KINGMAN – Many topics were discussed at the June 2 Kingman City Council meeting, but none longer or more popular than the Mainstreet Route 66 Native Plant Walk presented by the Golden Valley Botanicals.
Their most enthusiastic team showed pictures of what historic Route 66 could look like with shade trees and native plants to revitalize an extension of the nature trail. They said they can break ground by October, just before the Route 66 I Heart Fest and incorporate the mayor’s Monarch Pledge.
A spokesperson for the group said it would be fully funded by Route 66 Association of Arizona.
They did ask that a water meter be installed to water the plants.
Council members all supported this project, even Mayor Watkins’ wife. He commented that she texted him during the presentation and loved the proposed idea. The project passed unanimously.
The biggest concern discussed was the loss of the KART yellow bus line. Council made the decision to keep it running until August 1 to come up with a plan to save it.
Wendy Tinsley with Urbana Preservation and Planning said a team drove down every street in Kingman and discovered 2,757 historical homes, 50 years old or older, but 2,611 were ineligible properties. She stated that currently there are only 57 historical properties in the city.
The tentative FY2026-27 budget of $343,488,124 was approved with the final budget approval scheduled for June 23rd.
Further discussion was about the grill at the city golf course not making money, that they’re selling their meals too cheap. Commissioner Stehly recommended removing $20K from their budget to force it to break even. Council also discussed whether or not to privatize both the grill and the golf course. Stehly set a six-month deadline for the grill to get in the black.
The proposed establishment of an infill incentive district and to adopt an infill plan was approved.
An overview was given on the final draft of the drought contingency plan and via video a legislative update was provided with not much change from the last update. It was reported that they’re getting close to the budget and Governor Katie Hobbs is pushing funding for education.
The Council then retired into executive session regarding Airport Hangar A.
