Lake Havasu City Council approves liquor license, employment contracts, lobbying contract and Lifepak purchase; all votes 6–0

Lake Havasu City Council voted unanimously (6–0) on several routine and operational items at its May 28, 2019 regular meeting, including a restaurant liquor license, employment contracts for three city positions, a lobbying contract and an emergency‑medical equipment purchase.

Series 12 liquor license — El Padrino Pizza and Pasta The council moved to recommend approval of a Series 12 restaurant liquor license for El Padrino Pizza and Pasta at 3269 Maricopa Avenue, Suite 110. According to staff, posting requirements were met, fees paid and no objections were received; the location is properly zoned. Vice Mayor Dave Lane made the motion and Council Member Koch seconded. The motion carried, 6–0.

City Manager employment contract — Jessica Knutson Following a favorable evaluation on May 14, the council approved an employment contract for City Manager Jessica Knutson. Council Member Donna McCoy moved and Council Member Jenny Coke seconded the motion. Council discussion noted the evaluation process and that the manager and two other senior positions asked not to receive an additional compensation increase while a positional analysis is underway; the council said step increases for eligible employees remain in the budget. The motion carried, 6–0.

City Magistrate employment contract — Mitchell Kolali The council approved an employment contract for the city magistrate, identified in the meeting as Mitchell Kolali, based on the favorable evaluation of May 14. The motion was made by Vice Mayor Lane and seconded by Council Member McCoy. The motion carried, 6–0.

City Attorney employment contract — Kelly C. Gary Council Member Coke moved and Vice Mayor Lane seconded approval of the city attorney employment contract for Kelly C. Gary. The motion carried, 6–0.

Professional services contract — Willetta Partners (Arizona Government Relations) The council approved a one‑year professional services contract with Willetta Partners for state government relations and lobbying services, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 annually, with staff authorized to exercise up to four additional 12‑month renewal options (maximum five‑year term). Brian Tessineri (identified in the meeting as Mr. Tessineri) described the lobbying work, said the firm helped on recent vacation‑rental legislation and noted ongoing monitoring of state budget and tax issues. Vice Mayor Lane moved to approve; Council Member Michelle Lynn seconded. The motion carried, 6–0.

Sole‑source purchase — one LifePak 15 monitor with Physio‑Control (Stryker Corporation) Chief Davis presented a sole‑source purchase request for one LifePak 15 cardiac monitor and accessories. Chief Davis said the city has 13 LifePaks in service (10 of them LifePak 15) and described maintenance and parts availability as reasons to use the manufacturer for service and spare equipment. The chief stated an equipment price of $26,760.13 in remarks; the motion before the council listed $26,750.13. Council Member Donna McCoy moved to approve the purchase and Council Member Koch seconded. The motion carried, 6–0. Staff noted that because maintenance and service with Physio‑Control push total annual expenditures with that vendor over $50,000, council approval was required. The chief also said Physio‑Control is now a subsidiary of Stryker Corporation.

Consent agenda and other items The council approved the consent agenda as presented (motion by Council Member Coke; second by Council Member McCoy). The meeting included routine staffing and municipal reports, announcements of board and commission vacancies, and the city manager’s community report. No public objections were recorded for the items that required public posting and hearings.

What passed: all motions recorded at the May 28 meeting carried by a 6–0 vote. Specific motion language, movers and seconders are recorded below under "Actions."