Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - October 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026, the Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, a manager's report, and action on several agenda items including a major general plan amendment, zoning changes, water system asset sales, and infrastructure purchases. The meeting was adjourned after approximately two hours.

Consent Calendar

• Waived reading of full ordinances and resolutions (unanimous).
• Approved consent agenda as presented (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Penny Reisner (Via O'Reilly resident) reported a stray cat problem and requested help catching the animals. Also noted stagnant water at Chaparral and Via Oriol (a "swamp") attracting mosquitoes; asked for drainage action.
• Carol Nelson (Colorado River Republican Women) announced the group's November 4th meeting with speakers Judge Rod Gileo, Mayor-elect Rodney Head, and Christopher Rose.
• Ruby Miller (Bullhead City resident) asked whether the city incurred extra costs for the Trump rally on October 14th and whether it would be reimbursed. Also asked if city employees were required to attend. Requested transparency about costs.
• Sean Regan (Bullhead City) criticized the city's response to his public records request regarding a proposed Veterans Resource Center. Alleges the city considered donating 2.33 acres of public land. Requested plain answers on the matter.
• Scotty (Bullhead City) criticized the Trump rally organization, alleging lack of handicap access and inadequate planning. Blamed city manager Toby Cotter for the event's issues.
• Harvey Pryor announced a free RC car event on Oct 31. Asked about code enforcement on Thunderstruck Road potholes. Also questioned the city's water allocation, claiming that after water cuts the city has enough for only about 86,000 residents, not 142,000.
• Kenneth Mays (new resident from California) complained about traffic safety, reckless driving, and lack of police presence. Recounted a road rage incident with a gun.
• Paula Fontes Hambi (La Puerta area) expressed concern about potential ICE presence at voting polls, citing Senator Slotkin's remarks about local law enforcement trust.
• Steve Pittman (Bullhead City) expressed support for ICE, military, and local law enforcement. Praised Bullhead City and criticized Los Angeles governance.
• Julie Hassett (President of Colorado River Concerts) promoted the upcoming concert season starting Nov 5. Noted student involvement and ticket prices.
• Christy Fouts (Bullhead City) invited public to the Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct 30 and bingo fundraiser on Oct 22.
• Unnamed male resident joked about restroom TP placement, implying poor government attention to detail.
• Misty Davinny (Bullhead City) addressed the Mojave Energy Park, arguing that its groundwater withdrawals could affect Bullhead City residents. Criticized city for limiting her time and for lack of transparency on water use. She also submitted a packet opposing the General Plan amendment.
• William Kohlhauer (Fox Creek resident, 10-year resident) strongly opposed rezoning off Bullhead Parkway, citing traffic, pollution, and loss of desert beauty.
• Marcy Herrera (Laughlin Ranch) presented a petition with 862 online signatures and 61 handwritten signatures opposing the General Plan amendment. Expressed concern about data center location.
• Harvey Pryor (returning) asked for map of the 4,400 acres and data center specifics. Questioned the applicant's transparency and involvement of Clean Spark. Expressed frustration over unanswered questions.
• Cynthia La Valley (Laughlin Ranch) opposed data center due to noise, traffic, and loss of tranquility.
• Cliff Hellwig (Laughlin Ranch) concerned about commercial traffic increase and public safety on Bullhead Parkway.
• Anonymous speaker (38-year resident) accused city of deception and prioritizing money over residents. Criticized council for lack of discussion and always voting 6-0.
• Scotty (second time) said this is not David Lord's vision. Suggested making the developer start their own city.
• Laurie Barker (Fox Creek area) shocked by 9% land mass change to industrial. Cited lack of education and water allocation problems.
• Penny Reisner (second time) worried about health, animal effects, and lack of information. Asked for Fish and Wildlife input.
• Susan asked how changing the Oct 29 meeting to Dec 1 affects Prop 149 (Nov 3 vote on General Plan).
• Kelly Geis (since 2012) advocated for sensible, controlled growth.
• Misty Davinny (returning) argued the applicant misled Planning and Zoning; opposed the extra time given. Questioned the effect on Proposition 419.
• Brent (since 1998) criticized council for lack of information and called for accountability.
• Councilmember Jason responded defensively, defending his service and transparency. Promised to answer questions after the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Major General Plan Amendment (4,400 acres south of Laughlin Ranch): Discussion only; no action taken. The applicant requested and received postponement of the public hearing to December 1, 2026. Council voted 6-0 to move the Oct 29 hearing to Dec 1. Extensive public comment expressed strong opposition, concerns about data centers, water use, traffic, and lack of transparency. Council members noted the need for more information.
• Item 6 – Zoning Map Change for Pier 95 RV Park (3.65 acres): Rezone from C2 to RP to conform to existing RV park use and allow expansion (from 35 to up to 50-65 spaces). Approved 6-0.
• Item 7 – Marble Canyon Subdivision Time Extension: Originally approved in 2006; six previous extensions. Council reduced requested 4-year extension to 2 years (5-1 vote). Planning manager noted project viability depends on market and builder.
• Item 8 – Purchase of Cloth Filter Media for Section 10 Wastewater Plant: Sole source purchase from Aqua Aerobic for $111,000.42. Approved 6-0.
• Item 9 – State Grant Application for Pedestrian Push Button Upgrades on SR 95: Resolution to apply for CDBG special projects grant for 88 push buttons at 14 intersections. Approved 6-0.
• Item 10 – Land Exchange with BLM: City trades 1,100+ acres (Don Laughlin donation) for 0.9 acre (0.79 usable) near Community Park, valued at $500,000 each. Approved 6-0.
• Item 11 – Sale of Camp Mojave and Rio Vista Water Systems: Authorized minimum bid of $2.3 million at public auction. City manager noted city not interested in operating outside city limits. Approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Public hearing on major General Plan amendment postponed from Oct 29 to Dec 1, 2026 (6-0 vote).
• Zoning change for Pier 95 RV park approved (6-0).
• Marble Canyon extension approved for 2 years instead of 4 (5-1).
• Sole source purchase of filter media approved (6-0).
• Grant application for pedestrian push button upgrades approved (6-0).
• Land exchange with BLM approved (6-0).
• Sale of water system assets with minimum bid of $2.3 million approved (6-0).
• City manager reported on presidential visit costs and training benefits; no reimbursement yet.
• Council member Jason committed to answering resident questions after the meeting.