AND AWAY WE GO WITH A MIXTURE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE TO INCREASE SALE TAX REVENUES

  AND A HANDOUT TAXPAYER MONEY FROM CITY GOVERNMENT KNOWN AS SPONSORSHIPS/ SEED MONEY – GIVEN TO PRIVATE AND NON-PROFIT ENTITIES

CITY ADAPTS TO WORLDLY GOALS - IMPERVIOUS TO INDEBTEDNESS MITIGATED BY ISSUANCE OF BONDS SEEKING IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO HAPPILY LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS?

 IS IT POSSIBLE THAT GROWTH COULD BE SLOWED SIMPLY BY LEAVING IT IN THE HANDS OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE WITHOUT CITY SPONSHORSHIPS

City Council Meeting scheduled for April 23^rd having been cancelled provided the opportunity to report on Council Meeting of April 16^th.  It began with members of the Lions Club standing at the podium…..Declaring the Lions Club to be a Community Service Organization that supports young people…..Coming forward this day to present the city with a check in the amount of $10,000 to be used in the building of the All Abilities Park.  It was made known that this was made possible by the city’s Tremendous Support of the Sun Bowl Rodeo…..Brought about by the many years of City/Lions partnership. (Meaning City Sponsorship of Rodeo in which taxpayer money is spent to offset cost of Rodeo incurred by Lions Club. In effect the city assumes part of the financial burden the Lions Club would otherwise have to shoulder. From a layman’s point of view one hand washes the other. The Lions Club thus has money to give back to the city.) Hillary couldn’t have said or, done it any better. The mayor was quick to point out that the Lions Club helped to fill the depressed coral area (At no cost to city) thus enlarging the parking area. It certainly appears that the phrase…..AND AWAY WE GO aptly applies to the expected Re-building of the Sun Bowl which apparently is what the City and Lions are working up to doing. One can only wonder…..Which Construction Company will get the bid to re-build the Sun Bowl…..Perhaps one that has donated time, labor and equipment to other city projects at no cost. Time will tell.

HOWEVER, recognition should be given to all St. George Lions Clubs for their hard work in promoting events such as the Dixie Downs Horse Races held at the County Fair Grounds. Be it Horse Races or Rodeo’s…..The Lions Club can be expected to contribute proceeds to charitable causes…..No matter where the event takes place. Kudo’s to the Lions club for their commitment to the residents of Washington County. Please note that the Stock Show held at the County Fair Grounds was a credit to the YOUTH of our community and a rounding success. Perhaps it is time to move the Lions Rodeo to the County Fair Grounds. It most certainly would be a more prudent use of taxpayer money. This may be a mute-point now that the city has positioned itself to issue bonds (Indebting taxpayers for millions of dollars in order to acquire immediate cash) it can NOW move forward on many projects that may include the re-building of the Sun Bowl. In other words, city will be spending future Rap Tax Revenue now, not waiting 10 years for tax money to come in to city coffers…..IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION.

First Agenda Item: Council to consider approval of the financial report for March 2015.  City Manager Esplin reported city’s sales tax revenue to be up over 6 percent and overall general fund revenues to be up over 4 percent from last year. City expenditures were reported to be down. This prompted the Mayor to say “Golf made some money” to which City Manager replied, “Not enough”. Gary, perhaps this is opportune time to recognize importance of PRIVATE ENTERPRISE by giving FREE MARKET PLACE its head. You may further reduce city expenditures and increase sales tax revenues by SELLING, shall we say half of city owned golf courses. Gary, just think of it. This could also release city from keeping its word to Dixie Red Hills Golf Members by having a private company invest its money into building a more desirable and profitable golf course and club house.

Folks, why is it that the city having grown out of its small town handicaps to development (Excuse the pun) continue to spend taxpayer money/sponsorships…..When it could relinquish its control by inviting Private Enterprise to develop the market place.  COULD it simply be the desire to maintain power and authority by way of political favors? 

Allowing public time to consider the above listed points, I gladly report to you that item 3A on the agenda did recognize PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. A zoning change was granted to Stephen Wade Auto Center for the building of a Mercedes-Benz dealership. This will allow private development of 2.2 acres that is to include construction of a 20,000 square foot facility that will provide employment opportunities and a much stronger tax base. Citizens of SG may look forward to financial relief by an expected increase in sales tax revenues. (Car sales are a major contributor to city budget.)

My friends we have covered a lot of ground in this article. No doubt I have been inspired to do so by what is taking place in national politics. Whatever your political persuasion may be, we as concerned citizens should be attentive to the direction government is taking, be it national or municipal government.  You should know the City Council is now preparing a new budget. They will be deciding on where and how taxpayer money is to be spent in the budget year 2015-2016.

Therefore I will take the privilege of referring you and SG Council to an enlightening article entitled, Happily Living within Our Means – Ensign Jan. 2008. “Building on a foundation of solid spiritual and financial principles is the best safeguard against economic disaster.” I expect all of our elected municipal officials are aware of this…..Being that they are all members of the Church. I will none the less refer Council to item 3 of said article. “I will be cautious about incurring debt. Debt may be essential when purchasing an essential asset, such as a house, but it can destroy me when used to buy things I don’t need.”

Careful consideration should be given to “Things we don’t need”, like re-building Sun Bowl when County Fair Grounds are available at little or no cost to taxpayers.

Our condolence to Barbara Leadenham, co-owner of Senior Sampler upon the death of her father. Barbara remains in England with family and husband Peter has safely returned to St. George.

Thank you, ED BACA

 

 

LACKING FINESSE PLANNING COMMISSION PASSES THE BUCK TO COUNCIL MONEY TALKS AND BULLSH*T WALKS. TOP DEFINITION

GOOD POLITICIANS ARE THOSE THAT PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO MAKE SOMETHING WORK THAT REALLY ACHIEVE RESULTS. THOSE THAT JUST TALK THE TALK ABOUT VARIOUS ISSUES, ALL TOO OFTEN TO MAKE THEMSELVES SOUND GOOD WITHOUT ACHIEVING ANYTHING. By Teddy B 12/24/09 Urban Dictionary

 WE ARE ABOUT TO FIND OUT WHAT OUR COUNCIL IS MADE OF

WHEN THEY TALK THE TALK ABOUT DIXIE SPIRIT – FAMILY VALUES – TRADITION – GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS WHERE IS NURTURING SENSE OF COMMUNITY TO BE FOUND?

City Planning Commission Meeting of April 14^th may have intentionally or unintentionally set the stage for SG City Council to reveal itself…..You will be glad to know that I am not referring to Code Enforcement Reform or the blatantly obvious favoritism shown to the Lions Rodeo Event….Hidden under the guise of Tradition.

 Folks, the Planning Commission is made up of citizens hand-picked by Mayor and approved by the City Council. Utah Code 10-9a-302. Planning commission powers and duties. The planning commission SHALL make a recommendation to the legislative body for:

(1)   A general plan and amendments to the general plan;

(2)   Land use ordinances, zoning maps, official maps, and amendments;

(3)   An appropriate delegation of power to at least one designated land use authority to hear and act on a land use application.

(4)   An appropriate delegation of power to at least one appeal authority to hear and act on an appeal from a decision of the land use authority; and

(5)   Application process that:

(a)    May include a designation of routine land use matters that, upon application and proper notice, will receive informal streamlined review and action if the application is uncontested; and

(b)    Shall protect the right of each:

(i)              Applicant and third party to require formal consideration of any application by a land use authority;

(ii)             Applicant, adversely affected party, or municipal officer or employee to appeal a land use authority’s decision to a separate appeal authority; and

(iii)            Participant to be heard in each public hearing on a contested application.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 254, 2005 General Session

Utah Municipal Code 10-9a-203. Notice of intent to prepare a general plan or comprehensive general plan amendments in certain municipalities.

(1)   Before preparing a proposed general plan or a comprehensive general plan amendment, each municipality within a county of the first or second class shall provide 10 calendar days notice of its intent to prepare a proposed general plan or a comprehensive general plan amendment:

(a)    To each affected entity.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT having been given with the listing of the above Utah Municipal Code sections I will review agenda item 7B: Consider a General Plan Amendment from Low Density Residential to Commercial. The proposal is to change the General Plan to allow for the future submittal of a commercial zone change. The property is located on the north side of 1580 East and River Road on approximately 1.4 acres. The applicant is River Road Inv. and Shefco. The representative is Mike Sheffield. (His father is Steve Sheffield the developer of the Summit Athletic Club/Jiffy Lube/Maverik. Steve is hoping to bring a commercial development to the big vacant lot located west of the Summit Club.)

The property in question is located on the west side of River Road where it intersects with 1450 South. The 1.4 acres is next to the north side of Bundy Lane…..It’s a dirt road below the backside of the St. James Homes that looks north to the Virgin River. You may have seen trucks dumping dirt to raise the Flood Plain level almost reaching the Virgin River. This agenda item only pertains to 1.4 acres. The large remaining acreage is not now at issue.  Currently there are 3 to 4 homes located on Bundy Lane. They look like old farm homes and if you don’t look closely you will missing seeing the entry way to Bundy Lane. To a layman, it may appear to be a piece meal approach in developing the entire site where you see dirt being dumped. I have been informed that $500,000 has already been spent just to bring the dirt onto this site. This has been an expensive long term investment for the property owner (s) and you may determine for yourself how this ties into Utah Codes regulating General Plan Amendments.

This Planning Commission meeting began with all commissioners being present. Also present was Councilman Bowcutt, representing the entire City Council. It was made known to the applicant and public that this meeting was ONLY to address GPA and not any other issue. Development of entire site would be addressed at a later time. This, as expected, rubbed citizens the wrong way. Representatives from the Boulders, Saint James, Eagle’s Ridge, Eagles Landing, and Quail Valley Neighborhoods informed the Planning Commission that commitments made a year ago concerning this specific site are not being complied with. Resident Tim Martin asked that provisions of a year ago be considered in total…..Traffic Study, agreement to work with residents needs to be followed. Jinx informed Commission that this should not be done incrementally, “We are seeing pieces. We want traffic study included.” The Commission was told “There is more animosity, concern than you can imagine” brought on by the manner in which this issue is being processed. The feeling was expressed that Planning Commission should not have to deal with this piece by piece, “It’s a Sheffield Problem”.

Steve Sheffield informed the Commission and Audience that concerning the Westside River Road Investments “I have no interest on Westside” This has been turned over to son Mike Sheffield and his brother. Steve related that he in effect has retired from being a developer and is now employed by the company and serves as a consultant and advisor. Steve explained that he lives in the Boulders and that the development of this property has created unfavorable living conditions for him. Steve is now in the process of Ward Shopping in order to make the decision of where to move. To his credit Mike Sheffield expressed his willingness to work with neighbors in a belated effort to resolve issues. In describing the 1.4 acres where he plans to build a two story building that will house a Stevens/Henager Business College…..Mike Sheffield expressed a willingness to meet with neighbors and discuss mutual concerns. Mike Sheffield mentioned the fact that Bundy Lane was partially on his property. The city had evidently been lax when approving the roadway.   

To further confuse the issue, Commissioner Beuehner stated “General Plan does not have force of law” This statement needs to be clarified if we are to better understand the power and duties assigned to the Planning Commission in dealing with GPA issues. It appears City Manager Esplin has his work cut out in providing direction to the Planning Commission.  When it finally got around to the Planning Commission voting to approve the applicants request two of the commissioners had excused themselves and had left the building. A motion made by Don Beuehner to grant the request died as did the motion made by Todd Staheli to reach an amenable solution. The Buck was passed WITHOUT a recommendation.

Carol Bundy, a 34 year resident of Bundy Lane posed the question. What is best use for Bundy Lane? I caution you to be wise. Its 1.4 acres…..Maintain integrity of Lane…..Maintain safety.

 Thank you, ED BACA

SGMT THE MUSIC MAN’S RIVER CITY GIVES MEANING TO THE PHRASE

“YA GOT TROUBLE, RIGHT HERE IN ST. GEORGE CITY”

WE HAVE OUR OWN CAST OF CHARACTERS DECIDING ON HOW THE RAP TAX WILL BE PARCELED OUT. PLACING THE CITY IN POSITION OF, SHALL WE SAY “PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS”

 SHALL PROMISES MADE BE KEPT AND WILL THE PUBLIC VOICE BE HEARD

 April 9^th City Council Meeting: Mayor and City Council BUSY with more pressing matters elected to forego meeting with the public in order satisfy ever increasing demands upon their time. As I pondered on how best to approach the topic of fair distribution of the newly found wealth, (Rap Tax) placed in the hands of local officials…..And the many entities and projects Mayor Pike and Council have already named as soon to be beneficiaries of Rap Tax Money …..I was blessed with the prompting to attend the St. George Musical Theater’s presentation of the Music Man performed “At The Historic St. George Opera House”…..Made possible by SG City.

Upon entering the 1912 world of River City, Iowa my attention was first captured by the audience that was made up of young and old…..Who engaged in warm hearted conversation as they bathed in atmosphere of years gone by.…..Brought to life by SGMT cast of characters. I, being a great grandparent was captivated with the performing children…..Who epitomized a clean, wholesome appearance that included an exercise of good manners and respect for their elders…..Who comprised the remainder of the cast of characters. It soon became clear that real live SG families were actually performing…..Together as a family in this play. You could I think, actually feel, the effects of traditional family values…..Not only in the Play…..But in those alive today representing OUR community. It warmed your heart to know that moral values created in the time period brought to life by Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” actually exist today…..In Washington County, Utah!

Folks, I was transported to dreamland and my mind ran wild with corresponding imagines that connected this play with concerns taking place in our community today. In my mind I made the following connections.

In the play the infamous con man, Harold Hill, arrived and put into motion his standard scam with the intent of absconding with the local’s money. (I likened it with the manner in which the City is favoring pet projects/ distributing and spending Rap Tax Money). Hill sets out to fleece the townspeople of their cash while at the same time he endeavors to charm the fair maiden who is looking out for the city’s best interest, for if he can fool her, the town is his for the taking. (I likened this with how the City is going about getting us to believe that the Lions Rodeo is a sacred cow deserving of millions to build a New Sun Bowl). My thoughts are of course are fiction and only reflect my wild imagination. Folks, please note that any similarity to any of our City Officials is purely coincidental and not intended to demean the character of our elected officials.  We all should be content to judge elected officials by their words and deeds and whenever possible hold them in the highest esteem.

SGMT is HONORING its Mission Statement: “The arts humanize humanity. St. George Musical Theater creates, promotes and encourages community participation in performing arts that uplift, inspire and educate, thereby increasing understanding, brotherhood, and joy in our community”. SGMT’s presentation of The Music Man lives up to its stated commitment to the public. Certainly we can expect to less from Mayor and City Council.

I fully expect Mayor Pike and Councilman Hughes, to one day HONOR their promise to Reform Code Enforcement. Heck, I am feeling so positive about this that I even expect Councilwoman Randall to join in and keep her promises on Code Enforcement Reform and Transparency. Now that’s saying something isn’t it? 

WHAT DOES RAP STAND FOR?

WHAT CONSTITUTES A “RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITY’? Recreational facilities include parks, playgrounds, golf courses, athletic fields, gymnasiums, swimming pools, trail systems, or other facilities used for recreational purposes. Cultural facilities include museums, theaters, art centers, music halls, or other cultural arts facilities.

“ARTS” IS A BROAD TERM. WHAT CULTURAL ARTS DISCIPLINES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RAP FUNDS? Many disciplines are eligible including Performing Arts” visual arts, literary arts, historic preservation, arts education and more.

My friends, even in my wildest dreams I cannot imagine that this Council will continue in its efforts to manipulate the public into believing that the Lions Rodeo is more deserving than Dixie Red Hills Ladies’ Golf Assn. or Performing Arts Groups like SGMT.

In the closing acts of the play Hill begins to develop feelings for the fair maiden, he is faced with a dilemma – take the money and run, or stay for the love of a woman. I likened this to the City choosing the Rodeo over a fair distribution of Rap Tax Money.  In my dreams I continue to expect Council to follow President Gordon B. Hinckley’s admonition and “Stand a Little Taller”.

I awoke basking in reality….. We can all be secure in the knowledge that all is not lost. SG City and Washington County are blessed with good and decent people. I joined in applauding a wonderful performance and drove home free of worry. My wife and I greatly appreciate the staff at SGMT and SG City for its support of the Performing Arts.

Note: On 4/7/15 County Commissioners appointed the board members who get to decide where County Rap Tax Money is to go. Action is awaited by SG City Council on who gets to decide where City’s portion of Rap Tax is to go.                                                                     Thank you, ED BACA

 

 

 

 

MEANINGFUL EVENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL

April 2^nd City Council Meeting began with invocation by Pastor Jimi Kestin, Solomon’s Porch Foursquare Fellowship Church. Pastor Kestin invited all to attend “Good Friday” celebrations and the upcoming “Stations of the Cross Walk” that introduces Easter Sunday. The Christian Community and the Interfaith Council come together each year to participate in prayers, song and scriptural messages.

Mayor Pike then issued “Elks Proclamation” as Tribute to Junior Citizens.  “Youth Week City of St. George” was formally proclaimed. The Elks Club was recognized for its dedicated support to our youth. An Elks Club representative stood and declared, “We believe young people represent the nation’s greatest resource.” In furtherance of efforts to facilitate and improve the education of our youth the Elks Club, will on May 4^th host an Annual Award Banquet for Washington County Youth. It is believed that this will bring total contributions made during a one year period to $100,000.  The Elks Club supports a Drug Awareness Program, and a Youth Carnival Event and many other activities that are known to benefit youth efforts to become a more valued member of society. Kudos to the Elks Club!

Mayor Pike then allowed the Arts Community time to recognize the accomplishments of Roland Lee and Howard Putman for their contributions to the Arts and the betterment of the community. Each was given an Award for Outstanding Achievement. City Manager Esplin showing a rare sense of public humor made it known that Mr. Putman, while serving on City Council in 1976 made another great contribution. He selected a young, inexperienced young man to be the next City Manager. A position Gary proudly holds to this day. Folks, it doesn’t get any better than this. We have a tight knit community that has helped to make this city what it is today. Roland Lee was one of the three that created St. George Magazine which is now owned by the Spectrum Newspaper. He gets 3 Yahoo’s for this accomplishment.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:  Corinne Nyman, a young woman reportedly a volunteer at P.A.W.S. was given 5 minutes to address the Council.  Corinne petitioned City to consider a Ban on the sales of Puppies at local pet stores. She cited the fact that Breeding Dogs were kept their entire life span in cages only 6 inches longer than the dog itself in each direction. Their cages were stacked on top of other cages. When they can no longer produce puppies…..one litter after another, dogs are summarily disposed of. All in all one could consider the treatment of Breeding Dogs inhumane. Breeders are believed to be licensed by U.S.D.A. and Council was requested to follow-up on possible violations of the law.  The Mayor was courteous to Ms. Nyman, however, I did not hear any commitment to investigation allegations cited. Folks, I can only say that in light of the recent city scandal concerning the treatment of dogs and cats I was surprised not to hear the Council voice a greater commitment to the care and treatment of puppies and enforcement of applicable laws. A Mr. Bob Foster followed Ms. Nyman and supported her in her request for a follow-up investigation. In fairness to the city, recognition should be given to the great strides the city has made in improving conditions at the City Animal Shelter. We can only wait and see what action the city will take concerning this issue.

AGENDA ITEM-STAFF REPORTS: Melynda Thorpe, applicant requested city support to hold First Friday “George” Streetfest on Main. To be held the first Friday of each month beginning in June of 2015. Public can expect to see activities from Ancestors Square all the way to Tabernacle. Folks, we all know the city has a vested interest in promoting activity that will tie Electric Theater re- development efforts to the downtown business community. The City anticipates the Electric Theater venue will promote business and generate sales tax income beneficial to city. As expected the city approved the request. As a sponsor of event the city is able to make available to applicant the City Performance Stage and will do so for the first 6 months of its existence. Rental of City Stage was an issue referred to in a previous article therefore, I was not surprised to hear Councilman Almquist say that a private person was purchasing a stage that in the future could be made available to other businesses. I took this to mean that the city would not be going into the rental business making it unnecessary for businesses to seek to rent/use city stage. The city’s sponsorship may include $2,000 in support of event. The request is a local consent so applicant will not have to appear before Council each year. A new Special Events Ordinance is soon to be put in place spelling out new policies and procedures.

AGENDA ITEM – RESOLUTIONS: Consider approval of a resolution of the City of St. George, Utah declaring its official intent to reimburse itself from the proceeds of Bonds for certain capital expenditures; establishing the maximum principal amount of such expenditures; and authorizing incidental action. City Manager explained that city needs to issue Bonds in future for capital expenditures. Projects that are to be funded by Rap Tax that include engineering ……Any construction, has to in place now.  City should consider need for 8 to 10 million dollars.  Projects won’t be started before sale of Bonds. Recreation and Parks can all be started sooner with the sale of Bonds. Folks, as expected the Council voted in favor of this request.

It seems city cannot wait to get its hands on Rap Tax money to move forward on the many projects Council has ear marked as qualifying for Rap Tax money. This Council may even consider getting a portion of the 2 to 4 million dollars needed to refurbish the Sun Bowl out of Rap Tax funds. It appears there is no need to move the Lions Rodeo to the County Fairgrounds at little or no cost…..When you can spend millions of taxpayer dollars right here and make the Lions Club happy during this election year.  Easy come, easy go. What do you think?

St. George is moving full speed ahead with everything except…..Code Enforcement Reform and Needed 24/7 Fire Stations. July 1^st is fast approaching demanding attention to the 2015-2016 Budget. What do you consider a priority item and worthy of consideration?   Maybe, just maybe funds can be found in support of the Dixie Red Hills Women’s Club. If not perhaps DRH can be asked to wait another 13 years to really be included in city budget. The way things are going Gary may still be City Manager and he may have other things in mind. Whatever the future may bring, we the citizens of St. George will soon find out how our tax dollars are to be spent.                                                                                                          Thank you, ED BACA