MINUTES OF THE HELPER CITY SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

 

Thursday, August 5, 2004

 6:00 p.m.

Council Chambers

Helper Auditorium

19 South Main

Helper, Utah  84526

 

 

ATTENDANCE                                                       City Staff

       Mayor Joseph S. Bonacci

                                                                             City Recorder Jona Skerl         Council Members:                                                Attorney Gene Strate

           Kirk Mascaro                                             Chief George Zamantakis

           Robert Farrell                                            

          Tony Gonzales

          Robert Welch

          Chuck Buchanan

                                                                   

Citizen: Catherine and Sundra Llewelyn Rhea Parry, Mike Parry, Joe Busio, Larry McGurie, Ron and Bridgette Dalton, Larry and Erna Ganser, Jodi Mascaro, Jack Hill, Charmine Jones, Ron Mutz, Bianca Davis, Stacey Armstrong, William VanSoelen, Pamela Reddington, James Madrigal, Kathleen Royster, Ralph Fossat, Lydia Zamantakis, Lois and Gordon Newbold, Darrin Telph, Sue Ann Martell, Gloria and Bill Callor, Grant Howell, Janis Fausett, Steven Giacoletto, Dave and Mary Lou Dornan, Orlando Ochoa, Branden Giacoletto, James Callor, Richard Tatton, Nick Tatton, Mary Lou Farish, Mildred Fox, Becky and Richard Curtis, Charles Hamilton, Lisa Chamberain, John and Debbie Jones, Mike Dalpiaz, Alfred Montez, Jeff Westergard, Larry McQuire, Richard Shaw, Orlando Ochoa, Scott and Joy Grundy, Shelly Bogdin, Wilma Howa.

 

The special meeting of the Helper City Council was called to order by Mayor Bonacci at 6:00 p.m.   

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Bonacci.

 

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE INCREASE TO PROPERTY TAXES.

 

Mayor Bonacci opened the public hearing at 6:05 for comments after addressing the public with a brief comment.   Larry Ganser stated he was not for the increase, there are too many police.  James Madrigal against the increase, police are running off the tourists.

 Ron Mutz wanted the council to use his budget cuts he presented to them in a prior meeting.  Mary Lou Dornan asked the council how much the increase would be. John Jones was concerned about how many vacant rentals there are in town. Bianca Dumas was for the increase it would only cost her about .75 per month and if this would help build a pool or maintain the city faculties that would be worth it.  Dave Dornan explained how he moved here because of the great potential that Helper has and is for this increase.  Bill VanSoelon is against it pays too much already.  Ralph Fossat is against it feels that the Rio Theater is a drain on the city budget.   Gloria Callor suggested to get rid of the street sweeper.  Steve Giacoletto explained that his power bill is up $300 more and the taxes will hurt his business more.  Janis Fausett said police were hurting the city.  Jodi Mascaro told the people to support things within the city, it would help.  Pam Reddington said the cost would raise the rent on her RV Park.  Jack Hill from Cedar City stated that the theater would bring in tourists if we could get it going.  The theater in Cedar City generates about a half a million dollars in revenue to the city.  Brandon Giacoletto would like to see this as a temporary increase in hopes that some other solutions could be found.   Mike Dalpiaz again pointed out that the fixed income residents will be hit hard with the utility increase and the property increase.  Mayor Bonacci closed the public hearing at 8:15 P.M.

 

 

 

Council Member Buchanan stated that we can’t make improvement without funds and I would not give up the Rio Theater for anything. Council Member Farrell stated that the police are there when you need them; school district is getting three times what Helper is getting.  Council Member Gonzales stated Helper is declining and being on a fix income it will hurt but if this will help I’m for it.  Council Member Welch stated that improvements are needed and funding is low.  Council Member Mascaro I have listened to all comments and we need funding to get new things for the city and more recreation.

 

 

 

 

Council Member Buchanan moved to approve the property tax increase from .001624 to .002482 . Council Member Welch seconded the motion. Motion carried. Unanimous decision by council present.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:             

 

There being no further business Council Member Welch moved to adjourn the meeting.  Council Member Farrell seconded the motion.  Motion carried. Unanimous decision by council present to adjourn the meeting.

 

I here by certify that the foregoing represents a true, accurate and complete record of the Helper City Council meeting held on Thursday, August 5, 2004.

 

 

________________________________        ___________________________

Joseph S. Bonacci                                           Jona M. Skerl

Mayor                                                               City Recorder

 

Approved on August 19, 2004