Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - June 4, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, public comments, a manager's report covering Proposition 416 and Memorial Day statistics, and unanimous approval of all action items, including a new police union contract, engineering for a right-turn lane, a UTV trailhead parking lot, board and commission amendments, memorial additions, the tentative budget, and a hotel incentive ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the May 21, 2024, regular meeting were approved.
• Grant Resolution (2024R-24): Authorized submission of a grant application and signature by the Police Chief.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Lestat (Elks Lodge): Requested a Flag Day proclamation for June 14, 2024, and invited the council to the Elks’ Flag Day ceremony on June 9.
• Stephen Lee: Expressed concerns about political division and called for unity; referenced his late father and criticized government actions.
• Barbara Pape: Announced the Colorado River Republican Women meeting on June 4, 2024.
• Grace Felsner: Requested a bench outside the Senior Nutrition Center for seniors dropped off before opening at 8:00 AM.
• Janice Johnston: Invited the community to the Pride event on June 8 at Rotary Park.
• Kathleen Seymour: Alleged mistreatment of a lost puppy by Animal Control Officer Jay Powers on June 3, calling for investigation and transparency.
• Pamela Smith: Announced a donation of three benches from Chris Morgan for the senior center; invited council to the 80th annual GOP picnic on June 29.
• Jim Fuller: Praised attorney Ashley Garrett and criticized the local court system.
• Scotty (unstated last name): Criticized council for not allowing public comment on Proposition 416, complained about political sign theft, and stated he would place "No on 416" signs.
• Captain John Burks (Salvation Army): Shared the history of Salvation Army donut lassies and thanked the council.

Manager’s Report

• Proposition 416 Presentation: Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt and Finance Director Robert Drexler (via video) explained that Proposition 416 asks voters to increase the city’s expenditure limitation by $10 million. They clarified it is not a tax increase but allows the city to avoid borrowing for capital projects. The city currently has $50+ million in reserves and must borrow to stay under the cap. A yes vote gives flexibility; a no vote means continued borrowing.
• Memorial Day Statistics: Over the four-day weekend, police responded to 876 calls for service, 540 events, 11 motor vehicle accidents, 22 criminal arrests, and 10 watercraft accidents (3 injury, 7 non-injury). No risk ban or consumer protection violations were issued; educational enforcement is ongoing.
• New Bridge Opening: The Silver Copper Crossing bridge (named by Clark County) will open Friday, June 7, 2024, at 7:00 AM with a ceremony at 10:00 AM. The public is invited to walk the bridge before it opens to traffic.
• City Hall Improvements: New windows and doors were installed for $90,000; ADA adjustments remain.
• Senior Center Tour: Council toured the new senior center, expected to open within 60 days. A covered entrance with seating will accommodate early drop-offs.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 – Pest Abatement IGA Amendment: Approved an increase of $25,000 (from $160,000 to $185,000) for the intergovernmental agreement with the Bullhead City Pest Abatement District. Dr. Michael Cavallero presented a new light trap program for caddis flies, distributing 35 traps to riverfront residents; traps capture up to 2 pounds of flies per night. The program includes rainbow trout stocking and low-flow dam releases.
• Item 4 – Police MOU (2024–2027): Approved a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Bullhead City Fraternal Police Officers Association. Highlights: 4% cost-of-living adjustment, matching Lake Havasu City starting pay for police, dispatchers, and senior dispatchers; $1,000 retention pay before June 30, 2024. Union representative Danny Crawford confirmed unanimous member support.
• Item 5 – SR-95/Safeway Right Turn Lane Engineering: Approved a $260,650 contract with Kimley-Horn for engineering services. The project will design a continuous right-turn lane from Wells Fargo to Safeway, including drainage improvements, retaining walls, and possible entrance/exit consolidation. Funded by $8 million state budget allocation; interest covers engineering costs.
• Item 6 – UTV/ATV Trailhead Parking Lot: Approved a $1,316,502 contract with McCormick Construction Co. for a new trailhead parking lot at Silver Creek and the parkway. Includes asphalt paving, lighting, block walls, 20 truck/trailer stalls, 2 handicapped stalls, dumpsters, shaded picnic area, and utility conduits for future restroom. Funded by Arizona State Parks grant ($984,584), off-road vehicle fund ($309,944), and city match ($100,000). Completion expected within 120 days.
• Item 7 – Boards and Commissions Amendments (Ordinance 2024-17): Approved ordinance and resolution updating board/commission rules. Changes: Members must be at least 18, city residents, and have relevant experience; no member may serve on more than two boards concurrently; board actions are advisory to council; members may not involve themselves in daily operations or personnel matters.
• Item 8 – Veterans United Military K-9 Memorial: Approved concept, design, and location (Location #1, west side near Vietnam memorial) for a military canine statue at Veterans Memorial Park, funded and installed by Veterans United. Target installation by Veterans Day 2024.
• Item 9 – Cohorn Mortar Addition to Revolutionary War Memorial: Approved addition of a Cohorn mortar (replica) to the existing Daughters of the American Revolution memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. The mortar will be secured in cement and is non-operable.
• Item 10 – Tentative Budget FY 2024-2025 (Resolution 2024R-27): Adopted the tentative budget of approximately $248 million (including grants and anticipated funds). General fund is about $60 million. Contingency of $3.4 million requires council approval for expenditure. Minor modifications included increased publicity pamphlet costs ($10,000) and added part-time positions. No public objections were received.
• Item 11 – Economic Development Amendments / Hotel Incentive (Ordinance 2024-18): Approved an ordinance creating incentives for new hotel construction and renovation of existing hotels. Incentive: rebate of a portion of the city’s 2% TPT (sales tax) for up to 10 years, capped at $250,000 over the period. Requires minimum job creation (13 for new, 2 for renovated) and food/beverage service. City Manager noted TOT collections rose from $75,000 to nearly $500,000 (400% increase) since 2014. Economic impact report showed benefits exceed costs. Ordinance complies with Arizona law requiring a “bargain for exchange.”

Key Outcomes

• All action items (Items 3–11) were approved unanimously (7-0).
• Proposition 416 presentation was informational; no vote taken. The city will continue outreach before the July election.
• Donation: Chris Morgan pledged three benches for the senior center; city will coordinate placement.
• Next Steps: The tentative budget will have a public hearing at the next council meeting before final adoption. The new bridge opens June 7. Hotel incentive applications can be submitted once ordinance is effective.