Staff Report

The Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) is no more. Los Alamos County Council voted 5-2 during its regular meeting Tuesday night to pass an ordinance to remove CDAB as a permanent board of the County.

County Council Chair Randall Ryti and Councilor David Reagor voted against the ordinance.

CDAB’s objective was to collect public feedback on Chapter 18 of the Los Alamos County Code, which addresses nuisances. The feedback was used in the work to update the chapter, which Council adopted during its Nov. 29 meeting. Councilors who supported terminating the board argued that there was no more need for CDAB – at least until the updates to Chapter 18 could be evaluated. Even then it was suggested that CDAB could possibly return as a task force.

Reagor disagreed. He pointed out that there is still work CDAB could address such as vacant properties.

Ryti also said he felt that the board’s scope could be redefined. He further said the public, based on feedback, doesn’t want CDAB to sunset.

Councilor Melanee Hand made a substitute motion to table the ordinance until the Dec. 13 council meeting. She explained that during the Dec. 13 meeting, council will discuss all the boards and commissions’ work plans and it made more sense to include CDAB on the same agenda. However, her motion failed to pass 2-6 with only Hand and Reagor supporting the motion.

In other business council:

• Unanimously agreed to terminate the ordinance for registering vacant buildings. Council Vice Chair Denise Derkacs proposed terminating it because there wasn’t a need for the ordinance and public input revealed there wasn’t support for it.
• Voted 6-1 with Reagor opposed to approve the 2023 state legislative agenda for Los Alamos County. An addition was made, which was for legislation that supports energy and sustainability initiatives that align with agreed community goals.
• Recognized Linda Deck for her work as Lodger Tax Advisory Board Chair.
• Heard a report from County Manager Steven Lynne that so far, seven applicants have been awarded American Rescue Plan Act funds that were allocated to the County.