WE HAVE GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

March 5^th City Council meeting began with COMMENTS from the public…..Starting with the NOT So Good News brought forward by husband and wife, (Brad & Marta of Bloomington) in which Vacation Home…..Short Term Rentals….. In Residential Areas, continues to be a hot issue for full time family residents. Brad and Marta presented themselves as loving parents genuinely concerned with their community. They left me with the impression of wanting to protect their children from unwanted, detrimental/unhealthy experiences that potentially could jeopardize the sanctity and security, they were led to expect in the family oriented City of St. George.

Brad described two homes listed on Vacation Rental Advertisements. Over a recent holiday period these two homes had 27 cars parked between the two homes. Folks, it was clear to me that if each car represented 2 Renters, this would total 54 persons. At an average of 4 renters per car this would total 108 Short Term Renters. It appears that some, in the business of buying homes for the purpose of renting them…..At the suspected rate of $1000 per day, MAY not be following the spirit of the law. While homes may be rented by the month…..It is suspected that some renters may come in for two or three days and then may be replaced by other short term renters.  It is easy to understand and appreciate the concerns of parents. Some of you may recall along with me the time when you could let your kids go outside and play for hours at a time…..Without worry over who they were playing with or who was nearby. Homes were made up of full time family residents, some with children, others not, yet all acquainted. Kids went to school together and they knew the parents of their playmates.

In today’s world, Renters may and do come from all over the world and indeed may come from Any State in the nation. We all know or should know that to be Worldly today includes vices and undesirable elements….. That in the name of decency I will not describe…..Nor will I mention, other than to state….. We, as a society, have a need…..To register and monitor Sex and Substance Abuse Offenders.   In order to protect ourselves from the dangers of the world and to maintain sanitary conditions etc. We as citizens have elected officials who are expected to enact/enforce City Codes & Ordinances to protect us.

Sadly, we learned this night from another Bloomington resident (John Matthews) that when discussing concerns with a property owner who rents homes such as described, he was told that if you “Don’t like it,” home could be turned into a Halfway House. Mayor and Council were told we need “A little more Enforcement to clear up this issue”. Bloomington residents displaying appropriate and respectful demeanor put forth the thought that paying of taxes, as well as appropriate fines for violation of City Codes falls within the preview of the City Council and appropriate action by the City is requested. The Mayor responded by asking the City Attorney to explain City Codes and Enforcement difficulties /obstacles. It was explained that “There is NO WAY of proving that it is not a friend or relative occupying the house.  It was also pointed out that the existing fine for violation of City Ordinance was $25.00 per day…..This is not very meaningful when considering that homes are being rented for $1000 per day.  A violator appearing before the Justice Court, knowing this simply said, just fine me, it’s the cost of doing business. I will pay it and be on my way…..Still making an exorbitant profit from violation of city code.

The really SAD part of this discussion is the fact that City Government is and HAS been, for a very long period of time, been aware/knowledgeable of the need to review and reform City Codes and Enforcement practices. (Specifically Rental Issues).  Therefore, to hear the Mayor say, “ We ought to be able to do something to protect our residential zones” and “I’d like to have legal staff review this and come back to us,” sounds to any clear thinking citizen…..A day late, and a dollar short.  To further compound this “I didn’t know the gun was loaded mentality is the statement made by Councilman Hughes to those presenting concerns before the Council, “That’s a big help. Thank you for coming in.” This, I believe coming from a person who, in my opinion, has been very instrumental in the breakdown of Code Enforcement makes me want to cry. The portrayal that this is all new to them is most disturbing and disappointing as it reflects on the character of the man or woman.  Please note that Councilwoman Arial was not present due to illness.

NOW for the Good News. A new shopping center was approved with Lin’s Market serving as the anchor. It is to be located at Mall Drive and 3000 East. Steve Miner, representing Lin’s Market made one of the best presentations I have heard. He thoroughly described the soon to be built Shopping Center that will service Little Valley and Washington Fields area. Not only will this provided needed revenue to City it is expected to provide relief to traffic demands not to mention the drainage of water  by a much improved water channel. The Shopping Center is to be functional, well landscaped with appropriate signage designed to enhance the surrounding area. Well done and kudos to City Staff who facilitated the process.  

Council approved $107,600 for building of 12 additional Pickleball Courts in Little Valley bringing the total to 24 courts. Construction is expected to be completed by October in time for Huntsman Senior Games. Those active in the Pickleball community contribute greatly to the building of facilities.

Hal Hickman, representing St. James, Boulders, Eagle Ridge and Quail Valley was present and thanked the Council for the soon to be placed Signal Light at St. James and River Road. In the newly established Boulders Newsletter this group has indicated its intent to continue to work with City Staff to protect their neighborhoods from pending commercial development that they feel will harm their areas. Thanks and approval was given to the Mall Drive development with the expression that Lin’s Market will be beneficial to all.

Thank you, ED BACA