Bullhead City Council Meeting - February 21, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on February 21, 2024, at 5:30 PM with all seven council members present. The meeting included an invocation, presentations, extensive public comments, manager's report, council reports, and action on several agenda items including board appointments, zoning changes, a final plat, audit acceptance, an intergovernmental agreement for internet crimes against children, a highway improvement amendment, and a building contract.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda as presented (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gene O'Neill (resident and candidate for city council) expressed opposition to an electronic billboard in front of Chicago Title that displays an anti-Trump message from a political action committee called Mad Dog Pack, which includes "Bullhead City" on the sign. He asked the city to address the issue as many residents are offended.
• Hilda Angus (District 2 County Supervisor and candidate for Arizona State Senate) expressed concern about the increasingly mean and vicious tone of public calls, and thanked council members for serving.
• Stephen Lee (resident) defended freedom of speech and criticized what he saw as attacks on public participation. He urged the council to focus on larger societal issues, including alleged corruption and depopulation agendas, and mentioned recruiting Major General Vallet for a presentation.
• Paulette White (Vice President of Colorado Concert Association) promoted upcoming concerts: Vox Fortura on February 21 at 7 PM (tickets $35) and Key of G (Garth Brooks tribute) on March 7.
• Harvey Pryor (30+ year resident) criticized the city's fire hydrant inspection program, stating that only 100 hydrants had been inspected in six months out of approximately 2,500, which he said would take 12.5 years. He accused the city manager of being dishonest and also questioned the bus terminal project.
• Sean Regan (Arizona Veteran Canine Services) announced a bingo fundraiser and a 31-mile suicide prevention challenge for March. He noted that veterans are 58% more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans and criticized the council for lack of support, though he said he is now applying for a $2 million VA grant.
• Nick Parsons (resident) proposed using shipping containers from the state's border wall initiative for five job-creating projects: megawatt solar storage, self-sustaining community gardens, homeless housing (to be shipped elsewhere), EV charging stations, and disaster relief supplies.
• Stan Kepler and Chris (RC hobbyists) requested the city build an oval track and dirt drag strip at Rotary Park to expand their RC car activities. They highlighted the family-friendly nature and the local hobby shop.
• Jim Fuller (resident) shared his personal story of escaping Cuba and warned that the U.S. is at risk of becoming like Cuba. He urged standing up for freedom.
• Unnamed speaker (after Jim Fuller) alleged that Hilda Angus had physically assaulted him earlier that day at the Board of Supervisors meeting and that he had filed a police report. He complained about disrespect and requested cameras be left on after meetings.
• Gary Genevieve (Colorado River Historical Society) promoted a honey baked ham fundraiser for the museum, noting the museum's new addition is nearly complete.
• Another speaker promoted the 77th annual Lincoln Day Dinner (Denim and Diamonds theme) in Kingman on an unspecified date, featuring Carrie Lake as keynote speaker. Tickets $75.

Manager's Report

• Toby Cotter (City Manager) addressed the anti-Trump sign, explaining that the city leases the land to Lamar Advertising, receives about $35,000 per year plus 8 seconds of city advertising per minute, but does not control messaging. He emphasized that political ads are free speech.
• Mark Clark (Utilities Director) corrected fire hydrant claims: the city has approximately 2,250 public hydrants, not 2,500. Since the city took over the water system, 1,780 hydrants (79%) have been tested, including 100 in the last six months. He detailed a new program with two additional employees and 180 monitoring hydrants that will continuously track pressure and temperature. The program is in the 24-25 budget.
• Cotter also updated on Highway 95 reconstruction (project funded by $27 million from ADOT thanks to city advocacy), the animal shelter project out to bid, and upcoming spring sports tournaments.

Discussion Items

• Board of Appeals Appointments (Item 3): Seven applicants were considered. Council voted by ballot; the top five vote-getters were Don Albers (7 votes), Amy Prince (7), Bruce Henderson (6), Jeff Myers (6), and Enrique Reyna (5). Two-year terms were assigned to Reyna and Myers; three-year terms to Albers, Henderson, and Prince. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning Change – C2 to C3 (Item 4): Approved a zoning map change for parcels at 1545 and 1547 Grandview Drive to allow a pool chemical warehouse with a small office. Conditions included stacking restrictions. Approved 7-0.
• Zoning Change – R1L to M1 (Item 5): Tabled to March 19, 2024, at the request of staff, as the applicant and neighbors had reached a resolution and the application is expected to be withdrawn. Approved 7-0.
• Final Plat – Hillcrest Park Tract 5149 Unit 2 (Item 6): Approved the subdivision of 4.1 acres into 21 lots with private streets and HOA ownership. Approved 7-0.
• Annual Audit Presentation (Item 7): Auditor Brian Hemerley (Baker Tilly) presented a clean audit opinion with no findings, no material weaknesses, and no instances of non-compliance. The expenditure limitation report is still being finalized but expected to break even. Council accepted the audit 7-0.
• ICAC Task Force IGA (Item 8): Approved a five-year intergovernmental agreement with Phoenix Police Department for the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, allowing continued participation with no financial obligation to the city. Approved 7-0.
• Bullhead Parkway Improvement Amendment (Item 9): Approved an amendment to the ADOT agreement for a $3.7 million HSIP grant safety project (median and lighting) from Silver Creek to Laredo. The city's additional share is $35,000. Approved 7-0.
• Council Chamber Door and Glass Replacement (Item 10): Approved a contract with Jim's House of Glass for $98,038.84 to replace the original 1991 doors and windows, plus an $8,038.84 transfer from general fund contingency. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• The Board of Appeals gained five new members: Don Albers, Bruce Henderson, Jeff Myers, Amy Prince, and Enrique Reyna (two- and three-year terms).
• Zoning changes were approved for a pool chemical warehouse (Grandview Drive) and tabled for a potential industrial rezone (Rancho Colorado Blvd).
• The city’s annual audit received a clean opinion with no findings.
• The city renewed its participation in the ICAC task force for five years.
• Additional funding of $35,000 was approved for the Bullhead Parkway safety improvement project.
• Council chambers will receive new doors and windows at a cost of $98,038.84.