Bullhead City Council Meeting – September 17, 2025

The Bullhead City Council met on September 17, 2025 (noted: the transcript indicates the meeting occurred on September 16, 2025, but the agenda and instructions specify September 17). The council recognized retiring Police Chief Robert Treves, approved several proclamations, and took action on a range of items including a turf-reduction water conservation grant, the acquisition of the Chaparral Golf Course, a liquor license for that course, water and sewer rate increases, a fee reduction, and professional engineering services. The meeting lasted from approximately 5:30 PM to after 8 PM.

Consent Calendar

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

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Aldridge urged the city to make Narcan free and accessible in churches and libraries, citing the opioid crisis and the difficulty for seniors and youth to obtain it.
• Nancy Horn (Veterans in Motion) described free classes for veterans and a transportation program that had transported 826 veterans in the first half of 2025, requesting donations and volunteer drivers.
• Jill Ramelot promoted River Fund’s Duck Pluck fundraiser on November 15, 2025, noting that duck adoptions help provide shelter, birth certificates, gas, and work cards.
• Paula Fontus Hambi expressed concern about a “list” and fear in the community, urging peacemaking and referencing JFK’s 1963 speech.
• Scotty (speaker) criticized the nationwide search for a new police chief, arguing Captain Harms should be promoted, and questioned the cost and council’s oversight.
• Nancy Ryan deferred comment on the Chaparral liquor license until that agenda item.
• Ashley Hook (Arroyo Vista resident) presented a petition with nearly 200 homeowner signatures opposing the turf-reduction grant project, citing lack of transparency and a desire for a vote.
• Sue Hazlet (Arroyo Vista resident) supported the grant, noting the water price increases and that the HOA board had been discussing it for three years.
• Gary Davis (Arroyo Vista resident) supported the grant due to water shortages, mentioning the aquifer dropping 10 feet in one year.
• Penny Reisinger (near Chaparral) expressed concern about lack of notification regarding the golf course acquisition and flooding issues.
• Sean Reading (Bullhead City) opposed the golf course acquisition, arguing it was done in secret and would lead to increased taxes and fees, comparing it to prior city acquisitions.
• Bart Anderson (Bullhead City) opposed the golf course purchase, stating it was a “sinking ship” and questioning why the city should compete with private enterprise.
• Jan Heath (Arroyo Vista member of Chaparral) said the process was not a secret and that members were informed.
• Jackie Miller asked about the timeline and management changes for the golf course.
• Bob Arp (Arroyo Vista) argued the city should not run a business that competes with private enterprise and should put the golf course out to bid.
• Eva Genevieve (Bullhead City) noted the poor condition of Chaparral facilities and questioned what property was included in the purchase.
• Bern at Scutoro criticized the water quality and sewer smell, urging action on those issues rather than rate increases.
• Multiple speakers on the golf course and water rate items expressed varied positions.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations and Presentations:

  • Certificate of appreciation for retiring Police Chief Robert Treves, who served from October 4, 2004 to September 17, 2025 (Chief from February 21, 2021). Chief Treves gave a lengthy farewell speech emphasizing constitutional policing and community engagement.
  • Proclamation for National Night Out (October 1, 2025) in conjunction with the police department’s 40th anniversary.
  • Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week (October 5–11, 2025) with theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
  • Proclamation for Constitution Week (September 17–23, 2025) presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

• Item 4 – Palm Village Estates Final Plat Extension: Approved the sixth extension (two years) to allow the applicant additional time to record the final plat. (7-0)

• Item 5 – Arroyo Vista Park Turf Reduction Grant: Approved a $500,000 grant (with $100,000 match – $50,000 from HOA and $50,000 from city water conservation fund) to remove approximately 52,000 square feet of turf. The HOA board voted in favor; some residents opposed via petition. Council emphasized that the HOA board is elected to make decisions and that water conservation is critical. The agreement allows minor modifications to the landscaping layout. (7-0)

• Item 6 – Acquisition of Chaparral Golf Course: Approved the purchase agreement assuming liabilities of approximately $406,000 (including back taxes) for the golf course, clubhouse, restaurant, pool, and all assets (estimated worth $4 million). The city will operate it as a municipal golf course, with a commitment to keep it as a golf course for at least 10 years, after which it may revert to other recreational/public purposes. City Manager Cotter stated the city expects to generate over $1 million in annual revenue. The CCC Inc. board and members voted to authorize the sale. (7-0)

• Item 7 – Liquor License for Chaparral Golf Course: Approved the application for a Series 5 liquor license. (7-0)

• Item 8 – Water and Sewer Rate Increase: Approved a three-year phased increase effective January 1, 2026. The average residential water customer (6,000 gallons/month) in the Mojave area will see an increase of about $5–$7.70 per month, with larger users facing higher increases. Sewer rates will rise from $36.36 to $39.16 in the first year. The city also reinstated the Utilities Assistance and Discount Program (UADP) offering up to $20/month discounts for income-eligible households. (7-0)

• Item 9 – Colorado River Water Safety Fee Reduction: Approved reducing the fee from $20 to $10 per multi-copy form for commercial watercraft rentals, as the commercial launch ramp has been paid off. (7-0)

• Item 10 – City Center Improvement District Engineering Services: Approved a contract with EPS Group Inc. for professional assessment engineering services in an amount not to exceed $61,750. (7-0)

Key Outcomes

• All action items (Items 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) were approved unanimously (7-0).
• The city will assume ownership and operation of the Chaparral Golf Course, with maintenance starting immediately and full operations by November 1, 2025.
• Water and sewer rates will increase on January 1, 2026; the city will conduct community outreach to explain the rate structure.
• The Colorado River water safety fee will be halved, effective upon adoption.
• The city will launch a new website (bullheadcityaz.gov) on September 29, 2025.
• The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the food sharing ordinance appeal; a decision is pending.