Bullhead City Regular City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026
Bullhead City Regular City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026
The Bullhead City Council met on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with proclamations declaring March 2026 as Red Cross Month and March 7, 2026 as the 30th Annual Carrie A. Edgmon Bicycle Safety Rodeo. Public comments featured numerous community organizations, followed by the Manager’s Report covering spring events, desert cleanup, and economic development projects. The Council then approved the consent agenda with one item pulled for separate discussion, appointed a new Planning and Zoning Commissioner, approved an $11.1 million wastewater treatment contract, set the primary election for July 21, 2026, and initiated the CityCentre Improvement District process.
Consent Calendar
- Items 1-3 were approved as part of the consent agenda: Minutes of the February 17, 2026 meetings; Amendment No. 2 to the City Clerk’s employment agreement increasing salary to $135,000; and acceptance of a public utility easement.
- Item 4 (Intergovernmental Agreement with Lake Havasu City for weekend/holiday court coverage) was pulled by a Council member and discussed separately; it later passed unanimously (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Steve Diamico (American Legion Riders Chapter 87) donated $500 to help repair recent vandalism at the Veterans Memorial and described the group’s community support activities.
- Diana Lestat (Bullhead City Elks Lodge) announced a four-player golf scramble fundraiser on April 25, 2026, with proceeds supporting local charities.
- Denisa Ordervalin and others (River 250 committee) promoted the America 250 celebration, including a March 14 reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They noted a $35,000 Nevada tourism grant to support red, white, and blue events, and that 157 student essays and 40 art pieces were submitted for the River 250 contest.
- Grace Hecht (Make Bullhead Better) reported on a community baby shower (35 mothers registered, 33 attended due to three late-term miscarriages) and announced an adult egg hunt on March 28 with 15,000 eggs, five bands, and two breweries. She also noted that 7th graders will visit the Arizona State Capitol in April.
- Jackie Miller (Colorado River Republican Women) invited the public to their meeting with candidates.
- Julie Hassett (Colorado River Concerts) announced the final concert of the season (March 17) and the upcoming 2026-2027 season, including a Bring a Guest program.
- Janice Johnston invited council candidates to PF member meetings on March 7 and March 21.
- Harvey Pryor (Bullhead RC) requested $15,000 in the next budget for the RC track, including a new sign, dirt, a compactor, and other improvements, noting that race directors are personally funding much of the equipment.
- Gary Genovice (historical society) promoted an Easter honey baked ham fundraiser to support historical exhibits for the America 250 event.
- Several other residents spoke: a resident criticized handicapped accommodations, PPP loans, and a previous council comment; another resident (Misty DeVinny) raised questions about steel recycling and wipe removal in the wastewater project.
Discussion Items
- Item 4 – IGA with Lake Havasu City for Court Coverage: City Manager Carter explained this is a renewal of an existing pilot agreement for weekend/holiday coverage. Council approved unanimously after brief discussion.
- Item 5 – Appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission: Joseph Stone, a licensed real estate agent, was appointed to fill a partial term ending June 30, 2026. One council member recused. Approved 6-0-1 (one abstention).
- Item 6 – Section 10 WRP Clarifier 3 and RAS/WAS Pump Station Improvements: Utilities Director Clark presented the project to expand wastewater treatment capacity from 4 to 6 million gallons per day. The low bidder withdrew; the contract with Kay Constructors is for not to exceed $11,137,334.53. The project includes rehabbing two clarifiers and building a third, plus a new splitter box and electrical upgrades. Council discussed financing options (bond vs. WIFA) and the contractor’s bid schedule. A public commenter asked about steel recycling and nano-coating. Council approved 7-0.
- Item 7 – Election Resolution: City Clerk Ogden presented Resolution 2026R-3 ordering a Primary Election on July 21, 2026 and a General Election on November 3, 2026, with a General Plan question on the ballot. A resident suggested moving elections earlier to capture snowbird population; city attorney noted state law dictates the schedule. Approved 7-0.
- Item 8 – CityCentre Improvement District: Assistant City Manager Kajirwa presented Resolution 2026R-4 to initiate an improvement district for infrastructure south of Marina, north of Riverview, east of Lakeside, and west of SR 95. The project will be funded by bonds assessed on the land. Developer Jake Quarter clarified that the gas line easement has been abandoned, allowing a more symmetrical plan emphasizing walkability and bikeability. Council discussed right-turn lanes, traffic impacts, and the subdivision plat process. Approved 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Items 1-3 approved; Item 4 approved after separate discussion (7-0).
- Appointment: Joseph Stone appointed to Planning and Zoning Commission (6-0-1).
- Wastewater Contract: Contract with Kay Constructors for $11,137,334.53 approved (7-0). Financing method (bond or WIFA) to be determined by budget workshop.
- Election Resolution: Resolution 2026R-3 adopted (7-0). Primary July 21, 2026; voter registration deadline June 22, 2026.
- CityCentre Improvement District: Resolution 2026R-4 adopted (7-0). Next steps include preliminary plat review and public hearings.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome. Today is Tuesday, March third, two thousand twenty-six. It's five thirty PM, time for the Bullhead City regular council meeting. Call this meeting to order, can have a roll call. All council members are present. Thank you. If you would like to join us, our invitation tonight will be led by Pastor Bill Jones, Bethel Community Church. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Good evening, Council members. Yes. Would you join me in prayer? Most gracious God, we humbly come before you tonight, thanking you for your blessings, your goodness and your mercy. Father, we welcome you in our midst tonight. We pray for your guidance for this body, Father, to give them wisdom in their decision making. Would you like to tell everybody who you are like they don't know? Sure. Good evening, everybody. I'm Terry Tomlinson with the BHS Legacy Foundation. And I'm also kind of an ad hoc board member for the American Red Cross Northern Region. This proclamation reads, whereas in March we celebrate American Red Cross month by honoring our neighbors who make its humanitarian mission possible in Bullhead City. This compassionate spirit runs deep in our community, just as it has for 145 years through the American Red Cross. And whereas today, those who serve with the American Red Cross of Northern Arizona light the way during emergencies, whether it's delivering shelter, food, and comfort after disasters, providing a safe life-saving blood supply for patients facing conditions like cancer treatments, childbirth complications, and traumatic injuries, assisting military members, veterans, and their family with 24-7 global support, or empowering individuals with skills like first aid and CPR that save lives. And whereas these collective efforts are a powerful reminder that the strength of our community lies in our shared commitment to one another. As we mark Red Cross Month, let's celebrate our local heroes and resolve to continue lifting each other up so no one faces an emergency alone. Now, therefore, I, Rodney Head, mayor of the City of Bullhead City, do by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of Bullhead City and the state of Arizona, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as Red Cross Month. I encourage all citizens of Bullhead City to reach out and support its humanitarian mission. In witness thereof, I hereunto set my hand this third day of March in the year of our Lord 2026. Thank you. Let's do it for next proclamation is for our bicycle safety rodeo. And joining us are Corporal Danny Crawford and Laurie Duggins, our community services officer, our long-standing members of the organization. This proclamation reads whereas bicycling is the most efficient form of transportation and offers recreation, fitness, fun, and independent mobility for children of all ages. And whereas many children could be spared injury each year by communities making bicycle safety a priority. And whereas bicycling is recognized as an activity that can reduce childhood obesity and create a more positive way to increase activity for children in Bullhead City. And whereas the bicycle safety rodeo is set for Saturday, March 7th, 2026, from 9 a.m. until noon, providing children of all ages with a fun time to learn the rules of the road, safe biking, receive a free bike helmet, and whereas children are encouraged to bring their own bikes to receive a free bike registration. Participants will receive a free bicycle inspection and tune-up thanks to the Bullhead City Morning Kawanas and Community Emergency Response Team. If your child does not have a bike or cannot bring theirs, loner bikes are available, and all participants can enter to win new generously donated bikes. And whereas the bike rodeo is sponsored for the youth of our community by the Bullhead City Morning Kawanas, Walmart, Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, the Bullhead City Fire Department, and the Bullhead City Police Department. Now, therefore, I, Rodney Head, Mayor of the City of Bullhead City, do hereby proclaim Saturday, March 7th, 2026, the 330th annual Carrie A. Edgman Bicycle Safety Rodeo. In witness whereof, I unto set my hand this third day of March 2026. She always has whichever one is. Thank you. And Mayor, it's wonderful to have you proclaim it because the last 30 years, you've seen it live and in action, and all the children that have learned the rules of the road, many of them bring their bike out and they bravely try maybe a bigger bike, or they're scared to ride their bike and they get on one with training reels and realize the enjoyment that they can have when they feel safe on the bike they're riding. So it's wonderful that we have all of these partners coming together to shower these children with a fun day in front of our Bullhead City Walmart. And it is just if you get a chance to stop by, it's a magical morning, and we have a lot of communic community community people that we work alongside of agencies, uh, nonprofits that will be there tabling, also handing out information about services available in our community to keep the parents busy because sometimes the children ride the course once, then twice, then three times. The next thing you know, the parents have been there for quite a while, and the kids are just having such a good time, they can't pull them off the course. So please, um, if you get a chance, we'd love to have you stop by. Get involved if you're good mechanically, we can always use extra hands fixing up the bikes.
openpublica.com