KINGMAN, Ariz. – A lengthy discussion on weeds, the need to update building codes, and an inappropriate book pulled from donations to the library were the highlights of the Board of Supervisors meeting Monday, Sept. 21. There was also a brief update on the Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport and an award presented to the board.
Scott Holtry, Mohave County Development Services, told the board they currently have 375 active cases of complaints over junk, trash and weeds which are considered a fire hazard to many in the county. Other complaints he’s received were residents saying the weeds just made their adjoining property look bad. The primary concern was who was going to pay for clearing them away.
“If we pay, we will have to raise property taxes to pay for this,” Supervisor Gould stated. “We need to prioritize and esthetics is the lowest.”
The board voted unanimously to have the County Manager, County Attorney, public health, representatives from local fire districts, Board of Realtors, and community groups get together and report back to the Board of Supervisors within 90 days on what they could do to about the weed problem.
Holtry also requested Building Codes be updated to the 2024 codes, but that failed due to the lack of a second motion.
The board approved $17,648.44 in donations to go into the Mohave County Library collection. However, out of the book donations, Gould rejected a book titled “Sailor Moon” because he said it was inappropriate for youth. All donations were approved except the book “Sailor Moon.”
Supervisor Lettman suggested the board no longer accept any books donated to the library, but instead turn them over to Friends of the Library to sell.
A brief update was given by Public Works Director and Mohave County Airport Authority (MCAA) Board member Steve Latoski.
He said the MCAA held a special meeting September 9 to accept the draft of the forensic audit and to allow County Treasurer Linda Green to have access to financial records.
County Manager Strahl stated they were at the airport last week, including Interim Director Ed Faron, and met with employees, fire department and personnel. He said the MCAA will be signing off on a transition plan as the county has drafted it. “It’s a very complicated transition and a lot of steps are involved,” Strahl said.
Community Services Director Michael Smith told the board a lot of good things are happening through them in Mohave County.
He said of those who enroll in training, 95% complete the program. He also said that 105 have graduated with their GED over the last three years and for that, the Mohave La Paz Workforce Development received an award Saturday, September 19. It was the Arizona Adult Education Workforce Partner Award from the Adult Education Institute in Phoenix. It was the first time this award had been presented. “It was truly team work here with GED instructor Mark Wyble and Sara Ungaro,” Smith said.
