City of South Lake Tahoe Approves 3 Year Deal With SnowGlobe

With a vote of 4 to 1, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Tuesday to give SnowGlobe a three year contract to have their signature concert event in the city. Promoters will also be receiving an additional $25,000 in cash funding to run the event.

SnowGlobe brings in an estimated $6 million return on the City's investment through advertising, hotel bookings, money spent on food and supplies as well on international awareness of the unique concert in South Lake Tahoe.

Hal Cole was the lone dissenter, saying he felt more money from the city wasn't appropriate since the event already gets support from the City.

Last year, the event received $33,933 in in-kind services, $4,500 in Tahoe Transportation District funds, $7,750 for South Tahoe Refuse services and $50,000 from LTVA.

According to city staff and the council, SnowGlobe has been conscientious and addresses all concerns before and during event in order to keep not only the concert goers happy, but also the residents. Chad Donnelly, CEO of SnowGlobe LLC, thanked everyone on the city team for being "an awesome partner." He said is costs about $2.6 to $2.7 million to put on SnowGlobe. Donnelly said they will use the additional $25,000 to do as the City seemed fit. Councilman Tom Davis wanted to make sure the South Lake Tahoe Seal and name is posted on all advertising materials.

Councilwoman JoAnn Conner said she thinks wrinkles have been ironed out, and wanted the multi-year contract because she “thinks that is important for our business community to see.” She said she didn't have a problem with the cash funding since the event is a benefit to local business.

Angela Swanson, Councilwoman, said she is comfortable with the fees, and that sponsorship is normal and reasonable in putting on an event of this magnitude. She said she trusted staff with their research.

The turf at the Community Fields at the college where the event is hosted will need to be replaced in about one to three years, depending on annual use, but funds are available for replacement through Measure S surplus.

Nobody spoke at the council meeting during the public comment period. City Manager Nancy Kerry said she reached out to all residents that complained during the past events, letting them know that they could have a chance to voice their opinion during Tuesday's meeting.