Transforming City Into a Tourist Attraction by Selling Its Residential Cultural Soul

June 19^th City Council Meeting was declared to be one of the most important meetings of the year if NOT the most important…..Because it has to do with $$$$.....A public hearing to receive public input on amendments to the 2013-2014 fiscal budget and on the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget and unbilled water and energy services.

Acting on Mayor Pike’s request City Manager took center stage and articulated budget details.  Mr. Esplin was most adept in showing incoming and outgoing city money and doing so highlighted all of the goals and accomplishments that money can buy or the luxuries that the lack of money can deny its citizenry.  Mr. Esplin could have been a successful used car salesman as evident by the bopping heads of Mayor and Council when he described past and present goals.

It got even better when he outlined certified tax rate set by County Commission and explained the low level of property tax received by the city that made it necessary to increase sales tax revenues…..If we are going to be able to afford those wanted Luxuries we need to attract TOURIST……So the City can make more money to feed our lust…..not only for the necessities of running the city, but for satisfying our hunger for worldly goods and services. Acting as an extension of the Chamber of Commerce the City appears to be on target….. Meeting its objective to attract THE HUNGRY BEAST WE HAVE COME TO KNOW and LOVE…..The TOURIST.

Like an addict who has become a slave seeking its next fix the City can blame the State of Utah for keeping the Lion’s Share….. 80% of sales tax revenue…..Making it necessary for the City to feed our material/monetary hunger by becoming a magnet for TOURISTS……We love them and hate them for transforming our City into a Tourist City that has lost its identity…..A god fearing family oriented RESIDENTIAL community is fading away.

NO Mr. Esplin I don’t blame you. (Although it’s your vision being played out)…..  I hold the Mayor and City Council (Past and Present) responsible….. For succumbing to Worldly Temptations.

HOW do I dare to suggest such a thing? Even a hint of blame holding those elected to serve is in most quarters deemed unimaginable. After all are they not active church members who have taken an oath to obey and uphold ALL of the Laws or our City and State.  WHY do I do it and WHY do I dare to cast such aspersions? 

My friends all you have to do is look at how the City enforces or perhaps more importantly DOES NOT ENFORCE City Ordinances…..Inaction that is now SOUNDING the DEATH KNELL…..For the Environment that once was a safe haven for Family Oriented Living…...NOW tainted with tourists RENTING (SHORT AND LONG TERM RENTALS).....Loads of people coming and going, parking their cars and recreational toys at all hours of the Day & Night…..Thus destroying the peace and tranquility that home/family owners once enjoyed.   Of primary importance is how the City appears to practice Selective Enforcement……And fails to publicly discuss or explain its abdication of Code Enforcement responsibility.

It started innocent enough…..With good intentions……Bring in $$$$$ “Tourists” that will cause more motels/hotels to be built that will provide business that will generate MONEY!.....To do that we need sporting events to supplement the beauty that surrounds us…..We need Golf Courses, Ball Fields, RV Parking …… We didn’t know how much Short and Long Term HOUSING would be needed and when we did we opened the door to our Residential Communities….. To provide RENTALS……We became intoxicated for the need of more $$$$$ that IS now causing the loss of our precious family oriented neighborhoods.

MISMANAGED CODE ENFORCEMENT and a tolerant look the other way attitude has led to a Class Action Law Suit…..Details of which will be provided in future articles.  One has to wonder where the money will come from to pay for litigation and possible punitive damages. Perhaps the master we now serve and worship can show us the way.  What will it take to get the Council to ACT on the problem facing our city? Think about it.          

Thank you, Ed Baca

City Politics - Honesty or Deceit

DO WE PARK OUR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AT THE DOOR WHEN WE ENTER CITY HALL AND PUT INTO PRACTICE THE BASIC VALUES OF RIGHT AND WRONG AS WE PRACTICE OUR POLITICS. (CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE ELECTED BUT WE ALL KNOW WHICH CHURCH OUR ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS BELONG). THAT’S WHAT IS SO DISTURBING WHEN WE SEE CODE ENFORCEMENT BEING DELAYED OR DENIED TO FURTHER POLITICAL INTERESTS OR AMBITIONS OR WHEN WE HEAR THE LOGIC APPLIED TO ENDORSING CANDIDATES.

RECENT EVENTS: Councilman Almquist purchased 3000 sq. ft. of land adjacent to his property from the City of St. George at a reduced price. Paid for this land with ….. Sulfur/Fertilizer that he gave the City about two years ago. He built a wall on this property prior to obtaining ownership. City Council approved this sale deeming that no conflict of interest existed and that the price and form of payment was OK.  ( THE PERCEPTION OF WRONG DOING OR FAVORITISM  REFLECTS POORLY ON OUR MORAL/ RELIGIOUS VALUES).

CLEARING THE AIR:  June 5^th City Council Meeting included a Public Hearing to consider approval to sell City property, vacate a public utility easement and adjust the lot line for a parcel of land lying westerly of lot 39 of the Bloomington Hills No.3 subdivision. Warren Black was the applicant.  ( NOTE: MR. ALMQUIST ALSO RESIDES IN BLOOMINGTON HILLS).

Public Hearing made it possible for me to address City Officials and ask them to inform  public…..How DO YOU SET PRICE for sale of No Value Property and what form of payment is considered acceptable compensation? In the case of Mr. Black it was reported that he paid $1.00 per sq. ft. City Staff decided that this was a fair price. Reportedly NO ONE else has access to said property….. Declared by City Staff to be undesirable….. Of NO value to City. The City recognizes and accepts that owner of property adjacent to City property may have contributed to maintenance or improvement on said property….. And this could be factored into the purchase and considered a form of payment already made.

 ALL CITIZENS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BID ON THE PURCHASE OF CITY PROPERTY REGARDLESS OF LOCATION…..NOT JUST THE PROPERTY OWNER ADJACENT TO SAID PROPERTY.

Based on information provided I concluded that the City has engaged in similar sale practices throughout the city and while on its face….The perception that Councilman Almquist may have received special consideration or treatment simply was not the case. Please remember…..PERCEPTION DOES MATTER regardless of which pew you sit come Sunday.

As to the issue and allegations that Councilman Almquist was given special consideration or given a wink and a nod that it was ok for him to do business in violation of a City Ordinance…..Well this is yet to be clearly answered and contributes to the suspicion that all people are not treated equally by City Government. (THE CITY MAY HIRE THE BEST LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN SALT LAKE CITY  TO GET THEM OUT OF THE MESS CREATED BY MISMANAGED CODE ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES…..BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE THE TRUTH AND YOU CAN’T KEEP THE PEOPLE FROM KNOWING WHAT IS RIGHT FROM WRONG).

POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS: Clearly Mayor Pike has endorsed Nathan Caplin for County Attorney and has presented his reasons for doing so. I have not discussed with Bowcutt, Arial, or Hughes who they may be endorsing. I have been informed that Almquist has joined Pike endorsing Caplin……This does not surprise me even though rumor has it that Almquist has a Belnap sign on the property he purchased from City.  When asked his position City Manager Esplin stated he was neutral as he has to work with whoever is elected……And he is not a registered Republican. (IT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW IF MR. ESPLIN IS NEUTRAL IN CITY COUNCIL RACES AS WELL).

Councilwoman Randall has endorsed Brock Belnap for County Attorney and has articulated 5 points for her decision…..Job  Experience, Education (WENT TO DIXIE HIGH), Has GRASP of ISSUES, Has Endorsements from Law Enforcement (HER SON IS POLICE OFFICER SGPD) And Constitutional Integrity and Philosophy.  I could not help but see the Image of Tara Dunn before me as I read Randall’s reasoning. I recalled Randall’s experience, knowledge, education, bankruptcy when she ran for City Council.  It is encouraging to learn that Randall places such high values on these very important qualifications. 

In all honesty I need to state that it causes me no small degree of discomfort to come to the realization that I am thinking like Randall and remain suspicious of Almquist….. For I have come down on the side of Brock Belnap for County Attorney. My friends I can tell you that over the years of monitoring and reporting on workings of City and County Government I have had the opportunity to present cases before Mr. Belnap….. That frankly questioned the honesty and integrity of elected officials.  I can tell you that Brock Belnap is a straight shooter and that I have full confidence in his ability to administer the office of County Attorney.   Please forward your comments and don’t forget to vote.

Thank you, Ed Baca

Sharing What the City Has to Offer - You Can't Have Everything When You Want It, But You Can Work to Get It!

June 5^th City Council Meeting was an eye opener. Reverend Wilkie has for years been giving the Invocation at city council meetings as he did this day. Prior to saying the words “Let us Pray”, Rev. Wilkie looked about and acknowledged that this was the largest gathering he has experienced in all his years of service at council meetings. I always enjoy visiting with Rev. Wilkie prior to the start of the meeting as I get to hear and learn about his vegetable garden and it puts me in mind of bounty to be earned and enjoyed when one puts his “Shoulder to the Wheel” in our fair city.

PUTTING THEIR SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL is exactly what the Service Clubs of St. George did.  They didn’t just talk about it they went to work and the fruits of their labor benefited the children of our communities. Four clubs were featured at this meeting…..Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks and The Exchange Club…..ALL STOOD TALL as their contributions in providing for others (In particular the YOUTH and Future Leaders of our cities) so deservingly stood out. Space does not allow for identifying each and every program these clubs engage in…..Which helps to build services and resources that supplement city efforts. Therefore I will only single out two ($$$$$) contributions made to the city at this meeting.  

The Rotary Club handed the city a check for $5,400 in support of netting for sport activity and the Exchange Club presented to the city a check in the amount of $70,000 in support of the All Abilities Park currently in the planning and building stage. (Contributions …..None to small are invited. Please contact Kent Perkins, Director of Leisure Services for details on how you can be a part of this very meaningful program).

By now most of you know that the Department of Leisure Services has moved to a new location. The old court and jail facilities which use to exist across the street…..Directly east of City Hall and called “CITY COMMONS BUILDING” is now home not only for Leisure Services but other city services.  Take time to visit the newly remodeled building and enjoy the Landscape and Art Features.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH & REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES: Time scheduled on council agenda to allow individuals a 3 minute block of time to publicly speak to an issue of their choice. Mayor Pike identified criteria for speaking.  1. Be Nice/Civil. 2. Be a resident of City of St. George/Business Owner. 3. Can’t be pending item before Council. (Opposing Party need be present to defend their position. Council is present to respond to item addressed to them)…… Five asked to speak.

1^st. Don Rawlins reflected on development of Seegmiller Park and availability of Historic Farm Implements etc. (Mr. Perkins should initiate contact with Mr. Rawllins).

2^nd. Jeanie Larson representing newly formed organization identified as Urban Renewal, presented 1,200 signatures petitioning the Council to halt all projects in the Down Town area of city. Specifically the old J.C. Penny Building on the corner of Main Street and St. George Blvd. Larson expressed that her group was not supportive of the Direction City was heading and what was being pushed by the City. Time to discuss and build a consensus was needed therefore a halt to rebuilding efforts was requested. 3^rd. Christine Oravak spoke on need to preserve Down Town stating “Architecture is a form of Art” charm of Down Town should not be diminished. 4^th. Brooks Pace, owner of J.C. Penney Building and future developer of his property interests appeared to be well known by Mayor, Council and City Staff. I thought Mr. Pace was walking a fine line on the civility requirement cited by Mayor Pike…..But none the less he appeared to check himself with mentioning that Historic Preservationist were a NEW GROUP in town and that “Their” efforts to stop development on the J.C. Penny Building was a slap in the face to Ken Campbell……The designer of the proposed remodeling. Mr. Pace said that he had spoken with tenants who expressed a desire to remain within their present contract stipulations and he would honor the contract and stop development efforts. Three and a half years remain on the contract and upon expiration he would be free to move forward.  5^th. Nicki Richards, on behalf of Down Town Business Group spoke of protecting and allowing both interests to evolve. Wants what is best for Down Town.

 While getting a haircut I surveyed those present. Three concurred it’s just an Old Building and could be torn down. The 4th person fell asleep. Please forward your comments. 

Thank you, Ed Baca

City is a Beehive of Activity - High Expectations for Continued Growth & Development of Cherished Values

The cancellation of the May 29^th City Council Meeting made possible the concluding report on City Beehive like activities. The cashing in of opportunities that for the City equates to a profit making venture made possible by the dedication of those who live and work here……Contributions made possible by unselfish work ethics by those who humbly serve our City, and yes….. Surrounding Communities…..Communities affectionately called DIXIE by Old Timers and those longing for something faraway or long ago or for former happy circumstances….. A nostalgic love and respect for values and character displayed by those who preceded us. (We need some good news especially in light of the reported maltreatment of American Veterans by our very own Federal Government).

QUALITIES exemplified in last week’s Council Meeting and brought forth in annual budget report for 2014-2015. Matthew U. Loo, Development Services Director reported on status of the newly formed “St. George Resource Center”. Mr. Loo’s visible expression of accomplishment was in itself a representation of what can best be described as a loving, caring city…..A difficult process of providing for those in need and unable to care for themselves. City efforts were described as Unprecedented and Unique in how we as a people make charitable contributions in caring for the poor…..An example for State of Utah.

Mr. Loo announced the appointment of Carol Hollowell as the new Executive Director of St. George Resource Center, effective June 2^nd….. Carol was highly praised and given high expectations for success based on her administrative and people skills.  SUBA reportedly stepped forward and committed to donating hours of labor for construction of this new facility which will include  a six days a week Food Bank, Dinning Area, Sleeping Quarters (Satisfying individual and family needs)  and looking to the future a Grass/Park area on 1.3 acres (To accommodate children of families). Provisions for an ongoing Soup Kitchen are to be included in this project. A truly remarkable commitment for a city the size of St. George and one that puts into action promises of service to others.

In attendance at the Council Meeting of May 22^nd was Rich Farnsworth, Deputy Chief of Police who quietly sat in place of Police Chief Marlon Stratton. It was explained that Chief Stratton was in Colorado attending a meeting hosted by the Department of Homeland Security.

In keeping with the spirit highlighting City Beehive Activity and acknowledging and recognizing individual contributions and accomplishments by those adhering to said principles of community value…..It was felt prudent to inform the citizens of St. George what the Police Chief was up to in Colorado.

It was learned that Chief Stratton, Sergeant Heppler (Representing SGPD) and Brock Belnap (Washington County Attorney) and two Special Agents (Homeland Security Agents assigned to work in Washington County) were invited to attend a Recognition Event hosted by the Department of Homeland Security…..In which those listed were formally recognized for their service and contributions in protecting our Nation and Communities. Each was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for their accomplishments and dedicated service. (Brock Belnap was not able to be present and reportedly Department of Homeland Security will make a formal presentation to Brock at a future County Commission Meeting).  

Chief Stratton was both modest and humble in articulating his contribution to the events leading to being honored on behalf of SGPD.  It was explained that SGPD had established a “Fraudulent Identity Security Threat Team” an outgrowth from what used to be the County Gang Unit. Its focus had been gang activity which included monitoring drug and associated fraudulent activities. Chief Stratton credited Sgt. Heppler with coming up with the idea to combine the investigation of fraud and those entering the country illegally. Ultimately this led to reformation of the Gang/Drug Unit into what is now known as the Fraudulent Identity Security Threat Team…..A county wide enforcement effort (Includes Washington County Sheriff’s Department) and which could not have achieved the success it now enjoys…..Without the support of County Attorney Brock Belnap, whose relentless prosecution (Working with existing State Laws)  has led to convictions……Convictions that when adjudicated result in deportation of those illegally in the country. Chief Stratton refers to Mr. Belnap  as the Quiet Giant (Most Ethical and Honest in field of law). These awards give credence to the application of sound work ethics…..Beehive like activities taking place throughout the City.                

Thank You, Ed Baca