Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting – July 23, 2024

The Lake Havasu City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. All seven council members were present, with Councilmember Jeni Coke attending remotely. The meeting included invocation, pledge, consent agenda, public hearings, and call to the public. All votes were unanimous (7-0). The meeting adjourned at 6:27 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5.1: Approved the July 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes.
• Item 5.3: Adopted Resolution No. 24-3772 approving the Equitable Sharing Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Treasury.
• Item 5.4: Adopted Resolution No. 24-3773 authorizing a Community Development Block Grant State Special Projects application for an ADA accessibility project.
• Item 5.5: Adopted Resolution No. 24-3774 approving abandonment of a 5-foot-wide public utility and drainage easement at 2455 Huntington Drive.
• Item 5.6: Called an executive session for August 13, 2024 at 4:30 PM.

Note: Item 5.2 was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion (see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bonny Toy (during public hearings): Questioned the membership contract for Mohave County Water Authority dues and asked about out-of-state taxes on motorcycle purchase. The city clarified that the dues are an annual payment and taxes will be paid as applicable.
• Andrew Myers (during call to the public): Representing Sustainability Partners, he offered low-cost funding for public infrastructure projects, noting the company provides 100% upfront funding and a utility use agreement to avoid phased approaches. He expressed interest in helping the city with water main replacements and other projects.
• Bonny Toy (during call to the public): Suggested the city consider a transit system similar to Sedona’s, which is geared toward tourists with extended hours (Thursday–Sunday, 6:30 PM–6:00 PM) and fares of $2 regular, $1 for seniors/disabled.
• Public hearing on Item 7.1: No additional speakers besides Ms. Toy.
• Public hearing on Item 7.2: Only Ms. Toy spoke.
• Public hearings on Items 7.3 and 7.4: No public comments.

Discussion Items

• Item 5.2 – Parcel K Conveyance: Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert explained that Parcel K is a 0.11-acre remnant parcel originally intended for pedestrian access between Lots 5 and 6 of Tract 2226 off Kiowa Boulevard. Parking shifted to the front, making the parcel usable only by adjacent owners. The owner of Lot 6 expressed interest; the owner of Lot 5 declined to purchase half. Councilmember Campbell requested clarification on whether it was a roadway. After explanation, the council approved the resolution unanimously.
• Item 7.1 – Mohave County Water Authority Dues: Deputy Public Works Director Tim Kellett reported that the authority has secured over 15,000 acre-feet for Mohave County and nearly 10,000 acre-feet for Lake Havasu City since 1995. The city uses approximately 14,000 acre-feet per year. The annual membership dues are $53,970 for FY 2024-25. Council approved unanimously.
• Item 7.2 – Motorcycle Purchase: Police Chief Troy Stirling requested approval to buy two Honda CRF1100L4R Africa Twin Adventure Sport motorcycles for $59,248.40 plus taxes, funded through Prop 207 (Smart and Safe Act). The current 2015 Honda ST1300s have mechanical issues and obsolete parts. The new platform is lighter (300 lbs less), more nimble, and better for varied terrain. Sole bidder was Huntington Beach Honda. Council approved unanimously.
• Item 7.3 – Tank Design Contract: Project Manager Jason Hart presented a professional services agreement with Tank Industry Consultants, Inc. for $74,480 to design a 750,000-gallon welded steel ground storage tank adjacent to the existing 2.0 MG tank at the North Havasu reservoir site. The new tank will allow maintenance on the existing tank. Design completion expected February 2025. Council approved unanimously.
• Item 7.4 – Water Main Replacement Phase 1: Mr. Hart recommended awarding the base bid to Pronghorn Services, LLC for $3,210,086. The project replaces water mains along 17 critical sections (9,400 linear feet) with criteria including diameter, material, pressure zones, break history, and age. The engineers’ estimate was $2,891,760. Four bids were received. Councilmember Lane highlighted that this is part of an ongoing $3 million annual investment. Phase 2 (11,000 ft) and Phase 3 (11,000 ft) will be bid separately in about a year. Council approved unanimously.
• City Manager’s Report: Jess Knudson announced the new Parks and Recreation Director Gabby Vera; a $35,000 donation from the LHC Pickleball Association for pickleball court lighting; a tragic burro-related fatality on SR 95; and the upcoming primary election on July 30, 2024. He noted that 80 burro-related calls and four accidents have occurred in the last 12 months; the city has requested BLM help for a burro roundup.

Key Outcomes

• All items voted were approved unanimously (7-0) as follows:
  • Consent Agenda (excluding 5.2) approved.
  • Resolution 24-3768 (Parcel K) approved.
  • Mohave County Water Authority dues of $53,970 approved.
  • Motorcycle purchase up to $59,248.40 plus taxes approved.
  • Tank design contract of $74,480 approved.
  • Water main replacement Phase 1 award to Pronghorn Services for $3,210,086 approved.
• Next meeting: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 5:30 PM (regular meeting). August 27, 2024 meeting is canceled.
• Upcoming election: Primary election July 30, 2024; early voting through July 26 at Mohave County Library.