City Council

Thursday, October 29,2015
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 29, 2015, 4:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

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

EXCUSED:
Councilmember Gil Almquist

OPENING:
Mayor Pike called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Keith Bozman and the invocation was offered by Pastor Jonathan Hendren with the New Beginning Christian Fellowship.

Mayor Pike mentioned that for the second time, a St. George resident has been named Utah Poet of the year; this year’s recipient is Candy Fowler. Additionally he mentioned the All Abilities Walk & Carnival being held at the Town Square this Saturday.

RESOLUTION/ADDING ADDITIONAL FEES FOR THE ELECTRIC THEATER:
Consider approval of a resolution adding additional fees to the previously approved fee schedule for the use of the Electric Theater.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated that staff has recommended changes to the previously approved fee schedule for the use of the Electric Theater.

Community Arts Administrator Gary Sanders explained the approved fee schedule had some that said “TBD”. After discussions with arts organizations, it was decided to offer two hour and four hour blocks; the arts organizations felt the fees were reasonable. He stated that interest in gallery space has been high.

City Manager Gary Esplin the fees will cover the City’s soft costs, primarily utilities.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Hughes to approve the resolution adding additional fees to the previously approved fee schedule for the rental of the Electric Theater.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Arial.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a roll call vote, as follows:

Councilmember Hughes - aye
Councilmember Randall – aye
Councilmember Bowcutt – aye
Councilmember Arial – aye
St. George City Council Minutes
October 29, 2015
Page Two

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

ELECTRIC THEATER LEASE AGREEEMENTS:
Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Deborah Bice for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Harold Tanner for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Karen Ferguson for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Kirk Parkinson for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Sherrie Warren for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Southern Utah Art Guild for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and the Southwest Symphony for space in the Electric Theater.

Consider approval of a lease agreement between the City of St. George and Arts to Zion for space in the Electric Theater.

City Manager Gary Esplin advised these individual lease agreements are for space in the Electric Theater Center. Staff recommends entering into agreements with these individuals/groups based upon the fee schedule previously approved.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Arial to approve the lease agreements for space in the Electric Theater Center.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Randall.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

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

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

SILVER SNEAKERS FITNESS PROGRAM CONTRACT:
Consider approval of a contract between the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center and American Healthways Services, LLC to enroll in the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program.

St. George City Council Minutes
October 29, 2015
Page Three

Consider approval of a contract between the St. George Recreation Center and American Healthways Services, LLC to enroll in the Silver Sneakers
Fitness Program.

Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins explained that Healthways is a national health firm who has a mature adult fitness program that promotes activity. They contract with recreational facilities all over the United States to allow individuals who are enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid to use the facilities at a discounted price. Facilities that have entered into this contract have seen an increase in usage. He stated that the contract is renewable.

Mayor Pike mentioned that there are some insurance companies who will cover a portion of the fees for Medicare enrollees.

MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Randall to approve the contracts between the Sand Hollow Aquatics Center and the St. George Recreation Center and American Healthways Services LLC, to enroll in the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowcutt.
VOTE: Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

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

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

PRESENTATION FROM THE WASHINGTON COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT REGARDING THEIR 5-YEAR WATER CONSERVATION PLAN UPDATE:
Mayor Pike mentioned that the Washington County Water Conservancy District presented this update recently.

Julie Breckenridge with the Washington County Water Conservancy District provided a copy of her presentation, a list of who was on the workgroup, and a copy of the Maddaus Water Management Inc (MWM) final technical memorandum. She outlined portions of the MWM memorandum and provided a spreadsheet outlining cost/benefits of different County-wide programs and explained what they are. She explained that grants are applied for to cover the rebates.

Water Services Director Scott Taylor commented that water will not get any cheaper. Nationwide, failing infrastructure is a big issue - St. George will face similar issues. IF that happens, rates will have to be adjusted to catch up. Because over 90% of the assets are underground, staff does not know about leaks until water is seen in the street. Rene Fleming, Manager of Energy & Water Customer Services, is looking into leak detection equipment.


St. George City Council Minutes
October 29, 2015
Page Four

City Manager Gary Esplin noted that he is not sure the public understands what the
City has done with regard to utilizing reuse water. He outlined some of what the City’s efforts have been to conserve water.

Citizen Judy Bozman asked that the information City Manager Gary Esplin outlined be explained on the City’s website as residents may not understand.

Ms. Fleming stated that the information is on the City’s website.

REPORTS FROM MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER:
Councilmember Hughes mentioned that the temporary sign ordinance meeting held this week was quite productive. Some of the discussion included signs in public rights-of-way and the number and size of signs.

Councilmember Bowcutt stated that the Planning Commission meeting was a short one.

Councilmember Randall reminded the Mayor and Council about the Veteran’s Day Parade and SunRiver Veteran’s Day program.

Councilmember Arial mentioned several arts events that are taking place in the near future. The Arts Commission requested the use of City owned-homes in the downtown area. They would like to utilize them for studio art space.

City Manager Gary Esplin stated that two of the three homes are currently rented. The Council will have to discuss the request.

Mayor Pike suggested he and Councilmember Arial go look at the Andrus Home. He reported that he and City Manager Gary Esplin met with the BLM and others this morning; the meeting did not go very well.

Councilmember Arial clarified an article in the newspaper regarding the timeline for her involvement with the BLM.

A discussion took place regarding what was discussed at the meeting that Mayor Pike and City Manager Gary Esplin attended.

Citizen Ed Baca explained that he spoke with Scott Hirschi about the BLM plan; he indicated that he took very good notes during the meetings that City Manager Gary Esplin and others attended years ago. He recalled the discussion and volunteered to speak with the City.

ADJOURN TO A CLOSED SESSION:
MOTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Randall to adjourn to a closed session to discuss litigation.
SECOND: The motion was seconded by Councilmember Arial.


St. George City Council Minutes
October 29, 2015
Page Five

Mayor Pike called for a recess after which a closed session was held to discuss litigation.

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

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

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.




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Christina Fernandez, City Recorder