Unity,
Harmony, Goodwill are
virtues to be fostered. DAVID O. McKay
Like many of you, I am grateful that November
8th has finally come and gone thus concluding the national election
for president. Irrespective of party
affiliations and who won or lost…..It just feels good to have it over. We can
now look forward and contemplate the future keeping the words of David O. McKay
in mind….. “Unity, Harmony, Goodwill are virtues to be fostered”.
The world keeps turning and life goes
on. We are confronted with new challenges and opportunities as individuals and
in our efforts to develop our local communities and neighborhoods. We have many
reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving Day, especially for the fact that we
live in America….. Where we are free to express, in our own way, our
appreciation of approaching Christmas Day….. Or not. As
for me and in my house…….well, you get the
message. Please exercise your freedom with charity and kindness towards others
during this holiday season. I will
confine myself to reporting what is going on within our city and touch upon
what I am grateful about.
Of importance to me and hopefully to you, on
November 9th a SG Planning Commission
meeting took place. A Zone Change Amendment was to be considered that included a
conditional use permit to construct “Joule Plaza”, a mixed-use project (commercial
&
residential)
in
the C-4 commercial zone generally located at 200 West Tabernacle Street. The
proposed project consists of two (2) separate buildings which will both exceed
35 feet in height. Building “A” and “B” would be five (5) stories in height.
The maximum height of the buildings would be seventy feet (70’) (+ or -).
Majority of the buildings would be between 64 feet to 66 feet. The developer is
Dixie Sun Ventures.
Included in the discussion was a “revised”
building
design conceptual site plan for developing a mixed use project in the C-4
commercial zone. The requested approvals are for: revisions
to the building design, and conceptual site plan, 2) 202 units, which is an
additional 56 dwelling units, and a reduction in required parking spaces. Reduce
360 Parking Spaces, 2 per unit down to 1.5 spaces per unit. This proposal is
substantially different than the previously approved project at the same
location.
My friends, as the presentation moved
forward and the Planning Commission asked questions of the Developer it became
apparent to me that the changes being requested were to have a significant
impact on the “Joule Plaza” project from what was initially submitted. It was
noted that the project is across the street from the County Court House (A
building as tall or taller) and on the opposite side
is adjacent to residential homes. As the challenges of the proposal became more
evident it was clear that further consideration to details are warranted. The applicant
therefore requested that the proposal be TABLED
to allow more time to address issues of importance to the successful completion
of the project. This I believe will also allow for greater public participation
and voicing of concerns.
A Public Hearing was held on November 17th
at the scheduled City Council
Meeting
to consider a zone change amendment for development of a three (3) story 64 ft.
high, 118,000 sq. ft. building. Dixie
Regional Medical Center – IHC Cancer Center. This property is generally located
at approximately 600 South and 1500 East accessing Medical Center Drive.
Background: Planning
Commission Presentation #1. This project was presented and discussed at the
first PC meeting on September 27, 2016. The public hearing was opened and closed.
The applicant requested the item be tabled to allow time to return with materials
and colors board. PC-2. This item was tabled at the second PC meeting on
October 11, 2016 to allow the applicant time to return with a complete colors board.
(Only a sample of metal material had been provided). PC-3. The applicant
returned with a complete materials board at the October 25th, 2016
PC meeting. The items were approved and
the matter moved forward to the City Council Meeting scheduled for November 17th. IHC amended the PD (Planned Development) in
order to construct an additional building. The request is a PD approval, which
will include a review of the elevations, site plan, and a height review. The
Planning Commission recommended approval.
The Public was invited to speak to this issue. Upon closing the public
hearing the City Council voted to approve the construction of the IHC Cancer
Center Building. A beneficial project
for our community is it not?
FOLKS, in my effort to keep you informed
I have chosen to mention Council approval of two (2) Airport Hanger leases. It
is good that the City is making efforts to accommodate, promote, and enhance
general aviation at the airport. Airport
Services were transferred to the New Airport Site on or about January 13,
2011. I am told there are different
agreements (Hanger/SASO) between city and those leasing space that include
specific dates, duties and obligations concerning building maintenance or
construction of buildings. I believe
there are and should be binding obligations between the City and Tenant. It has been 5+ years for those moving their
business from the old Airport to the New Airport. Ample time to have honored
terms of agreement is it not? Yet, I am
told that one unidentified tenant has yet to satisfy contractual obligations. I
hesitate to raise this sensitive issue but will do so because I am concerned
that continued delay in obtaining compliance may be interpreted as
“Politicizing” the decision making process by giving extensions to one tenant
not given to others. I would appreciate
receiving public input on this issue so that as a council member I might better
fulfill my fiscal responsibilities and satisfy public expectations.
On a more positive note I would like to
thank the Learning Center (TLC) for extending an invitation to Council Members
to learn more about this nonprofit 501 © 3 organization that promotes the
success of children one family at a time. The November 15th
recognition and awards presentation spoke to the issue that sometimes families
with young children need a little TLC. Whether it’s a developmental delay or
disability, poor health, poverty or a less that optimal home environment, TLC
has been providing the extra help families need in SG and Washington County and
are planning to expand their services. Suzanne
Leonelli, Executive Director informed me that TLC would like to expand their
services by locating a new facility somewhere in Washington Fields, City of
Washington. We are grateful for all they do for the betterment of our
community. Thank you and MERRY
CHRISTMAS.! ED BACA
