OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Meeting – September 2, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, September 2, 2025
BodyBullhead City, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:30:45

Transcript — Verbatim
0:23

Oh, yeah, it's on.

0:25

Welcome.

0:27

Today is Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.

0:30

It is 5 30 p.m.

0:32

Time for our regular scheduled city council meeting.

0:36

Welcome.

0:37

Can I get a roll call, please?

0:38

All council members are present.

0:40

Thank you.

0:41

Our invitation will be led by Pastor Stephen Brown.

0:45

If you would like to join us, please stand.

0:51

Father God, we are thankful that you are here with us today.

0:54

We ask for your wisdom to guide every discussion and decision that will be made.

0:59

We ask that you bless our city leaders with clarity of mind and compassion for the people they represent.

1:04

Grant them the courage to do what is right and patience to listen and understand.

1:09

We pray for peace and prosperity for our city, that Bullhead City will be a place of opportunity for families to grow.

1:16

We place this meeting in your hands, and in Jesus' name we pray.

1:21

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:40

Thank you.

1:42

We have some presentations and proclamations to take care of.

1:46

If I could ask the Morning Kawanis Club and our recreation individuals to please meet me at the microphone.

2:19

So this event is the Morning Kawanis Club presenting a check to Bullhead City to help fund our swim lessons here in Bullhead City.

2:28

And Nick from the Morning Kawanis Club will be telling us all about it.

2:34

First, thanks for having us with this.

2:36

And overall, thank you to the council.

2:47

But this really is key to our mission, impacting the lives of children.

2:51

That really starts with the safety of the children, that especially in Arizona, that they can swim because without being able to swim, unfortunately, many are lost and unable to experience the future that they deserve.

3:05

So this partnership is really key to continuing that mission, and thank you for uh being a part of it.

3:12

Thank you.

3:13

I'm gonna ask Dave to come over here.

3:16

I'm gonna let Dave have my money.

3:22

Thank you, Nick.

3:23

Thank you, Kwanians.

3:24

Uh, this is, and like you said, you nailed it right on the head.

3:28

This is an important and important program.

3:30

Um, and you couldn't get much more important in a town like Bullhead City with a river, with a lake, with pools everywhere.

3:36

We are lucky that we have the support of you guys to make sure that all these kids are priority one and staying safe uh around water.

3:43

Uh it starts when they're six months old, everybody, so don't think that your kid's too young to get involved in swim lessons because you got three of our instructors right here, they do an amazing job.

3:57

But they just couldn't do it without the kind of support that we have.

4:00

We wouldn't serve nearly as many kids as we do every year if it weren't for the Kwanas Club.

4:04

So thank you, Nick.

4:05

Thank you, Kwanians, for 20 plus years of uh serving the kids of this community.

4:15

So it's not made out to you.

4:16

So it's not made out to me, so I'll turn it in.

4:19

All right, well, thank you guys so much.

4:21

It it really is an honor to stand up here with you.

4:24

I know the effort you put in to raise these funds to help our kids be safe, and that's really what we as a community should be doing.

4:33

So thank you very much.

4:55

If I could ask Lori Duggins and members of MAP to come up, please.

5:16

Welcome.

5:17

Thank you for having us.

5:18

Today's proclamation says, whereas by celebrating recovery, we create an awareness for the importance of eliminating the stigmatization of addiction, and many of us are close to someone who is working to overcome drug, nicotine, and alcohol addiction.

5:37

And our support is vital to help them balance healing with their everyday responsibilities.

5:42

And whereas there are many pathways to recovery and overcoming an addiction is courageous and difficult.

5:51

We believe everyone is capable of achieving and sustaining recovery and thereby reducing the number of overdoses, nicotine, and alcoholism deaths that is taking a heartbreaking toll on our nation.

6:04

And whereas we also need to thank peer recovery support professionals, counselors, addiction specialists, first responders, scientists, family members, and everyone who works tirelessly to help our citizens prevent misuse and recover from substance use disorders.

6:27

And whereas during this national recovery month, we recommit to helping prevention efforts and supporting those who are still struggling and providing people in recovery with the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.

6:43

And whereas to achieve our goal, Mojave Area Partnership promoting educated decisions and their partners invite everyone to participate in our National Recovery Month celebration by attending the free family fun activity, Recovery in the Park on Saturday, September 13th from 11 a.m.

7:05

to 1 p.m.

7:07

at the Performing Arts Pavilion in Gary Keith Park.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████████████25%
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Public Safety████████████12%
Parks and Recreation███████████11%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Fiscal Sustainability██████6%
Historical Commemoration████4%
Procedural██2%
Veterans Affairs██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Meeting – September 2, 2025

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, proclamations, a public hearing on proposed water and wastewater rate increases, and action on multiple items including an ADA ramp naming, pickleball court improvements, median removal, and appointments.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • Morning Kiwanis Club Check Presentation: The club presented a donation to fund swim lessons. Councilmember expressed gratitude for over 20 years of support.
  • Recovery in the Park Proclamation: Mayor proclaimed Saturday, September 13, 2025, as Recovery in the Park celebration, encouraging community support for substance use recovery.
  • Hunger Awareness Month Proclamation: September 2025 declared Hunger Action Month. The Bullhead Regional Food Bank reported distributing over 2.2 million pounds of food last year and serving 899 local families in the past week.
  • Optimum Communications Update: Was scheduled but did not occur.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of the August 5, 2025 Special Council Meeting.
  • Adopted Resolution No. 2025R-37 approving the Interstate Mutual Aid Agreement with the State of Nevada for emergency response.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Stephen Lee promoted the John Birch Society for local voter education and accountability.
  • Rebecca Hoskin and Terry Fordyce described extensive water pressure issues and property damage after city repairs in Laughlin Ranch, citing PSI readings of 150+ and multiple plumbing failures. They urged the city to address systemic pressure problems.
  • Terry Tomlinson (Legacy Foundation) announced $250,000 in grants to food banks for the foundation’s 25th anniversary.
  • Mickey Maxie raised concerns about delayed public notification of missing persons with dementia, suggesting a camera registration program for police.
  • Rose Jacobs announced the Colorado River Concert Series 51st season and a Republican Women’s Club luncheon.
  • Caleb Elliott warned residents of predatory out-of-town contractors after recent storms.
  • Annalisa Sanchez (Arizona Youth Partnership) promoted a free eight-week Strengthening Families Program starting September 17.
  • Sean Regan (Arizona Veteran K9) requested volunteer and community support for veteran-dog programs, noting recent losses from PTSD.
  • Toby Carter criticized a nationwide search for a police chief, supporting Captain Harms for the position, and complained about flooding on his street and lack of a right-turn lane at a new Circle K.

Manager’s Report

  • Community Garden Update: Garden board president Michael Palacios reported completion of Phase 1 with 100 beds planned. Grand opening set for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 9 AM.
  • League of Arizona Cities and Towns: City Manager Toby Carter highlighted the annual conference, noting many council members attended beneficial sessions.

Discussion Items

ADA Mobility Ramp Naming (Item 12)

  • Council considered naming the new ADA ramp in Community Park the "Ciaran Riley ADA Mobility Ramp". After a family request, the name was amended to "Ciaran Riley and Friends ADA Mobility Ramp". Councilmember Newlin and Ring supported. Public testimony from family members and caregiver expressed gratitude.

Pickleball Court Enhancements (Item 6)

  • The Bullhead City Pickleball Club donated $75,000 for shade structures, concrete paths, and bleachers at Rotary Park. The donation includes $50,000 from Legacy Foundation. Staff presented the budget amendment to transfer funds from the Grant Fund to Parks Capital Projects. Club representative Laura Murphy also asked for updates on indoor pickleball courts at the Optimum Center; Public Works Director reported bid documents are in progress.

Water and Wastewater Rate Increase (Item 3) – Public Hearing, No Action

  • Staff presented a proposal to increase water rates by 19% in 2026, 14% in 2027, and 14% in 2028, and wastewater rates by 8% each year for three years. Reasons included aging infrastructure, tariffs, labor shortages, and rising material costs. The city has not raised rates in four years. Current rates are below Epcor’s. A discount program for low-income, disabled veterans, and active-duty military was introduced (up to $20/month discount). Public comments opposed the hikes, citing fixed incomes and the burden of other rising costs. Council emphasized that rate-making is now local, not by the Arizona Corporation Commission. A vote is scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Liquor License for The Pour House (Item 4)

  • Public hearing on a Series 6 (Bar) License application. Representatives explained it is an ownership structure change. No public opposition. Council voted to recommend approval to the state.

MOU with Lake Havasu City Police Radio System (Item 5)

  • Adopted Resolution No. 2025R-38 approving a memorandum of understanding for shared use of Lake Havasu City’s radio system to enhance officer safety and interoperability. No cost to Bullhead City.

Removal of Raised Median (Item 7)

  • Approved removal of the raised traffic median between Ricardo and Central Avenues on Highway 95, based on a traffic study showing safe removal at an estimated cost of $100,000. Multiple business owners testified the median reduced access and caused safety hazards. Council noted the study limits liability.

Dog Beach Naming and Rules (Item 8)

  • Approved naming the southwest beach area in Rotary Park "Sandy Toes Beach" and adopted general administrative rules for the off-leash dog area (pilot program). The motion passed 6-1.

Code Amendment for Off-Leash Dogs (Item 9)

  • Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-8 amending Section 6.08.040 to create a leash-free zone in the designated dog beach area during specified times. Public comment requested an exemption for service dogs. Council approved unanimously.

WACOG Executive Board Appointment (Item 10)

  • Councilmember Jason Newlin was appointed to the Western Arizona Council of Governments Executive Board.

Rural Transportation Advocacy Council Appointment (Item 11)

  • Councilmember Karen Dahlman was appointed to the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council (RTAC). The position is a voting member; meetings are mostly virtual.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Resolutions: 2025R-37 (mutual aid agreement), 2025R-38 (Lake Havasu radio system), 2025R-39 (code amendment public record).
  • Adopted Ordinance: 2025-8 (dog beach off-leash zone).
  • Approved Naming: Ciaran Riley and Friends ADA Mobility Ramp; Sandy Toes Beach.
  • Approved Budget Amendment: Transfer of $75,000 for pickleball court improvements.
  • Approved Median Removal: Between Ricardo and Central Avenues on Highway 95.
  • Appointments: Jason Newlin to WACOG; Karen Dahlman to RTAC.
  • Recommended Liquor License: For The Pour House.
  • Next Steps: Water/wastewater rate increase vote set for September 16, 2025; median removal will proceed to design and construction; pickeball project to commence; dog beach rules effective upon approval.

Note: No executive session was held. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:50 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Oh, yeah, it's on. Welcome. Today is Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. It is 5 30 p.m. Time for our regular scheduled city council meeting. Welcome. Can I get a roll call, please? All council members are present. Thank you. Our invitation will be led by Pastor Stephen Brown. If you would like to join us, please stand. Father God, we are thankful that you are here with us today. We ask for your wisdom to guide every discussion and decision that will be made. We ask that you bless our city leaders with clarity of mind and compassion for the people they represent. Grant them the courage to do what is right and patience to listen and understand. We pray for peace and prosperity for our city, that Bullhead City will be a place of opportunity for families to grow. We place this meeting in your hands, and in Jesus' name we pray. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. We have some presentations and proclamations to take care of. If I could ask the Morning Kawanis Club and our recreation individuals to please meet me at the microphone. So this event is the Morning Kawanis Club presenting a check to Bullhead City to help fund our swim lessons here in Bullhead City. And Nick from the Morning Kawanis Club will be telling us all about it. First, thanks for having us with this. And overall, thank you to the council. But this really is key to our mission, impacting the lives of children. That really starts with the safety of the children, that especially in Arizona, that they can swim because without being able to swim, unfortunately, many are lost and unable to experience the future that they deserve. So this partnership is really key to continuing that mission, and thank you for uh being a part of it. Thank you. I'm gonna ask Dave to come over here. I'm gonna let Dave have my money. Thank you, Nick. Thank you, Kwanians. Uh, this is, and like you said, you nailed it right on the head. This is an important and important program. Um, and you couldn't get much more important in a town like Bullhead City with a river, with a lake, with pools everywhere. We are lucky that we have the support of you guys to make sure that all these kids are priority one and staying safe uh around water. Uh it starts when they're six months old, everybody, so don't think that your kid's too young to get involved in swim lessons because you got three of our instructors right here, they do an amazing job. But they just couldn't do it without the kind of support that we have. We wouldn't serve nearly as many kids as we do every year if it weren't for the Kwanas Club. So thank you, Nick. Thank you, Kwanians, for 20 plus years of uh serving the kids of this community. So it's not made out to you. So it's not made out to me, so I'll turn it in. All right, well, thank you guys so much. It it really is an honor to stand up here with you. I know the effort you put in to raise these funds to help our kids be safe, and that's really what we as a community should be doing. So thank you very much. If I could ask Lori Duggins and members of MAP to come up, please. Welcome.

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