Bullhead City Council Regular Meeting – 2026-10-20

The Bullhead City Council held its regular meeting on 2026-10-20 at 5:30 PM. All six council members were present. The agenda included a controversial Major General Plan Amendment for 4,400 acres, several land use and zoning items, and the potential sale of two city-owned water systems. The meeting also included a Manager's Report covering the recent Presidential visit and flood clean-up.

Manager's Report

• City Manager Toby Cotter reported on the October 14 Presidential visit, stating the city partnered with the Secret Service to ensure safety but did not plan the event. He confirmed the city incurred some expenses and will seek reimbursement, and denied rumors that city employees were forced to attend. He noted the national media exposure received by Bullhead City from sources like Fox News, CNN, and Forbes.
• He reported on city-wide flood clean-up efforts by public works and highlighted upcoming special events like Cornfest and the Balloon Festival.

Council Reports

• Vice Mayor Alfonso reminded residents about early voting and urged them to drop off mail-in ballots in person for signature verification.
• A council member provided information on the Bullhead City Regional Food Bank needing volunteers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Call to the Public: Residents raised various issues. Penny Reisner asked for help catching a stray cat and complained about stagnant water and mosquitoes at Chaparral and Via Oriol. Ruby Miller questioned the city about potential reimbursement for police overtime at the midterm rally and whether attendance was mandatory. Sean Regan expressed frustration over the city's handling of a records request regarding a proposed Veterans Resource Center. Scotty criticized the city for inadequate handicapped access at the Trump rally. Harvey Pryor questioned the city's water allocation figures and code enforcement on Thunderstruck Road. Kenneth Mays raised traffic safety concerns. Paula Fontes Hambi voiced concerns about potential ICE deployment at polling places. Julie Hassett invited the community to the Colorado River Concerts season. Christy Fouts invited the public to the Trunk or Treat and Bingo events. Kurt Borchers voiced general distrust in the city government. Misty Davinny attempted to raise groundwater concerns regarding a power plant project outside city limits but was initially ruled out of order.
• Public Hearing: General Plan Amendment (Item 5): The majority of public comment was in strong opposition. William Tolhauer and Cynthia La Valley (Laughlin Ranch/Fox Creek residents) stated the proposal would ruin the desert lifestyle and increase traffic and noise. Marcy Herrera presented a petition with over 860 online signatures against the plan. Harvey Pryor and Laurie Barker accused the applicant of deception and a lack of transparency regarding the developer and water usage. Penny Reisner expressed concerns about wildlife and environmental impacts. Susan asked for clarification on how the hearing postponement affects Proposition 419. Misty Davinny submitted a formal packet alleging the applicant misled the Planning and Zoning Commission. Brent criticized the council for a perceived lack of opposition to the plan.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Major General Plan Amendment: The council held a public hearing on an amendment to change the land use designation for 4,400 acres from residential to industrial. The applicant requested, and the council unanimously approved, a postponement of the action item from October 29 to December 1. Council members stated they have significant unanswered questions. Councilmember Newland stated he does not favor an outright ban on data centers but supports strong regulation and careful oversight. The applicant stated the proposed change would result in a 54% reduction in water demand compared to the originally approved plan.
• Item 6 – Zoning Map Change: The council approved a zoning change from C-2 to RP for the Pier 95 RV Park at 1621 Highway 95, allowing it to expand from roughly 35 to 50 spaces.
• Item 7 – Marble Canyon Extension: The council approved a two-year extension (reduced from the requested four) for the Marble Canyon final plat recording. The motion passed 5-1.
• Item 8 – Filter Media Purchase: The council approved a $111,020.42 sole-source purchase for cloth filter media at the Section 10 wastewater plant.
• Item 9 – ADA Grant Application: The council approved a resolution to apply for State Special Projects grant funds for ADA push button upgrades at 14 intersections along Highway 95.
• Item 10 – BLM Land Exchange: The council approved a Binding Land Exchange Agreement trading 1,100+ acres of city land in the Black Mountains for 0.9 acres of federal land on Laughlin Ranch Boulevard.
• Item 11 – Water System Sale: The council approved a $2.3 million minimum bid for the auction of the Camp Mohave and Rio Vista water systems. Staff stated the systems were acquired in the EPCOR purchase and the city does not wish to operate assets outside city limits. Staff clarified the sale includes only physical assets (well, treatment, pipes) and no water rights, which are managed by the Mojave Valley Irrigation and Drainage District.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 1-4): Approved (6-0).
• Item 5 (General Plan Amendment): Postponed to December 1, 2026 (6-0).
• Item 6 (Zoning Change): Ordinance 2026-19 adopted (6-0).
• Item 7 (Marble Canyon): Ordinance 2026-20 adopted with a 2-year extension (5-1).
• Item 8 (Filter Media): Agreement and sole source purchase authorized (6-0).
• Item 9 (ADA Grant): Resolution 2026R-42 adopted (6-0).
• Item 10 (BLM Land Exchange): Agreement approved (6-0).
• Item 11 (Water System Sale): Minimum bid of $2,300,000 approved (6-0).