Los Alamos County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Los Alamos County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Environmental Sustainability Board vacancy
Two applicants interviewed for the open seat left by Anna Buckthorpe, and a recommendation goes to council on October 27 — meaning the seat should be filled by the November meeting.
Dino World Project Pending
A status update on the dinosaur-themed playground project. No action taken — the project is still moving through its current phase.
Public Art Conservation and Maintenance
The August visit from Pacific Coast Conservation found the outdoor collection in good shape, but fixing Corky, the Ashley Pond pony painted black by a prior conservator, got pushed so the new senior center artwork could get its required UV coating — leaving a budget shortfall for the contract's final year.
Snowmaking project delays at the ice rink
Pump skid deliveries, SCADA integration, fiber work, and tank disinfection are delaying the snowmaking system, though the project manager says the December 15 contractual obligation will be met — assuming snow conditions cooperate.
County communication and fiscal stewardship
The county website got a major overhaul, the Rept videos have saved ~400 staff hours, and the community survey drew 620 responses. Financially: clean audit, a $40M broadband bond and a fresh $35M bond for Fire Station 4.
NRPA Gold Medal Finalist Recognition
Los Alamos's parks department was one of four national finalists for the NRPA Gold Medal Award in its population category. It didn't win, but the recognition is a big deal for local recreation services.
Standardizing member terms to January–December
A proposal to align all Health Council member terms to a January-through-December calendar was up for discussion and possible action. No outcome is on record.
Sister Cities program
A presentation on the Sister Cities program in New Mexico explored potential international cultural and economic exchange connections.
Fire Department Phoenix Award recognition
Los Alamos County Fire Department members were recognized with Phoenix Awards, honoring their emergency response work.
Proposed rooftop solar connection charge
Stromberg wants the board to revisit charging rooftop solar customers a connection fee — roughly $40 a month by an old estimate — to cover infrastructure costs, though not until rate fatigue settles.
Bee City Los Alamos pollinator program
In its third year, the program has given native plant kits to over 150 properties, built a blooming pollinator area at the golf course, and is relocating its demonstration garden. Its grant ends in October and renewal is pending.
Proposed NMED methane leak regulation
The state environment department proposes using satellites and aircraft to detect natural gas leaks and require owner response within three days — a rulemaking in its early stages that targets a major greenhouse gas source the county's climate plan currently ignores.
Regional partnerships and federal funding outlook
The county's quarterly regional update covered millions in regional investments (nursing home, Española parks), a possible tri-community landfill, and a new water well that made it into the House version of the Water Resources Development Act authorization.
Community performance dashboard
The county launched a redesigned online dashboard of performance metrics — housing maps, permit wait times, tourism trends, public safety stats — that residents can explore directly. Councilors suggested adding goals and behavioral health data.
$1 Million Trails and Bike Park Grant Application
The county will apply for a $1 million state Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant, tied to a North Mesa bike park, to improve trails and recreation.
Contract employee salary adjustments
The county manager, utilities manager, and county attorney get raises of 4%, 3.5%, and 3% following closed-session evaluations.
Personnel Board membership vacancy
The board still has one open seat. HR is working with the PIO office to re-advertise the vacancy, and party-balance rules (no more than three members of one party) apply to the appointment.
Wildlife assessment project kickoff
Consultants outlined a year-long, three-phase study of deer overpopulation, vehicle collisions and human-wildlife conflict, including mapping future collision zones.
$30,000 Budget Increase for Digital Collections
The County Council passed a modest library budget increase this spring, including $30,000 more for digital collections like OverDrive and Hoopla — good news in a market where publisher access models make e-books and audiobooks pricey.
Bradbury Science Museum hours change and remodel
The Bradbury switches to 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday starting June 16 while bathrooms get their first remodel since 1993. Porta potties will be on site during construction.
Board of Public Utilities Appointment
Matt Heavner was reappointed to the utility board over Richard Nebel on a 6-1 vote; Councilor Reagor argued the BPU needs a change in direction, pointing to the climate action plan.
Justice Center wall mosaic project
An update was scheduled on the mosaic project for the Justice Center wall, including a community mosaic assembly workshop.
Fleet management software upgrade
The county is spending up to $1.2 million over five years on AssetWorks software that adds GPS tracking to its ~675-unit fleet — better dispatching in emergencies and snowstorms, idle-time monitoring and route savings.
Councilor conference travel approved over dissent
Council approved up to three councilors attending NACo conferences (including Hawaii) and the NM Counties conference — Councilor Cull voted no, citing budget timing and optics.
EV Fleet Expansion Metrics
A request was made for county EV fleet metrics comparing fuel use versus electricity as the county's electric fleet grows. It's an early look at whether electrification is paying off for taxpayers.