Issue 11.17
“Oh, There’s Sun-Shine, Blessed Sunshine When Peaceful Happy Moments Roll” by Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851-1920
The City Council of the City of St. George met on Thursday, March 9, 2017 and on the following Sunday….. As I reflected on topics presented it brought to mind the beauty that exists in this community. I visualized my wife’s aunt Pearl’s favorite hymn entitled “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today”. Let me tell you why.
The agenda for this workshop meeting began with the dedication of the newly completed Millcreek Park…. located just off of Riverside Drive as you reach the curve in the road driving to Costco. As parks go it is a relative small sized park located on the eastside of the city, but oh, what a wonderful park it is. The staff of the Leisure Services Department rightfully stood tall…. proudly expanded its chest as soon to be retired, Director….. Kent Perkins happily watched and listened to Millie describe what it took to make Millcreek Park possible. My friends, the Playground Equipment is unique….with climbing apparatus and slides, ropes etc. that are sure to bring joy and happy memories. Children can be expected to gain in health and strength by playing with their family and friends at this SG Park. Standing next to city manager Gary Esplin, I leaned over and said to him….. when I was kid we had marbles to play with and he smiled and said….. and piles of dirt. Oh yes, the famous Red Dirt that mothers tried unsuccessfully to wash out of clothing. Thinking about it puts a smile on your face…. Just like the smiles soon to be seen on the faces of this new generation of kids that will thrive at this City Park.
The dedication ceremonies having been completed the council and staff returned to City Hall to continue the Public meeting. Next on the agenda was a presentation from Ibigawa delegates. (Ibigawa, Japan Sister City to SG) Students from SG schools accompanied by adult representatives including County Commissioner, Renstrom traveled to Ibigawa and accomplished two notable achievements. First, our student representative(s) interacted with Japanese students sharing a learning experience of respect and understanding of cultural differences beneficial to both countries…. not least of which established a lasting friendship for many SG students. Second, Adult representatives improved their knowledge of benefits to be had in improving City and County government practices. SG tax payers may ask….who is paying for travel expenses? It was noted that proceeds from SG Marathon as well as participating individuals pay for this noteworthy opportunity. The City of Ibigawa will in turn travel to SG and the exchange of educational opportunities will continue for future generations.
Next item welcomed attending County Commissioners, Iverson, Renstrom, Cox and our distinguished County Attorney, Brock Belnap accompanied by supporting staff. An update on the progress made between BLM and Washington County Cities that has been spearheaded by Washington County Government Officials regarding the HCP (Past, Present and Future negotiations on what is popularly known as “Turtle Preserves”) was thoroughly reviewed and discussed. Public access and use of designated areas will greatly impact future development of Washington County. Of notable significance will be Transportation Corridor and protection of Open Space – Recreational Use. A positive spin was placed on what the future will bring and how BLM will respond to public expectations. Kudo’s to all.
This was followed by the appearance of Pedro Lopez who you hear regularly on Canyon Radio Station…. well known as Juan. Mr. Lopez is an active representative of the Hispanic population of Washington County and had been invited by Mayor Pike to appear and present to the Council his innovative idea of having a “Festival” (A celebration with a Hispanic flavor of food and music) intended to bring together all elements of the community. A special observation of Latin Americans living in the United States with a focus on integrating all nationalities and races…. (Not only Mexico). The goal being to extol the virtues of assimilation shared by all….. To absorb into the culture or mores of the population). I asked Mr. Lopez to distinguish the difference between the Festival he described and the Cinco De Mayo celebrations we are acquainted with. He replied that Mexico was not to be singled out. The American Flag was to be flown and our shared common interests were to be brought forth in order to encourage the practice of “Assimilation”. Folks, the polarization that is now occurring in our nation is not in our best interest and we should not sit idly by allowing the divide to broaden. I am heartened by the thought of seeing the Stars and Stripes flying and support and encourage those desiring to Assimilate into our population. (The rule of law adhered to). I truly believe we all need to join in the fight to save our nation. Mr. Lopez was encouraged to satisfy all conditions necessary for a Special Events Permit and final determination for city sponsorship. April 29th is the target date for event to be held at Town Square. My friends, this is my take on the proposal. We each have to look within ourselves and decide what we are willing to do.
By the way last week’s City Council Meeting was concluded with the approval of former city council member, Randy Wilkinson’s project to build 90 low to moderate priced apartments….. Joule’s Plaza, to be built across the street from the County Court House, on Tabernacle. The council vote in favor was 3 to 1. Councilwoman Randall was absent due to illness. It is expected that this will help to alleviate shortage of low income housing as well as providing retail outlets.
As you can see, a multitude of activities and accomplishments continue to take place in St. George City. It gives us reason to be hopeful and to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us. It makes it possible for us to join in the feelings expressed by Eliza E. Hewitt…… “Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine when the peaceful happy moments roll’.
FYI: “Leaving Authority in Hands of Local Government”. Amended version of House Bill 253 approved by State Legislature. Bottom line for SG City….County or Municipality NOT restricted from banning owner occupied Short-term Rentals. It does prohibit agencies from seeking out individuals for listing their property on a website similar to Airbnb or VRBO. Please note SG City currently approves Short-Term Rentals in specific areas of city…..However NOT throughout entire residential sections of city.
Thank you. ED BACA.