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County Council votes: ordinances, financial write‑offs and a tourism contract
Summary
At its Oct. 7 meeting the County Council approved code amendments to chapter 16, authorized write-offs of multiple uncollectible receivable categories, and approved a three‑year tourism marketing agreement; the Brewer Arena construction proposal was referred to Parks & Recreation for further review.
Below are the formal actions taken by the County Council at its Oct. 7 regular meeting. Where the meeting record cited specific motions those are summarized; all outcomes are drawn from the Oct. 7 public record.
1) Development Code text amendments — Adopted Motion: Council adopted Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance 02‑370, which amends portions of Chapter 16 (development code) including use regulations and definitions. Outcome: Motion passed unanimously (6–0; Councilor Havaman absent). Staff said the amendments clean up technical errors, add missing definitions through “T,” and resolve inconsistencies arising after the 2023 code adoption.
2) Uncollectible utility accounts — Approved (resolution 25‑22) Motion: Staff requested removal (write‑off) of uncollectible utility accounts for fiscal year 2021 from county receivables; the list in exhibit A totals $30,624.21. Outcome: Council approved the write‑off (6–0; Havaman absent). Staff noted standard collection avenues were exhausted and the county retains the ability to collect outstanding balances if the customer reapplies for service.
3) Other uncollectible receivables — Approved (resolution 25‑21) Motion: Staff requested write‑offs for unsecured and uncollectible accounts across COBRA, library services, general billing, ambulance billing and environmental services; total amount listed in staff presentation: $96,948.60. Outcome: Council approved the write‑offs (6–0; Havaman absent).
4) Tourism marketing services contract — Approved Motion: Council approved a contract for destination marketing with Global Vista Technologies (Destination IQ). Staff presented a three‑year contract that staff materials listed as “not to exceed” $1,483,100 with only $413,100 guaranteed across the term; the motion carried at the meeting with the amount read as $1,180,100 and the contract approved by a 5–1 vote (Councilor Regor opposed, Councilor Havaman absent). The contract funds marketing, visitor intelligence (including geofencing/mobile data), monthly and annual reporting, two immersion visits and optional add‑on services (influencer management, on‑site event staffing and website refresh) that require additional council authorization if budget increases are needed.
5) Brewer Arena improvements — Referred to Parks & Recreation Motion: Rather than approve a task order or award contracts Oct. 7, council voted unanimously to send the proposed Brewer Arena Improvements project back to the Parks and Recreation Board for additional coordination with stable owners and county staff and asked staff to return with revised design alternatives and a recommendation. Outcome: Referral approved unanimously (6–0; Havaman absent). Staff had presented a proposed task order to Alrite Construction (listed in staff materials at $1,934,399.74) and a draft project budget of $2,710,000, but council asked for more outreach after stable owners challenged the plan’s accessible walkway material, restroom approach and outreach process.
Ending note: Several agenda items on the Oct. 7 consent calendar passed as amended; the council also received multiple presentations (bike park working group, Adopt a Trail redesign, Trails and Open Space Management Plan) that resulted in follow‑up directions but no additional formal votes Oct. 7.
