OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - October 21, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, October 21, 2025
BodyBullhead City, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, October 21, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:07:39

Transcript — Verbatim
2:26

Good evening.

2:27

Today is Tuesday, October twenty-first, twenty twenty-five.

2:30

The time is five thirty PM, the time set for our regular city council meeting.

2:37

Welcome.

2:38

And we'll call this meeting to order.

2:40

Can I have a roll call, please?

2:42

All council members are present.

2:44

Thank you.

2:45

Our invitation tonight will be by Pastor George Lyman of Desert Shores Community Baptist Church.

2:50

If you would like to join us, please stand.

2:55

Thank you, Mayor.

2:56

Council members, shall we pray together?

2:58

Dear God, we come before you thankful that we can be a community that looks to do the things you've called us to do in a way that shows unity working together, but at the same time, Lord, sharing our our struggles, our difficulties.

3:19

And I just pray that as we go forward as a city that you will show us the things we can do to make it uh the best it can be for our citizens, uh, that we can uh support all those that serve in our community, police, law enforcement, all those that are giving of of their their really their lives to make a difference.

3:38

So, Lord, as we conduct the business of this city, uh just uh give us wisdom and understanding, and we ask this in your name.

3:44

Amen.

3:46

Please join me in the flag in the pledge to your flag.

3:49

I pledge the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.

4:07

Um we have some presentations and proclamations.

4:12

If I could ask Lori Duggins and anyone that's with her to meet me up front, please tomorrow is uh walk away from drugs.

4:47

So we have a proclamation here.

4:49

And it reads, whereas Bullhead City is sponsoring a drug prevention program on Wednesday, October twenty second, twenty twenty-five, called the walk away from drugs and five K Run.

5:04

And whereas there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and the hope lies in the hard work and determination of our community to create a drug-free environment.

5:16

And whereas this free event is hosted by the Bullhead City Police and Fire Departments, and we sincerely appreciate McKee Foods and Swire Coca-Cola of Kingman for their partnership in helping us create a brighter future for our community by supporting this visual stance against drugs.

5:38

And whereas McKee Foods will be providing free little Debbie snacks and Swire Coca-Cola will be giving away soft drinks and water to participants of the walk and run in support of this effort.

5:52

And whereas a red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique Kiki Kamarena, a drug enforcement administration agent who was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief that one person can make a difference.

6:12

And whereas Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress in 1988 to promote this belief and encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts.

6:25

And whereas the walk away from drugs is held in conjunction with the Red Ribbon Week, calling on all citizens to show their support for a drug-free state by wearing red and participating in our walk away from drugs coloring contest and 5K run activities on Wednesday, October 22nd, beginning at 4 p.m.

6:50

at Ken Fovard Park.

6:52

Now therefore be it resolved that I, Rodney Head, Mayor of the City of Bullhead City, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, as the walk away from drugs, and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, and religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons and participate in our drug-free activity to show their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

7:22

In witness hereof, I set my hand this 21st day of October, 2025.

7:29

And these folks are here from the police department.

7:31

I'm sure Lori's gonna tell us a lot of really wonderful stuff.

7:35

Thank you so much, Mayor.

7:37

It's always an honor to be here and let you know about the amazing things that this community supports for your police department.

7:45

We really are excited about this year, having McKee Foos with the little Debbie's um products out there and having Coca-Cola on hand, handing out their products, and then in addition, DJ Loki will be there.

7:58

And she always makes every event a party, and she is donating her time to come out there and support this walk away from drugs.

8:06

We have many, many community partners on hand to teach people how to talk to your kids about drugs.

8:13

Everybody says talk to your kids about drugs, but how do you talk to a preschooler?

8:16

Because a preschooler, you should already talked about alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and e-cigarettes.

8:23

So if you guys come on out, even if you don't want to walk the walk, or you want to cut short, you can cut right across at the boys and girls club if you want to, and just go out there and help us do this this visual stance that we want to be a drug-free community.

8:39

Thank you, Mayor.

8:41

Anyone can say that.

8:45

I know she usually she usually handles it all.

8:51

Well, thank you guys very much.

8:52

And and I hope that you all will join me.

8:56

Well, I wasn't gonna be that rude, but Toby can uh can send you to the back of the room.

9:01

Thank you both.

9:02

We appreciate you.

9:06

So we we have one more presentation this evening, and uh Supervisor Lettman was going to be here, but he got called out of town.

9:14

As many of you know, next year will be the 75th anniversary of the Davis Dam project, and it's providing not only controls for the natural resource of the Colorado River, but energy to the southwestern states.

9:30

In his stead, he has sent the clerk of the board to come help us uh reveal the logo for the 75th anniversary of Davis Dam.

9:42

Laura Hi, thank you so much for having me.

10:00

One of the things I have learned this uh in going over the Davis Dam.

10:02

Um I actually got to go on a tour uh with the media, and one of the things I did that they talked about is that the Davis Dam is so remarkable because it was built um without having any computers or it was it was all hand drawn and all the calculations were done.

10:22

And I am so grateful to those people, our forefathers that have come through and done some of that pioneering work for us.

10:31

Because if you had relied on me, um you guys should have just go and get a family of otters and ask them to build the dam because that's about as all I can do.

10:41

Um, although the otters are very cute.

10:44

Um but it is amazing the technology that they use, you know, at the Hoover Dam and then at the Days Davis Dam that this can all be done, and you can see the paperwork on these calculations.

10:57

So kudos to those people who are before us.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning Regulations████████████████████20%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Public Transportation██████████████14%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████9%
Public Engagement████████8%
Veterans Affairs████████8%
Historic Preservation██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - October 21, 2025

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, a call to the public, approval of a consent agenda, and action on seven items, all of which passed unanimously 7-0. Key topics included zoning changes, code amendments, software purchases, transit grants, and a military display.

Presentations & Proclamations

  • Walk Away from Drugs Proclamation: Mayor Rodney Head proclaimed October 22, 2025 as 'Walk Away from Drugs' day. Lori Duggins from the Police Department highlighted the event featuring McKee Foods, Swire Coca-Cola, and DJ Loki.
  • Davis Dam 75th Anniversary Logo Presentation: Laura, Clerk of the Board, unveiled the official logo designed by Sheila Barter. The logo celebrates the 75th anniversary of Davis Dam, commemorating its construction and impact.

Call to the Public

  • Diana (Bullhead City Elks Lodge) invited the community to a free haunted lodge walkthrough on October 25 and a trunk-or-treat on October 31.
  • George Lyman (Desert Shores Community Baptist Church) promoted the church's pumpkin patch and a trunk-or-treat event on October 31.
  • James Sheller (Airport Director, Laughlin Bullhead International Airport) thanked the city for support and invited council members to visit the airport.
  • Chris Cleansing (resident, Puno de Vista development) expressed concern about his water bill of $847 after a leak, stating the city's adjustment formula credited only $236 (about 28%) and that the formula was confidential. He asked the council for further help.
  • Larry Toon Force (resident of 45 years) thanked the council and staff for their research and commitment, noting the extensive preparation behind agenda items.
  • Scotty (resident) complained about a stop sign placement on Mountain View, alleged an open meeting law violation regarding a prior conversation with Councilwoman Tammy Ring, and criticized the cost of a city permit for water heater replacement. He stated he would file a complaint with the Attorney General.
  • Julie Hassett (Colorado River Concerts) promoted the upcoming 51st season of concerts, including a November 13 show by Mid-Atlantic Men, and noted student education outreach programs.

Manager's Report

  • Water and Sewer Rate Forums (presented by Assistant City Manager Edgar Cejudo): The city conducted a utility rate study after acquiring the water system from EPCOR four years ago. New rates take effect January 1, 2026, with an average increase of about $6/month for water and $3/month for sewer. Town hall workshops will be held on October 29, November 19, and December 10, 2025, from 5:30-7:00 PM at City Council Chambers. Assistance and discount programs are available.
  • City Council Election Information (presented by City Clerk Debie Ogden): Candidate packets for the 2026 election become available October 22, 2025. Positions open: one Mayor (4-year term), two Council members (4-year terms), and one Council member (2-year term).
  • Sports Tourism and Special Events: City Manager Cotter reminded that fall brings sports tournaments and events like Cornfest, Balloon Fest, and concerts.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 1: Approved minutes of the August 18, 2025 Special and Regular Council meetings and the September 16, 2025 Regular Council meeting.
  • Item 2: Approved the preliminary condominium plat for Pueblo Del Rio at 370 Riverfront Drive.
  • Item 3: Approved the preliminary condominium plat for La Jolla Village at 810 Indian Head Drive.
  • All items were approved unanimously without separate discussion.

Discussion Items

  • Item 4 – The Dunes at Bullhead (Zoning & Plat): Public hearing on Ordinance 2025-11 to change zoning from C2 to PAD (with underlying R1L) and approve a preliminary plat for 150 attached single-family homes on 33 acres south of Bullhead Parkway. The development will include amenities and access via a widened existing driveway behind Ross and Boot Barn. No access from Tierra Loma. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. Council voted 7-0 to adopt.
  • Item 5 – Accessory Structures Code Amendment: Ordinance 2025-12 amends the municipal code to allow accessory structures (e.g., garages) up to 150% of living space (previously 50%), subject to new architectural standards (e.g., conventional facade materials, architectural elements). HOA regulations are not superseded. Planning & Zoning recommended approval. Council voted 7-0 to adopt.
  • Item 6 – ClearGov Budgeting Software Subscription: Approved a three-year contract for $180,354.02 plus taxes, with a 3% annual increase. Finance Director Drexler said the software has been successful for five years. Council voted 7-0 to approve.
  • Item 7 – Chaparral Golf Course Renaming: Approved renaming 'Chaparral Golf and Country Club' to 'Chaparral Golf Course and Restaurant' to signal it is open to all. The logo will be retained with name modification. Council voted 7-0.
  • Item 8 – FTA Grant for Bus Replacement: Resolution 2025R-48 authorizes submission of a Federal Transit Administration Section 5339 grant for $217,309 (80% federal, 20% local match of $43,461) to replace a transit bus. The local match was budgeted. Steve Diamico (Bullhead City MPO Executive Director) presented a letter of support. Council voted 7-0 to approve (motion initially misstated item 9 but was corrected).
  • Item 9 – Multimodal Transit Facility Plans: Approved the completed engineering and architectural plans for a new transit hub at 1315 Alanis Way (adjacent to the MVD). The facility will include a sawtooth bus pattern, administrative/ticketing area, and maintenance building. The Transit Commission approved the design in May 2025. Staff will seek grant funding for construction. Council voted 7-0 to approve.
  • Item 10 – Deuce-and-a-Half Military Display: Approved acceptance of a static 2.5-ton military truck ('deuce-and-a-half') for the Veterans Peninsula. The vehicle will be restored by a Lake Havasu contractor using remaining unspent funds ($13,520) from a prior $15,000 allocation for military jeeps. Estimated cost is $7,500, with community donations potentially covering all costs. The display will join the existing howitzer and jeeps. Council voted 7-0 to approve.

Key Outcomes

  • All action items (4-10) were approved by unanimous 7-0 votes.
  • The consent agenda was adopted without separate discussion.
  • The city manager was authorized to execute agreements for the ClearGov subscription and the FTA grant application.
  • Staff will conduct three water/sewer rate town hall workshops in late 2025.
  • The Chaparral Golf Course will be rebranded as 'Chaparral Golf Course and Restaurant'.
  • The transit facility plans are approved; funding sources will be identified in future steps.
  • A restored deuce-and-a-half truck will be added to the Veterans Peninsula display.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Today is Tuesday, October twenty-first, twenty twenty-five. The time is five thirty PM, the time set for our regular city council meeting. Welcome. And we'll call this meeting to order. Can I have a roll call, please? All council members are present. Thank you. Our invitation tonight will be by Pastor George Lyman of Desert Shores Community Baptist Church. If you would like to join us, please stand. Thank you, Mayor. Council members, shall we pray together? Dear God, we come before you thankful that we can be a community that looks to do the things you've called us to do in a way that shows unity working together, but at the same time, Lord, sharing our our struggles, our difficulties. And I just pray that as we go forward as a city that you will show us the things we can do to make it uh the best it can be for our citizens, uh, that we can uh support all those that serve in our community, police, law enforcement, all those that are giving of of their their really their lives to make a difference. So, Lord, as we conduct the business of this city, uh just uh give us wisdom and understanding, and we ask this in your name. Amen. Please join me in the flag in the pledge to your flag. I pledge the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. Um we have some presentations and proclamations. If I could ask Lori Duggins and anyone that's with her to meet me up front, please tomorrow is uh walk away from drugs. So we have a proclamation here. And it reads, whereas Bullhead City is sponsoring a drug prevention program on Wednesday, October twenty second, twenty twenty-five, called the walk away from drugs and five K Run. And whereas there is hope in winning the war on drugs, and the hope lies in the hard work and determination of our community to create a drug-free environment. And whereas this free event is hosted by the Bullhead City Police and Fire Departments, and we sincerely appreciate McKee Foods and Swire Coca-Cola of Kingman for their partnership in helping us create a brighter future for our community by supporting this visual stance against drugs. And whereas McKee Foods will be providing free little Debbie snacks and Swire Coca-Cola will be giving away soft drinks and water to participants of the walk and run in support of this effort. And whereas a red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique Kiki Kamarena, a drug enforcement administration agent who was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief that one person can make a difference. And whereas Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress in 1988 to promote this belief and encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts. And whereas the walk away from drugs is held in conjunction with the Red Ribbon Week, calling on all citizens to show their support for a drug-free state by wearing red and participating in our walk away from drugs coloring contest and 5K run activities on Wednesday, October 22nd, beginning at 4 p.m. at Ken Fovard Park. Now therefore be it resolved that I, Rodney Head, Mayor of the City of Bullhead City, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025, as the walk away from drugs, and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, and religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons and participate in our drug-free activity to show their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. In witness hereof, I set my hand this 21st day of October, 2025. And these folks are here from the police department. I'm sure Lori's gonna tell us a lot of really wonderful stuff. Thank you so much, Mayor. It's always an honor to be here and let you know about the amazing things that this community supports for your police department. We really are excited about this year, having McKee Foos with the little Debbie's um products out there and having Coca-Cola on hand, handing out their products, and then in addition, DJ Loki will be there. And she always makes every event a party, and she is donating her time to come out there and support this walk away from drugs. We have many, many community partners on hand to teach people how to talk to your kids about drugs. Everybody says talk to your kids about drugs, but how do you talk to a preschooler? Because a preschooler, you should already talked about alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and e-cigarettes. So if you guys come on out, even if you don't want to walk the walk, or you want to cut short, you can cut right across at the boys and girls club if you want to, and just go out there and help us do this this visual stance that we want to be a drug-free community. Thank you, Mayor. Anyone can say that. I know she usually she usually handles it all. Well, thank you guys very much. And and I hope that you all will join me. Well, I wasn't gonna be that rude, but Toby can uh can send you to the back of the room. Thank you both. We appreciate you. So we we have one more presentation this evening, and uh Supervisor Lettman was going to be here, but he got called out of town.

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