With two City Council members missing, vote on potential tax increases delayed

In just over one hour, the South Lake Tahoe City Council finished up all of their business for the day, but not all that was on the agenda.

City Council members Hal Cole and Tom Davis were both missing from the May 3 meeting, Davis due to a planned County Supervisor luncheon and Cole due to illness.

A proposed tax increase for the November ballot was going to be discussed, but Mayor Wendy David asked to table it until all five council members could be present.

Two tax initiatives could appear on the November ballot, initiatives needed to pay for much needed city improvements including roads, facilities, replacing an aging fleet, a remodel of the recreation and swim complex and more.

What is being proposed 1/2 cent sales tax increase which would bring in an estimated $2.5 million annually; and a 2% Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase which would generate about $2 million more a year, enough to make recreation bond repayments.

To appear on the November 8, 2016 ballot, the City must submit a ballot measure no later than the June 21 Council meeting so there is still time. The first discussion will take place now at their 9:00 a.m. May 17, 2016 meeting at the airport.

What they did approve Tuesday was the sale of three parcels to Mansoor Alyeshmemi, the owner of the Ski Run Marina. The lots, located at 1051 and 1059 Ski Run Blvd, and 3662 Paradise Avenue cannot be developed on, and have no commercial floor space or accommodation units tied with them.

The City had leased the lots to Alyeshmemi for parking, and that is the only purpose he can continue to use them for, even though he'll now own them. All three lots are deed restricted, and can only be used for short-term parking. No long term parking or storage of vehicles will be allowed on the lots, and he needs to add landscaping improvements.

The deed restriction follows the lots in the chance there is an ownership change. The only way they can be used for other purposes would be for the city to release the restriction.

Even though the three parcels had been for sale since 2012, there were no offers other than Alyeshmemi. The purchase price is $100,000.