City Council

Tuesday, July 6,1999
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING JULY 6, 1999, 5:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE ROOM PRESENT: Mayor Daniel McArthur Councilmember Sharon Isom Councilmember Rod Orton Councilmember Larry Gardner Councilmember Bob Whatcott City Manager Gary Esplin City Attorney Jonathan Wright City Recorder Gay Cragun EXCUSED: Councilmember Suzanne Allen DISCUSSION RE PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN: Councilmember Gardner advised he and Councilmember Allen met with the School Board to review renderings of Leonard Grassli?s concept of the two block area surrounding the Woodward building. The School Board would like to move the District Office from its present site and relocate it within the block, and use the Woodward building as a media center. The City suggests that Mr. Grassli and the School District?s architect meet to discuss Mr. Grassli?s proposed plan for the area to see if there is interest on the part of the School Board in participation. After discussion, it was the consensus of the School Board to delay their decision on location on the District Office for 30 days in order to allow time for the architects and County Commission to meet and discuss the issue. A meeting has been scheduled for July 8 at 7:00 a.m. Mayor McArthur advised that Kolene Granger agrees this will be the last chance to save open space in downtown area for public use, and that most of the board is willing to accept the concept. Mayor McArthur stated the County needs to be a part of the decision making process, as they are discussing moving the Senior Citizen Center and enlarging the library. Councilmember Gardner stated that he advised Mr. Grassli the School Board is considering razing the annex building. Mr. Grassli advised that if the annex is razed and a new building built, its architecture be such as to blend in with the village theme. City Manager Gary Esplin inquired as to what consideration the School Board may require for the property, and commented that the City cannot pressure them to make any decision. Community Development Director Bob Nicholson commented that the City?s only authority would be through zoning, and the area is zoned commercial. Councilmember Gardner commented that fair market value for the property should be determined, and ideally the School Board should gift back to the City what the City previously gave them. Councilmember Gardner advised the Library Board was represented at the meeting he and Councilmember Allen attended, and they would like to double the size of the present library. They are willing to build up instead of out, if possible. Councilmember Gardner suggested that perhaps the School District could keep its two buildings, build a new City Council Minutes July 6, 1999 Page Two district office, the library could be remodeled as an information center, and a new library could be built on the corner in conjunction with a new senior citizen center. City Manager Esplin commented that ownership of the old parade grounds and what to do with them still remained to be solved. Councilmember Isom commented that she would check on reversion language in the original deed from the City to the School District for the parade ground property. Councilmember Gardner advised he showed Mr. Grassli?s concept to Lyman Hafen, Dick Whitehead, Rod Savage, Brooks Pace and Karl Brooks for their feedback. Dick Whitehead suggested the area contain a food court consisting of unique restaurants. City Manager Gary Esplin commented the most important issue is how much the City would have to pay for the property. Councilmember Gardner stated that first the parties needed to agree that Mr. Grassli?s concept is something all the parties want to do, then the financial details worked out. City Manager Esplin stated that even if the village concept is not used, the area needed to be preserved. Councilmember Gardner commented that the LDS Church should be approached for participation as well. He advised that Dick Whitehead also suggested the area could provide an opportunity to memorialize the pioneers in different forms, such as through stories or a statuary garden. Councilmember Gardner recommended that at the meeting on July 8, it be suggested that the architects meet and review options for the area, and that the library be relocated rather than remodeled. Mayor McArthur suggested the committee be enlarged. Councilmember Gardner advised that Brooks Pace suggested that investors be found and the area privatized. Councilmember Whatcott stated that while most new businesses prefer to relocate in new areas or by an interstate for economic reasons, the area could still be preserved if the LDS Church or a historical preservation group could be found to fund the project. Councilmember Gardner suggested a special committee be formed to locate foundations or other participants willing to fund the project. Mayor McArthur advised that a committee consisting of representatives from the City, School District and County Commission be formed, and that the LDS Church be approached about the concept. Councilmember Gardner advised that President Hinckley will be in St. George in August. City Manager Esplin advised there are some City funds available for purchase of the property, but then there would not be any funds left for any other project, depending on what the School Board asks for the property. He suggested the City could pay $200,000 a year for five years City Council Minutes July 6, 1999 Page Three with no interest, or impact fees for school buildings could be waived for a period of time. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. ____________________________________ Gay Cragun, City Recorder