Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - September 16, 2025

The Bullhead City Council met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations and proclamations, public comments, consent agenda approval, and action on several items including a turf reduction grant, acquisition of Chaparral Golf Course, water and sewer rate increases, and more. All seven council members were present.

Presentations and Proclamations

• Certificate of Appreciation was presented to retiring Chief of Police Robert E. Trebes Jr. Chief Trebes delivered an extensive farewell address emphasizing constitutional policing, community engagement, and his gratitude for serving the city since 2004.
• National Night Out Proclamation – Mayor Head proclaimed Wednesday, October 1, 2025 as National Night Out, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bullhead City Police Department. The event will be held at the police department with activities including SWAT, dive team, and free fingerprinting.
• Fire Prevention Week Proclamation – Proclaimed October 5-11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week with the theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." A free community event will be held on October 11, 2025 from 9 AM to noon at the Anderson Auto Group Field House.
• Constitution Week Proclamation – Proclaimed September 17-23, 2025 as Constitution Week, presented in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda (Items 1-3) approved unanimously (7-0) without discussion:
  1. Minutes of July 8, 2025 Special Council Meeting and August 5, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
  2. Preliminary condominium plat for Toy Shack Storage at 2599 Laughlin Ranch Boulevard.
  3. Agreement with Airwave Communications AZ LLC for full upfit of seven patrol vehicles ($207,309.92) and Resolution 2025R-40 utilizing City of Phoenix solicitations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Aldridge urged the city to make Narcan (naloxone) freely available in churches, libraries, and dispensaries, citing the opioid crisis and the need for accessible harm reduction. She stated she was a child of an addict and a former addict herself.
• Nancy Horn (Veterans in Motion) reported that the nonprofit has transported 826 veterans in the first half of 2025 and offers free classes at the Bullhead Community Center. She requested donations for gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance.
• Jill Ramelot (on behalf of River Fund) promoted the "Duck Pluck" fundraiser on November 15, 2025 at Ken Fovarg Park. Duck adoptions start at $10; proceeds support local families in crisis. River Fund has impacted 75,000 lives and distributed over $4.8 million since 2010.
• Paula Fontus Hambi expressed concerns about safety and division in the community, referencing recent events and urging peacemaking.
• Sean Ream (also representing Arizona Veteran Canine Services) spoke about the tragic execution of Charlie Kirk, which motivated him to become more engaged. He promoted his organization which has served 108 canines, placed 88 with veterans, and provided 119 rooms for veterans.
• Julie Howset (Colorado River Concerts) announced the 51st season of world-class concerts beginning November 13, 2025 at Mojave High School Auditorium. Season tickets are $100, and homeschoolers attend free.
• Scotty (resident) criticized the nationwide search for a new police chief, asking why Captain Harms was not being considered. He opposed the cost and process, stating the council should have been consulted.
• Lila invited the public to a memorial for Charlie Kirk on September 18, 2025 at 7 PM at Rotary Park.
• Nancy Ryan indicated she would address the Chaparral Golf Course acquisition during that agenda item.
• Sean Ream (second appearance) again voiced concerns about the city's expansion into private enterprise (water company, golf course, Bell), warning of rising fees and taxes.
• Barton Anderson opposed the Chaparral acquisition, arguing the city should not run private enterprises and that the property is a "sinking ship." He questioned why the corporation didn't sell it on the open market if worth $4 million.
• Jan Heath (Arroyo Vista resident and Chaparral member) said the acquisition was not secret and that members were informed.
• Jackie Miller asked about timeline and management changes; City Manager Cotter responded that current staff would be retained if interested and that the golf course would operate as an enterprise fund with a goal of profitability.
• Eva Genevis noted the clubhouse is in disrepair and questioned what property is included; Cotter confirmed all parcels, buildings, equipment, and the lift station.
• Bern De Scutoro complained about water quality (undrinkable, causing skin issues) and sewer gas odors near Colorado Boulevard, urging the city to fix these issues despite rate increases.

Discussion Items

• Item 4: Palm Villas Estates Extension – Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-9 to extend time for final plat recording (sixth extension). Planning Manager Johnny Laura reported the project has been in process since 2006; all plans are approved and the applicant needs two more years to secure a contractor. No public comment. Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 5: Turf Reduction Water Conservation Grant – Arroyo Vista Park – Assistant City Manager Eddie Kajirwa presented a $500,000 grant agreement ($100,000 match: $50,000 HOA, $50,000 city) to remove ~52,000 sq ft of turf at Arroyo Vista Estates. The HOA board voted 4-0 in favor after extensive community engagement. Public comment included opposition from resident Ashley Hook, who presented a petition with nearly 200 signatures (council noted 90 addresses, 17% of 519 households). Hook cited lack of transparency and fear of reduced property values. Councilmember Smith noted the park is partially dead grass and water conservation is critical. Council voted 7-0 to approve, with understanding that Exhibit A (landscaping design) may see minor modifications.
• Item 6: Acquisition of Chaparral Golf Course – City Manager Cotter explained the city would assume $406,000 in liabilities (including $300,000 back taxes) for a golf course worth an estimated $4 million. The course would be operated as a municipal golf course with reclaimed water, flood control benefits, and continued community use. The CCC Inc. board (Kevin Nestrick, 48-year member) supported the acquisition; membership voted to authorize negotiations. Public comment was mixed: some opposed city entering private enterprise, others supported preserving green space and property values. Councilmember Smith cited the alternative of a dust bowl and property value decline. Council voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution 2025R-41 approving the acquisition. City Attorney Emery noted a material change: the city agrees to operate the golf course for at least 10 years, and thereafter may convert to other recreational/public purposes if financially impractical.
• Item 7: Liquor License for Chaparral Golf Course – Public hearing on Series 5 (Government) Liquor License. City Manager noted a 20-day posting period and a second public hearing in October. No public comment. Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 8: Water and Sewer Rate Increase – Public hearing on Resolution 2025R-42 approving rate increases effective January 1, 2026. Utilities Director Mark Clark and Assistant City Manager Kajirwa presented the three-year phase-in: water base rates for Mojave go from $14.61 to $17.39; North Mojave from $11 to $17.39 (equalizing). Sewer rates increase from $36.36 to $39.16. Even after increases, Bullhead City rates remain among the lowest in Arizona. The city also introduced a Utility Assistance and Discount Program for income-eligible households (up to 200% federal poverty guidelines, max $20/month discount). One public comment criticized water quality and sewer odors. Council voted 7-0 to adopt the rate increase. Councilmember Smith noted the city kept its promise of no rate increase for four years. Mayor Head clarified the city promised two years and exceeded that.
• Item 9: Colorado River Water Safety Fee Reduction – Resolution 2025R-43 reduces the fee from $20 to $10 per multi-copy form for commercial watercraft rentals. City Manager Cotter explained the fee was originally set to pay for the commercial launch ramp, which is now paid for. Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 10: Professional Assessment Engineering Services – CityCentre Improvement District – Agreement with EPS Group Inc. for $61,750 to support the improvement district (third lane on Highway 95, infrastructure). City Manager noted costs are reimbursed by the developer. Approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved 7-0.
• Ordinance 2025-9 (Palm Villas extension) approved 7-0.
• Turf Reduction Grant for Arroyo Vista Estates approved 7-0.
• Resolution 2025R-41 (Chaparral Golf Course acquisition) approved 7-0.
• Liquor License application for Chaparral Golf Course approved 7-0 (second hearing in October).
• Resolution 2025R-42 (water/sewer rate increase effective Jan 1, 2026) approved 7-0.
• Resolution 2025R-43 (water safety fee reduction from $20 to $10) approved 7-0.
• Agreement with EPS Group ($61,750) for CityCentre Improvement District approved 7-0.
• The meeting adjourned after approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.