[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6511049,"mediaKeyId","5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8","parentId",5338940,"title","Sustainability board briefs council on climate action plan progress, EV planning and plastic bag working group","audioSeconds",992,"startMs",1658000,"endMs",2650000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8&start=1658&end=2650","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8/thumbnail_1658000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511049/New-Mexico/Sustainability-board-briefs-council-on-climate-action-plan-progress-EV-planning-and-plastic-bag-working-group","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511049-1b16e1372cc9234eb9338fcded5f26a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143832&Signature=ijoiNY4fz5hbsHSDA9GbqmsiXcqp5Q-bJKIaYAVGm0qMvbWPLY4yPC5o5IaIbGzb9ijR8gpjfm27QzJVJpAlDo8ZvxweSKzG68dvVKrDp7glNNXaAnRuTdXAT~Ecvb3hFftnTuu~2NG08Dy3L~Aa9W31pdA8AOVG-PZjp7yxY-C0mNmdaGD3kyswL0mXX3zByC1Iw5sYi-AOnbTKw8XcUAHymK9Tpwqx7D4i1SQvjCtY8GY4rLn9ohe333xXdy94P0OsM8ZPccK-FhZZ7PDP-y4Y17-UxEi6DaB~gVERMJT0Xwdnkf56wU44mAw1pxZuf4bmBi0L3eXGaRhFLTcltg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Los Alamos County","date","2025-07-08T00:00:00Z","article","County sustainability staff on July 8 provided a quarterly briefing on multiple sustainability initiatives including Climate Action Plan implementation, an EV fleet conversion and community charging study, an RFP for climate marketing and engagement, residential energy audit procurement planning, and a working group examining single‑use plastic bag policy options.

The presenter summarized FY2025 budget options the council approved to advance climate action and said the county has hired a senior project manager, Miguel Jimenez, to lead implementation work. Staff said an RFP for climate marketing and engagement received 11 proposals and an evaluation committee planned to select a vendor in the coming weeks.

On building energy audits, staff said they considered using trained interns but determined liability and environmental‑hazard exposure (for example, asbestos or carbon monoxide) made hiring certified contractors preferable. Staff reported fewer than 10 certified energy auditors exist in the state, and the county will solicit professional audit services via a request for proposals.

The fleet conversion plan and community EV charging plan kicked off in March; staff described public visioning, one‑on‑one meetings with county departments and Los Alamos Public Schools, a fleet and facilities assessment by Stantec, and coordination with Burns & McDonnell on an electrification study. A community survey was open through July 31 and had received more than 350 responses as of five weeks before the meeting. Staff said site visits to county facilities were scheduled to assess existing power loads and capacity and that a draft plan would be returned to council in October.

Staff announced they had been told unofficially by NMDOT that the county was awarded a grant for two DC fast chargers at the public library and that those chargers would have a minimum output of 150 kW per port. Staff cautioned that equipment and construction costs for DC fast chargers are substantially higher than Level 2 equipment, citing equipment estimates of roughly $450,000 and overall construction and electrical estimates that could reach $1,000,000 for those sites.

The Environmental Sustainability Board formed a working group to research single‑use plastic bags, tasking members Shannon Blair, Rebecca Paley Williams and Herman Gepbert Kleinrath with outreach and comparative ordinance review. Staff said the working group had met with officials in Santa Fe and Las Cruces to learn lessons and would bring a recommendation to the ESB in July for potential forwarding to council.

In question time, a councilor asked about DOE involvement; staff said Department of Energy partners have shifted outreach to emphasize cost‑savings and efficiency, and that DOE is not installing new EVs locally at this time though the lab operates dozens of chargers on its property.

No council action was requested or taken during the briefing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Los Alamos County - County Council - Regular Session on 2025-07-08 6:00 PM - Jul 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported progress on the county Climate Action Plan, an EV fleet/community charging study, outreach and hiring, an RFP for climate marketing and engagement, and a working group studying single‑use plastic bag policies; staff also said the county received an unofficial grant for two DC fast chargers at the library.","taxTitle","Los Alamos, New Mexico","taxId",51137,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511054,"Council designates election‑day polling places and reaffirms canvassing board for 2026–2027 elections",291,865000,1156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8&start=865&end=1156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8/thumbnail_865000.jpg","/articles/6511054/New-Mexico/Council-designates-electionday-polling-places-and-reaffirms-canvassing-board-for-20262027-elections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511054-6376b48183299aa8fa8ed8ba3eb86c9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143832&Signature=iTkHFV3CUvo684cpFQVjEhsVNbDOftJ4zDPPQW6NwpD17xLuutFwUbhKllkuGc~5IvQwveO2vqZ~YFYfDdqJ-nfKGGIEM1OXatl39n2ibFEs9466v1NkVyNjyftZSd0FO7mB~xdAEpUD4kYv6CogrRisOgdU~E9HuX5FR3tvwhimRs7uRcZLUT9JaeZhs4Cc3y~cIp48lrxHCiwbdPrx5kSXqYX2Y-NEbWdzeoANN~-Fiqx0FqjOgsx6aHa5R1wPOfms7w1py3FnRaSQ2ZFIhlxDWsm2ckRCPFrxRmq8nJrp-GypWvMaboK4wGWvkDSt1V53tWgF4x73w2kYC0GjKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The County Council adopted a resolution on July 8 designating election‑day polling places for statewide and special elections conducted in calendar years 2026 and 2027 and establishing the county canvassing board through the end of 2027.

County elections staff member Mr. Redondo explained state law requires the governing body to designate polling places every two years. Staff recommended no changes to existing polling locations and noted that historically the council has delegated canvassing authority to the board of registration; that delegation was the staff recommendation again.

Redondo told council there are currently no plans to deploy the county’s mobile voting unit and that the device is generally reserved for emergencies. He also said the Secretary of State is developing rules to facilitate sharing mobile voting units between counties to simplify emergency deployment. “So there are not plans currently to do that,” Redondo said when asked about mobile unit deployment.

Councilor Hammond moved adoption of Resolution 25‑11 designating polling places and establishing the canvassing board; Councilor Regor seconded. The motion passed with six yes votes and one absent.

Staff emphasized the resolution is not rigid and that polling places can be changed in response to emergency events (for example, if a building is damaged).","By resolution the council designated polling locations for statewide and special elections in 2026 and 2027, and affirmed the county canvassing board arrangement through the end of 2027; staff said no mobile voting unit deployment is planned currently.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511059,"Council endorses NCRTD FY2026 allocation and authorizes FTA 5311 application for Atomic City Transit",236,448000,684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8&start=448&end=684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8/thumbnail_448000.jpg","/articles/6511059/New-Mexico/Council-endorses-NCRTD-FY2026-allocation-and-authorizes-FTA-5311-application-for-Atomic-City-Transit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511059-246cc156f43916b091a237f3f6d608a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143832&Signature=TjKwHAW5ILwKJhFXvm2ihpdyUUxdUlL5im1Chg28BxTzVeFELA~7CsoklfxNGB7ulCGHo8u75J-laZSTh4ThiEQpxgpcj-o1ATXAH0S-yodpuor9i8Gxj5X5WRVe0Jt2pGORVuXg458iNWpPFbZB6HYIGasLkV1fQDhYCBCbEMK0p6ljysNoV8DxX70zF7XNHvmTMMPhuuAkeimKAFKtwuZ17F24nHw6OK~Y4J9ff~wGHVT1tv12QQlWsh58NU4nXOqr1Tg5CNcSAwM9wgzCNuhmwBPgSbHDnZ~VnvazYlHbQo0vNK~DU8RhmVQKNUTsFZxrSpLcGNgWex3KL1bqew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Incorporated County of Los Alamos County Council on July 8 endorsed the North Central Regional Transit District's FY2026 budget proposal and approved a county service plan for submission to the NCRTD. Council also authorized an application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 'Formula Grants for Rural Areas' funding for federal fiscal year 2027 in the amount of $5,941,919 to support Atomic City Transit’s administrative, operating and capital needs.

County staff member Mr. Bridal presented the two related resolutions. “This year, we're proposing an allocation to Los Alamos County of just over $2,000,000… NCRTD has budgeted the $2,031,000 allocation for GRT towards Los Alamos County,” Bridal said, describing the county’s GRT allocation and the service plan submitted to show local needs and to secure reimbursement for FY2026 awards.

Bridal explained the county submits an annual MOU that includes $350,000 for Atomic City Transit administration and that any underfunding for FY2026 will be covered by the county general fund or by Section 5311 funding if awarded. He described the 5311 application as the county’s routine annual request to the state and federal program to continue operating and provide service to the community.

Councilors asked no substantive questions during the presentations. Councilor Hammond moved approval of resolution 25‑13 endorsing the NCRTD FY2026 budget and the service plan and directed the county manager to submit the plan; Councilor Regor seconded. The roll call recorded six yes votes and one absence; the motion passed.

Councilor Hammond then moved approval of resolution 25‑12 authorizing application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for FTA Section 5311 funding in the amount of $5,941,919; Councilor Regor seconded. Councilors again recorded six affirmative votes and one absence, and the motion passed.

Staff told council that the service plan intentionally exceeded the immediate allocation to demonstrate future funding needs for Los Alamos County and Atomic City Transit and to ensure full reimbursement when federal awards are made.","The county endorsed the North Central Regional Transit District’s FY2026 budget allocation of $2,031,000 and authorized application to NMDOT for FTA Section 5311 funding of $5,941,919 to support Atomic City Transit operations and capital needs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511064,"Council awards Trinity Drive primary electric replacement contract; work to include sidewalk trenching and lane closures",483,2673000,3156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8&start=2673&end=3156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8/thumbnail_2673000.jpg","/articles/6511064/New-Mexico/Council-awards-Trinity-Drive-primary-electric-replacement-contract-work-to-include-sidewalk-trenching-and-lane-closures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511064-616b2b82d4f9bc36c50ae2be8f361a93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143832&Signature=WrjmMUMTtcyv0u2TGalrNClNEJ8ahe0q23FkfSuj-6R5dyAXha9y2HpvxEeTt5FEZ4HMB4ziA0Dm3wMlV2r3Jbm~hIFbD73sqiGgAkHUwyoedJVp9-m6EoqIoyYtoDShN8lLrzWY6CjVG1LTK7hEJTaFKHwArgoVXJ4QgRj9Xv0I~texGu4ZE5PyS0ZZqRHlsSsEZj9XkgMoVhEav-IaDgomDCow8K61gOc2dFFXJ6KM7Cd56xgW2X6NjSmTqPEMUgPMu6MmRZDv9pRsUBbs-Ef6quUH9smx5aTJXZSqsdFbKWgRZoKy3qmA1M~xOi~YcKvUCrFXdzyboZRYZR5qMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Incorporated County of Los Alamos County Council on July 8 approved award of bid IFB25‑45 to Double E LLC to replace the primary electric feeder along Trinity Drive, a section staff described as the main feeder for the western area of town.

Public works staff explained the project replaces a direct‑buried conductor line that failed in June 2023 west of Oppenheimer Street. The work will install new switches and new conductors and place the line under the sidewalk on both sides of Trinity Drive. The county estimated the award amount at $988,917.01 with a 20% contingency of $197,783.40; the motion passed with six affirmative votes and one absence.

Keith Wilson, deputy public works director, and other staff described traffic and construction impacts. The project will require lane closures, a buffer zone and NMDOT permitting. Staff said flaggers will manage traffic and contractors will be required to secure permits. “The contractor is responsible for getting the NMDOT traffic permit, and DOT is very strict on flagging operations,” a staff presenter said.

Staff also addressed critical‑service continuity. The Trinity circuit is a primary feeder for the western area and a feed to the Los Alamos Medical Center; staff said the hospital will be placed on a redundant feed during construction so operations are not jeopardized.

Councilors discussed potential traffic backups and impacts to bicyclists as drivers use the turn lane to merge. Staff said they expect the contractor to work rapidly — the contract allowed roughly four months, but staff said they “do not see them taking more than 6 to 8 weeks at the longest” for on‑site work, and that sidewalk removal and trenching methods will be used to expedite the schedule.

The motion to award IFB25‑45 to Double E LLC for $988,917.01 plus a 20% contingency and applicable gross receipts tax was moved by Councilor Hammond and seconded by Councilor Regor. The roll call recorded six yes votes, one absent; the motion passed.

Staff noted there may be some timing overlap with a separate public‑works roadway project on Trinity Drive farther east, and that county staff will coordinate scheduling, permits and bicyclist/pedestrian access plans with the contractor.","The County Council awarded IFB25‑45 to Double E LLC for $988,917.01 plus a 20% contingency to replace a primary feeder on Trinity Drive. Staff said work likely will take several weeks, require NMDOT traffic permits and flagging, and will not put the medical center at risk due to redundant feed.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6511069,"County approves installation of six new Level 2 EV chargers at Municipal Building",452,1208000,1660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8&start=1208&end=1660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5338940-5491cccb8d0509163e37fb3d2f9df3c8/thumbnail_1208000.jpg","/articles/6511069/New-Mexico/County-approves-installation-of-six-new-Level-2-EV-chargers-at-Municipal-Building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511069-b67b44a4f0ccd89306310aed33392df4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143832&Signature=Cp0iW~JKuuqq3XwrYPgmWF8loHHSbgLtQGnS-Amsy7c0b-RDQfFelyMmKg6gZSg-dCLnxnfsEY9QZcl0sIEZ~AWLxHywBfB844vO7dHlOM48X2bqwyielFc7QB6xw-EVbz8mC00cepE1arRdFVoQXFjFVazvO64kgPhx-Wy0S6Id~jPBS3dl3T~4ERT4WpG7bi6zYG4eDzVZY-wOS3GGXCG4Wks2GHLJO5N7gee3zbmsHruNAvHoJoe3OSs0I3l5KFeRq30hGbb1hge~Nny-8AFYCTECqnEude7qL7Yt7pyJc2Tx90oO9wdZ~7y3w-UI68fRjNxX-GtNQTNrg2qf-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Incorporated County of Los Alamos County Council on July 8 approved installation of six Level 2 electric‑vehicle chargers at the Municipal Building and established a project budget to cover construction and contingency.

County staff sought approval of task order 11 under services agreement AGR22‑18E with R and M Construction LLC for $398,861.44 plus applicable gross‑receipts tax and asked the council to establish an overall project budget of $730,000 that includes gross receipts tax and contingency. Councilors voted unanimously among those present; the tally reported was 6 yes, 1 absent.

County staff member Ms. Goulet, the project presenter, told council the site will replace three existing chargers in the center median, add three new chargers for six total Level 2 ports, and be accessible to the public and the county fleet. “We will replace those 3 and add an additional 3 for 6 total new level 2 EV chargers, with an output of, I think, it's 19 and some change kilowatts per port,” Goulet said. She added the new chargers will be networked to allow usage tracking and payment collection.

The council also heard specifics about safety and accessibility. Goulet said the design includes emergency shutoff switches and bollards developed with the fire department and that the site will be ADA compliant. She told council the rate established by the Board of Public Utilities for use of the new networked chargers is $0.23 per kilowatt‑hour. “The fee has been established, by BPU, and it's, 23¢ per kilowatt hour. So that'll cover both the electric cost and the o and m cost,” Goulet said.

Councilors asked about compatibility and capacity. Staff said each charging cabinet will serve two vehicles at once (six chargers serve 12 cars simultaneously) and will support common connector standards used by most EVs. Staff said existing Level 3 chargers at the site are lightly used, and the newly networked Level 2 units will provide better usage data.

The motion to approve task order 11, adopt budget revision 2026‑01 and include the associated attachment in the minutes was moved by Councilor Hammond and seconded by Councilor Regor. Roll call recorded six affirmative votes and one absence; the motion passed.

The project approval included authorization to carry over sustainability funds in the amount presented to cover the county share of the budget.

Councilors and staff said they expect the networked chargers to better balance public demand and county fleet needs and to provide data for future charging‑infrastructure planning.

Looking ahead, staff noted additional grant activity: the county reported an unofficial award for two DC fast chargers at the library (staff described those as minimum 150 kW DC fast chargers), and the municipal chargers are the county's first EV expansion project at a public municipal site.","The County Council approved Task Order 11 with R and M Construction LLC to install six Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at the Municipal Building, set a $730,000 project budget and established a per‑kWh fee of $0.23 to cover electricity and maintenance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sustainability board briefs council on climate action plan progress, EV planning and plastic bag working group

Council designates election‑day polling places and reaffirms canvassing board for 2026–2027 elections

Council endorses NCRTD FY2026 allocation and authorizes FTA 5311 application for Atomic City Transit

Council awards Trinity Drive primary electric replacement contract; work to include sidewalk trenching and lane closures

County approves installation of six new Level 2 EV chargers at Municipal Building