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BPU working group proposes survey edits, board delays action and schedules outreach
Summary
The BPU Self-Assessment Working Group proposed edits to the board’s self-evaluation survey (use of Likert scales, clarified terminology, added 'don't know' responses). The board discussed separating staff and board responses and agreed not to take formal action in the work session; members also volunteered for farmers‑market outreach dates.
Members of the Los Alamos Board of Public Utilities discussed proposed revisions to the board self‑assessment questionnaire and a related outreach schedule at their work session. The working group recommended converting many items to Likert-scale statements, clarifying organizational terminology (replace generic "organization" with "DPU" where appropriate), and adding a "don't know" response for yes/no items to reduce misleading results.
The changes are intended to improve clarity and to make the instrument better suited to assessing perceptions and attitudes. Jen, a member of the working group, summarized the recommendations and said it would be helpful to provide a clean, final draft before the board votes. "I would suggest it would be important to continue to include a don't know option, for those uncomfortable with offering any assessment," Jen said.
Legal counsel advised that the work session was not the appropriate venue for a final vote, recommending the board not act that night. "I would recommend that you not take action tonight," Tom said, explaining the procedural limits for work‑session decisions.
Board members also discussed whether staff responses should be collected and reported separately from board responses to preserve the distinct perspectives of governance and management. Several members asked for more time to review the redline and to see a clean version before a final vote. The working group and staff agreed to return with a clean draft for formal consideration at a later meeting.
Other business in the same agenda block included board outreach at the farmers market: board members volunteered for specific dates to staff a BPU information table this summer; the board agreed to assign available members to the market schedule and to follow up if conflicts arise.
No formal amendments or votes were taken. Staff will produce a clean version of the self‑assessment for the board’s next meeting and will coordinate the farmers‑market schedule with board members.
