City Council

Thursday, May 22,2014
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 22, 2014, 4:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM


PRESENT:
Mayor Jon Pike
Councilmember Gil Almquist
Councilmember Jimmie Hughes
Councilmember Michele Randall
Councilmember Joe Bowcutt
Councilmember Bette Arial
City Manager Gary Esplin
City Attorney Shawn Guzman
City Recorder Christina Fernandez

OPENING:
Mayor Pike called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Councilmember Hughes and the invocation was offered by Councilmember Bowcutt.

LEASE AGREEMENT:
Consider approval of a lease agreement with the St. George Musical Theater for the use of the Opera House.

City Attorney Shawn Guzman advised that the lease agreement is for a total of five years, two years with three one-year lease extensions. The St. George Musical Theater will lease the Opera House for a $1.00 per year, plus $1.00 for each ticket sold. The City has agreed to provide risers, lights and sound. At the end of the two years, the utilities will be evaluated and calculate the cost of the utilities between the two parties. They will have their own liability insurance. The City will have the right to use the building, coordinating the schedule with the Musical Theater. No storage will be allowed outside.

Bruce Bennett stated the storage will either be in the theater or in a warehouse that they currently rent.

City Attorney Shawn Guzman stated that nothing will be allowed to be done outside the building including building sets.

Mr. Bennett stated that the first production, The Sound of Music, begins September 4, 2014. They will have a special Disney oriented show in July.

Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins explained the only thing that has not been worked out is the signage.

Mr. Bennett stated that he would like to have the productions advertised in City publications. Tickets can be purchased at sgmusicaltheater.com. Their goal is to seat 170-180 people at each show.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Randall to approve the lease agreement with the St. George Musical Theater for the use of the Opera House.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:



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May 22, 2014
Page Two

Councilmember Almquist- aye
Councilmember Hughes - aye
Councilmember Randall - aye
Councilmember Bowcutt - aye
Councilmember Arial - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT:
Consider approval of an engineering services agreement with Alpha Engineering for the design and construction management of the Stone Cliff Tank.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised that this item was tabled at the last City Council meeting. He recommends the agreement with Alpha Engineering in the amount of $29,866 for design and $12,696 for construction management for a total of $42,565.

Councilmember Almquist inquired if this tank can serve as a feeder tank to other tanks.

City Manager Gary Esplin replied no, the tank will only provide a small amount of system storage. It may help for fire protection. He stated that he met with Kay Traveller on the location for the tank.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Bowcutt to approve the engineering services agreement with Alpha Engineering for the design and construction management of the Stone Cliff Tank for $42,565.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Randall.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

Councilmember Almquist- aye
Councilmember Hughes - aye
Councilmember Randall - aye
Councilmember Bowcutt - aye
Councilmember Arial - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

COST SHARING AGREEMENT:
Consider approval of the Stone Cliff Tank cost sharing agreement.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised the request is a cost sharing agreement with Traveller Stone Cliff LC. The issue in that area is the water pressure and the amount of water that is being used. Staff has been working with Mr. Traveller on a compromise to help with this issue. Mr. Traveller has agreed to pay half the cost of the new 300,000 gallon tank. The cost of the tank is approximately $300,000. One of Mr. Traveller’s concerns was that per the agreement, the City would cover the entire cost of the tank and Mr. Traveller would have 18 months to reimburse the City as the lots are developed. At the end of the agreement, he would owe the City any unpaid balance. Mr. Traveller has asked to extend that to 24 months.

Water Services Director Scott Taylor clarified that the agreement states that the recapture period will actually be 30 months.


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May 22, 2014
Page Three

City Manager Gary Esplin explained that another issue Mr. Traveller had was the cost of the pump. Because of the cost of needing a pump station, he agreed under a previous contract to pay a certain fee covering the increased power cost due to the need for a pump to provide water service. This portion that will be taken out of this agreement and addressed in another agreement.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Hughes to approve the cost sharing agreement for the Stone Cliff Tank.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowcutt.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

Councilmember Almquist- aye
Councilmember Hughes - aye
Councilmember Randall - aye
Councilmember Bowcutt - aye
Councilmember Arial - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

BUILDING DESIGN CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN:
Consider approval of a building design conceptual site plan for Fiesta Fun.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised this item was tabled from last meeting because of the access road. He met with the owners and spoke with Craig Hammer to work out the road issues. The owners have agreed to pay their share. The proposal is for staff to design and build a 30-foot wide road with curb and gutter.

Councilmember Bowcutt stated that he is concerned with going over the easement as well as the fact that there will be no connection to 900 South.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated that if the road were to go to 900 South, school kids would be going through the neighborhoods. Additionally, if there is a connection, it would go right through Snow Park. The School District would like to have the road done by August 1st.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Arial to approve the building design conceptual site plan for Fiesta Fun with the access agreement plans that have been worked out.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Almquist.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

Councilmember Almquist- aye
Councilmember Hughes - aye
Councilmember Randall - aye
Councilmember Bowcutt - aye
Councilmember Arial - aye

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

PRESENTATION FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Fire Chief Robert Stoker stated that their budget is similar as it was in previous years. They have seen an increase in fuel, fleet maintenance and office supplies. Although it was not recommended by the City Manager, he requested new equipment and two additional Battalion Chief positions. Currently, they have 32 Full-Time employees and 77 Reserve Fire
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May 22, 2014
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Fighter positions. Capital outlays include concrete repairs at a number of stations, parking lot maintenance, turn out gear and replacement of air cylinders.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated he understands the concept of having the additional Battalion Chief positions, however he chose not to fund them in this budget. The department is in need of a new ladder truck. In the near future, a new station will be needed in the Little Valley area. He explained that in order to be considered for a Full-Time position, the individual has to be an active Reserve Fire Fighter.
PRESENTATION FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT:
Water Services Director Scott Taylor stated they have 87 employees in all water divisions. Their capital outlays include new heavy equipment, water tanks and spare casings for the Mall Drive Bridge. They will be in the red this year. Looking at a 5-year plan, at the rate they are going in Water Distribution, they will see approximately an $8.5 million deficit. Of their budget, approximately 45% of the expenses are fixed costs and 30% is for the purchase of water. Looking at the deficit they are faced with, he is proposing a 2-phase rate increase. This year, he proposes a 10% increase to the base rate. For a typical user, they will see an increase of approximately $2.25 per month on their monthly water bill. In the future, the City may have to look at increasing the usage rate. With regard to Wastewater, he also did a 5-year projection. Over the 5-year period, Wastewater Collections will see approximately a $1.5 deficit; however, Wastewater Treatment will be ahead by $1.5 million. He does not see a need for a rate increase. Even with the proposed 10% increase, St. George charges less than most cities in the state. Wastewater Collections have minimal capital outlays. With regards to Wastewater Treatment, capital outlays include the replacement of centrifuge number 2. The EPA is giving each treatment plant three years to show whether or not they can comply with removing nutrients. There are two off ramps to receive a waiver to exempt the City from the new rule. Staff has come up with ways to comply with the new standards that will save the City a considerable amount of money.

PRESENTATION FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
Community Development Director Matt Loo stated that the Public Works Department has absorbed new development and that the golf courses report to him. Additionally, he will deal with affordable or transitional housing. The golf courses will take over running the pro shops and concessions.

Director of Golf Operations Colby Cowan explained that several agencies got together and performed an environmental impact study. Golf brings in over $800 million into the Utah economy and 6,900 jobs. He mentioned that Governor Herbert declared May as Golf Month in Utah.

City Manager Gary Esplin provided an update on the transition in the Golf Division, which will take effect July 1, 2014. He stated that Golf Course Maintenance Manager Jerome Jones will be retiring June 20, 2014. His recommendation is to restructure the maintenance staff rather than replacing the position.

Mr. Loo stated that staff will be concentrating on business retention, therefore, business licensing will move into his department. He updated the Councilmembers on the St. George Resource Center. Carol Hollowell was hired as the Executive Director of the Resource Center and will start June 2, 2014. The Southern Utah Home Builder’s Association has committed to donating all labor hours to remodel the facility. He and Ms. Hollowell met with the Utah Food Bank to coordinate efforts. The goal is to have the food pantry open 6 days a week. All entities involved with the Local Homeless Coordinating Council will either be stationed at, or will have satellite offices in the center. He mentioned that several donations and grants

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May 22, 2014
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are in the works. The center will have 64 beds with the ability to have an overflow. His hope is to open the facility by July, 2014.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated that it would be nice to create a park in the back of the building. Additionally, with the St. George Housing Authority, there is an opportunity to step up with assisting people that are currently in section 8 housing.

PRESENTATION FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
Public Works Director Cameron Cutler updated the Councilmembers on the reorganization in the Public Works Department, the Mall Drive Bridge project and the round-a-bouts. Some items in next year’s budget include three traffic signals, the Canyon View Drive realignment and the Commerce Drive/Ft. Pierce Wash crossing. The next big item that will be addressed is River Road.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised that there may be funds available to improve portions River Road if the old Airport is closed out. He recommends finishing 3000 East in front of the park.

Mayor Pike called for a recess so that he and the Councilmembers could attend the “Bike In” Event at Ancestor Square.

PRESENTATION FROM THE LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins provided the Councilmembers with an update on the East Annex building. The proposed name of the building is City Commons.

The consensus of the Councilmembers is to rename the building City Commons.

Councilmember Arial stated that the Arts Commission would like to name the art exhibit at the East Annex the Red Cliff Gallery.

The consensus of the Councilmembers is to name the art gallery the Red Cliff Gallery.

Mr. Perkins provided updates on the Recreation Center renovation, the All Abilities Park, Hela Seegmiller Historic Farm, Tonaquint Cemetery Cremation Gardens and the Electric Theater.

City Manager Gary Esplin explained there are issues at the Electric Theater with regard to the sidewalk and ADA requirements. Additionally, there are issues with regards to parking.

Mr. Perkins provided updates on grants that have been applied for. He mentioned that the National Parks and Recreation Association has selected the City as a finalist for their Gold Medal Award, the national gold medal for excellence in parks and recreation. The winner will be announced in October. Current projects include St. James Park and the trail system, the Webb Hill Trailhead, Silkwood Park, Royal Oaks Park, the Sand Hollow Wash Trail, the Pioneer Park restroom, the Red Hills Garden and Christensen Park. Next fiscal year he will come back with a proposal for the Arts District. Challenges for his department include putting a floor in the old airport hangar so that it can be used as a recreation facility and the lights at the Canyons Complex. His budget request includes proposed increases for Cemetery fees, Marathon entrance fees, race entrance fees and Tonaquint Nature Center programs.

PRESENTATION FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT:
City Attorney Shawn Guzman advised his budget has increased since slightly due to the increase of healthcare costs and retirement. He requested a part time attorney position.

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May 22, 2014
Page Six

REPORT FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Councilmember Almquist stated that he received a call from the owner of the old Dixie Eye Center who would like to cut down their street trees just as the Abbey Inn did. He then left the meeting.

Councilmember Randall mentioned the new art permanent collection storage system. She stated that the Veteran’s Council attended training at the Police Department.

Councilmember Arial mentioned the quagga mussels that have invaded Lake Powell.

Councilmember Hughes mentioned that the Animal Shelter Board would like to hold a grand opening at the Animal Shelter on Saturday, June 21, 2014.

ADJOURN:
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Randall to adjourn.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hughes.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

Councilmember Hughes - aye
Councilmember Randall - aye
Councilmember Bowcutt - aye
Councilmember Arial - aye




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Christina Fernandez, City Recorder