Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - February 3, 2026
Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - February 3, 2026
The Bullhead City Council met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included a call to the public, manager's report, consent agenda, and action items on the city's audited financial report, gas line abandonment, city manager salary increase, equipment purchases, and an island license agreement. All action items were approved unanimously (7-0).
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the January 20, 2026 Regular Council Meeting with a correction: a typo in the June 9th candidate form for LD 30 candidates (accidentally stated 30 candidates) was fixed. (Motion passed 7-0)
Public Comments & Testimony
- Stephen Lee: Expressed opposition to turning Bullhead City into a "15-minute city," criticized globalism, called for hiring local police, and urged against "Agenda 2030" and the Transportation Department led by Steve Diamico.
- Jackie Miller: Announced a Colorado River Republican Women meeting with speakers Mike Genucio and Grace Heck running for District 30 House.
- Mike DeWight (329 Meander Drive): Complained about loud drum kit noise from a neighbor, said police can't act due to existing ordinance, requested the city address the ordinance.
- Laura Martinez (330 Meander Drive): Stated she runs a hospice home and that the drum noise disturbs her dying clients and their families; supported addressing the noise issue.
- Jack Newtleman: Representing the remote control radio club at Rotary Park, requested that when blacktop is next applied at the park, a few extra pounds be added to the flight line area because the surface is breaking up and older members are unsteady on their feet.
- Richard White: Praised the new skate park, suggested adding a rebound wall on the southwest corner to prevent riders from going into the parking lot or new grass; left a diagram with the city clerk.
- Janice Johnston: Announced P5 Bullhead City's faith-based support group starting Friday at Mystic Energies (6 PM), and a final winter walk and potluck on March 28th at Union Pass with BLM caretaker; provided phone number 702-763-3369.
- Unnamed speaker: Speaking on behalf of a crossing guard's friend/co-worker, asked the council to make school zone safety a "pet project," noting that even when driving 20 mph in a 15 mph school zone on Marina, drivers pass as if standing still; urged better signage.
- Nicole Tracy (Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis liaison to Mojave High School Key Club) and Summer Russell: Announced a Valentine's Day dinner/dance on Feb 13 at Mojave High School from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, $20 single, $25 couples, to fundraise for the special needs prom; RSVP to Flori Gardner (contact info given).
- Julie Hassan (Colorado River Concerts): Announced The Doobie Brothers tribute concert on Feb5 and Swan Brothers on March17 at Mojave High School, 7 PM; also announced next season's "Bring a Guest" program and that CR Concerts has served over 42 000 youth in 25 years.
- Stephen Brown (Bullhead Regional Food Bank): Thank ed the city for CDBG support, use of Rotary Park during transition, and emergency assistance during SNAP cuts. Reported over 2.5 million pounds of food distributed to over 35,000 local families last year. Announced acquisition of adjacent property at 580 Hancock for new admin offices.
- Scott: Criticized new police chief's vacation, complained about utility rate increase notice arriving late, questioned airport board appointments (Travis Pruitt qualified?), alleged secrecy and "good old boys club," called for investigation of airport board.
Discussion Items
- Manager's Report:
- Lt. McConnell (police) addressed a newspaper article on public safety radio communications; stated the city is modernizing from VHF to an 800 MHz digital trunked system for security and interoperability, and is pursuing funding.
- City Manager Cotter reported on a new traffic engineering study for stop signs on Ramar Road (60-90 days), acknowledged city is a major weed offender due to rains and will take a lenient education approach, and announced upcoming sports tournaments.
- Mayor and Council Reports: Councilmember Smith announced a History of Rock and Roll event on Feb20 at the Optimum Community Center ($35 at door, contact 509-618-0540).
- Item 7 (moved to Item 2) - Acceptance of Audited Annual Financial Report for FY ending June 30, 2025: Finance Director Robert Drexler and Baker Tilly auditor Brian Hemerly presented. The city received unmodified (clean) opinions on the financial statements, compliance with state laws, and federal single audit. General fund increased by $6.7 million due to fewer transfers out; revenues were $900,000 under budget, expenditures $5.8 million under budget. Water fund had a $200,000 operating deficit ($2.4 million decrease in net position after interest); wastewater fund had a $1.1 million operating deficit ($1.3 million decrease). No material weaknesses or findings. A public comment requested the document be publicly available; it was confirmed available.
- Item 2 (original number) - Gas Line Abandonment and Opposition to Rate Case Filings: City Manager Cotter explained that El Paso Gas and Southwest Gas want to abandon a non-functional gas line in city right-of-way but refuse to remove an above-ground pipeline and structure crossing the Colorado River. The city wants them to remove it at their expense. Council members expressed support for holding the companies responsible. Motion passed to direct the city manager to withhold approval of abandonment and oppose future rate case filings until a reasonable resolution is reached.
- Item 3 - City Manager Employment Agreement Amendment: HR Director Camden Stanley requested approval to increase City Manager Toby Cotter's salary to $245,000. Multiple council members spoke in support, citing his 16+ years of service, stability, under-market compensation compared to other cities. One public comment criticized the process and suggested term limits. Mayor noted the city researched comparable cities; the salary is still a bargain given the city's reserve growth. Motion passed 7-0.
- Item 4 - Purchase of XQ330 Portable Caterpillar Generator with Trailer ($233,586.68): Utilities Director Mark Clark stated the existing portable generator cost more to repair than replace; 20-week lead time; extended warranty ($5,000 for 3 years) could be added later. Councilmember asked about warranty and lead time. Motion passed 7-0.
- Item 5 - Purchase of Kenworth Pumper Truck with 4,000-gallon stainless steel tank ($259,126.05): Clark said it replaces a 1982 inherited truck that is unreliable; includes extended warranties (5-year on transmission). One bid received. Delivery in two weeks. Vice Mayor asked about warranty details. Motion passed 7-0.
- Item 6 - Islands License Agreement with Colorado River Condominiums: Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt explained the city received two small island parcels from the state. The condominium association would maintain the islands (weed control, trash, signage) under a 10-year license with a modest annual fee, while keeping them open for public recreational use. No fees for access, no structures without city approval, city assumes no liability. Motion passed 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved (7-0) with correction to minutes.
- Financial Report (Item 2 as reordered): Accepted (7-0), clean audit opinion.
- Gas Line Abandonment (original Item 2): Approved (7-0) to direct city manager to withhold abandonment approval and oppose rate case filings until pipeline removal is resolved.
- City Manager Salary Increase (Item 3): Approved (7-0) to raise salary to $245,000.
- Generator Purchase (Item 4): Approved (7-0) for $233,586.68.
- Pumper Truck Purchase (Item 5): Approved (7-0) for $259,126.05.
- Islands License Agreement (Item 6): Approved (7-0) for a 10-year term.
Meeting Transcript
Look upon and visit this city, Bullhead City. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Help us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with order. And that men and women from various cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity. And bless this city council. That they may do their work this evening in a spirit of wisdom, kindness, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote the general welfare of our community. We ask this in your most holy and gracious name. Amen. Amen. Please join me to Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. One nation under God in a visible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Having no presentations or proclamations, we will now have call to the public. Call to the public is open for citizens wishing to address the council on issues within the jurisdiction of the city, but not listed on tonight's agenda. When you approach the podium, please state your name clearly for the record. Comments are limited to three minutes per individual. At the conclusion of call to the public, individual members of the council may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the council, may ask staff to review a matter, or may ask that a matter be placed on a future agenda. However, members cannot address action from comments from the public. Stephen Lee, Bullhead City, Mayor, City Council. And you can see how the control system that I've talked about works. And same thing with all the members of the public. So we're looking at cities like Minneapolis. Please do not turn Bullhead City into a 15-minute city. I'm glad that we have more law enforcement out there, but they need to be solving serious crimes. I know a lot of people disagree with me on that. But I think we need to be looking at hiring local with people that have an investment in the community. I think that we need to be looking at uh ways that we can achieve that. How can we create there's plenty of people looking for jobs? There's plenty of people that work for the city that would like promotions. Why can't we figure out a way to get more local people involved in policing and taking care of our community instead of bringing in outsiders from around the world? I I think this is a wake-up call, step away from globalism, step away from things that that we're where we're bringing in foreigners, and let's have America first, let's have Bullhead City for Bullhead City first. That's what I'd like to see. And I thank you very much for your time and attention and listening. And I hope we stay away from all the agenda 2030 stuff that I see headed this way and happening now with the Transfer New Transportation Department that's Steve Diamico's heading the whole thing. Thank you. Thank you, Nathan. Thank you very much. Good evening, Jackie Miller, Bullhead City. Just a reminder that tomorrow is our Colorado River Republican Women Meeting. Our guest speakers will be Mike Genucio and Grace Heck. They are both running for District 30 House. And uh as always, guys, buy those raffle tickets, okay? So really hope I see you all there. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next. Hello, I'm Mike DeWight, Bullhead City, uh 329 Meander Drive. Um we're here to with my neighbors.
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