Steven Kokkinen

The City Council conducted a regular meeting featuring several agenda items. Key topics included the approval of an intergovernmental agreement with Kingman, Arizona, for municipal court services, and the ratification of cooperative purchases for supplies and products with Lowe's Home Centers, LLC. Additionally, the city manager provided updates on various city achievements, including recognition for local youth council members, outstanding performance by the fire and EMS programs, the city's success in a hydrant competition, and various community initiatives such as Kids City Dedication Day and candidate orientation activities.

The council meeting included the approval of an ordinance amending the city code for fees related to pavement restoration, utility permits, and special events. A resolution was adopted to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation for traffic signal cabinet upgrades at three intersections. Additionally, the meeting featured recognitions for student achievement in leadership, fire department promotions and probationary completions, the success of the Residents Academy program, the ribbon cutting of an inclusive playground feature, recognitions for animal control and public safety telecommunication professionals, and the city's designation as a Tree City USA recipient.

The council held a public hearing regarding ordinance 26-1379, which proposed amendments to the city's fee schedule for street cuts, utility permits, and special events to improve pavement protection and oversight. The City Manager reported on various administrative updates, including the retirement of three long-term city employees, participation in a regional emergency readiness earthquake simulation, and the successful graduation of students from the NOVA program. Additionally, the council celebrated the completion of the Site 6 fishing dock, recognized several community milestones including the 105th birthday of a resident, and announced upcoming community events such as Teen Break, Vietnam Veterans Day, and a household hazardous waste collection.

The work session featured a historical overview regarding the development of tourism taxes, including transient occupancy taxes and the various funding mechanisms utilized for tourism promotion. Representatives from Go Lake Havasu provided a detailed presentation on the organization's governance structure, background, and recent improvements to oversight. The board discussed the formation of new internal bodies, specifically a nominating committee for board selection and a bylaws committee, to strengthen leadership and operational processes.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. A representative from Military Moms provided an update on their work supporting veterans and children of active military members, mentioning a banner project. Following roll call and approval of the consent agenda, discussions included the announcement of vacancies on city boards, committees, and commissions, specifically one alternate member vacancy on the board of adjustment. The City Manager's report noted the retirement of Fire Marshal Nathan Adler after over 26 years of service. The City also hosted a "Doing Business with the City" lunch and learn event, and announced the upcoming Teen Break program starting March 17th. Progress on Fire Station 7 was detailed, anticipating 90% design plans next month. Updates were given on the 11th annual water festival and recognition of student essay contest winners by the Mayor. A ribbon cutting for a new fishing dock at Site 6 was announced for February 27th. Additionally, the public review period for the draft 2026 General Plan update commenced, with an open house scheduled for February 25th. Finally, the city conducted a presentation on the fiscal year 2025 financial audit results by Clifton Larson Allen LLP, which resulted in clean opinions on financial statements and compliance for major programs, noting one financial reporting finding regarding investment earnings allocation for a new fund and one compliance finding associated with checking suspension debarment, both of which management provided corrective action for.