City Council

Thursday, August 13,2015
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK MEETING
AUGUST 13, 2015, 4:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERANCE ROOM


PRESENT:
Mayor Jon Pike
Councilmember Jimmie Hughes
Councilmember Michele Randall
Councilmember Bette Arial – Arrived at 5:05 PM
City Manager Gary Esplin
City Attorney Shawn Guzman
Deputy City Recorder Annette Hansen

ABSENT:
Councilmember Gil Almquist
Councilmember Joe Bowcutt
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 Jimmie Hughes and the invocation was led by Jonathan Hendren with New Beginning Christian Fellowship.

Mayor Pike mentioned that the RAM Company is considering expanding their facilities but in order to do so they are looking at securing state and local tax incentives which would require another CDA. He mentioned owner Ray Ganowsky’s desire to highlight their company which has remained in business locally for 30 years and is a great success story of entrepreneurship with currently over 200 employees.

1. TOUR OF THE RAM MANUFACTURING COMPANY:
Councilmembers were greeted at the facility by owners Ray and Melzie Ganowsky. They were then ushered into a conference room where they were shown a Powerpoint presentation which

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included the following topics: Overview, Product Lines, Specialty Solenoids, Rotary Solenoid and Butterfly Valves, Hydraulic Valves, Major Customer Listing, Commercial Aircraft, Commercial Engines, Commercial and Marine Equipment, Engineering Capabilities, Quality Assurance and Inspection, Modern 55,00 Square Foot Facility, Machine Shop, Approvals, Average Annual Wage Growth for 2005-2014, RAM Employee Benefits, Projected Employee Growth 2015-2025, Annual Sales for 2005-2014, Projected Annual Sales for 2015-2025, Annual R&D Spending, 2010-2015, Local Spending 2010-2015, Looking to the Future 2016-2025. Mr. Ganowsky mentioned that this year would be the 30th Anniversary of their company. Discussion ensued on the possibilities of tax incentives from the City, and it was noted that as long as the applicant is receiving incentives from the State the City tries to help with incentives when they can. Mr. Ganowsky mentioned that they have outgrown their current facilities and are constantly being urged to build large facilities elsewhere in order to expand their production to meet demand for this specialized product, but he prefers to keep the company here in St. George if possible but needs the tax break in order to do so. They would like to begin expansion of their company by 2016, so they are anxious to secure the needed assistance by this time.

Councilmembers were then taken on a tour of the facilities.

Upon completion of the tour, Mayor Pike thanked Mr. and Mrs. Ganowsky for their hospitality and congratulated them on their business doing so well for 30 years.

2. TOUR OF THE CREMATION GARDEN AT TONAQUINT CEMETERY:
Councilmembers arrived at the Tonaquint Cemetery at approximately 6:20 PM and were met by Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins and selected staff who presented and explained aspects of the All Abilities Park currently under construction. Councilmembers discussed the train that was planning on arriving sometime within the next week, as well as water features and placement of various items. Councilmembers then walked over to the recently completed Cremation Garden and viewed the recently installed columbarium. They discussed the plans and implementation for this space-saving element for use of cremated remains within the
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Tonaquint Cemetery. Councilmembers discussed with the Sexton and staff about other options that may be needed or implemented in the future. Council thanked and complemented staff for the beautiful job done there at the Cemetery.

Councilmembers then returned to City Hall, Administrative Conference Room at approximately 6:53 PM.

3. PRESENTATION OF THE ROUND UP DAYS FESTIVAL HELD IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE DIXIE ROUND UP RODEO:
Dixie Round-Up Days event coordinators Kathie Thayne and Brittany Dell from the Old World Historical Council, addressed the Council. Brittany explained that they are the faction who puts on the Dickens Festival every year. She presented the Council with the plan to implement what she hopes to be an annual event held from 10 am - 7 pm each day before the Dixie Round-Up Rodeo each year. She presented a Powerpoint which included the following topics: When/where, events, games, contests, entertainment, vendors, crafts, farmers market, food, sponsors.
Kathie Thayne explained that they are having a struggle getting the farmers market arranged and asked for Council help. Councilmember Bette Arial suggested asking the directors of the farmers market at Ancestors Square to move their location to this event for these two days. Council agreed to help with this as best they could.
Mayor Pike asked what other things the committee needs help from the Council on. Kathie stated that they will need extensive advertising as this is their first year doing this event and they would like the City’s help in getting the word out to the community. She stated that with having the success of the Dickens Festival behind them they have many vendors willing to participate because they know this event will be done efficiently and is sure to be well planned. She mentioned the fact that there will not be admission charged to this event, so there will be no recuperating costs and therefore more sponsors are needed to help fund this.
Councilmember Bette Arial suggested that the Washington County School District have a booth there explaining where the new school is going to be placed by the Sun Bowl and educate the public about what is happening with this area because of all the publicity and controversy from public in this regard.
Kathie also expressed the need from Council to help with overnight security at the park and if Police could possibly help with this.
Waste removal and bathroom needs for the event were also discussed.
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Mayor and Councilmembers thanked the organizers for their work and were excited to see this event unfold this year.

4. REPORT FROM MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER:
Councilmember Jimmie Hughes briefly reported on the St. George Housing Authority meeting that he was unable to attend. Mayor Pike mentioned the new pantry and laundry facilities at SwitchPoint and stated that things are running well there, and he is pleased with the cooperation between agencies to keep this facility running smoothly.
Councilmember Michele Randall reported on the Veterans Board meeting she attended. They are planning on doing a “stand-down” at SwitchPoint on October 17 where they will be providing lunches not only for veterans, but all those who choose to attend this event. The purpose of this event is to bring attention to homeless veterans. SwitchPoint and director Carol Holloway have been good in cooperating with this event. She also mentioned that the board is working with the VA to get bundles with hats, coats and blankets to hand out to any homeless veterans.
Councilmember Bette Arial reported on the Children’s Museum and noted that they have now hired a part-time assistant that they are able to fund. She mentioned the completed restrooms there and expressed great appreciation to the Council for their help in this aspect. She mentioned that the Art Around the Corner Committee has hired a part-time person to run it and is pleased with its success. She also mentioned that the Arts Museum is planning on coordinating a Western Art exhibit in conjunction with the Dixie Round-Up Rodeo. She mentioned that the Arts Commission is excited about the Electric Theatre progress and feels that this will be a great asset to the Arts community. She also mentioned that the Arts Commission has recently gone through the granting process for arts groups and was overwhelmed by the tremendous response from so many diverse groups applying for these grants. She stated that in total the Arts Commission awarded 35 grants.
Councilmember Michele Randall reminded Council that they needed more people on the Shade Tree Board. Different options of possible candidates were briefly discussed.
Mayor Pike mentioned that the County has hired a new Economic Development Director because Scott Hirschi is retiring. Mayor Pike commended Mr. Hirschi for all his help and hard work and Councilmember Randall mentioned that the City should do something to show appreciation for all he has done in helping the city throughout the years. Mayor and Councilmembers also briefly discussed the structure of this position.
Mayor Pike brought up the issue of the RAP tax and mentioned that there were some recent developments on this subject. Council discussed the issue of how much funding this would bring to the City and where the proposed funds would be allocated. Council also discussed at length the issue of funding Tuacahn and the large amount of revenue that facility generates for the County and State in sales tax alone, among other areas. Councilmembers expressed their
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concern with the lack of support from legislature for this viable arts facility. Councilmembers also discussed the need for more soccer fields and the need for the County to help in this regard with a possible complex that benefits all residents of the County, as all residents currently use St. George City’s facilities and the need has increased greatly for county facilities.

5. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION:
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Michele Randall to adjourn to a closed session to discuss pending litigation and land purchases.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bette Arial.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a roll call vote, as follows:
Councilmember Hughes – aye
Councilmember Randall – aye
Councilmember Arial – aye
The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

Council met in closed session to discuss pending litigation and land purchases.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Bette Arial to adjourn the closed session portion of the City Council meeting.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Jimmie Hughes.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:
Councilmember Hughes – aye
Councilmember Randall – aye
Councilmember Arial – aye
The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

ADJOURN:

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Jimmie Hughes to adjourn.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Michele Randall.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:
Councilmember Hughes – aye
Councilmember Randall – aye
Councilmember Arial – aye
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The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

The meeting was then adjourned at 8:46 PM.

_________________________________
Annette Hansen, Deputy City Reco