Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 1255 Marina Boulevard, with all six council members present. The agenda included recognition of outgoing River Fund CEO Mike Conner, a hospital operations update, public comment on several community issues, a manager's report covering America 250 celebrations and a large-scale animal rescue, two liquor license public hearings, and five action items. All action items were approved, including the appointment of Dean Alfonso as Vice Mayor on a 4-2 vote.

Presentations & Proclamations

• The Council presented a certificate of appreciation to Mike Conner, outgoing CEO of the Bullhead City River Fund, honoring his dedicated service and significant contributions to the community for more than 40 years, including 16 years at the helm of the River Fund.
• David Schott, CEO of Western Arizona Regional Medical Center (WARMC), provided an update on hospital operations. He reported 389 days since the last serious safety event and 458 days since the last fall with injury; recognition by Becker's Healthcare as one of 536 U.S. hospitals without a C. diff infection (the only hospital in Mohave County and one of nine in Arizona on that list); 162,000 patient encounters in the past year; more than $45 million in uncompensated care; $3.8 million in capital investments; $57 million in payroll; $10 million paid in taxes; and $120 million in total community benefit. He also announced that Southwest Cardiology (in the community since 1984) has joined WARMC, bringing the cardiology team to five cardiologists and three advanced practice providers, and an MRI open house on July 23, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Greg Eisless, a former insurance agent, expressed concerns about the city's watercraft liability ordinance, stating that watercraft liability insurance is a specialty coverage, is not included under general liability policies, and is expensive.
• Najib Nuri (Cabul Inc., operating Fastrip gas station/jet ski rental) stated he has complied with the city's $1 million watercraft liability insurance requirement since 2011 and has paid $775,000 in premiums; he attributed the ordinance to political pressure from his competitors.
• Cameron Norrie, a new watercraft rental business owner with 45 units, stated he pays $180,000 for insurance and expressed concern that other companies are using automobile insurance policies as a loophole to meet the requirement at a fraction of the cost.
• Dr. Soy of A to Z Health and Wellness Clinic described services offered at 1355 Raymar Road, including chronic disease management, diabetes education, and foot/wound care.
• Jackie Wallen, representing River 250 and the Laughlin Tourism Commission, presented the Davis Dam Banner Project (a 25-by-75-foot banner that hung from Davis Dam from June 30 to July 7) and proposed a "River 250 Legacy Collection" of 250 authenticated commemorative pieces made from the banner, with proceeds benefiting Colorado River nonprofits and one piece going to the Colorado River Historical Society Museum.
• Ron Miller complained about a homeless encampment at the end of a drainage/access area ("train"), describing overflowing trash, people bathing in the water, and safety concerns including an individual with a samurai sword.
• Paula Pontes Hambi raised concerns about utility bills and Arizona Corporation Commission decisions, noting Arizona Public Service's 14% rate increase request and urging attendees to research candidates in the November election.
• Melody Jordan (Colorado River Republican Women) invited the public to an August 5 meeting at Chaparral and reminded attendees that early voting runs through July 17, with the primary election on July 21.
• Julie Hassett (Colorado River Concerts) promoted the organization's 52nd season beginning November 5, 2026, featuring Terry Barber.
• A public speaker (Scotty) made allegations regarding signs he has posted about David Rose and alleged IRS reporting issues involving local officials; his time expired. Another speaker (Mike) defended a neighbor, stated she did not contact the IRS, and asked Scotty to stop posting signs.

Manager's Report

• The City Manager reported on America 250 celebrations, noting video highlights, the presence of both the Arizona 250 and America 250 historical trailers, and 37 River 250 events; the River Valley Artist Guild canvas presentation was postponed to the July 21 meeting.
• Recreation Manager Claire Adams reported the five-week "Star-Spangled Summer" camp reached its highest registration total ever with 1,360 registrations; introduced a first-ever mad science camp; and hosted a free one-day football camp led by Bullhead City native and Las Vegas Raiders player Shaq Alubi, attended by 322 children. Swim lessons filled weekly, and the 4th of July pool party and senior splash pad event were well attended.
• The City Clerk announced that Deputy City Clerk Susan Carroll earned the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation through a three-year program at Arizona State University.
• Election information: the primary election is Tuesday, July 21, 2026; early in-person voting runs through July 17 at the Mohave County Library (10 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended hours to 7 p.m. on July 17); the last day to request a mail ballot is July 10.
• Human Services Director Jeff Tipton reported on the Riverbend Circle property: following a June 23 welfare check, a coordinated animal-hoarding rescue removed 50 live cats from the residence, with rescue partners Feral Cat Warriors and We Care for Animals performing the bulk of the trapping, and Animal Enforcement also removing cats. Four cats were humanely euthanized due to severe medical conditions; Feral Cat Warriors took 42 cats into care, and BARC is caring for 8 (4 in medical isolation). The property was secured and boarded up. The City Manager noted the building has been red-tagged and will be demolished unless action occurs through the legal system.

Mayor and Council Members' Reports

• One Council Member reported that the men's home at Praise Chapel will close, and the Food Bank of Bullhead City (920 Hancock Road) needs volunteers.
• The Mayor congratulated the community on America's 250th anniversary and the patriotic celebrations in Bullhead City.
• A Council Member reported that police, fire, and ambulance services responded to 628 calls from July 3-5, including six motor vehicle collisions (three with injuries) and three watercraft incidents (two with injuries); there were no fatalities during the holiday weekend.
• Council Members praised the coordinated response to the cat-hoarding case and the city's America 250 events.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approved the minutes of the June 2, 2026 Regular Council Meeting, June 16, 2026 Special Budget Meeting, and June 16, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
• Item 2: Accepted the grant and dedication of a 30-foot public utility easement (portion of Section 24, T20N, R22W, APN 220-04-059, vicinity of 1842 Goldrush Road).
• Approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Hearings on Liquor License Applications

• Item 3: The Council voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a Series 10 (Beer and Wine Store) License and Interim Permit (Job No. 401689) for Eagles Market (Raphael Rafo, applicant), 2178 Riviera Boulevard. A Council Member noted this was an agent change; no public comment was offered.
• Item 4: The Council voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a Series 12 (Restaurant) License (Job No. 400368) for Takumi Sushi House and Kitchen (Jeffrey Craig Miller, applicant), 1047 Highway 95, Suite A1. Staff had no concerns; no public comment was offered.

Action Items

• Item 5: Approved (6-0) the River Fund Transportation Assistance Grant in the amount of $50,000 to assist homeless individuals in Bullhead City with transportation needs, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement. New River Fund Executive Director April Wing was introduced; Human Services Director Jeff Tipton noted the program has provided 319 bus tickets to reunite people with family.
• Item 6: Approved (6-0) the Sixth Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement with Catholic Charities Community Services in support of the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope, in the amount of $127,000, effective July 1, 2026. One Council Member requested more detailed reporting on where shelter clients come from; another Council Member agreed the facility could do a better job collecting that information. A member of the public (Scotty) opposed the item, alleging the organization will not open its books and that registered sex offenders use the shelter.
• Item 7: Approved (6-0) a financial leasing agreement with Simpson Norton Corporation of Goodyear, Arizona, for six Toro mowers (two Greensmaster 3400, two Groundsmaster 4300, two Reelmaster 5510-D) at a cost not exceeding $514,433.90 including tax, through a 48-month capital lease with monthly payments of approximately $9,871.99. Public Works Director Johnson stated the city mows about 220 acres of grass (50-100 acres per day) and that the lease includes a four-year warranty. When asked why diesel was chosen, he stated diesel engines last longer and cost 20-35% less to run than gasoline.
• Item 8: Appointed Council Member Dean Alfonso to serve as Vice Mayor for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (July 7, 2026 through the next appointment) on a 4-2 vote. One Council Member expressed concern that Alfonso is in an election cycle, noting a need for another appointment if he is not re-elected; the City Clerk confirmed that would simply be handled by a new agenda item.
• Item 9: Adopted Resolution No. 2026R-22 (6-0), appointing and directing City Finance Director Robert Drexler to submit the Annual Expenditure Limitation Report to the Arizona Auditor General. Drexler noted the report is required by state statute by July 31 each year.
• Item 10: Approved (6-0) the estimated total annual assessment of $65,983 for all Improvement/Lighting Districts for Fiscal Year 2027, granting the City Manager or designee authority to sign tax levy certification forms and forwarding the information to Mohave County for inclusion in its FY 2026-27 Statement of Tax Levies and Rates.

Key Outcomes

• All substantive agenda items were approved, all by 6-0 votes except the Vice Mayor appointment (4-2).
• Dean Alfonso was appointed Vice Mayor for FY 2026-2027.
• The City Manager committed to ensuring drainage easements and street-end areas do not become homeless encampments, following public complaints.
• Staff committed to working with Catholic Charities toward more detailed reporting on shelter client origin.
• The meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda.