Esplin Addresses Planning Myths and Truths

OPENING: Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in two verses of "America" to kick off the 3757th meeting of SGR. June McAfee invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Dan Strobell asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. In the interest of time and a full agenda, President Ken called for a 1099 in the amount of $2 per member in support of Operation School Bell.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken announced receipt of $1221 in funding for this year’s dictionary project. June McAfee will chair the project again this year and distributed a sign up sheet inviting members to participate in getting dictionaries out to 3rd graders in the community.

Thursday evening, October 1 has been tentatively set as the date for the club’s summer family party. This year, it will be held at the Corn Maze at Staheli Farm. Watch for more information.

Thanks to Donald Ira Pendleton for accepting the assignment to serve as the club’s Sergeant-at-Arms.

President Ken was pleased to distribute Paul Harris awards to five members of the club. Grant Carter and Phil Hall received their first Paul Harris award. June McAfee and Ken Seefeld were honored for the second time, and Ruby Robinson was awarded through the payment of $1000 to RI’s Annual Programs Fund by her husband Ray.

PROPOSED NEW MEMBER: Darrell Wright has been proposed for membership by Steve Radmall. Any comments regarding this new membership should be directed to a member of the board.

PROGRAM: Jeannine Holt introduced Gary Esplin, the longest serving City Manager in the state of Utah. He reported difficult economic times have been hard on the city which has seen a drop of $100,000 in car sales and the overbuilding of commercial properties, many which are standing empty. He noted, too, this situation has been "a wake up call for the city and we are working hard to keep the city on track." He reported the city will host the Iron Man competition for the next five years and "we are working to bring more baseball and soccer to the area."

He reported, too, that stimulus funds from the federal government have been used to re-do Blackridge Drive and to develop a "significant exchange as part of the new airport project." He also noted "the passage of the cap and trade bill will significantly affect St. George due to the city’s use of coal fire energy." Other projects on the books or in process include a firestation at the Atkinville interchange. The new airport is on schedule for completion in January 2013 and expected to come in below the original projected cost of $125 million, which includes federal funds and proceeds from the $43.6 million sale of the old airport. The 1200 acre airport will support regional jets, 737 aircraft and the airbus 319, "but never was intended to be an international airport." Quoting Josiah Charles Stamp, the city manager said the city tries to look forward in its planning because "its easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities."