Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - May 7, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation, colors presented by Mohave High School JROTC, the National Anthem sung by Madison McKee, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by U.S. Army recruiters. A special presentation by Tri-State Military Moms, Inc. retired five military banners and added 15 new banners to the Heroes Highway display, marking the 10th anniversary of the program. The council then proceeded through the agenda, approving all items.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Tri-State Military Moms, Inc. conducted the 19th Military Banner Retirement Ceremony. Five former service members were honored: Sierra Connell (U.S. Marine Corps), Jeffrey Costa (U.S. Army), Christina Duggins Markey (U.S. Navy), Jacob Hardy (U.S. Army), and Alexis Dozier (family not present). Fifteen new banners were added. The program, which began in May 2014, has now recognized 169 service members. Mayor Steve Diamico and the council presented certificates of appreciation.

Manager’s Report

• City Manager Toby Cotter reported on several items:
  • River Run Motorcycle Rally Statistics (May 2-5, 2024): Police Chief Trebes reported 629 calls for service (down from 661 in 2023), 31 arrests (same as 2023), 5 DUI arrests (up from 3), 13 motor vehicle accidents (down from 23; 11 non-injury, 1 injury, 1 fatal), 113 traffic stops, 76 citations, and 2 narcotics arrests. The number of motorcycles was estimated to have doubled from 2023.
  • Budget Workshop: Scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, at 9:00 AM. The proposed 657-page budget is available online.
  • Bridge Grand Opening: Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with a public bridge walk from 7:00-11:00 AM.
  • Summer Camp Registration: Open via the city website.
  • E-Recycling and Shred Event: Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 8:00 AM to noon.
  • Welcome to new City Clerk Debie Ogden.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0):
  1. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on April 16, 2024, and the Regular City Council Meeting on April 16, 2024.
  2. Grant application from SC Johnson for $47,482.50 for customer service training, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement if granted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Fuller (Bullhead City resident): Corrected a previous action where he helped remove Ashley Garrett from the Mojave County Republican Central Committee executive committee; he expressed that Ashley Garrett is an outstanding citizen.
• John Sullivan (representing Desert Shores Community Baptist Church): Invited the council and public to a murder mystery dinner theater fundraiser on May 17 to support building a new church debt-free.
• Stan (Bullhead City resident): Urged the council to allocate funding for an RC car dirt track and lighting at Rotary Park to mentor youth.
• Grace Felsner (resident): Called for improved medical care in Bullhead City and Laughlin, citing long wait times and insufficient providers. Suggested converting vacant buildings into medical complexes.
• Darien Randles: Announced a free community event, the Big Tent Event, at Gary Keith Park on May 11-12, featuring games, rides, and entertainment.
• Captain John Burks (Salvation Army): Highlighted the Salvation Army’s upcoming National Week and thanked the community.
• Harvey Pryor (resident since 1987): Raised concerns about the utility department’s second-in-command and questioned $750 per week for washing city vehicles, alleging potential misuse of federal funds. He requested detailed work orders.
• Nick Parsons (resident): Praised the digital billboard message “drive slow drivers stay to the right” and urged enforcement to help emergency vehicles.
• Scotty (resident): Criticized the council for spending, alleged campaign fundraising during a recess at a previous meeting, and questioned the need for outside consultants.
• Eva Corbett (Bullhead City): Promoted museum events, a presentation on Olive Oatman (May 22), a chamber mixer (May 16), and school music and drama performances on May 9 and 14.
• Sue DeMarco (representing Saving Animals in Need Together): Reported recent adoptions and thanked supporters; the organization is seeking board members.

Discussion Items

• Item 4: Investment Grade Audit Agreement with Schneider Electric – Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt and Brandon Woodward of Schneider Electric presented a proposal to conduct a deep-dive energy audit of city facilities. The audit would identify potential savings in the city’s $2.6 million annual energy costs. If the city later implements improvements, there is no cost for the audit; if the city declines to proceed, a $168,000 exit fee applies. The agreement is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes requiring savings to exceed costs. Councilmember Lettman expressed confidence in city staff and a preference for in-house work, but the motion passed 7-0.
• Item 5: Additional Expenditure for Asphalt Emulsion – Public Works Director Angie Johnson requested a $241,374.51 increase to an existing contract with Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions for an additional 300 tons of PMCQS-1h asphalt emulsion to finish slurry sealing on the parkway. Funds were available in the existing budget. The motion passed 7-0. Johnson noted night work for striping is ongoing, with completion expected by May 17.
• Item 6: Pawnbroker Amendments 2024 – Police Chief Trebes explained minor code amendments to align with state law and current practices, including time frames for holding items and administrative fees. The ordinance and resolution were adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Item 7: Park Security Cameras – Public Works Director Dave Heath presented a plan to install cameras at 37 locations in Community and Rotary Parks, funded by a $236,118.94 transfer from the General Fund Contingency. Four cameras are already installed. The project includes a portable camera for flexible use. Councilmember Lettman and Mayor Diamico emphasized the need to combat vandalism. The motion passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All action items were approved unanimously (7-0):
  • Item 3 (Liquor License): Recommended approval of a Series 10 beer and wine license for Circle K #9561 at 1080 Highway 95.
  • Item 4 (Energy Audit): Approved the Investment Grade Audit Agreement with Schneider Electric.
  • Item 5 (Asphalt Emulsion): Approved the additional $241,374.51 expenditure for slurry seal.
  • Item 6 (Pawnbroker Code): Adopted Ordinance 2024-10 and Resolution 2024R-21.
  • Item 7 (Park Cameras): Approved the transfer of $236,118.94 from contingency and the agreement with STEP CG, LLC.
• Next Meetings: Budget workshop on May 13; next regular meeting date not specified but typically follows the monthly schedule.
• Public Notices: Residential recycling discontinued; Republic Services trash collection schedule provided.