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The city’s got issues

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tribune’s issue watch tracks different topics of consequence to our community. Have an issue we should be watching? E-mail editor Annie Flanzraich at aflanz@tahoedailytribune.com with the topic, what’s going on and where we can find out more.

The issue…

In 2000, South Shore voters approved the Measure S property tax to pay for the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, athletic fields, Tahoe Paradise Park facilities and to maintain bicycle trails built after passage of the measure. In 2009, an amendment allowing use of the funds for improvements to little league fields at Rufus Allen Boulevard and Lyons Avenue was defeated by voters.



What’s happening now…

A second amendment to Measure S has been proposed that would allow the funds to be used for the rehabilitation of the little league fields and South Shore bike trails built before September 2000.



What’s next…

The South Lake Tahoe City Council will take public input on, and possibly approve the proposed amendment at its Tuesday meeting at Lake Tahoe Airport. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. The South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities Joint Powers Authority is not expected to make final decision on whether to place the measure on the November ballot until June 30. If approved by the City Council and El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, the matter could be decided by voters in November 2011.

The issue…

Concerns over pedestrian safety, as well as the city’s liability for injured pedestrians, in front of the stalled convention center project at the state line has prompted the City Council to discuss additional safety measures, including the construction of a pedestrian walkway in front of the project site.

What’s happening now…

In November, the previous City Council approved a boardwalk option for the area at the cost of $183,000. In February, city staff found the actual cost of the boardwalk would cost closer to $300,000. Earlier this month, Caltrans staff said they would not join the city in funding the boardwalk option.

What’s next…

The City Council will discuss a staff recommendation Tuesday to add additional signs and pedestrian detours to the area instead of the boardwalk. The signs would cost about $3,000.

The issue…

The South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena has lost money during four of the past five fiscal years. The city has subsidized the ice arena between $35,165 and $97,272 during those four years. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the ice arena generated $22,965 for the city.

What’s happening now…

City Manager Tony O’Rourke is recommending the city open operation of the ice arena to outside concessionaires as part of the city’s five-year financial plan.

What’s next…

On Tuesday, the City Council will discuss whether to authorize the release of a request for proposals regarding operation of the ice arena.


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