Sharing What the City Has to Offer - You Can't Have Everything When You Want It, But You Can Work to Get It!

June 5^th City Council Meeting was an eye opener. Reverend Wilkie has for years been giving the Invocation at city council meetings as he did this day. Prior to saying the words “Let us Pray”, Rev. Wilkie looked about and acknowledged that this was the largest gathering he has experienced in all his years of service at council meetings. I always enjoy visiting with Rev. Wilkie prior to the start of the meeting as I get to hear and learn about his vegetable garden and it puts me in mind of bounty to be earned and enjoyed when one puts his “Shoulder to the Wheel” in our fair city.

PUTTING THEIR SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL is exactly what the Service Clubs of St. George did.  They didn’t just talk about it they went to work and the fruits of their labor benefited the children of our communities. Four clubs were featured at this meeting…..Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks and The Exchange Club…..ALL STOOD TALL as their contributions in providing for others (In particular the YOUTH and Future Leaders of our cities) so deservingly stood out. Space does not allow for identifying each and every program these clubs engage in…..Which helps to build services and resources that supplement city efforts. Therefore I will only single out two ($$$$$) contributions made to the city at this meeting.  

The Rotary Club handed the city a check for $5,400 in support of netting for sport activity and the Exchange Club presented to the city a check in the amount of $70,000 in support of the All Abilities Park currently in the planning and building stage. (Contributions …..None to small are invited. Please contact Kent Perkins, Director of Leisure Services for details on how you can be a part of this very meaningful program).

By now most of you know that the Department of Leisure Services has moved to a new location. The old court and jail facilities which use to exist across the street…..Directly east of City Hall and called “CITY COMMONS BUILDING” is now home not only for Leisure Services but other city services.  Take time to visit the newly remodeled building and enjoy the Landscape and Art Features.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH & REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES: Time scheduled on council agenda to allow individuals a 3 minute block of time to publicly speak to an issue of their choice. Mayor Pike identified criteria for speaking.  1. Be Nice/Civil. 2. Be a resident of City of St. George/Business Owner. 3. Can’t be pending item before Council. (Opposing Party need be present to defend their position. Council is present to respond to item addressed to them)…… Five asked to speak.

1^st. Don Rawlins reflected on development of Seegmiller Park and availability of Historic Farm Implements etc. (Mr. Perkins should initiate contact with Mr. Rawllins).

2^nd. Jeanie Larson representing newly formed organization identified as Urban Renewal, presented 1,200 signatures petitioning the Council to halt all projects in the Down Town area of city. Specifically the old J.C. Penny Building on the corner of Main Street and St. George Blvd. Larson expressed that her group was not supportive of the Direction City was heading and what was being pushed by the City. Time to discuss and build a consensus was needed therefore a halt to rebuilding efforts was requested. 3^rd. Christine Oravak spoke on need to preserve Down Town stating “Architecture is a form of Art” charm of Down Town should not be diminished. 4^th. Brooks Pace, owner of J.C. Penney Building and future developer of his property interests appeared to be well known by Mayor, Council and City Staff. I thought Mr. Pace was walking a fine line on the civility requirement cited by Mayor Pike…..But none the less he appeared to check himself with mentioning that Historic Preservationist were a NEW GROUP in town and that “Their” efforts to stop development on the J.C. Penny Building was a slap in the face to Ken Campbell……The designer of the proposed remodeling. Mr. Pace said that he had spoken with tenants who expressed a desire to remain within their present contract stipulations and he would honor the contract and stop development efforts. Three and a half years remain on the contract and upon expiration he would be free to move forward.  5^th. Nicki Richards, on behalf of Down Town Business Group spoke of protecting and allowing both interests to evolve. Wants what is best for Down Town.

 While getting a haircut I surveyed those present. Three concurred it’s just an Old Building and could be torn down. The 4th person fell asleep. Please forward your comments. 

Thank you, Ed Baca