City Council Meeting Minutes

Thursday, May 28,2020
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

WORK MEETING

MAY 28, 2020 4:00 P.M.

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

 

PRESENT:

Mayor Jon Pike

Councilmember Jimmie Hughes

Councilmember Michele Randall – Via ZOOM

Councilmember Bryan Smethurst

Councilmember Gregg McArthur

Councilmember Dannielle Larkin

City Manager Adam Lenhard

City Attorney Shawn Guzman

City Recorder Christina Fernandez

 

OPENING:

Mayor Pike called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. The invocation was offered by Reverend Michael Chamnass with Shepard of the Hills and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by City Attorney Shawn Guzman.

 

DISCUSSION REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 BUDGET:

Energy Services Director Laurie Mangum outlined the proposed revenue for next year.  Because of COVID 19, she cut $1.6 million in operations for the last quarter of the current year’s budget and moved or reduced $2 million capital.  She outlined percentages for her budget.  Further, she stated that she is not proposing to purchase any equipment next year and outlined personnel.

 

Police Chief Kyle Whitehead outlined what areas the Police Department has cut back on or practices that have changed due to COVID 19.  He then outlined the proposed Police Department Budget for 2020-2021.

 

City Manager Adam Lenhard explained that stepping increases were not removed from the proposed budget.  Public Safety has those types of positions.

 

Budget and Financial Planning Manager Deanna Brklacich stated that the retirement percentage for public safety increased; that was also funded.

 

Chief Whitehead outlined retirement for public safety employees as well as how the wages compare to other cities.

 

A discussion took place regarding public safety and the possible need for a Truth in Taxation needed in the next few years.

 

Councilmember Smethurst mentioned that he met with the hospital administrator who asked him to pass along a thank you for the officers stationed at the hospital.

 

Fire Chief Robert Stoker outlined how his department has been operating during COVID 19.  He mentioned he is working on possible locations for a new fire station in Desert Canyons.  The proposed budget includes reductions such as requested positions, operating and capital budgets.  He provided an update regarding the plans for Station 1.

 

St. George City Council Minutes

May 28, 2020

Page Two

 

Water Services Director Scott Taylor outlined how COVID 19 has adjusted the Water Services departments.  He then outlined the proposed budgets for 2020-21 and provided an update regarding ongoing and upcoming projects.  During the budget meetings in December, he was asked to look at water and sewer rates; he outlined a proposed increase.  Overall. the culinary water rate will increase 2.63% for an average user.  Larger water users may see no increase at all.  Secondary irrigation users will see an increase as well.  

 

A discussion took place regarding gardens, secondary irrigation, and open ditch irrigation.

 

Public Works Director Cameron Cutler spoke about the impacts to his divisions due to COVID 19.  He mentioned an FAA grant that will be coming before the Council for approval.  Ridership on SunTran has seen a decrease of approximately 30% due to COVID 19.  He outlined projects included in the proposed budget.

 

A discussion took place regarding improvements near 3000 East and 2000 South.

 

City Manager Adam Lenhard outlined the items that were cut from the preliminary budget.  He noted that Ibigawa has cancelled their marathon this year, but he would still like to do something to continue the tradition.  The black hill scar remediation funds were removed as was the annual funds for Thunder Junction improvements.  Also cut were the funds for new seats at the Opera House, improvements at the Sunbowl, and improvements at the Southgate Golf Course clubhouse.

 

The Council discussed the items, the consensus is to hold off on these projects for now but keep funds as a placeholder for the black hill scar and to begin discussions regarding the scar as well as plans for the Sunbowl.

 

Budget and Financial Planning Manager Deanna Brklacich spoke about the summary of the budget provided to the Council prior to the May 14th meeting.  She outlined the capital projects worksheet and noted upcoming meeting agenda items.  

 

Administrative Services Director Trevor Coombs explained the unbilled utility program.  

 

Budget and Financial Planning Manager Deanna Brklacich explained how the enterprise funds transfers work. A public hearing is required on both the enterprise funds transfers and unbilled utility program.

 

REPORTS FROM MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER:

Mayor Pike mentioned he and City Manager Adam Lenhard will look at the meeting schedule for the summer.  

 

City Manager Adam Lenhard noted that June 11th will be a work meeting, it is proposed to do a tour of the new dispatch center and improvements at the SHAC as well as a discussion on density.  Mayor Pike asked the Council to provide questions so the John Willis is prepared to answer them.

 

St. George City Council Minutes

May 28, 2020

Page Three

 

Mayor Pike outlined the 4th of July events and provided an update regarding COVID cases.

 

Councilmember Larkin reported on a meeting she attended regarding active transportation. RAP tax applications are currently available and are due June 12th.

 

Councilmember Smethurst noted a WWII veteran is turning 101; there will be a ceremony in his honor at the Hilton Garden Inn. This veteran is going across the nation, meeting with all of the Governors.  Councilmember Smethurst and Lt. Fuller are meeting at Temple Spring Garden park.

 

Councilmember McArthur mentioned the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve meeting he recently attended.

 

Mayor Pike spoke about the Council of Governments meeting, the financial feasibility report for the Springdale line is complete; it does look better than he thought it would.

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:55 p.m.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________

Christina Fernandez, City Recorder