Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – May 21, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The agenda included consent items, public hearings on a zoning map change and multiple time extensions for building permits, property acquisition, contract ratification, a fence code amendment, a senior center expansion grant, adoption of the fee schedule, and a discussion on cell tower locations. The meeting also featured a manager’s report on a missing child search, budget clarifications, bridge opening details, and summer safety, as well as council member reports and extensive public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the May 7, 2024 regular meeting.
• Approved the release of financial assurance for Canyon Trails at Fox Creek, Tract 5190, Unit 9, and acceptance of improvements.
• Approved an amendment to Section 2015 of the Bylaws of the Public Transportation Commission regarding commission member approval of minutes, and directed that all active commission bylaws be similarly amended.
• All consent items were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Denise Atwater Valen requested future council consideration to add a Cohorn mortar (12-pound full scale, inoperable bore) as a donation for the America 250 monument at the Peninsula Park. She emphasized the historical significance.
• Barbara Pape announced the Colorado River Republican Women’s June 5 meeting at Chaparral Country Club with candidates for Constable and County Assessor.
• A speaker reminded of the Memorial Day ceremony on May 27 at Veterans United Memorial Park at 12 p.m., followed by a gathering at the American Legion with free food and entertainment.
• Bruni LaPrieto (with Coral Street and Surf and Sam) congratulated the city on record numbers and requested repair of the splash pad at the small dog park at Rotary Park, which has been inoperable for almost two years. They said three people have looked at it but cannot fix it.
• Janice Johnston announced the “Pride Has No Borders” event on June 8 at Bullhead City Pride Center, with food trucks, educational presentations, and activism groups. She also continued seeking a location for a commemorative painted rock garden for Trans Day of Remembrance in November.
• A critical speaker complained about the city budget size (calling it “grotesque” for 43,000 residents), alleged spending on assistant managers, questioned the $750 bus wash claim (later corrected by staff), and asserted that First Amendment rights are being restricted. He expressed support only for water utility spending.
• Another speaker thanked the council and staff for growing the city, providing amenities, and volunteering, saying “I couldn't let us end public comment on anger and hateful comments.”
• Gary Genevieve announced the Mojave County Republican Central Committee’s 80th Annual Republican Picnic on June 29 at Wallapine Mountain Park, featuring elected officials, raffles, and sponsors.
• Eva Corbett promoted a museum talk on Olive Oatman on May 22, a fundraiser for Black Mountain Canine Rescue at Black Bear Cafe on May 22, and the Red Wave 2024 rally.
• A community member presented a $5,100 check to the Bullhead City Police Department for the Shop with a Cop program and gave words of appreciation to the fire and police departments.

Discussion Items

• Manager’s Report & Council Reports:
  • City Manager Cotter reported on the successful search for an 11-year-old girl who ran away on May 16. The search involved multiple agencies and lasted 42 hours; the child was found safe on a resident’s back porch. Police Chief Treves provided details of the exhaustive effort, including aerial searches, tracking dogs, and door-to-door canvassing. The investigation is ongoing.
  • Summer safety preparations: Police officers will be on the river with rescue boats and jet skis; beach safety patrolling begins. The city expects to maintain a flat accident trend.
  • Budget overview: Cotter clarified that the $250 million budget includes grants not yet awarded (up to $300 million from Bureau of Reclamation). He corrected a claim that a third assistant city manager is being added (it is false) and stated that the $750 bus wash figure was inaccurate—the actual cost is $75 per bus, with 58% reimbursement from ADOT. Police car washes cost about $7 at a local touch-free car wash.
  • The Laughlin Bridge (now officially named “Silver Copper Crossings”) grand opening is June 7. The public can walk the bridge from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with an official ceremony at 10 a.m. The bridge is expected to open to traffic by noon. Mayor noted he had no part in the naming and expressed preference for a different name.
  • Council members congratulated graduates, thanked volunteers for a food distribution feeding 560 families, and praised law enforcement, fire department, search and rescue, and citizens for community cooperation during the search.
  • A presentation of appreciation certificates and a check was made to the Bullhead City Fire and Police Departments.
• Action Items (Items 4–14):
  • Item 4 (Zoning Map Change): Public hearing to rezone 1.94 acres at 2373 N. Oatman Road from C2 (General Commercial) to R1L (Single-Family Limited). Staff noted the property was bought under the impression it was residential; the area is generally residential. Approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Items 5–8 (Time Extensions): Public hearings for four requests to allow applicants additional two years to obtain building permits or record final plats for various parcels. All approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Item 9 (Property Purchase): Approved purchase of two parcels from Steven Sodetz for $26,000 for the Landon Road connector project, which will connect Highway 68 to the parkway, alleviating traffic congestion. City Manager authorized to execute purchase and sales agreement.
  • Item 10 (Contract Ratification): Ratified construction contract with Premier Backhoe ($70,146.72) for the Merrill Avenue/Highway 95 water main interconnection to improve water pressure in the original Bullhead area. The project awaits a final ADOT permit.
  • Item 11 (Fence Code Amendment): Adopted Ordinance 2024-16 and Resolution 2024R-22 reinstating permit requirements for fences, walls, and retaining walls within setback areas. Contractors requested the change to ensure proper construction and inspections.
  • Item 12 (Senior Campus Expansion Grant): Accepted a $50,000 grant from BHHS Legacy Foundation, authorized transfer of up to $130,000 from contingency for furniture, fixtures, appliances, computer equipment, games, décor, intercom system, and security cameras for the new senior center building. The Mayor thanked donors including Republic Services, Culvers, and Pam Picorney. Construction is expected around July.
  • Item 13 (Fee Schedule Adoption): Adopted Resolution 2024R-23 approving the Comprehensive Fee Schedule for FY2024/2025. Notable change: service line installation fees increased to actual cost (~$7,500–$7,900) so new customers pay their own way rather than existing ratepayers subsidizing. Water tariffs were not changed.
  • Item 14 (Discussion – Cell Tower Locations): Council discussed potential use of city-owned properties for cell towers to improve coverage along the parkway and other dead zones. City Manager noted new opportunities with water tower sites acquired from Epcor. The council directed staff to further evaluate the feasibility, including design standards and public input. No vote was taken; it was discussion only.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items and action items (Items 4–13) were approved by unanimous 7-0 votes.
• Approved Ordinances 2024-11 through 2024-16 and Resolution 2024R-22 (fence code) and Resolution 2024R-23 (fee schedule).
• Authorized property purchase ($26,000), contract ratification ($70,146.72), grant acceptance ($50,000), and contingency transfer (up to $130,000).
• Directed staff to explore cell tower opportunities on city-owned land and water tower sites.