Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Meeting: Zoning, Plat Approvals, and Budget Transfers – December 17, 2025

Boards & Commissions — Wednesday, December 17, 2025

BodyBullhead City, Arizona

SessionBoards & Commissions

DateWednesday, December 17, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 8:00:01

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

4:04

Okay, can I have a roll call, please?

4:06

All council members are present.

4:08

Thank you.

4:08

Tonight's invocation will be led by Pastor Stephen Brown from Praise Chapel.

4:12

If you would like to join us, please stand out.

4:39

And most of all, your love.

5:00

In the visible with liberty and justice for all.

5:04

Thank you.

5:14

Now time for call to the public.

5:16

This is the opportunity for citizens wishing to address the council on issues within the jurisdiction of the city, but issues that are not listed on tonight's agenda.

5:28

If you would like to address the council when you approach the podium, please state your name clearly for the meeting record.

5:35

Comments from the public are limited to three minutes per individual, unless you are speaking on behalf of a group that is present with you here, at which time it will be limited to five minutes.

5:50

If you are representing a group, please notify the vice mayor before you begin your comments, and he will adjust the timer accordingly.

5:58

If your comments relate to an item on tonight's agenda, please wait until that item is called and call to the public for that item is announced.

6:07

At the conclusion of call to the public, individual members of the council may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the council.

6:16

They may ask staff to review a matter or ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda.

6:21

However, members of the council cannot discuss or take legal action on matters that are not already on the agenda.

6:30

Okay, my name is Connie Bahorkis.

6:32

I live at 600 Riverview Drive.

6:35

That's on the Riverview Curb.

6:37

And I'm addressing the council.

6:39

I would appreciate somebody looking into paving the parking lot across the street from me because it's a dirt cloud, and it's real used 24-7, and it's nothing but blowing dirt and dust right into my house.

6:53

So thank you very much.

6:55

Somebody could look into it and get back with me.

6:58

Thank you.

6:58

Thank you.

7:01

Next evening, my name is Brandy Dubois.

7:16

I'm here with my husband Rusty Dubois.

7:18

We um own Tri-State AC Hero, and we are also members of Trinity Baptist Church, where we have built a huge Christmas light display, and we are here tonight to invite the city and our community to come and visit it.

7:32

It's a free event.

7:33

Uh the lights are on every night from 6 to 9 p.m.

7:36

But Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we have Santa and Mrs.

7:39

Claus, the Grinch, Snoopy, and a live nativity.

7:43

Um so we just like you all come and visit it.

7:46

And uh, we're just trying to spend some Christmas cheer and uh let Rusty tell you a little bit more about it.

7:54

So what we've done uh at the church, um we we've done quite a bit of floats for the boom box parade in the past years.

8:02

I try to wow people and when you come down and see them.

8:06

So we've recreated at least I think it's three or four different floats that we've had down the past for the women's council.

8:14

So the kids can come in, they can interact into it.

8:17

You know, the Polar Express, they can walk through it, they can ring the bell, drive you crazy hearing the bell uh after a little bit.

8:24

Uh we added a new mountain.

8:26

So basically, inside the mountain it's decorated, it's got scene setters in there, it's real pretty.

8:32

Um basically we snow inside that mountain because out here in Bullhead, you wouldn't believe it, but there's wind here a lot.

8:40

So uh we try to put it inside uh this what I call a mountain, and if you guys go see it, you'll see how big it is.

8:48

Um just so the kids can enjoy themselves and snow and it can fall on them and not blow over their heads or blow behind them, you know.

8:56

So um we have over 20,000 synchronized lights on it.

9:02

As a matter of fact, I'm gonna go out and make the claim, and anybody can challenge me.

9:06

This is the biggest light show in Bullhead City.

9:10

Okay, I'm gonna tell you it is flat amazing.

9:13

Uh, we do have hot chocolate cocoa for anybody that wants to come over there and see it.

9:17

And like I say, I'd like to see some of you guys over there.

9:20

You guys get a chance.

9:22

Thank you.

9:22

Thank you.

9:23

I may have missed it, but what is the address?

9:25

The address is 1941.

9:28

Have a have a soup pie.

9:30

I always drive.

9:31

Have a soup pie drive.

9:32

Bullhead city.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety████████████████████████24%

Parks and Recreation███████████████15%

Education and Workforce██████████████14%

Water And Wastewater Management███████████11%

Senior Services███████7%

Tourism Promotion█████5%

Public Engagement████4%

Economic Development████4%

Community Engagement███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Meeting – December 17, 2025

On December 17, 2025, the Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting with all seven council members present. The council unanimously approved a consent calendar, heard public comment, and voted on zoning, plat approvals, an interim magistrate agreement, police vehicle marking exemptions, and a $775,000 Chaparral Golf Course budget transfer. Note: The supplied agenda is a notice that the Parks and Recreation Commission would NOT meet due to no items; the transcript instead records a City Council meeting with substantive agenda items. No minutes were provided.

Consent Calendar

A motion to waive the reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions presented for adoption passed 7-0.
The consent agenda was approved 7-0 with no items withdrawn; the specific consent items were not read aloud in the transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

Connie Bahorkis (600 Riverview Drive) asked the city to look into paving the parking lot across from her home because dirt and dust from the heavily used lot blow into her house 24/7.
Brandy and Rusty Dubois, owners of Tri-State AC Hero and members of Trinity Baptist Church, invited the city and community to a free Christmas light display with over 20,000 synchronized lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Snoopy, a live nativity, and hot chocolate. The lights are on nightly from 6 to 9 p.m.
John Pettett, representing Church Without Walls, said Catholic Charities' claim that homeless people are taken care of is not true. He reported that five homeless individuals were turned away by Catholic Charities and asked the city to address homelessness and not turn its back on the homeless population.
Nicole Tracy, with Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis, announced Red Kettle Rhythms, a Salvation Army bell-ringing event at Sam's Club on Saturday, December 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including music and community caroling.
Scotty (last name not provided) complained about a mailed theft report that cost $1.03 and contained minimal details, a 31-day delay in receiving a collision report, and fees for police body-camera photos. His time expired.
Leslie Chester and Catherine Lopez Rajanimi, with Community Pride Advocates, announced winners of the Gary Keith Park lighting display contest: St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church won judges' choice and best overall, JATCOM won best solar use/White Christmas, and Mountain View Homes won the public choice award with 42 votes. The lights remain on through December 28.
Rose Jacobs, representing the Colorado River Concert Series, promoted its 51st season at Mojave High School Auditorium, including upcoming performances by Lauren Jilkov Kokovich, the Brothers Doobie, and the Swan Brothers. Season tickets for the remaining three concerts are $100, individual tickets are $35, and student tickets are $5.

City Manager's Report and Staff Reports

The City Manager praised the community's holiday events, noted the upcoming boat parade, and reported that the council toured the new animal shelter at the old newspaper building on Miracle Mile. The shelter is expected to open in spring 2026, with a community celebration planned.
Assistant City Manager Eddie Jair reported on the November 4 hazardous and bulky item drop-off day. The biannual event collected 5,325 pounds of electronics and small appliances, 84 TVs (64 flat-screen, 16 CRT, and 4 projection), 109 truckloads of bulk items totaling 5.6 tons, 300 sandbags, and 3,500 pounds of lithium and lead-acid batteries, along with other household hazardous waste.
Councilmember O'Neill thanked Bullhead City Police Department staff and volunteers for distributing about 22,000 stuffed animals and other gifts to children during the holiday season. Other councilmembers also shared holiday greetings and community announcements.

Discussion Items

Item 4 – Zoning extension at 2350 Silver Creek Road: Following a public hearing, the council approved Ordinance 2025-14, amending the prior zoning approval to allow additional time to obtain building permits for a 9.8-acre mixed-use planned area development. Planning Manager Johnny Laura reported the project would include approximately 75 high-end storage units with some apartments and about 112 apartments. The applicant had not yet submitted building plans, but the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Motion passed 7-0.
Item 5 – City Center District final plat and water allocation: The council approved the final plat creating Lot 4 (20.85 acres, approximately 155 residential units) and Lot 5 (approximately 2 acres commercial) from a 246-acre parcel, along with a water allocation of 52.39 acre-feet, and authorized the mayor to sign the plat. The City Manager stated the city has 30,000 acre-feet of water, uses about 12,000 to 15,000 acre-feet per year, and has approximately 15,000 acre-feet of unused water, adequate for growth to well over 100,000 people. Motion passed 7-0.
Item 6 – Montano Ridge Tract 5156, Unit 2 improvements: The council approved acceptance of all required public improvements into the city system, subject to completion of three outstanding items identified in the Utility Department's December 6, 2025 memo. Financial assurance will be released once the items are accepted in writing. Developer Dan Ayler explained delays related to a sewer lift station generator and SCADA system and said he hoped the items would be completed within a few weeks. One councilmember was excused due to a conflict; motion passed 6-0.
Item 7 – Interim city magistrate agreement: The council approved an agreement with former mayor and former justice of the peace Tom Brady to serve as interim city magistrate at $75 per hour with no other benefits, following Magistrate Richard Spear's resignation. The city manager was authorized to execute the agreement. Motion passed 7-0.
Item 8 – MAGNET memorandum of understanding: The council adopted Resolution 2025 R-52 approving the MOU between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Mojave Area General Narcotic Enforcement Team. Interim Police Chief Danny Sharp said the agreement codifies ongoing collaboration and assists in stemming illegal drug flow across the border. Motion passed 7-0.
Item 9 – BARK site security improvements: The council approved a budget transfer not to exceed $20,000 from contingency to the BARK site improvement budget to install a fence and roll gate securing the police ramp and BARK play area at 2435 Miracle Mile. Motion passed 7-0.
Item 10 – Police vehicle marking exemptions: The council approved exemptions from the city marking requirements of ARS 38-538 for vehicles used for investigations, undercover work, special operations by command staff, prisoner transport, and animal transport for alteration or medical services. The city manager was directed to verify ongoing exemptions annually. Motion passed 7-0.
Item 11 – Chaparral Golf Course budget amendment: The council approved a $775,000 budget amendment from the general fund contingency to the Marketplace Chaparral Golf Course cost center for assumed debt, wages, operating costs, and improvements through February 2026. The City Manager said the city assumed approximately $350,000 in liabilities and has brought in about $40,000 in revenue since taking over the course. Motion passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

The consent calendar and all agenda items were approved. Votes were 7-0 on the consent calendar and Items 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11; Item 6 passed 6-0 with one councilmember excused.
The council authorized an interim magistrate agreement, approved police vehicle marking exemptions, and directed annual verification of those exemptions.
The council closed with holiday greetings and noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, can I have a roll call, please? All council members are present. Thank you. Tonight's invocation will be led by Pastor Stephen Brown from Praise Chapel. If you would like to join us, please stand out. And most of all, your love. In the visible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Now time for call to the public. This is the opportunity for citizens wishing to address the council on issues within the jurisdiction of the city, but issues that are not listed on tonight's agenda. If you would like to address the council when you approach the podium, please state your name clearly for the meeting record. Comments from the public are limited to three minutes per individual, unless you are speaking on behalf of a group that is present with you here, at which time it will be limited to five minutes. If you are representing a group, please notify the vice mayor before you begin your comments, and he will adjust the timer accordingly. If your comments relate to an item on tonight's agenda, please wait until that item is called and call to the public for that item is announced. At the conclusion of call to the public, individual members of the council may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the council. They may ask staff to review a matter or ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda. However, members of the council cannot discuss or take legal action on matters that are not already on the agenda. Okay, my name is Connie Bahorkis. I live at 600 Riverview Drive. That's on the Riverview Curb. And I'm addressing the council. I would appreciate somebody looking into paving the parking lot across the street from me because it's a dirt cloud, and it's real used 24-7, and it's nothing but blowing dirt and dust right into my house. So thank you very much. Somebody could look into it and get back with me. Thank you. Thank you. Next evening, my name is Brandy Dubois. I'm here with my husband Rusty Dubois. We um own Tri-State AC Hero, and we are also members of Trinity Baptist Church, where we have built a huge Christmas light display, and we are here tonight to invite the city and our community to come and visit it. It's a free event. Uh the lights are on every night from 6 to 9 p.m. But Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we have Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Snoopy, and a live nativity. Um so we just like you all come and visit it. And uh, we're just trying to spend some Christmas cheer and uh let Rusty tell you a little bit more about it. So what we've done uh at the church, um we we've done quite a bit of floats for the boom box parade in the past years. I try to wow people and when you come down and see them. So we've recreated at least I think it's three or four different floats that we've had down the past for the women's council. So the kids can come in, they can interact into it. You know, the Polar Express, they can walk through it, they can ring the bell, drive you crazy hearing the bell uh after a little bit. Uh we added a new mountain. So basically, inside the mountain it's decorated, it's got scene setters in there, it's real pretty. Um basically we snow inside that mountain because out here in Bullhead, you wouldn't believe it, but there's wind here a lot. So uh we try to put it inside uh this what I call a mountain, and if you guys go see it, you'll see how big it is. Um just so the kids can enjoy themselves and snow and it can fall on them and not blow over their heads or blow behind them, you know. So um we have over 20,000 synchronized lights on it. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna go out and make the claim, and anybody can challenge me. This is the biggest light show in Bullhead City. Okay, I'm gonna tell you it is flat amazing. Uh, we do have hot chocolate cocoa for anybody that wants to come over there and see it.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com