MEANINGFUL
EVENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SPIRITUAL
AND TEMPORAL
April 2nd City Council
Meeting began with invocation by Pastor Jimi Kestin, Solomon’s Porch Foursquare
Fellowship Church. Pastor Kestin invited all to attend “Good Friday”
celebrations and the upcoming “Stations of the Cross Walk” that introduces
Easter Sunday. The Christian Community and the Interfaith Council come together
each year to participate in prayers, song and scriptural messages.
Mayor Pike then issued “Elks
Proclamation” as Tribute to Junior Citizens.
“Youth Week City of St. George” was formally proclaimed. The Elks Club
was recognized for its dedicated support to our youth. An Elks Club
representative stood and declared, “We believe young people represent the
nation’s greatest resource.” In furtherance of efforts to facilitate and
improve the education of our youth the Elks Club, will on May 4th host
an Annual Award Banquet for Washington County Youth. It is believed that this
will bring total contributions made during a one year period to $100,000. The Elks Club supports a Drug Awareness
Program, and a Youth Carnival Event and many other activities that are known to
benefit youth efforts to become a more valued member of society. Kudos to the
Elks Club!
Mayor Pike then allowed the Arts
Community time to recognize the accomplishments of Roland Lee and Howard Putman
for their contributions to the Arts and the betterment of the community. Each
was given an Award for Outstanding Achievement. City Manager Esplin showing a
rare sense of public humor made it known that Mr. Putman, while serving on City
Council in 1976 made another great contribution. He selected a young,
inexperienced young man to be the next City Manager. A position Gary proudly
holds to this day. Folks, it doesn’t get any better than this. We have a tight
knit community that has helped to make this city what it is today. Roland Lee
was one of the three that created St. George Magazine which is now owned by the
Spectrum Newspaper. He gets 3 Yahoo’s for this accomplishment.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Corinne Nyman, a young woman reportedly a
volunteer at P.A.W.S. was given 5 minutes to address the Council. Corinne petitioned City to consider a Ban on
the sales of Puppies at local pet stores. She cited the fact that Breeding Dogs
were kept their entire life span in cages only 6 inches longer than the dog
itself in each direction. Their cages were stacked on top of other cages. When
they can no longer produce puppies…..one litter after another, dogs are
summarily disposed of. All in all one could consider the treatment of Breeding
Dogs inhumane. Breeders are believed to be licensed by U.S.D.A. and Council was
requested to follow-up on possible violations of the law. The Mayor was courteous to Ms. Nyman, however,
I did not hear any commitment to investigation allegations cited. Folks, I can
only say that in light of the recent city scandal concerning the treatment of
dogs and cats I was surprised not to hear the Council voice a greater
commitment to the care and treatment of puppies and enforcement of applicable
laws. A Mr. Bob Foster followed Ms. Nyman and supported her in her request for
a follow-up investigation. In fairness to the city, recognition should be given
to the great strides the city has made in improving conditions at the City
Animal Shelter. We can only wait and see what action the city will take
concerning this issue.
AGENDA ITEM-STAFF REPORTS: Melynda
Thorpe, applicant requested city support to hold First Friday “George”
Streetfest on Main. To be held the first Friday of each month beginning in June
of 2015. Public can expect to see activities from Ancestors Square all the way
to Tabernacle. Folks, we all know the city has a vested interest in promoting
activity that will tie Electric Theater re- development efforts to the downtown
business community. The City anticipates the Electric Theater venue will
promote business and generate sales tax income beneficial to city. As expected
the city approved the request. As a sponsor of event the city is able to make
available to applicant the City Performance Stage and will do so for the first
6 months of its existence. Rental of City Stage was an issue referred to in a
previous article therefore, I was not surprised to hear Councilman Almquist say
that a private person was purchasing a stage that in the future could be made
available to other businesses. I took this to mean that the city would not be
going into the rental business making it unnecessary for businesses to seek to
rent/use city stage. The city’s sponsorship may include $2,000 in support of
event. The request is a local consent so applicant will not have to appear
before Council each year. A new Special Events Ordinance is soon to be put in
place spelling out new policies and procedures.
AGENDA ITEM – RESOLUTIONS: Consider approval
of a resolution of the City of St. George, Utah declaring its official intent
to reimburse itself from the proceeds of Bonds for certain capital
expenditures; establishing the maximum principal amount of such expenditures;
and authorizing incidental action. City Manager explained that city needs to
issue Bonds in future for capital expenditures. Projects that are to be funded
by Rap Tax that include engineering ……Any construction, has to in place
now. City should consider need for 8 to
10 million dollars. Projects won’t be
started before sale of Bonds. Recreation and Parks can all be started sooner
with the sale of Bonds. Folks, as expected the Council voted in favor of this
request.
It seems city cannot wait to get its
hands on Rap Tax money to move forward on the many projects Council has ear
marked as qualifying for Rap Tax money. This Council may even consider getting
a portion of the 2 to 4 million dollars needed to refurbish the Sun Bowl out of
Rap Tax funds. It appears there is no need to move the Lions Rodeo to the
County Fairgrounds at little or no cost…..When you can spend millions of
taxpayer dollars right here and make the Lions Club happy during this election
year. Easy come, easy go. What do you
think?
St. George is moving full speed ahead
with everything except…..Code Enforcement Reform and Needed 24/7 Fire Stations.
July 1st is fast approaching demanding attention to the 2015-2016
Budget. What do you consider a priority item and worthy of consideration? Maybe, just maybe funds can be found in
support of the Dixie Red Hills Women’s Club. If not perhaps DRH can be asked to
wait another 13 years to really be included in city budget. The way things are
going Gary may still be City Manager and he may have other things in mind.
Whatever the future may bring, we the citizens of St. George will soon find out
how our tax dollars are to be spent. Thank
you, ED BACA
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