OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - May 6, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, May 6, 2025
BodyBullhead City, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 6, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:42:24

Transcript — Verbatim
1:04

Good evening.

1:04

It's Tuesday, May sixth, twenty twenty-five.

1:06

It's five thirty PM, our regular scheduled council meeting.

1:09

Calling this meeting to order.

1:10

Could I get a roll call, please?

1:11

All council members are present except for Council Member Ring.

1:15

All right, we're gonna start this evening with an invitation from Malcolm Moberly from Valley Christian Church.

1:20

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

1:26

Let's pray.

1:28

Lord, we thank you for the privilege of coming before you.

1:30

We thank you, Lord, that our government, our city council still put uh puts a lot of faith and trust in you.

1:38

That we can start with prayer to you.

1:41

I ask, Lord, that tonight being a special night, honoring our military, that we acknowledge you in all things.

1:49

We praise you and thank you that these men, these women have come back safe.

1:53

We ask, Lord, you continue to be with their families.

1:56

We thank you, Lord, for the military moms who are trying to make sure we remember them every single day.

2:02

Thank you, Lord, in Jesus' name.

2:05

Amen.

3:09

What so proudly we held at the twilight's last gleaming.

3:18

Who's brought stripes and bright stores through the site?

3:52

Oh, say that's our spangled and the whole of the breath.

5:29

Good evening and welcome to the May 2025 Tri-State Military Recognition Banner Retirement Ceremony.

5:36

For those 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 nominee or family.

5:52

We're forever indebted to the mayor of the city, the mayor and the city council of Bullhead City for allowing us to have this program in place.

5:59

Without them, it would not exist today.

6:01

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

6:05

We're honored to recognize four discharged military members.

6:09

I'm sorry, three discharged military members who've completed their service to our great nation.

6:15

Not only do our service members sacrifice and dedicate their lives to our country's safety and freedom, but so do the families and friends who stand by them throughout their service commitment.

6:25

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

6:45

Pastor Malcolm Moberly of Valley Christian Church for opening us in prayer, Vincent Basolano, Sergeant, U.S.

6:53

MC from 2020 to 2025 for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Senior Madison McKee of Mojave High School for singing the national anthem.

7:03

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 banner maintenance.

7:16

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

7:31

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

8:12

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

8:58

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.

9:16

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

9:22

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

9:29

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

9:35

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

9:40

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

9:52

We ask the service member representatives come forward when requested.

9:56

Our banner coordinator Robin Meeting will assist me with the service member presentations this evening.

10:05

Will Mark Cordero from the U.S.

10:07

Army come up here with his family and friends that want to join him?

10:32

Sorry.

10:35

Tonight we commenced the ceremony with Mark Caldero, joined with his wife Zyla and his daughter Aislin.

10:43

His father, Glenn, and daughter Skye are in the back.

10:47

Mark attended Laughlin Junior High and graduated from Laughlin High School in 2018.

10:53

The following year he joined the Army and served five years before retiring in 2024.

10:59

His father, who's here with us tonight, Glenn, served in the U.S.

11:04

Air Force.

11:05

Mark decided to join the military because he wanted to meet new people around the world and gain new experiences.

11:13

During his time of service, he was a satellite communications operator and maintainer and merged into a network communications specialist known as a 25H.

11:25

His team duties included installing satellite communications and providing a stable network connection for the troops.

11:33

He also issued repaired and maintained government cell phones for officers.

11:39

In 2020, he served in South Korea in Area 1 in Dondu Shun, near the border of North Korea, and later did a rotation in 2024, where he was awarded the Korean Defense Medal for his service.

11:56

Other highlights include three Army achievement medals for his performance during training events.

12:03

Since leaving military service, he is living a vastly slower pace of life in a nearby community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning Regulations█████████████████████████25%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Veterans Affairs████████████12%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Transportation Safety████4%
Animal Welfare████4%
Public Transportation███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - May 6, 2025

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All council members were present except Council Member Ring. The meeting began with an invocation, presentation of colors, national anthem, and pledge of allegiance, followed by a military banner retirement ceremony honoring three discharged service members. The council then conducted routine business, held public hearings, and voted on 13 action items, including appeals, contracts, agreements, and a bond issuance.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • Tri-State Military Moms Banner Retirement Ceremony: The city recognized three discharged service members – Mark Cordero (U.S. Army), Robert Duncan (U.S. Marine Corps), and Vincent Bossolono (U.S. Marine Corps) – with banner presentations and certificates of appreciation. Bullhead City was noted as the first in Arizona to implement a military recognition banner program in May 2014.

Manager’s Report

  • Summer Camp: Recreation staff reported nearly 500 registrations for the third year of the city’s summer camp program, which offers sports, science, arts, and cooking activities. Registration is available at BullheadCity.com/rec.
  • Budget Workshop: Scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:30 AM in council chambers. The proposed budget is available online; hard copies cost $25.
  • Grand Opening of The Abbott: A 66-unit apartment complex on Clearwater in Riviera, with a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, May 8, from 12-2 PM.
  • Highway 95 and Merrill Intersection: Opened on May 6, with traffic lights energized. Punch-list items remain.
  • Right Turn Lane at Mohave High/Thunderstruck: Construction has begun as part of an $8 million citywide right-turn lane program.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 1-5: Approved unanimously with one motion. Included: (1) Minutes of April 15, 2025 meetings; (2) Resolution 2025R-14 approving division of improvement district assessments for Laughlin Ranch Boulevard parcels; (3) Resolution 2025R-15 approving IGA with Mohave County for housing assistance programs ($3,675 annually through June 2027); (4) Resolution 2025R-16 approving IGA with Bullhead City Pest Abatement District for annual contribution of $185,000 for three years plus optional one year; (5) Resolution 2025R-17 renewing membership in Northwest Arizona Employee Benefits Trust for three years.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Malcolm Moberly (Pastor, Valley Christian Church) announced a new support group, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, beginning Monday, May 26, 6 PM at Chaparral Country Club.
  • Speaker (name not stated) invited the public to a Republican luncheon on May 8 at Chaparral Country Club ($15).
  • Gina Nagy (Bullhead City resident) complained that Planning and Zoning Commission members are not easily identified on the city website and requested better public access to their contact information.
  • Rose Jacobs (Bullhead City Fire District Board member) invited residents to the board’s May 20 meeting at 9 AM to discuss the 2025-2026 budget and tax rate.
  • “Scotty” (Bullhead City resident) criticized the city for charging $25 for a hard copy of the budget, noting he is on a fixed income and cannot read it online due to disability.

Public Hearings

  • Item 6 – The Sushi Spot Liquor License: The council held a public hearing and voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval of a Series 12 Restaurant liquor license for The Sushi Spot at 1371 Hancock Road. Applicant’s representative spoke in support.
  • Item 7 – Silver View RV Resort Bingo License: The council held a public hearing and voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval of a Class A Bingo license for Silver View RV Resort at 1600 Silver Creek Road.
  • Item 8 – Appeal of Conditional Use Permit for RV Storage on Chaparral Drive: Extensive public testimony was heard from Stonebridge-area residents opposing the project and/or the proposed 51/49% split of storage units between Chaparral Terrace residents and a larger Exhibit A area. The appellant, Deborah Johnson, argued the project would increase traffic, pose safety risks, and that the structure would be commercial in nature. The developer, represented by Danny White and Trent Timothy, stated the parcel is platted for RV storage and requested flexibility to sell units beyond the immediate subdivision. The city attorney clarified the council could uphold, reverse, or modify the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision. After debate, a motion to affirm the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval (51% of units for Chaparral Terrace residents, 49% for residents within Exhibit A, with deed restrictions) passed 5-2.
  • Item 16 – Code Amendment to Close River Access Points: The council held a public hearing on Ordinance 2025-6 amending Title 15, Chapter 15.38 (Public Access to Colorado River) and Resolution 2025R-22 to close Lakeside Drive and Riverview Gardens river access points. Residents spoke in favor, citing safety issues including drug use, theft, trespassing, and a disturbing incident involving a deceased animal. One public comment opposed closure, arguing it infringes on public access. The council voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the ordinance and resolution.
  • Item 18 – Bond Issuance for Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion: The council held a public hearing and approved Resolution 2025R-24 authorizing the issuance of up to $9 million in tax-exempt excise tax revenue obligations (Series 2025) for the Section 10 wastewater treatment plant expansion (from 4 MGD to 6 MGD). Estimated interest rate is 4.5%, with annual payments under $800,000. The council also ratified the city manager’s execution of the underwriter/placement agent agreement and approved the preliminary official statement. The resolution included an emergency declaration.

Discussion Items

  • Item 9 – Raised Median on Bullhead Parkway (Scoping Agreement): The council approved Resolution 2025R-18 authorizing an IGA with ADOT for scoping work on a 4-6 foot wide, 6-inch raised median from Silver Creek Road to Desert Foothill Drive. Total scoping cost is $40,000 (city share $2,000); estimated construction cost is $5.6 million (city share $300,000). The project aims to reduce cross-median accidents.
  • Item 10 – Wet Well Rehabilitation Change Order: The council approved Change Order No. 4 for Lift Station 18-1 wet well rehabilitation by Kay Constructors, LLC in the amount of $1,075,515.59 due to extensive additional bypass pumping and labor for full wall rebuild. The city manager was authorized to execute the order.
  • Item 11 – Laughlin Ranch Well 1 Pump Installation Amendment: The council approved an amendment to the agreement with Empire Pump Corporation increasing the total by $10,282.80 (to $96,477.60) for replacement of 160 feet of damaged pipe discovered during well repair.
  • Item 12 – System Conservation Implementation Agreement (SCIA) Amendment No. 2: The council adopted Resolution 2025R-19 approving amendment to the pilot system conservation program with the Bureau of Reclamation, allowing the city to use rapid infiltration basins (RIBs) and the existing pipeline for effluent recharge instead of failing injection wells. Since October 2024, the city has recharged approximately 1,960 acre-feet (760 in 3 months of 2024, ~1,200 in first 4 months of 2025). The city previously credited 1,000 acre-feet over 10 years via injection wells.
  • Item 13 – Management and Use Agreement for Bullhead City Middle School Athletic Fields: The council adopted Resolution 2025R-20 approving a partnership with the school district for use of the football and baseball fields at the middle school. The city will invest in upgrades and use the fields after 3 PM weekdays and all day Friday-Sunday. No firearms or alcohol are permitted on school property.
  • Item 14 – Animal Cremation Equipment Purchase: The council approved an agreement with American Crematory Equipment Company for $286,137 plus tax for cremation equipment at the Bullhead City Animal Resource Center. The equipment includes four chambers (three 150-lb, one 225-lb) with a two-year warranty. Staff is researching best practices for 24/7 pet pickup and profitable business models.
  • Item 15 – Weekend/Holiday Court Coverage IGA with Lake Havasu City: The council adopted Resolution 2025R-21 approving an intergovernmental agreement for the municipal court to use Lake Havasu City’s judicial services for weekend and holiday initial appearances, saving approximately $3,000 annually compared to the previous contract with Mohave County (from ~$10,400 to ~$7,400).
  • Item 17 – Title VI Plan for Public Transportation 2025: The council adopted Resolution 2025R-23 approving an updated Civil Rights Title VI implementation plan for transit, required for federal funding applications. Changes are minor due to the city becoming a direct recipient of Federal Transit Administration funds.

Key Outcomes

  • All 18 agenda items were approved (items 1-5 on consent, items 6-18 individually).
  • Vote on Item 8 (RV Storage CUP Appeal): Motion to affirm Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision (uphold conditions of 51% units for Chaparral Terrace, 49% for Exhibit A) passed 5-2.
  • River access closures (Item 16): Ordinance 2025-6 and Resolution 2025R-22 adopted, closing Lakeside Drive and Riverview Gardens access points.
  • Bond issuance (Item 18): Resolution 2025R-24 approved, authorizing up to $9 million in excise tax revenue obligations for wastewater treatment plant expansion.
  • Next Steps: The city manager was authorized to execute related agreements and documents for items 10, 11, 14, and 18. The budget workshop continues on May 8. The city will proceed with scoping for the Bullhead Parkway median and implementation of the effluent recharge program.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. It's Tuesday, May sixth, twenty twenty-five. It's five thirty PM, our regular scheduled council meeting. Calling this meeting to order. Could I get a roll call, please? All council members are present except for Council Member Ring. All right, we're gonna start this evening with an invitation from Malcolm Moberly from Valley Christian Church. If you'd like to join us, please stand. Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for the privilege of coming before you. We thank you, Lord, that our government, our city council still put uh puts a lot of faith and trust in you. That we can start with prayer to you. I ask, Lord, that tonight being a special night, honoring our military, that we acknowledge you in all things. We praise you and thank you that these men, these women have come back safe. We ask, Lord, you continue to be with their families. We thank you, Lord, for the military moms who are trying to make sure we remember them every single day. Thank you, Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen. What so proudly we held at the twilight's last gleaming. Who's brought stripes and bright stores through the site? Oh, say that's our spangled and the whole of the breath. Good evening and welcome to the May 2025 Tri-State Military Recognition Banner Retirement Ceremony. For those 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 nominee or family. We're forever indebted to the mayor of the city, the mayor and the city council of Bullhead City for allowing us to have this program in place. Without them, it would not exist today. Tonight I'm joined by members of the Tri-State Military Moms. We're honored to recognize four discharged military members. I'm sorry, three discharged 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 the families and friends who stand by them throughout their service commitment. We wish to honor those families and friends tonight here as well for the support and encouragement they've provided our service members. Pastor Malcolm Moberly of Valley Christian Church for opening us in prayer, Vincent Basolano, Sergeant, U.S. MC from 2020 to 2025 for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Senior Madison McKee of Mojave High School for singing the national anthem. 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 banner maintenance. Last but certainly not least, we pay tribute to our military veterans who've 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 your service. Representing the ongoing patriotic spirit that's so prevalent throughout our city and river communities. 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. But more importantly, we appreciate the respect and confidence of our community and its leadership. At the end of the presentations, the city council will take a short recess to allow the service members and their families to pose for a group picture. We ask the families to stick around for a short while after the ceremony is concluded for those photos. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your attendance tonight to honor these service members and their families. Let's start by sharing a little history of each service member being recognized this evening, followed by a certificate of appreciation presented by Mayor Diamico and a banner presentation by our tri-state military moms. We ask the service member representatives come forward when requested. Our banner coordinator Robin Meeting will assist me with the service member presentations this evening. Will Mark Cordero from the U.S. Army come up here with his family and friends that want to join him? Sorry. Tonight we commenced the ceremony with Mark Caldero, joined with his wife Zyla and his daughter Aislin. His father, Glenn, and daughter Skye are in the back. Mark attended Laughlin Junior High and graduated from Laughlin High School in 2018.

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