City Council Meeting Minutes

Thursday, June 8,2017
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 8, 2017, 5:00 P.M.

ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM

 

PRESENT:

Mayor Jon Pike

Councilmember Michele Randall

Councilmember Joe Bowcutt

Councilmember Bette Arial

Councilmember Ed Baca

City Attorney Shawn Guzman

City Manager Gary Esplin 

City Recorder Christina Fernandez

 

EXCUSED:

Councilmember Jimmie Hughes

 

OPENING:   

Mayor Pike called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pike and the invocation was offered by Reverend Alex Wilkie.

 

LOCAL CONSENT:

Consider approval of a local consent for a single event permit for the NHPA World Horseshoe Tournament event.  Heritage Catering, applicant.

 

City Manager Gary Esplin explained the permit is for the NHPA World Horseshoe Tournament taking place at the Dixie Center.

 

MOTION:      A motion was made by Councilmember Arial to approve the local consent for a single event permit for the NHPA World Horseshoe Tournament event.

SECOND:        The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowcutt.

VOTE:             Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

 

Councilmember Randall – aye

Councilmember Bowcutt – aye

Councilmember Arial – aye

Councilmember Baca – aye

         

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

 

PRESENTATION FROM DOCUTAH:

Karman Wilson thanked the Mayor and Council for their support after which she provided information regarding the Film Studio the Hill (the old hangar) and the sponsor guide.  Last year, over 10,000 people attended the DOCUTAH event.  She then outlined some of this year’s films and events. 

 

PRESENTATION FROM THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION CHANNEL:

Marcus Farnsworth with the CEC played a video for the Council showing the work they do.  He then presented a PowerPoint presentation covering the following topics: 

 

St. George City Council Minutes

June 8, 2017

Page Two

 

2016-17 production totals; CEC productions; student involvement; YouTube; and TDS.  

 

DISCUSSION REGARDING WILDLAND FIRE LEGISLATION:

Fire Chief Robert Stoker introduced Adam Heyder with the State Wildland Fire Protection.  Last year, during the legislative session, a bill was passed that allowed the cities to join in wildland protection.  The City’s participation fee is approximately $47,000 and is in-kind.

 

Mr. Heyder presented a PowerPoint presentation covering the following topics: Utah’s new wildland fire policy; Why a policy change?; recent history; reality of the situation; a new approach is based upon a new philosophy; local government roles; participation contribution; policy change results; risk assessment model; delegation triggers; meeting the participation commitment; wildfire mitigation (50% minimum); wildfire prevention; wildfire preparedness (25% max); and activities that DO NOT qualify.

 

REPORTS FROM MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER:

A discussion took place regarding the proposed training for the new Planning Commission members as well as the Airport Advisory Board, SkyWest cost sharing agreement with the County, and the recent UDOT tour.

 

Councilmember Randall reported on the Shade Tree Board and asked if the Council can adopt an ordinance amending the board to have five members rather than nine.  She also inquired about police officers being present at the Georgefest.

 

Mayor Pike inquired about the refund from the County for the Dixie Center fund.  City Manager Gary Esplin explained it will be included in the General Fund next year and is not earmarked for anything special.  He explained the funds and what they could be used for. 

 

The Council discussed Georgefest and the old courthouse.  Additionally, they discussed which items they would like to approve in next year’s budget including the rifles requested by the Police Department, the need for two additional police vehicles, switching of the new City logo at City parks, personnel, unallocated funds, and assets. 

 

City Manager Gary Esplin explained the philosophy he has taken with the City’s budget and the ongoing infrastructure needs of the City. 

 

A discussion took place regarding next week’s City Council agenda, the community garden, and upcoming meeting schedule.

 

ADJOURN:

MOTION:      A motion was made by Councilmember Baca to adjourn.

SECOND:        The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowcutt.

VOTE:             Mayor Pike called for a vote, as follows:

 

Councilmember Randall – aye

Councilmember Bowcutt – aye

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June 8, 2017

Page Three

 

Councilmember Arial – aye

Councilmember Baca – aye

         

The vote was unanimous and the motion carried.

 

 

                            

____________________________________         

Christina Fernandez, City Recorder