Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Bullhead City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with presentations honoring military service members (banner retirement ceremony) and recognizing a city employee, followed by public comments, a manager's report, and action on 12 agenda items. Key actions included approval of a $13 million water/wastewater revenue bond (4-2), a street name change to Dave Lords Drive (5-1), and several contracts and resolutions.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Tri-State Military Moms Banner Retirement Ceremony: Nine banners were retired from Heroes Highway (Highway 95) and 15 new banners added. Four service members were honored in person: Curtis Rentcher (U.S. Army), Tyler Robles (U.S. Army), Michael Seil (U.S. Marine Corps), and Liam Woodard (U.S. Army). Each received a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Karen Dahlman.
• Employee Recognition: Donza Erickson, Victim Witness Coordinator, received the Arizona Attorney General's 2026 Distinguished Service Award for Advocacy and Direct Services (Victims' Rights and Assistance). She leads a team of three and a volunteer.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the Special and Regular City Council meetings of April 21, 2026.
• Accepted a grant and dedication of a 10-foot public utility easement (APN 218-04-001) near 2011 Bermuda Drive.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lauren Diaz (Tri-State Military Moms) expressed deep gratitude for the city's continued support of the military banner program, stating the banners provide comfort and pride to military families.
• Jackie Miller (Colorado River Republican Women) announced a scholarship fundraiser ($1,752 raised via bingo on April 23) and promoted upcoming meetings and a candidate forum on June 9 for LD 30 house seats.
• Jennifer Gallico, a resident, requested the council explore partnerships with private companies or internships with Mojave College to provide after-hours pet emergency services, noting the closure of a previous facility.
• Bud Korn, a resident, raised a traffic safety concern at Palo Verde Professional Plaza (Meadows Drive) where drivers illegally drive the wrong way to avoid a center median. He offered to meet with staff to discuss a solution.
• Scotty, a resident, alleged that candidate Grace Heck committed forgery by submitting both electronic and handwritten nomination papers for LD 30. He urged the council to implement AI-based checks to prevent double voting.
• Commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment 887 announced the formation of the River City Young Marine Unit in Bullhead City, with three recruits and a first meeting on May 15.

Manager's Report

• New Police Chief Paul George was introduced. He joins from Harden, Montana, and has over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Public meet-and-greets are scheduled for May 7 (5:30 PM, Chaparral Golf Course) and May 8 (noon at El Charro, 4 PM at Laughlin Ranch).
• Outgoing Interim Chief Danny Sharp was thanked for his eight months of service; this was his last meeting.
• Recreation Superintendent Dave Heath was recognized for 22 years of service; he is retiring to become director of the Boys & Girls Club.
• La Plaza Motel demolition is underway, paid for entirely by the property owner after the city threatened legal action.
• Summer Camp (Star-Spangled Summer): 776 campers already registered; additional camps added. Registration at bullheadcityaz.gov/rec.
• Fox Creek gas project: Arizona Pipeline (for Southwest Gas) will replace gas mains and service lines west of the parkway between Adobe and Canyon roads.
• General Plan: A public participation plan is underway; the plan will go to voters in November 2026. Forums are scheduled in May at Planning & Zoning and in June at City Council.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 – Local Public Safety Board Appointment: Approved the city manager’s designee for a two-year term and appointed Rodney Head as the citizen representative for a four-year term. Head previously chaired the board for 12 years. (Unanimous)
• Item 4 – Liquor License Transfer (Elevate Hookah Lounge): Public hearing held. The applicant described the hookah lounge as a social venue offering flavored tobacco, beer, wine, coffee, and smoothies. Council approved recommending the license transfer to the Arizona Department of Liquor. (Unanimous)
• Item 5 – Municipal Court Audio/Video Equipment Upgrades: Approved an amendment with Redmond Construction increasing the contract from $37,444.78 to $57,777.78 for low-voltage floor boxes, microphones, and digital evidence compatibility. (Unanimous)
• Item 6 – Engineering Services for Section 10 Water Reclamation Plant: Approved two contracts with Morrison-Maierle: $250,000 for solids dewatering system design and $125,000 for UV Basin #2 design and Basin #1 rehab. The projects aim to increase plant capacity from 4 to 6 million gallons per day and reduce sludge hauling costs (currently $250,000–$280,000/year). (Unanimous)
• Item 7 – Well 10 Pump Repair Ratification: Approved increasing the contract with Arizona Equipment Repair LLC from $63,879 to $67,772.86 to account for taxes. The well serves Sun Ridge, Desert Canyon, and Punta de Vista. (Unanimous)
• Item 8 – Housing Grant Application (Resolution 2026R-11): Authorized submission of a grant to the Arizona Department of Housing for up to $385,000 ($350,000 for construction, $35,000 for administration) for the city’s moderate housing rehab program for low-income homeowners. (Unanimous)
• Item 9 – Budget Amendment for Rotary Park Bathrooms and Generator Relocation: Approved $155,000 from general fund contingency to fund bathroom upgrades at Rotary Park baseball fields and relocate a diesel generator from the wastewater plant to City Hall for backup power. (Unanimous)
• Item 10 – Water/Wastewater Revenue Bond (Resolution 2026R-12): Approved issuing up to $13 million in revenue obligations to finance capital improvements. The bond is repaid from utility revenues, not property taxes. Council members Smith and Newland voted no, citing concerns about debt and interest. The bond includes a call provision; expected interest rate ~4.5%. (4-2)
• Item 11 – Water Contract Assignments (Colorado River Water): Approved multiple assignments and amendments transferring water entitlements from the Mojave Water Conservation District to Bullhead City, increasing the city’s total entitlement from ~24,000 to ~29,000 acre-feet annually. (Unanimous)
• Item 12 – Street Name Change to Dave Lords Drive (Resolution 2026R-13): Approved changing Riverport Drive to Dave Lords Drive in Laughlin Ranch. The street is private, with two affected parcels (vacant). The HOA board requested the change to honor Dave Lords for his role in developing the community. Council member Newland voted no, citing lack of public input and questioning the HOA's representation. (5-1)

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Item 3: Approved unanimously.
• Item 4: Approved unanimously.
• Item 5: Approved unanimously.
• Item 6: Approved unanimously.
• Item 7: Approved unanimously.
• Item 8: Approved unanimously.
• Item 9: Approved unanimously.
• Item 10: Approved 4-2 (Council members Smith and Newland opposed).
• Item 11: Approved unanimously.
• Item 12: Approved 5-1 (Council member Newland opposed).