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