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