Kindness Expressed at City Council

November 21st:
Council Meeting began for me when my attention was drawn to Allison and Tom McArthur (husband and wife) quietly seated, awaiting the start of council proceedings. I usually expect to see them at McArthur Jeweler’s on Main Street, but today I was taken with the soft, kind expression their faces revealed as they patiently waited for their turn to address the Council. One cannot help but be moved by an obvious sign of love and affection two people may have for each other.

I was not surprised to learn that their presence had to do with seeking City approval and sponsorship for the 2nd Annual Christmas Stoll Downtown Event to be held Saturday December 7th.

Approval was being sought for closure of city streets and City Sponsorship to highlight the Holiday Experience. The city wisely approved the invitation to be a part of activities that bring together the entire city.

The City agreed to match the funds expended by the Downtown Merchants, not to exceed $2000.00, and to make available the Stage for musical entertainment that is sure to bring forth the Christmas Spirit.

Tom and Allison were properly recognized for their public service that extends beyond providing for the young and old of the community. It was a nice touch to get us all feeling the Holiday Spirit and for providing an opportunity that ALL of us may come together as a City Family.

IT’S ONE OF THE MANY REASONS WE CHOOSE TO LIVE IN SAINT GEORGE.

We may question the expenditure of city funds and surely we will not all be in agreement with where the money goes, but this Council meeting also included The Annual Audit Report for fiscal year 2013. Please note that the City of St. George received the highest possible evaluation.

OUR CITY’S financial affairs appear to be in order and well managed. This was further made evident by the approval of a resolution to adopt what amounts to a refinancing of $13.000,000 in Electric Revenue Refunding Bonds intended to provide 6% Annual Savings that may total $600,000.
KUDOS to City Staff.

Speaking of good news, the City received notice from Fish & Wild Life that the permit for building of the Mall Drive Bridge may be rendered in 2 to 4 weeks allowing for bids at the first Council Meeting in December. This makes it possible for the City to receive the benefit of roughly $3,000,000 less than the City Engineer’s Estimate Cost of Construction.

Recognition was given to the City of Washington who made this possible by cooperating with building efforts. The building of Mall Drive Bridge in 7 months is sure to improve transportation needs for Washington and St. George residents. GOOD GOING WASHINGTON CITY.

The positive spirit of Transparency and Cooperation appears to be building up as we move to a new year and a new era of City government.

You may participate in monitoring “Promises Made and Promises Kept by City Government" by contacting me at edbaca@gmail.com

Thank you, Ed

Upward and Onward - Promises Made & Promises to be Kept

The regular Council meeting on Thursday, November 14th Administrative Conference Room, St. George City Hall.

Notably absent was the Mayor, who has now missed the past two Council Meetings (reportedly
attending a Conference in Texas) and Councilwoman Bunker, who’s
husband is said not to be doing well. We wish them both the best.

A quorum was made up of Council persons present; Jon Pike, Ben Nickle, & Jimmy Hughes. It fell to Councilman Pike to serve as Mayor Pro-tem and late arrival Gil Almquist made up the quorum. Mayor Pro-tem Pike graciously invited Councilwoman Elect, Michelle Randall to join them at the table. Councilman Elect, Joe Bowcutt was not able to be present and we wish him well with his back injury.

The meeting began with the council certifying the St. George Official Election Results. The final numbers did not change the results and they were presented as follows.:

City Mayor:
Jon Pike 8409 (61.09%)
Dan McArthur 5314 (38.60%)

City Council:
Michele Randall 7973 (31.74%)
Joe Bowcutt 5893 (23.46%)
Tara Dunn 5608 (22.33%)
Ed Baca 5579 (22.21%)

The filling of Councilman Pike's position on the council is yet to be done and is expected to take place this coming January when the newly elected council will cast their votes to elect Pike’s successor.

While the Council may select from the list of applicants expected to apply for the vacated position I feel it appropriate to state that Council Candidates, DUNN and BACA should be given primary consideration based on the votes garnered this past election that reflects the will of the people. I would feel comfortable with the selection of either DUNN or BACA and will of course support whoever the City Council appoints to this position. YOU should feel free to express your opinion on this matter to the newly established Council.

Having placed the election of new city officials behind us it is time to look ahead. The path to improved public relations and involvement appears to be the order of the day. HOT off the plate was a presentation made to the Council by Kendall Clements who represented “Escape Properties”, on the issue VACATION RENTALS. This has to do with property management of 2nd homes who wish to rent their residential or townhomes to those coming to visit or vacation in St. George.

Short Term Housing…renting homes for 1, 2, 3 Days? Mr. Clements referred to City Ordinance (SGC 10-14-22. Short term rental is usually considered to be less than 29 Days. The question was raised should “Conditional Use Permits” or “City Issued Licensing” be allowed to regulate the City Rental Ordinance? What value is to be given to a “PD” or Single Family Zoning? This of course begs for a discussion on WHY the City should have Zoning Ordinances. The collecting of REVENUE came to the forefront. Are we to drive the rental of homes further underground and thus lose needed revenue? Should a home buyer REALLY have an expectation to be able to raise their family in a residential/family community or is this to be trumped by the need to make as much money as possible for the Board of Realtors/Property Owners and Property Managers as mentioned by Mr. Clements. It was duly noted that Mr. Clements touched on his personal experience dealing with City Code Enforcement Officers and lack of acceptable public relations skills or respect given him.

This brings to light the REPEATED call I made during this last election, citing the need for Boards and Commissions. Namely a Human Relations Commission and a CITY ORDINANCE and ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION.

VOTERS must remain diligent in monitoring “PROMISES MADE & PROMISES KEPT” during this last election.

You may express your concerns by contacting me directly at edbacausa@gmail.com

Thank you,
Ed

Gratitude

As we find ourselves enjoying the warm, embracing weather that only St. George can provide in November, one has to feel a spirit of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. 

 Each of us possesses within ourselves, the level of appreciation to be given…….and I believe we each know who is to be the recipient of our heartfelt Gratitude. 

I am grateful that on November 5^th we were able to exercise our freedom and VOTE for the candidate of our choice.  Those elected to public office have assumed a great responsibility…….  Given to them by those who entered the voting booth, in equal standing with fellow citizens, regardless of wealth or station in life……each had but one vote to give, no more and no less than their neighbor.

 We should all be grateful that we live in a country that allows us to exercise this very special freedom. The first step is taken when we vote. The next step is to sustain those we voted for by contributing with an oversight that will enable them to measure the actions they take on the public’s behalf.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches I pray that we as citizens of St. George will come together to help improve and strengthen the fabric that makes this community the most desirable place to live, work and raise our families.

Thank you one and all, present and past citizens of St. George for the contributions and sacrifices made and for those yet to be made. The future of St. George is bright not because of who was elected…… but because of the PEOPLE who make up this community we call St. George. 

Thank you.     ED BACA

Your Vote Matters!

 

ED BACA

FOR

Transparency & Accountability

When elected I will adhere to establishing

Priority of Action…..Accountability for Action…..

Transparency and Oversight provided by Citizen Participation.

 

I will establish an

AIRPORT COMMISSION

CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION

WATER AND POWER COMMISSION

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

 

I WILL LISTEN, I WILL HEAR, I WILL ACT IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY, I WILL RESPECT YOU!

VOTE ED BACA NOVEMBER 5, 2013