City is a Beehive of Activity: Bees of All Persuasions Asked to Join City Improvement Efforts

May 22^nd City Council Meeting was advertised as a Regular Meeting instead of a Workshop Meeting as the Council was to vote on Lease and Services Agreements.

FIRST out of the chute was unanimous approval being given to the St. George Musical Theater for a 5 year lease of the Opera House ……That will usher in the long awaited return of wholesome Family Entertainment. Mr. Bruce Bennett, representing SGMT reported that the agreement will provide for a two year lease with 3 one year extensions afterwards. SGMT will open with a presentation of “Sound of Music”…… Auditions took place for character parts and it was noted that 95% of those who auditioned were “New People with New Interests”. The fall season is scheduled to begin on September 4^th. It is anticipated that a Teaser Show will be offered in July and announcements will be made in local media outlets.  Welcome Back SGMT! ….. Well Done to City Staff, Mayor and City Council who worked diligently to make this a reality.

The NEXT buzz of activity had to do with the building of WATER TANK to supply Stone Cliff residential community. Alfa Engineering was awarded $42,565.00 to help build this new tank located at the TOP of the hill. Council approved city participation in cost (The city is building and Stone Cliff side is to be given 30 months to pay city for cost of pump. A pump station is required due to height, gravity issues). FOLKS, some of us may find comfort in knowing that this Exclusive High Cost community known as Stone Cliff is given the opportunity to pay more for their water costs than the rest of us due to the elevation and pump station requirements. The City does work with Developer to help as much as it can to ease the cost of building.

NEXT the bees continued to swarm around the conceptual site plan for Fiesta Fun somewhat outlined in last week issue. Owner and City are to meet next Monday or Tuesday and continue/finalize issues that include Roadway Design and participation of Washington County School District. Cost split between the three participants is yet to be worked out as it pertains to the extension of the road that would greatly enhance school bus routes. This continues to be a prime example of what an effective City Manager can accomplish by bringing involved parties to the bargaining table.  Good job Mr. Esplin.

NEXT, beginning with Fire Chief Stoker the discussion centered on 2014-2015 Fiscal Budget.

Fire Chief Stoker presented his case for an increase of $112,000 to $115,000. Minimal amount…..  given the heavy growth experienced by the City. Span of control issues are yet to be worked out as they pertain to creating position for two Battalion Chiefs who are to supervise each shift. It was nice to learn that future building of Fire Station in Little Valley will not take place in Flood Plain. ( Developer expected to assist with new site location).

CATACLYSM of activity is taking place as it pertains to the management of City Golf Courses.  Many will be quick to state…..It’s about time! Especially if you take time to consider the number of years we had to listen about the $500,000 deficit the city budget experienced at the hands of the Golf Course Business Entity. As I understand it, Golf Pros will no longer be Independent Contractors ……Instead they will be given the opportunity of becoming City Employees at a much reduced cost to the City. (This is to be formally announced in the very near future.)  The City is expected to reap the benefit of Sponsoring Tournaments and will manage the Pro-shops, Merchandising and Food Concessions.  Those employed to work in sales may be given commission incentives …..(A more customer friendly atmosphere for golfer and a greater financial return is expected for city taxpayer).This has been a very difficult period for all involved in this meaningful transition. Recognizing that GOLF generates $800,000,000 annually in the State of Utah ….. The importance on how the City manages four City Golf Courses cannot be overly emphasized. Mayor Pike is believed to have played a pivotal role in guiding City Council to act on this matter. The contribution and sensitivity displayed by City Manager, Esplin ….. In coming to grips with Doing what is in the best interest of the City deserves recognition.

Like it or not, it’s that Old Beehive Spirit …. The ability to work and sacrifice, the attitude, “Prove me now herewith”, that motivates us.   

Thank you, Ed Baca        

Given the will to do so we can accomplish Code Enforcement Reform.

Timely Application of Common Horse Sense Displayed by Council-City Manager

May 15^th City Council Meeting brought forth owner of Fiesta Fun (Miniature Golf Entertainment Facility) who submitted a New Expansion Proposal…..(The last proposal made several years ago died out during the economic down turn that engulfed the entire nation).

Fiesta Fun is NOW seeking approval to build a new 40,000 sq. ft. addition to the site that would include a Video Arcade and 20 Bowling Lanes and a Lazer-Tag attraction. Being that Fiesta Fun is located immediately south of Dixie High and Dixie Intermediate School the enticing aspects of an expanded entertainment facility could not be overlooked……especially since Snow Park  abuts the east side of Fiesta Fun. (Snow Park is also known to be a popular Skateboard and Dog Friendly Park).

City Manager, Gary Esplin, who is never one to let a money making enterprise, that increases city revenue and makes the city more attractive to local residents and visitors pass by…..Was quick to say “We can support this project”.

This is where good old common Horse Sense comes into play. In order to make this proposal happen it is necessary to have an access road……from the frontage road adjacent to the freeway on the southeast end of Fiesta Fun…..That would border the west side of Snow Park…..And that could extend  to 900 South where it dead-ends with Snow Park and Dixie High School. This road also has the potential of connecting to 900 South which could then connect to 100 East with a greater potential of connecting to Main Street.  The beauty of this is that connection of these roads could prove to be a great reducer of traffic on 700 South which runs along the north side of Dixie High School from Bluff Street all the way to River Road.

The connectivity of these streets is believed to be beneficial to Washington County School District as well as the City of St. George and full time residents. The fly in the ointment is that Fiesta Fun is stretched financially and therefore requires the City to step forward to make this project happen. One of our newer council members (Joe Bowcutt) who, increasingly is providing Sage Advice…..Thus becoming more vocal on issues of importance to the City….. expressed his concern that only one access would be made available to this property. (The impact on Emergency Vehicles being clearly evident). City Manager, Gary Esplin quickly picked up the ball (Combining the Common Horse Sense of Joe Bowcutt and Gary Esplin) was able to present a scenario of how to make this project a reality by uniting the efforts of Washington County School District and Fiesta Fun. A win-win proposed consensus that supports the greater city goal of connectivity of city roads. (Don’t you just love it when things come together?)  The contributions of these two men appeared to have encouraged Councilman Hughes who then added to the mix of ideas. (The matter is expected to be concluded at the next Work Shop Meeting giving involved parties one week to reach a consensus).

At the Appropriate Time perhaps Mayor Pike may take the initiative to recognize the “Common Horse Sense” approach to administering city government and develop the incentive to act on Code Enforcement Reform and formation of an “Airport Board and a Citizens Community Council. Mayor Pike is encouraged to utilize the talents of Council Members Bowcutt and Arial as he “Keeps Promises Made” during the last city election.

It is NOW time to recognize the contributions made to the City by Dale and Wilma Courtney who have sacrificed and given greatly of their time and energy in developing what is now known as Dixie State University – Embracing our Heroes Scholarship – Supporting family members of Veterans. Our warm regards and best wishes. All things must come to an end but please know that we love you. You have contributed greatly to improving the lives of veterans and their families. 

Please continue to forward your comments and concerns on City issues.

Thank you, Ed Baca

COUNCIL’S DILEMMA: PROTECT CITY’$ INTEREST OR POSTPONE CODE ENFORCEMENT REFORM

I don’t know about you, but I have tired of trying to understand the CTR (Choose The Right) CONCERNS…..Over Protecting city’s financial interest (Defending against Law Suit) OR taking immediate action to resolve Code Enforcement Concerns (Promised review of City Ordinances and Code Enforcement Practices)…..Made during past election campaigns.  

WHAT HAS MUDDIED the waters is the conflict created by Law Suit naming the city as defendant ($$$) and the genuine concerns residents are experiencing in their neighborhoods such as Daily/Short Term Rentals……That are tearing at the fabric of a FAMILY ORIENTED community and Property Values….. VS …..The interest of Property Owners….. And those wanting to rent and enjoy our city as tourists.  The financial impact to both sides has to be carefully weighed….. As do Quality of Life Issues. (A Bloomington home rents monthly for $10,000 with any number of unrelated people coming and going at all hours). Is sub-leasing taking place? If so how does SGCE protect residential interests?

 

To make the matter worse or more convoluted are the allegations made against Councilman Almquist…..As to the right or wrong of how he managed his personal business interest and how City Ordinance’s came to be defined or practiced by SGCE.  In fairness the allegations have yet to be proven……Either in a Court of Law or by a Definitive Statement being issued by the City Attorney. 

The City finds itself in a Catch 22……City has employed Legal Representation in Salt Lake to defend itself against law suit….. At a great expense to Tax Payers….. And not to follow prescribed Legal Advise….. Would place Elected City Officials in a precarious legal position.  WHAT WOULD YOU have the City Council do? 

DO YOU HONOR campaign promises (CTR) or do you “PROTECT” CITY FINANCIAL INTEREST ($$$) Public money entrusted to your care?  

In protecting the greater public monetary interest it….. “May” or “It Has” caused the City to remain MUM on City Ordinances or SGCE practices.

In doing so it appears that the “Wagons” have been circled….. And INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY….. Full Exposure of Councilman Almquist’s….. Personal Business Practices (in my opinion) have fallen under this protective umbrella.  

THEREFORE…..Until the COURT having jurisdiction over the pending law suit issues its finding on the merits of the case the PUBLIC cannot expect to see immediate action coming from the City Council or Mayor. 

We need not be bogged down by the negative aspects of the above described situation however the ISSUES MUST BE addressed and resolved.                 WE NOW ENJOY;

A WELL MANAGED CITY…..A dedicated CITY COUNCIL…..AN HONEST-CARING POLICE DEPARTMENT…..A PROFESSIONAL FIRE DEPARTMENT comprised of CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS….. AN ELECTRIC ENERGY DEPARTMENT dedicated to exceptional service and low rates…..A WATER DEPARTMENT THAT WORKS TO SUSTAIN OUR QUALILTY OF LIFE….. A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Diligent in providing much needed ROADS…..AND most importantly LOYAL CITY EMPLOYEES who unselfishly serve the public. 

In due time City Ordinances and Enforcement Practices will be aired out and the City will be the better for it.  Who Knows? …..Perhaps Councilman Almquist will favor us with a full disclosure….. As some may have us believe….. Knowledge of Right and Wrong may have been mitigated by….. Well Intended City Administrative Action. (I allow that he very well knows right from wrong). Perhaps the Public may even be given an apology for his having allowed unintended distractions to have impeded City Business.  

REGARDLESS of how the Law Suit is decided and with continued public demand for TRANSPARENCY…..Supportive of GOOD GOVERNMENT PRACTICES…..THE CITY shall remain strong and viable…..Making St. George a desirable family oriented community.

Please continue to forward your comments.  Thank you, Ed Baca

NATIONAL AND MUNICIPAL SIMILARITIES POLITICAL COVERUP OR JUST PLAIN ARROGANCE AS PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW IS SUMMARILY DISMISSED

It appears that Municipal Government has joined ranks with Federal Government’s dodge-ball tactics as it deflects public clamor to be informed of status of investigation….. Questions are asked and NOT answered….. Allegations of Misconduct ….. Allegedly on the part of none other than popular civic leader……Councilman, Gil Almquist. (Refer to Formal Request made by Attorney Aaron Phrisbrey and follow up report by Investigative Reporter, Michael Flynn, Southern Utah Independent News). SWEEPING PUBLIC DIRT under the rug will NOT clean CITY HALL.

Just as we hold Police Officers to a higher standard in obeying the law….. So do we hold our Elected City Council, Mayor, City Attorney, City Manager…… To a higher standard of behavior and expect them to Lead by Example. 

Is what we are receiving from City Hall on this matter REALLY the example the public wants set for our YOUTH and Future Leaders? 

WHEN the City Attorney won’t proceed judiciously as outlined in Utah Municipal Code Section 10-3-928 ….. Which reads: In cities with a city attorney, the city attorney: 

(1) may prosecute violations of city ordinances (2) may prosecute, under state law, infractions and misdemeanors occurring within the boundaries of the municipality; (3) has the same powers in respect to violations as are exercised by a county attorney or district attorney, except that a city attorney’s authority to grant immunity shall be limited to: (a) granting transactional immunity for violations of city ordinances; and (b) granting transactional  immunity under state law for infractions and misdemeanors occurring  within the boundaries of the municipality:  WHAT IS THE PUBLIC TO DO?

WHEN City Government makes a Political Decision NOT to ACT….. Citizens have a responsibility to ask for a Public Explanation as to why the City Council, Mayor has approved/authorized the City Attorney to represent the city in this way. (By their fruits ye shall know them).

In light of recent revelations brought forth by Reporter Michael Flynn it IS incumbent on the PUBLIC to ask questions and DEMAND answers as after all is said and done….. Constitutional Values can only be preserved and protected by the actions of good citizens. 

WHY is not Utah Municipal Code section 10-3-826…..Official neglect and misconduct class A misdemeanor- -Removal from office…..Not Being Looked At or Considered by the city attorney?

 

10-3-826 Reads: In case any municipal officer shall at any time wilfully omit to perform any duty, or willfully and corruptly be guilty of oppression, malconduct, misfeasance, or malfeasance in office, the person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, shall be removed from office, and is not eligible for any municipal office thereafter. ( Amended by Chapter 178, 1986 General Session).

Utah Municipal Code Section 10-3-913 Authority of chief of police. 

(1) The chief of police has the same authority as the sheriff within the boundaries of the municipality of appointment. The chief has authority to: (a) suppress riots, disturbances, and breaches of the peace; (b) apprehend all persons violating state laws or city ordinances; (c) diligently discharge his duties and enforce all ordinances of the city to preserve the peace, good order, and protection of the rights and property of all persons.

Do we not have a City Council, Mayor leading and directing the City Manager and City Attorney on the prescribed set of values the public elected them to represent? 

Has the Wolf been assigned to guard the Hen House or in this case the City? 

I am not affiliated with Southern Utah Independent News but ask you to take the time to read Michael Flynn’s articles for a clear understanding of what prompted me to bring these issues to your attention. 

Thank you, Ed Baca