Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting - November 12, 2024

The Lake Havasu City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:30 PM. The council addressed routine consent items, approved several liquor licenses, established a one-year pilot parking program for the downtown area, introduced two new ordinances regarding police service assistants/volunteers and updated rules for bicycles and other mobility devices, and authorized multiple major contracts for emergency medical supplies, a new police/fire dispatch and records system, water meter infrastructure, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and well pump refurbishment. All votes were 6-0 with Councilmember Jeni Coke absent.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the October 22, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
• Approved Resolution No. 24-3793 abandoning a portion of a public utility and drainage easement at 3586 Kiowa Bay.
• Approved Resolution No. 24-3794 adopting the Lake Havasu City Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.
• Approved the Interlocal Participation Agreement with National Purchasing Cooperative.
• Called for an Executive Session on November 26, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Public Hearings & Public Comments

• Liquor Licenses (Items 7.1 & 7.2): No public comments. Approved Series #10 for Motor & Boat Food & Fuel and Series #12 for Arizona Rebel Republic.
• Downtown Association Pilot Parking Program (Item 7.3): Multiple citizens spoke in favor, urging the council to start the pilot and learn from it. Speakers: Joan Dzuro (in favor), John Parrott (supported 80% compliance theory), and Steve Kokkinen (asked about success metrics). The council discussed enforcement challenges; Police Chief Stirling noted enforcement would be difficult but hoped signage would encourage compliance. Councilmember Campbell opposed two-hour parking but supported customer-only signage. The program was approved with an amendment limiting two-hour parking to Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Bicycle & Electric Bike Ordinance (Item 7.5): Extensive public testimony (20+ speakers). Many e-bike users and pedestrians expressed support for safety rules but opposed bans. Key themes: need for education, enforcement challenges, infrastructure improvements, and concerns about high-speed devices. Several speakers urged speed limits in congested areas (Rotary Park, Bridgewater Channel, Island Multi-Use Path) rather than outright prohibitions. The council emphasized that the ordinance only updates definitions and rules of the road; it does not restrict specific locations. A motion to introduce the ordinance passed unanimously.
• Other Public Hearings (Items 7.6-7.10): No public comments on these items except a question from Brett Miller about real-time water usage data for the new meters (Item 7.8).
• Call to the Public (Item 8): One citizen (Kathy Moltzen) expressed appreciation for the council's hard work.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Association Pilot Parking Program (Item 7.3): Erica McCorkle, Downtown Association President, presented a plan to create 10 two-hour parking spaces on McCulloch Boulevard and install “Downtown Customer Parking Only” signs in two zones. The program will run for one year. Council debated enforcement and hours; Mayor Sheehy suggested limiting two-hour parking to weekday business hours. The resolution was adopted with this change and a directive to include the amendment in the resolution language.
• Police Service Assistants and Citizens on Patrol (Item 7.4): Chief Stirling introduced an ordinance to add positions for interns (ages 18-21) and volunteer patrol members to handle lower-priority calls, parking enforcement, and traffic incident reports. The positions are designed to recruit and prepare future officers. The council asked about training and cadet requirements; the ordinance was introduced unanimously.
• Bicycle/Electric Bike Ordinance (Item 7.5): Chief Stirling presented a rewrite of Chapter 10.08 to modernize definitions and rules for all non-motorized and electric mobility devices. Key changes: requiring helmets for those under 16, allowing devices in city parks, removing the ban on McCulloch Boulevard (Smoketree to Acoma), and authorizing the Public Works Director to erect signage in restricted areas (at council direction). Several council members expressed concerns about delegated authority and requested that any area restrictions be decided by council. The council also discussed speed limits, education, and enforcement. The ordinance was introduced as a first reading; staff will refine language before second reading.
• Motorola Flex Suite (Item 7.7): Chief Stirling, Lt. Michael Terrinoni, and CIO Jonathan Baskette detailed the need to replace the aging CAD/RMS/JMS system (in use since 2013) with a modern cloud-hybrid platform. The system will integrate dispatch, records, jail management, evidence tracking, and mobile access. The 10-year contract totals $4,677,015 after a $1,067,008 loyalty discount (expiring November 13, 2024). Year 1 cost is $743,190 plus taxes. Council questioned contract length and total cost; staff explained the hybrid cloud migration and 15-year expected lifespan.
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (Item 7.8): Public Works Director Ron Foggin proposed a requirements contract with Badger Meter to replace aging water meters with advanced meters that provide real-time usage data every 15 minutes. The city received a $3 million grant and will pursue additional grants. The contract includes stabilized pricing and a 20-year warranty. Vice Mayor Moses asked about battery life (25 years).
• Island WWTP Filter Upgrade (Item 7.9): Capital Program Manager Jason Hart requested approval of a $97,308 design contract with NCS Engineers for upgrading the sand filter system, including concrete repairs, railing/grate replacement, and underdrain improvements. Completion expected May 2025.
• Well Pumps Replacement (Item 7.10): Hart presented a bid award to Layne Christensen Company for $880,769.68 to replace/refurbish horizontal collector well pumps and piping. Two bids were received; the project has been bid three times. Completion anticipated by April 2025, but pump delivery may take 24 months, potentially pushing construction to fall 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals (all 6-0, Councilmember Coke absent):
  • Consent Agenda (5 items).
  • Series #10 and #12 liquor licenses.
  • Resolution 24-3792 establishing the Downtown Association Pilot Parking Program (amended to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday for two-hour parking).
  • Introduction of Ordinance 24-1349 (Police Service Assistants and Citizens on Patrol).
  • Introduction of Ordinance 24-1350 (Bicycle/E-bike rules of the road update).
  • Cooperative purchase agreement with Bound Tree Medical, LLC (up to budgeted amount for ambulance supplies).
  • Purchase and agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for Flex Suite & Command Central Cloud Hybrid (Year 1: $743,190; 10-year discounted total $4,677,015).
  • Requirements contract and Beacon SaaS agreement with Badger Meter, Inc. (authorizing renewals).
  • Professional Services Agreement with NCS Engineers for Island WWTP Filter Upgrade Design ($97,308).
  • Award to Layne Christensen Company for Horizontal Collector Well Pumps and Piping Replacement ($880,769.68).
• Directives: Staff will refine the bicycle/e-bike ordinance language based on council feedback (clarifying public works director authority, addressing sidewalk vs. roadway rules, and considering speed limits for specific areas). The ordinance will return for second reading. The Downtown Association will lead evaluation of the parking pilot program metrics.