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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - April 21, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 21, 2026

BodyBullhead City, Arizona

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, April 21, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:56:43

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

0:00

PWC when the water levels are sufficient for safe operation.

0:04

The swift currents can affect how your watercraft will respond.

0:08

An inexperienced operator could lose control or have their PWC turned over.

0:13

Do not make sudden turns or movements in areas of strong currents.

0:17

Bullhead City is known as Arizona's hottest destination.

0:21

Summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

0:25

On a watercraft, you're directly exposed to summer sun.

0:28

Well, getting in the river is a great way to cool off.

0:31

You must remember to hydrate.

0:32

Water is your best bet.

0:34

Drink water before you feel thirsty, and remember to wear sunblock.

0:38

Summers also bring in monsoonal activity.

0:41

These are quick-moving thunderstorms with very high winds.

0:45

Pay attention to the water around you.

0:48

If you see storm activity, have a plan to quickly return to a safe area.

0:52

If you see lightning or your thunder, get off the water.

0:56

Lightning can travel many miles away from storm clouds.

1:01

Being out on the water and in the sun can compound the effects of alcohol and or drugs.

1:07

Boating while intoxicated is not just unsafe, it's illegal.

1:11

Operating a watercraft under the influence carries fines and jail time just like a DUI on the road.

1:17

We encourage you to have a designated operator any time you go boating.

1:23

Thank you for taking the time to watch this video.

1:26

It is our goal to help you avoid tragedy by being an educated and safe operator.

1:31

I encourage you to continue your education by taking boating safety courses.

1:36

There are several great options to choose from online.

1:38

Thank you and stay safe.

1:41

Hi, I'm Kim Cool, Senior Services Program Manager for Bullhead City, and I'd like to tell you about the senior campus.

1:49

The senior campus is a hot spot for active individuals ages 50 plus.

1:55

We offer daily activities, including various exercise classes, like Zumba, eccentrics, commonly known as aging backwards, body moves for brain power, arthritis pain exercise, fall prevention classes, relaxation, and mindfulness exercise, and chair exercise.

2:15

If you're creative or would just like to learn, we've got lots to offer with beating, crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, drawing classes, and card making.

2:29

Perhaps you're a game player.

2:31

Well, don't worry, we've got you covered with bingo, pinockle, poker, hand in foot, past the trash, bunko, Mexican train, and skip bow.

2:41

There's also computers, puzzles, games, books, videos, and DVDs to keep you entertained.

2:49

Many people just need support or resources, and we're your hub for giving you the contacts you need, plus we offer meetings to include veterans' benefits, Medicare information, technology tutoring, document preparation assistance, men's support group, caregiver support, bereavement support for those recovering from loss, cancer support, gamblers anonymous, dementia education, and amputee support.

3:22

There are just so many opportunities for making new friends by attending our parties, ice cream socials, line dancing, karaoke, monthly birthday celebration, and happy hour.

3:35

Most importantly, we make sure you're educated through monthly lunch and learns and our free mini clinic.

3:43

You owe it to yourself to come in and check us out.

3:46

Perhaps during our Monday through Friday nutritious congregate lunch.

3:51

Lunches are served at 1130, and last lunch is at noon, with a suggested donation of three dollars from those aged 60 and above or disabled individuals, and $4 to those who are under 60.

4:06

All this said, the senior campus also extends our reach with the Meals on Wheels program, delivering lunches and a wellness check to many areas.

5:00

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

5:02

Today is Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, and it's 5 30 p.m.

5:09

And we're going to start this meeting.

5:11

And can I have a uh call to all council members are present?

5:16

Thank you.

5:17

All right.

5:18

Next, we're going to have an invocation by Pastor Tim.

5:22

Amy.

5:33

Let us pray.

5:37

Oh God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single piece.

5:44

Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows and give peace to this city.

5:52

Peace among nations.

5:54

Peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.

5:59

Bless these public servants of Bullhead City that they may do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice.

6:08

Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life together.

6:16

We pray this in your most gracious name.

6:19

Amen.

6:22

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

6:30

And to the Republic for which it stands.

6:49

Next we're going to have is our call to the public and uh call of the public is available for citizens wishing to address the council on issues within the jurisdiction of the city but not listed on the agenda.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural██████████████████████████26%

Zoning Regulations███████████████15%

Transportation Safety██████████████14%

Public Safety████████████12%

Community Engagement█████████9%

Public Engagement█████5%

Engineering And Infrastructure████4%

Youth Programs███3%

Arts And Culture███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, a city manager’s report, consent agenda approval, the appointment of an interim mayor, a traffic study discussion, and several public hearings on development items. All votes were recorded.

Consent Calendar

Item 1: Approved the minutes of the April 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
Item 2: Approved Resolution 2026R-8 authorizing abandonment of a 16-foot utility and drainage easement at 1496 Arena Court.
The consent agenda was approved by a 6–0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

Bullhead City CERT Team: Will and Mary presented the CERT program, highlighting community support roles such as firefighter rehab, smoke detector installation, and event first aid. They encouraged volunteers.
Dennis Rogers (Elks Lodge): Requested blood donations for Vitalent, noting 40,000 pints needed daily in the U.S.
Diana (Elks Lodge): Announced the annual Memorial Day Chili Cookoff on May 25, 2026, at the Elks Lodge.
Carol Nelson: Announced upcoming events: bingo at Laughlin Ranch (April 23), GOP District 2 Lincoln Day Dinner (April 25), and Colorado River Republican Women meeting (May 6).
Bob Arp (U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary): Emphasized water safety, noting a recent drowning and that Lake Mead is the deadliest national park; offered free boat safety checks.
Dr. Soy Ramsimir: Introduced the new AZ Health and Wellness Clinic on Ramar Road, offering chronic disease management and wound care.
Mike Nesbitt (Boys & Girls Club): Announced summer basketball league and a camp instructed by Desert City Prep, with an open practice on April 23.
Paula Pontes Hambi (La Puerta resident): Raised concerns about election integrity, quoting the Arizona Constitution on free and equal elections.
Tom Dolman (Rotary Club): Announced the Burro Barbecue on May 2, 2026, at Community Park, with proceeds funding scholarships.
Grace Hecht (Make Bullhead Better): Thanked parks department for the adult egg hunt; announced a free clothing exchange (May 1–2) and community baby shower (June 18).
Diane Hernandez (River City Community Theater & Ghost Light Youth Theater): Pleaded for city funding for a permanent theater, citing benefits to youth development, reduced crime, and tourism.
William Hoyt McClure: Complained about nomination paper challenges and claimed 22 duplicate votes; criticized Council members.
Rich (Supervisor): Announced America 250 exhibit at Mojave County Library starting April 30, with a ticketed kickoff event ($20).
Greg Valdez: Promoted upcoming music events celebrating America 250 and Route 66.
M. Azarmi (Builder/Developer): Spoke in support of the accessory structure code amendment, citing demand from retiring baby boomers for larger garages.

Manager’s Report

City Manager Cotter reported:

Summer Camp: The “Star-Spangled Celebration” summer camp runs May 26–June 26, with 68 camps and 520 campers already registered.
Right Turn Lane (Safeway): Construction on Highway 95 expected to be complete in 30–45 days.
Right Turn Lane (Highway 95/Marina): Gas company work nearly done; McCormick Construction awarded the project.
Summer Water Safety: The city spends over $500,000 annually on river patrols; mandatory safety video for jet ski rentals.
Leadership Program Graduation: 16 city employees graduated from the Bullhead City Leadership Excellence Academy; a second cohort has started.

Discussion Items

Item 3 – Mayoral Appointment Procedure: Council approved the procedure to appoint the mayor from among council members not running for re-election (O’Neill, Newland, Dolman) via paper ballot. Motion passed 6–0.
Item 3 (cont.) – Mayoral Appointment: After two rounds of balloting, Councilmember Karen Dolman received 5 votes to Councilmember Jason Newland’s 1. Council then voted 6–0 to appoint Dolman as interim mayor effective immediately until the 2026 election winner is seated. She was sworn in by Magistrate Rod Gillio.
Item 4 – Greenlight Traffic Study for Ramar Road: Engineer Scott Kelly presented findings. The study did not warrant four-way stops at any of the four intersections (Monte Vista, Rio Vista, Colina, Arcadia) due to low cross traffic. The 85th percentile speed was 33–35 mph (8–10 mph over the 25 mph limit). The expert system recommended raising the speed limit to 30 mph, but this was not endorsed. Options included regulatory (additional signs, speed feedback signs), enforcement, and physical design (lane narrowing, three-lane cross-section). Council discussed concerns about a bus stop at Rio Vista and school children. After public input, Council voted 5–1 to table the item for 30–45 days to allow staff to return with a plan of action incorporating low-cost regulatory and enforcement measures.
Item 5 – Final Plat for Olive Garden (Tract 5181): Approved 6–0. The 17-acre parcel will be split into three lots; Lot 1 (2.1 acres) will host the Olive Garden restaurant. Water allocation of 3.2 acre-feet approved. Mayor authorized to sign the plat.
Item 6 – Preliminary Plat for Hideaway Haus (405 Lee Avenue): Approved 6–0. The project converts three existing buildings (11 storage units) into storage condominiums with an HOA.
Item 7 – Extension for Emerald Bay Conceptual Plan: Approved 6–0. The two-year extension (Resolution 2026R-9) allows the developer time to acquire adjacent state land via auction.
Item 8 – Code Amendment for Accessory Structures (Ordinance 2026-5): Approved 6–0. The amendment allows greater height for accessory structures (garages, RV garages) in residential districts if setbacks are increased: for every one foot beyond the minimum 5-foot setback, one additional foot of height (up to 25 ft). Structures over 15 ft must follow architectural guidelines (stucco, tile roof). Builder Matt Azarmi spoke in support.

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda: Approved 6–0.
Mayoral Appointment Procedure: Motion 1 passed 6–0.
Interim Mayor Appointment: Karen Dolman appointed by 6–0 vote.
Ramar Road Traffic Study: Tabled 5–1; staff to return with a regulatory/enforcement plan in 30–45 days.
Olive Garden Final Plat: Approved 6–0.
Hideaway Haus Preliminary Plat: Approved 6–0.
Emerald Bay Extension: Approved 6–0.
Accessory Structure Code Amendment: Approved 6–0.

Meeting Transcript

PWC when the water levels are sufficient for safe operation. The swift currents can affect how your watercraft will respond. An inexperienced operator could lose control or have their PWC turned over. Do not make sudden turns or movements in areas of strong currents. Bullhead City is known as Arizona's hottest destination. Summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. On a watercraft, you're directly exposed to summer sun. Well, getting in the river is a great way to cool off. You must remember to hydrate. Water is your best bet. Drink water before you feel thirsty, and remember to wear sunblock. Summers also bring in monsoonal activity. These are quick-moving thunderstorms with very high winds. Pay attention to the water around you. If you see storm activity, have a plan to quickly return to a safe area. If you see lightning or your thunder, get off the water. Lightning can travel many miles away from storm clouds. Being out on the water and in the sun can compound the effects of alcohol and or drugs. Boating while intoxicated is not just unsafe, it's illegal. Operating a watercraft under the influence carries fines and jail time just like a DUI on the road. We encourage you to have a designated operator any time you go boating. Thank you for taking the time to watch this video. It is our goal to help you avoid tragedy by being an educated and safe operator. I encourage you to continue your education by taking boating safety courses. There are several great options to choose from online. Thank you and stay safe. Hi, I'm Kim Cool, Senior Services Program Manager for Bullhead City, and I'd like to tell you about the senior campus. The senior campus is a hot spot for active individuals ages 50 plus. We offer daily activities, including various exercise classes, like Zumba, eccentrics, commonly known as aging backwards, body moves for brain power, arthritis pain exercise, fall prevention classes, relaxation, and mindfulness exercise, and chair exercise. If you're creative or would just like to learn, we've got lots to offer with beating, crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, drawing classes, and card making. Perhaps you're a game player. Well, don't worry, we've got you covered with bingo, pinockle, poker, hand in foot, past the trash, bunko, Mexican train, and skip bow. There's also computers, puzzles, games, books, videos, and DVDs to keep you entertained. Many people just need support or resources, and we're your hub for giving you the contacts you need, plus we offer meetings to include veterans' benefits, Medicare information, technology tutoring, document preparation assistance, men's support group, caregiver support, bereavement support for those recovering from loss, cancer support, gamblers anonymous, dementia education, and amputee support. There are just so many opportunities for making new friends by attending our parties, ice cream socials, line dancing, karaoke, monthly birthday celebration, and happy hour. Most importantly, we make sure you're educated through monthly lunch and learns and our free mini clinic. You owe it to yourself to come in and check us out. Perhaps during our Monday through Friday nutritious congregate lunch. Lunches are served at 1130, and last lunch is at noon, with a suggested donation of three dollars from those aged 60 and above or disabled individuals, and $4 to those who are under 60. All this said, the senior campus also extends our reach with the Meals on Wheels program, delivering lunches and a wellness check to many areas. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today is Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, and it's 5 30 p.m. And we're going to start this meeting. And can I have a uh call to all council members are present? Thank you. All right. Next, we're going to have an invocation by Pastor Tim. Amy. Let us pray. Oh God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single piece.

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