Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - June 3, 2025

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, 1255 Marina Boulevard. All seven council members were present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Earl Johnson of Spirit Life Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council approved two proclamations, received a manager's report on Memorial Day weekend and summer camp, heard public comments on multiple topics, and took action on six agenda items, including the tentative FY 2025-2026 budget, a noise ordinance amendment, and several construction and equipment contracts. The meeting adjourned after approximately two hours.

Proclamations & Presentations

• Elder Abuse Awareness Month: Mayor Steve DeMico proclaimed June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Bullhead City, encouraging recognition of older adults and their contributions.
• Flag Day: Mayor DeMico proclaimed June 14, 2025 as Flag Day in Bullhead City. Walt Hans, Exalted Ruler of the Bullhead City Elks Lodge 2408, accepted the proclamation and invited the community to the Elks Flag Day event on June 14 at 11:00 AM, describing it as an educational opportunity about the American flag's history. A minor discrepancy was noted: the proclamation text read "June 9, 2025" as the signing date before being corrected to June 3, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Olgata (Bullhead Pickleball Club representative): Expressed appreciation for new pickleball facilities but requested the city build shade structures at Rotary Park pickleball courts and arrange permanent indoor playing space. He noted the club has over 200 members, stated seniors who play only indoors lost access to the Optimum Center gym after its remodel, and asked the Council to place the request on the next month's agenda. He mentioned the club is pursuing proposals and funding from local service organizations.
• Pamela Smith: Promoted the "Burgers and Bingo" fundraiser on June 23 at Chaparral (1260 Mojave Drive), with pre-sale tickets at $20 and $25 at the door.
• Unnamed La Puerta resident: Expressed opposition to federal VA staffing cuts, citing concerns about destaffing the veterans crisis line. She quoted statistics that an estimated 800-900 of 1,300 crisis line workers had worked remotely, that current data shows an average of 17.6 veteran suicides per day, and that suicide is the second leading cause of death among veterans under 45. She urged residents to contact their representatives.
• Scotty (Oland resident): Complained there are no enhanced criminal charges in Arizona for crimes against elderly or disabled victims, describing a personal incident involving an intruder. He called for state law changes to allow judges to impose enhancements for offenses against vulnerable populations, citing a $10,000 wheelchair theft and other cases.
• Ruby Miller (Bullhead City resident): Expressed concern about potential Medicaid cuts, citing a Mojave Valley Daily News article reporting that up to a quarter of Arizona's 2 million Medicaid enrollees (approximately 500,000 people) could lose coverage under proposed federal legislation. She stated that 64% of Arizona Medicaid adults are working, nearly 40% of recipients are children, and that Mojave County has about 69,000 Medicaid recipients (approximately 30% of the county's 230,000 population). She warned that rural hospitals would be disproportionately impacted and described witnessing two couples turned away from a local urgent care facility for having Medicaid.
• Eric Allarcon (local resident): Urged the city to revisit the closure of local washes, noting two of four washes in the Holiday Shores area are being closed. He proposed the city purchase the property at 475 Riverfront and rezone it as a permanent local waterway park for swimming and fishing, noting many local residents do not drive.
• Jeff Brown (Fort Mojave resident): Attempted to speak about park entry fees during an agenda item and was ruled out of order by the Mayor; the Mayor directed him to speak during Call to the Public.

Manager's Report

• Memorial Day Weekend Statistics (Police Chief Trebes): Reported a busy holiday weekend on the Colorado River with mutual aid from Arizona Game and Fish, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and Mojave County Sheriff's Office. There were 6 OUI (operating under the influence) arrests and 6 non-injury crashes. The Chief reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for reckless operation and boating under the influence.
• Riverfront Operations (City Manager Carter): Noted the city has collected just under $100,000 in summer parking revenue to date, projecting up to $750,000 by summer's end; these funds go back into park improvements. He highlighted a new ADA wheelchair-accessible river access area south of the Bullhead Bells, describing it as a unique design that may be the only one of its kind in the country, and said beach security will keep it reserved for ADA users. He also described the Chamber of Commerce building's lower level operating as a beach tourism store and the upper level as a police/lifeguard outpost.
• Summer Camp (Public Works Director Angie Johnson): Announced that 700 campers have enrolled in the first two weeks of summer camp, nearly matching the 703 total for the entire 2024 season. Registration remains open for weeks 3, 4, and 5 via recdes.com or in person at the Field House.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the May 6, 2025 Regular and Special Council Meetings (Item 1).
• Item 2 (Montano Ridge Estates Tract 5165, Unit 2 final plat) was WITHDRAWN from the consent agenda at Vice Mayor Dan Alfonso's request due to a conflict of interest; his husband's business is a part owner of Swamp Parkway and an investor in Montano Ridge Estates.
• Approved the final plat for Sunbeam Drive Townhomes, including the subdivision bond financial assurance and authorization for the Mayor to execute documents (Item 3).
• Motion carried 7-0.

Action Items

• Item 2 – Montano Ridge Estates Final Plat (reconsidered after withdrawal): Planning Manager Johnny Laura presented the request for final plat approval of Montano Ridge Unit 2, located south of the Parkway and Silver Creek intersection. The unit contains 79 additional lots and 5 HOA-owned parcels. Improvements are substantially complete with approximately $125,000 of work remaining. The request included acceptance of cash financial assurance and a water allocation of 26.55 acre-feet. Vice Mayor Alfonso recused himself; the motion carried 6-0 (the Mayor initially stated "seven in favor" and corrected to six).
• Item 4 – Bullhead City Middle School Athletic Fields (Play It Safe Playgrounds): City Manager Carter explained the agreement stems from a partnership with the school district: the city received the former Mountain View School/Optimum Community Center property in exchange for parking lot repairs and partnering on a new athletic facility. The city will have full use of the fields as a city park weekdays after 3:00 PM and all day Friday-Sunday. Councilmember asked about warranty; Public Works Director Johnson confirmed a one-year warranty after project acceptance. Approved 7-0 at a cost not to exceed $151,789.30.
• Item 5 – Highway 95/Mohave Drive Southbound Right Turn Lane (McCormick Construction): Johnson reported the project includes a 300-foot southbound right turn lane, curb and gutter, sidewalk, and signal pole relocation to improve intersection safety. The project was advertised in April, opened May 14, with 16 vendors downloading plans and 3 bidders. Vice Mayor Alfonso noted McCormick was the lowest bidder among 46 solicited vendors; AJP Electric bid $502,549.30 and Combs Construction bid $616,000. Councilmember asked about nighttime construction; Johnson confirmed the contractor will work nights when necessary, similar to the Thunderstruck project. The Mayor asked about a future Safeway intersection project; Johnson said it is at 60% design within the same funding round. Approved 7-0 at a cost not to exceed $414,370.00.
• Item 6 – Animal Resource Center Animal Housing (Tristar Metals, Inc. dba Direct Animal Products): Human Services Director Jeff Tipton presented the purchase of animal housing for the new Bullhead City Animal Resource Center at 2435 Miracle Mile Road. Bids were advertised in April and opened May 13, with three bids received; Direct Animal Products was the lowest. The facility will house over 111 cats and over 88 dogs (currently housing 31 dogs), with stainless steel kennels, HDPE panels, six fully built kennels, a dog nursery, and two large indoor enrichment rooms. Most products carry a 10-year warranty. Production takes about 18 weeks, with construction completed this fall. The item was budgeted. Approved 7-0 in the amount of $523,772.00 plus applicable taxes.
• Item 7 – Ordinance 2025-7 (Unreasonable Noise Code Amendment): City Attorney Emery explained the amendment aligns city code with a state law change, extending the concrete work exception window from June 1-September 30 to May 1-October 15. The amendment requires the responsible party to notify all property owners within 200 feet of the property line at least 48 hours prior to work. Emery stated the city had no choice but to conform to state law. Councilmember noted the provision is beneficial for Bullhead City's hot climate. Approved 7-0 along with Resolution 2025R-26.

Public Hearing & Budget Discussion (Item 8)

• Tentative FY 2025-2026 Budget (Resolution 2025R-27): Finance Director Robert Drexler presented the state-required budget schedules. The first page will be published in the newspaper per state law; page two is intentionally left blank because the city levies no property taxes. He directed attention to Schedule E (page 15) as an overall departmental and fund summary. City Manager Carter noted the Council held a budget workshop, made few changes, increased the contingency, added funds to the Boys & Girls Club annual agreement, and discussed Catholic Charities homeless shelter funding for future action.
• Pickleball Facility Discussion: The City Manager stated the budget includes $1 million for three indoor pickleball courts at the Optimum Center plus other amenities, describing a pay-as-you-go approach following the $2 million parking lot project. He noted two new covered outdoor pickleball courts were already built and that additional shade at Rotary Park was not in the budget. He suggested a 50/50 cost share for shade structures if the Council desired.
• Council Budget Positions: Vice Mayor Alfonso proposed a 50/50 split (approximately $75,000 each) if the pickleball club contributes. Councilmember expressed support for shade at Rotary Park but was not interested in a budget amendment that night, preferring to consider it next year; he emphasized fiscal responsibility, noting the city is already building three indoor courts, completed covered outdoor courts, loaning the water company $10 million, and needs to focus on infrastructure and public safety. Another councilmember asked about contingency; the Finance Director confirmed $52 million in total contingency across all funds, with at least $5 million added to the general fund contingency this year.
• Public Testimony on Budget: Jim Gandhi (Bullhead City resident, pickleball player) clarified the club is NOT requesting full court covers, but rather shade over the small seating/bleacher area between courts. Ken Olgata confirmed the request is smaller-scale. Public Works Director Johnson estimated the seating-area shade could cost under $50,000 (approximately $50,000). The club offered to contribute about $15,000. Mark Kilroy (8-year pickleball player) asked for a timeline on the indoor courts; the City Manager said funding becomes available July 1 and the project could potentially be completed by year-end, noting it involves converting an old classroom and raising the ceiling to nearly 20 feet. Tom D. Greyer suggested low-cost shade cloth options, stating he and his wife installed nursery cloth shade for about $1.20 per square foot. One speaker (Scotty) opposed additional spending, criticized county fire department issues, and called for fiscal restraint.
• Outcome: The Council approved Resolution 2025R-27 7-0 with a budget amendment adding approximately $50,000 for shade covering at the Rotary Park pickleball courts under a 50/50 cost-share arrangement with the pickleball club. The Council clarified no construction funds will be spent until the club's contribution is received.

Key Outcomes

• Approved two proclamations (Elder Abuse Awareness Month and Flag Day).
• Approved the remainder of the consent agenda (minutes, Sunbeam Drive Townhomes final plat) 7-0.
• Approved the Montano Ridge Estates Tract 5165, Unit 2 final plat, acceptance of cash financial assurance, and 26.55 acre-feet water allocation 6-0 (Vice Mayor Alfonso recused).
• Approved the Bullhead City Middle School Athletic Fields agreement with Play It Safe Playgrounds ($151,789.30) 7-0.
• Approved the Highway 95/Mohave Drive southbound right turn lane construction contract with McCormick Construction ($414,370.00) 7-0.
• Approved the Animal Resource Center animal housing agreement with Tristar Metals/Direct Animal Products ($523,772.00 plus taxes) 7-0.
• Adopted Ordinance 2025-7 and Resolution 2025R-26 updating the noise ordinance to align with state law (May 1-October 15 concrete work window with 48-hour notice to property owners within 200 feet) 7-0.
• Adopted the tentative FY 2025-2026 budget via Resolution 2025R-27 7-0, including an amendment to budget approximately $50,000 for pickleball court seating-area shade at Rotary Park under a 50/50 cost share with the club.