Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2025
Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting
Date: May 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:25 PM
Location: City Council Chambers, 92 Acoma Boulevard South, Lake Havasu City, AZ
Attendance: All seven council members present (Mayor Cal Sheehy, Vice Mayor Michele Lin (via remote), Councilmembers Nancy Campbell, Jeni Coke, David Diaz, Jim Dolan, Cameron Moses)
The meeting began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call and a unanimous consent agenda. Key actions included adoption of two ordinances (animal code revision and meeting location update), approval of several public works bids, and extensive discussions on the design of a new outdoor pool and the Second Bridge Project. Public comments were received on animal hoarding, pool design, bridge alignment, and roundabout proposals. Council provided direction for the pool project and received an update on the Second Bridge.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes (ID 25-4789)
- Resolution 25-3836: Renewal of City membership in the Northwest Arizona Employee Benefit Trust
- Resolution 25-3837: Submission of FAA/ADOT grant application for Runway Lights and Signs Improvement Project
- Resolution 25-3838: Approval of Exhibit C, Revision 2 to water diversion contract
- Amendment No. 1 to mutual-aid ambulance agreement with River Medical, Inc. dba Life Line Ambulance
- Cooperative Purchase Agreement and fuel purchase from Rebel Oil Company
- Bid for Runway Lights and Signs Improvement Project to Rural Electric, Inc.
- Call for Executive Session on June 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM Vote: 7-0 (all aye)
Correspondence, Communications, Petitions, Announcements, City Manager Report
- Fiscal Year 2024-25 1st and 2nd Quarter Reports from Western Arizona Humane Society were received for information.
- Vacancies on boards/commissions were announced; applications due May 30, 2025.
- City Manager Jess Knudson recognized National Parks & Public Works/EMS Weeks, congratulated Gabrielle Vera (National Young Professional of the Year), and announced a Coffee with the Mayor on June 6, 2025 featuring Development Services Director Jeff Thuneman.
Public Hearings (Items 7.1 – 7.9)
7.1 – Series #12 Restaurant Liquor License for Sloane’s
- Action: Council recommended approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses & Control. No public comments.
- Vote: 7-0
7.2 – Ordinance 25-1360 Amending City Code Title 6 (Animals)
- City Attorney Kelly Garry explained amendments include escalating at-large offenses, defining unlawful restraint of dogs, adding animal hoarding provisions (10+ animals), and updating service animal definition per ADA (excluding miniature horses).
- Public Comment: Emiliano Torres expressed concerns about unregulated dog breeding businesses; urged council to address hoarding and breeding issues.
- Council Discussion: Councilmember Diaz asked about enforcement via noise/smell; Senior Animal Control Officer Chris Lutgen clarified that breeders not providing proper care fall under hoarding provisions.
- Vote: 7-0 to adopt.
7.3 – Ordinance 25-1361 Amending Meeting Location and Executive Sessions
- City Attorney Garry noted the ordinance updates the official meeting location to the new chambers (92 Acoma Blvd South) and clarifies executive sessions can occur during any meeting.
- Vote: 7-0 to adopt.
7.4 – Bid for Courthouse Covered Parking Project
- Project Manager Phil Porter presented the bid award to Seasa & Parks Construction, LLC for $117,319 (budgeted $125,000; Court Enhancement Funds). The project will add three shade structures covering 19 vehicles for court staff, completion by September 2025.
- Council Discussion: Councilmember Campbell expressed concern about asphalt maintenance under the structures and requested staff research concrete as an alternative. Councilmember Diaz confirmed spaces are reserved for court staff.
- Public Comment: Bonnie Toy questioned the total cost and change order process.
- Vote: 7-0 to award the bid.
7.5 – Bid for Hot Mix and Cold Mix Asphalt Products (FY2025-30)
- Transportation Superintendent Bill Young noted annual usage of 1,500–2,000 tons of hot mix and 1,000–1,500 tons of cold mix. Campbell Redi-Mix was the successful bidder.
- Councilmember Campbell recused herself (potential conflict).
- Vote: 6-0 (Campbell recused) to award bid and authorize routine expenditures.
7.6 – Bid for Redi-Mix Concrete Products (FY2025-30)
- Bill Young reported annual usage of ~2,680 cubic yards of concrete products. Campbell Redi-Mix awarded.
- Councilmember Campbell recused.
- Vote: 6-0 (Campbell recused) to award bid.
7.7 – HVAC Cooperative Purchase Agreements (Utilizing Mohave County JOC)
- Bill Young requested approval for expenditures exceeding the threshold for HVAC maintenance/repair/replacement with Mesa Energy Systems (EMCORE), Air Control Home Services, and Ambient Edge, LLC. The city maintains 278 HVAC units; annual replacement costs exceed $100,000.
- Vote: 7-0 to approve annual expenditures not to exceed budget.
7.8 – Design Parameters for Outdoor Pool at Aquatic Center
- Capital Program Manager Jason Hart presented the RFSQ scope: design of a 25-yard x 20-yard (75ft x 60ft) 8-lane competition pool (197,000 gallons, 4,500 sq ft surface area, 9ft–4ft depth). Timeline: advertise June 4, submittals due June 25, interviews week of June 30, council decision July 22.
- Council Discussion: Councilmember Campbell and Councilmember Diaz preferred a design-build approach to avoid paying separate design consultant and pool builder. Councilmember Campbell requested including construction in the RFSQ. Vice Mayor Lin sought clarification on the process. City Manager Knudson recommended a design-build approach with additive alternate for a 10-lane pool.
- Public Comments:
- Steve Reid (Sandcastle Pools): Expressed support for a design-build approach; estimated design cost at $25,000–$30,000; urged council to allow local pool builders to submit; offered a free rendering (declined per procurement rules).
- Emiliano Torres: Raised concerns about staffing costs (lifeguards) and recommended hiring a consultant.
- Bonnie Toy: Asked about ADA compliance; confirmed by Mayor.
- Rick Wheeler (Havasu Stingrays): Thanked council; discussed community fundraising committee; identified grant opportunities (Land and Water Conservation Fund); advocated for more deck space (20ft on one side) and a 10-lane pool.
- Kierstin Ferrante: Emphasized need for depth and lanes to accommodate water polo; requested project timeline for fundraising.
- Council Consensus: Move forward with design-build approach; include additive alternate for a 10-lane pool and additional equipment (scoreboards, timers). Staff to adjust RFSQ accordingly.
7.9 – Progress Report on Second Bridge Project Design
- Jason Hart reviewed project history (from 2001 discussions to 2024 feasibility study, 2025 design contracts with NV5 and AMES Construction as CMAR). The team selected Option #4 for alignment (rotated and shortened bridge, abutments perpendicular to channel, reduced right-of-way from 200ft to 80/50ft on mainland side; from 4.02 to 3.73 acres on island side). Final acceptance letter received from Arizona State Parks; letter from Arizona State Lands expected this week. Goal: 30% submittal to US Coast Guard by end of August 2025.
- Kevin Murphy (NV5) and Lindsey Van Parys (GHD) presented intersection alternatives for the new roadway at London Bridge Road and McCulloch Boulevard. They recommended modern roundabouts over signals, citing safety (78-82% reduction in injury/fatal crashes), operational benefits, and cost savings ($375,000 compared to signals). They addressed truck/RV accommodation, pedestrian safety, queuing analysis, and beautification potential.
- Council Discussion: Councilmember Diaz noted reduced bridge length saves millions. Councilmember Moses raised concerns about alleyway closure, elevation changes impacting businesses, and roundabout education for tourists. Staff committed to providing schematics and hosting a roundabout rodeo. Councilmember Campbell expressed improved favorability toward roundabouts.
- Public Comments:
- Kelly Lutz: Supported island roundabout; asked about diameter; questioned impacts at Palo Verde/London Bridge Road.
- Dan Roddy (AZ State Parks): Confirmed Parks supports the alignment; noted remaining work on signed agreements; emphasized opportunities for recreational trail connectivity.
- Bonnie Toy: Questioned traffic impacts on holiday weekends and roundabout performance vs. signals.
- No formal action taken; discussion only.
Key Outcomes
- Animal Code Amendment (Ordinance 25-1360): Adopted (7-0).
- Meeting Location & Executive Session Amendment (Ordinance 25-1361): Adopted (7-0).
- Courthouse Covered Parking Bid: Awarded to Seasa & Parks Construction, LLC for $117,319 (7-0). Staff to research concrete options.
- Asphalt & Concrete Bids: Awarded to Campbell Redi-Mix (FY2025-30) with Councilmember Campbell recused (6-0 each).
- HVAC Cooperative Agreements: Approved (7-0).
- Outdoor Pool Design Direction: Council directed staff to pursue a design-build RFSQ with additive alternate for a 10-lane pool; negotiation flexibility allowed.
- Second Bridge Project: No action; will return with 30% design and further intersection analysis.
- Future Meetings: June 10, 2025 (Tentative Budget & CIP Adoption) and June 24, 2025 (Final Budget Adoption), both at 5:30 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome. I call to order the Lake Havasu City Council regular meeting on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 at 5 30 p.m. We'll now have an invocation from B. Evans, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by uh Commander Omar Ethier from the VFW Post 9401. Always a privilege. Thank you. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we just give you all the praise and the glory tonight. We just know, Lord, you're standing there with open arms welcoming us because even if we don't come in praising and worshiping, you love to talk to us. So we're so grateful tonight, Lord, that you're listening as we lift up our city council before you because we know, Lord, they have such a uh just a job to do that they need all of your wisdom. And we thank you that you're so generous to give it, Lord God. We lift up, of course, our police department and our all of our service people, our uh fire service, all that work for us so hard, Father, that you protect their families. We pray. Our city council's families, we pray. And Lord, we just thank you for this night. We thank you that you're here because we've asked you to be here. You're welcome in Jesus' name. Amen. Please join me in a pleasure to the United States of America. I pledge your lead to the flag, the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God and the visible with liberty, justice to all. Amen. Thank you for being with us, Commander. If you'd uh like to share a little bit about the VFW post 9401. A little uh 741. We have um we are 774 members strong, uh, very big cost uh advocates of the military and families. Uh people don't realize that we have a shed full of hospital equipment for veterans, veterans, families. All they have to do is come down and sign it out. No cost. Uh, we're always doing things like that. That's what we're here for to help out. Excellent. Thank you so much for all the great work you do for our veterans and for our community. Thank you. Take care. Thanks, Commander. All right, item three, or excuse me, item four on the agenda is our roll call. Ms. Williams, if you please call the roll. Council members Nancy Campbell here again. Jenny Koch. Here. Jim Dolan. Here. David Diaz. Here. Cameron Moses. Here. Vice Mayor Michelle Lynn. Here.
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