Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - December 3, 2024

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation honoring Pastor Allen Cates, public comments, approval of the consent agenda, and action on four purchase and planning items. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Presentations & Proclamations

• Honoring Pastor Allen Cates: Mayor Steve Diamico and representatives from BHHS Legacy Foundation presented a certificate to Pastor Allen Cates for 25 years of service as founder of the Bullhead Regional Food Bank. Several speakers praised his dedication, noting the food bank started from a bread rack and now serves thousands. City Manager Toby Cotter and other officials expressed gratitude.

Call to the Public

• MCC Bullhead City representative: Promoted upcoming programs including a non-credit phlebotomy class (Jan 13–Jul 11, 23 weeks), an MCC Shines event (Dec 5, 5–7 PM), a corporate edge workshop (Jan 14, $29), and a respiratory care program.
• Jose Salvador (resident, Avery Sai condominium complex): Raised concerns about dog droppings from non-residents walking dogs inside the gated community. He reported calling animal enforcement but felt the response (suggesting signs) was insufficient. He offered to share photos.
• Tina Jett (owner, LifeWire Healing Studio): Described her business offerings (life coaching, Reiki, mindfulness classes) and invited the community to visit at 1335 Hancock Rd, Suite 2.
• Steven Brown (executive director, Bullhead Regional Food Bank): Announced expansion, need for volunteers, new website (BullheadRegionalFoodBank.org), and holiday meal giveaway.
• Nicole Tracy (representing Red Kettle Rhythms, Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis): Promoted Salvation Army red kettle events at Bullhead City Walmart on Dec 4 (12 PM start, community caroling at 3:45 PM) and Dec 14 (10 AM start, caroling at 2:45 PM).
• Gary Genevies (Historic Society & Museum of Bullhead City): Promoted a honey-baked ham fundraiser for the museum; orders due by Dec 20 at 11 AM via Susanna van Sloten (928-234-4807).
• Captain John Burks (Salvation Army): Thanked the council and community; reported the Red Kettle kickoff raised just under $10,000. Encouraged volunteers to sign up at registertoring.com.
• Eva Genevieves: Promoted Voices on the River Christmas Gala (Dec 7-8 at the high school, $20 tickets) and Mojave High School choir concert "Making Christmas" (Dec 13, 7 PM).
• Scotty (Bullhead City resident): Complained about a broken clock in the council chambers (showing wrong time), issues with paratransit card renewal, and requested a bus stop at the DMV. He criticized a city employee (Michael) for lack of responsiveness.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1-4 were approved unanimously:
  1. Approve minutes of Oct 28, Nov 5, and Nov 19, 2024 meetings.
  2. Appoint Council Member Rodney Head to WACOG Executive Board.
  3. Accept dedication of a 10-foot public utility easement along Pocito Lane, Paseo Grande, and Calle Gaviota.
  4. Approve a settlement of $90,000 (city's portion $5,000 deductible plus ~$5,000 sewer line remediation) in the case of Blaise and Carla Falche v. City of Bullhead City.

City Manager's Report

• North Pole Adventures (Claire Adams): Event on Dec 14 at Anderson Auto Group Field House, 10 AM–6 PM. Free entry; unlimited ride wristbands $15 ($10 pre-sale until Dec 8). Features include carousel, Ferris wheel, tubing, petting zoo, Santa photos, food trucks. Sponsors: WePublic Services, TWN, MEC, Dot Foods, Walmart.
• Boom Box Parade (Toby Cotter): Friday, Dec 6 at 6 PM on Hancock. Hancock closes at 4:45 PM. Council will participate; approximately 12,000 pieces of candy will be distributed.
• Senior Games / Golden Games (Janie Figueroa): Olympic-style event for ages 50+, Jan 12–19, 2025. 16 sports (pickleball, bowling, weightlifting, etc.). Currently 188 registrants from NV, UT, CA. Registration days ongoing.
• Red Light Enforcement (Chief Treves): Three-day detail at 7 intersections; 7 officers, 12 details (2 hours each); 20 stops, 19 citations (15 for red lights), 1 warning, 2 arrests. Chief urged drivers to slow down.

Action Items

• Item 5 – Purchase of Caterpillar 4105 IL Industrial Loader: Approved 7-0. Cost $131,512.05 (under budget of $200,000). Includes 60-month/5,000-hour warranty. Vendor: Empire Machinery, Kingman. Public Works Director Johnson noted training will be provided.
• Item 6 – Purchase of Broce Broom RCT-350: Approved 7-0. Cost $92,425.07 (under budget of $100,000). 1-year warranty. Used for flood cleanup and dirt removal on non-curbed streets. Johnson noted one current broom is 19 years old and unrepairable.
• Item 7 – Amendment to Well 9 Pump & Motor Agreement: Approved 7-0. Amendment $22,388.91 for new column pipe (total contract $142,397.89 plus tax). Utilities Director Clark explained the original pipe was too corroded to reuse. The repaired well now produces ~25 GPM more.
• Item 8 – Bullhead City Community Park Conceptual Master Plan Update: Approved 7-0. Recreation Supervisor Heath and City Manager Cotter presented the plan developed through public meetings, park commission, and council workshops. Key features: restrooms every 400 feet, ADA access ramp to the river (likely before summer 2025), and a cooling/safety station on South Beach. Mayor Domico stated his focus areas will be public safety, usability, and maintenance costs.

Key Outcomes

• All seven action items (Consent Agenda items 1-4 and Action Items 5-8) were approved unanimously (7-0).
• The council adopted the Community Park Conceptual Master Plan as a guiding document for future development and grant applications.
• The city manager will execute contracts for the two equipment purchases and the well amendment.
• The council received updates on holiday events (North Pole Adventures, Boom Box Parade, Senior Games, Red Light Enforcement).
• No executive session was held.