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Residents urge city to address homelessness and sewer maintenance; staff cites multimillion-dollar cost from flushed wipes
Summary
Public commenters at the Bullhead City Council meeting urged action on homelessness and criticized local nonprofit responses; city wastewater staff warned that nonflushable wipes and debris have led to recurring pump failures and estimated at least $4,050,000 in avoidable taxpayer costs if the problem continues.
Several residents used the meeting’s call to the public to press the council on homelessness and sewer system problems.
John Pettit, representing Church Without Walls, said Catholic Charities turned away multiple people seeking showers and rest and urged city leaders to revisit past proposals to house individuals. Pettit asked to meet with council or staff before the next month’s meeting to discuss solutions.
At the same time city wastewater employee John Trequato presented photographs and a summary of materials recovered from treatment drying beds, urging residents not to flush disposable wipes or similar products. Trequato cited recurring pump failures and maintenance costs and said, on the record, the city is looking at a minimum of $4,050,000 in avoidable taxpayer expense tied to damaged equipment and emergency repairs if improper disposals continue.
A separate public commenter criticized elements of how police reports and body‑camera footage are processed and billed, and another asked for paving of a frequently used parking lot on Riverview Drive to reduce dust entering nearby homes.
Council did not take immediate operational action in response to the public commenters during the meeting, though staff noted they could be asked to investigate matters and report back to the council.
