October 16th City Council
Meeting proved to be most inspiring from the minute I sat down and had the
pleasure of visiting with Tim Martin, who represented Inter-Faith Council of Church’s
here in Saint George as a standing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
LDS. He was here today to give the
invocation that begins each council meeting…..Routinely rotated among participating
church and individuals in the community. Since all elected officials are
members of the predominate Church I feel it important for the public to know
that Invocation Honors are shared equally among all participating church’s and
individuals desiring to do so. Those interested are invited to contact City Hall.
HAPPY MOMENTS….. Were
immediately realized when Ron Jensen, representing Biggest High School Cycling
League presented the organization established in 2011. Mr. Jensen artfully
presented a pictorial and verbal description of his life……Describing his
penchant for participating in commonly known High School Sports. Walking us
through his childhood activities……Leading to his marriage and fatherhood…..Connecting
the expectations he had for his children to adopt and practice HIS love of sports
and competition…..Depicting the resistance and unhappiness encountered by his
children in being placed in sports not of their choosing ……A picture of willing
participation vs that of expected compliance…..Until he discovered MOUNTAIN
CYCLING. Connecting and developing a
FAMILY Oriented Activity…..A healthy form of exercise that embraces the Open
Space that surrounds our community and brings a family closer together. Mr.
Jensen’s uplifting, positive presentation was so good the Mayor was prompted to
invite Mr. Jenson to come back and do it again. It brought to mind Hymn…..Oh,
there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine when the peaceful happy moments roll. (Words
of Eliza E. Hewitt).
The happiness and merriment expressed by
Mr. Jensen via recognition of family values lead to the Biggest High School
Cycling League.....NOT the strenuous dangerous forms of Mountain Bike challenges
you see on T.V. but a local use of open space that is easily accessible and
manageable. Mr. Jensen proudly stated that as of 2014 High School Cycling
League had 1,094 members……A Co-ed activity for student athletes…..by
class…..Junior, Senior, age grouping for example. In practice Mountain Cycling
activity consists of a 4 to 6 mile lap of cross country local scenery. The
National Cycling Association will be hosting State Championships locally. Thank
you, Mr. Jensen for your efforts in service to the youth of our community and
in helping to boost local economy.
The City then requested a Public Hearing
to consider amendments to the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Budget. Sixteen points were
brought up…..Mostly house cleaning issues impacting the General Fund and
Capital Funds. The public was invited to come forth and express any interest or
concerns regarding budget items. I regret to inform you that no citizen
participation took place thus allowing the Mayor to close the Public Hearing.
The City requested Council to consider
approval of a reimbursement agreement with the Washington County Flood Control
Authority for the Washington Fields Trail and Drainage project. (Newly
formed organization of City and County Government established to address
flooding issues of interest and concern to all). All
Council members voted to approve expenditure covering area south of newly build
Mall Drive Bridge. Councilman Hughes spoke glowingly of this newly formed group
citing importance of addressing Flood Control issues. Councilman Hughes is not
only in the Mortuary Business which is often referred to in council meetings
but is believed to own property in Washington Fields area where he raises cows.
Perhaps Flood Control will help to keep his feet dry as the water table is
known to be high in his area. Maybe raises cows for Rodeo?
By now the public is aware that the
Council approved a conditional use permit to allow the building of a 5 story
Holiday Inn with a height of up to 69 feet adjacent to the Dixie Center. Two
building pads located in front of the soon to be built Holiday Inn may be used
for 2 Restaurants.
Mayor Pike reported that discussions are
continuing with University and School District to bring a school within 2 years
to the Sun Bowl site. Appraisal of the Ball Field west of Sun Bowl is in
progress. It appears that this Council has made up its mind to make available
to the Lions Club a new Sun Bowl, without the benefit of Public input. Elections matter. Thank you, ED BACA.
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