Planning manager presents draft Parks and Open Space Plan; commission tables for review

Johnny Loria, the City of Bullhead City's Planning and Code Enforcement Manager, presented the parks and open space section of the draft general plan update and asked the Parks & Recreation Commission for feedback on goals and objectives.

Loria said the full general plan spans more than 80 pages and includes land use, water resources and circulation; the parks/open‑space draft notes improvements made since 2016 (new beaches at Community Park, splash pads, Rotary upgrades, pavilion at Gary Keith Park and new pickleball courts at the Optimum Center). He reminded commissioners that state rules require jurisdictions to update their general plans every 10 years and that the plan must move toward the ballot for voter approval.

Commissioners asked whether launch fees or commercial launching restrictions could be considered and expressed interest in incorporating trail planning into the update. Commissioner Braun asked about potential revenue from launching at boat ramps and whether commercial use should be limited; staff replied that past decisions removed launch fees in favor of parking fees and that some ramps are not practical for a fee structure.

Commissioner (S8) moved to table the item to the next meeting to allow commissioners to review the draft in more detail and to submit written comments to staff; Commissioner Braun seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

Loria said staff will present the plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission in a series of meetings starting April 9 and that public surveys and materials will be posted online for comment.