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South Lake Tahoe City Council approves airport improvements

Adam Jensen
ajensen@tahoedailytribune.com
South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a construction contract Tuesday, June 21, that will make numerous improvements to the lobby at Lake Tahoe Airport.
File Photo |

South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a contract Tuesday, June 21, to make numerous improvements to the lobby at Lake Tahoe Airport.

The council voted 3-2 to award DML Construction, Inc. of Verdi, Nevada, a contract in the amount of $627,371 for the work. The renovations at the airport, which also houses South Lake Tahoe’s City Council Chambers, includes the construction of a fireplace in the airport’s lobby; heating, ventilating and air conditioning work and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, among other items.

“The scope of work for the project includes demolition of the lobby and common area carpeting, walls, doors, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and ceiling tile and grid,” wrote Jim Marino, the city’s assistant director of public works in a staff report. “Construction includes; replacement of the building HVAC and mechanical equipment for that portion of the building, replacement of the lighting, new wall and ceiling treatments, new windows and glazing, installation of a gas fireplace with stone facade, timber log and iron accents, wood paneled walls, new office doors, a visitor’s center area, modifications to the reception area including ADA counter and safety glass transaction window, new carpeting and resilient flooring, ADA upgrades to lobby entrance door and ramps, painting, trim, and finishes.”



Council members Tom Davis and JoAnn Conner opposed the proposal, with Davis expressing concerns about the cost efficiency of operating a natural gas fireplace and Conner saying she didn’t like investing money in a facility many residents don’t feel should be used as a city hall. Conner also said she felt South Shore’s art community was not properly consulted on the project.

Council member Hal Cole said the architectural work doesn’t preclude additional involvement from the art community, and supporters of the remodel on the council said it is an overdue renovation of the airport.



“I think it’s time to update what will probably be our city council home for many, many years to come,” Mayor Wendy David said.

Also at Tuesday’s City Council meeting

The council did not take action on a purchase and sale agreement and commercial and development agreement with Halferty Development Company, LLC for the development of a vacant lot at the corner of Ski Run Boulevard and U.S. Highway 50. The potential development of what is known as the South West Corner is tied to a city project involving the purchase of the nearby Knights Inn. The item was pulled off the agenda at the start of Tuesday’s meeting.

The organizers of the SnowGlobe Music Festival are expected to appear before the South Lake Tahoe City Council at a future meeting to request a 10-year contract for the festival that takes place during the three days leading up to New Year’s Day at the playfields near Lake Tahoe Community College. The council agreed to discuss the topic following a request from SnowGlobe organizers and city manager Nancy Kerry. The South Lake Tahoe City Council approved a three-year contract with the festival in 2014.


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