Ivins council approves Wreaths Across America proclamation; police report and Sand Hollow Aquatic Center update presented

The Ivins City Council on Dec. 5 approved a proclamation recognizing Dec. 14, 2024 as Wreaths Across America Day and received routine department reports from public safety and parks.

Mayor pro tem read the proclamation text naming Dec. 14 as Wreaths Across America Day; Councilmember Sharon Gillespie moved to approve the proclamation and Kevin Smith seconded. The council approved the proclamation by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Chief Studley delivered the public‑safety report for Oct. 24–Nov. 20. He described locating an elderly missing person with dementia who was gone about seven hours and said the department nearly issued a Silver Alert before the person was found and returned home. Studley also reported training activities — firearms, patrol rifle, emergency vehicle operations, advanced field training officer certification — and recognized personnel who completed leadership and instructor roles. He said the department recorded 435 total calls during the reporting period, 251 of which were in Ivins City.

During council reports, Sharon Gillespie reviewed the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center (SHAC) finances: Ivins received an invoice of about $48,000, and deficits are divided among St. George, Santa Clara, and Ivins based on visit counts. She said St. George is taking steps to reduce operating deficits and will handle capital improvements for the facility under the standing intergovernmental agreement, which she described as difficult to exit. Council discussed marketing strategies to increase local usage and the possibility of offering free access to city employees.

The council also approved the consent agenda by voice vote and announced a staff appreciation luncheon set for noon Dec. 17 in the council chambers.