LOOSE PURSE STRINGS BRANDS CITY COUNCIL AS EASY COME, EASY GO SPENDERS FOR ELECTION YEAR 2015

EASY TO DO WHEN HIGHLIGHTING ALL ABILITIES & SEEGMILLER FARM PARKS

PUBLIC SERVICE MIXED WITH ENTERTAINMENT AT ELECTRIC THEATER MAY PROVE TO BE WINING TICKET FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS SEEKING RE-ELECTION

February 19^th City Council Meeting brought out the LARGESS of City Council that may open the door for inclusion of Lions Sun Bowl Rodeo to continue its habit of watering at PUBLIC TROUGH.

Cowboys usually take pride in Riding Their Own Bronc’s but in the case of Lion’s Rodeo it seems that the good old boys continue to need a helping hand. I’ve jumped to this conclusion when I heard Councilman Hughes, who arrived late, but in time to vote in favor of the purchase of specialized play equipment and features like wheelchair-accessible ramps for children with disabilities and other special needs, state..... “I was initially reluctant about spending such large amounts on additions like the Train for the All Abilities Park”……I was taken aback as Hughes had displayed NO reservations in spending Thousands if not Millions of dollars on the Sun Bowl which is home to the Lion’s Rodeo. To have Councilman Hughes express fiduciary concerns was a welcomed recognition of righteous behavior when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars.  I was equally impressed with Councilman Bowcutt, who presents himself as being first and foremost, a “Member of the Lion’s Club” say, “I strongly second the motion. This is going to be probably one of the best things that St. George has done for years and years. “Being one of, if not the biggest advocate for the Lion’s Club, I could not help but wonder if Bowcutt, was including in his evaluation, all the taxpayer dollars that has been spent on the Rodeo Event, and that which he and Hughes have publicly stated they want to take to a greater heights. They, supported by Councilwoman Randall continue to expound on the importance of the Lion’s Rodeo, demeaning anyone who questions the wisdom of holding the Sun Bowl Event as an indispensable value that is worthy of Millions more taxpayer dollars. 

My friends, this is where I can’t help but think of how badly we need a young energetic person, like Nate Caplin, an honest and humble man on the City Council. I was impressed by his sincerity when he sought a position in County Government.  This being an election year I thought I’d come out and say it. I don’t know what Nate’s future goals might be, but I thought it might be nice to encourage him and others to start thinking about running for City Council.

Well, to get on to this Council Meeting you should know that Seegmiller Farm Park is fast approaching completion and that the Council voted approval of a fee schedule to rent the barn/pavilion. The rate of $360.00 up to 12 hours and $120.00 up to 4 hours was set. This will include the presence of a city employee to be present during rental period.  A wedding is scheduled to take place towards the end of March 2015.

The public should know that the framing on the basement portion of the Electric Theater is up and we can expect that this phase will be completed towards the end of May 2015. The Council approved the purchase of Period Style Seating in the amount of $87,504.48 that is included in the revised budget. It will be interesting to see what the final renovation costs will be. It will be nice to have 288 comfortable seats available to the public. Wouldn’t it be nice to have comfortable and safe seating at the Sun Bowl.....If this is where the Council decides is the best investment of City resources. Time will tell. As they old saying goes, its only money, what the heck. Easy Come, Easy Go.

The Council approved sale of property to homeowners adjacent to the Millcreek Park at a price of $1.50 sq. ft. Perhaps this will be a source of revenue that the city may generate to help contribute to renovating the Sun Bowl.  The Council approved the financial report for the month of January, 2015 with City Manager Esplin advising “We are in good Shape.”

The final item on calendar had to do with City Council discussion on opt-out options for curbside recycling. Folks, there has been a lot of discussion on this topic and it has become evident to me that this Council has been priming the pump for some time to get the public warmed up to accepting the inevitable.  Due to this and fearing that I would hear Councilman Hughes say, If you like your Trash Man, you can keep your Trash Man, I left the Council Chamber.  I thought a little humor might lighten the load so please excuse me for hinting of similarity with Obama Care. (Jimmie has perfected his Dog and Pony Show as he has become the most outspoken member of Council.)   I believe we can expect curbside recycling will be approved and it will cost you about $4.00 a month. I am not certain that if you opt out it will be necessary for you to pay to do so.  The final decision will be made some time in March and I will report to you what it will cost if you live in St. George.                                                

My friends it is important to know that successful completion of the All Abilities Park will require the help and support of the entire community. The Train Engine itself may cost close to $100,000 and the Railroad Track I expect will cost in the neighborhood of $500,000 or more. It is believed that operating costs will be defrayed as the Train is expected to generate a $100,000 annual income. I encourage those wishing to contribute to this worthwhile cause to contact Mr. Kent Perkins at City Hall. (435) 627-4000                                          Thank you, ED BACA

 

CITY VISION SESSION REVEALS TRUE

CHARACTER VALUES

CHAMPAGNE TASTE = “WANTS”—LIONS SUNBOWL RODEO

 BEER POCKET BOOK= “NEEDS”—POLICE-FIRE SERVICE-EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

FAR EASIER TO SPEND TAXPAYERS MONEY ON PLEASURES OF CHAMPAGNE  

THAN TO PROVIDE FOR BASIC NEEDS AND EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES

The City Council Meeting of February 12  8:00AM to 4:00PM dubbed Vision Session followed set pattern of having Department Heads reporting on past accomplishments and presenting projected demands for service. (This started the Parade of Homes week that included a 3 day Presidents Holiday weekend. Did they really expect a large public turnout? Meeting room was filled mostly with City Employees and News Media. Very disappointing show of citizen participation.)   What made this annual event more meaningful to me was a sharp contrast…..From what I had come to recognize as a canned practice of Department Heads staying within the budget limits/guidelines set by the City Manager. In other words “Don’t, Rock, The Boat”. THIS day I was surprised with a far more candid expression of conditions and realization of what past economic down trends had brought us. Department Heads appeared to have been freed from the uniform, keep in step mentality of years past. I attributed this to Mayor Pike and his quest for greater transparency…..Within acceptable business practices.  The only hitch or contradiction to this new found transparency I found, is the “Come Hell or High Water approach…..We,  are going to cram down your throat the gift to the Lions Club of a New Sun Bowl at TAXPAYER expense.  It seems we just can’t get away from the “Bourgeoisie” approach of City Nobility…..Represented by 5 Council Members…..They can and do dictate to us how taxpayer money will be spent. Can’t you just hear Almquist, Arial, Bowcutt, Hughes and Randall saying? “Let them eat cake.” As an alternative to bread we can’t afford….Or in other words the Lions Club Sun Bowl…..We can’t afford!  We WANT IT, but, DON’T NEED it…..With all the other events the city now enjoys…..Priorities NEED to be set. Do you honestly think that if they were spending their own money they would commit or invest MILLIONS of DOLLARS with so little financial return on their investment? If history means anything here is how it is done. Taxpayer money gets sucked in by starting with a small investment…..Like spending on Sod and other small expenditures. This eventually leads to saying…..We’ve already started by making a commitment to recreational needs of community and school kids…..So we might as well spend MILLIONS that will include helping the poor old boys at the Lions Club. After all you can’t put a price tag on Tradition can you?  I expect City Nobility to imply…..Ed’s gone off the deep end. He has only been here 14 years and doesn’t have a commitment to “Tradition” like we do. He is not one of us and doesn’t appreciate or understand that we “Want” a Rodeo…..No matter how much it costs. Ok, Ed gets it. Just sit in the corner and be quiet and then, and only then will you be considered one of us.  FOLKS, it’s just not in me to do that. I have been blessed and guided to always take the opportunity to be of service in the community. (Patriarchal Blessing)

I therefore will direct your attention to the purchase of the Electric Theater as a city investment in the Arts. The city hired a consulting firm from New York to evaluate the merits of providing a venue for the display and practice of various Art forms. It was determined that a Performing Arts Facility would cost upwards of 5 Million Dollars. It was concluded that the City could purchase and renovate the Electric Theater site at a cost of about 3 Million Dollars. Well, taxpayer money was committed to this endeavor and as things progressed…..The expected costs are fast approaching the 5 Million mark and may climb higher. It’s too late to turn back…..The City is now fully committed to spending Millions more than taxpayers were led to believe it would cost. I fear that the “Want” mentality of the Council…..mainly the mindset of Bowcutt, Hughes and Randall will lead us down the same path when it comes to the Lions Sun Bowl.

This meeting highlighted Department Heads report that identified the following. 1. It has been a tough year for police in number and type of calls for service. Shortage of, Police Officers are still being felt. Duly noted was increase in vehicle accidents associated with decrease in Traffic Enforcement. As, police personnel, become available more officers will be assigned to Traffic Bureau. 2. NEED for TWO Fire Stations in Little Valley Area. Staffing issues exist. In order to keep Insurance Fire Rating of 4, Fire Station needs to be located within 5 miles of structure. At present portions of Little Valley exceed 5 mile limit and Fire Rating may go as high as 10. This will cost high valued homes greater premiums. Due to decline in number of Reserve Firefighters over the past few years, it has become necessary to instead, hire part-time Fire Fighters and pay them a salary that will keep them on job. These firemen will be paid adequate hourly rate that will not include insurance benefits. Airport is NOT staffed with full time professional Firefighters. (2-14-15, Airplane fire on runway. Blaze underneath fuel tanks. SGFD dispatched to Airport. How far did they have to travel to airport? Time and distance is of the essence. We can be grateful this was not a commercial passenger plane full of passengers.) The immediate future will require the purchase of New Engine Pumper, Ladder Truck and Brush Trucks. Fire trucks and equipment are very expensive and have to be ordered a year or longer in advance in order to get them when needed. Human Resource Department reported that part-time employees are leaving for full-time jobs. Leisure Services Department is feeling the pinch. Calls for service are going up. Compensation program requires updating for city to be competitive and to provide fair compensation to valued employees. Folks, I haven’t space to list the demands placed on Legal Services Department and how over worked and burden this department has become. We have incredibly gifted and dedicated city employees. It is imperative that Priorities be established. Please take the time to communicate your values to elected officials.                      Thank you, ED BACA

THE TIES THAT BIND

WHO LOVES YOU BABY? NO COINSIDENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERECE CHOSEN TO RECEIVE FIRST STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS - GENERAL PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND NOON LUNCHEON IF YOU CAN AFFORD TIME AND MONEY TO PAY FOR PRIVILEGE

Its unavoidable…..I cannot hide my disappointment in political activity coming out of City Hall leading up to City Council Meeting of February 4^th…..Like many of you I looked forward to hearing the 1^st State of the City Address. It should have been presented in the People’s House…..City Hall Council Chamber…..Or if necessary another Public Venue where citizens could gather and receive the fruits provided by Taxpayer Dollars.  Instead the Public was given the opportunity to pay to hear what progress is being made within City Government…..Public denied the opportunity to mingle and talk among ourselves and with those elected to represent us. Historic Event Honors went to the Money Makers (Chamber of Commerce Members)…..Many of whom…..Do Not live within the City Limits, and cannot vote in city elections. Perhaps this gives us an understanding of where the saying comes from…..Money Talks (Money gives one power and influence to help get things done, get one’s own way) or The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Poorer. (Mark 4.25 “For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath”). Folks, as you know I am a supporter of the Mayor and his efforts to make a positive change. It may be the Mayor, may no longer be as friendly as he once was given my straight talk. I understand how important it is for him to maintain his standing with Council Members……Those I am willing to call to task. I have found when you challenge one you in effect take them all on as they band together, especially during an election year which this is for, Almquist, Arial and Hughes. However, distasteful it may be, I feel these thoughts needed to be publicly expressed. My feelings could best be summarized in Matthew 25.30…..“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. FYI, I have taken to using religious wording, given that all Council Members are active Church members and thereby, my words hopefully, will not fall on deaf ears. I am equally concerned that public office holders may be giving the appearance of a Pied Piper….. Giving taxpayer money away by co-sponsoring events….. Then seek support for re-election to office from recipients of taxpayer money. Appearance of wrong doing is harmful to all.

Having gotten this matter off my chest I will move on to reporting on Council Meeting. It began with a Pastor from a Christian Church located in the City of Washington giving the invocation. He was followed by a Boy Scout leading the Pledge of Allegiance. My friends, there were 30 Boy Scouts present, including their leaders, who recited Scout Law/Motto. These young men represented different Wards/Troops. I wish to stress the importance of this…..As it presents a clear picture of the True Character of our community that extends far and beyond the political concerns I voiced earlier. I believe we need to protect values we hold near and dear…..By the manner in which we conduct our political business.  We should do nothing to draw demeaning comments by questionable political practices. Those wishing to attack religious beliefs eagerly await an opportunity to do so…..Regardless of which religion we may choose to practice…..I know this is a delicate topic and I do not take it lightly, nor will I shy away from it.….. We must stand up and be counted. An example of this came from an unidentified person who simply stated “If it wasn’t for Mormon Values, many of us probably wouldn’t have moved here.” We need to remember this as do our elected officials. (City Ordinance and Code Enforcement Reform remains unanswered).

City Council Workshop Meeting January 29^th Greg McArthur, Director of Chamber of Commerce presented to Council an update on earlier request for the City to make available to the Chamber  the Old Water Conservatory Building (Now owned by the City) located across the street from where the Chamber is now housed. Mr. McArthur presented remodeling plans. The Conference Room is to be made bigger (36 ft.) with an open office space area. If the proposal is approved by the City, the Chamber will spend $100,000 up to $150,000 on the building. At the end of rental agreement the building will revert to the city with all remodeling in place at no cost to City. I asked Mr. McArthur if he expected the rent to be $1.00 per year and he replied that he was hoping so. City Mgr. Esplin then asked that the completed proposal be submitted to the City as soon as possible for final approval. From Mr. Esplin’s demeanor I surmised that this was a done deal as Mr. Esplin usually gets what he wants. I was impressed with Mr. Mc Arthurs update on growth of Chamber, 100% plus since he took the reins as director. Mr. McArthur has also grown and developed as evident by his improved administrative skills. I would not be surprised to see him follow in his grandfather and father’s footsteps by one day becoming a member of the City Council. After all if Jimmie can do it so can Greg. I think he favors his mother’s side of family, an attractive and likeable young man.

My friends, when you recognize the close working relationship that exists between the City and Chamber of Commerce it is easy to see why the Mayor elected to make the 1^st State of the City Address before the Chamber of Commerce. I don’t agree with it but I understand it.

Public Comments February 4^th Council Meeting: Lauren Cummings asked that funds from the newly approved Rap Tax be utilized for a Dog Park and proposed Millcreek Park be selected. You can tell this will be a re-election year for Councilman Hughes when he let Miss Cummings know that approval was given to things, not all of us participate in, but some of us do. I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the Dog Park or the Lions Rodeo at the Sun Bowl. I guess Jimmie and I have a lot to learn.

Public Hearings: City approved approx. 105.9 acres generally located between 3000 East and the Virgin River and fronts on Mall Drive to be changed from Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Open Space and Commercial to Medium Density Residential, Professional Office, Open Space, and Commercial. Also approved zone change from Open Space and A-1 to RE-20 on property located at approx. 3900 South and Bentley Road. You can expect to see residential development near adjacent Flood Plain. Mr. Esplin qualified his remarks by saying this was a request for a zone change not development. He, I believe was saying we have concerns yes, but we will cross that bridge when we discuss Development. Councilman Hughes said he would prefer to see cows out there but was willing to accept what was coming. It was duly noted that Councilman Hughes made motion to approve request, seconded by Councilwoman Arial. Councilman Bowcutt voted to approve. Councilman Almquist voted NO. The motion carried 3 to 1.

Mayor Pike reported that Councilwoman Randall was excused from tonight’s meeting as she was helping her daughter. Meeting ended with request for Closed Session. Wording of statute authorizing a closed session is deserving of greater public scrutiny. Appearance of a “Shadow” government should be dispelled.                                                                          Thank you, ED BACA