Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2024
Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - June 18, 2024
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., the Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a lengthy call to the public (about 20 speakers), agenda modifications, a waiver motion, the manager's report, and a mayor's workshop on political sign regulations. The Council then proceeded through 16 action items, including zoning changes, appointments, contracts, and budget amendments. All items were approved, most unanimously, with only one item (Ordinance 2024-20, the rezoning of 490 Riverview Drive) passing 6–1.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes: Approved the minutes of the June 4, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.
- Catholic Charities Agreement: Approved the Fourth Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement with Catholic Charities Community Services for the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope (effective July 1, 2024).
- River Fund Grant: Approved the “River Fund Transportation Assistance Grant” in the amount of $50,000 to assist homeless individuals with transportation needs.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tom Brady (former mayor): Expressed full support for Proposition 416, stating it does not raise taxes and that the city cannot impose new taxes without a vote of the people. He refuted claims by “Scotty” as false.
- Robert Ensley (Kiwanis Club): Expressed frustration that their annual Cornfest (which returns $40,000 to local youth) conflicts with a new balloon festival scheduled for the same weekend. He stated the city “dismissed” their concerns and asked for better coordination.
- Sue DeMarco (SAINT – Saving Animals in Need Together): Reported that the organization issued 330 spay/neuter vouchers in May and spent $11,000 year-to-date on emergency pet medical help. She requested public donations and announced upcoming events.
- Gary Quick (solar homeowner): Stated that solar panel owners supply substantial power to the grid (he personally contributed 1,500 kWh in one month) but are not recognized. He also noted a new tariff imposed on solar customers.
- Ern Fox (solar homeowner): Noted that installing solar increases property values and thus property taxes, generating revenue for the city, and asked for more support for solar residents.
- Gary Genevieve: Urged support for the proposed Mojave Energy Peak Power Plant (a gas turbine plant) to prevent brownouts and blackouts, and encouraged attendance at the July 1 Board of Supervisors meeting.
- Terry Tomlinson (Legacy Connection): Provided a presentation on the Connection Express program, which delivered clothing and school supplies to over 4,896 Bullhead City School District youth. She noted a 26% increase in Backpack Buddy participation and rising costs (from $80 to $110 per student).
- Other speakers: Spoke on topics such as the middle class, solar education, political signs, community events (Republican picnic, summer camps), and a request for benches. One speaker criticized the city for alleged sign removal.
Manager’s Report
- Animal Complaint Response: Police Chief stated that a citizen’s allegations about an animal control officer mistreating a dog were false. Body camera footage showed the officer was professional, polite, and compassionate. The citizen later acknowledged the video contradicted her claims.
- Bridge Grand Opening: The new bridge opened on June 7, 2024. A video recap was shown. The project was funded by the federal government, Clark County, and Bullhead City.
- Soccer Stadium Groundbreaking: The city and Mohave Community College held a groundbreaking for a new soccer complex at Rotary Park. The city owns the facility; the college will use it for home games. A $250,000 grant from Arizona Office of Tourism supported the project.
- Summer Camp: McKenzie Covert reported that over 700 registrations had been received for the city’s summer camp series (up nearly 100 from last year). Camps include gymnastics, science, cooking, and more. Registration remains open at bullheadcity.com/recdesk.
- City Incorporation Celebration: A 40th anniversary community party will be held on August 24, 2024, at Community Park (save-the-date).
- Cooling Stations: Primary center is the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center (8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily); Salvation Army open Mon–Sat 8:30–4; Senior Campus open Mon–Fri 8–4 for those 50+. Additional centers are activated after three consecutive days of 120°F or higher. The city stands ready to respond to power outages.
- TWN Fiber Construction: Jeremy Brunk announced TWN will install fiber optic network in the city. Work zones include Hancock north to the river, Raymer north to the river, and Baseline north to the river. Micro-trenching methods will be used, with signs and door hangers to notify residents. Monthly updates will be provided.
Discussion Items
- Board/Commission Appointments (Items 4, 5, 6):
- Board of Adjustment (2 seats): Robert Schoen (7 votes) and Jacqueline Edge (6 votes) were appointed.
- Parks and Recreation Commission (3 seats): Amanda Amon, Heather Petrillo, and Wanda Strosnider were each appointed (7 votes each).
- Planning and Zoning Commission (4 seats available, 4 applicants; only 3 received sufficient votes): Gary Genovese, Pamela Smith, and Matthew Delfave were appointed. David Jenkins did not receive enough votes.
- Ordinance 2024-18 (Item 7): Approved a zoning map change from C2 to R1L for 1674 Havasupai Drive to allow a single-family home. The owner, Steve Morocca, stated it was for his retirement. Passed 7–0.
- Ordinance 2024-19 (Item 8): Approved a zoning change from R2MF to R1L-PAD with a preliminary plat for Sunbeam Drive Townhomes (36 townhome lots on 5 acres). Passed 7–0.
- Resolution 2024R-30 (Item 9): Approved an amendment to the General Plan land use designation from Park/Open Space to High Density Residential for a 1.19-acre parcel at 490 Riverview Drive. Developer Alex Bingochea (River Sippin) plans multifamily townhomes. Passed 7–0.
- Ordinance 2024-20 (Item 10): Approved a zoning change from C2 to R2MF-D2 for the same 490 Riverview Drive parcel, allowing up to 25 townhomes in four buildings with carports. Access is via a BLM easement; a 50-year lease is pending. Conditions include paved road and fire sprinklers. Passed 6–1 (Councilmember Ring opposed, citing traffic concerns).
- Lease (Item 11): Approved a 5-year lease for pest abatement lab space at 2135 Highway 95 at $700/month plus $275 operating expenses. Passed 7–0.
- Water Meter Purchase (Item 12): Ratified the purchase of 720 Neptune meters from Core & Main for $218,433.60, and waived competitive bidding to secure meters after a supplier merger. The city saved approximately $50,000 by buying ahead. Passed 7–0.
- Intergovernmental Agreement (Item 13): Approved the renewal of the prisoner detention agreement with Mohave County, with estimated expenditures of $307,000. Daily fee is $11.61 plus a booking fee of $918.95. Passed 7–0.
- Legacy Connection Grant (Item 14): Approved a $35,000 grant (from contingency) to support clothing, school supplies, and other needs for children in the Bullhead City School District. Terry Tomlinson noted a 26% increase in Backpack Buddy participation and a 92% average increase in overall youth served. Passed 7–0.
- Budget Amendments (Item 15): Authorized $1,067,708 in budget amendments across various funds and departments to close out the fiscal year. Passed 7–0.
- Vice Mayor Appointment (Item 16): Councilmember Dan Alfonso was appointed Vice Mayor for fiscal year 2024-2025. Passed 7–0.
Mayor’s Workshop on Political Signs
- Mayor D’Amico presented a brief workshop on political sign regulations, clarifying that signs must include the candidate’s name and phone number or website. Signs are prohibited on school district property (including the BLM-leased area at Hancock and Highway 95) and on ADOT right-of-way along Highway 95. Signs placed on private property require permission; if removed, there is no recourse. Signs are allowed in city right-of-way but not in center medians.
Key Outcomes
- All 16 action items were approved; 15 were unanimous (7–0); Item 10 (Ordinance 2024-20) passed 6–1.
- Appointments: Two Board of Adjustment members, three Parks and Recreation Commissioners, and three Planning and Zoning Commissioners were appointed.
- Zoning changes: Three parcels were rezoned to facilitate residential development (one single-family, two multifamily).
- Grants and contracts: $50,000 for homeless transportation, $35,000 for youth assistance, and $307,000 for prisoner detention were approved, along with a meter purchase and pest-abatement lease.
- Vice Mayor: Dan Alfonso will serve as Vice Mayor for FY 2024-2025.
- Public safety transparency: The police chief provided video evidence to refute an animal mistreatment allegation, clearing the officer.
Meeting Transcript
And I'd like to use that prayer as our invocation tonight if I could. Let's bow our heads. Almighty God, you have given us this good land for our heritage. We come humbly to you that we may always prove ourselves mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable service, sound learning and good manners. Save us, Lord, from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought to this country out of many nations and tongues. Dear Lord, give us the spirit of wisdom and give it to those whom we entrust with the authority of government, that there might be justice and peace at our homes. In time of prosperity, Lord, fill our hearts with thankfulness. And in the day of trouble, help our trust in thee not to fail. All of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Please join me in the Pledge Allegiance to our sister of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it's tax. One nation under God. Liberty of Justice Pearl. Please be seated. All right, now on to our call to the public. If you're speaking as an individual, you have three minutes. If you're speaking as a group, you have five minutes. You must let us know you're speaking as a group, and your group must be with you. Mayor, council, staff, it's my pleasure to be here. My name's Tom Brady. You all know me. I'm the former mayor of Bullhead City, and I volunteered to be the chairman of the Yes on 416 committee, and because I think it's very important and is vital for our community for its passage. I'm limited to three minutes now, so I'm not going to be able to talk about what 416 means, but I think it's very important that I dispel some of the patently false information that Scotty and others in our community are saying. Scotty and his followers have been making the statement that Proposition 416 is going to increase taxes, if not now, in the future. Nothing could be further from the truth. Proposition 416 is not asking for a tax increase now, and the city is prohibited from doing it now or in the future without a vote of the people. So that any talk about 416 increasing taxes is patently false. Let me explain further. Bullhead City has only three taxes that they have any direct control over. One is the two cent sales tax, which everybody is familiar with. The second is the two cent use tax, which is a tax imposed by the city on anyone who purchases a makes a large purchase out of states, such as going to Las Vegas and buying a vehicle and bringing it back to Bullhead City and registering it here. And the third tax that the city has direct control over is the transient occupancy tax, which is more commonly known as the bed tax, and that is a tax on motels, on Airbnbs, and on any dwelling unit that is occupied for less than 30 days. Those again are the only taxes that the city imposes themselves. And the city does not impose any property taxes like I saw in an online video just today. Property taxes are under the control of both the county and the state. The city does not have a property tax. So now the truth is that in 1989, city voters here in Bullhead City passed proposition 003, which prohibits the city from raising or imposing any new taxes or any assessments without a vote of the people. I repeat, the city cannot raise or impose any new taxes without a vote of the people, and 416 is not asking for that. You can read it for yourself if you actually go to the city municipal code under chapter 3.24 titled Voter Approval of Tax Increases. So for Scotty or anyone else who says Proposition 416 will increase taxes, is not telling the truth. Only the voters in the future can decide that. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Next. Next Stephen Lee, Bullhead City.
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