Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – July 4, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on July 4, 2024, and the transcript places the call to order at 5:30 p.m. The transcript's opening line states July 2, 2024, but the official meeting date provided is July 4, 2024. All council members were present, with Councilmember Heck joining by telephone. Pastor Nicholas Granger of Hope United Methodist Church delivered the invocation. The council heard public comments, received manager reports, and voted 7-0 on all agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Council waived the reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions presented for adoption.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0); no items were withdrawn.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A community member (name not provided) distributed information about a DHS whistleblower and urged elected officials to study what he called real threats, including FEMA camps, illegal aliens, pandemic 2.0, and World War III, saying 'eternal freedom requires eternal vigilance.'
• Daniel Rodeck opposed the planned development's potential closure of Merrill Avenue, asking the council to keep Merrill open so residents would not have to drive through a strip mall to reach Highway 95. He also raised safety concerns about a possible criminal element and border crossings.
• Jim Fuller asked for help using the Hancock/Highway 95 intersection for flag displays, said he felt mistreated by a city official over his Christian faith, read from John 15, and expressed frustration that he could not express his preferred candidate at the Mojave County Republican Central Committee picnic.
• Barbara Pape announced the Colorado River Republican Women meeting on Wednesday, July 3 at the Chaparral, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with guests including Representative Leo Biasiucci, John Gillette, and Tom Brady. She also spoke about freedom of speech, arguing it is not absolute and carries legal restrictions.
• Kathleen Seymour updated the council on her June 4 animal-control complaint, saying she met with Lieutenant Holdway and watched body-cam footage, that her perception had shifted, and that the council had 'called us liars' in her absence. She asked the council to consider a formal apology to Donna Doyle and said her daughter helped locate the puppy's owners.
• Donna Doyle, president of SAINT, defended her organization against Chief Treves' references to her and SAINT. She said she and Kathleen Seymour simply attended the June 4 meeting together and left together; she noted a January 18 meeting with the chief and other officials about ordinance changes, and said SAINT has helped animals since 2009. She called the chief's comments and the council's applause 'appalling.'
• Sean, a veteran, criticized the police chief's conduct toward speakers, defended Donna Doyle, and argued that citizens' free-speech rights are being impeded. He also raised a flag-display issue and said the flag should be flown upside down because the country is 'under distress.'
• Juan advocated for a comprehensive city policy on solar panels as home appliances, including EV charging, and estimated solar could save residents $400-500 per month. He criticized the city's fuel-tank spending and urged the council to plan for an EV future.
• Scotty, a Bullhead resident, said he had lost almost 50 'No on 416' signs, accused the city of holding two of his signs, and complained about Proposition 416 sign enforcement. He also made allegations against Mayor Brady and Councilmember Heck regarding sign rules and cancelled debates.
• Hilda Angus, Mojave County Supervisor and State Senate candidate, described the ADA playground ribbon cutting and listed ARPA-funded projects in Bullhead City, including Davis Camp upgrades, the BMX track, Veterans in Motion transportation, West Care facilities, fire department equipment, and the Gary Keith Amphitheater project.
• Eva Corbett promoted a WeCare for Animals fundraiser on Sunday at Mojave Steakhouse, 2-4 p.m., with raffles and a 50/50.
• Nicole Tracy thanked the city for permitting an April 20 walk honoring her husband, presented $1,500 checks to Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis and SAINT, and said the event raised funds for school music instruments and swimming lessons.
• Gary Genovice gave a holiday safety reminder: 'Don't celebrate the fourth with a fifth on the third.'

Manager's Reports

• Recreation Superintendent Dave Heath reported that the city's second-year summer camp program closed with 761 registrations, up from around 500 last year, including about a dozen more camp types. About 300 people attended the theater camp performance. Registration for 2025 opens in March at BullheadCity.com/recdesk; Claire Adams is the contact.
• Assistant City Manager Eddie Kajera reported on the ADA playground ribbon cutting at Rotary Park, thanking the Rotary Club for a $20,000 donation, BHHS Legacy Foundation for $30,000, and Supervisor Hilda Angus for securing more than $100,000 in ARPA funds.
• City Manager Toby Carter briefed the council on Fourth of July weekend safety, noting that Father's Day Saturday was the busiest day of the year so far, that enforcement partners include Arizona Game and Fish, Nevada Wildlife, and possibly the U.S. Coast Guard, and that the city does not shoot off fireworks but will respond to fireworks complaints and enforce safe-and-sane rules.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Auditing Services: The council awarded RFP 2024-215 to Baker Tilly U.S., LLP at a total not to exceed $231,885 over three audit periods (FY2024-2026), with an option to extend for two more audits. Approved 7-0.
• Item 6 – Bus Stop Amendments: The council adopted Ordinance 2024-21 and Resolution 2024 R-33, adding a rule that it is unlawful to remain at a bus stop shelter or bench after hours. Approved 7-0.
• Item 7 – Lighting Districts: The council approved the estimated total annual assessment of $105,056 for all improvement districts for FY2025 and authorized the city manager to sign tax levies and rate certifications. During public comment, Janice Johnston asked about dark-sky lighting alternatives; the city manager said new developments are handled case-by-case and some lower-light and solar options are already in use. Approved 7-0.
• Item 8 – Community Park Restroom: The council adopted Resolution 2024 R-34 to apply for and receive Arizona State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) funds for a new six-stall accessible restroom at Community Park, replacing portable toilets. Approved 7-0.
• Item 9 – Water Conservation Grant: The council ratified the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) grant agreement for a $3 million water conservation grant to remove turf and reduce water use at HOAs such as Pelavarde Meadows and Arroyo Vista and at city facilities. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All seven voting members approved every motion considered during the meeting (7-0).
• The city awarded a three-year audit contract to Baker Tilly U.S., LLP and adopted the bus stop ordinance and lighting district assessments.
• The city will seek SLIF funding for a Community Park restroom and will implement the ratified $3 million WIFA water conservation grant.
• The city recognized the completion of the Rotary Park ADA playground, highlighted summer camp growth, and outlined Fourth of July enforcement and safety preparations.
• The meeting adjourned with a wish for a fun and safe Independence Day.