Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - August 6, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting included public comments on a variety of topics, a manager's report on recent events, and action on 14 agenda items, including purchases, software subscriptions, an emergency compact, code amendments, and a hydrant program. Total expenditures approved for equipment and software exceeded $3.7 million.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 16, 2024 regular council meeting were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sharon Haugan: Expressed grief and frustration over the death of her daughter on July 13, alleging mishandling by the Bullhead City Police Department and the medical examiner's office regarding notification, investigation, and lack of autopsy. She stated the family was not notified by the city, and she learned of the death through the funeral director. She also reported that a dog was left in the house for two and a half days without food or water.
• Stephen Lee: Urged elected officials to serve the public interest rather than private interests. He raised concerns about 5G technology and what he called "fifth generational warfare," referencing a University of Colorado report that allegedly found graphene oxide in vaccines and oral products. He offered to help restrict further 5G towers.
• Jeremy (TWN): Provided an update on the TWN project, reporting that approximately 25,000 feet of conduit have been installed. He listed completed street segments (Riverfront Drive, Stallman Drive, Park Lane, Church Drive) and provided expected restoration completion dates (by 8/20 and 9/3). He gave contact information for the local office and phone number.
• Grace Felsner: A senior citizen, expressed concern over potential cost increases at the new senior nutrition center. She stated the current daily cost ($2 breakfast, $1 coffee, $3 lunch, $4 transit) totals $10/day or $200/month. She noted that the lunch price may rise to $5, which would be a hardship on fixed-income seniors. She thanked the council for bringing tourism but asked them to consider senior costs.
• Barbara Pape (Colorado River Republican Women): Announced the group's monthly meeting on August 7. She also criticized the low voter turnout (32.58% statewide) and urged citizens to vote.
• Sean (Bullhead City): Criticized the city for poor notification about construction work, specifically citing a recent Southwest Gas project and the TWN water project. He stated that no prior notification was given and that residents were unaware of the work until it began.
• Chris Bondy (Vice President, River Valley Democrats): Reported that a road cleanup sign on Laughlin Ranch Boulevard had gone missing and asked for assistance.
• Nick Parsons: Advocated for creating jobs for average citizens through drones, solar cars, and other renewable energy industries. He mentioned giving away about 50-60 items over six years for essays and praised David Heath as the only essay submitter. He urged the council to think beyond college degrees.
• Scotty (Bullhead City): Claimed he received 20% of the vote and criticized the council for not listening. He mentioned open records requests and alleged a conflict of interest regarding a vote sold to MEC. He also complained about treatment by the mayor and councilmember Lettman. He accused the mayor of cowardice and said someone in the mayor's office was using a "Scotty sign" as a dartboard.
• Harvey Pryor: Expressed anger over having to walk past police to enter chambers. He criticized the mayor for not meeting with him, accusing the mayor of having a fake "open door policy." He also called for using the city's $45 million reserve to buy air conditioners for elderly residents and to address power outages caused by outdated MEC infrastructure. He said the reserve is only saved for a "rainy day" in a hot climate.
• Eva Corbett: Announced the 12th annual "Bowling for Paws" fundraiser for SAINT (Saving Animals In Need Together) at Riverside Lanes in Laughlin on August 25, at 12 PM. The cost is $20 per person.
• Jerry Hardy (Mojave Electric): Clarified misconceptions about the proposed Mojave Energy Park, stating that the power will stay in Mojave County and serve Mojave Electric members. Benefits include reliable power, cost control, and emergency backup for critical facilities (hospital, dialysis center). He invited support at the county meeting on August 19 at 9:30 AM.
• John Hassett (Director of Operations, Mojave County Medical Examiner's Office): Addressed the Haugan case, offering condolences and confirming that an autopsy was not performed because the death appeared natural. He said the investigation included due diligence by police and his office. He encouraged Ms. Haugan to request a police report to obtain the medical examiner's case number for further review. He offered to provide the investigative report to law enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Manager's Report (Toby Cotter):
  1. Primary Election Results: Prop 416 (expenditure limitation override) passed 66% to 34%. Cotter emphasized it has zero impact on the current budget and does not authorize tax increases. He noted that a 1985 proposition requires a voter vote for any tax increase. The top four vote-getters for city council were Rodney Head, Karen Dolman, Jason Newland, and Eugene O'Neill, who may be sworn in at the second November meeting.
  2. Highway 95 Water Main Break: Utilities Director Clark reported a major break on the newly paved highway at Merrill Avenue, caused by a rusted ductile iron pipe that failed after increased pressure from the newly energized Rancho Colorado system. Repair will require cutting and repaving four to five lanes, estimated to be completed within one to two weeks pending contractor availability.
  3. Animal Shelter (BARC) Construction: A video showed the ceremonial start of construction at the former Mohave Valley News building. The project, awarded to Precise Contractors, will create a 27,000 sq ft facility for the animal shelter and police boat storage. Veterinarian services will be discussed in future budget cycles.
  4. Caddisfly Suppression & River Cleanup: On August 13, the Bureau of Reclamation will reduce river flow to historically low levels (half-unit) starting at 3 AM to kill caddisfly eggs. The public is encouraged to clean up the riverbed that day.
  5. City Birthday Celebration: August 25 at Community Park, 5 PM, including entertainment and a seaplane arrival by the mayor.
• Item 3 – Purchase of 2025 F-750 Crane Truck: Approved $261,444.97 via Arizona Cooperative Purchasing. Clark stated the old truck (2004) is out of service, requiring costly outsourcing (approx. $30,000 for crane and vactor services). Council discussed availability and the lack of local options. A citizen questioned the spending level; Cotter explained it is wastewater funds paying for services that were previously outsourced.
• Item 4 – Purchase of 2024 F-550 Valve Truck: Approved $182,039.54 with extended warranty. Clark described it as a small vactor truck to clean valve cans and operate hydrants. It will support two newly hired hydrant/valve technicians. Council discussed the need to exercise valves that were neglected under Epcor.
• Item 5 – Purchase of Kaiser Premier Aquastar Vactor Truck: Approved $821,992.98 (with extended warranty). Original price without warranty was $744,934; council debated the $77,058.98 warranty cost but ultimately included it. Clark noted the truck had been held by the dealer since February, awaiting new fiscal year budget. Outsourcing costs for vactor services exceeded $20,000 in the past year. Citizens questioned costs and noted the complexity justifies warranty.
• Item 6 – Utility Cloud Software Subscription: Approved $120,000 for a three-year subscription. Used for regulatory compliance, hydrant/valve maintenance, backflow prevention, etc. Council approved without discussion.
• Item 7 – Arizona Mutual Aid Compact: Approved Resolution 2024R-38 to join the state compact for emergency response. Unanimous.
• Item 8 – Purchase of 3 Ford Expedition Patrol Vehicles: Approved $185,082.65 from Phil Long Dealerships. Chief Trebes explained difficulty obtaining police vehicles; these were available immediately. Upfitting costs will be brought separately (approx. $40,000 per vehicle). Council discussed local purchasing; a former auto dealer noted orders placed locally could yield same deals if given lead time. City Manager Cotter agreed to work with local dealers for next year.
• Item 9 – Purchase of 2 Ford Expedition Patrol Vehicles: Approved $127,070.74 from Peoria Ford. Similar to item 8. Council noted these also lack sales tax revenue since purchased out of state.
• Item 10 – Five-Year Fire Hydrant Program: Approved up to $2,400,000 for 320 hydrants (including 180 "iHydrant" smart hydrants with real-time pressure/temperature monitoring). Clark presented the plan: replace 80 out-of-service hydrants first, then prioritize based on risk assessment. The smart hydrants include free monitoring for five years and will provide data to fire department. Council discussed battery life (6 months to 1 year) and standard batteries. Hydrants will be yellow to match existing.
• Item 11 – Community Development Block Grant Application: Approved Resolution 2024R-36 to apply for up to $177,000 from Arizona Department of Housing for emergency repairs for low-income homeowners (heating, cooling, plumbing, accessibility). Human Services Director Tipton presented.
• Item 12 – Portable Amusement Amendments (Ordinance 2024-22): Approved. Establishes regulations for bouncy houses and similar attractions in city parks. Requires business license, license agreement, and if renting two or more units, the vendor must have an agent on site. Applies to parks only. Recreation Superintendent Heath stated he spoke with the largest vendor, who supports the measure but will need to raise rates to cover staffing. Council discussed notification to businesses.
• Item 13 – Park Sanitation Amendments (Ordinance 2024-23): Approved. Prohibits bathing, washing of oneself or personal property in splash pads, and use of soaps/shampoos. Violation is a class 2 misdemeanor. City Manager Cotter stated it is not anti-homeless; the city operates free showers at the shelter. Signage will be posted. Council expressed support based on public feedback from families.
• Item 14 – Dedication of Right-of-Way for Circle K Development: Accepted 5 feet of right-of-way along Highway 95 near 5th Street for a new Circle K fueling station and car wash. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Items Approved (all 7-0 votes): Minutes, Bingo License, all purchase items (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11), code amendments (12,13), right-of-way dedication (14).
• Discussion on Purchasing: Council acknowledged the challenge of obtaining police vehicles and agreed to work with local dealers for future orders. City Manager Cotter committed to request local dealers provide police package vehicles by next July.
• Community Concerns: The council heard multiple complaints about notification, cost of senior programs, police investigation of a death, and the use of reserve funds for air conditioners. Council members expressed condolences to Ms. Haugan and noted the availability of the River Fund and shelter showers.
• Upcoming Events: August 13 – River cleanup (low flow); August 25 – City 40th birthday celebration at Community Park (5 PM).