uh to the chair and focus on the issues.

0:52

Um we also ask that if you're on uh limited comments three minutes, so state your name is all you needed for the doing the comments.

1:02

Uh virtual commenters, please uh have your name on Zoom so we can be properly addressed.

1:08

Um I guess we're gonna plan on me ending the meeting no later than 10 p.m.

1:14

tonight.

1:15

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

1:19

Um so with that, uh, since we have all counselors that are for the meeting in person, uh say that we have councilor uh Neil Clinton, Cole, Rey, uh Herman, um, and Rick uh counselor uh's uh excuse tonight.

1:40

So uh with that, if you're uh

Unassigned speaker

1:43

if

Speaker 2

1:43

you're please stand if you're uh willing and able to join us in the pledge.

Unassigned speaker

2:18

So

Speaker 2

2:18

as I mentioned a moment ago, uh we're now on to item number three, which is public comment.

2:23

So this uh section for public comment is for items that are not on the agenda.

2:29

Do we have anybody here at the fire station uh three uh wanting to make public comment for items not on the not on the agenda tonight?

2:38

Not seeing anyone in person.

2:40

Umassin, can you check online to see if we have anyone that wants to make public comment tonight?

Speaker 3

2:45

I can chair.

2:46

If you're would like to make public comment, please raise your hand.

2:52

Chair, we have one uh Zoom user, please state your full name and limit your comments to three minutes.

3:15

Uh they've they put down their hand.

Speaker 2

3:17

Okay, so they probably have a comment on something that's on the agenda then.

3:21

Okay.

3:21

Um so let's go on to item number four, which is approval of the agenda.

3:27

I believe we're looking for a motion to approve the agenda as presented.

3:33

Council Cole.

Speaker 4

3:35

I move that we approve the agenda as presented.

3:37

Second.

Speaker 2

3:40

Uh there's a motion by Councillor Cole, second by Councillor Neil Clinton.

Unassigned speaker

3:44

Uh

Speaker 2

3:44

since we're all here in person, we can do a show of hands.

3:47

Uh all those in favor, please raise your

Unassigned speaker

3:49

hand.

Unassigned speaker

3:51

Okay,

Speaker 2

3:51

the motion passes uh unanimously six to zero.

3:55

Counselor uhman absent.

4:08

So uh item five is presentation proclamations or recognition.

4:12

5A is 22216-26 proclamation uh designating October 4th through 10th 2026 is digital inclusion week in Los Alamos County.

4:24

Um, Councilor New Clinton has those one to read.

Speaker 5

4:28

Thank you, James.

4:33

Whereas so many of our daily activities, such as shopping, learning, and applying for jobs are conducted online, and whereas work continues in New Mexico by the Office of Broadband and Broadband access and expansion to close the digital divide between those who have affordable easy access to the internet and those who don't.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

And whereas Los Alamos County is committed to digital equity so that every community member can participate in all parts of our society and not be left behind due to lack of access to the internet.

Speaker 5

5:13

And whereas Los Alamos County is currently building a brighter, digitally inclusive future through the construction of atomic fiber, our very own community broadband network that will keep Los Alamos on the forefront of technology and ensure everyone has access to the internet.

5:35

Now, therefore, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim October 4th through the 10th, 2026 as Digital Inclusion Week in Los Alamos County.

5:50

And I encourage everyone to join with the state of New Mexico, the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and celebrating Digital Inclusion Week by learning about atomic fiber and how light can be used to transmit data by attending the 1015 AM story time dedicated to fiber optic networks on October 7th at the White Rock Branch Library or by visiting Atomic Fiber Atomic Fiber.net dated the sixth day of October 2026, signed by our chair Randall Reidy.

Unassigned speaker

6:33

Thank you,

Speaker 2

6:33

Councilor Neal.

6:34

And uh Mr.

6:35

Smith, did you have a couple of things you want to

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Parks and Recreation████████████████████20%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Technology and Innovation███████████11%

Procedural█████████9%

Broadband██████6%

Public Works██████6%

Emergency Management█████5%

Public Health████4%

Community Engagement███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Los Alamos County Council Regular Session - October 6, 2026

The Los Alamos County Council met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Fire Station No. 3 in White Rock for a regular session. The meeting was held in hybrid format and adjourned at approximately 9:42 PM. The council addressed a wide range of items including a proclamation, presentations on a regional internet outage and aquatic center construction, a public hearing on a Metropolitan Redevelopment Act project, approval of several contracts, and quarterly updates.

Consent Calendar

Approval of Contract Amendment for Tyler Technologies (DigEplan): $1,694,710 plus GRT for electronic plan review software. (Agenda Item 7A)
Approval of Services Agreement with Dismuke Construction: $4,000,000 plus GRT for on-call pavement preservation. (Agenda Item 7B)
Approval of Council Minutes: September 22, 2026, Work Session. (Agenda Item 7C)
Appointment to Los Alamos County Health Council: Brittany St. Jacques appointed for a term ending October 27, 2028. (Agenda Item 7D)

All consent items were approved unanimously (6-0, Councilor Havemann absent).

Presentations

Digital Inclusion Week Proclamation: Council proclaimed October 4-10, 2026 as Digital Inclusion Week in Los Alamos County. The proclamation highlighted the county’s Atomic Fiber community broadband network. (Agenda Item 5A)
Regional Internet Outage Presentation (September 24, 2026): Emergency Management, Broadband Manager, and Emergency Communications Center staff briefed the council on the outage caused by a third-party excavation cutting a Lumen fiber line on Old Buckman Road. Key points: 911 services remained operational via backup systems; county Wi-Fi and AM 1610 were used for communication; the second fiber line (San Ildefonso Services) is near completion and will provide redundancy; Lumen has begun discussions to utilize the new line. Staff noted that future outages could be mitigated once redundant fiber is operational. (Agenda Item 5B)
Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center Construction Progress: Staff presented an update on the $3.3 million rehabilitation project, which includes replastering the original 1988 pool shell and replacing 38-year-old pumps and filters. Due to a manufacturer delay, pumps are now expected in November-December 2026, with pool reopening targeted for January 2027. The presentation also discussed alternative pool options: East Park Pool (outdoor, weather-dependent) and Lucero Center in Española (indoor, via government-to-government MOU). The county currently has 8 lifeguards (full staffing is 10) and is losing two. Staff explored but could not feasibly staff East Park Pool. (Agenda Item 5C)

Public Comments & Testimony

Aquatic Center (during 5C): Multiple residents and swim team representatives spoke. Speakers expressed support for the county’s efforts but urged better communication on construction timelines. Several requested the council consider partnering with East Park Pool for temporary swimming access, noting its local convenience and willingness to operate flexibly. Concerns were raised about the lack of lifeguards and the health impact of limited swimming options. Coach Pat Brought (LAHS swim team) suggested waiving utility fees for East Park to keep it open. James Wernicke (East Park Pool volunteer) offered a week-to-week partnership model. (Multiple speakers)
Pig & Fig MRA Ordinance (during 8A): Sandy Jones, Director of the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the ordinance, calling it an excellent investment in a successful local business. No opposition was voiced. (Agenda Item 8A)

Public Hearings

Ordinance No. 764 – Pig & Fig Bakery and Café MRA Project: The council held a public hearing and adopted the ordinance approving a $106,000 Metropolitan Redevelopment Act grant (reimbursement-based) for renovations at 11 Sherwood Blvd in White Rock. The project includes ADA upgrades, landscaping, solar lighting, and additional seating. Estimated project cost is $106,000; the business has already invested over $750,000 in the property over 10 years. The grant is capped at $106,000 with a two-year term. (Agenda Item 8A)

Discussion Items

Vacation of Implied Easements (Denver Steels Waterline Replacement): Staff requested approval to vacate implied easements for 63 properties in Phase II and similar for Phase III after moving water meters to property lines and replacing corroded service lines with PEX piping. Homeowners now own and maintain the new lines. The council approved the vacation and authorized the chair to execute documents. (Agenda Item 9A)
Contract for eDiscovery Services (Complete Discovery Source): The council approved a five-year, $3,405,000 contract for Relativity aiR software to manage Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests. The system will use AI to streamline review, reduce duplication, and improve compliance. The county spent over $836,000 on IPRA assistance in the past three fiscal years. The contract includes training and implementation. (Agenda Item 9B)
Quarterly Intergovernmental and Regional Activities Update (Fall 2026): Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Danielle Durán reported on state and federal activities, including reauthorization of capital outlay funds, IPRA reform task force, and federal engagement on the hexavalent chromium plume. The county is working with Pueblo de San Ildefonso on joint advocacy. (Agenda Item 10A1)
ECA Cleanup Workshop and Advocacy Meetings: Chair Ryti and Vice Chair Herrmann reported on the September 2026 trip to Washington, DC, where they met with DOE and congressional delegation, jointly with Pueblo de San Ildefonso. Key outcomes: DOE committed to restarting interim measures on the chromium plume; progress on the Energy Communities Infrastructure Program; and Los Alamos County will not retain its ECA executive board seat after 2027. (Agenda Item 10A2)

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0).
Ordinance No. 764 (Pig & Fig MRA): Adopted unanimously (6-0).
Vacation of Implied Easements: Approved unanimously (6-0) for Denver Steels Phases II and III.
Contract with Complete Discovery Source (Relativity aiR): Approved unanimously (6-0) for $3,405,000 over five years.
Travel Expenses Approved:
- New Mexico Association of Counties Commissioners Affiliate Retreat (Cloudcroft, Oct 23-25, 2026) – up to three councilors.
- NACo Annual Legislative Conference (Washington, DC, Feb 20-23, 2027) – up to three councilors.
Board/Commission Vacancy Report: Noted current vacancies on Art in Public Places, County Health Council (one filled), Historic Preservation, Inclusivity, Library Board, Lodgers Tax, and Personnel Board. Council received the report for information. (Agenda Item 10C)
Council Chair Report: Chair Ryti provided a written report summarizing activities since September 22, including meetings on the chromium plume, regional landfill feasibility, and various proclamations. (Agenda Item 10F)

Meeting Transcript

Okay, uh want to welcome everybody to the uh thank you. It's very loud. Uh sorry about that. So I want to welcome everybody to the uh October 6th, 2026 uh county council regular session. Uh so tonight's meeting is going to be in hybrid format, so meaning we're gonna have counselors uh public participating on Zoom, in addition to meeting in person here at the fire station in White Rock. Um so uh we'll be taking public comment for items that are not on the agenda at the towards the beginning of the meeting. Uh also want to ask that you uh limit your comments to uh three minutes or rather eyes directed and that you uh direct your comments uh to the chair and focus on the issues. Um we also ask that if you're on uh limited comments three minutes, so state your name is all you needed for the doing the comments. Uh virtual commenters, please uh have your name on Zoom so we can be properly addressed. Um I guess we're gonna plan on me ending the meeting no later than 10 p.m. tonight. So if we're still meeting at nine, we'll check our progress at that point in time. Um so with that, uh, since we have all counselors that are for the meeting in person, uh say that we have councilor uh Neil Clinton, Cole, Rey, uh Herman, um, and Rick uh counselor uh's uh excuse tonight. So uh with that, if you're uh if you're please stand if you're uh willing and able to join us in the pledge. So as I mentioned a moment ago, uh we're now on to item number three, which is public comment. So this uh section for public comment is for items that are not on the agenda. Do we have anybody here at the fire station uh three uh wanting to make public comment for items not on the not on the agenda tonight? Not seeing anyone in person. Umassin, can you check online to see if we have anyone that wants to make public comment tonight? I can chair. If you're would like to make public comment, please raise your hand. Chair, we have one uh Zoom user, please state your full name and limit your comments to three minutes. Uh they've they put down their hand. Okay, so they probably have a comment on something that's on the agenda then. Okay. Um so let's go on to item number four, which is approval of the agenda. I believe we're looking for a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Council Cole. I move that we approve the agenda as presented. Second. Uh there's a motion by Councillor Cole, second by Councillor Neil Clinton. Uh since we're all here in person, we can do a show of hands. Uh all those in favor, please raise your hand. Okay, the motion passes uh unanimously six to zero. Counselor uhman absent. So uh item five is presentation proclamations or recognition. 5A is 22216-26 proclamation uh designating October 4th through 10th 2026 is digital inclusion week in Los Alamos County. Um, Councilor New Clinton has those one to read.

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