Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Lake Havasu City Council held a regular meeting on March 10, 2026, at 5:45 PM (agenda called for 5:30 PM) in Council Chambers. The meeting included four public hearings, approval of the consent agenda, and a lengthy discussion on the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. Key actions included introducing an ordinance to revise fees for pavement restoration, utility permits, and special events; approving $463,000 in contingency funds for LED lighting at SARA Park Ball Fields 3 and 4; and awarding a $1,997,451.20 chip seal program contract. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0): February 24, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes and a call for an executive session on March 24, 2026, at 4:30 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Johnson (citizen): Questioned current and proposed rates to close McCulloch Boulevard for special events; suggested installing PVC under roadways every 500-600 feet to avoid pavement cuts.
• Rich Fountain (President, Lake Havasu City Relics and Rods Car Club): Requested a full waiver of street closure fees for the annual Run to the Sun event, noting all profits go to local charities. He stated the club receives no marketing from Go Lake Havasu.
• James Jimerson (President, Lake Havasu City Over the Hill Gang): Asked the council to carefully consider rates for non-profit organizations that give back to the community.
• Bonny Toy (citizen): Questioned whether proposed fees would actually be a reduction, as some organizations currently pay nothing.
• Tim Murray (citizen): Asked whether the city has standard specifications for road cuts; Public Works Director Ron Foggin confirmed a standard drawing exists.
• Taylor Harrison (citizen): Asked whether, in an RFQ, the city is locked into the highest-scoring contractor throughout the entire process or can negotiate with all qualified respondents.
• Martin Stansbury (citizen): Criticized the in-house engineer requirement for the pool project RFQ and the lack of explanation for disqualification; suggested negotiating with all qualified firms rather than one.
• Bonny Toy (citizen): Suggested the city post a video of the council's RFQ discussion on its website.
• Don Wisdom (citizen): Asked whether the only way to change the RFQ process is through state legislation.
• Sheila Walker (citizen): Requested an ordinance to protect residents from neighbors recording conversations in their own yards.
• Sharon Napp (citizen): Described a similar issue with a neighbor's cameras recording her property and conversations.
• Bonny Toy (citizen): Made recommendations for sidewalk accessibility improvements at Rotary Park during parking lot renovations.
• Tim Murray (citizen): Expressed appreciation for the Havasu Residents Academy.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 26-1379 (Fees for Pavement Restoration, Utility Permits, and Special Events): Administrative Services Director Jill Olsen introduced the ordinance. Public Works Director Ron Foggin explained that proposed restoration fees are based on pavement age (0-12, 13-24, 25-36, 37-60, and older than 60 months) to protect new pavement. Councilmember Nancy Campbell argued all street cuts should meet the same standards for compaction and base. City Manager Jess Knudson clarified that same standards apply to all roads; the fee differential is an incentive for utilities to work before new pavement is laid. Assistant City Manager Anthony Kozlowski reviewed reduced special event fees for McCulloch Boulevard closures, including a 50% reduction in police and fire costs and a substantial reduction in public works costs. Councilmember Michele Lin expressed concern that the two sets of fees were lumped into one agenda item. The public hearing was held. Vote: Introduced 6-0 (Councilmember Dolan absent due to technical difficulties).

• Purchase of Lighting Improvements for SARA Park Ball Fields 3 and 4: Parks and Recreation Director Gabby Vera presented the item, noting council previously approved lighting for Rotary Park and SARA Park Fields 1 and 2. Two options: use $463,000 from General Fund contingency this fiscal year or defer to FY 2026-27 budget. Vice Mayor David Diaz asked about project timeline and a timer feature for night use; Vera confirmed both. Councilmember Campbell expressed concern about cost given failing pavement and infrastructure, asking why the Aquatic Center parking lot project was removed from the budget. Councilmember Lin opposed using contingency funds, noting the next budget is only a few months away. Parks Maintenance Superintendent Guy Reynolds stated that if tied to the current project, contractors could complete all fields within two weeks; if deferred, the quote for materials is extended through July 1, 2026. Vote: Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Lin nay).

• Job Order Contract Task Order Agreement No. 3 for FY 2025-26 Chip Seal Program: Deputy Director of Public Works Bill Young recommended approval of $1,997,451.20 to Cactus Asphalt, covering 875,000 square yards of material, to start late April/early May and finish in May. Vote: Approved 7-0.

• Discussion on Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Process: Councilmember Campbell requested the discussion, citing concerns about transparency and the recent pool project RFQ. She advocated for a "gold standard" process where the city council approves the top-scoring RFQ before negotiations and procurement. She claimed state statute requires an outside person on the selection committee and that no dollar amounts should be discussed during an RFQ. Mayor Cal Sheehy noted he contacted the City of Kingman, which said they do not follow that practice. Procurement Official Lynette Singleton stated that in the last two years, the city conducted seven RFQs, and that other cities do not bring scoring to council before negotiations. City Attorney Kelly Garry explained that Title 34 does not require council approval before solicitation, and that bringing scoring before council could compromise the integrity of the process. Councilmember Moses asked whether scoring sheets could be provided with the final award; Garry said there is an argument for confidentiality until the contract is fully executed. Public comments included concerns about the in-house engineer requirement and lack of feedback to disqualified contractors. The council reached consensus for Councilmember Campbell to work with procurement and the city attorney to gather more information and bring back recommendations.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance No. 26-1379 introduced (6-0) to amend fee schedule for pavement restoration, utility permits, and special events. Final adoption will require a future vote.
• LED lighting for SARA Park Ball Fields 3 and 4 approved ($463,000 from General Fund contingency, FY 2025-26) with a 6-1 vote.
• Chip Seal Program contract awarded to Cactus Asphalt for $1,997,451.20 (7-0).
• RFQ Process: No vote taken. Council directed Councilmember Campbell to collaborate with procurement and the city attorney to research the "gold standard" and other cities' practices, and report back at a future meeting.
• Retirements recognized: Ed Godwin (20 years, Public Works), Detective Robert Shoemake (19 years, Police), Detective Kenneth Smith (18 years, Police).
• Upcoming events: Teen Break (March 17-19), Vietnam Veterans Day (March 29), Household Hazardous Waste Event (April 18).