St. George


City Council

Thursday, July 12,2012
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK MEETING
JULY 12, 2012, 4:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE ROOM

PRESENT:
Mayor Daniel McArthur
Councilmember Gil Almquist
Councilmember Jon Pike
Councilmember Ben Nickle
Councilmember Gail Bunker
Councilmember Jimmie Hughes
Assistant to the City Manager Marc Mortensen
City Attorney Shawn Guzman
City Recorder Gay Cragun

EXCUSED:
City Manager Gary Esplin

OPENING:
Mayor McArthur called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Gay Cragun and the invocation was offered by Pastor Jimi Kestin. Mayor McArthur advised that this week’s movie at Town Square is The Princess Bride.

Cameron Cutler advised that Exit 5, the Dixie Drive Interchange, is scheduled to open on July 26.

Councilmember Hughes arrived.

PRESENTATION REGARDING PROPOSED BIKE LANES:
Monty Thurber distributed a Bicycle and Trails Facility Summary illustrating the current number of miles of bikes lanes and routes and trails, and a map of Trails and Bicycle Facilities showing proposed bike lane conversions from bike routes, and reviewed them.

DISCUSSION ON SIGN POLICIES:
City Attorney Shawn Guzman advised that any reference to campaign signs was deleted from the City’s ordinances over a year ago because the courts have ruled that a time frame for allowing signs is not legal and is targeting a specific segment. The City’s ordinance should be content neutral. However, the City can regulate the size of signs within a certain zone. The City can also designate that signs cannot be within rights-of-way. If the City were to just enforce what is currently within its sign ordinance, this would clean up a lot of the City. He reiterated that the City cannot distinguish between the sign type, i.e. a campaign sign, or a real estate sign.

Carol Sapp inquired if this applies to City signs as well.

City Attorney Shawn Guzman replied that the City is allowed to put signs on its own property, but must follow the ordinance with regard to size. He reiterated that all sign rules will be content neutral. He commented, however, that this does not mean signs can be put up anywhere - they cannot cause a traffic hazard or safety issue. He clarified that the signs being discussed are temporary signs, and not permanent signs. He recommended that the City allow larger signs in certain areas for ease of

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July 12, 2012
Page Two

viewing. He advised that he would begin working on revisions to the sign ordinance and present them to the City Council for their review after the November elections.

MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSIONS:
Mayor McArthur advised that Dealer Collision would like to donate a bus to the City Fire Department that can be used to cut apart for a demonstration on rescues.

Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins advised that on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at Town Square a group of high school kids perform half hour shows which promote learning about the City and its various departments and functions.

Police Chief Marlon Stratton commented that these performances would be a good opportunity for the Bike Patrol to promote bicycle safety and give a few helmets away, as well as talk about Stranger Danger.

Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins advised he would like to create a troupe of performers to put on a Melodrama at the Opera House. He stated he felt this would be a fun program to do each summer and provide an opportunity for teens to have something to do.

Ed Baca commented that the Town Square programs reinforce the public relations aspect of public safety officers, and this is important for seniors as well as the children.

Police Chief Marlon Stratton reported on the VIP program. There are 45 VIP volunteers from a wide array of backgrounds. They help patrol the streets and trails, help with paper service, help in the front office, and save the City a lot of money. There is a waiting list to be a VIP.

Police Chief Marlon Stratton reported on the Victim’s Advocate program.

Carol Sapp inquired if the Police Department provides education on bicycle safety for older people.

Assistant to the City Manager Marc Mortensen replied that a local bike shop proposes to do a free bicycle safety check once a month at Confluence Park. Details are still being worked out and there is no schedule yet.

Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins advised he is trying to get a sponsor to buy bicycle bells for use on the City’s trails.

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION:
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Bunker to adjourn to a closed session to discuss litigation.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Pike.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Councilmember Bunker - aye
Councilmember Almquist - aye
Councilmember Nickle - aye

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July 12, 2012
Page Three

Councilmember Pike - aye
Councilmember Hughes - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

RECONVENE:
MOTION: A motion to reconvene was made by Councilmember Nickle.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows:

Councilmember Bunker - aye
Councilmember Almquist - aye
Councilmember Nickle - aye
Councilmember Pike - aye
Councilmember Hughes - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSIONS:
Police Chief Marlon Stratton updated the City Council on changes being made to the Drug and Gang Task Force.

Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins updated the City Council on repairs being made to the carousel.

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.



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Gay Cragun, City Recorder