City's business plan presented; Public encouraged to review

Every two years a new business plan is presented to the South Lake Tahoe City Council, outlining goals, the vision and strategic priorities. This is done after each election.

In February, City staff, Council and community members got together for a two-day strategic planning session, and the results that came out of that were put into the 2017/18 South Lake Tahoe Business Plan.

During Tuesday's City Council meeting, the City's Communications Manager Tracy Franklin presented the plan that gave the status of current initiatives and priorities. The community can now use the Business Plan to evaluate the City's performance on its vision and strategic priorities.

Priorities:

Vision - We will reflect the National Treasure in which we live
Roadways - Successfully maintain City streets to meet the functional veeds of the community
Quality of Life - Strive to provide residents with a high level of public service, while promoting a wide range of parks and recreational activities consistent with community expectations
Economic Development - Attract and grow a diverse economic base that supports City revenues, promotes shopping local and creates jobs for
residents
Improve the Built Environment - Enhance our built environment to reflect the National Treasure in which we live
Public Safety - Provide citizens and visitors a safe place to live, which includes a workforce that is prepared for disasters, response to law enforcement and fire and medical emergencies in a timely and cost effective manner
Community Service - Develop and implement increased efficiencies and revision to policies to better serve the community
Financial Stability - City budget which reflects the citizens needs and council priorities while forecasting for the future

A key component of the economic development plan is the addition of the new recreation and swim complex and community center. It is in the design stage now, and once that is completed the City get a bond to pay for it. Voters approved a two percent increase in transient occupancy taxes that will pay off that bond. The new facility will have a gymnasium with four basketball courts, indoor soccer capability, second floor running track, spectator stands as well as equipment and storage areas.

Also planned is an eight-lane competition pool, indoor activity pool with slide, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, cardio fitness and group exercise spaces and the possibility of a Boys and Girls Club.

The Bijou Marketplace will be built at the site of the old Knight's Inn which is set for demolition this Spring or Summer. A developer will create new shopping/business areas along with a unique Whole Foods store. Walking and biking paths through the area will be added as will a stream restoration project to reduce flooding that is common in the area.

A new program that falls into the "Improve the Built Environment" category will be "Caring for our Corridor." Enriching the scenic corridor through South Lake Tahoe is the goal and they plan to meet that goal by assisting businesses located on highway frontage to take part in a city-wide facade improvement program. The City will encourage property and business owners to restore and improve the appearance of the buildings. Some of that has already taken place with the addition of The Crossing at Tahoe Valley, The Lake House and South Lake Brewing Company, all of which are at the "Y."

Businesses involved in the program must be located within the City limits. Not only is facade cleaning encourages, but so is masonry restoration, painting, sign removal and replacement, lighting improvements, storefront windows and landscaping.

The City has a balanced budget and expense strategies that adjust with the cyclical tourist economy South Lake Tahoe has. Long term liabilities have been reduced as have bond obligations, helping the City meet a forecast increase in medical and CalPERS expenses.

Another multi-benefit project coming to South Lake Tahoe is the Tahoe Valley Greenbelt Project that provides bike and pedestrian paths while tackling stream zone restoration at the "Y." This, combined with the new community play fields on Al Tahoe Blvd. are planned to enhance the quality of life for residents.

"This took five individuals on one Council that work well together," Mayor Austin Sass of the business plan that came out of strategic planning sessions. He also thanked the community members who presented to the Council during a pre-planning meeting. Sass encourages residents to read the new Business Plan.

This plan can be viewed here: http://slt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=852. Click on New Business C and get your copy.