Honoring American Veterans

The men and women who have served to protect our Freedom and safeguard The Constitution of the United States of America, and thereby secure the blessings of Liberty for each and every one of us,  Deserve a place of honor at the public table. The City Council of the City of Saint George can, and is expected to provide a public forum to permit the expression of thoughts and ideas, and yes…  Even, a place to assemble and petition city government for a redress of grievances.

Let it be known that when elected I SHALL move to establish a Human Relations Commission that will include a place of Honor for those representing American Veterans that reside within our community.

A place in which Veterans can help other members of the community to better understand the American values they fought to preserve.  Veterans should not be made to go Hat in Hand, seeking recognition but out of courtesy and respect should be welcomed and invited to participate in local government activities.

A Human Relations Commission can provide a permanent venue for the gathering of citizens from all segments of the community in which Veterans can play a vital role in representing time honored values, lending expression of thoughts and ideas that will articulate issues intended to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

My friends in order to accomplish this, I earnestly solicit your support.  Asking that you SPEAK OUT.   Express your support for a HUMAN  RELATIONS COMMISSION that will provide a PERMANENT Public Forum for discussion of issues of concern to the Citizens of Saint George.    

Thank You.

-Ed

Master Planning: Whose Vision Is It to Be?

Much has been said in this election cycle about the direction the City is going. OUR planned objective, the vision on how the City is to be when it grows up and is ultimately built out to its full potential.  A travel plan if you will.

This travel plan for the City should contain not only a hint of what the goal and objective may be, but a roadmap of our intended route of travel. Sign posts, and detour signs that may redirect our travel plan must be taken into account, along with our method of travel and ability to pay. 

Who is to lead the way?    Who is steering the ship of travel?  Guiding the City to its intended destination, a destination that should have been decided by those going on the trip…The Citizens of St. George!   

I put forth this scenario seeking to capture your interest as the person paying for the trip. I believe CITIZENS should have a say in the matter.  Before we depart AND during the travel period, consulting as adjustments have to be made and most assuredly will be required.  

This is another way of saying Transparency --- Public Discussion.  YES this will take Time and Work.  IT SHOULD NOT BECOME AN INCONVENIENCE to those the public hires to get us to our intended destination.

Those given the responsibility of making the daily decisions in guiding the City should never forget that they are employed to Protect and to Serve those that are paying for the trip...The Citizens of St. George.     

The order of consideration should be 1^st The People, 2^nd Elected Officials, and 3^rd Administrative Personnel and Staff.   The tail should not be wagging the Dog.  

When elected I will adhere to establishing Priority of Action, Accountability for Action, Transparency and Oversight provided by Citizen Participation.

-Ed

Mall Drive Bridge & Virgin River

 September 19^th City Council Meeting was an example of pro-active thinking. When it came time to advance Roadway Improvements…Connecting existing roads to satisfy critical transportation needs…and in the long run save Tax Dollars…The City Acted.

At first glance you may ask why; Is it not desirable to allow an existing Bond Debt to be paid off in the near future instead of extending the Bond for an additional 15 years?

Looking at the Big Picture you may feel better knowing that the Mall Bridge project was begun about two years ago. Money has been spent on Environmental Impact Studies as the City negotiated with the Federal Agency to make the Bridge over the Virgin River a reality.

The recession caused the Mall Bridge Project to be placed on hold pending completion of other major projects which required the transfer of Mall Bridge Funds to projects deemed to have a greater priority.

WHAT the general public may not know is that early negotiations with Federal Agencies included a limited time frame for completion. It has been reported at Council Workshop Meeting(s) that failure to meet the construction dates set forth would result in the termination of the authorization to build on or over Rivers such as the Virgin River.  Building permits are no longer to be issued by the Federal Government beyond a certain date and time.

Therefore, by not acting now the City is sure to lose the money already spent on impact studies and more importantly the door would be shut on all future building over the Virgin River. The opportunity to connect a large section of the City to adjoining areas would be lost.

So, let us give credit where credit is due; for clear thinking on Financial and Transportation issues.  There is still work to be done. The door of opportunity remains open for the betterment of the City.  The Future is Bright.

When elected I will continue to work closely with fellow council members in the spirit of cooperation and service to our community.

-Ed

Wholesome Family Entertainment

Several months ago a couple from the State of Colorado appeared before the City Council and presented their vision of a DANCE HALL and social gathering facility.  It is now located in the Old Theater on 1000 East, just north of St. George Blvd.

This location places the Dance Facility in close proximity to Dixie State University and Student Housing.  While it is also located close to the State Liquor Store it was made VERY clear that there is to be no consumption of alcohol on the premises.  The fact that worldly attractions exist in our community great care was taken to insure that while parking is located below and away from the Dance Site…Security Guards would be in place AT ALL TIMES in the parking area and yes, security and effective supervision within the building itself.

IT IS NOW OPEN…and a welcoming event for those involved and supportive of the facility has taken place.  Reportedly the Mayor was seen dancing with city council candidate Tara Dunn.

Recognizing the value in WHOLESOME FAMILY ENTERTAINLMENT I would like to advance city council interest in supporting the St. GEORGE MUSICAL THEATER.  

SGMT would in effect supplement educational efforts, developing in YOUTH and ADULTS the value of learning and performing in the arts.  The end product produces a CITY image of a Clean, Healthy Environment. One that is sure to attract welcomed visitors and best of all provide a venue for families to enjoy and appreciate one another and be lifted in spirit.

When elected to the city council I will act to encourage the Jennings Family to continue work with SGMT and the CITY to make this a reality.  It would be appropriate to support efforts seeking philanthropic foundations to join in this effort.            

-Ed  

Precious Water

CITY COUNCIL Workshop meetings held at City Hall, in recent past, included a presentation by Ron Thompson, General Manager of the Washington County Water Conservation District….. Development of the County Water Supply and the Lake Powell Pipeline were topics of discussion.

The thought of NOT having enough water is frightening. Especially to those who have suffered through long periods of draught and even to those who have lived long enough to know and appreciate what it would mean to our environment. OUR beautiful State of Utah, and yes, our beloved City.

Our very lives, and the quality of life we enjoy cannot be sustained without WATER and yet we continue to ask ourselves; do we want to protect ourselves against that fearful day that we find our faucets dry, that very important question, DO WE WANT WATER at any price?.......Or do we consider the COST, and act according to what we believe to be financially prudent.

There are CONSEQUENCES to whatever decision is made. WHO is to make the decision?  The VOTER?  Or, does it to continue to be those individuals who have been appointed to positions of power… THOSE who have not been elected, and therefore cannot be held accountable by the Voters.

The Washington County Water Conservancy District is made up of APPOINTED MEMBERS, who have the power to increase water rates; TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION and is therefore problematic.

Is it time for this issue to be placed on the ballot, before CITIZENS are committed to a long term obligation that is called the Lake Powell Water Pipeline?

I believe it is TIME to have elected individuals, who can be held accountable to the VOTERS sit on the Washington County Water Conservancy District BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Having said this and keeping in mind the CONSEQUENCES of our decision to move forward or not, I believe that there are Financial Limits and we cannot say “forget the cost, full speed ahead.”  Citizens should know and have a right to know the COST of the Lake Powell Pipeline and associated factors.

-Ed

City Golf - Straight Talk Part 2

Citizens of St. George, in the interest of providing a fair and impartial review of selected salient points extracted from golf management contract entered into by The City of St. George and Golf Professional the second part of the report on City Golf Courses is presented for your evaluation.

Part II.  PROFESSIONAL’S COVENANTS AND OBLIGATIONS.

1.     The Golf Professional shall pay All applicable income, withholding and taxes, as well as any unemployment taxes or workers compensation premiums, for Professional and his Employees as required by law.

2.     Professional shall pay to the City a monthly rental fee for use of the Pro Shop for merchandising activities.  The monthly fee shall be a percentage of gross sales receipts based on the following scale.

Previous Years Total Gross Sales less than $100,000.00 Rental Fee 1% of monthly gross sales.

Previous Years Total Gross Sales of $100,000.00 or more Rental Fee 2% of Monthly Gross Sales.

Regardless of percentage a Minimum of $600.00. Gross sales from the operation of the Pro Shop shall include all merchandize sales and rentals BUT NOT  revenue from lesson fees and tournament service fees.

REPORTED INCOME derived from Golf Tournaments…..Fiscal Year 2012-2013 (Max 6 tournaments per year).

Dixie Red Hills Golf Course$6,297.00          Sunbrook Golf Course $7,310.00   

Southgate Golf Course$4,056.00                 St. George Golf Course $5,234.00

The contract calls for each Professional to pay their OWN Medical Insurance. Note: One Professional is a retired Volunteer Fire Fighter with 25 years or more service time which provides paid medical insurance benefits.

Note: Professional’s Covenants and Obligations section (12). Keep books and accounts of monies collected by and expended by Professional on behalf of Professional as pertaining to Professional’s covenants and obligations enumerated with this Agreement under article II. Professional agrees to hold the same available for inspection and audit by City or its authorized agents within 48 hours of verbal request by Department Director or his designee.

Note: Cash Payments received by Professional may not be witnessed therefore the Honor System may be considered by outside evaluator to be in effect.

Note: It was verbally confirmed by the City Accounting Department ( Philip Peterson, Finance Director) that the Golf Professional is to provide City with 1099 Income Tax Form as reported to Internal Revenue Service.

Note: Professional’s Covenants and Obligations section (h). The City of St. George does not have a non-resident green fees and resident green fees. The City offers posted fees and discount fees available to holders of valid Resident Golf Discount Cards. Pro Shop personnel should offer the discount rate only after seeing a valid Resident Golf Discount Card. A valid card provides the discounted rate to the card holder only. It is recommended that pro shop personnel allow the discount card rate one time annually to known residents who do not present a valid Resident Golf Discount Card while informing them of the requirement to purchase or renew the card and present the card in all future visits.

This concludes the two part report describing the manner in which the City manages the four Golf Courses owned and operated by the City as a private entity.    

TRANSPARENCY MAKES ACCOUNTABILITY POSSIBLE.

-Ed

City Golf - Straight Talk

Citizens of St. George, as promised I have received documents identified in a G.R.A.M.A. filed with the City Recorder seeking information concerning the management of City Golf Courses.  I have extracted what I consider the most salient points and have separated them into two categories for convenience of presentation.

The following represents the current management agreements entered into by the City of St. George, a Utah Municipal Corporation (Public Golf Courses) and four (4) separate and independent Golf Professionals, who contracted to manage Golf Course, Pro Shop and Range at one of four City Golf Courses.

Part 1:  City Covenants and Obligations.

1.     Grant to Professional the right to use those premises described as the Pro Shop together with such portion of the adjacent areas as may be reasonably necessary for the storage of pull-carts and for the giving of lessons and golf instruction.

2.     Grant to Professional the exclusive privilege of giving golf lessons and providing auxiliary tournament services for remuneration on the Golf Course and the exclusive right of selling or renting golf equipment and merchandise at any place on the Golf Course and related premises. Golf lessons may be given by assistants employed by the Professional.

3.     Grant to Professional the exclusive right to rent motorized golf carts, belonging to the City with all income therefrom being remitted to the City, and the exclusive right to rent pull carts to be provided by Professional.

4.     Provide all utilities, electric, water, sewer, and garbage that may be used in connection with the Pro Shop, Clubhouse, and Range facilities.

5.     Provide telephone facilities at the Pro Shop and Range. Any private phone shall be at the sole expense of Professional and kept in his private office. Professional shall reimburse City on a monthly basis for long distance telephone calls relative to other than City business.

6.     Pay to Professional an Annual Professional Service fee. Southgate Golf Course $114,000.00, Sunbrook Golf Course $129,000.00, Dixie Red Hills Golf Course $95,400.00, St. George Golf Course $92,700.00.

These then are the HIGHLIGHTED POINTS contained in the contract copies provide by the City.

·        For complete details it will be necessary for concerned person(s) to examine contract in its entirety.

·        Verbal confirmation obtained from City Accounting Department (Philip Peterson, Finance Director) acknowledging that Golf Professional is permitted to use City Credit Card Charging Company at no cost to Golf Professional.

The highlighted contractual points are presented with the sole intent….. To Educate and Inform the voting public so that a better understanding and appreciation of the actions taken by the City in managing and regulating Public Golf Courses may be accomplished.  TRANSPARENCY IN ACTION.

-Ed

Demise of Dixie Ambulance & City's Responsibilty for Medical Eemergency Assistance

The city council recently acted to reform the inhumane treatment occurring in the City Animal Shelter and rightly responded to citizens legitimate concerns.

Care and treatment of Human Beings who are in need of Medical Emergency Assistance warrant equal consideration by Mayor and City Council.

It is not enough to pass off the responsibility of monitoring the level of service provided by our Ambulance Company to the State, while at the same time the Mayor and City Manager are seeking POLITICAL COVER for (NOT KNOWING?) the needs and dire-straights Dixie Ambulance found itself in. If the truth be known… this could also be attributed to years of neglect by the ineffective monitoring of level of care and service most recently identified in the City Animal Shelter investigation.

It is NOT enough for the Mayor and some council members to NOW endorse the past owner of Dixie Ambulance as candidate for city council.  While I too appreciate the abilities and willingness of this candidate to serve… IT IS NOT ENOUGH to make right past neglect.  I am thankful for the service Dixie Ambulance provided to my mother during a period of time in which they both were struggling to survive.

Therefore I wish to publicly state… When elected I will move to immediately adopt procedures to monitor and evaluate present and future  Medical Emergency Ambulance Service and to work in concert with the State Agency that has the responsibility to oversee ambulance service in our city.

-Ed

City & Golf- A Money Making Proposition

GOLF and how the City manages its 4 golf courses; Dixie Red Hills, Southgate, St. George Golf Club and the prestigious Sunbrook Golf Club, have historically been of great concern to the citizens of St. George and continue to be so today.

The city manager (who plays regularly at Sunbrook) has again recommended supplementing all City Golf Courses in this Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget from the Economic Development Fund.  

This comes on the heels of the recent changes to the management structure effecting all Golf Courses. While discussed in past Council Work Meetings, the final contractual agreement with PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS (not city employees) to manage and operate golf courses has not yet been fully transparent.

It is understood that the city is to enter into operational contracts with PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS with separate distinct contracts, as each golf course is unique in differing costs of operation and revenue that each is expected to generate. This of course should mitigate the cost to the golfing public and tax paying citizens at large.

As a candidate for city council and believing that an Informed and Educated Public makes for improved and better government, I have filed a formal request for release of information known as a “GRAMA” (on 9-3-2013) seeking the identity of those contracting to manage city golf courses and where the money generated by GOLF is to go; city coffers and/or into the pockets of those contracted to manage OUR golf courses.

Who is to keep  money generated from Golf Tournaments scheduled to be held on city golf courses (as many as FIVE per year) and IS the city to provide or make available MEDICAL INSURANCE to private individuals who contract to manage city golf courses.

The details received from the GRAMA request shall be reported to the public for their evaluation.
-Ed

City Leadership, Teaming Up With Citizens

To the citizens of the Bloomington Community I would like to publicly state that I believe we are in harmony and share a common goal in seeking to protect the Health & Safety concerns  of the Bloomington Community that have arisen and been made apparent with the propose placement of an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Home within a residential community.

 

YOUR interest in protecting your children and the integrity of your residential community parallel those that WE all share in seeking the betterment of our city at large.

 

In view of our mutually shared interest I wish to assure ALL citizens of St. George that when elected I shall diligently work with fellow council members to be transparent and to ceaselessly work to improve upon existing city ordinances.

 

Ordinances that will be considerate of the health and safety issues of our residential community and that will be sensitive to the needs of those requiring placement in a Recovery Home for individuals with Alcohol or Substance Abuse illnesses.

 

I believe that citizens and city staff can effectively apply a team approach in finding solutions to issues of mutual concern and that will benefit the community at large.

 

I respectfully wish to reaffirm that when elected I will join the citizens of the Bloomington Community in developing and encouraging  the support of Representative Chris Stewart in seeking redress to Federal Laws concerning the American Disabilities Act and placement of Recovery Homes within a residential community…… I would like to take this opportunity to recommend to those actively involved in representing the Bloomington Community on the issue of a Residential Recovery Home that they consider communicating with the State Agency responsible for Health Facility Licensing, Certification and Resident Assessment.  (State Health Regulatory Website) 
    

Please refer to…..
http://health.utah.gov/hflcra/                           

 

-Ed