Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026
Lake Havasu City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026
The Lake Havasu City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, several public hearings on infrastructure and fee updates, a presentation of the 2026 National Community Survey results, and discussion of future agenda items. All votes were 6-0 (Councilmember Dolan absent).
Consent Calendar
- 5.1: Approved the April 14, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
- 5.2: Approved a Lease Agreement with River Cities United Way for office space at Fire Station No. 5.
- 5.3: Approved Change Order No. 3 to the Mulberry Treatment Plant Roof Replacement Project with T.R. Orr, Inc.
- 5.4: Approved a call for an Executive Session on May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Bonny Toy suggested moving the “Call to the Public” to the beginning of the agenda and adding a council member report item. Later during Call to the Public, she requested pedestrian crosswalks and a lower speed limit on Mesquite Avenue between Acoma Boulevard and Smoketree Avenue.
- Emiliano Torres criticized the 2026 National Community Survey as flawed, noting the response skewed to homeowners aged 55+ and that the island funding question lacked context (e.g., tax impact). He urged more intelligent surveying.
- Charles Taylor spoke about the need for a police precinct and fire station on the Island to handle future population growth (8,000–10,000 residents) and ensure public safety.
- Taylor Harrison praised the survey for forward thinking and encouraged continued positive conversations.
Discussion Items
- 7.1 – Ordinance No. 26-1379 (Fee Schedule): Administrative Services Director Jill Olsen presented the adoption of an ordinance amending fees for pavement restoration, utility permits, and special events. The only change from introduction was the unit of measure for street closures changed from “per day” to “per closure.” The ordinance was adopted unanimously without public comment.
- 7.2 – Resolution 26-3911 (Traffic Signal Cabinets): Public Works Superintendent Ted Lamacki requested approval of an IGA with ADOT to upgrade wiring and signal cabinets at three intersections (Lake Havasu Ave & Mesquite, McCulloch, Swanson). Total cost: $203,692 from Federal Aid Funds/HURF exchange. The city would cover any overruns. Adopted unanimously.
- 7.3 – Resolution 26-3912 (Intelligent Transportation Systems): Ted Lamacki presented a second IGA to install 30 flashing yellow arrow signal heads at eight intersections and deploy cellular communications at 13 intersections. Cost: $822,236 from Federal Aid/HURF. Councilmember Campbell inquired about reflective backplates; City Manager Jess Knudson said the city is seeking grant funding for those upgrades. Adopted unanimously.
- 7.4 & 7.5 (Concrete Repairs & Restroom Building): Tabled to a future meeting.
- 7.6 – 2026 National Community Survey Results: Assistant City Manager Anthony Kozlowski presented key findings from 414 completed surveys (margin of error 4.8%, response rate 14%). Top scores: Fire services (91% quality), feeling of safety (82%), place to visit (90%). Lowest: availability of affordable quality housing (16%), health services (25%), code enforcement (25% well-planned residential growth). Custom questions showed 53% support limiting front-yard vehicle parking, 61% support arch project collaboration, 72% support a new community center, 84% support commercial air service. Councilmember Campbell expressed concern about governance ratings (e.g., 5% excellent, 26% poor) and urged the council to improve listening and respect. Vice Mayor Diaz noted the city can always do better. Councilmember Moses asked for a better cross-section of respondents and better-designed custom questions. Councilmember Coke highlighted the disparity between low health care scores and high self-reported health.
Key Outcomes
- Votes: All six items (Consent, Ordinance 26-1379, Resolutions 26-3911 and 26-3912) passed 6-0 (Councilmember Dolan absent).
- Tabled: Items 7.4 (Concrete Repairs) and 7.5 (Restroom Building) were tabled to a future meeting.
- Future Discussion Item: Councilmember Moses requested adding an agenda item to move the “Call to the Public” to the beginning of meetings; seconded by Councilmember Campbell. This will be considered at a future meeting.
- Upcoming Meetings: Budget/CIP Work Session on May 14, 2026; Executive Session on May 26, 2026; next Regular Meeting on May 12, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome. I call to order the Lake Havasu City Council regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 530 p.m. We'll have an invocation from B. Evans, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Mojave Military Museum, Veteran Charles Taylor and Judy Hernandez. Good evening. Isn't this so great? It's good to see you all, shall we pray? Heavenly Father, we just love you so much, and we're so grateful that we can come speaking to you in your courthouse, Lord, right into your courtroom. We're just so grateful. Lord, we just know you never change or the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your promises of old are promises for us today. Doesn't your word tell us that we as your people, if we humble ourselves and pray and seek your faith, turn from our wicked ways, that you will hear from heaven, and here's the promise. Lord, we are looking so forward to that day of complete healing. And I know, Father, you're in charge of the whole world, but tonight you're just in charge here in Lake Havisu City. We just ask you, Father, if you won't bless our city in a mighty and powerful way. Father, that you keep us at peace. Lord, that you bless our council who comes before you for wisdom. I know they do, Lord, and their yes is yes and their no is no, that they lift their these requests before you, Father, because we know it's so important for us. Their answers are important for us, the people. And we thank you. Lord, protect our police as they're out there and our firefighters and all those who work for our city, and we will give you all the praise and all the glory in the mighty and powerful name, Jesus. Amen. The United States of America. As always, I want to thank my mayor, my vice mayor, and all you on the city council for supporting veterans. You've always been there. We've all appreciated it. Thank you, Charles. Good evening. Mayor and City Council. I'm Trudy Hernandez, President of Mojave Military Museum. Thank you, Veteran Charles Taylor, for leading the pledge. Across all branches of the U.S. military, the Silver Star Medal is one of the highest honors a soldier can receive. President Woodrow Wilson established the Silver Star Medal as the Citation Star during World War One. The Silver Star Medal replaced the Citation Star and first officially was awarded in 1942. At the time, the medal was given only to U.S. Army service members who distinguish themselves during military operation. Today, the Silver Star Medal is the third highest medal. A member of the armed forces can receive for gallant action during combat. The U.S. Army normally awards the distinguished medal as the Silver Star, while the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard award the medal as a Silver Star Medal. All branches of the military give the award as a result of action against an enemy of the U.S. during conflict over a short period of time. In May 2010, Congress passed a resolution to formally recognize May 1st as the official day to honor wounded, ill, and injured veterans, officially known as the Silver Star Service Banner Day. This year, Silver Star Banner Day is celebrated on Friday in recognition of the sacrifices American service members have made for our country. This day is for Americans to remember service members who have been wounded in combat, our sick, and those who are dying. Exhibits produced by Mojave Military Museum, including the one on display in this very courthouse, reminds us of the importance of honoring our Lake Havasu military heroes and their families. Passed a resolution for John Marquese Way. You have in front of you the resolution, and you have a map on the back side of the alley number six in track two two two six slash two one eight two that is designated as John Mercasey Way. John Mercasey was a resident of Lake Habasu, a veteran and a recipient of a silver star, a bronze star, and two purple hearts.
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