Mohave Daily News: Local

BULLHEAD CITY - Tuesday's Bullhead City Council meeting is expected to be a somewhat somber affair, due to the fact it will be the first meeting since the unexpected death of Council Member J.B. Wise. Wise, 63, died Aug. 5 from complications from back surgery.

In addition to being somber, the meeting is expected to be rather long, with as many as 32 agenda items. It's the first council meeting since July 1. The council had voted to “go dark” for part of the summer, allowing city staff to better coordinate their summer vacations. As a result, meetings that would have been held July 15 and Aug. 5 were canceled.

Prior to the 5:30 p.m. regular meeting in the City Council chamber, 1255 Marina Blvd., council members will hold a work session at 4 p.m. to discuss how to reduce truck accidents in the area of the Laughlin Bridge.

Work sessions are open to the public, but participation by the public is not permitted.

As more evidence of the real estate bubble burst, the council is expected Tuesday to repeal its previous approval of several proposed developments that did not materialize within the approved time line.

Projects affected include two associated with Laughlin Ranch, which has been in bankruptcy since July 2007: The Laughlin Ranch Beach and Dock Club and Secret Pass Industrial Park. An empty lot occupies the corner of Seventh Street and Long Avenue where the River Queen Resort Motel was raised to make room for the club.

Other developments slated for deletion include the Seventh Street Commerce Park, Rancho Colorado Villas, Portofino at Rio Brisas, Knollwood, and unnamed projects at 1675 Rainbow Drive and 3813, 3825, 3837 and 3845 Highway 95.

Council members will consider approving a $577,000 construction contract with Spire Engineering, LLC for the police radio upgrades and 911 center expansion, approved by voters in March 2007 as an Alternative Limitation Expenditure project.

A public hearing for the intended sewer capacity fee rate adjustment was originally set for Tuesday's meeting but is expected to be rescheduled for Sept. 2, according to Steve Johnson, Bullhead City public information officer.