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Funding for recreation projects is approved

Susan Wood

After undergoing a contentious review of its audit on previous expenses, the Joint Powers Authority charged with managing Measure S funds agreed Thursday to set aside current money for a toddler ballfield, a bike lane seal and materials for a snack shack.

The projects amounted to $167,000, leaving about $30,000 remaining for the recreation initiative managed El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Paradise Resort Improvement District.

“We want to give another ballfield to the public,” said Michael Clark, who represents the park district. The 42-acre park is located at the end of San Bernardino Avenue in Meyers.



Clark estimated the venture may cost about $100,000. It has $58,000 in the coffers and asked the JPA board for another $50,000.

Clark had recognized the criticism the community had waged on Measure S, which originally called for four ballfields. The county built one off Al Tahoe Boulevard.



Money for a snack shack and restroom facility for the athletic field was also approved. Hal Cole, who represents the city on the JPA board, figured materials would cost $102,000 and provided a breakdown of each item. Cole, a builder, donated his time since money has been tight.

After presenting a tale of cost overruns from its $10,000 annual allocation, Black Bear Inn co-owner Jerry Birdwell came before the board requesting $5,000 for a slurry seal on the 2-mile bike lane up Ski Run Boulevard. Birdwell represented the business improvement district board, contending some of the cost overruns have been out of the BID board’s control. Measure S pays for bike trail maintenance.

But water, electricity and lighting has put the district over budget by $1,600 over budget.

“We’ve wanted answers, and those answers come from the city,” said Birdwell, who’s running for City Council.


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