Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - July 16, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, a manager's report covering July 4th statistics, park upgrades, Colorado River water levels, and an explanation of Proposition 416. The council approved a construction contract for the new animal shelter, an engineering amendment, and a senior services grant agreement. Item 5 was pulled from the agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the July 3, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
• Adopted Resolution No. 2024R-35, ratifying the City Manager's execution of the Arizona State Purchasing Cooperative Agreement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple speakers criticized Councilmember Grace Hecht for a campaign postcard attacking Rich Lettman, calling it a "hit piece" filled with "half-truths." Speakers expressed support for Lettman in his run for Mojave County Supervisor District 2.
• Stephen Lee urged voters to vote against Grace Hecht, citing campaign lies and her support for Catholic charities, which he claimed bring in illegal aliens. He also expressed concerns about city spending.
• A resident (speaker not named) complained about being targeted by a police officer, receiving three tickets in one month, and feeling unsafe. He criticized the placement of officers at the front of the room and lack of response from the police department.
• Terry Constantino, president of Live Love Bark, announced a Stars and Stripes Bunko fundraiser on July 26 at the new animal shelter location.
• Scotty (unidentified) criticized the city council for raising campaign funds, claimed he owed nobody, and urged a "no" vote on Proposition 416. He also referenced a letter he plans to send to the Attorney General.
• Sue DeMarco, representing Saving Animals in Need Together (SAINT), spoke about the need for animal adoptions and encouraged donations and attendance at their Mimosas and Mutts event on July 27.
• Annette Wegman Wood called for professionalism and respect in local politics, supporting Rich Lettman and condemning personal attacks.
• Gary, a Bullhead City resident with solar panels, complained about a tariff he must pay to Mojave Electric Co-op (MEC) because he has solar, asking the council for guidance on how to address it.
• Aaron Fox thanked Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt for reaching out to a previous speaker and urged council members to help residents navigate issues with MEC and the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Discussion Items

• Manager's Report:
  • Lieutenant Marv Harris presented July 4th weekend statistics: 926 calls for service (down from 1,033 in 2023), 15 criminal arrests, 5 DUIs, 12 motor vehicle accidents with 2 injuries, 58 calls for fireworks, and 1 fireworks citation. Beach safety stats included 647 public contacts, 32 prohibited fueling, 378 prohibited glass, and 33 lifeguard dispatches.
  • City Manager Toby Cotter highlighted upgrades to Ken Fovargue Park, including a new shade structure over the little Tikes playground and benches donated by the Kiwanis Morning Club.
  • Cotter discussed water levels on the Colorado River, noting that the city does not regulate them; the Bureau of Reclamation controls releases from Davis Dam for power generation and downstream water supply, with recreation a lower priority. He provided the release schedule for the coming days.
  • Travis Pruitt, Assistant City Manager, gave an explanation of Proposition 416, a ballot measure to raise the state-imposed spending limit (set in 1980) to allow the city to spend cash on hand rather than borrowing. He emphasized it does not raise taxes. A video was shown. Cotter added that the city has $45 million in reserves and that borrowing when cash is available is not good business. He clarified that the council will still adopt a balanced budget and that no tax increase is involved. Cotter also responded to solar panel concerns, stating that MEC is regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission, not the city.
• Action Item 3: Construction Contract for Animal Resource Center (BARC):
  • Human Services Director Jeff Tipton presented a timeline from March 2022 through June 2024, including the purchase of the former Mojave Valley Daily News building for $1.75 million. The council approved a construction contract with Precise Builders, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,856,336. The project includes a 27,353 sq ft remodel with cat condos, large and small dog kennels, a veterinarian area, dog wash, and crematorium. Public input via surveys and tours informed the design. Total project cost is estimated at about $6 million including ancillary expenses.
  • Questions from council addressed the firm fixed price contract with a 10% contingency, drainage design to prevent cross-contamination, and ongoing operational costs. Mayor expressed strong support for the shelter, noting the need for a veterinarian and cremation services. Public comment included opposition (cost concerns) and strong support (overwhelming need for animal shelter).
• Action Item 4: Engineering Services Amendment:
  • The council approved an amendment to the agreement with Selberg Associates, Inc. for an additional $7,800, increasing the total to $207,060, to accommodate a larger crematorium (from 600 to 1,300 sq ft) including a freezer.
• Action Item 6: WACOG Grant for Senior Meals:
  • The council adopted Resolution 2024R-37 approving the Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) Area Agency on Aging contract for fiscal year 2024-2025, with continued acceptance of future grants through June 2029. The first year provides $232,007 (56% reimbursement) for senior meals (congregate and home-delivered) and transportation support. Tipton noted that Bullhead City is the only community in the region without a waiting list for services, and the city opted to bypass WACOG's new intake waitlist.

Key Outcomes

• Approved unanimously (7-0): Construction contract with Precise Builders, Inc. for the Bullhead City Animal Resource Center (BARC) for $3,856,336 (Item 3).
• Approved unanimously (7-0): Amendment to the engineering services agreement with Selberg Associates, Inc. for $7,800 (Item 4).
• Approved unanimously (7-0): Resolution 2024R-37 authorizing the WACOG senior services grant agreement (Item 6).
• Item 5 (Community Development Block Grant application) was pulled from the agenda and will be brought back at the next meeting.
• Mayor and Council members' reports included a condemnation of political mudslinging and an announcement that Councilmember would file a police report regarding a perceived threat.