Bullhead City Council Meeting - November 19, 2025

The Bullhead City Council met on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with all seven council members present. The agenda included a consent agenda, public comments, manager's report, council comments, and several action items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda as written (motion passed 7-0), including routine approvals and minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Pape announced the Colorado River Republican Women's December 3rd meeting at Chaparral Country Club (luncheon $35, guest speaker Gina Saboda, Arizona Republican Party chair). She expressed thanks and happy Thanksgiving.
• Diana Lestat, representing Bullhead City Elks Lodge #2408, promoted the annual Hoop Shoot free throw competition for kids ages 8-13 on December 13, 2025, at the Boys and Girls Club.
• A citizen (name not clearly stated) expressed frustration with Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) for rude treatment and threats of disconnection while his father was on life support. He criticized utility monopolies and rate increases, stating that residents' cost-of-living increases are not matched by their raises. He called for more oversight of monopolies.
• A speaker (likely Scott) complained about small flags in front of City Hall, tattered flags at memorials, and steel plates left by gas companies creating safety hazards. He requested a road from the field house to Rainbow Drive and asked two council members to put it on the agenda.
• Gary Genevieve (representing Colorado River Historical Society) promoted the honey baked ham fundraiser for the Mojave Museum, noting donations are tax-deductible.
• Eva Genevieve promoted high school drama performances (November 20-22) and thanked the interim police chief.
• Julie Hassett (Colorado River Concerts) thanked attendees and donors for the season opener featuring Mid Atlantic Men. She reported 550 students from eight schools attended a morning mini-concert. She encouraged support for performing arts and announced remaining concerts: January 15, February 5, March 17 at Mojave High School Auditorium.

Manager's Report

• City Manager Toby Cotter reported on Veterans Day events: a celebration at the peninsula with new Jeeps (approved by council) and a parade on Miracle Mile. Over 200 attended the peninsula event. Thanks to community partners.
• Chaparral Golf Course and Restaurant (formerly Chaparral Country Club) is now serving as flood retention; received its liquor license today (previously dry). The course is in best condition in years. Alcohol will be sold in a family atmosphere, not as a bar.
• A public outreach session on utility rate increases will be held November 20 at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers, including information on discounts.

Council Comments

• Councilwoman congratulated Mojave College Bighorns soccer team for defeating defending national champions and advancing to national semifinals.
• Vice Mayor thanked Desert Light Christian Academy and Malk Key Club for trash cleanup.
• Councilwoman thanked Veterans United for inviting her to speak at Veterans Day ceremony, and recognized National Honor Society inductees at Malk. She also encouraged attendance at Mojave High School football playoff game on Friday.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (Zoning Map Change and Preliminary Plat): Approved 7-0. A request to rezone 6.778 acres from R2MF to R1L-PAD and create 66 single-family townhome lots (down from 109 potential condo units). Duplex townhomes in 33 buildings. Homes expected to start in high $260s. Planning & Zoning recommended approval. No public comment.
• Item 4 (Well Drilling Contract): Approved 7-0. Contract with KP Ventures Well Drilling, not to exceed $838,003.86 for a new well in Lake Mojave Highlands area. Utilities Director Mark Clark noted the well will provide backup and additional capacity; engineer's estimate was nearly double. The city will test water for contaminants. A public commenter (Scott) expressed concern about mining contamination; Clark assured over 3,000 tests per year. Another commenter (Gardy) questioned rate increases; Clark explained the utility fund is independent and does not receive general fund money.
• Item 5 (Food Bank Contribution): Approved 7-0. One-time $25,000 contribution to Bullhead Regional Food Bank for holiday season and increased demand due to federal government shutdown. Terry Tomlinson and Stephen Brown from the food bank reported serving 34,103 families (77,466 individuals) in the past year, with over half (53%) aged 60+. In the last month during the crisis, 7,121 families (17,231 individuals) were served. Council members who visited the food bank praised its efficiency. Public comments supported the contribution; one speaker (Scott) asked about shelter from heat/rain; Tomlinson responded the issue is being addressed soon.
• Item 6 (Ordinance 2025-13 – Subdivision Code Amendments): Approved 7-0. Adopts state-required amendments to streamline planning processes. City Manager noted Bullhead City already has efficient processes but must comply with state law.
• Item 7 (2026 Legislative Priorities): Approved 7-0 with an amendment. The council added a sixth priority: pursuing funding and grants for water and wastewater improvements. The five original priorities: 1) pursuing roadway funding (right turn lanes on Highway 95), 2) pursuing public safety funding (police communication systems), 3) continuing support for state lake improvement funds (SLIF), 4) improving short-term rental legislation for local control, and 5) pursuing beneficial legislation generally. Vice Mayor proposed the addition, accepted by all.
• Item 8 (Dog Beach Hours): Approved 7-0. Extended leash-free hours at Sandy Toes Beach (Rotary Park) from 4:30-8 a.m. to 4:30-9 a.m. City Manager authorized to make further adjustments. Councilwoman Smith raised concerns about dog waste not being picked up; Manager said enforcement and education will increase, including potential loss of privileges.

Key Outcomes

• All seven agenda items were approved unanimously (7-0).
• The council adopted 2026 legislative priorities with the added water infrastructure funding priority.
• Extended off-leash dog beach hours by one hour.
• Authorized $25,000 contribution to the Bullhead Regional Food Bank from contingency funds.
• Approved a well drilling contract for $838,003.86.
• Approved zoning and plat changes for townhome development.
• Approved code amendments to comply with state law.
• The meeting adjourned after item 8.