OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – April 17, 2024 (Agenda Dated April 16, 2024)

City Council — Wednesday, April 17, 2024
BodyBullhead City, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, April 17, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:49:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Stephen Brown from Praise Chapel.

0:01

If you'd like to join us, please stand.

0:06

Hello and thank you.

0:09

Father God, I just thank you for this opportunity to bring this petition and our prayers to you this uh this evening, Lord.

0:15

We just ask that you open up our eyes of understanding.

0:17

We pray for wisdom and strength.

0:19

We pray for courage to do what's right, what's good for all of our citizens, that we put the interest above of other of our citizens above our own.

0:28

That we may act in love for the common good, that we may be good neighbors, recognizing your image in all of us.

0:35

We thank you again for this council, our mayor, and our city staff, for our first responders and all of our hospital staff as well.

0:43

And all those who work to make this place we call such a wonderful city.

0:48

We pray this in your name, and we just pray your perfect will over tonight and all the decisions that are going to be made.

0:54

In Jesus' name we pray.

0:56

Amen.

0:59

Pledge allegiance.

1:01

Pledge of the flag of the United States of America.

1:06

To the Republic.

1:09

One nation.

1:15

Please be seated.

1:19

All right, we're starting the night off with a call to the public.

1:22

You have three minutes of the individual, five minutes of with a group.

1:25

Your group must be with you.

1:26

If you are part of a group, let us know ahead of time.

1:29

With that being said, who'd like to come first?

1:36

Barbara Pape.

1:38

I'm with the Colorado River Republican women.

1:42

I'm just to announce that our Colorado River Republican meeting is May 1st.

1:48

And at the Chaparrail Country Club, 1260 Mojave Drive at 11 a.m.

1:55

to 1 p.m.

1:56

We have candidates as our guest speakers.

2:02

First one will be Mojave County Assessor Gene Kench.

2:07

Candidate running for corporate commissioner.

2:10

Leah Marquez Peterson.

2:14

And candidate for Mojave Education Superintendent John Warren.

2:19

I'm asking everybody to come and join us.

2:22

This is the luncheon.

2:24

It costs $15.

2:25

And you don't have to be a member to join us.

2:29

Thank you.

2:31

Thank you.

2:32

Next.

2:34

Anybody.

2:39

Hello, Pastor Stephen Praise Chapel in Bullhead City.

2:43

We have our new, I mean our annual revival getting set up.

2:46

We're going to be starting this Friday night with a mighty man of God coming from South Carolina, Andy Mills.

2:52

And for the next three weeks, we're going to have speakers from all over the country coming.

2:57

So it's going to be a mighty move of God, and we're just welcoming everybody to church.

3:03

Also, this Friday, we are setting up and bagging up for our monthly food handout at the Food for Families here in Bullhead.

3:11

So we're looking for volunteers.

3:12

Anybody that's available to come bag up groceries, get ready between three and six o'clock on Friday, and then meeting at the church at between 6:30 and 7 at the Food for Families the Saturday morning to hand out the groceries to everybody that comes.

3:30

So those are the two things we got going on.

3:32

Thank you.

3:33

Next, Sean.

3:49

We had a lot of good things happen here recently.

3:52

And first thing and foremost, um, I have to thank several wonderful businesses in our community for their support in our organization.

4:01

Lowe's donated um roughly $800 worth of equipment to our organization to do some cleanups for veterans and in our own locations.

4:11

Home Depot has been kind and generous and has donated um tremendously to our organization as well.

4:18

Walmart Fort Mojave and Kingman uh Sam's Club, Bullhead City.

4:25

Um the list goes on.

4:26

Um Walmart single-handedly kind of keeps us surviving during the uh summer months when a lot of the uh events slow down.

4:36

Um we do have um two canines that um had severely impacted our uh veteran um fund our veteran fund our vet fund for their uh for their health.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development████████████████████20%
Water And Wastewater Management██████████10%
Zoning Regulations██████████10%
Public Safety███████7%
Tourism Promotion██████6%
Community Engagement████4%
Election Procedures███3%
Personnel Matters███3%
Youth Programs███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – April 17, 2024 (Agenda Dated April 16, 2024)

The Bullhead City Council met on April 17, 2024 (the agenda and transcript reference April 16, 2024; the provided timestamp is used here). The meeting included public comments, a manager’s report, a consent agenda, several public hearings, and action items. Key topics included the retirement of City Clerk Sue Stein, traffic enforcement updates, an air show recap, summer camp programs, a liquor license for the Optimum Center, the Emerald Bay conceptual plan, a zoning change for Desert Rose, building code updates, a SCADA software subscription, an increase for water/wastewater testing, and a budget transfer for demolitions.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 1: Approved minutes of the April 2, 2024 Special and Regular City Council meetings.
  • Item 2 (Pulled): Ratification of a $200,000 no-bid contract for overnight security at Community Park, Bullhead Belle, and Rotary Park. After discussion and public comment, approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Item 3: Accepted dedication of public utility easements and a 1.34 acre-foot water allocation.
  • Item 4: Accepted a 16-foot public utility easement for the Holiday Inn parcels.
  • Item 5: Approved final plat for Canyon Trails at Fox Creek, Tract 5190, Unit 12, with financial assurance and water allocation.
  • Item 6: Adopted Resolution 2024R-18 approving an intergovernmental agreement with Mohave County Flood Control District.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Barbara Pape (Colorado River Republican Women) announced a May 1 luncheon meeting with candidates.
  • Pastor Stephen Brown (Praise Chapel) invited the public to a revival and monthly food handout.
  • Sean (Arizona Veteran Canine Services) thanked local businesses for donations, reported on two canines with medical issues, and promoted upcoming events and a sponsorship opportunity.
  • Scotty (Bullhead City resident) criticized the Grace Heck campaign for alleged ballot irregularities and expressed frustration with the number of registered sex offenders in the city, asking for an agenda item.
  • Larry Topping promoted the Mayhem Motorcycle Rally (April 25–28) and a poker run for veterans.
  • Eva Corbett announced a City Council candidate forum (April 18) and the National Day of Prayer (May 2).
  • Gene O’Neill questioned the no-bid nature of the security contract, stating it could cost more.
  • Sean Regan expressed concerns about the cost and duration of the security contract and questioned whether the “public safety” label is always appropriate.
  • Tim Richard (Superintendent, Colorado River Union High School District) asked the Council to clarify that the Emerald Bay conceptual plan did not include school district property, as a map shown at the Planning & Zoning Commission had caused concern. The Council confirmed the plan excludes the field house parcel.
  • Pamela Smith (Planning Commission Chairperson) questioned the availability of reclaimed water for the Emerald Bay golf course, noting that a previous meeting indicated zero reclaimed water. City Manager Cotter clarified that the city has abundant reclaimed water and the Council will decide allocations.
  • Gerald Ross expressed skepticism about water abundance and worried about potential tax breaks for the development.
  • Sean Regan (second comment) strongly opposed the Emerald Bay project, arguing it would change the character of Bullhead City and that the Council routinely ignores citizen opposition.
  • Another speaker (name not given) said the development would transform Bullhead from a small town to a major destination, which may not be desired by all residents.
  • Scotty (second comment) criticized the Council for not involving the public more and warned that environmental groups like the Sierra Club could block the project.
  • Grace Felsner questioned sewer capacity and the need for more housing rather than a golf course.
  • Gardy (public comment on Item 12) asked about PFAS testing and potential cost increases.

Discussion Items

  • Manager’s Report:
    • City Clerk Retirement: Sue Stein was honored for 13 years of service; she will retire.
    • Budget Workshop: Scheduled for May 13 at 9 a.m.
    • Highway 95 Traffic Enforcement: Police Chief Robert Treves reported 118 citations issued on the highway in the last month, plus 136 stops off-highway. The second bridge will open June 7.
    • Air Show Recap: Travis Pruitt presented a video and thanked sponsors. Highlights included new acts, a STEM area, and only one minor incident. Economic impact report pending.
    • Summer Camp Programs: Dave Heath announced 41 camps (up from 30 last year), 171 registrations already (600 total last year). Camps fill quickly.
  • Item 7 – Liquor License for Optimum Center: City Manager explained the application for a Series 5 (Government) license. Councilmember urged approval, citing control and community benefit. One councilmember opposed, citing competition with private businesses. Approved 6-1.
  • Item 8 – Emerald Bay Conceptual Plan: A 493-acre master-planned waterfront golf community with 310 single-family homes, 600 multifamily units, 105 golf casitas, a 27-hole golf course, resort, hotel, spa, beach club, lagoon, marina, and sports academy. Developer team presented. Concerns raised about water use (reclaimed water availability), impact on the school district’s field house, and change in community character. Staff clarified the plan excludes the field house parcel. Council added an amendment to the resolution confirming no encroachment on school district property. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 9 – Desert Rose Zoning Change: A 4.8-acre parcel rezoned from multifamily (88 units) to single-family (44 lots) for attainable housing. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 10 – Building Code Amendments: Adoption of 2018 international codes (first update since 2006). Effective July 1, 2024, with a grace period through September for projects under 2006 codes. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 11 – SCADA Software Subscription: Three-year subscription with Q-mation, Inc. for $99,510 (about $33,170/year) for upgraded water/wastewater monitoring software. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 12 – Water & Wastewater Testing Increase: Increase in authorized spending to $90,000 annually with Mojave Environmental Labs due to more testing (e.g., lead and copper). Councilmember Heck recused herself (spouse owns the lab). Approved 6-0, 1 abstention.
  • Item 13 – Budget Transfer for Demolitions: Transfer of $40,000 from contingency to demolish dangerous buildings; funds exhausted after 20+ demolitions this fiscal year. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda Items 1, 3-6: Approved without discussion.
  • Item 2 (Security Contract): Approved 7-0.
  • Item 7 (Liquor License): Approved 6-1.
  • Item 8 (Emerald Bay Conceptual Plan): Approved 7-0 with amendment excluding school district property.
  • Item 9 (Desert Rose Zoning): Approved 7-0.
  • Item 10 (Building Codes): Approved 7-0.
  • Item 11 (SCADA Subscription): Approved 7-0.
  • Item 12 (Testing Increase): Approved 6-0 (1 abstention, Heck recused).
  • Item 13 (Demolition Budget): Approved 7-0.

Note on Date Discrepancy: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on April 16, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. local time. The user-provided timestamp (2024-04-17 13:30 UTC) likely reflects a time zone conversion. This summary uses the provided date for the title.

Meeting Transcript

Stephen Brown from Praise Chapel. If you'd like to join us, please stand. Hello and thank you. Father God, I just thank you for this opportunity to bring this petition and our prayers to you this uh this evening, Lord. We just ask that you open up our eyes of understanding. We pray for wisdom and strength. We pray for courage to do what's right, what's good for all of our citizens, that we put the interest above of other of our citizens above our own. That we may act in love for the common good, that we may be good neighbors, recognizing your image in all of us. We thank you again for this council, our mayor, and our city staff, for our first responders and all of our hospital staff as well. And all those who work to make this place we call such a wonderful city. We pray this in your name, and we just pray your perfect will over tonight and all the decisions that are going to be made. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Pledge allegiance. Pledge of the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic. One nation. Please be seated. All right, we're starting the night off with a call to the public. You have three minutes of the individual, five minutes of with a group. Your group must be with you. If you are part of a group, let us know ahead of time. With that being said, who'd like to come first? Barbara Pape. I'm with the Colorado River Republican women. I'm just to announce that our Colorado River Republican meeting is May 1st. And at the Chaparrail Country Club, 1260 Mojave Drive at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We have candidates as our guest speakers. First one will be Mojave County Assessor Gene Kench. Candidate running for corporate commissioner. Leah Marquez Peterson. And candidate for Mojave Education Superintendent John Warren. I'm asking everybody to come and join us. This is the luncheon. It costs $15. And you don't have to be a member to join us. Thank you. Thank you. Next. Anybody. Hello, Pastor Stephen Praise Chapel in Bullhead City. We have our new, I mean our annual revival getting set up. We're going to be starting this Friday night with a mighty man of God coming from South Carolina, Andy Mills. And for the next three weeks, we're going to have speakers from all over the country coming. So it's going to be a mighty move of God, and we're just welcoming everybody to church. Also, this Friday, we are setting up and bagging up for our monthly food handout at the Food for Families here in Bullhead. So we're looking for volunteers. Anybody that's available to come bag up groceries, get ready between three and six o'clock on Friday, and then meeting at the church at between 6:30 and 7 at the Food for Families the Saturday morning to hand out the groceries to everybody that comes. So those are the two things we got going on.

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