Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – December 16, 2025
Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – December 16, 2025
The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers (1255 Marina Boulevard). All seven council members were present. The meeting included a public comment period, a manager’s report, and action on eleven agenda items, all of which passed unanimously. The council also recognized upcoming holiday events and heard concerns about homelessness.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the December 2, 2025 regular council meeting.
- Approved the final condominium plat for Pueblo del Rio Condominiums, Tract 5171, and authorized the mayor to sign documents.
- Approved the release of financial assurance (subdivision bond 4480977) for Sunbeam Drive Townhomes, Tract 5157, and accepted required improvements into the city system for maintenance.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Brandy and Rusty Dubois (Tri-State AC Hero, Trinity Baptist Church) invited the council and community to a free Christmas light display at 1941 Highway 95 (address clarified as 1941 Hwy 95), featuring over 20,000 synchronized lights, a mountain with snow, and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Snoopy. They claimed it is the biggest light show in Bullhead City. Hot chocolate is provided. Lights are on nightly from 6–9 PM, with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- John Pettett (representing Church Without Walls, a homeless group) criticized Catholic Charities for refusing to provide services (showers, haircuts) to homeless individuals he brought. He asked the city what its attitude is toward homelessness and expressed concern that the city is “turning its back.” He requested a follow-up meeting next month.
- Nicole Tracy (Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis) announced the “Red Kettle Rhythms” event on Saturday, December 20, from 10 AM–4 PM in front of Sam’s Club, with music and community caroling to support Salvation Army bell ringing.
- Scotty (self-identified as “Scotty from Bullhead”) complained about a theft report costing $1.03 to mail, the lack of detail in the report, and the 31-day wait for a collision report. He argued that police body camera footage should be provided without charge to victims. He also referenced past sign theft and an earlier comment by Pamela Hanley.
- Leslie Chester (Community Pride Advocates) and Catherine Lopez Rajanimi announced winners of the lighting display contest at Gary Keith Park: Judges’ Choice/Best Overall – St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church (nativity scene); Best Solar Use/White Christmas – JATCOM (snow globe); Public Choice (Twinkle of Approval) – Mountain View Homes (42 votes, Snoopy Christmas). Lights remain on through December 28.
- Rose Jacobs (Colorado River Concert Series) reported that the series celebrated 51 years, with 327 attendees at the November 13 performance (Mid Atlantic Men). Upcoming shows: January 15 – Lauren Jelks-Kokovich (classical vocalist); February 5 – The Brothers Doobie; March 17 – The Swan Brothers (The Voice finalists). Season tickets: $100 for three concerts; single tickets $35; student tickets $5. Website: CRConcerts.com.
Discussion Items
- Item 4 – Zoning Amendment Extension (Ordinance 2025-14) – Planning Manager Johnny Laura presented a request to extend the time for obtaining building permits on a 9.8-acre parcel at 2350 Silver Creek Road (zoned R1L, changed to planned area development for mixed use with 75 high-end storage units with apartments and 112 apartments). The applicant has not submitted building plans but submitted a traffic study. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Councilmember newland asked if the applicant was notified (yes, they applied for extension). The council approved the extension (7-0).
- Item 5 – Final Plat and Water Allocation for CityCentre District Lots 4 & 5 – Laura presented the plat to re-subdivide a 246-acre parcel: Lot 4 (20.85 acres, 155 residential units) and Lot 5 (~2 acres, commercial – could be car wash). Also, Parcel A (Lamar Billboard site) dedicated to the city, Parcel B as gas utility easement. Streets and utilities remain private but built to city specs. The council approved the plat and water allocation of 52.39 acre-feet. City Manager Cotter noted the city has adequate water supply (30,000 acre-feet total, using 12,000–15,000 yearly, with 15,000 unused).
- Item 6 – Acceptance of Public Improvements for Montano Ridge Estates, Tract 5156, Unit 2 – Staff requested approval subject to completion of three outstanding items: (1) wiring harness for Cummins standby generator at the sewer lift station, (2) automatic transfer switch for the generator, (3) installation of SCADA system. Developer Dan Ayler explained the lift station is operational, that standby generator materials are delayed from Cummins, and that SCADA design data from the city’s vendor is pending. He expects completion in a few weeks. Councilmember Ring recused due to conflict. The motion passed 6-0.
- Item 7 – Interim City Magistrate Agreement with Tom Brady – City Manager Cotter reported that Magistrate Richard Spear is resigning. The city is recruiting but needs an interim. Former Mayor Tom Brady (former justice of the peace) agreed to serve at $75/hour with no benefits. The agreement authorizes the city manager to execute. Passed 7-0.
- Item 8 – MOU with ICE/HSI and MAGNET – Interim Police Chief Sharp explained the MOU codifies existing cooperation on narcotics trafficking investigations. The countywide MAGNET program has been active since 1988. Two HSI special agents will be assigned. Passed 7-0.
- Item 9 – Budget Transfer for BARC Animal Shelter Fence/Gate – Human Services Director Tipton requested $20,000 from contingency to install a roll gate and fence at the new shelter (2435 Miracle Mile) to secure the police ramp and play area. The council toured the facility earlier that day. Passed 7-0.
- Item 10 – Exemption from Vehicle Marking for Certain Police and Animal Transport Vehicles – Arizona law requires “For Official Use Only” markings. The council exempted police vehicles used for investigations, undercover work, special operations, command staff, and prisoner transport; also vehicles exclusively used for animal transport for alteration/medical services. The city manager will verify exemptions annually. Passed 7-0.
- Item 11 – Budget Amendment for Chaparral Golf Course – City Manager Cotter requested $775,000 from general fund contingency to cover debt assumed ($350,000), wages, operating costs, and improvements through February 2026. The course has generated about $40,000 in revenue since city takeover. Councilmember Newland reported hearing from a golfer that the course is the best it’s been in 10–15 years. Passed 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- All action items (4 through 11) were approved unanimously (7-0), except item 6 which passed 6-0 after a recusal.
- Consent agenda (items 1–3) approved without discussion.
- The council heard manager’s report on holiday celebrations (Boombox Parade, Magic of Christmas, upcoming boat parade), the new animal shelter tour (opening spring 2026), and a hazardous waste drop-off report (5,325 pounds of electronics, 84 TVs, 109 truckloads total 5.6 tons of bulk items, 300 sandbags given, and various hazardous materials collected).
- Councilmember Coatney noted the Bullhead City Republican Women meet January 7, with speakers Catherine Lopez Rajanimi running for LD30 and Alex Collin running for Secretary of State.
- Vice Mayor acknowledged police department efforts (Lori Duggins, Chief Sparks, Deputy Chief Arms) distributing about 22,000 stuffed animals during neighborhood visits.
- The next regular council meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, can I have a roll call, please? All council members are present. Thank you. Tonight's invocation will be led by Pastor Stephen Brown from Praise Chapel. If you would like to join us, please stand. Good evening. Father God, we would like to thank you for today. Your word tells us that righteousness exalts the nation. We ask that you pour out wisdom on our city officials, that every decision made is with the well-being of our local citizens. Lord, we ask for understanding where there are differences and cooperation where there are challenges. Amen. Please join us in a pledge of allegiance. This is the opportunity for citizens wishing to address the council on issues within the jurisdiction of the city, but issues that are not listed on tonight's agenda. If you would like to address the council when you approach the podium, please state your name clearly for the meeting record. Comments from the from the public are limited to three minutes per individual. Unless you are speaking on behalf of a group that is present with you here at which time it will be limited to five minutes. If you are representing a group, please notify the vice mayor before you begin your comments, and he will adjust the timer accordingly. If your comments relate to an item on tonight's agenda, please wait until that item is called and call to the public for that item is announced. Somebody could look into it and get back with me. Next evening, my name is Brandy Dubois. I'm here with my husband Rusty Dubois. We um own Tri-State AC Hero, and we are also members of Trinity Baptist Church, where we have built a huge Christmas light display. And we are here tonight to invite the city and our community to come and visit it. It's a free event. The lights are on every night from 6 to 9 p.m. But Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we have Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Snoopy, and a Live Nativity. So we just like you all come and visit it. And uh we're just trying to sped some Christmas cheer, and uh let Rusty tell you a little bit more about it. So what we've done uh at the church, um we we've done quite a bit of floats for the boombox parade in the past years. I try to wow people and when you come down and see them. So we've recreated at least I think it's three or four different floats that we've had down the past for the women's council so that the kids can come in, they can interact uh into it, you know, the Polar Express, they can walk through it, they can ring the bell, drive you crazy hearing the bell uh after a little bit. Uh we added a new mountain, so basically inside the mountain it's decorated, it's got scene setters in there, it's real pretty. Um basically we snow inside that mountain because out here in Bullhead, you wouldn't believe it, but there's wind here a lot. So uh we've tried to put it inside uh this what I call a mountain, and if you guys go see it, you'll see how big it is. Um just so the kids can enjoy themselves and snow and it can fall on them and not blow over their heads or blow behind them, you know. So um we have over 20,000 synchronized lights on it. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna go out and make the claim, and anybody can challenge me. This is the biggest light show in Bullhead City. Okay, I'm gonna tell you, it is flat amazing. Uh, we do have hot chocolate cocoa for anybody that wants to come over there and see it. And like I say, I'd like to see some of you guys over there. You guys get a chance. Thank you. Thank you. I may have missed it, but what is the address? The address is 1941. Have a have a soup pie. I always drive. Have a soup pie drive.
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