RESPECT AND FAIR PLAY FOR WOMEN OF CITY

SUN BOWL - A PERFECT FIT FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND UTAH YOUTH RUGBY

DIXIE RED HILLS CLUBHOUSE - A TRAVESTY OF JUSTIC ENDURED BY LADIES

March 26^th Council Meeting began with recognition of the Community Education Channel. For those who subscribe to Caple T.V. it’s a simple matter of turning to channel 22. A live presentation of City Council Meeting and if by chance you happen to miss it you can always watch replays. We have come to take televised city council meetings for granted as they have become common place. In our world…..Freedom of Speech is akin to breathing. It just comes naturally. Mark Mortenson, who sits on the Board of C.E.C. representing St. George City shared with us that C.E.C. does amazing things. It comes out of the confines of Dixie State University providing a litany of Public Service projects throughout Washington County.  Although C.E.C. operates independently you may find representatives from other cities on the Board. City pays $1.00 per capita and the cable company collects $1.00 from each subscriber all of which goes to the successful operation of C.E.C. under the umbrella of Dixie State University.   

City Manager Esplin reported that C.E.C. was first started to get information out to the public. To show how a particular service operates, something relative to city’s participation. Over the years the education channel has grown, bringing various production services to the public. Esplin suggested that C.E.C. could show case each construction phase of the Electric Theater or All Abilities Park showing the internal workings of the city. Mayor Pike offered the thought that city could introduce “some of our people.” Being the skeptic that I am, I immediately recognized the fact that giving a podium to a council member on an election year tends to give political advantage to those running for re-election.  This was dispelled with the suggestion that presentations could be made by others employed in any number of city departments.  All in all not a bad idea to bring the public up to date on who and what may be impacting the city at any given time.

FAIR PLAY WITH TAXPAYER MONEY

Putting this concept into practice I have chosen to connect a current day event that is deserving of recognition with one of past years that appears to have died on the vine. I ask that you keep in mind the Sun Bowl Rodeo and the male dominated Lions Club.

My thoughts turn to old fashion values. One is treating women with respect. This is exemplified by displaying respect and giving recognition to those who deserve it. I am of course referring to the women of the city. In support of this principle I will assume that we all admire and hold in esteem the women of our city. This should be matched with deeds.

COMMUNICATIONS FOR READERS TO PONDER (Segments: Between DRH and Council member.)

Date: 14^th Nov 2008. I haven’t had any response from my last two emails. I guess I can understand your reluctance to reply. If I was in your position, I think my conscience would be bothering me, too. I am not going to say that we have been lied to, but I will say that we have reached a point where we find it hard to believe anything that comes out of a city office.

Date: 17 Nov 2008. So sorry not to have responded to your earlier email. We honestly thought the new club house would be up and running by now…..I am so sorry about this – I know it was begun and footings (or some of the ground work) done, but from what I understand it will be a while before it can be resumed. I’ll keep you posted.

Date: 17 Nov 2008. I apologize that you haven’t heard from me with your concerns. I have been out of town since the 10^th……Please let me know if you haven’t gotten an answer yet on the clubhouse. You are correct that we have planned this project for some time and worked it into the budget finally. If you still have questions, I’ll get the answers for you.

Note: During the intervening years in which the Ladies of St. George were being put off as indicated by the above listed communications the Lions Club (I believe) appeared before the Council and requested and received financial city support in the form of “Sponsorship” for the Lions Rodeo Event. (To date promises made to DRH Ladies have not been kept.)

Note: Following presentation on C.E.C. the City Council gave approval to expand the use of the Sun Bowl by allowing Girls Rugby Matches with a potential agreement with the Utah Youth Rugby’s Girls Division. This fits in with Councils stated position to increase use of the Sun Bowl, for the intended purpose of justifying, spending of taxpayer dollars on the refurbishing of the Sun Bowl. To its credit Utah Youth Rugby, represented by Matt and Boyd Kenewisher stated that city would NOT be asked to waive fees for their use of Sun Bowl and in fact they would work to raise money in support of city improvement efforts.  WOW! Is this refreshing news? It’s kind of like…..Ask not what your city can do for you, but what you can do for your city.  Welcome, Utah Youth Rugby.

PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT

On its face does it appear the city is acting fairly and responsibly in how it uses city resources? Does it appear to you that the city favors the Lions Club over Dixie Red Hills Ladies Club?  I cannot help but to think of President Hinckley who said “Who can put a price tag on the influence a mother has on her children, a grandmother on her posterity, or aunts and sisters on their extended family? We cannot begin to measure or calculate the influence of women who, in their own ways, build stable family life and nurture for everlasting good the generations of the future.” The women of DRH are such women and are deserving of better treatment.                                                          Thank you, ED BACA

TO GROW, TO ACHIEVE

 GOOD, BETTER, BEST. NEVER REST UNTIL GOOD IS BETTER AND BETTER IS BEST.  MOTHER GOOSE

March 19^th City Council Meeting assured City growth will continue…..You won’t have to ask where as you will clearly see a changing skyline casting a shadow over the Virgin River, as it flows past the Young Single Adults Church Building and Millcreek High School.  What a difference a Bridge Makes…..Mall Drive Bridge has brought with it a Huge Commercial and Residential Development. This is sure to provide a larger Property and Sales Tax Base for the City, placing another feather on City Manager’s cap. Perhaps we should pause and consider changing City name to something that will reflect Gary’s accomplishments. How does, ESPLINVILLE sound? My friends, it cannot be denied, Gary has had a profound impact on this once, small residential community. St. George has been propelled into what any incorporated business would proudly proclaim as a money making machine.  I$ this what the city has become? A reflection on what we value and embrace?

AFTERTHOUGHT…..City may very well need every penny it can get its hands on. Especially if Code Enforcement Lawsuit against city ever makes it into a Federal Court Room where people will have to place their hand on Bible and give sworn testimony. More and more it appears city is willing to do everything possible, including sitting on their hands to keep out of court room. Isn’t that what it looks like to you, considering lack of action on Code Enforcement Reform?

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE…..I may have sounded critical of Councilman Almquist in the past concerning allegations of non- compliance with City Ordinances. It is equally important to recognize his good work as well. The Greyhawk Apartment Development referred to above is to cover an area of 11.75 acres and consist of 244 units. Gil recognized the impact upon Police and Fire Services this zone change will make as it clears the way for continued growth. Folks, 12 years of monitoring Council performance this is the FIRST time, I can recall hearing a councilman voicing a concern for the added demands being placed on the police as a result of Council Action. Gil acknowledged an increase in the number of calls as well as the heavy burden domestic calls place upon the police. An increase in number of traffic accidents and driving violations attest to need to improve traffic enforcement capabilities. High Tech/Computer generated crimes require additional manpower. In the past the issue of Public Safety appeared to be left in the hands of the City Manager and Mayor. It has not gone unnoticed that City Manager proudly touts the fact that the City does not adhere to National Standards on staffing police department. I know it pains Gary to hear what city pays for Public Safety…..I believe he prefers to spend money on Money Making enterprises. When pressed by Council to spend money on Pet Projects, especially those that will curry favor from those desirous of receiving public money. For example: City Sponsorship of Special Events. All too often in the past, Sponsorships have come at the expense of public employees. This symbol of duplicity of course pays dividends to those running for re-election and I am sure Gary never forgets that he serves at the pleasure of the Council. For this reason the willingness of Mr. Almquist to express concerns for Police and Fire is worthy of a commendation. 

     COUNCILMAN JIMMIE HUGHES MORPH’S INTO SANTA GIVING CITY MONEY AWAY

A larger Sales Tax Base makes it possible for Councilman Hughes to continue to expand his boyish appetite for giving city money away as he grows…..Not only to fill his Santa’s Suit, but grows the skill, talent, and expertise that casts him as a polished politician. I fully expect Jimmie will expend every effort to be re-elected this year as made evident by his actions of this night. Folks, this Council Meeting included a last minute addendum to the agenda. To consider approval of a Special Event permit for a Sun Bowl Concert. Simmons Media and St. George News are applicants. The City Council appears willing to Sponsor and Subsidize, every Event Possible at the Sun Bowl…..So that it can be said that the Sun Bowl is being used for something else other, than just the Lions Rodeo. This will surely justify future spending on Rebuilding the dilapidated Sun Bowl. How gullible must they think us to be? It’s all about the Rodeo! It always has been and it always will be. As expected, approval to use Sun Bowl for a concert easily passed.  What happened next not only surprised and disturbed me, but I could clearly see the consternation on City Managers face. Three individuals representing the applicants proceeded to grease the skids with the magic words.  We promote “Family Friendly” entertainment. Of course we all know that “Family” is very meaningful to Church members and public at large. They are sweet words indeed. What caused my eyebrows, to go up was the follow up request. The applicants asked Council to make available to promotors the City owned stage. This private enterprise made it known that the only place they could get a similar stage was in Las Vegas and that would cost them $4,000. To his credit City Manager expressed that it was not right for the City to subsidize a Private Business. Helping one business could be viewed as preferential treatment and be considered a disadvantage to other businesses they compete with.

THAT’S when I saw Jimmie morph into Santa. Jimmie appeared to jump at the thought…..If we can’t give them stage…..Lets RENT it to them. It was clear to me Jimmie was seeking a way to circumvent established fiscal principles and by so doing jeopardized city assets. He went on to suggest, surely we can find a way to get this done. City Manager displaying his frustration methodically explained that the city was not in the Equipment Rental Business and if the Council was to decide to go down this path, accepted business practices would of necessity need to be followed. The City Attorney then rendered his legal advice in support of the City Manager. If we are in Rental Business we have to be ALL in. Consideration has to be given to liabilities that would extend to city as well as need to protect the stage as a valued asset. City has to consider the cost for putting up the stage at the Sun Bowl. It would take 2 city employees at least 4 hours to do so. This is paid for by taxpayer money. Folks, the frustration having set in the City Manager sat back and contemplated the problem. I believe that he then remembered that he served at the pleasure of the Council. Giving the matter consideration it was suggested that the City could waive the $1000 fee for use of Sun Bowl, plus the 5% added cost associated with fee. If City was to sponsor the event the liability issues would go away making it easier for promoters to turn a profit. Money saved by Promoters could then be used to rent the stage from the city. These antics convince me that when Mrs. Esplin lays his head on his pillow at night he leaves a trail of tears wondering what he has done to deserve these blessings.  My ending thoughts of this Council Meeting were, “Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.”      Thank you, ED BACA

IS THE FEDERAL CASE AGAINST CITY

 THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE IT APPEARS A WHOLE LOT MORE NEEDS TO BE KNOWN ABOUT CODE ENFORCEMENT AND LACK THEREOF

March 12^th City Council Meeting cancelled. It may have just been a coincidence that the local newspaper led with a front page headline the day before….. Giving notice that prosecutors had filed to have continued…..The Federal Lawsuit against the city……3,200 violations are alleged to have occurred with an estimated 16,000 having had their properties encumbered and/or had been fined as part of “Ordinance Enforcement Scheme”. Folks, these are pretty hard and damning words that reflect directly on how the City is and has been administered over a period of years. Perhaps the Council Meeting was cancelled to permit City Government more time to prepare for their reply to the Federal Court this coming Friday 3/13/15.

In any event how is it? that something so serious and costly to the city is allowed to remain in limbo for a period of years?  City Ordinance 1-7A-6 Powers and Duties: The city manager shall be the administrative head of the government of the city under the direction and control of the mayor and city council, except as otherwise provided in this article. He shall be responsible for the efficient administration of all affairs of the city which are under his control.  In addition to his general powers as administrative head, and not as a limitation thereon, he shall have the powers set forth in the following subsections:

A.     Law Enforcement: It shall be the duty of the city manager to enforce all laws and ordinances of the city.

B.     Authority Over Employees: It shall be the duty of the city manager, and he shall have authority, to control, order and give directions to all heads of departments and to subordinate officers and employees of the city under his jurisdiction through their department heads. (Ord. 1978-24, 6-15-1978, eff. 9-1-1978)

I bring this matter to your attention as on the March 5^th City Council Meeting a citizen of Bloomington requested a “Little More Enforcement” to clear up city rental ordinances that appear to be neglected. (Refer to above listed City Ordinance 1-7A-6)

The newspaper article referred to the lawsuit of 2013 in which it “Alleged Widespread Criminal Violations among elected officials and city staff.” The newspaper article by David DeMille reported that “Mayor Pike and several members of the City Council have expressed interest in making changes to the code enforcement program, although they have been reluctant to do so with the lawsuit still in court.” Folks, I ask you, do you believe the Powers and Duties Ordinance listed above are being complied with? Do you believe the City Manager is acting at the direction and approval of the Mayor and City Council…..Or is it conceivable that he is acting on his own?  I think not. It appears to me that while the city manager influences the Mayor and City Council…..That City politics may be at play…..Especially when you read in the paper that the Mayor said, “I don’t think we’re going to want to wait until it’s over (Lawsuit)  because that’s going to take some time.” “We’re all on the same page that we’d like to be able to do some things.” Folks, since it has already taken years to bring the matter of Code Enforcement to this point….. Is it not comforting to know that our elected officials are now able to walk and chew gum at the same time?

Now, just to put the matter of Code Enforcement Reform into perspective let me share with you my observations of the last decade watching City Government in action. A few years ago and under the supervision of past City Council the City grew to become what is known as an Entitlement City. This made it possible for the City to receive a greater amount of Federal Money. The growth of the City was off and running. This followed a period which, in my opinion, many old time families and land owners realized that land previously thought to be of little value was now worth millions. An example of this is Sun River property which at one time in the last 15 years or so could be purchased for $11,000 per acre. There were other areas with a similar history. 

Well to make a long story short suffice it to say that homes and business started to flourish throughout the 65 square mile area that makes up our city. This brought together old, modestly priced homes and those with a value of several hundred thousand dollars and those valued into the millions. I believe our elected officials recognized the need to clean up the community and make it more attractive to new home buyers. After all you have to attract big spenders to want to move here. In an attempt to clean up the city…..Culture values collided. Old time residents were accustomed to collecting and storing items throughout their property. The desire to do so extended throughout the entire city. The City Council in its infinite wisdom decided to increase the number of Code Enforcement Officers to 4 and turned them loose in the community to follow their…..I believe written and unwritten directives. Folks, it didn’t take long for the backlash to occur, pitting the old with the new. Those in office didn’t have to be hit with a board on the head to, recognized they had released the wrath of Old Time Voters. The very ones that kept them in office and allowed them free rein to spend the new found wealth coming into the city. I am of the opinion that before they came to their senses and decided to act it was too late. Unfortunately those who felt victimized joined in what we now know to be a Class Action Lawsuit. I believe that City Government went into a do nothing mode…..Trying to dodge a legal bullet and leaving residents unprotected.  What makes it even worse is that the powers that be are no longer able to keep such matters under the jurisdiction of a Justice Court where they have greater influence. This of course is clearly evident as matters appear to have gotten out of control and now we find ourselves in Federal Court.  Depending on the findings of Court…..This may very well result in costing taxpayers…..Hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions. Do any of you have any idea how many thousands of dollars the City has already spend on legal fees? Up to now it appears that City Government has been content with having Salt Lake Lawyers tell them what to do. Perhaps we are starting to see a rainbow appearing on the horizon that will bring City Government to the realization that something has to be done now.

 

I will share the words of Stake President Barry Bundy with Mayor and City Council. “I believe in progression. We practice to be better. Do better today we will all be better tomorrow.”

Thank you, ED BACA            

WE HAVE GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

March 5^th City Council meeting began with COMMENTS from the public…..Starting with the NOT So Good News brought forward by husband and wife, (Brad & Marta of Bloomington) in which Vacation Home…..Short Term Rentals….. In Residential Areas, continues to be a hot issue for full time family residents. Brad and Marta presented themselves as loving parents genuinely concerned with their community. They left me with the impression of wanting to protect their children from unwanted, detrimental/unhealthy experiences that potentially could jeopardize the sanctity and security, they were led to expect in the family oriented City of St. George.

Brad described two homes listed on Vacation Rental Advertisements. Over a recent holiday period these two homes had 27 cars parked between the two homes. Folks, it was clear to me that if each car represented 2 Renters, this would total 54 persons. At an average of 4 renters per car this would total 108 Short Term Renters. It appears that some, in the business of buying homes for the purpose of renting them…..At the suspected rate of $1000 per day, MAY not be following the spirit of the law. While homes may be rented by the month…..It is suspected that some renters may come in for two or three days and then may be replaced by other short term renters.  It is easy to understand and appreciate the concerns of parents. Some of you may recall along with me the time when you could let your kids go outside and play for hours at a time…..Without worry over who they were playing with or who was nearby. Homes were made up of full time family residents, some with children, others not, yet all acquainted. Kids went to school together and they knew the parents of their playmates.

In today’s world, Renters may and do come from all over the world and indeed may come from Any State in the nation. We all know or should know that to be Worldly today includes vices and undesirable elements….. That in the name of decency I will not describe…..Nor will I mention, other than to state….. We, as a society, have a need…..To register and monitor Sex and Substance Abuse Offenders.   In order to protect ourselves from the dangers of the world and to maintain sanitary conditions etc. We as citizens have elected officials who are expected to enact/enforce City Codes & Ordinances to protect us.

Sadly, we learned this night from another Bloomington resident (John Matthews) that when discussing concerns with a property owner who rents homes such as described, he was told that if you “Don’t like it,” home could be turned into a Halfway House. Mayor and Council were told we need “A little more Enforcement to clear up this issue”. Bloomington residents displaying appropriate and respectful demeanor put forth the thought that paying of taxes, as well as appropriate fines for violation of City Codes falls within the preview of the City Council and appropriate action by the City is requested. The Mayor responded by asking the City Attorney to explain City Codes and Enforcement difficulties /obstacles. It was explained that “There is NO WAY of proving that it is not a friend or relative occupying the house.  It was also pointed out that the existing fine for violation of City Ordinance was $25.00 per day…..This is not very meaningful when considering that homes are being rented for $1000 per day.  A violator appearing before the Justice Court, knowing this simply said, just fine me, it’s the cost of doing business. I will pay it and be on my way…..Still making an exorbitant profit from violation of city code.

The really SAD part of this discussion is the fact that City Government is and HAS been, for a very long period of time, been aware/knowledgeable of the need to review and reform City Codes and Enforcement practices. (Specifically Rental Issues).  Therefore, to hear the Mayor say, “ We ought to be able to do something to protect our residential zones” and “I’d like to have legal staff review this and come back to us,” sounds to any clear thinking citizen…..A day late, and a dollar short.  To further compound this “I didn’t know the gun was loaded mentality is the statement made by Councilman Hughes to those presenting concerns before the Council, “That’s a big help. Thank you for coming in.” This, I believe coming from a person who, in my opinion, has been very instrumental in the breakdown of Code Enforcement makes me want to cry. The portrayal that this is all new to them is most disturbing and disappointing as it reflects on the character of the man or woman.  Please note that Councilwoman Arial was not present due to illness.

NOW for the Good News. A new shopping center was approved with Lin’s Market serving as the anchor. It is to be located at Mall Drive and 3000 East. Steve Miner, representing Lin’s Market made one of the best presentations I have heard. He thoroughly described the soon to be built Shopping Center that will service Little Valley and Washington Fields area. Not only will this provided needed revenue to City it is expected to provide relief to traffic demands not to mention the drainage of water  by a much improved water channel. The Shopping Center is to be functional, well landscaped with appropriate signage designed to enhance the surrounding area. Well done and kudos to City Staff who facilitated the process.  

Council approved $107,600 for building of 12 additional Pickleball Courts in Little Valley bringing the total to 24 courts. Construction is expected to be completed by October in time for Huntsman Senior Games. Those active in the Pickleball community contribute greatly to the building of facilities.

Hal Hickman, representing St. James, Boulders, Eagle Ridge and Quail Valley was present and thanked the Council for the soon to be placed Signal Light at St. James and River Road. In the newly established Boulders Newsletter this group has indicated its intent to continue to work with City Staff to protect their neighborhoods from pending commercial development that they feel will harm their areas. Thanks and approval was given to the Mall Drive development with the expression that Lin’s Market will be beneficial to all.

Thank you, ED BACA

THE CATS OUT OF THE BAG!

THE UNFAIRNESS OF IT ALL HAS UNQUESTIONABLY BEEN REVEALED….. WE NOW KNOW THAT THE HAND OF PROFIDENCE HAS SMILED UPON THE LIONS CLUB – SUN BOWL WHO HAVE RECEIVED RICHES (TAXPAYER MONEY) MORE ABUNDANTLY THAN THAT OF THEIR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. THEY APPEAR TO WEAR STIFF NECKS AND HIGH HEADS BECAUSE (INTOXICATED WITH CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT) THEY SUPPOSE THEY ARE BETTER AND POLITICALLY MORE DESERVING THAN THEY ARE. (Source of inspiration Jacob 2:13)

JUST ASK COUNCIL MEMBERS ALMQUIST, BOWCUTT, HUGHES AND RANDALL TO EXPLAIN THEIR STATEMENTS IN SUPPORT OF LIONS SUN BOWL AND COMPARE WITH TREATMENT GIVEN TO DIXIE RED HILLS LADIES GOLF ASSOC. THE RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.)

THE CAT WAS LET OUT OF THE BAG in the Conference Room of City Hall on Feb. 26^th.   Wayne Pace followed up on earlier request that City support a Quarry Trail at the Red Hills Golf Course. Folks, many of you may not know that a Rock Quarry exists adjacent to the Golf Course, on BLM Land and known as a Turtle Preserve. The significance of the Quarry is that it was the source of the Stone used to build Historic Schools and The Temple. Mr. Pace asked City to permit building an attractive Entrance and Trail to accommodate public access to the Quarry. A critical issue exists in that the Trail may impact City Golf Property and The Tortoise Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. This not only impacts the sanctity of the Turtles that BLM wishes to preserve, but more importantly is the fact that the Trail lies across the path where Golf Balls may be in flight and accidently strike a hiker/tourist going to the Rock Quarry. City Mgr. Esplin asked, “Who is going to accept liability if someone is hit? A non- golfer, out for a stroll to the Quarry Trail approved by the City. That’s the risk you take. Gary advised Council that the City has an obligation to mitigate conditions that may endanger the public. “I guarantee you we (City) are playing with fire…..If Council wants to go forward they do so knowing the risk. I don’t see how. You are still in danger, what risks are you (Council) willing to take? The Mayor asked the City Attorney, Guzman for his legal opinion. Mr. Guzman stated, if someone gets hit…..tough one to defend. Don’t see how you avoid liability.  Folks, the discussion ended with Mr. Pace being advised to first obtain an understanding on what BLM will approve and then return to Council for further discussion.

Red Hills Golf Course having come to the forefront set the stage for Council Woman, Arial to inquire about the status of Dixie Red Hills Clubhouse which of course cannot be discussed without recognizing Dixie Red Hills Ladies Golf Association….. Who, I believe have literally, been begging for help….. To relieve unsafe and unsanitary conditions endured for MANY YEARS. Folks, I direct your attention to the above listed concerns expressed by the City of its duty to mitigate dangerous conditions and the recognition of liabilities that extend to the City. Evidently when it comes to dangerous/ unsafe conditions facing the Women of the City, it appears that they are summarily dismissed and ignored.  I am referring to almost 13 years of requests for relief forwarded to the City by a Women’s Club…..I ask that you compare the same period of time with ALL the SUPPORT and Financial Assistance given to the Lions Club…..Where the Men who live in and OUT of the City seem to run the roost when it comes to getting support from the City Manager, Past and Present City Council Members and Mayor. It is Mind Boggling and Shameful to see the Double Standards applied when spending taxpayer dollars.

My comments on the experiences of the oldest and largest Lady’s Association in the city may seem Harsh, but I believe accurate. Without reviewing each communication dating back to 2/27/06 I will provide a short recap of communication sent to City dated 2/1/13. “We had 87 players at Dixie Red Hills Ladies Golf Assoc. The hallway was so crowded that one could hardly get in and out of building. I’m pretty sure that if the Fire Dept. ever arrived, they would have shut us down. Many of us just waited out in the parking lot in the 30 degree temperatures until we could get in and pay our green fees”. “City’s budget includes money for several new parks. How is it that there is never money to replace an almost 50 year old building that surely isn’t up to code in many areas?” Suffice it to say that the building has been condemned for 8 years and the Ladies have been denied access to upstairs section because it is a Fire Trap. Only one way out and the carpeting is so bad the Ladies now meet in the parking lot. It did not go un-noticed that Sun Brook Golf Course (Where the City Mgr. regularly plays) recently obtained new carpet. Member statement: “The restrooms are not to code. No Handicap Accommodations. The bathroom on the Course has Holes in the wall”. “Went to see Mayor and was informed by staff that it would take him a while to read all the communications from so many years. Not even the remotest idea of conditions cited. It was just a waste of time”. It appears, to many that the Lions Club-Rodeo receives all the attention. In 2009 the Ladies Assoc. were told that money had been allotted in the budget for a Pre-Fab Building. It never happened and the Ladies were left dismayed as promised relief faded away.

 During the brief discussion this topic generated, the City Manager referred to it by saying “It reflects on us”. The Council was informed that if they choose to act on this, do it with your eyes wide open….Budget for it if we are going to do it. Gary acknowledged that there is a danger of falling through the floor and there is no way to save or renovate existing building. It has to be completely demolished and a New Building erected. The City will be preparing a new budget and this is the opportune time to act. No person and No city is perfect. It is understood that financial limitations exist. However, the facts previously cited confirm and reinforce the importance of setting priorities and the need to stop most favored treatment to one party or organization…..Especially over such a long period of time. It is a matter of doing right…..The city should not ignore need to address liabilities any more that they should continue to ignore the need for 24/7 Fire Stations in Little Valley and Code Enforcement Reform. There is nothing wrong in recognizing areas that need improvement.                                                                                       Thank you, ED BACA