Bullhead City Council Meeting – May 21, 2025
Bullhead City Council Meeting – May 21, 2025
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All council members were present. The meeting included an invocation, public comments, staff reports, and action on the annual comprehensive fee schedule.
Note: The public agenda for this date was for a canceled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting; however the transcript shows a full City Council meeting was held as scheduled.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Raymond White (site director, Nation’s Finest – Bullhead City office) publicly apologized for past leadership shortcomings, acknowledging missed opportunities to listen, lead with empathy, and collaborate. He committed to rebuilding trust and improving communication.
- Diana Lestat (Elks Lodge #2408) requested a proclamation designating June 8–14, 2025 as Flag Week and invited all to the annual Flag Day ceremony on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Elks Lodge.
- Barbara Pape (Colorado River Republican Women) announced the group’s monthly luncheon on June 7 and a bingo and burgers fundraiser on June 23 (doors 4:30 p.m., burgers until 5:30 p.m., games at 6 p.m.; presale tickets $20).
- Stephen Brown (Executive Director, Bullhead Regional Food Bank) thanked the council for a community block grant that funded a new building. The ribbon‑cutting event will be June 20 at 10 a.m. at 590 Hancock.
- Grace Hacked announced the “Little Sprouts Farmers Market” for children aged 6‑18 on May 29 (no business license required; registration at MakeBullheadBetter.com). She also promoted a Community Baby Shower on June 19 at Laughlin Ranch from 5‑7 p.m. for expecting mothers birthing May–August (25 already registered).
- Paula Pontes Hampi (La Puerta area) expressed opposition to federal VA cuts, stating the VA plans to cut 83,000 jobs (17% of its workforce) and that cuts to the veterans crisis line could eliminate 800‑900 of 1,130 remote workers. She argued these cuts harm health care, the suicide hotline, and research.
- Scotty (Bullhead resident) countered Paula’s comments, stating he recently received a 40% disability rating and has not lost benefits. He criticized the fire district for raising the tax rate to $3.51 per $100 and for a $17 million bond that left a new fire station without an engine or crew. He urged that fire board members be elected rather than appointed.
- Eric Dallakon (resident) requested upgrades (lighting, trash service) for the holiday shore area and asked about a workshop on the topic.
- Brian Driscoll (resident) opposed the planned gating of a river access at the end of Yale, stating any problems should be addressed by police, not by blocking public access.
- Pamela Smith clarified that the fire board voted on a preliminary budget at a rate of $3.51 per $100 (not the highest rate of $3.75); the final vote will be on June 24.
Discussion Items
- Item 1 – Public Hearing: Comprehensive Fee Schedule for FY 2025‑2026
- Assistant City Manager Eddie Kajero reviewed changes:
- New fee for private events at the Gary Keith Buck / Olivia McCormick Pavilion: $1,000 (plus additional charges for extra staff/cleanup).
- Updated utility recovery fee schedule for damage to city lines.
- Municipal court prosecution recovery fees set at $275 and $125.
- Reduced annual pass for neighboring community residents at Community Park from $50 to $35 (effective May 9).
- New $25 fee for budget books.
- Elimination of rental fees for council chambers and conference rooms, citing the availability of the new Optimum Community Center and hotels.
- Vice Mayor and the council discussed a proposal to increase the warrant fee and order‑to‑show‑cause fee from $50 to $75, but this was deferred to a future meeting to allow the required 60‑day public notice.
- Council member noted the $35 park pass is “very reasonable” compared to higher fees in neighboring communities.
- Public comment: Janice Johnston (Lakeside area) asked whether chambers/conference rooms would still be available for specific purposes. The city manager confirmed they will be used primarily for municipal purposes but remain open to nonprofits with a demonstrated need.
- A speaker from a local nonprofit thanked the council for waiving all park usage fees for nonprofits, a policy “thousands of dollars” in waived fees annually.
- Assistant City Manager Eddie Kajero reviewed changes:
Staff Reports
- City Manager’s Report (Toby Cotter)
- Reported on the International Shopping Center convention in Las Vegas (30,000+ attendees). Several major corporations (hotels, restaurants, gas stations, retail) have approached Bullhead City. The city no longer has to seek out developers – they now come to the city’s booth.
- Summer Camp Update (Dave Heath, Recreation Division)
- 567 campers signed up so far – the highest number ever. Sold‑out camps: Drone, Chef’s Masters (with Public Works Director Angie Johnson), first week of Lego, and first week of gymnastics. Camps nearly full: second week Lego, first week Baking, Junior Theater, Cooking. Registration closes Sunday at 5 p.m.; register at BullheadCity.com/recdesk or call 928‑763‑0158.
- Customer Service Training (Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt)
- All 350‑360 full‑time employees completed a half‑day custom training designed with Mojave County Community College, focused on professionalizing service to residents and internal collaboration. The training included police staff, the judge, and all city leaders.
- Concluding Announcements
- Mayor announced the Veterans United Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26 at noon at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Park (Eternal Flame), with free hot dogs afterward at the American Legion.
- A council member announced a Caddisfly Community Forum on Thursday, May 22 from 6‑7 p.m. in the council chambers.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to approve Resolution 2025‑R‑25 (Comprehensive Fee Schedule for FY 2025‑2026) was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (7‑0). The new fees take effect July 1, 2025.
- The proposed increase to warrant/show‑cause fees from $50 to $75 was not adopted at this meeting; it will require a future public hearing after a 60‑day notice period.
- The council confirmed that council chambers and conference rooms will no longer be rented to private businesses; they will be reserved primarily for municipal purposes, with flexibility for nonprofits on a case‑by‑case basis.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. This is Tuesday, May twentieth, twenty twenty-five, is five thirty PM. We're here for a regular schedule council meeting. Calling this meeting to order. Could I get a roll call, please? All council members are present. Thank you. We're going to start with the invitation from Pastor Stephen Brown from Priest Chapel. If you'd like to join us, please stand. Father God, you are the source of our wisdom. We ask that you give us complete understanding of our decisions that are being made here today in our city council meeting. So I ask you to guide us, to give us clarity, give us compassion as we seek the best for our community, bless our leaders with wisdom and our city with peace and prosperity. In Jesus' name I pray. I believe that true leadership requires the courage to own one's mistakes, the willingness to learn from them, and the resolve to do better in this vein, and as an expression of my commitment to the each of these principles, I ask for your indulgence. First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest apologies to those adversely affected by my shortcomings. I recognize that I have not always lived up to the high standards I set for myself, nor those expected of me as a leader. In my effort to drive progress, I've missed opportunities to listen more closely, lead with greater empathy, and participate more collaboratively with community partners and the community. For this, I'm truly sorry. I've taken time to reflect on the feedback from my colleagues, community partners, and I am committed to making meaningful meaningful changes. This experience has a reminded me of the incredible importance of kind communication, humility, and respect. My hope is that we can rebuild our working relationships and continue to make positive advancements towards the betterment of circumstances for the veterans we serve and this community. I understand that to rebuild trust will take time and consistent effort, and I am prepared to undertake the work necessary to earn that trust. As we move forward, I will work to listen more deeply, engage more fully, and lead with a renewed sense of purpose, compassion, and responsibility. I remain dedicated to our shared mission and fostering an environment where the value of every voice and every contribution is granted due respect. Thank you for the opportunity to continue in this partnership and for allowing me the opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better leader. Should you want to discuss my plans to improve, please do not hesitate to contact me to set up a meeting, and I appreciate the opportunity to expand further on the initiatives I will undertake in greater detail. With sincere gratitude and commitment, Raymond White, site director, nation's finest bullhead city office. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Who'd like to come up next? Thank you, Mayor Diamico. Vice Mayor Dan Alfonso, City Council members and staff. My name is Diana Lestat. I'm the loyal knight with the benevolent and protective order of Elk's Lodge number 2408, Bullhead City. I come before you tonight to talk about our annual flag day ceremony. We are dedicated in promoting the proper knowledge and respect for the American flag and all that it represents. The benevolent and protective order of Elks will once again perform our flag day ritual on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 at 11 a.m. The birth of the American flag was on this day in 1777. It was June 14th, 1911. The Elks began our flag day ceremony. It was not until August 3rd, 1949 that President Harry S. Truman, who was himself an Elk, signed into law designating June 14th as Flag Day. Our order was the first fraternal organization to celebrate Flag Day starting June 14th, 1911. The Elks continue this tradition today by inviting every active military member, retired veteran, first responders, citizens, and youth to attend this incredibly special open public ceremony at our lodge. The Elk's Lodge is located on the corner of Emerald Road and Hancock. Those of you who attended last year's ceremony left informed and inspired. Mayor Diumiko, the exalted ruler Walt Haunts, and the benevolent and protective order of Elks Lodge number 2408. Again ask you to declare by proclamation the week of June 8th, 2025 to June 14, 2025, as a week for every home and business to display and honor our American flag. In closing, Mayor Diumiko, Vice Mayor Dan Alfonso, City Council members and staff, our exalted ruler Walt Haunts wants to once again extend his personal invitation on behalf of all Elks to you all.
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