OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, October 15, 2024
BodyBullhead City, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, October 15, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:03:39

Transcript — Verbatim
1:15

Good evening, everybody.

1:17

This is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 5 30 p.m., our regular scheduled council meeting, and call this meeting to order.

1:23

Can I get a roll call, please?

1:25

All council members are present.

1:26

All right, we're gonna start with an invocation from Pastor Tim Ime from Community Lutheran Church.

1:31

If you'd like to join us, please stand.

1:39

Let us pray.

1:42

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, bless these public servants of the Bullhead City Council.

1:49

May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from you to be used not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people.

2:00

Drive from us cynicism, selfishness, and corruption.

2:05

Grant in your mercy just and honest government, and give us grace to live together in unity and peace.

2:14

And Lord God, as the election day is swiftly approaching upon us, help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors and local communities.

2:29

Bless the leaders of our land that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

2:36

All of this we pray in your most gracious name.

2:42

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.

3:02

And we have a proclamation to do before we get started, if I could have Lori Duggins and company to join me down below here.

3:41

And whereas there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and the hope lies in the hard work and determination of our community to create a drug-free environment.

4:01

Held in conjunction with the walk and run to support this visual stance against drugs.

5:00

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Steve Diamico, mayor of the city of Bullhead City do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 as a walk away from drugs day, and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons and participate in our drug-free activity to show their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

5:17

And witness thereof, I hear unto set my hand this 15th day of October, 2024.

5:22

Mayor Steve Diamico.

5:23

Thank you.

5:31

There she is.

5:33

There she is.

5:38

Sorry.

5:40

Perfect.

5:41

Do you want to say something?

5:42

Sure.

5:44

Thanks, sir.

5:46

Thank you so much, Mayor.

5:47

And I just want to make sure that you guys come out and support this event.

5:52

The youth in our community need to see that we want to live a drug free, be a drug-free community.

5:59

And so we all know that children who are talked to about drugs and understand that it's not acceptable, are 50% less likely to ever or more try any type of drug.

6:12

So let's all get together and do this.

6:14

I think the kids are really going to come up with some neat posters, encourage the children you know to enter.

6:20

The Corn Fest has added additional Bullhead City Koanas has added additional passes to the Corn Fest to the children who entered.

6:29

We're going to have additional prizes besides the bicycle and the Walmart gift card and things that Shop With a Cop is providing.

6:37

We just really hope that you'll come out.

6:45

And they'll have games and prizes, and a lot of different community partners will have booths.

6:51

So hopefully we'll see you all there.

6:52

It's a quick fun event.

6:55

Five o'clock, the walk starts promptly.

6:57

We gather at four, so hope to see you there.

7:01

Thank you.

7:23

All right, we start this evening with a call to the public.

7:25

If you're speaking as an individual, you get three minutes.

7:27

If you're speaking with a group, your group must be with you at least four people, and you will get five minutes.

7:32

You must let us know in advance.

7:34

That being said, come on up.

7:37

Stephen Lee, Bullhead City.

7:39

And we're uh, especially fentanyl, illegal drugs are a problem, but also an equal problem that we need to be concerned with is legal prescription drugs.

7:53

Uh, and some of the things that the pharmaceutical industrial complex is putting out now is pretty insane.

8:00

Uh so we need to be educating kids about those things too.

8:05

Um that said, we're in a fight for our lives.

8:10

We are all literally in a fight for our lives for our freedom, and I hope everybody recognizes that.

8:18

I hope everybody gets out and votes, and especially two candidates.

8:24

I think that everyone in this town needs to support our Donald J.

8:31

Trump for president and Kerry Lake for U.S.

8:35

Senate.

8:36

If we vote, or if anybody here votes for their competition, it makes us steal all that more likely.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████11%
Water And Wastewater Management███████████11%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Community Events█████████9%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%
Floodplain Management████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Animal Welfare███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, a manager’s report, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and 8 action items all passed 7-0.

Proclamation

  • Mayor Steve Diamico proclaimed Wednesday, October 23, 2024 as “Walk Away from Drugs Day” in Bullhead City. Lori Duggins encouraged community participation, noting that children who are educated about drugs are 50% less likely to use them. The event includes a walk, poster contests, and prizes such as bicycles and Walmart gift cards.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Stephen Lee expressed support for Donald Trump and Kari Lake, and opposition to Ruben Gallego, linking drug cartel issues to border security. He urged citizens to vote.
  • Diana Lestat (Elks Lodge #2408) announced the Elks Halloween Children’s March on October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring free hot dogs, candy, and Halloween displays. She invited the mayor and council to attend.
  • Greg Miller complained that Highway 95 in Bullhead City lacks reflective lane markings and knuckles, unlike the recently completed section in Fort Mojave. He requested the city or state finish the striping.
  • Julie Hassett (Colorado River Concerts) promoted the upcoming concert season starting November 21, 2024, with a Simon & Garfunkel tribute. Season tickets cost $100 for four shows; individual tickets $35. She highlighted free educational programs for students.
  • Sean Regan (Arizona Veteran Canine Services) announced the passing of his father, a 20-year Air Force veteran. He described two programs: Operation Gold Star Kids (sponsoring trips for children of fallen veterans) and Operation Check of Vet (accountability breakfasts for veterans). He requested sponsorships and donations.
  • Eva announced the 11th annual pet costume contest on October 19, 2024, at Cal Ranch (1–3 p.m.), with Mayor Diamico as MC and Jeff Tipton as a judge.

Manager’s Report

  • City Manager Toby Cotter reminded of the community cleanup day on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Gary Keith Park (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), accepting hazardous waste, bulky items, tires, electronics, and more at no charge.
  • Police Department Red Light Enforcement: Captain Harms and Sergeant Espinoza reported a two-week enforcement detail (September 23–October 4) using 83 officers over 166 hours at five intersections. Officers conducted 135 stops, issued 112 citations (77 for red light running), 23 warnings, 9 arrests, and impounded 1 vehicle for 20 days. Additional citations included speeding, mobile device use, and crosswalk violations. The chief committed to continued enforcement.
  • Animal Shelter (BARC) Project: Jeff Tipton presented construction photos showing demolition and progress on the new shelter, which started August 5, 2024, with a target completion of August 2025. Updates included new skylights, kennel areas, and a veterinary suite.
  • Colorado River Historical Museum: Phase 3 grand opening occurred on Friday, October 11, 2024, providing additional storage and donation space.
  • Sports Tourism Season: Cotter noted the city aims to host at least one sporting event per weekend through the season, bringing in economic impact. One tournament (football) relocated from Dallas to Bullhead City in January 2025.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of the September 17, 2024 Special Council Meeting and the October 1, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
  • Approved a one-time payout for employees to redeem up to 40 hours of personal time and 40 hours of vacation time (80 hours maximum) for accrued hours.
  • Accepted the dedication of 2 feet of right-of-way along Black Mountain Road including 0.33 acre-feet of water allocation.

Discussion Items

  1. Zoning Map Change (Ordinance 2024-27): Rezone 0.15 acres at 2197 Riviera Boulevard from C2 (General Commercial) to R2MF-D3 (Residential Multiple-Family, 3,000 sq ft density) to legalize an existing duplex. Approved.
  2. Floodplain Regulations (Ordinance 2024-28 & Resolution 2024R-49): Amendments to Title 15, Chapter 15.6 to conform to federal flood mapping requirements. Councilmember Littman questioned federal versus local control. Staff clarified the changes align with FEMA maps and do not conflict with building codes. Approved.
  3. Preliminary Condominium Plat (Toy Shack at Fox Creek): Convert existing self-storage facility (Adobe Parkway Boat & RV Storage) into condominium units for individual sale. No building changes; HOA will maintain common areas. Approved.
  4. Support Services Agreement (Resolution 2024R-50): Formal agreement between the city and the Bullhead City Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), required due to population growth. Approved.
  5. Grant Authority Amendment (Ordinance 2024-29 & Resolution 2024R-51): Allows the city manager to apply for grants exceeding $50,000 (previously capped at $50,000) without prior council approval, but acceptance of any grants still requires council approval. Councilman commented this was long overdue. Approved.
  6. Capital Loan Agreement (Foothills Bank): Borrow up to $6 million to bridge the period until the alternative expenditure limitation (AEL) takes effect July 1, 2025. The loan has no prepayment penalty and is the lowest-cost option. Funds will be used for budgeted equipment and projects. Council stressed the city has healthy reserves and the loan will be repaid quickly. Approved.
  7. Purchase of Precast Concrete Building (20-1 Well Site): $74,939.47 from Mountain West Precast for an air-conditioned structure to house electrical equipment at a new high-production well (expected 3,000–4,000 GPM). The building prevents heat damage to sophisticated electrical components. Approved.
  8. Purchase of C32 1250kW Diesel Generator (Section 10 Wastewater Plant): $361,388.57 for a backup generator for the other half of the plant. The existing 20+ year old generator is unreliable. This unit is available immediately, with a one-year warranty and weekly testing. Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • All action items (Ordinances 2024-27, 2024-28, 2024-29; Resolutions 2024R-49, 2024R-50, 2024R-51; preliminary plat for Toy Shack; capital loan agreement; precast building purchase; generator purchase) were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • No items were withdrawn from the consent agenda.
  • No board/commission appointments or liquor license hearings were conducted.
  • The council directed city staff to proceed with loan closing and contract execution for the approved purchases.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody. This is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 5 30 p.m., our regular scheduled council meeting, and call this meeting to order. Can I get a roll call, please? All council members are present. All right, we're gonna start with an invocation from Pastor Tim Ime from Community Lutheran Church. If you'd like to join us, please stand. Let us pray. Almighty God, Heavenly Father, bless these public servants of the Bullhead City Council. May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from you to be used not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people. Drive from us cynicism, selfishness, and corruption. Grant in your mercy just and honest government, and give us grace to live together in unity and peace. And Lord God, as the election day is swiftly approaching upon us, help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors and local communities. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. All of this we pray in your most gracious name. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. And we have a proclamation to do before we get started, if I could have Lori Duggins and company to join me down below here. And whereas there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and the hope lies in the hard work and determination of our community to create a drug-free environment. Held in conjunction with the walk and run to support this visual stance against drugs. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Steve Diamico, mayor of the city of Bullhead City do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 as a walk away from drugs day, and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons and participate in our drug-free activity to show their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. And witness thereof, I hear unto set my hand this 15th day of October, 2024. Mayor Steve Diamico. Thank you. There she is. There she is. Sorry. Perfect. Do you want to say something? Sure. Thanks, sir. Thank you so much, Mayor. And I just want to make sure that you guys come out and support this event. The youth in our community need to see that we want to live a drug free, be a drug-free community. And so we all know that children who are talked to about drugs and understand that it's not acceptable, are 50% less likely to ever or more try any type of drug. So let's all get together and do this. I think the kids are really going to come up with some neat posters, encourage the children you know to enter. The Corn Fest has added additional Bullhead City Koanas has added additional passes to the Corn Fest to the children who entered. We're going to have additional prizes besides the bicycle and the Walmart gift card and things that Shop With a Cop is providing. We just really hope that you'll come out. And they'll have games and prizes, and a lot of different community partners will have booths. So hopefully we'll see you all there. It's a quick fun event. Five o'clock, the walk starts promptly. We gather at four, so hope to see you there. Thank you. All right, we start this evening with a call to the public. If you're speaking as an individual, you get three minutes. If you're speaking with a group, your group must be with you at least four people, and you will get five minutes. You must let us know in advance. That being said, come on up. Stephen Lee, Bullhead City.

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