Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting - August 13, 2024

The Lake Havasu City Council held a regular meeting on August 13, 2024, at 5:30 PM, adjourning at 8:24 PM. The council addressed a consent agenda, multiple public hearings, and a call to the public. Key items included zoning density increases, a state-mandated backyard fowl ordinance, and a vehicle refurbishment contract. Several votes were split 5-2, with Councilmembers Campbell and Lin dissenting on density and height changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the July 23, 2024, regular meeting minutes (7-0).
• Adopted Resolution No. 24-3775 ratifying a Parks and Recreation Workforce Development Community Practice Grant application (7-0).
• Approved cooperative purchase of 12 sets of structural/extrication PPE from Matlick Enterprises (7-0).
• Approved Amendment No. 2 to the Construction Management Professional Services Agreement for the Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Flow Equalization Basin Replacement Project with Carollo Engineers, Inc. (7-0).
• Called for an Executive Session on September 10, 2024, at 4:30 PM (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7.3 (R-3 Density Increase): Several citizens spoke in opposition, including Vicky Murray, Patrick Willard, Bonny Toy, Philip Levens, and Dawn Greek, citing concerns about infrastructure, sewer capacity, and overdevelopment. Frank Ortiz spoke in favor, noting that parking and setback requirements already limit density.
• Item 7.4 (R-SGD Height Increase): Nancy Bezzano-Dicky raised concerns about preserving view corridors. Patrick Willard stated the city was allowing developers to dictate development. Bonny Toy asked if the change would apply to other districts. Vicky Murray questioned code enforcement impacts. Philip Levens said citizens' voices were not being heard.
• Item 7.5 (Backyard Fowl): Linda Spellman, Vicky Murray, Scott Goodman, Bonny Toy, and Don Wisdom addressed the council. Scott Goodman inquired about enforcement of odors and noise. David Diaz suggested adding a roof requirement to the coop enclosure.
• Item 7.9 (Vehicle Refurbishment): Philip Levens warned about obsolete parts and heat-related degradation. Leon Pifer asked if the city's insurance would cover refurbished vehicles. Don Wisdom mentioned Pasadena, CA switching to electric police vehicles. Patrick Willard noted Wild Rose Motors also sells used vehicles for less than refurbishment cost.
• Call to the Public: John Davis Kabeti complimented the city but asked about affordable healthcare and road trench issues. Nancy Bezzano-Dicky and Ruby Pippin reported generating 500 signatures on a petition against UniSource electric rate increases and announced a second petition signing. Dave Wijnhamer, a school bus driver, requested red-painted curbs at Thunderbolt Middle School for safety after a near-miss with an electric bike. Scott Goodman sought help to continue using a dirt lot for parking behind his store, Lookie Lou's Antiques, after code enforcement prohibited it.

Discussion Items

• 7.3 – Ordinance 24-1340 (R-3 Density Increase): Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert presented the amendment to increase maximum density in the R-3 (Limited Multiple-Family Residential) district from 4-10 dwelling units per acre to 4-16, to allow more flexibility for single-story projects. Councilmember Campbell expressed concerns about sewer infrastructure and deferred maintenance, citing a 2005 sewer plan and recent pipe breaks. City Manager Jess Knudson noted the Wastewater Master Plan was updated in 2022 and the Water Master Plan in 2019. Councilmember Lane supported the change as a way to provide workforce housing without increasing building height. After the public hearing, the motion passed 5-2 (Mayor Sheehy, Councilmembers Coke, Dolan, Lane, and Vice Mayor Moses in favor; Councilmembers Campbell and Lin opposed).
• 7.4 – Ordinance 24-1342 (R-SGD Height Increase): Mr. Gilbert proposed raising the maximum height for developments adjacent to pre-existing single- and two-family uses in the R-SGD (Residential Southgate) district from 18 feet to 30 feet, consistent with the R-M district. The change would only affect lots not adjacent to R-1 or R-2 zoning. Councilmember Lin asked about traffic impacts on Rolling Hills Drive; Mr. Gilbert said the zone is designed for 42-foot buildings. The motion passed 5-2 (same split as 7.3).
• 7.5 – Ordinance 24-1341 (Backyard Fowl): Mr. Gilbert explained that HB 2325 mandates municipalities to permit backyard fowl (hens) with specific regulations: up to six hens, no roosters, enclosure at least 20 feet from property lines, no more than 200 sq ft, and manure management. Councilmember Lin asked about enforcement; City Manager Knudson said the city would respond to complaints but cannot proactively inspect. Councilmember Dolan expressed frustration with state preemption. Councilmember Lane noted chickens are noisy and attract coyotes. Vice Mayor Moses moved to adopt with an amendment requiring a full enclosure (roof) for the coop. The motion passed 7-0.
• 7.9 – Requirements Contract for Vehicle Refurbishment: Fire Chief Pete Pilafas and Police Chief Troy Stirling presented a contract with Wild Rose Motors LTD to refurbish three public safety vehicles (one 2007 Chevrolet pickup for fire, two 2017 Ford Explorers for police) for $118,466.50. The program aims to get vehicles in 60 days versus two years for new ones, with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty on remanufactured parts. Councilmember Campbell initially raised liability concerns but ultimately supported the chiefs. Councilmember Lane commended the cost-saving approach. The motion passed 7-0.
• 7.12 – Fiscal Year 2024-25 Vehicle Purchases: Transportation Superintendent Bill Young requested approval to purchase 37 Ford or Chevrolet vehicles in bulk for $2,505,015 to streamline the process and secure volume discounts. Councilmember Lane noted this was a long-discussed improvement. The motion passed 7-0.
• Other Items (7.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.10, 7.11): All approved unanimously (7-0) without significant debate. These included liquor licenses for Water's Edge Winery and The Pour House, task orders for runway lighting and well rehabilitation, change orders for vadose zone wells, and equipment purchases (lift system, Polaris Rangers).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 24-1340 (R-3 density) adopted (5-2).
• Ordinance 24-1342 (R-SGD height) adopted (5-2).
• Ordinance 24-1341 (backyard fowl) adopted with an amendment requiring a roof/ full enclosure (7-0).
• Requirements contract with Wild Rose Motors LTD approved for vehicle refurbishment (7-0).
• Bulk purchase of 37 vehicles approved (7-0).
• All other consent and public hearing items approved unanimously.
• Future discussion item: Councilmember Lane requested a discussion on when board/commission members who become city council candidates should step aside. Seconded by Councilmember Dolan and thirded by Vice Mayor Moses.

City Manager Report

• Jess Knudson announced the kickoff of the Lake Havasu Youth Advisory Council (HAYAC) with 13 students, a $2,500 donation to the Police Cadet Program from the Patel family, and a recognition of Rebecca Main for upholstery services. He reported that BLM has gathered 94 of 100 wild burros and provided a video update on the City Core Paving Project (August–November 2024, affecting Swanson, Riviera, Smoke Tree, and McCoy).