Public Meetings - Bullhead City, Arizona

The Bullhead City Transit Commission met on November 6, 2023, at 12:30 PM. All commission members were present. The meeting included public comments, approval of minutes, election of officers, a bylaw amendment, and extensive reports from transit staff on finances, grant transitions, facility planning, staffing, and upcoming holidays. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (August 7, 2023): Motion to accept minutes as written passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Scotty (Bullhead City resident): Criticized board attendance, noting that recent meetings lacked a quorum and should have been rescheduled. He stated no improvements have been made to bus stops (no seats, shade, or shelters) despite years of requests. Mentioned two bus stops on Lakeside Drive that are unused. Requested additional stops at Walmart and Safeway for grocery shoppers. Announced his candidacy for Mohave County Supervisor District 2 and his intention to convene a civil grand jury to investigate transit and handicapped parking issues. - Harvey Fryer (resident since 1987): Urged commissioners to ride the buses at least once a quarter to understand rider experiences. Criticized Bullhead Area Transit (BAT) for having no emergency plan for cooling centers or evacuations. Reported poor bus maintenance: bus 2816 has suspension issues and is unsafe. Questioned where maintenance money is going. Requested a bus stop at the new hospital and another near the DMV. Noted that bus stops near the cancer clinic have no seats or shade. Complained about route inefficiencies (e.g., having to transfer and pay extra even when the bus passes the destination). Highlighted lack of bathroom facilities for drivers. Expressed frustration that the city has not acted on these issues. Discussion Items - Election of Chairperson for 2024: AJ Pompos was nominated and elected chairperson by voice vote. - Election of Vice Chairperson for 2024: Larry Toonforce was nominated and elected vice chairperson by voice vote. - Annual Review of Transit Commission Bylaws (Section 302): Staff proposed no revisions. A commissioner suggested amending the bylaws to allow any seated commissioner to vote on minutes, even if they were not present at the meeting. Staff supported the change, noting it aligns with City Council practice and other commissions. A motion to adopt the amendment passed with one negative vote. - Transit Program Updates and Reports (Michael Peluso, Transit Manager): - Financial and Performance Reports: Staff is current on monthly reimbursements to ADOT. The e-grant system is down for year-two funding setup; reimbursements will resume by February 2024. - 5307 Grant Program Transition: Major tasks from the FTA new recipient packet are nearly complete. Final steps include obtaining legal counsel opinion and a city council resolution. Once done, the city will become a direct recipient of FTA grants, potentially speeding up funding processes. No similar local transitions to reference. - Transit Facility Project Update: Selbergan Associates is working on engineering. A refined design is under review. A town hall/workshop is planned for early 2024 to gather public and commission input. A presentation to the commission is expected in February, followed by a city council workshop. - Staffing Update: Still seeking part-time drivers with a CDL Class C and passenger endorsement. A transit office specialist position was backfilled after a departure. Staffing shortages persist, with supervisors sometimes required to drive. - Annual Recertification Process: 18 passengers were sent renewal letters for dial-a-ride service; the process continues through year-end. New applications take up to 21 days for approval, but typically about one week. - Compliance Review: ADOT and consultant RLS are on site November 6–7 for a compliance review; no issues identified so far. This prepares the city for future FTA triennial reviews under 5307. - Upcoming Service Holidays: No service on November 10 (Veterans Day observed), November 23 (Thanksgiving), November 24 (Family Day), December 25 (Christmas), and January 1, 2024 (New Year's Day). Notices are posted on buses and the city website at least one week in advance. - Future Agenda Items: - Commissioner requested discussion on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for the future facility. - Discussion on improving bus stops (benches, shelters) was proposed for the February 2024 meeting to align with budget planning. Staff agreed to prepare an analysis based on ridership metrics. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous). - AJ Pompos elected Chairperson for 2024 (unanimous). - Larry Toonforce elected Vice Chairperson for 2024 (unanimous). - Bylaw amendment passed (allow commissioners to vote on minutes regardless of attendance at the meeting). - Future agenda items approved: EV station discussion and bus stop improvement analysis to be placed on the February 2024 meeting agenda. - Meeting adjourned (motion and second).

The Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission met on November 2, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a citizen-initiated code amendment to Title 17, Chapter 17.06 of the Municipal Code concerning accessory structures. The Commission also approved the minutes from the October 5, 2023 regular meeting. No public comments were made during the call to the public or the public hearing. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – October 5, 2023 Regular Meeting: The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the open call to the public or during the public hearing on the code amendment. Discussion Items - Citizen-Initiated Code Amendment – Accessory Structures: Planning Manager Johnny Loera presented the proposed amendment to Section 17.06.140(H) of the Bullhead City Municipal Code. Under current regulations, the total square footage of all accessory buildings and structures (e.g., garages, guest houses, pool houses, detached carports) on a single-family residential lot cannot exceed 150% of the principal dwelling's livable floor area. The requested amendment would exclude up to two guest houses or other accessory living spaces (such as mother-in-law quarters or conditioned pool houses) from this accessory square footage calculation. This change would allow property owners to build or maintain garages and other non-living accessory structures up to the full 150% limit without the square footage of guest houses reducing that allowance. Staff also recommended explicitly limiting the number of accessory living spaces to two per lot to prevent potential misuse, such as short-term rentals or excessive detached dwellings. The accessory living spaces would remain subject to existing lot coverage limits (up to 60% in most single-family residential districts) and would not count toward the principal building's livable area. The applicant owns a lot of approximately two acres and sought the change to accommodate a guest house and pool house without sacrificing garage space. Commissioners discussed the rationale, the precedent set by a similar 2022 amendment for pool setbacks, and the protection against overdevelopment. The amendment would apply citywide. Key Outcomes - Vote on Code Amendment: A motion was made and seconded to approve the code amendment as presented by staff, including the addition that a maximum of two accessory living spaces are allowed per lot and are excluded from the accessory square footage calculation. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2. (In favor: Chairwoman Smith, Commissioner Brandt, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Sobraske, Commissioner Stein; opposed: Vice Chairwoman Barnett and one additional commissioner, as indicated by the vote tally). The amendment will be forwarded to the Bullhead City Council for final adoption. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:15 PM after commissioner reports on upcoming community events (Veterans Day parade, holiday parades, and a charity event).

The Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting/work session on November 2, 2023, at 3:30 PM in the Bullhead City Council Chambers. The sole agenda item was a discussion-only work session on architectural standards for commercial zoning districts, including architectural styles, design elements, colors, and materials. The discussion was prompted by a City Council member's request regarding storage facilities and was intended to provide direction for a future code amendment. Discussion Items - Applicability/Zoning Districts: Commissioners discussed whether standards should apply to all commercial (C2, etc.), exclude industrial, or include residential 'barndominiums'. Consensus leaned toward applying to all commercial districts, with potential separate standards for industrial (e.g., only visible from arterials) and residential (primary dwellings). Commissioners noted that approximately 90% of commercial in Bullhead City is zoned C2. - Materials: Staff presented that other cities (Kingman, Parker, Lake Havasu, Flagstaff, Sedona) limit metal to 20-25% of wall area. Commissioners agreed to limit metal to 25% as an accent only, with primary materials being stucco, brick, stone, or concrete. Non-reflective coatings on metal and roofs were supported. - Colors: Commissioners discussed muted earth tones for primary surfaces and limiting bright/ accent colors to a maximum of 10% of the building facade. Some members expressed concern about government overreach in dictating colors, but the majority supported the 10% accent limit to avoid overly bright structures like the 'yellow building' mentioned. - Building Articulation: The existing mixed-use overlay code (17.27.040) requires five treatments to break up blank walls. Commissioners thought four treatments were sufficient. They debated whether to use a fixed linear measurement (e.g., 30 feet) or a percentage approach. Final direction leaned toward requiring at least four architectural features every 30-50 feet of facade length, with specific examples from the list provided (reveals, pop-outs, offsets, awnings, etc.). - Roof Lines and Site Planning: Items like varied rooflines, screening of rooftop equipment, and pedestrian connectivity were discussed but largely deferred to existing code sections. Commissioners generally agreed that current code already addresses many site planning elements. - Residential 'Barndominiums': Several commissioners expressed that large metal residential buildings (barndominiums) should also have design standards, as they are increasingly common and often visually obtrusive. Staff was directed to include language for primary residential structures in the draft amendment. Public Comments & Testimony - Larry Adams (former builder of 60 years): Expressed strong concerns about government overreach, particularly regarding color restrictions. He argued that many commercial lots in Old Bullhead remain vacant because current regulations already make development economically unfeasible, and adding more standards would worsen the problem. He urged caution and emphasized that beauty is subjective. - Scotty (resident): Agreed with Mr. Adams on government overreach and stated that most commercial lots along Hancock and Marina Boulevard are already built out. He criticized the timing of the proposal as too late and pointed out that many new buildings (e.g., storage units) do not generate tax revenue. He also raised concerns about fire safety in two-story metal storage buildings lacking fire sprinklers. Key Outcomes - Commission Direction: Staff was instructed to draft a proposed code amendment incorporating the following elements: 1. Apply standards to all commercial zoning districts (C2, etc.), with possible separate provisions for industrial and residential barndominiums. 2. Limit metal to 25% of wall area (accent only); primary materials to be stucco, brick, stone, or concrete. 3. Limit bright/accent colors to 10% of facade; primary colors to be muted earth tones. 4. Require a minimum of four architectural treatments (from an enumerated list) to break up blank walls at intervals of 30-50 feet. 5. Include standards for roof lines (varied parapets, overhangs) and screening of equipment. 6. Address residential barndominiums in a separate code section. - Next Steps: Staff will prepare a formal draft of the code amendment and present it at a future Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for a vote, after which it will be forwarded to the City Council. - The commission noted that the public hearing portion was closed and that the draft will be available for additional public comment at subsequent meetings.

[A regular meeting of the Bullhead City Franchise License Commission was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. (estimated). Four commissioners were present, including Chairwoman Corbett (by telephone), with Commissioner Hippensteel absent. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance, no public comments were made, and agenda modifications were none. Commissioners provided announcements regarding upcoming community events.] Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 25, 2023): A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the July 25, 2023 meeting. After a brief procedural clarification to ensure a clear vote, the motion passed unanimously with all commissioners voting aye. Discussion Items - Unisource Energy Corporation Quarterly Report (Pamela Lyman): Ms. Lyman presented customer counts adjusted after a prior audit: residential customers were 1,083 in April, 1,212 in July, and 1,195 in October 2023; commercial customers were 56 in April, 55 in July, and 43 in October. No power outages have occurred since January 2023. A holiday safety reminder was provided, and the utility’s website was noted for rate proposal updates, though no recent changes were identified. - Southwest Gas Quarterly Report (Submitted via email by Aaron Dervaj, read by a commissioner): Active customers totaled 22,983. Year-to-date emergency response time averaged 27.5 minutes. No major projects are underway in Bullhead City currently; 2024 replacement projects involving Arizona Pipeline and Southwest Gas were noted. The fiber project continues, and safety performance showed 100% Fuel for Life participation. All 26 employees donated to the Bullhead City community. A public liaison meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2023, at 7:00 a.m. at Anderson Field House. A rate case website (swgas.com/en/rates-and-regulation) was provided. - Vermita Waters Quarterly Report (Submitted via email by Steven Keller, read by a commissioner): Total customers are 9,813, of which 1,968 are within the city. No new rate cases and no street closures were reported. - Ultima Quarterly Report (Submitted via email and phone by James Campbell, presented orally by Commissioner Jason): Commissioner Jason summarized a flyer distribution campaign: 28,000 homes reached in October 2020; 28,477 in 2021; 28,786 in 2022; and 28,887 in October 2023. Commercial flyers reached 1,986 in 2020 and 2,292 in 2023. However, residential customer counts have declined over the same period: 6,361 in October 2020; 6,031 in 2021; 5,029 in 2022; and 4,569 in October 2023. Commercial customer counts were 128 in 2020, 137 in 2021, 126 in 2022, and 122 in October 2023. - Republic Services Quarterly Report (Presented by Chris Klein, Operations Manager, representing Brad Brown): In Q3 2023, Republic Services collected 4,619.76 tons of residential trash from 18,446 customers. Six bulky-item pickups per household per year are provided, and the company collected 2,775 tons of bulky waste during the quarter. No rate changes were announced. An app is available for billing and scheduling pickups. Key Outcomes - The commission approved the minutes of the July 25, 2023 meeting unanimously. - All quarterly reports were received and acknowledged by the commission; no votes were taken on the reports themselves. - The meeting concluded with a brief mention of setting future agenda topics, but no decisions or actions were taken on that matter.

The Parks and Recreation Commission held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at approximately 1:30 PM UTC. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Bell. The meeting included a park update from staff, approval of previous meeting minutes, and a decision to table discussion on food vendor agreement changes to the next meeting. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the September 20, 2023 regular meeting were approved by unanimous verbal vote (all present voted in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments during the open call to the public. Only one individual (Bill) was in attendance but did not speak. Discussion Items - Park Update (Dave): - Elite Sports Builders has been contracted to resurface the Rotary Park basketball courts, with completion expected before end of year and a ribbon-cutting to be announced. - Resurfacing of the cool deck around the community pool and replacement of pool heaters is out for bid; work will be done during winter to minimize summer disruption. - A community input session at Rotary Park Skate Park will be held before Christmas to gather feedback on skate park repairs and additions. - Groundbreaking occurred this week on the Colorado River Museum expansion at Community Park, with completion planned by spring. - Invitations for bid for handball and racquetball courts at Rotary Park are nearly ready for release. - Upcoming events were listed, including Cornfest (Oct 21-22 at Gary Keith Park), WSL Adult Softball Tournaments, Walk Away from Drugs (Oct 25), Fall Senior Classic (Oct 27-Nov 1), Great Pumpkin Race (Oct 28), women's senior softball headquarters (Nov 11-12), carnival from Paul Mauer Shows (Nov 13-21), pop-up sunset photo event (Nov 16), another WSL tournament (Nov 18-19), and farmers market (Nov 25). - Commissioner Question: A commissioner asked why pool heaters would be replaced in winter given the pool is used more in summer. Staff responded that the pool must be shut down for several days for the work, making winter the preferable time to minimize impact. - Food Vendor Agreement: Discussion and possible action to recommend administrative changes to the parks food vendor agreement was tabled by a commissioner motion to be placed as an agenda item for the November meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. - Next Agenda Topics: No additional topics were proposed for the next meeting's agenda. Key Outcomes - The September 20, 2023 meeting minutes were approved. - The food vendor agreement discussion was tabled and will be an agenda item at the next commission meeting in November. - No other actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned without further business.

This special work session, held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 3:30 PM, was convened to discuss regulations for mobile food vendors operating in city parks. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Bell. Chairman Cox presided, and Parks & Recreation Superintendent Dave Heath led the presentation and discussion. No formal legal action was taken during the work session. Public Comments & Testimony - Pamela Smith (member of the public): Strongly criticized the existing 15-minute parking requirement, calling it "absurdly ridiculous" and noting vendors cannot even set up and serve in that time. She supported designated vendor areas without a mandatory move requirement, or at least allowing one to two hours if not in a designated spot. She also expressed surprise that no food vendors attended the meeting. Discussion Items - Overview of Mobile Food Vendor Regulations: Dave Heath read key sections of the city code (Chapter 5.04.025) and the License Agreement for Mobile Food Services in Public Parks. Key requirements include: a city business license, a Mohave County health permit, $1 million general liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, a $500 annual fee, and compliance with operational conditions. - License Area and Conditions: The agreement covers Community Park, Rotary Park, Ken Fovargue Park, Dean Hackett Park, and the Colorado River Nature Center. Vendors must park in established parking areas, cannot obstruct traffic, must stay 100 yards from any park concession stand or other vending unit, and can occupy a parking space for only 15 minutes (Item K) before moving at least 100 yards. - Discussion of the 15-Minute Rule (Item K): Multiple commissioners questioned the origin and practicality of the 15-minute time limit. Dave Heath explained it was an administrative decision without formal testing, intended to prevent vendors from monopolizing prime spots. Commissioners noted that vendors often struggle to set up, cook, and serve within 15 minutes, especially when towing trailers. The rule was described as a "heavy hitter" from the previous meeting. - Proposal for Designated Vendor Locations: Commissioner Kenya Crews suggested creating designated parking areas for food trucks at each park to improve safety, reduce traffic conflicts, and help customers know where to find vendors. Commissioner John Cox noted that designated areas might conflict with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lease that prohibits retail outlets, but mobile vending in support of recreational activities is allowed. The idea received broad support as a potential way to eliminate the need for constant movement. - Time Limit Recommendations: Commissioners debated alternative time limits: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour. Community member Pamela Smith and Commissioner Heather (last name not provided) advocated for at least one hour to allow for setup and service. Chairman Cox proposed a consensus recommendation of 45 minutes to one hour, with a designated area at Community Park, but the group agreed to table final recommendations until the next regular meeting to allow vendor input. Key Outcomes - Consensus on Recommendations: The commission reached a non-binding consensus to recommend (1) increasing the minimum parking time from 15 minutes to between 45 minutes and one hour, and (2) establishing designated vendor areas at Community Park as a trial, with possible extension to other parks. The recommendation is administrative and does not require a code change. - Decision to Table for Vendor Input: The commission agreed to place this item on the agenda for the next regular meeting (November 2023) as an action item, allowing time to notify food vendors and invite their testimony. No formal motion was made at this work session. - Next Steps: City staff will communicate the discussion outcomes to vendors and schedule the item for a future meeting where a motion can be made. The revised rules would primarily be implemented next summer, when mobile vending activity peaks.

Date: October 5, 2023 Time: 5:30 p.m. (meeting called to order) | Work session discussion scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on the same day as the November 2023 meeting. Attendance: All commissioners present except Commissioner Genevies. Roll call was completed; six members voted on motions. Staff included Stephen (staff lead) and Johnny (senior planner). The meeting began with a call for public comment on items not on the agenda; none were offered. The minutes of the August 3, 2023 regular meeting were approved unanimously. One item (Item No. 8) was tabled for a future work session following commissioner discussion. Consent Calendar - Approval of August 3, 2023 Minutes: Motion to approve as written; seconded and passed 6–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 (Public Easement Abandonment): No public comment offered; applicant Yen Lai (Professional Services, representing AutoZone) briefly presented the project but no public testimony was given. - Item 3 (Zoning Map Change Z 23-009) – 1395 Navajo Drive: The public hearing included formal testimony from: - Victoria Hoyt (adjacent property owner, west side of lot): Expressed strong emotional opposition. She stated that the lot was purchased to fulfill her mother's dream of building additional low-income rental units ($1,000/month or less). She argued that the area already has a surplus of storage units—noting that “City Storage within a mile of our place has 588 empty units”—and said adding a storage facility would bring “the wrong type of people” into the neighborhood, lower property values, and harm a nearby preschool. She pleaded with the board to “deny this request.” - John Rodeschi (resident): Reported finding “eight storage units within one mile of my residence in Palo Verde Meadows” and said the proposed facility is “not necessary and inappropriate.” - Applicant (Byron and Charlotte Brackens): They described the proposed development: four separate buildings (max nine feet high, 60 units ranging 5×10 ft to 10×15 ft), and stated they planned to use limestone or chip cover rather than asphalt/paving. They had not yet addressed lighting, security, or color details because they were awaiting zoning approval. - Staff disclosure: Noted receipt of one phone call and one e‑mail from neighbors expressing concern about commercial use on a residential street. - Item 4 (Conditional Use Permit U 13-004 – Charles of Italy Cosmetology School): A member of the school answered commissioner questions by noting that no complaints had been filed; the public hearing was initially omitted but then reopened briefly with no additional testimony. - Items 5, 6, 7 (Repeal of specific development plans for Sections 28, 30, 36): No public comment was offered; the state‑owned parcels were being withdrawn at the state’s request. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Zoning Map Change Z 23-009 (Rezoning R2 MF to PAD for storage facility): The item received an initial staff report. Several commissioners expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding lighting, paving, security, and the impact on the residential community. Commissioner Pam stated, “I’m lacking way too much information to support it.” The applicant could not provide answers because they “didn’t know if we could even get the zoning done.” The motion was defeated for lack of a second; the item was declared “fail for lack of motion.” - Item 8 – Architectural Standards Discussion (Work Study): This discussion was placed to “get a feeling” about whether to prepare a code amendment for commercial zoning districts. Johnny (staff) presented: current city code on metal‑building requirements (one‑third of building material must be conventional) and the lack of color/advertising standards outside the limited “Mixed‑Use” overlay. He provided a packet with examples from eight other Arizona cities. Commissioner’s comments: - Comm. Pam: Supported using the existing Mixed Use code as a template and moving forward with a work session. - Comm. TC: Opposed making ad‑hoc changes and advocating for a “comprehensive work‑study program.” - Comm. Mel (emphasis): Strongly supported moving forward, noting “it’s not aesthetically pleasing to drive down Highway 95 anymore.” - Comm. Debbie: Agreed “1,000 percent,” suggesting the board members should review the materials and come prepared for a work session. - The board unanimously decided to schedule a work session on the same day as the November 2023 regular meeting, starting at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will have a separate agenda and packet (materials from the current discussion). Johnny is to produce a set of proposed standards to guide the work session; the public will be invited. The work session will allow detailed deliberation on standards for materials, colors/palettes, architectural features, building massing, and location‑based flexibility. - Future Agenda Items: The board agreed to set a work session on architectural standards for the November meeting; no other topics were added. - Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Melanie Sabraski reminded the board of Colanus Cornfest (haunted house, non‑scary trick‑or‑treat, drag racing at Alano Pit on October 14, and the Mayor’s RC race on October 21 at Rotary Park). All events were publicized. - Final: The meeting was a motion to adjourn (vocal consensus – Commissioner Melina Sabraski stated, “you have to vote,” times voted as affirmative, others agreed, and the chair declared the meeting adjourned).

The Parks and Recreation Commission met on September 20, 2023. The commission received a wide-ranging parks report, approved the prior meeting minutes, elected a vice chairperson, reviewed the commission bylaws, and discussed mobile food vendor rules in city parks. The source material contained only the raw transcript; the agenda and minutes were not available. Superintendent's Report - Parks superintendent Dave reported ongoing renovations at Rotary Park's football field to prepare it to become the home field for Mojave Community College soccer teams in 2024. The scoreboard and flagpole were moved to enlarge the field to NJCAA soccer standards. Work includes a dugout, press box, and storage; future work includes a backstop, new goals, turf improvements, and fencing, largely funded by grants. - Fall overseeding has begun at Rotary Park and Ken Fovard Park, including scalping, seeding, and irrigation. The parks remain open, but fields may be damp and sprinklers will run frequently for about two weeks. Baseball field overseeding at the Rotary Park triplex was scheduled to begin the next day. - Upcoming event highlights: - Sept. 22-23: Overnight baseball/softball tournament at Rotary Park, 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. - Sept. 23: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk; free dive-in movie at the pool, Hotel Transylvania, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. - Sept. 30: Oktoberfest at Community Park. - Oct. 7: First farmers market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more than 80 vendors and six food trucks; Nation's Finest cornhole tournament; adult slow-pitch softball tournament Oct. 7-8. - Oct. 8-Nov. 11: Halloween Island inflatable carnival at Rotary Park. - Oct. 12-15: 12 Angry Jurors play at Optimum Community Center, with Oct. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. - Oct. 13-15: Bullhead City Stryper Classic Fishing Derby with $5,000 in cash and prizes. - Oct. 14: White Night in the Park at Gary Keith Park and the inaugural Mayor's Cup RC drag race at Rotary Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Oct. 19-21: Cornfest at Gary Keith Park. - Oct. 21-22: WSL adult softball tournament at Rotary Park. - Oct. 25: Walk Away from Drugs at Ken Fovard Park. - Oct. 28: Great Pumpkin Race at Community Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Ongoing programs include horseshoes at Ken Fovard Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m.; pickleball and table tennis at Optimum Community Center for $3 per day; senior softball on Mondays and Wednesdays; open gym basketball on Fridays through Sundays for $3, with youth from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and adults from 6-8 p.m.; bocce at Rotary Park on Saturdays at 9 a.m.; and aquatics programs at the municipal pool. Chairman's and Commissioners' Comments - The chairman thanked commissioners for electing him and outlined priorities: working as a strategic whole to improve Bullhead City, improving communication with the city and the commission, and encouraging commissioner involvement in city events and ribbon cuttings. - No commissioner comments on current events were offered. Action Items - The commission approved the July 19, 2023 regular meeting minutes as written. The motion carried with five votes in favor. - After two rounds of balloting, Commissioner Heather Petrillo was elected vice chairperson for the 2023/2024 city fiscal year under Section 102 of the bylaws. The runoff vote was 3-2 for Commissioner Petrillo over Commissioner Bell, and the formal motion appointing her carried with five votes in favor. - The commission conducted the annual bylaw review under Section 302. No revisions were recommended and no action was required. Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel, a mobile food vendor at Community Park for three years and an Iraq War veteran with a service-connected back injury, testified during the mobile food vendor discussion. He said the new 15-minute move rule, implemented this year, does not give vendors enough time to serve large lines. He described physical strain from rushing, lost customers, and inconsistent enforcement, noting some vendors remain parked for up to an hour without being told to move. He expressed support for extending the time to at least 30 minutes. Discussion Items - The commission discussed mobile food vendor operations in city parks. Vendor permits cost $25 per day or $500 per year. Existing rules require health department clearance, naming the city as an additional insured, staying at least 100 yards from other concessionaires, and moving every 15 minutes at least 100 yards. - Parks superintendent Dave said the prior practice was roughly a 40-minute rotation and appeared to work well. He said the goal is to keep vendors mobile and avoid vendors occupying one spot all day, partly because of the city's recreational public purpose lease with the Bureau of Land Management. - City staff explained that state law set uniform mobile food vendor rules for private property and public rights-of-way, while the park rule is an additional city licensing requirement. The 15-minute provision is a contractual licensing term, not city code, and was designed to prevent vendor complaints about prime spots. Any change would be a recommendation to the city manager rather than to the city council. - Commissioners expressed concern that 15 minutes is too short, creates rushed food handling and safety hazards, and may frustrate customers. One commissioner asked whether a designated food truck area could be considered. The vendor said about 30 minutes would be a reasonable minimum. - The commission agreed to hold a workshop before the next commission meeting, possibly at 4:30 that day, with mobile food vendors and city staff involved. Parks staff will provide the vendor conditions packet in advance and prepare detailed guidelines for the workshop. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - Commissioner Heather Petrillo elected vice chairperson. - Bylaws reviewed; no changes recommended. - No formal action taken on the 15-minute mobile food vendor rule; a workshop will be scheduled before the next commission meeting to gather more input and develop a possible recommendation to the city manager.

This session consisted of a series of pre‑recorded informational segments presented by city staff and officials, covering community services, public works, public safety, and upcoming events. No formal council discussion, public comments, or votes were recorded in the provided transcript. Senior Services & Activities - Kim Cool, Senior Services Program Manager, described the Bullhead City Senior Campus for active individuals aged 50 and older. Daily activities include exercise classes (Zumba, chair exercise, fall prevention), creative arts (beading, painting, quilting), games (bingo, poker, Mexican train), and support meetings (veterans benefits, Medicare, caregiver support, dementia education, amputee support). - Congregate lunches are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to noon with a suggested donation of $3 for those aged 60+ or disabled, and $4 for those under 60. The Meals on Wheels program provides homebound seniors with meals and wellness checks. - The campus houses the Angels Essential Area, where donated durable medical equipment is available at no cost. Contact: (928) 763‑0193, 2275 Train Road (off Highway 95 between Marina Blvd and Hancock Rd). Wastewater System Issues - John Ferqueto, Wastewater Division, stressed that only human waste, toilet paper, and gray water should be flushed. He displayed a drying bed contaminated with wipes, plastic applicators, razors, and other debris, stating that improper disposal causes pump failures requiring replacement at a cost of $40,000–$50,000 per pump, with two to three pumps replaced annually. - He emphasized that “flushable” wipes are not flushable and urged residents to dispose of all wipes, paper towels, and non‑paper products in the trash to avoid costly sewer backups. Solid Waste & Recycling Updates - Residential recycling has been discontinued citywide. Blue and green carts are now both used for trash. Republic Services collects trash Monday through Thursday, with specific area schedules provided: - Monday: Silver Creek Rd north, west side of Highway 95 between Silver Creek and Raymar Rd, airport area, McCormick Rd, north of Highway 68. - Tuesday: West of Highway 95 between Hancock Rd and Riverview Dr to the Colorado River, plus Chaparral Terrace. - Wednesday: Riviera area from Hancock Rd north to the Colorado River, south of Raymar Rd to Mojave Dr. - Thursday: Chaparral Golf Course, Fox Creek, Arroyo Vista, Clearwater Hills. - Residents are allowed six bulky‑item pickups per year. Contact Republic Services at (928) 758‑000 to schedule. Parks, Recreation & Events - Beach Cleanup & Barbecue: Scheduled for Thursday, September 14, 6:30–10:30 a.m. at Community Park. Free hot dog provided; trash bags supplied. Sponsored by Wiener Schnitzel, Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, Riverside Hotel Resort & Casino, and Aquarius Casino Resort. Contact Kenny Propes at (928) 763‑940 or kpropes@bullheadcityaz.com. - Pirate Jack Scavenger Hunt: From September 8 to September 18, 15 treasure chests hidden in local parks. Finders can redeem at the Recreation Office (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Enter daily drawings by emailing a photo with your crew to recreation@bullheadcityaz.gov. Sponsored by Quail Construction, Wasteland Games and Hobbies, Scooters Family Fun Center, Aquarius Casino Resort, Avi Resort & Casino, and Laughlin Ranch. - Rotary Park: Premier sports destination with 300+ acres, six softball fields, eight lighted pickleball courts, disc golf, and over one mile of free beach along the Colorado River. Open daily 4:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Reservations available for 28 small/medium ramadas and two large ramadas. Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety - Chief Robert Treves of the Bullhead City Police Department introduced a mandatory safety video for rental PWC operators. Operators must wear a wristband and sign a consumer protection form attesting they have watched the video. Failure may result in fines. - Key rules: maintain at least 60 feet from other watercraft; counterclockwise traffic pattern; no‑wake zones near marinas and launch ramps; no PWC in the swim beach at Community Park (buoy line) or south of Davis Dam (orange barrier). - Safety tips: wear life jackets, goggles, and footwear; attach the engine lanyard; avoid alcohol/drugs; hydrate; watch for monsoonal activity. - Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. Water levels vary with Davis Dam releases; check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website. Community & Economic Overview - Mayor Tom Brady welcomed viewers, stating Bullhead City has just over 40,000 residents and hosts more than three million visitors annually. The city is the retail and economic hub for Mojave County and southeastern Clark County, Nevada. - In the last 10 years, over one million square feet of retail space has been added. The Laughlin Bullhead International Airport continues to grow. The city offers incentives for new retail startups and state incentives for new industries. - Housing is diverse and affordable, with baby boomers relocating for low costs. Education from preschool through college is available, including Mojave Community College and a Northern Arizona University distance learning site. Mojave Community College (MCC) Highlights - More than 600 graduates earned degrees and certificates in 2023. The commencement ceremony featured graduate Casey Frank singing the national anthem. Adam Romano received the Kathy Hodel Most Outstanding Student $10,000 award. Student speaker Ian Fleming and nursing instructor Beth Hooven were recognized. - MCC student Jasmine Garcia was selected as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Vice President for Division IV, the first from Northwestern Arizona to achieve this level. - Spring events included the Kingman Campus Computer Club recycling drive, Phi Theta Kappa talent show benefiting Mojave County Animal Shelter, Bullhead City Campus spring college days, Science Club science fair, and a dueling pianos event. - 19 MCC employees graduated from the second annual Bighorn Leadership Academy. Six staff members were recognized for a K‑12 pipeline project that educated fifth graders about higher education. Upcoming City Meetings - City Council meetings: first and third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. - Planning and Zoning: first Thursday. - Parks and Recreation: third Wednesday. - All meetings are available for viewing on the city’s website: www.bullheadcity.com. Key Outcomes - The session was informational only; no votes, resolutions, or public testimony occurred. Residents were encouraged to follow proper flushing practices, participate in park events, and stay informed through city channels.