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
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