OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - November 5, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, November 5, 2024
BodyBullhead City, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, November 5, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:00:18

Transcript — Verbatim
1:53

Good evening, everyone.

1:54

This Tuesday, November fifth, two thousand twenty-four.

1:56

It's five thirty PM.

1:57

We're here for a regular scheduled council meeting.

2:00

Can I have a roll call, please?

2:01

All council members are present.

2:03

All right, we're gonna start with an invocation from Pastor Stephen Brown from Priest Chapel.

2:06

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

2:12

Father God, in Jesus' name, we come together today thankful for the opportunity to gather and seek your guidance in today's meeting.

2:20

As your word says in Jeremiah twenty-nine eleven, for I know the thoughts that I have for you towards you, says the Lord, the thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.

5:07

And the rocky tour, the bombs bursting, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

5:28

Oh say does that spangled yet or the land of the free and the whole of the brave.

6:04

Please be seated.

6:05

And if I could have military moms join me down here, good evening, and welcome to the November 2024 Military Banner Retirement Ceremony.

6:38

My name is Janet Ganyon, and I'm the president of Tri-State Military Moms.

6:42

For those of you that may not know, our city was the first in Arizona to implement a military recognition banner program in May of 2014, and the first to display banners on an Arizona Highway at no cost to the military family at all.

6:58

We are forever indebted to the mayor and the city council of Bullhead City and the Arizona Department of Transportation for allowing us to have this program in place.

7:06

Without them, it would not exist today.

7:09

Tonight I'm joined by the members of the Tri-State Military Moms.

7:13

We're honored to recognize five former active duty military members who've completed their service to our great nation.

7:21

Not only do our service members sacrifice and dedicate their lives to our country's safety and freedom, but so do their families and friends.

7:29

They stand by them throughout their service commitment.

7:32

We honor these families and friends tonight as well for the support and encouragement they've provided to our service members.

7:39

We want to thank Mayor Steve Diamico and our city council members for allowing us to share this honor with our community.

7:46

We're grateful to the Mojave High School JROTC Cadets Color Guard for presenting the colors, Pastor Stephen Brown of Praise Chapel for opening us in prayer, Major Earl of the Mojave High School JROTC for leading us in the pledge, and Colby Fitzgerald of Mojave High School for singing the national anthem.

8:06

Thank you.

8:08

We'd also like to give a huge thank you to the staff of the Department of Public Works who install the banners and work with us to monitor banner maintenance.

8:16

Last but certainly not least, we pay tribute to our military veterans.

8:21

Sorry, different page.

8:24

Who set the example and paved the way for the one percent of the population who unselfishly continue to answer the call by serving in one of the branches of our armed forces.

8:33

At this time, we'd like to ask the veterans in the audience to stand up and be recognized for their service.

8:48

Wonderful.

8:49

Thank you.

8:54

With five of our service members being represented here tonight.

9:08

Representing the ongoing patriotic patriotic spirit that is so prevalent throughout our city and river communities.

9:15

The new banner nominees are Colaton Aldinger, U.S.

9:20

Army, Renee Harrison, U.S.

9:22

Navy, Luke Link, U.S.

9:25

Marine Corps, Anthony Martinez, U.S.

9:28

Army, Jason Modell, U.S.

9:30

Army, Jasmine Parent, U.S.

9:33

Army, William Ray, U.S.

9:36

Marine Corps, Nidya Salazar, U.S.

9:39

Navy, and John Todd, U.S.

9:41

Navy.

9:42

We look forward to seeing all of these new banners up on the highway soon for our new November banner installation.

9:49

The Tri-State Military Moms Organization has been truly blessed with the outpouring of financial support in our Tri-State area.

10:00

From the businesses, organizations, and residents here in Arizona, to the Laughlin Casino properties across the river.

10:03

The generosity has been amazing.

10:06

With the challenges we face with the weather and winds in the desert, repair and replacement of banners is an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and funding.

10:16

This program and all the programs we sponsor for our military and veterans would not be possible without the generous donations we receive throughout the year.

10:24

But more importantly, we appreciate the respect and confidence of our community and its leadership.

10:29

At the end of the presentations, the city council will take a short recess to allow the service members and their families to post for a group picture.

10:37

We ask the families to stick around for a short while after the ceremony is concluded for those photos.

10:43

We appreciate your patience and thank you for your attendance tonight to honor these service members and their families.

10:50

Thank you.

10:54

Let's start by sharing a little history of each of our service members being recognized this evening, followed by a certified certificate of appreciation presented by Mayor Diamico and a banner presentation by our military moms.

11:08

We asked the service member representatives to come forward when requested.

11:12

Our treasurer and banner coordinator, Robin Meeting, will help me with the service member presentations this evening.

11:20

Could we have Heath Barker's family?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████18%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Veterans Affairs████████████12%
Parks and Recreation██████████10%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████9%
Community Engagement████████8%
Animal Welfare█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Homelessness███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - November 5, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, public comments, and the unanimous approval of all action items, including a solid waste agreement extension, park improvements, water infrastructure repairs, and a community garden grant. Councilmembers also recognized outgoing members and discussed the upcoming transition to new council members to be sworn in on November 19.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • Tri-State Military Moms, Inc. presented the Retirement of Military Banners for nine service members: Heath Barker (U.S. Army), McKenzie Gilliam (U.S. Army), Juan Lopez (U.S. Army), Joshua Sutton (U.S. Navy), Brendan Mesa (U.S. Army), and four others (Colaton Aldinger, Renee Harrison, Luke Link, Anthony Martinez, Jason Modell, Jasmine Parent, William Ray, Nidya Salazar, John Todd). Each received a certificate from Mayor Steve D'Amico and a banner.
  • Proclamation declaring November 2024 as "Alzheimer's and Family Caregiver Month" in Bullhead City, noting 151,500 Arizonans living with Alzheimer's and 483 million hours of unpaid care.
  • Proclamation declaring December 2024 as "Bring a Friend to Church Month" in Bullhead City, presented by Pastor Bill Jones.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on October 15, 2024.
  • Approved the City Magistrate Employment Agreement with Richard A. Speer.
  • Approved a 2.41 acre-foot water allocation for the Anthem Travel Center project at 1600 Highway 95.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Chris Morgan (Bullhead Regional Food Bank) reported winning the ACC Award for small business nonprofit; new building breaks ground in December with completion expected early February.
  • Terry Tomlinson: The food bank will serve approximately 500 Thanksgiving meals and 500 Christmas meals with help from Legacy Foundation, River Fund, Dot Foods, and St. Mary's; a grant will fund a new executive director.
  • Pastor Steven Brown thanked the council and volunteers.
  • Barbara Pape (Colorado River Republican Women) invited the public to a meeting featuring Mayor D'Amico on November 12 (date not specified).
  • Susanna Van Sloten (Colorado River Historical Society & Museum) promoted honey baked ham sales benefiting the museum.
  • Representative of the Colorado River Concert Series announced the 50th anniversary season; season tickets $100 for four performances, single tickets $35.
  • Linda Saltana (Veterans United) announced a Veterans Day event and unveiling of a military canine monument; also a live nativity event.
  • Michael Palacios (Bullhead Community Garden) thanked MEC for donating 25 trees for Operation Cool Shade.
  • Ivy announced the Alano Club is closed after a vehicle incident; AA meetings moved to 2410 Building B.
  • Sean Regan criticized the city's treatment of homeless individuals, alleging civil rights violations during a cleanup; called for accountability and stated the shelter is insufficient.
  • Harvey Pryor requested road repair on Alta Vista Drive from a water repair six weeks ago, street sweeping on Upper Aymar, and asked for a follow-up on a police chase that entered Bullhead City.
  • Scotty from Mohave raised concerns about mud from construction, the MEC plant, and county supervisor Hilda Angus's handling of a meeting.
  • Captain John Burks (Salvation Army) thanked council and announced a kettle kickoff event on November 23 at the Bullhead City Chamber.

Discussion Items

  • Item 4 (Solid Waste Agreement Amendment): City Manager Cotter presented a 5-year extension of the franchise agreement with Republic Services (Allied Waste). CPI adjustments capped at 2-5% annually; no recycling added; courtesy service for city facilities (Gary Keith Park, animal shelter added). Approved 7-0.
  • Item 5 (Gary Keith Civic Park Improvements): Amendment to Community Pride Advocates grant for Phase III ramada/pavilion construction in the additional amount of $315,587, including $80,000 for landscaping. The park is expected to generate $25,000 annually. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 6 (Water Tank Repair at Site 3): Emergency repair of a leaking tank serving Sun Ridge, Punta de Vista, Desert Canyon; cost not to exceed $142,558 plus taxes/bonding. One-year warranty. Competitive bidding waived. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 7 (Well 9 Pump Replacement): Removal and installation of new pump and motor for Well 9 for $120,008.98; column pipe repairs not included (estimated additional $20,000-$25,000). Emergency needed due to well failure. Competitive bidding waived. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 8 (Well 16-1 Repair Ratification): Ratification of completed work for removal and repair of Well 16-1 at $76,182.07; repair was completed without water outages. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 9 (ARPA Community Garden Funding): Resolution 2024R-53 to accept $100,000 from Mohave County ARPA funds for a community garden adjacent to Ken Fovargue Park, including 45 raised beds and walkways. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 10 (Dogs on Sports Fields Ordinance): Ordinance 2024-30 amending Title 12 to clarify prohibition of dogs on sports fields (including pickleball and tennis courts); service animals exempt. Enforced by park rangers with police backup if needed. Approved 7-0.
  • Item 11 (GADA Loan Application): Resolution 2024R-55 ratifying submission of a Greater Arizona Development Authority loan application for $8,938,046.91 (plus fees/interest) to finance aeration basin construction; submitted October 1, 2024, with council ratification now. Approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • All 11 action items passed unanimously (7-0 votes).
  • City Manager Toby Cotter announced election day details; this was the last meeting for outgoing council members (Lizraga, Hecht, Lettman) with new members (Jason, Karen, Jean, and Rodney Head) to be sworn in on November 19. A ceremonial meeting is planned with minimal action items.
  • City Manager responded to public criticism: the homeless individual arrested was trespassing; property was secured and resources offered. No camping/trespassing is allowed outside designated campgrounds.
  • Space Force flags will be added at the peninsula after Councilmember Alfonso raised the issue.
  • Transit services will be closed Thursday through Sunday for Thanksgiving (November 28-December 1).
  • Park rangers will enforce the new dog ordinance; additional signage may be added.
  • Gary Keith Park pavilion completion will allow the city to seek a patent on the BLM land.
  • Emergency water repairs (Items 6-8) indicate ongoing infrastructure needs; city plans to add production and reservoir capacity per the water master plan.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. This Tuesday, November fifth, two thousand twenty-four. It's five thirty PM. We're here for a regular scheduled council meeting. Can I have a roll call, please? All council members are present. All right, we're gonna start with an invocation from Pastor Stephen Brown from Priest Chapel. If you'd like to join us, please stand. Father God, in Jesus' name, we come together today thankful for the opportunity to gather and seek your guidance in today's meeting. As your word says in Jeremiah twenty-nine eleven, for I know the thoughts that I have for you towards you, says the Lord, the thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. And the rocky tour, the bombs bursting, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that spangled yet or the land of the free and the whole of the brave. Please be seated. And if I could have military moms join me down here, good evening, and welcome to the November 2024 Military Banner Retirement Ceremony. My name is Janet Ganyon, and I'm the president of Tri-State Military Moms. For those of you that may not know, our city was the first in Arizona to implement a military recognition banner program in May of 2014, and the first to display banners on an Arizona Highway at no cost to the military family at all. We are forever indebted to the mayor and the city council of Bullhead City and the Arizona Department of Transportation for allowing us to have this program in place. Without them, it would not exist today. Tonight I'm joined by the members of the Tri-State Military Moms. We're honored to recognize five former active duty military members who've completed their service to our great nation. Not only do our service members sacrifice and dedicate their lives to our country's safety and freedom, but so do their families and friends. They stand by them throughout their service commitment. We honor these families and friends tonight as well for the support and encouragement they've provided to our service members. We want to thank Mayor Steve Diamico and our city council members for allowing us to share this honor with our community. We're grateful to the Mojave High School JROTC Cadets Color Guard for presenting the colors, Pastor Stephen Brown of Praise Chapel for opening us in prayer, Major Earl of the Mojave High School JROTC for leading us in the pledge, and Colby Fitzgerald of Mojave High School for singing the national anthem. Thank you. We'd also like to give a huge thank you to the staff of the Department of Public Works who install the banners and work with us to monitor banner maintenance. Last but certainly not least, we pay tribute to our military veterans. Sorry, different page. Who set the example and paved the way for the one percent of the population who unselfishly continue to answer the call by serving in one of the branches of our armed forces. At this time, we'd like to ask the veterans in the audience to stand up and be recognized for their service. Wonderful. Thank you. With five of our service members being represented here tonight. Representing the ongoing patriotic patriotic spirit that is so prevalent throughout our city and river communities. The new banner nominees are Colaton Aldinger, U.S. Army, Renee Harrison, U.S. Navy, Luke Link, U.S. Marine Corps, Anthony Martinez, U.S. Army, Jason Modell, U.S. Army, Jasmine Parent, U.S. Army, William Ray, U.S. Marine Corps, Nidya Salazar, U.S. Navy, and John Todd, U.S. Navy. We look forward to seeing all of these new banners up on the highway soon for our new November banner installation. The Tri-State Military Moms Organization has been truly blessed with the outpouring of financial support in our Tri-State area. From the businesses, organizations, and residents here in Arizona, to the Laughlin Casino properties across the river. The generosity has been amazing. With the challenges we face with the weather and winds in the desert, repair and replacement of banners is an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and funding.

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