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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – April 7, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 7, 2026

BodyBullhead City, Arizona

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, April 7, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:47:35

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:09

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

0:12

Tonight is a regular council meeting.

0:14

Bullhead City Council.

0:16

Today's Tuesday, April 7th, 5 30 p.m.

0:19

And can I have a roll call, please?

0:21

All council members are present.

0:23

Thank you very much.

0:28

Now we're going to have an invocation from Pastor Earl Johnson from the Spirit Life Church.

0:36

Can you all stand, please?

0:42

Let's pray.

0:44

Lord, we just want to give you thanks tonight for this beautiful city that we have an opportunity to live in.

0:52

We want to thank you, Father, for the resources that you have given us here.

0:57

We want to thank you, God, for the work done by each of these console members and for those who have come before them.

1:04

We just ask you tonight that you would give each of these council members the wisdom they need to work through every issue.

1:11

Father, that you would help them to come to unity in every difficult situation.

1:16

And Lord, give them leading and guidance as they think about the future of this city.

1:21

And we ask these things in Jesus' name.

1:24

Amen.

1:25

Amen.

1:27

Thank you very much.

1:28

Now for the Pledge of Allegiance, and I will start it off.

1:33

Ready?

1:40

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:43

One nation.

1:44

Under God.

1:45

Individuality and justice for all.

1:49

Thank you very much.

1:54

Now before.

1:56

Now before we start, Larry.

2:01

We have some presentations to be to be made.

2:16

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

2:20

Do I go back?

2:23

Mayor and Council, my name is Larry Toonforce.

2:25

I'm with the Bullhead City Morning Kawanas Club.

2:27

With me are members of our board of directors and our Kawanas Kids Expo Committee.

2:33

We are here in appreciation.

2:37

And that's why we've come here.

2:38

Can I get Toby Cotter, Mark Clark, and Danny Sharp, or the Chief, or Captain Deputy Chief to come down, please.

2:48

Our eighth annual kids expo this year saw over 1,300 adults and children.

2:52

91 vendors provided free information and giveaways to the children to keep them busy, healthy, and safe.

3:00

Other partners that are in kind include Western Arizona Regional Medical Center for a full pallet of ice of bottled water.

3:08

Mather Brothers for a full pallet of ice to keep the water nice and cold and free for everyone all day.

3:14

Also, City Graphics, Daniel Septic Services, Republic Services, Wiener Sitzel, Court Distributing, Mountain View Homes, Keller Williams, River Rock, Science and Promotions, and the Laughlin Volunteers and Partnership.

3:28

This was our eighth year, and about 10 years ago, we formed a committee out of our Kowanas Club to address projects and raising money.

3:39

Hence, the Kawanas Kids Expo was created.

3:42

I was asked to chair the committee.

3:44

My first meeting was with City Manager Toby Cotter.

3:48

I presented the idea and received full support from Toby.

3:52

Little did he know he was involving his parks and recreation director, uh Dave Heath.

3:57

Uh also for the park parade permit, park permit, and then uh the parks team with Kevin and the roads team with Angie and our club would like to say thank you to each and everyone for their support and just mention we live in a great city.

4:14

Thank you, Toby.

4:15

Thank you, Larry.

4:16

Thank you.

4:17

Thank you.

4:17

Thank you.

4:17

Appreciate it.

4:18

Thank you.

4:26

Over the years, we've purchased 75 easy ups.

4:30

With our incredible unpredictable wins, we also purchase 121 gallon buckets to fill with water to keep them on the ground on train road.

4:40

Our utilities division shows up at 6 a.m.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Election Procedures████████████████████████████████32%

Community Engagement██████████████14%

Personnel Matters██████████10%

Public Safety███████7%

Procedural██████6%

Arts And Culture██████6%

Water And Wastewater Management██████6%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%

Animal Welfare███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – April 7, 2026

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All six council members were present. The meeting included a presentation from the Kiwanis Club, public comments on a variety of community topics, and action on several agenda items. Key decisions included approval of contracts for indigent legal defense, a park restroom, a human resources software subscription, and an emergency well rehabilitation. The council also discussed the process for selecting a temporary mayor to serve until the 2026 election.

Presentations and Proclamations

Larry Toonforce of the Bullhead City Morning Kiwanis Club presented a plaque of appreciation to the city for supporting the 8th annual Kiwanis Kids Expo, which attracted over 1,300 adults and children and 91 vendors. He thanked numerous city departments and partners for their assistance.

Consent Calendar

Approved the minutes of the March 17, 2026 Regular Council Meeting (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Diana Lestat (Elks Lodge #2408) announced a four-player scramble golf tournament on April 25, 2026, at Mojave Resort Golf Course, with proceeds supporting local charities.
An unnamed speaker (addressing airport governance) questioned the FAA compliance of the Bullhead City Airport’s governance structure and urged formal confirmation from the FAA, warning that local actions could create compliance exposure for the sponsor (Mojave County). He offered further advisory support through existing engagements.
Carolyn Ota, a resident, requested clarification on city requirements for street approval and community turnover in Rancho Colorado Estates. She noted that infrastructure was completed in 2005 but not maintained during the 21-year build-out, leaving residents facing nearly $1 million in repaving costs not disclosed by the developer Century Complete.
Susan (founder of S.A.I.N.T. – Saving Animals in Need Together) announced a free spay/neuter/vaccination/microchip clinic for 200 animals on April 17-19, 2026, funded by sponsor Chip Sterndall. She reported that the organization issued 1,200 vouchers last year costing $65,000 and spent an additional $35,000 on pet medical care.
Rose Jacobs (Vice President, Colorado River Women’s Council) highlighted Bullhead City’s designation as a Golden Rule City and described programs including kindness clubs for children, rock painting classes at the senior enrichment center, and a “Caught Being Kind” program. She invited community volunteers.
Carol Nelson (Republican Women’s Club) promoted the Lincoln Day Dinner on April 25, 2026, with speakers Warren Peterson, Gina, and Treasurer Kimberly Ye; tickets $100.
Dana Walter (CEO, Bullhead City Mojave Valley Association of Realtors) announced a bingo event on April 23, 2026, benefiting BHC S.A.I.N.T., and a Spring Business Expo on April 30, 2026, featuring over 36 local businesses.
Brian (representing Colorado River Concert Series) announced the 2026-2027 season subscriptions (four shows for $100 or $35 single) and highlighted the student education outreach program.
Paula Fontus Hambi, a long-time resident, encouraged citizens to use the library’s computers and C-SPAN to seek reliable information, and announced monthly meetings at Rule Rising Training.
Janice Johnston, a resident, circulated petitions from Save Our Schools to increase transparency in the ESA voucher system and tighten usage. She also invited the public to the Colorado River Historical Society’s Traveling Museum event on April 9 and an “Evening with the Old Timers” on April 15.
Misty DeVinny expressed support for Jennifer Esposito’s election petition challenge and encouraged the Arizona Supreme Court to uphold election laws.
An unnamed speaker (presenting a verified complaint) challenged the nomination signatures of Councilmember Tammy Ring, alleging fraud and announcing a Superior Court hearing on April 16. Councilmember Tammy LaFonde confirmed she had been served and would appear in court.

Discussion Items

City Manager’s Report (Toby Cotter):
- New Police Chief: Hired Paul George from Harden, Montana; he will start in May. No Arizona applicants applied.
- America 250 Presentation (Jessica Nunnalee): Announced the “Road to 250 Arizona Traveling Museum” at Community Park on April 9, featuring the State Liberty Bell, live music, and contest winners.
- Highway 68 Safety Plan: ADOT is reviewing a draft safety plan after recent crashes; report expected in 1-2 months.
- Budget Workshops: Open workshops April 20-22 for line-item budget review; 17th year of this transparent process.
Lazy Harry’s Bar (Item 8): Discussion only; no action. City Manager clarified that the city has an active building permit and has been cooperative with the owner; misinformation about city land acquisition was refuted. The owner (active-duty firefighter) intends to rebuild.
Sand Bar Liquor License (Item 2): Public hearing; staff had no concerns. Motion to recommend approval to the state passed 6-0.
Professional Services Agreement for Indigent Legal Defense (Item 3): Contract with C. Ray Lundberg, Attorney at Law, Inc. for $150,000, approved 6-0.
Community Park Restroom Construction (Item 4): Contract with TR Orr Inc. for $494,098. The low bidder was disqualified due to incomplete paperwork, resulting in a $60,287 higher cost. Approved 6-0.
NeoGov Subscription (Item 5): 3-year contract for $578,536.60 for existing HR/payroll modules. Staff explained pricing per module; council approved 6-0.
Well 16-1 Rehabilitation (Item 6): Ratification of emergency contract with Subsurface Technologies for $73,640 plus tax ($79,236.44 total) for CO2 injection cleaning. The well had not been rehabbed since 1974. Approved 6-0.
Temporary Mayoral Appointment and Seventh Council Member (Item 7): Discussion only; council reached consensus on direction for the April 21 meeting:
- Do not appoint a seventh council member.
- Select a temporary mayor from among council members not running in the 2026 election (Gene, Karen, Jason) via paper ballot as the first agenda item at the next meeting.
- No picture of the temporary mayor in chambers (majority opinion).
- The temporary mayor will serve until the new mayor is elected.

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda approved (6-0).
Sand Bar liquor license recommendation approved (6-0).
Item 3 (Indigent legal defense) approved (6-0).
Item 4 (Restroom construction) approved (6-0).
Item 5 (NeoGov subscription) approved (6-0).
Item 6 (Well rehabilitation) approved (6-0).
Direction given for Item 7: no seventh member; temporary mayor to be selected from non-candidates (Gene, Karen, Jason) by paper ballot at April 21 meeting; no picture; first item on agenda.
Lazy Harry’s discussion closed with no action; permit remains active.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight is a regular council meeting. Bullhead City Council. Today's Tuesday, April 7th, 5 30 p.m. And can I have a roll call, please? All council members are present. Thank you very much. Now we're going to have an invocation from Pastor Earl Johnson from the Spirit Life Church. Can you all stand, please? Let's pray. Lord, we just want to give you thanks tonight for this beautiful city that we have an opportunity to live in. We want to thank you, Father, for the resources that you have given us here. We want to thank you, God, for the work done by each of these console members and for those who have come before them. We just ask you tonight that you would give each of these council members the wisdom they need to work through every issue. Father, that you would help them to come to unity in every difficult situation. And Lord, give them leading and guidance as they think about the future of this city. And we ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you very much. Now for the Pledge of Allegiance, and I will start it off. Ready? And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation. Under God. Individuality and justice for all. Thank you very much. Now before. Now before we start, Larry. We have some presentations to be to be made. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Do I go back? Mayor and Council, my name is Larry Toonforce. I'm with the Bullhead City Morning Kawanas Club. With me are members of our board of directors and our Kawanas Kids Expo Committee. We are here in appreciation. And that's why we've come here. Can I get Toby Cotter, Mark Clark, and Danny Sharp, or the Chief, or Captain Deputy Chief to come down, please. Our eighth annual kids expo this year saw over 1,300 adults and children. 91 vendors provided free information and giveaways to the children to keep them busy, healthy, and safe. Other partners that are in kind include Western Arizona Regional Medical Center for a full pallet of ice of bottled water. Mather Brothers for a full pallet of ice to keep the water nice and cold and free for everyone all day. Also, City Graphics, Daniel Septic Services, Republic Services, Wiener Sitzel, Court Distributing, Mountain View Homes, Keller Williams, River Rock, Science and Promotions, and the Laughlin Volunteers and Partnership. This was our eighth year, and about 10 years ago, we formed a committee out of our Kowanas Club to address projects and raising money. Hence, the Kawanas Kids Expo was created. I was asked to chair the committee. My first meeting was with City Manager Toby Cotter. I presented the idea and received full support from Toby. Little did he know he was involving his parks and recreation director, uh Dave Heath. Uh also for the park parade permit, park permit, and then uh the parks team with Kevin and the roads team with Angie and our club would like to say thank you to each and everyone for their support and just mention we live in a great city.

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