SOUTH LAKE TAHOE LODGING ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
July 10th, 2003 @ 9:30 a.m.
Station House Inn

MINUTES

Introduction of Board and Guests

Meeting Called to Order:

Presentation by Jacqui Grandfield, Tahoe Conservancy. Overview of the Upper Truckee River and Wetland Restoration Project. The Conservancy is in the “Public Input” stage of the project, and would like input from Tahoe locals.

The presentation included:

• Key Opportunities
  • A uniquely large, disturbed wetland on the shore of Lake Tahoe
  • Located at the mouth of two of the largest watersheds in the basin
  • Receives runoff from the largest urbanized area in the basin
  • Largest single concentration of Tahoe Yellow Cress
  • Existing easement and open are for public access to Lake Tahoe at Cove East
• Critical Constraints
  • Property acquisition purposes
  • Permissible uses by plan area
  • Special interest species and communities
  • Regulated 10-year floodplain
• Project Objectives
  • Resort natural, self-sustaining river and floodplain processes and functions
  • Protect, restore and enhance naturally functioning habitats
  • Restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat quality
  • Improve water quality through enhanced natural processes
  • Protect and expand Tahoe Yellow Cress populations
  • Enhance public access, consistent with resource needs
  • Avoid increasing flood hazard on adjacent private property
  • Protect natural scenic qualities
  • Design with sensitivity to the site’s historic and cultural heritage
  • Design the urban/wetland interface to benefit resources
  • Be compatible with upper watershed conditions
  • Plan for change with adaptive management

If you are interested in providing input you may contact: Jacqui Grandfield, California Tahoe Conservancy, 2161 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Ste. 2, South Lake Tahoe, CA 961501; 530-542-5560, ext. 330 – jgrandfield@Tahoecons.ca.gov.

Transient Occupancy Tax: Eric Eyemann reported to the association regarding the South Lake Tahoe council meeting where the TOT tax was to be discussed. Jerry Birdwell had spoken to the city, and had been assured that the TOT had been taken off the agenda for the meeting, however it remained on the agenda. Dwayne Wallace called several members, who came to the meeting to share their opinions with the council. Eric pointed out that several years ago the Lodging Association and the City had negotiated an agreement that discussed what TOT was, and what should be collected. Eric felt that the City was reacting more to Vacation Rentals vs hotels. However, the City said they would be forming a committee to review the subject. Jerry Birdwell will contact the City to find out how to get on the committee (suggesting that Pete MacRoberts and Eric both be involved). The City council discussion regarding the TOT was put off until the August 16th City Council meeting. The next meeting of the SLTLA (held August 14th) will update information on TOT and the City. It is important for all members to attend that meeting to let your voice be heard on this very important matter. Cathy Colbert also suggested that there be some clarification regarding the “exempt” status. Even with proper documentation the City has refused to allow some exempt forms.

LTVA – Bill Chernock reminded everyone that the Celebrity Golf Tournament is next week, July 15-20th. Lodging properties should contact LTVA to let them know how many tickets they have sold. You can check out who will be coming to the event on www.tahoecelebritygolf.com. Friday, July 11th was the LTVA Marketing Meeting where special event funding would be discussed. Also, the Lake Tahoe Travel Planner will be a lake wide publication, for the first time. This will allow those interested in the Lake Tahoe area to receive one comprehensive publication about the entire Basin.

Jerry Birdwell also brought up term limits for Board Members. Cathy Colbert is the Lodging Associations representative on the LTVA Marketing Committee, and with term limits, this would be her last year. Because it takes quite a while to become familiar with the routine, it has been discussed to change the by-laws to drop term limits. A general discussion will be held next meeting, with a vote to be held at the September meeting.

Les Wright – Lake Tahoe Marathon: Update on the marathon. Suggested everyone put a link on their web page to the Marathon page (www.laketahoemarathon.com).

Pete MacRoberts – Tahoe Tomorrow – will be contacting members for donations to help support a “Lake Tahoe Water Trail” for kayaks. The plan is to have a “trail” around the lake, with places to stop, sleep or eat around the lake. Kayaking is one of the fasts growing water spots in the nation.

Any Chapman – North Lake Tahoe Reservations – Reported that the reservations office is moving, and there will be more changes coming in regards to on-line booking. He will come to the September meeting to give the association an update.

Meeting Adjourned.

NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD AUGUST 14TH, 2003 @ 9:30 A.M.
Location to be announced.

[ close window ]