All Abilities Park Highlights City's Character

December 12th council meeting included a brief update on the progress of making the ALL ABILITIES PARK a reality. Kent Perkins, Director of Parks and Recreation for the past 31 years touched on ideas presented by the public and the contribution being made by a non-profit agency (Change Inspiration) from California. Citizens of St. George and surrounding communities were asked to provide what they thought to be valid and significant features for inclusion of elements and design features for children with Special Challenges. 

Mr. Perkins pointed out the importance of determining what we (the "City") can afford and what Private Donations will contribute. The City is expected to contribute from Park Impact Fees and monies received from the sale of city properties. Parents of children with special needs were asked what they would like to see their children experience and one suggestion was a swing for wheelchairs, that children might experience the feeling of swinging on a tree. 

NOW, my friends I know from practical life experience that we (tax paying citizens) do not all share the same values on the use of government funds and how they should or should not be spent, but I can tell you that from the first presentation of the concept of "An All Abilities Park" that took place about two years ago that this idea brought forth by Mr. Perkins has touched the hearts of those in attendance, bringing tears to their eyes with the thought that shows the heart and soul of our community. I believe it sets us apart from other cities and is a clear display of culture values and is what makes St. George a desirable place to live.

The theme of All Abilities Park has yet to be decided upon and while it may include a Southwest Desert Theme or even a Dinosaur Theme. What is important is that it will clearly make known, now and forever, the true  character of the city of St. George and its people.

It’s good. It improves Our Quality of Life by bringing us all together.

It is important to note that development of this park includes an expectation/ opportunity for active participation from children with special needs as well as the Business and Industrial Community. No contribution will be considered too small or too big. It brings out the best in us. We may have different abilities, gifts or talents but, remember we are ALL in this together. Improving our community and making the world a better place to live.

December 19, 2013.

The Mayor and outgoing Council Members sang their Swan Song and received due recognition for their service and accomplishments.

The New Year will bring forth a new and refreshing city government. It is expected that tradition and culture values will remain intact.

ON January 6th at Noon swearing in ceremonies will be held at City Hall, Council Chamber Room. Jon Pike will become Mayor and Randall and Bowcott will become our new City Council Members.

Qualified residents of St. George will be invited to apply for the city council seat vacated by the appointment of Jon Pike as Mayor. Utah Election Laws are to be followed and are to be supervised by City Attorney Shawn Guzman.

Candidates are expected to have until January 20th to file for this position and will serve the remainder of Pikes term, 2 years.

On January 23rd City Council Meeting the vacated council position will be filled and the 5th council member will be sworn in. We are off and running with high expectations. Happy New Year.

I am grateful for the opportunity extended me by the Senior Sampler to keep your informed on Chamber News. 

Thank You, Ed Baca.

Freedon Heard in City Chambers

December 12^th City Council Workshop Meeting began in the City Hall Lobby with my meeting Sheila Smith, representing The Christian Science Society of St. George and member of the Inter-Faith Churches that represent St. George at large. This was to be the third year Ms. Smith was to give the invocation at the beginning of the City Council Meeting.

Also gathering in the lobby was the Pine View High School Choir who had been invited to sing before the council. No finer gathering of youth will you ever find than these young men and women. What an outstanding display of talent.  KUDOS to Pine View High School.

The beautiful sound of FREEDOM was heard as recognition came when the Choir sang CHRISTMAS SONGS and the INVOCATION spoke to what Christmas celebrated.  My friends, the fact that we as a city, as a nation, can still gather and hear expressions that we may not all appreciate or find value in is a monument to what America is all about. Yes, this is still able to take place in a public City Hall building.  We truly appreciate our city values.

The Council Workshop meeting moved from the council chambers into the conference room for presentation of agenda items.  Notably absent was the mayor… Who’s strong personality I am already starting to miss.

Gayle Bunker served as Mayor Pro-tem and a quorum consisted of Jon Pike, Ben Nickle, Gil Almquist, Jimmy Hughes.  Also present were council elects Randall and Bowcott.

I could not help but notice the soft tone of voice employed by City Manager, Esplin as the meeting moved forward. First on the agenda was a frank discussion on the improvement needs of the St. George Recreation Center.

It was reported that the city purchased the building located on 400 East in the year 1993 at a cost of $l.00.  This being the old National Guard Armory building that was improved upon for city recreational needs. The bottom line was that during recent refitting, foundation issues became apparent that forced work to stop.

To make things right an additional $167,000 will be needed; extending the cost to $211,000.  This money is to come from the city’s Capital Project Fund. City Manager Esplin brought attention to the fact that the city makes an effort NOT to compete with Private Business in the field of recreation and city expenditures over the years have been quite modest.

The council determined that although this year’s current budget does not included money for this newly discovered  recreational need, improvements should move forward.  The city has certainly gotten its monies worth from its original investment of $1.00.

Agenda item 2 was tabled and discussion on Cremation Gardens at Tonaquint Cemetery will be rescheduled.

Senior Sampler Readers will be updated on remaining agenda items in future issues.  Please feel free to communicate your concerns to edbacausa@gmail.com

Thank you, 

Ed

City in Motion

December 5th City Council Meeting had a joyous atmosphere to it. Perhaps the CHRISTMAS SPIRIT was bringing out thoughts in people’s minds as to what is REALLY important in the lives of each individual. GOOD.

As I searched the room I noted the presence of St. George Police Department in the attendance of Deputy Chief, Rich Farnsworth. DO YOU know that each council meeting includes a police presence? Usually, Chief Marlon Stratton or Deputy Chief Farnsworth sit in the back of the room, out of camera range. TODAY was especially meaningful for Deputy Chief Farnsworth because it marked his 20 year anniversary with SGPD. Congratulations for your service to the citizens of St. George! We are grateful for your service; not to mention countless hours spent at city council meetings after completing a full days work.

It was duly noted that council elects Randall and Bowcutt were in attendance and preparing for taking office. BY THE WAY folks, this is UNUSUAL to see those who are yet to take office showing up regularly. The first time I saw Gayle at a meeting was when she showed up to get sworn into office. This can be taken as a positive sign of willingness to serve.

In the background one can see the presence of an individual coveting the soon to be vacant position when Councilman Pike becomes mayor. The wheels are in motion by those seeking the position and/or Special Interest Groups seeking to exercise their influence. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

HIGHLIGHTS of today's Public Hearing had to do with a zone change request put forth by IHC Health Services and the LDS Church on a vacant lot located at the corner of 200 East and 600 South; just down the street from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -LDS- Temple.

This property is currently designated Residential Central City and is to be changed to Administrative & Professional use to permit the building of a New State of the Art Facility. A NEW FAMILY HISTORY CENTER considered to be A First of Its Kind. WOW!

It should be noted that Councilman Pike expressed a conflict of interest in that he is employed by IHC and left the Council Chambers. The vote was cast and the matter was unanimously approved, and rightfully so.

DO YOU KNOW that while some may say this is a self- interest promotion on the part of the LDS Church, that a GREATER number of NON-LDS MEMBERS use the LDS FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS for their genealogy at No Public Cost?

Concerned citizens expressed their public safety interest for pedestrian and wheelchair bound elderly, as well as for building design and ascetics. The public was reassured that all of their concerns would be addressed and expectations are that all will be pleased with this great addition to the City of St. George.

The second Public Hearing had to do with a zone change request from Administrative and Professional to Commercial C-4 was a Historic Landmark Site Residential Building located at 214 East Tabernacle Street. Martin Lustig was the applicant and was given recognition for his efforts by
the council who approved his request.

FOLKS, we need to keep our eye on zone change requests; particularly those in the Downtown portion of the city, especially as the city moves to recognize the need for MIXED USE buildings. This is sure to be on the Council’s Agenda this coming year and should be recognized and acted upon.

We look forward to seeing the details on the proposed Wilkinson’s Commercial Development hopefully this coming year.

Please forward your concerns on City issues to edbacausa@gmail.com

-Ed

Declared Conflict of Interest

City Council Meeting of November 21^st. presented me with the opportunity to reflect on the past and current members of the City Council. Going back ten years, I could not help but notice the change of methodology employed which brought forth the personalities of each member and their posture in presenting themselves. The Individual Values and Concerns for the Image they portrayed of themselves, To not only to be SEEN, but to be HEARD displaying those qualities. A GENUINE attitude that they care how the PUBLIC perceives them and their actions.

This observation was made during Public Hearings on two issues that may on their face appear minor or of small importance on zoning issues.

The first issue had to do with change from R-1-10 to AP on 15.77 acres and to OS on 28.77 acres on property located on the east side of Medical Center Drive at approximately 600 South.   (East of the new Hospital)

What made this meaningful was that IHC Health Services, Inc. was the applicant and that Councilman Pike, now Mayor Elect Pike is employed by IHC.

What stood out was that Councilman Pike clearly made it known that he was Excusing Himself from voting, but then to avoid any semblance of Conflict of Interest or Undue Influence on other Council Members he left the Council Chambers to allow the issue to be heard.

The second issue had to do with change from RE-12.5 to R-1-10 on 5.01 acres located on the east side of 2160 East Street and north of 2450 South.

What made this meaningful was that Denice Hughes was the applicant and that he is brother to Councilman Hughes, who followed the example outlined by Councilman Pike.  He too declared a Conflict of Interest and left the Council Chambers.

How refreshing to see that both men not only complied with protocol but that they did it in such a way that their Character stood out in a most positive way.

This can only bode well for the citizens of Saint George but it also stands as a good example to be followed by our recently elected council members, Randall and Bowcutt.

There was a third zoning change issue which took place during this council session that had to do with a change from RE-12.5 on 10.6 acres and from A-1 on 11.9 acres to R-1-10 located southeast of the intersection of Seegmiller Drive and 3000 East Street, south of the Bridle Gate Estates. Borely Enterprise Trust, Charles Larsen, Trustee was the applicant.

What stood out on this issue was that several citizens from the adjoining properties were present and contested the zoning change.  Both sides of the issue presented their arguments with a high degree of quality of expression and with civility.

What was most meaningful to me was that approval would bring with it an increase in density with a projected increase of 8 additional lots.

NOW, as expected Councilwoman Bunker put forth the effort to mollify both sides of the issue and the other council members contributed by recognizing past zoning efforts in this part of the community.

WHAT REALLY stood out was Councilman Jimmy Hughes who had the courage to speak out. Revealing his personal values and what he recognized as being in the best interest of the Little Valley community, while voicing recognition of past and future building expected in this area of the city and while acknowledging that he owns property in this area and what he would like to see for his family and friends. A quality of life which he and his family cherish.

My friends, isn’t it nice to see and experience a true sense of transparency take place in OUR city council meetings.

You may participate in monitoring “Promises Made and Promises Kept” by city government by contacting me at edbacausa@gmail.com                         

Thank you, Ed