Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting - February 18, 2026
Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting - February 18, 2026
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on February 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers, adjourning at 9:39 AM. The meeting featured a public hearing on the 2026 General Plan Update Progress Report, approval of previous meeting minutes, and public comments, with no voting actions required on the primary agenda item.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Ballard moved, seconded by Commissioner Thornton, to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2026, Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting. The motion passed 7-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Public Hearing on General Plan Update:
- Emiliano Torres (resident and General Plan Steering Committee member) expressed concerns about the process, stating the steering committee was treated as a focus group, input sources were not transparent, and there was an overemphasis on tourism. He disputed attendance figures and said he would likely vote no on the plan unless major changes were made.
- Bonny Toy (resident) asked what steps were being taken to inform the public about the General Plan, and later in the Call to Public, she advocated for improved handicap accessibility, including lowering curb heights, and emphasized that the ADA is a minimum standard.
- Debra Hunter (resident) encouraged the city to use front-page newspaper ads to promote the General Plan, and during the Call to Public, she recommended adding fluorescent paint to curbs downtown to improve visibility and prevent falls.
- Call to Public:
- Bonny Toy reiterated the need for handicap accessibility, citing potholes and damaged parking lots as hazards.
- Emiliano Torres commented that the City Attorney’s remarks about the Public Education Plan went beyond legal advice into personal opinion.
- Debra Hunter noted that curbs downtown are hard to see after dark, creating trip-and-fall risks, and suggested fluorescent paint.
Discussion Items
- 2026 General Plan Update Progress Report (ID 26-5112):
- Planning Division Manager Chris Gilbert presented an update, noting this was a non-action item. He outlined the process and schedule: the 60-day public review period began February 17, 2026, and an open house is scheduled for February 25, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Mohave County Library. He reported over 2,200 community members engaged to date, over 22,000 website visits, and highlighted key themes: balanced growth, connected community, prosperous economy, thriving residential areas, and healthy environment.
- Commissioner Dzuro asked about public preferences for businesses (mom-and-pop vs. chains) and whether existing parks were adequate. Mr. Gilbert responded that feedback was mixed, with some desiring chains like Chick-fil-A and Olive Garden, and that shoreline preservation dominated discussions due to the Waterfront project.
- Commissioner Stevenson noted that 22,000 engagements made it unlikely that input came from a single demographic or special interest group.
- Staff (Mr. Gilbert, City Attorney Kelly Garry, and Planning Coordinator Shelby Hennigan) clarified that the Public Education Plan (PEP) adopted by City Council in May 2025 is being followed, and that outreach includes events, flyers, social media, radio, and newspaper. They noted that participation is voluntary and that low turnout is common in local government processes.
- Commissioner Dzuro stated she personally distributed over 100 flyers and attended events with friends to encourage participation.
Key Outcomes
- No action required on the General Plan Update; the item was a progress report and discussion only.
- Minutes approved (7-0).
- Future meetings: The regular meeting scheduled for March 4, 2026, was cancelled; the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Mr. Chair, good to go. Morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 meeting of the Lake Havasoo City Planning and Zoning Commission. If you'd please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice. Madam Secretary, would you please call the roll? Commissioner Susanna Ballard. Present. Commissioner Joan DeZero. Here. Commissioner Paul Air. Vice Chair Tiffany Wilson. Commissioner Lonnie Stevenson. Chair Jim Harris. Here. Commissioner Gabriel Medley. Here. Commissioner Mary Costa. Commissioner JP Thornton. Commissioner Phillinette. Okay, and let the record note that we have filled the two vacancy positions with Ms. Costa and Mr. Stevenson. All right, correspondence and announcements, Mr. Gilbert. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. As you will see in the upcoming presentation, the draft 60-day comment period started on February 17th, which was yesterday for the general plan. Mr. Chairman. Ms. Ballard. Under a motion that we approve the minutes of the January 21st, 2026 planning and zoning as presented. We have a motion by Ms. Ballard, a second by Mr. Thornton to approve the minutes as written. Any further discussion. Seeing none, let's call for the question. The motion to approve the minutes passes seven to zero. Okay, let me just start by saying that this is a public hearing and there is a structured order to this proceeding. That being done, we will then open the proceedings to the public for questions and input. Uh podium and microphone to one only, keep all comments to less than three minutes, and to stay on point and not discuss subject matter that is not pertinent to the decision being presented here today. After public testimony is taken, I'll then close the public hearing and bring the motion back to the table for city staff's exceptions and conditions of approval. Discussion amongst the commission and eventually a motion to approve or disapprove. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Today's uh on today's agenda, the first item is ID 26-5112. This is the 2026 general plan update progress report by Mr. Gilbert. Thank you, Mr.
openpublica.com