Public Meetings - Bullhead City, Arizona

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with presentations honoring military service members (banner retirement ceremony) and recognizing a city employee, followed by public comments, a manager's report, and action on 12 agenda items. Key actions included approval of a $13 million water/wastewater revenue bond (4-2), a street name change to Dave Lords Drive (5-1), and several contracts and resolutions. Presentations & Proclamations - Tri-State Military Moms Banner Retirement Ceremony: Nine banners were retired from Heroes Highway (Highway 95) and 15 new banners added. Four service members were honored in person: Curtis Rentcher (U.S. Army), Tyler Robles (U.S. Army), Michael Seil (U.S. Marine Corps), and Liam Woodard (U.S. Army). Each received a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Karen Dahlman. - Employee Recognition: Donza Erickson, Victim Witness Coordinator, received the Arizona Attorney General's 2026 Distinguished Service Award for Advocacy and Direct Services (Victims' Rights and Assistance). She leads a team of three and a volunteer. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the Special and Regular City Council meetings of April 21, 2026. - Accepted a grant and dedication of a 10-foot public utility easement (APN 218-04-001) near 2011 Bermuda Drive. Public Comments & Testimony - Lauren Diaz (Tri-State Military Moms) expressed deep gratitude for the city's continued support of the military banner program, stating the banners provide comfort and pride to military families. - Jackie Miller (Colorado River Republican Women) announced a scholarship fundraiser ($1,752 raised via bingo on April 23) and promoted upcoming meetings and a candidate forum on June 9 for LD 30 house seats. - Jennifer Gallico, a resident, requested the council explore partnerships with private companies or internships with Mojave College to provide after-hours pet emergency services, noting the closure of a previous facility. - Bud Korn, a resident, raised a traffic safety concern at Palo Verde Professional Plaza (Meadows Drive) where drivers illegally drive the wrong way to avoid a center median. He offered to meet with staff to discuss a solution. - Scotty, a resident, alleged that candidate Grace Heck committed forgery by submitting both electronic and handwritten nomination papers for LD 30. He urged the council to implement AI-based checks to prevent double voting. - Commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment 887 announced the formation of the River City Young Marine Unit in Bullhead City, with three recruits and a first meeting on May 15. Manager's Report - New Police Chief Paul George was introduced. He joins from Harden, Montana, and has over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Public meet-and-greets are scheduled for May 7 (5:30 PM, Chaparral Golf Course) and May 8 (noon at El Charro, 4 PM at Laughlin Ranch). - Outgoing Interim Chief Danny Sharp was thanked for his eight months of service; this was his last meeting. - Recreation Superintendent Dave Heath was recognized for 22 years of service; he is retiring to become director of the Boys & Girls Club. - La Plaza Motel demolition is underway, paid for entirely by the property owner after the city threatened legal action. - Summer Camp (Star-Spangled Summer): 776 campers already registered; additional camps added. Registration at bullheadcityaz.gov/rec. - Fox Creek gas project: Arizona Pipeline (for Southwest Gas) will replace gas mains and service lines west of the parkway between Adobe and Canyon roads. - General Plan: A public participation plan is underway; the plan will go to voters in November 2026. Forums are scheduled in May at Planning & Zoning and in June at City Council. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Local Public Safety Board Appointment: Approved the city manager’s designee for a two-year term and appointed Rodney Head as the citizen representative for a four-year term. Head previously chaired the board for 12 years. (Unanimous) - Item 4 – Liquor License Transfer (Elevate Hookah Lounge): Public hearing held. The applicant described the hookah lounge as a social venue offering flavored tobacco, beer, wine, coffee, and smoothies. Council approved recommending the license transfer to the Arizona Department of Liquor. (Unanimous) - Item 5 – Municipal Court Audio/Video Equipment Upgrades: Approved an amendment with Redmond Construction increasing the contract from $37,444.78 to $57,777.78 for low-voltage floor boxes, microphones, and digital evidence compatibility. (Unanimous) - Item 6 – Engineering Services for Section 10 Water Reclamation Plant: Approved two contracts with Morrison-Maierle: $250,000 for solids dewatering system design and $125,000 for UV Basin 2 design and Basin 1 rehab. The projects aim to increase plant capacity from 4 to 6 million gallons per day and reduce sludge hauling costs (currently $250,000–$280,000/year). (Unanimous) - Item 7 – Well 10 Pump Repair Ratification: Approved increasing the contract with Arizona Equipment Repair LLC from $63,879 to $67,772.86 to account for taxes. The well serves Sun Ridge, Desert Canyon, and Punta de Vista. (Unanimous) - Item 8 – Housing Grant Application (Resolution 2026R-11): Authorized submission of a grant to the Arizona Department of Housing for up to $385,000 ($350,000 for construction, $35,000 for administration) for the city’s moderate housing rehab program for low-income homeowners. (Unanimous) - Item 9 – Budget Amendment for Rotary Park Bathrooms and Generator Relocation: Approved $155,000 from general fund contingency to fund bathroom upgrades at Rotary Park baseball fields and relocate a diesel generator from the wastewater plant to City Hall for backup power. (Unanimous) - Item 10 – Water/Wastewater Revenue Bond (Resolution 2026R-12): Approved issuing up to $13 million in revenue obligations to finance capital improvements. The bond is repaid from utility revenues, not property taxes. Council members Smith and Newland voted no, citing concerns about debt and interest. The bond includes a call provision; expected interest rate 4.5%. (4-2) - Item 11 – Water Contract Assignments (Colorado River Water): Approved multiple assignments and amendments transferring water entitlements from the Mojave Water Conservation District to Bullhead City, increasing the city’s total entitlement from 24,000 to 29,000 acre-feet annually. (Unanimous) - Item 12 – Street Name Change to Dave Lords Drive (Resolution 2026R-13): Approved changing Riverport Drive to Dave Lords Drive in Laughlin Ranch. The street is private, with two affected parcels (vacant). The HOA board requested the change to honor Dave Lords for his role in developing the community. Council member Newland voted no, citing lack of public input and questioning the HOA's representation. (5-1) Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Item 3: Approved unanimously. - Item 4: Approved unanimously. - Item 5: Approved unanimously. - Item 6: Approved unanimously. - Item 7: Approved unanimously. - Item 8: Approved unanimously. - Item 9: Approved unanimously. - Item 10: Approved 4-2 (Council members Smith and Newland opposed). - Item 11: Approved unanimously. - Item 12: Approved 5-1 (Council member Newland opposed).

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Bullhead City Council held a discussion-only work session to review a proposed major general plan amendment for approximately 11,934 acres east of Bullhead Parkway, including the Laughlin Ranch master-planned area and land south toward Fox Creek. The development team presented a preliminary concept for roughly 4,400 acres that would reduce heavy residential uses, add a light-industrial employment district, create a mixed-use downtown, and preserve more open space. No formal action, application, or vote occurred. Discussion Items - Proposal overview: Shelby, presenting with Diversified Future, described the existing general plan, originally amended in 2005, as very residential-heavy with limited housing absorption over 20 years. The proposal would reduce residential area by 1,503 acres (about 25,832 people), eliminate a second planned golf course, and create a 2,614-acre employment/light-industrial district. It would also create a "second downtown" near Laughlin Ranch with shopping, dining, entertainment, a grocer, and walkable mixed-use residential, while enhancing existing trails and keeping washes and open space in a natural state. - Projected benefits: The team estimated more than 100,000 fewer daily vehicle trips (later clarified as 128,000 fewer trips compared with the prior general plan), a reduction of over 493 million gallons of water per year, and lower sewer demand. They projected about 10,000 direct jobs and $10–20 million per year in tax revenue from employment uses, with a more detailed breakdown to be provided later. Potential industrial users mentioned included aerospace/defense electronics, AI hardware/edge computing, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor packaging/testing, and medical device/biotech manufacturing, some of which may use closed-loop water systems. - Open space and public facilities: The plan proposed 3,597 acres of open space and trail preservation, about 58 acres per 1,000 residents, compared with the city requirement of 6.25–10 acres per 1,000 residents. It also proposed five public school sites, a fire/police station, parks, and a shooting range. Shelby confirmed that commercial areas and trail systems would remain open to the public and would not be gated. - Council questions and positions: Council members asked about the 2005 project history, school needs, gated access, public trail access, traffic studies, and truck impacts on roads. One council member expressed overall support, noting that a shooting range near Silver Creek and a closer grocery store would be welcome. The vice mayor asked whether a traffic study had been completed; the team said no, but a traffic engineer had provided input and a full six-week study would be done before the next meeting. Several council members praised the natural open space, commercial balance, water reduction, and potential tax revenue. - Resident notification and materials: The mayor asked whether Laughlin Ranch residents had been informed; the team replied that this was only a workshop and no official application had been made. The mayor requested resident feedback and an updated copy of the slideshow; the city already had the presentation. - Process and timeline: City staff noted the city is currently updating its general plan. If the developer files a formal application, the Planning and Zoning Commission would review it in August/September and the City Council could consider it in October. A general plan amendment would not change underlying zoning; a future PAD/rezoning request would be needed. Staff discussed a "dual track" option: the proposed land use could be incorporated into the 10-year general plan update for the November ballot, which would require a P&Z public hearing by June 4 and City Council approval by June 16. The developer was advised to continue the formal amendment process in case voters do not approve the general plan; if not approved, the prior plan would remain in effect. Staff also referenced a governor's office press release on lower basin Colorado River water cuts and positive discussions with the Bureau of Reclamation regarding water assets. Key Outcomes - No formal action or vote was taken at the work session. - The development team will complete a traffic study before the next meeting and provide a detailed $10–20 million tax-revenue breakdown. - Council expressed general support for the concept but asked for resident notification and input before an official application. - The City Council will need to decide whether to include the proposed land use in the general plan update for the November ballot or let it go through the standard amendment process.

The Tri-City Council, comprising representatives from Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu City, convened on April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included updates from Mojave County officials, introductions of state legislative candidates, a legislative update from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) update, and a discussion on submitting a letter of support regarding local control and unfunded mandates. The meeting concluded with mayor updates from each city. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the January 21, 2026 Tri-City Council meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Mayor Watkins (Kingman), seconded by Mayor Dalman (Bullhead City). All members voted aye. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council. The call to the public was opened and closed with no speakers. Discussion Items - Updates from Mojave County Board of Supervisors and Other Elected Officials: - Chairman Travis Lingenfelder (District 1) reported on the water situation: a court ruling in Maricopa County in January 2026 vacated an Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (INA) designation for the Walleye Basin, but the decision has been appealed. Kingman and Mojave County filed an amicus brief to support keeping the protection in place. He also noted concerns about Lake Powell possibly dropping below minimum power pool by August and the need to purchase power on the open market. - Supervisor Rich Lutnett (District 2) reported progress on flood control funding framework, a new county industrial authority to finance infrastructure (including the Laughlin Bullhead International Airport), and the reconstitution of the Mojave County Airport Authority board with two Bullhead City members and two county members. He also mentioned the Arizona Commerce Authority's Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, with Mojave County eligible to nominate five of 21 qualifying census tracts. The deadline for recommendations to the ACA is early June. - Assessor Jeannie Kench announced the passage of Senate Bill 1479 (deed fraud bill), which includes seven safeguards: ID required for recording, mandatory address protection programs, fines of at least $5,000, actual damages of $1,000, felony classification for knowing fraud, notary thumbprints for deeds, and stricter remote notarization rules (seven-year video retention, ID requirements). The bill passed unanimously in both chambers. - Treasurer Sue Ann Mellow reported that the 2026 tax deed sale sold 803 of 809 properties, generating $2.4 million for the county. She reminded that second-half property taxes are due by May 1, 2026. - State Legislature Candidate Introductions (LD 30): - Four candidates for the Arizona House of Representatives introduced themselves for approximately 30 seconds each: - Mike Nucio: 26-year resident, former deputy sheriff, rancher, former president of Arizona Cattle Growers Association; emphasized support for ranchers and state budget experience. - Grace Hecht: Born and raised in Mojave County, former Bullhead City Council member, degree in political science from GCU, co-owner of Mojave Environmental Labs, former teacher, pro-school choice, started nonprofit "Make Bullhead Better." Endorsed by Senator Hilda Angus and Supervisor Holly Irwin. - Catherine Lopez Rajanini: Nearly 50-year resident, small business owner, 10-year member of Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce, 10-year member of Fort Mojave Mesa Fire Board, independent insurance agent, co-founder of Academy of Building Industries (trade school), Rotarian, 4-H volunteer; emphasized water issues, emergency services, tourism, and education. - David Rose: President of Lake Havasu Unified School District Governing Board (elected 2024), discovered $26 million in unreported funds, used for teacher raises (starting pay from $30k to $50k), banned harsh chemicals in school lunches, pro-ESA but supports strengthening public education, endorsed by Representative John Gillette, focus on election integrity and local control. - No questions were asked by council members. - Legislative Update from Renee Guyan, League of Arizona Cities and Towns: - HCR 2016 (tax/rate/fee moratorium) stalled in the Senate due to lack of votes. The bill would have required a 60% voter approval for any new tax, fee, or utility rate increase for four years. Renee noted strong opposition from local governments and that Senator Hilda Angus was a key ally. - Short-term rental (STR) legislation: A compromise bill with Airbnb support passed the House but was not agendized in the Senate in the last week for bills. The bill targeted bad actors but did not include density or caps. - Housing: No major preemption bills advanced. SB 1431 stalled due to opposition from Maricopa County Republican precinct committee members. - State budget: The Finance Advisory Committee revised available resources down from $577 million to $378 million. The governor imposed a bill moratorium until the legislature presents a budget. Rumored GOP proposal: last year's budget with a 5% cut to state agencies (except education and public safety) to fund tax conformity. Renee noted that shared revenue to cities and counties is not expected to be cut, which she called a major win. - 911 funding: A 35% shortfall in capital grants for PSAPs exists due to a fixed $0.20 monthly fee per account (not per device). A stopgap appropriation is being discussed; long-term fix needed. - 2030 Census: The U.S. Census Bureau reduced test sites from six to two, both in southern metropolitan areas. Arizona lost a testing site for tribal lands/rural areas. Renee urged pressure on Congress to restore testing sites to ensure accurate count, which affects federal funding (e.g., transportation, DES, ACCESS). Councilmember Campbell noted that Arizona loses about $300 million annually in transportation funding due to outdated census-based allocations. - Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Update (via teleconference, audio quality issues): - Mr. Steinberger reported on I-40 and US 93 projects, including pavement work, bridge work, and fiber optic broadband from California border to I-40. Specific projects: I-40 Rancho Santa Fe Parkway interchange (now Flying Fortress Parkway) completion in late fall 2026; US 93 widening north of Wikieup; I-40 at Silver Springs Road; pavement projects on I-40 from Lake Havasu to mile 33 (FY 28, $35M); US 93 south of I-40 pavement project (FY 28, $1M); and city of Kingman improvements. In response to a question, he confirmed I-40 bridge at exit 9 on Highway 95 is slated for FY 27 third quarter (around January 2027). - Mojave County Water Authority Update: No representative present; item passed without action. - Discussion and Possible Action on Letter of Support for Local Control and Unfunded Mandates: - Mayor Watkins (Kingman) moved to submit a letter to the legislative delegation emphasizing the importance of local control and opposing unfunded mandates. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mayor Updates - Bullhead City (Mayor Karen Dalman): Largest Circle K in the nation opened; new police chief (Paul George Jr.) starts May 4; new animal shelter (city-funded) opening soon; mayhem motorcycle rally had good attendance with one fatal accident; community garden open; Highway 95 turn lanes near Safeway completed; Olive Garden final plat approved; 75th annual Burro Barbecue on Saturday April 29 at Community Park. - Kingman (Mayor Ken Watkins): Flying Fortress Parkway (formerly Rancho Santa Fe) interchange nearing completion by end of August, with connector road to Airway by end of September; this is the fourth I-40 interchange in Kingman. West Kingman TI (I-40 to Highway 93) will improve safety for Phoenix-Las Vegas traffic. Kingman Crossing interchange RFP to be issued soon (city owns 180 acres, hospital 160). First Friday and Route 66 Fun Run this Friday with record car entrants. Thanked citizens and nonprofits for service. - Lake Havasu City (Vice Mayor David Diaz): America 250 traveling museum (Liberty Bell) visited; Desert Storm event had record numbers; citizen survey being reviewed at council meeting; second bridge design at 60% with $35.5M state appropriation (land transfer delays with AZ State Parks possible); Main Street Commons (downtown gathering place) nearly complete; Pacana Boulevard repaving approved (highway to highway); second Havasu Residency Academy graduated 8-week course; synchronization of traffic lights on Highway 95 and interior roads moving forward with council consideration; budget process underway with CIP and operating discussions. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from January 21, 2026 meeting (unanimous). - Approved: Motion to submit a letter of support for local control and unfunded mandates to the legislative delegation (unanimous). - No Action Taken: Mojave County Water Authority update (speaker absent). - Next Steps: The letter will be drafted and sent; further budget negotiations at state level anticipated; cities continue infrastructure projects and budget preparations.

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, a city manager’s report, consent agenda approval, the appointment of an interim mayor, a traffic study discussion, and several public hearings on development items. All votes were recorded. Consent Calendar - Item 1: Approved the minutes of the April 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting. - Item 2: Approved Resolution 2026R-8 authorizing abandonment of a 16-foot utility and drainage easement at 1496 Arena Court. - The consent agenda was approved by a 6–0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Bullhead City CERT Team: Will and Mary presented the CERT program, highlighting community support roles such as firefighter rehab, smoke detector installation, and event first aid. They encouraged volunteers. - Dennis Rogers (Elks Lodge): Requested blood donations for Vitalent, noting 40,000 pints needed daily in the U.S. - Diana (Elks Lodge): Announced the annual Memorial Day Chili Cookoff on May 25, 2026, at the Elks Lodge. - Carol Nelson: Announced upcoming events: bingo at Laughlin Ranch (April 23), GOP District 2 Lincoln Day Dinner (April 25), and Colorado River Republican Women meeting (May 6). - Bob Arp (U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary): Emphasized water safety, noting a recent drowning and that Lake Mead is the deadliest national park; offered free boat safety checks. - Dr. Soy Ramsimir: Introduced the new AZ Health and Wellness Clinic on Ramar Road, offering chronic disease management and wound care. - Mike Nesbitt (Boys & Girls Club): Announced summer basketball league and a camp instructed by Desert City Prep, with an open practice on April 23. - Paula Pontes Hambi (La Puerta resident): Raised concerns about election integrity, quoting the Arizona Constitution on free and equal elections. - Tom Dolman (Rotary Club): Announced the Burro Barbecue on May 2, 2026, at Community Park, with proceeds funding scholarships. - Grace Hecht (Make Bullhead Better): Thanked parks department for the adult egg hunt; announced a free clothing exchange (May 1–2) and community baby shower (June 18). - Diane Hernandez (River City Community Theater & Ghost Light Youth Theater): Pleaded for city funding for a permanent theater, citing benefits to youth development, reduced crime, and tourism. - William Hoyt McClure: Complained about nomination paper challenges and claimed 22 duplicate votes; criticized Council members. - Rich (Supervisor): Announced America 250 exhibit at Mojave County Library starting April 30, with a ticketed kickoff event ($20). - Greg Valdez: Promoted upcoming music events celebrating America 250 and Route 66. - M. Azarmi (Builder/Developer): Spoke in support of the accessory structure code amendment, citing demand from retiring baby boomers for larger garages. Manager’s Report City Manager Cotter reported: - Summer Camp: The “Star-Spangled Celebration” summer camp runs May 26–June 26, with 68 camps and 520 campers already registered. - Right Turn Lane (Safeway): Construction on Highway 95 expected to be complete in 30–45 days. - Right Turn Lane (Highway 95/Marina): Gas company work nearly done; McCormick Construction awarded the project. - Summer Water Safety: The city spends over $500,000 annually on river patrols; mandatory safety video for jet ski rentals. - Leadership Program Graduation: 16 city employees graduated from the Bullhead City Leadership Excellence Academy; a second cohort has started. Discussion Items - Item 3 – Mayoral Appointment Procedure: Council approved the procedure to appoint the mayor from among council members not running for re-election (O’Neill, Newland, Dolman) via paper ballot. Motion passed 6–0. - Item 3 (cont.) – Mayoral Appointment: After two rounds of balloting, Councilmember Karen Dolman received 5 votes to Councilmember Jason Newland’s 1. Council then voted 6–0 to appoint Dolman as interim mayor effective immediately until the 2026 election winner is seated. She was sworn in by Magistrate Rod Gillio. - Item 4 – Greenlight Traffic Study for Ramar Road: Engineer Scott Kelly presented findings. The study did not warrant four-way stops at any of the four intersections (Monte Vista, Rio Vista, Colina, Arcadia) due to low cross traffic. The 85th percentile speed was 33–35 mph (8–10 mph over the 25 mph limit). The expert system recommended raising the speed limit to 30 mph, but this was not endorsed. Options included regulatory (additional signs, speed feedback signs), enforcement, and physical design (lane narrowing, three-lane cross-section). Council discussed concerns about a bus stop at Rio Vista and school children. After public input, Council voted 5–1 to table the item for 30–45 days to allow staff to return with a plan of action incorporating low-cost regulatory and enforcement measures. - Item 5 – Final Plat for Olive Garden (Tract 5181): Approved 6–0. The 17-acre parcel will be split into three lots; Lot 1 (2.1 acres) will host the Olive Garden restaurant. Water allocation of 3.2 acre-feet approved. Mayor authorized to sign the plat. - Item 6 – Preliminary Plat for Hideaway Haus (405 Lee Avenue): Approved 6–0. The project converts three existing buildings (11 storage units) into storage condominiums with an HOA. - Item 7 – Extension for Emerald Bay Conceptual Plan: Approved 6–0. The two-year extension (Resolution 2026R-9) allows the developer time to acquire adjacent state land via auction. - Item 8 – Code Amendment for Accessory Structures (Ordinance 2026-5): Approved 6–0. The amendment allows greater height for accessory structures (garages, RV garages) in residential districts if setbacks are increased: for every one foot beyond the minimum 5-foot setback, one additional foot of height (up to 25 ft). Structures over 15 ft must follow architectural guidelines (stucco, tile roof). Builder Matt Azarmi spoke in support. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 6–0. - Mayoral Appointment Procedure: Motion 1 passed 6–0. - Interim Mayor Appointment: Karen Dolman appointed by 6–0 vote. - Ramar Road Traffic Study: Tabled 5–1; staff to return with a regulatory/enforcement plan in 30–45 days. - Olive Garden Final Plat: Approved 6–0. - Hideaway Haus Preliminary Plat: Approved 6–0. - Emerald Bay Extension: Approved 6–0. - Accessory Structure Code Amendment: Approved 6–0.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., the Bullhead City Council held a work session in City Council Chambers to review the energy efficiency audit follow-up from the May 7, 2024 regular council meeting. No legal action was taken. Assistant City Manager Eddie Kajera and Brandon Woodward of Schneider Electric presented revised findings, savings projections, and possible phasing and funding options. Background and Audit Timeline - The agenda described the item as an energy efficiency audit follow-up from the May 7, 2024 regular council meeting. Eddie Kajera said the city issued an RFQ from September through December 2023, visited other cities, and returned to council in March 2024 to seek approval to contract with Schneider Electric. - The transcript contains conflicting dates: Kajera described the RFQ and council approval as occurring in late 2023 and March 2024, while Brandon Woodward said council approved Schneider Electric in March 2023. The minutes were not available for comparison. - Staff attributed the two-year delay to competing budget priorities, timing, and a deeper review of solar viability. - Solar was removed from the proposal. City officials said solar did not "pencil out" over a 20-year period for city facilities, including wastewater treatment plants, without federal/state subsidies or general fund support. They invited companies to prove a solar system could pay for itself without a city subsidy. Presentation Findings - Schneider Electric identified close to $24 million in potential lifecycle savings over roughly 20 years and trimmed the proposed scope from about $24 million of needs to approximately $12 million, with an estimated project cost of $11–12 million. - The proposed work focused on three areas: LED interior and exterior lighting, LED streetlights on Highway 95 and revitalization zones, sports field lighting, and a building automation system for the city's nine largest buildings. Schneider also proposed grant, rebate, and revenue-generation services. - Brandon Woodward estimated annual savings in the $500,000–$661,000 range from utility and maintenance/operation savings. He noted the figures were based on two-year-old data and would need updating. - The city was described as operating nearly 500,000 square feet of facilities without a comprehensive building automation system. Woodward said Highway 95 averaged more than one serious accident a day last year and cited safety as a benefit of LED streetlight upgrades. - Woodward stated the savings are guaranteed by statute: if savings shortfalls occur, Schneider Electric writes a check to make the city whole. He said Schneider had written 81 such checks historically. - Funding options discussed included a revenue bond paid from utility savings, with an estimated 4.25% interest rate over 20 years. Kajera estimated about $3 million in grants could be secured, including a $1.76 million Safe Streets for All demonstration grant already allocated toward street lighting. Council Discussion and Positions - Council member Gene O'Neill asked whether the city or Schneider Electric would perform the work. Woodward said Schneider completes some work in-house and competitively bids subcontractor work, with the city selecting final designs and aesthetics. - Councilmember Dahlman asked whether the $661,000 annual savings estimate assumed the entire project was done at once. Woodward clarified that the full savings would only be realized after all recommended scope is completed, and that a single phase would produce a smaller annual savings amount. - Councilmember Newland asked whether city staff could do the LED conversions in-house. Staff responded that city crews could perform some work, but capacity and timing constraints made contracting more practical for a project of this scale. - Councilmember Smith stated she was "a definite no on any bonds" and preferred pay-as-you-go options. - Several council members favored phased implementation and requested phase-by-phase savings and payback estimates before deciding. - Council members asked for updated figures based on current prices rather than the two-year-old data, and for clarification on how grants would affect project phasing. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken; this was a work session only. - Staff and Schneider Electric were directed to return in approximately 30–60 days with updated project costs, refined savings figures, and a recommended phasing structure. - The updated presentation is expected to include breakdowns of annual savings and payback by phase, plus funding options such as all-at-once, three-phase, five-phase, and pay-as-you-go approaches.

On April 20, 2026, the Bullhead City Council held a full-day budget work session beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers to review the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget for all city funds. City Manager Toby Cotter opened by calling the budget a continuation of excellence, highlighting public safety, infrastructure, parks, and employee investments. Finance Director Robert Drexler presented the citywide financial framework, noting that this is the city's 14th year of zero-based line-item budgeting. The session included department-by-department presentations, a lunch break, a capital improvement plan review, and one public comment. Budget Overview and Revenue Highlights - City Manager Cotter highlighted prior accomplishments funded through recent budgets, including the Chaparral Golf Course acquisition, the new animal shelter, the Optimum Community Center, parks improvements, traffic signal work, and major water/wastewater projects. - Finance Director Robert Drexler reported that the state expenditure limit is now $191 million following Prop 416. The proposed budget is balanced as required by state law and includes 36 city funds: 1 general fund, 19 special revenue funds, 3 debt service funds, 6 capital project funds, 4 enterprise funds, and 3 internal service funds. - The general fund has no property tax. General fund revenues are approximately 46% local sales tax and 40% state-shared revenue, with additional grants, fees, and donations. - The proposed budget includes 12 new full-time positions: 4 police officers, a stormwater specialist, 3 animal shelter positions, and 4 recreation positions that are budget-neutral conversions from part-time hours. - The citywide fund balance is projected to remain around $35 million. The general fund cash balance is approximately $23.7 million plus a $10 million water department loan receivable, compared to the city's required minimum reserve of $14 million. The water department is beginning repayment with $25,000 in the proposed budget. - Council discussed the general fund reserve philosophy, the water loan repayment being built into water rate increases, and the 2.7 million Hancock Road rehabilitation project, which has $1 million in state grant funding and $1.7 million from the general fund. Municipal Court - Magistrate Rod Gillio and Deputy Court Administrator Kirsten Merritt presented the court budget of approximately $1.7 million, down almost 0.5%. - The largest change is a 64% drop in the maintenance agreement, from $139,000 to $50,000, following council-approved courtroom technology upgrades. - The court will use about $30,000 from its court enhancement fund, currently around $74,000, to replace courtroom tables and lecterns. - Judge Gillio noted that jail costs are being monitored and no increase was requested. Specialty courts, including Veterans Treatment Court and Quality of Life Court, remain priorities; some training costs will be covered by JCEF funds. - Council members praised recent improvements in Veterans Court, including the public defender's courtroom presence and nine graduates this year. Legal Budget - City Attorney Garn Emery presented a legal budget with very few changes, mostly personnel calculations and software costs for electronic files and redaction work. - He reported that litigation was prepared against a nuisance structure, but the landowner's demolition team was expected to begin work without the need for the city to sue. - Council members expressed appreciation for the office's responsiveness, staff, and leadership. Development Services - Director Billy, with Wendy and Johnny, presented a 19-employee department budget that is 0.38% lower than the prior year due to savings from online training and about $15,000 saved by handling general plan work in-house. - Council discussed the department's 14-day or better plan review turnaround and responded to public complaints, noting that some delays are caused by contractors who do not submit complete plans. - Nuisance abatement and dangerous building abatement budgets were lowered to $50,000 and $150,000; the city manager said normal operations would be covered and larger cases would require contingency. Public Safety / Police Department - Interim Police Chief Danny Sharp and Deputy Chief Jason Harms presented the police department budget, which the city manager described as the largest police budget ever brought before council, with over $23 million proposed. - The budget adds 4 police officer positions, bringing sworn staffing to 86 officers. The department currently has about 15% vacancies, nearly 50% of sworn personnel with less than 10 years of experience, and 3 officers in the academy with 8 more planned for the next class. - Public safety staffing is intended to restore levels last seen in the early 2000s while population has grown from under 34,000 to over 44,000 residents. - The request includes 7 patrol vehicles and 3 narcotics vehicles. The last four retired patrol vehicles averaged 16 years of age and 163,000 miles. The budget also includes rifles, Glock 17 pistols, Taser 7 replacements, and 15 ballistic helmets. - The department responded to over 40,276 calls for police service in the fiscal year, approximately 110 calls per day. - The city manager and police staff noted that a requested $12 million radio system upgrade was not included in the budget; the city is seeking state funding and is upgrading radios in phases. - Backup, the opioid settlement-funded program, was highlighted on page 175. Public Comments & Testimony - Annette Wegman Wood, a Bullhead City resident, asked about mental health counseling for police officers and whether officers have a fitness program. Police leadership responded that professional counseling is available under Arizona's Laura's Law, peer support exists, and the department is working with Bouldercrest to bring the Struggle Well and Warriors Path programs to Bullhead City. They also confirmed that fitness opportunities are being built into the workweek. - At the end of the session, no additional public questions were submitted. Public Works - Public Works Director Angie Johnson introduced her leadership team and presented the public works budgets. - A new stormwater specialist position is proposed, described as needed for a state-mandated stormwater management program driven by population growth. - Facilities maintenance is decreasing by 7.67% as the department focuses on finishing existing projects. - Parks maintenance added 80 acres to the park system; an AI-assisted robotic field painter has reduced soccer field painting time from over a week to about a day and a half. - Additional mower leases are proposed to maintain high-quality turf, including Chaparral Golf Course and tournament-quality fields. - Fleet services includes a $200,000 new field service truck. - Fuel is budgeted at $2.95 per gallon for unleaded and $3.68 for diesel, based on expectations that fuel prices will decline; the city manager acknowledged risk and said they would return to council if fuel costs do not fall. - Street sweeping operations and the GoGov/Bullhead City Direct app were discussed as ways residents can request service. Legislative, City Clerk, Financial Services, and Technology - The Mayor and Council budget is about $200,000 and is essentially flat, covering stipends, health insurance, and travel/training. - City Clerk Debbie presented the City Clerk budget, driven by election costs. There are 24,817 registered voters, with registration open until June 22 for the primary. Postage of $6,500 is budgeted for general election pamphlets. - The clerk's office added funding for staff certifications, an Otter AI subscription to speed meeting minutes, and $2,500 for a new laptop replacing a 15-year-old computer. - The legislative budget increase is almost entirely due to election costs. - Financial Services has no proposed staffing or software changes; the 4% increase is mainly personnel costs. - IT Manager Randy Shefford presented the technology budget. Increases in software and hardware agreements reflect body cameras, cybersecurity features, and subscription cost growth. A network engineer position was budgeted last year and is still being filled. Executive, Human Resources, Economic Development, Marketplace, Tourism, and Recreation - The executive budget increased 42.76% because the recreation division was moved into the executive department from public works; this also explains the utilities increase on the referenced page. - Public Information: GoGov notifications, called Bullhead City Direct, had a large percentage increase because the annual cost was higher than expected, about $2,400. The team creates TV coverage, social media, website content, and event coverage. - Human Resources and Risk Management: Director Candon Stanley presented a $9.23 million budget, up 14.86%, driven by rising insurance and risk costs, NeoGov technology, and recruitment/retention efforts. - Economic Development: The budget is reduced under economic development initiatives. The city manager cited Dot Foods as a successful incentive recipient and said a new incentive may be brought to council later. - Marketplace: Manager Ann Roberts oversees marketplace operations, including rentals, the River Shop, parking, the Bullhead Bell, Optimum Community Center, the new animal shelter store, and Chaparral Golf Course. Staffing ranges from about 50 to 80 employees depending on season. - Tourism and Sponsorships: Jackie Jensen's tourism budget is essentially flat; about $200,000 in sponsorship revenue was generated over the past year. - Recreation: Dave Heath and Eddie Edgar presented recreation, including the Optimum Community Center, water activities, special events, and park rangers. A recreation coordinator position was created budget-neutrally by converting part-time dollars. The farmers market budget is growing, and an additional market is planned. - Boys & Girls Club: The proposed budget reduced annual funding from $100,000 to $50,000. One council member strongly opposed funding, citing management and accountability concerns. Other council members and the city manager recommended keeping $50,000 so the organization could return to council for review before receiving funds. The consensus was to keep the $50,000 in the budget with the requirement that the Boys & Girls Club come before council to provide transparency and demonstrate improved management. - Park Rangers: The proposal converts some part-time park ranger positions into three full-time positions to better protect parks. A senior park ranger will remain part-time, and full-time rangers will be trained for future leadership. General Services - Robert Drexler presented general services with corrections to pages that did not transfer correctly in the printed version. - The budget includes a $15 million general grants placeholder, telephone service of $147,444, office equipment leases of $85,080, office supplies of $39,850, and postage of $50,760. - General fund contingency is reduced to $2 million. Transfers to special revenue funds drop from about $2.1 million to $1.1 million, and transfers to capital projects increase to $5,937,876. - The city pays a $112,000 state firefighter premium despite having no fire department because state law requires it. - Tuition reimbursement is reduced from $25,000 to $15,000. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - Travis Pruitt and Steve Diamico presented the MPO budget. The MPO is federally funded and reimbursed through the state. - The MPO secured a $1.76 million SS4A grant: $1 million for a regional safety study and $760,000 for demonstration projects, including cameras on Highway 95 signals, speed trailers, and lighted school crossing beacons. A separate SMART grant is being sought to cover the 20% match. - Additional funding includes $39,000 for transit radios and a $1 million HERF exchange to help rehabilitate Baseline Road. - A long-range transportation plan RFP is out with an April 28 deadline; a short-range transit plan will include public input opportunities. Human Services - Jeff Tipton presented human services with a total budget of $5,300,230, down about 18% from $6,522,000, largely due to how prior animal shelter construction costs were reported. - Senior enrichment is up 4% to $755,000; nutrition is up 11% to $597,000, with nearly 40,000 meals served annually. A replacement vehicle is budgeted for the meals program. - The animal shelter, now called the Bullhead City Animal Resource Center, is up 41% to $922,000 but provides about three times the space and 162% more animal housing capacity. Cremation services are budgeted at $391,000 and are expected to generate offsetting revenue. - Transit is up 6% to $2,215,000, including a grant-funded radio system upgrade and a $225,000 bus. The short-range transit plan will evaluate route changes, including possible service to McCormick, post office, senior center, and library stops. Utilities - Water/Wastewater Director Mark Clark and his staff presented the enterprise utility budgets. - The city has 48 pressure zones compared to Lake Havasu City's 3, and the department runs lean; Lake Havasu City has about 80 utility employees for a similar-sized system. - Bullhead City holds a 29,149 acre-foot Colorado River water entitlement but used only about 11,500 acre-feet last year. Future river cuts cannot be predicted, but the city has enough entitlement for substantial growth. - Major achievements include a new well producing about 5,000 gallons per minute and completion of many mainline and service line repairs. The system loses about 35 million gallons a year due to breaks. - Wastewater: The Section 10 plant expansion from 4 to 6 million gallons per day is underway, with the aeration basin half poured. The headworks project is substantially complete. Odor control improvements are planned for the Lakeside/post office area. - Performance metrics: water connections per employee are 1,390 versus the AWWA 75th percentile of 543; wastewater connections per employee are 1,300 versus 608. - The proposed budget includes a new CMMS maintenance system, split between water and wastewater, with estimated annual costs around $65,000 plus implementation. Staff are evaluating systems with AI and predictive maintenance capabilities. - Backflow services are increasing 233% due to new regulatory attention and a newly hired water quality specialist. - The water department will begin repaying the $10 million general fund loan with a $25,000 payment in the next fiscal year. - Council asked about water pressure complaints; staff said the system's 48 pressure zones reflect legacy infrastructure and that fixes are identified in the water master plan but will take time and funding. Capital Improvement Plan - Staff reviewed capital projects on pages 480-662, including water, wastewater, parks, streets, buildings, equipment, and vehicle purchases. - Notable projects include animal shelter conversion, transit facility planning placeholders, Baseline Road rehabilitation, Highway 95 right-turn lanes, city center improvement district work, community park restrooms with grant funding, ADA ramps, Chaparral Golf Course clubhouse improvements, Lake Mojave Highlands drainage work, land acquisition near the airport, and the proposed indoor pickleball/multi-purpose facility at Optimum Community Center. - The indoor pickleball facility is estimated at $1.55 million and is expected to be a general fund project because grant timelines and competing priorities make grant funding unlikely. - Traffic signal upgrades include $150,000 for new camera systems on Highway 95. Council clarified the system is not a red light camera or license plate reader program; it is intended to improve traffic flow and provide safety data. - Utility capital projects total roughly $26 million, funded through utility revenues. The city is planning a combined water/wastewater revenue pledge for future utility bonds. - Robert Drexler noted that the capital lease line in the printed budget actually reflects the proposed approximately $21 million utility bonds and will be relabeled in the revised version. Key Outcomes - The work session concluded with no formal votes, as this was a discussion session. - The tentative budget will be considered for adoption at the May 19, 2026 regular council meeting. Budget schedules will be published May 27 and June 3, 2026, and final adoption is scheduled for June 16, 2026. - Council consensus was to keep $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club in the proposed budget, requiring the organization to present to council before funds are released. - Staff will correct the printed budget pages that did not transfer properly and will relabel the utility debt as bonds rather than capital leases. - The proposed budget includes 12 new full-time positions, including 4 police officers, 3 full-time park rangers, a stormwater specialist, and animal shelter/cremation staff, along with major water, wastewater, and capital investments.

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The user-provided date of April 15, 2026, conflicts with the transcript. The summary below is based on the transcript content. The Bullhead City Council met for a regular meeting. All council members were present. The meeting opened with an invocation, presentations, and a call to the public, followed by discussion and votes on several items including a new police chief, a restroom construction contract, a software subscription, a well rehabilitation, and a process to temporarily fill the mayor position after Mayor Rodney Head resigned to run for election. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (routine approvals and unanimous actions) was approved by a vote of 6-0 without any items withdrawn. Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Lestatt (Elks Lodge 2408): Announced a four-player golf scramble on April 25, 2026, at Mojave Resort Golf Course to benefit local charities. - Ben Gary (Capstone Arrow, CEO): Raised compliance concerns regarding the Laughlin Bullhead International Airport’s governance structure and FAA grant obligations. He asked whether the FAA has formally confirmed compliance and noted that unanswered questions pose a risk to the sponsor (Mojave County). - Carolyn Ota (Resident): Requested clarification on street approval and turnover requirements for Rancho Colorado Estates. She stated that after 21 years of deferred maintenance during build‑out, the community faces repaving costs nearing $1 million, a liability not disclosed by the developer (Century Complete). She urged the city to review its oversight role. - Susan (Founder, Saving Animals in Need Together): Reported free spay/neuter clinics (200 animals each) on April 17–19 and again in September, funded by a sponsor. Also noted that last year the organization issued 1,200 vouchers (cost $65,000) and spent another $35,000 on pet medical assistance. - Rose Jacobs (Vice President, Colorado River Women’s Council): Described the Golden Rule City programs, including Kindness Clubs for children, rock painting for seniors, and the Caught Being Kind program. Sought volunteers and community sponsors. - Carolyn Ellison (Republican Women’s Club): Promoted the Lincoln Day dinner on April 25 with three speakers. - Dana Walter (CEO, Bullhead City Mojave Valley Association of Realtors): Announced a bingo event on April 23 benefiting BHC Saints, and a spring business expo on April 30. - Julie Hastett (Colorado River Concerts): Thanked supporters and announced the 2026–2027 season (four shows for $100). Noted that proceeds support student education and outreach programs. - Paula Fontus Hambi (Resident): Encouraged residents to use the library to access C‑SPAN and other reliable sources. Announced monthly meetings at Rule Rising Training. - Janice Johnston (Resident): Circulated petitions for Save Our Schools to increase transparency in the ESA voucher system. Also promoted the Colorado River Historical Society’s traveling museum (April 9) and “Evening with the Old Timers” (April 15 at 5:30 p.m.). - Misty Davinny (Resident): Supported Jennifer Esposito’s voter integrity challenge before the Arizona Supreme Court, urging the council to speak up for upholding election laws. - Unidentified male speaker: Filed a formal election challenge against Councilmember Tammy Ring’s nomination signatures, alleging fraud and invalid signatures. He stated he would serve legal papers, and a court hearing is set for April 16. Councilmember Ring confirmed she was served and said the matter would be handled in court. Discussion Items - Lazy Harry’s Bar (Item 8 – Discussion Only): City Manager Toby Cotter clarified that the city has not purchased property from the owners and has an active permit. The city has worked with the owners for years to rebuild. The owner (an active‑duty firefighter) intends to rebuild under a new name. Councilmember Smith confirmed the owner has no issues with the city. No public comment; no action taken. - Liquor License for Sand Bar (Item 2): Staff had no concerns. Approved 6-0. - Professional Services Agreement for Public Defender (Item 3): Approved 6-0. Contract with C. Ray Lundberg, Attorney at Law, for $150,000. - Construction Contract for Community Park Restroom (Item 4): Awarded to TROR, Inc. for $494,098 (lowest responsive bidder after the initial low bidder was disqualified). Funded by an Arizona Parks and Trails grant. Approved 6-0. - NeoGov Subscription Agreement (Item 5): HR Director Candon Stanley presented a three‑year, $578,536 contract to consolidate existing HR/payroll modules. Pricing based on headcount ($2–$6 per employee per month). Council members praised her efficiency. Approved 6-0. - Well 16‑1 Rehabilitation Ratification (Item 6): Utilities Director Mark Clark reported that the 50‑year‑old well (first rehab) needed CO2 injection to restore production. Total cost $79,236.44 (after tax). Council noted an emergency procurement exception was used. Approved 6-0. - Temporary Mayoral Appointment and Vacant Council Seat (Item 7): Due to Mayor Head’s resignation to run for mayor, the council discussed how to fill the mayor seat (until a new mayor is elected) and whether to appoint a seventh council member. After debate, the council reached consensus: (1) Do NOT appoint a seventh member; (2) Use a paper ballot process (names read publicly) at the April 21 meeting; (3) Only council members NOT running in the election (three members: Gene, Karen, Jason) are eligible for mayor; (4) No picture on the wall and no extra pay. The item will be brought back for formal action on April 21. Key Outcomes - All agenda items (consent calendar, items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) were approved by unanimous 6-0 votes. - Council directed staff to prepare an agenda item for the April 21 regular meeting to formally select an interim mayor via paper ballot from among non‑running council members, with no appointment to the vacant seventh seat. - City Manager Toby Carter announced the selection of Paul George as the new police chief (starting in May), an upcoming America 250 event on April 9, a safety plan for Highway 68 under review by ADOT, and budget workshops on April 20–22. - The city reminds residents to flush only human waste, toilet paper, and gray water to avoid sewer backups and costly pump repairs (up to $40,000–$50,000 per incident).

The Bullhead City Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Del Fave. The meeting included public hearings on a conceptual plan amendment, an easement abandonment, a preliminary condominium plat, and a code amendment for accessory structures, as well as a discussion-only item on the 2026 General Plan Update. Important note: The transcript of the meeting incorrectly states the date as April 29, 2026, while the agenda and all other materials clearly indicate April 9, 2026. This discrepancy is not resolved by the minutes (which were not available). Call to the Public - Pamela Smith announced two upcoming community events: a bingo fundraiser on April 23 at Laughlin Ranch benefiting the Colorado River Republican Women's Scholarship Fund, and the local GOP's Lincoln Day Dinner on April 25 at the Optimus Center (tickets $100). She encouraged commissioners to attend. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the March 5, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously. This action was taken without discussion at the beginning of the meeting, consistent with the agenda's consent calendar. Discussion Items 2. Conceptual Plan Amendment – Emerald Bay (P24-001 Amendment 1) - Staff presented the request for a two-year extension of the conceptual plan approval for the Emerald Bay project, a master-planned golf course community with residential, commercial, and resort components on approximately 300 acres southwest of Bullhead Parkway and west of Highway 95. The applicant's representative, Mr. Gaylor Cope, explained that delays stemmed from extended negotiations with the Colorado River Union High School District over a state land indemnity clause, which required the developer to donate a portion of state land to the school district. After 18 months of talks, a final agreement was reached but the third state land auction failed. A fourth auction is expected in late summer 2026, and the indemnity clause is being revised to facilitate the process. Commissioners noted that water and traffic issues are addressed in the plan, including the use of reclaimed wastewater for the golf course. The commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment. 3. Abandonment A26-001 – 1496 Arena Court - Staff requested approval to abandon 16-foot public utility and drainage easements along the eastern boundary of a residential lot at 1496 Arena Court. No objections were received from utility companies or the city engineer, as the easements are not currently used for drainage. A commissioner commented that the $835 fee for the abandonment process seemed high, but staff explained it covers review, council approval, and recording costs. The commission voted unanimously to approve the abandonment. 4. Preliminary Condominium Plat – Hideaway Haus (S26-002) - Staff presented a request to approve a preliminary condominium plat for a commercial storage project at 405 Lee Avenue. The project involves three buildings with a total of 11 units that would be sold individually as condominium airspace (similar to

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All six council members were present. The meeting included a presentation from the Kiwanis Club, public comments on a variety of community topics, and action on several agenda items. Key decisions included approval of contracts for indigent legal defense, a park restroom, a human resources software subscription, and an emergency well rehabilitation. The council also discussed the process for selecting a temporary mayor to serve until the 2026 election. Presentations and Proclamations - Larry Toonforce of the Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis Club presented a plaque of appreciation to the city for supporting the 8th annual Kiwanis Kids Expo, which attracted over 1,300 adults and children and 91 vendors. He thanked numerous city departments and partners for their assistance. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the March 17, 2026 Regular Council Meeting (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Lestat (Elks Lodge 2408) announced a four-player scramble golf tournament on April 25, 2026, at Mojave Resort Golf Course, with proceeds supporting local charities. - An unnamed speaker (addressing airport governance) questioned the FAA compliance of the Bullhead City Airport’s governance structure and urged formal confirmation from the FAA, warning that local actions could create compliance exposure for the sponsor (Mojave County). He offered further advisory support through existing engagements. - Carolyn Ota, a resident, requested clarification on city requirements for street approval and community turnover in Rancho Colorado Estates. She noted that infrastructure was completed in 2005 but not maintained during the 21-year build-out, leaving residents facing nearly $1 million in repaving costs not disclosed by the developer Century Complete. - Susan (founder of S.A.I.N.T. – Saving Animals in Need Together) announced a free spay/neuter/vaccination/microchip clinic for 200 animals on April 17-19, 2026, funded by sponsor Chip Sterndall. She reported that the organization issued 1,200 vouchers last year costing $65,000 and spent an additional $35,000 on pet medical care. - Rose Jacobs (Vice President, Colorado River Women’s Council) highlighted Bullhead City’s designation as a Golden Rule City and described programs including kindness clubs for children, rock painting classes at the senior enrichment center, and a “Caught Being Kind” program. She invited community volunteers. - Carol Nelson (Republican Women’s Club) promoted the Lincoln Day Dinner on April 25, 2026, with speakers Warren Peterson, Gina, and Treasurer Kimberly Ye; tickets $100. - Dana Walter (CEO, Bullhead City Mojave Valley Association of Realtors) announced a bingo event on April 23, 2026, benefiting BHC S.A.I.N.T., and a Spring Business Expo on April 30, 2026, featuring over 36 local businesses. - Brian (representing Colorado River Concert Series) announced the 2026-2027 season subscriptions (four shows for $100 or $35 single) and highlighted the student education outreach program. - Paula Fontus Hambi, a long-time resident, encouraged citizens to use the library’s computers and C-SPAN to seek reliable information, and announced monthly meetings at Rule Rising Training. - Janice Johnston, a resident, circulated petitions from Save Our Schools to increase transparency in the ESA voucher system and tighten usage. She also invited the public to the Colorado River Historical Society’s Traveling Museum event on April 9 and an “Evening with the Old Timers” on April 15. - Misty DeVinny expressed support for Jennifer Esposito’s election petition challenge and encouraged the Arizona Supreme Court to uphold election laws. - An unnamed speaker (presenting a verified complaint) challenged the nomination signatures of Councilmember Tammy Ring, alleging fraud and announcing a Superior Court hearing on April 16. Councilmember Tammy LaFonde confirmed she had been served and would appear in court. Discussion Items - City Manager’s Report (Toby Cotter): - New Police Chief: Hired Paul George from Harden, Montana; he will start in May. No Arizona applicants applied. - America 250 Presentation (Jessica Nunnalee): Announced the “Road to 250 Arizona Traveling Museum” at Community Park on April 9, featuring the State Liberty Bell, live music, and contest winners. - Highway 68 Safety Plan: ADOT is reviewing a draft safety plan after recent crashes; report expected in 1-2 months. - Budget Workshops: Open workshops April 20-22 for line-item budget review; 17th year of this transparent process. - Lazy Harry’s Bar (Item 8): Discussion only; no action. City Manager clarified that the city has an active building permit and has been cooperative with the owner; misinformation about city land acquisition was refuted. The owner (active-duty firefighter) intends to rebuild. - Sand Bar Liquor License (Item 2): Public hearing; staff had no concerns. Motion to recommend approval to the state passed 6-0. - Professional Services Agreement for Indigent Legal Defense (Item 3): Contract with C. Ray Lundberg, Attorney at Law, Inc. for $150,000, approved 6-0. - Community Park Restroom Construction (Item 4): Contract with TR Orr Inc. for $494,098. The low bidder was disqualified due to incomplete paperwork, resulting in a $60,287 higher cost. Approved 6-0. - NeoGov Subscription (Item 5): 3-year contract for $578,536.60 for existing HR/payroll modules. Staff explained pricing per module; council approved 6-0. - Well 16-1 Rehabilitation (Item 6): Ratification of emergency contract with Subsurface Technologies for $73,640 plus tax ($79,236.44 total) for CO2 injection cleaning. The well had not been rehabbed since 1974. Approved 6-0. - Temporary Mayoral Appointment and Seventh Council Member (Item 7): Discussion only; council reached consensus on direction for the April 21 meeting: - Do not appoint a seventh council member. - Select a temporary mayor from among council members not running in the 2026 election (Gene, Karen, Jason) via paper ballot as the first agenda item at the next meeting. - No picture of the temporary mayor in chambers (majority opinion). - The temporary mayor will serve until the new mayor is elected. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved (6-0). - Sand Bar liquor license recommendation approved (6-0). - Item 3 (Indigent legal defense) approved (6-0). - Item 4 (Restroom construction) approved (6-0). - Item 5 (NeoGov subscription) approved (6-0). - Item 6 (Well rehabilitation) approved (6-0). - Direction given for Item 7: no seventh member; temporary mayor to be selected from non-candidates (Gene, Karen, Jason) by paper ballot at April 21 meeting; no picture; first item on agenda. - Lazy Harry’s discussion closed with no action; permit remains active.