County

Executive Director Tony Mortillaro and Chairman Daniel Barrone of the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) at this evening’s Council meeting in Council Chambers. Mortillaro is a former Los Alamo County Administrator. He said that the organization’s first rider survey showed a 4.7 average rating out of 5 for overall satisfaction with the services provided; replaced aging fleet with modern and economical vehicles that have enhanced security features; developed long range financial and capital investment strategic plans; New Edgewood to Santa Fe route and record Read More

This evening in Council Chambers, Los Alamos County Public Information Officer Julie Habiger briefed Council on the results of the naming committee for the new municipal building. She explained that the majority of public sentiment reflected a desire to name the new building the ‘Los Alamos County Municipal Building.’ Following Habiger’s presentation, Council voted 6-0 to thank the naming committee for its efforts and take no action on the request brought forward previously by Councilor Fran Berting to name the building the Jeannette O. Wallace Building. Council Read More

Council voted 6-0 to approve a contract for General Services with Landis + Gyr in the amount of $467,004.50, plus applicable gross receipts tax, for the purpose of smart meters. White Rock resident Tadeusz Raven expressed security concerns with the Smart Meters. Council Chair Geoff Rodgers said he shared security concerns as well but added that it was important to move forward with te project. Councilor David Izraelevitz was absent. Print screen photo Read More

Los Alamos County Council from left, Rick Reiss, Kristin Henderson, Chair Geoff Rodgers, Pete Sheehey, Fran Berting, Vice Chair David Izraelevitz and Steve Girrens voted 4-2 to approve the Department of Public Utilities request for a rate restructure this year and an 8 percent annual rate increase over the next five years. Rodgers and Berting voted against the measure. Rodgers expressed concern that the rate increase will occur annually over the next five years, which will likely result in resident fatigue – leaving a new council to deal with it. Berting spoke of her concern that the Read More

Speaking during public comment this evening, White Rock businessman Tadeusz Raven said the 8 percent sewer rate hike will not only affect businesses but also nonprofits, churches, public pools and the schools. Two other residents expressed similar concerns. Print screen photo Read More

Deputy Utilities Manager Bob Westervelt, left, and DPU Manager John Arrowsmith explain to Council this evening that the 8 percent sewer rate increase they are seeking is expected to generate $400,000 per year, which will go to needed upgrades to the sewer infrastructure within the County. Print Screen photo Read More

Deputy Utilities Manager Bob Westervelt. Print screen photo

Staff report

Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities Deputy Utilities Manager Bob Westervelt is briefing the Los Alamos County Council on the reasons behind the DPU’s request for an 8 percent sewer rate increase.

The purpose for the increase is to upgrade the aging sewer system.

If approved by Council this evening, Westervelt said it would become effective tomorrow, adding that the DPU would ensure customers complete their current billing cycle at the current rate before incurring the increase.
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Glass cullet placed at the Municipal Building prior to being mixed into the soil. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

A new yellow glass drop-off recycling dumpster has been placed at the Los Alamos Cooperative Market to increase the convenience for residents to participate in the program. 

The program now includes four drop off locations; Los Alamos Co-op, Sullivan Field, Los Alamos County Eco Station and Overlook Park Convenience Center.  Residents can recycle glass bottles and jars of all colors at any of these locations. 

“I am happy that the Co-op is now a glass drop off location, Read More