Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – August 16, 2023

The Bullhead City Council met on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 1:30 PM (local time). The meeting began with a prayer, roll call (all seven members present, including Vice Mayor Head via phone), and public comments. The council unanimously approved all items on the consent agenda and eight subsequent action items, including zoning changes, radio system upgrades, and a dispatch console replacement.

Consent Calendar

• Two cooperative purchasing agreements (Houston-Galveston Area Council and another Texas-based program) were approved unanimously without discussion after Council Member answered questions confirming no fees or commitments were involved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve (Bullhead City): Urged the council to address internal GOP conflicts, alleging a lack of transparency, and promoted an upcoming "Voices for Freedom" meeting and tickets for the Reawaken America tour.
• Jim Fuller (Bullhead City): Challenged Steve's statements, offered a Republican party sign-up sheet, and disputed aspects of Steve's account.
• Sean (Bullhead City): Spoke on behalf of Arizona Veteran Canine, announcing a bingo night on September 21 to raise funds for the organization, and reported the rescue of a Belgian Malinois named Blitz.
• Scotty (Bullhead City): Complained about lack of response to a previous public records request regarding a city event with Senator Sinema, alleging misuse of taxpayer funds and demanded transparency.
• Unnamed resident (solar car driver): Asked the public not to photograph or block his solar car while driving.
• Jason Newland (Bullhead City): Announced a free drive-through food distribution on August 19 at 590 Hancock Road, seeking volunteers.
• Eva Corbett (Bullhead City): Announced the 5th annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk and Car Show on September 23 at Rotary Park.
• Pamela Smith: Promoted the Colorado River Republican Women's meeting on September 6 with speakers Doug Schuster and Mike Genuche.

Discussion Items

• Boys & Girls Club Presentation (Autumn Will Robinson): Provided an annual update after receiving a $50,000 city contribution. She reported that the Bullhead City club averages 200 children per day in summer and 700 during the school year, with program fees of $0.40/hour per child. Over $70,000 in scholarships were provided last year. Funds are used locally for staff and operations.
• Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Update (Travis Pruitt, Assistant City Manager): Explained that a federal mandate requires an MPO due to population growth. Staff have consulted with ADOT, Lake Havasu's MPO, Kimley-Horn, and other agencies. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe has agreed to participate; Clark County decided Laughlin would remain in its existing MPO. A resolution to formally adopt the MPO will be presented at the next meeting.
• Bullhead Bell Opening: City Manager reported the former Celebration Boat (donated by Bria and Trevor Judini) is now open to the public daily from 11 AM to 7 PM, with ribbon cutting held August 4. The facility features two decks and is free to use.
• Senator Sinema Visit: City Manager defended the invitation-only event, noting the Senator helped secure $2 million for a new well. He stated the city has hosted senators of both parties without impropriety. Mayor added that Sinema is the first to bring federal appropriations, and they are seeking $300 million for a water filtration system and $30 million for the parkway.
• Council Member Comments: Reminder of Octoberfest on September 30; criticism of a news article about tuberculosis at Diamondback School, implying the border crisis is the real cause.
• Item 3 – Accessory Structures Ordinance (Ordinance 2023-18): Amendment to allow maximum accessory square footage of 50% more than living space in multifamily districts, matching single-family rules. Planning & Zoning recommended approval 6-1. Approved 7-0.
• Item 4 – Zoning Extension (Z18-006): Extended time for a project north of 7th Street to obtain permits. Approved 7-0.
• Item 5 – General Plan Amendment (2525 Rio Ranchero Blvd): Changed land use from medium density residential to light industrial for an 80.49-acre parcel subject to floodway constraints. Applicant plans to apply for a conditional use permit for sand and gravel mining. Approved 7-0.
• Item 6 – Zoning Change (same parcel): Rezoned from PL (Public Land) to M1 (Limited Industrial). Approved 7-0.
• Item 7 – General Plan Amendment (1805 Bullhead Parkway): Changed land use from medium density residential to light industrial for a 78.49-acre parcel. Approved 7-0.
• Item 8 – Zoning Change (same parcel): Rezoned from PL to M1. Approved 7-0.
• Item 9 – Police Radio System (Motorola Solutions): Purchase of 90 APX next portable radios at $1,019,197, including a $29,000 trade-in of older radios. Radios feature encryption, smart locate mapping, and multi-band capability to communicate with DPS, Las Vegas Metro, and Lake Havasu. Five-year warranty included. Budgeted item. Approved 7-0.
• Item 10 – 911 Dispatch Console (Russ Bassett): Purchase of replacement dispatch console for $203,844.03. The current console is nearly 20 years old. Only one responsive bidder (Russ Bassett) through Houston-Galveston cooperative. Design will improve ergonomics and accommodate multiple monitors. Budgeted. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items and items 3 through 10 were approved unanimously (7-0) with Vice Mayor Head participating by phone.
• The council directed staff to include concerns about noise, dust, and lighting in the conditional use permit process for the mining operation on the rezoned parcels.
• The MPO resolution will be presented for formal adoption at the September meeting.
• The city will continue to pursue federal grants for water filtration and parkway improvements.