Oversight committee to be appointed for South Lake Tahoe recreation funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An oversight committee will be established for the 2016 voter-approved Measure P which raised tourist accommodation tax (TOT) by two percent to build a new recreation center in South Lake Tahoe.

During Tuesday's City Council meeting the elected team reviewed criteria for the future committee, and what sectors of the community will be sought. Those chosen will take part in the review of how funds are spent and report back to the public.
"We promised the voters.

During the election two years ago voters were promised the funds raised would be earmarked for a new recreation complex.

To date, $5,370,496 has been collected for the fund. Building could cost up to $40M, depending on the plan chosen.

Councilmember-elect Cody Bass spoke during public comment, saying he believes in the recreation facility but proposed the money goes to perhaps repurposing the aging center instead of tearing it down.

Tahoe Chamber Executive Director Steve Tesahara said the oversight committee makes sense and they appreciate the opportunity to provide a representative to serve on it.

Part of the agenda item in front of the Council was a choice for who will make up the committee: One member recommended by the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association, one member recommended by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, one member recommended by the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, one member recommended by the South Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club Board and one member who is a resident of El Dorado County active in the South Lake Tahoe.

Most of the Council agreed the new Council being sworn in at the next meeting should decide which sectors should be represented.

What will happen is that applications will be accepted from the community at large, in those five areas and outside, and they will appear before the Parks & Recreation Commission and be chosen by the next Council. People from El Dorado County but active in the South Lake Tahoe community are invited to apply.

"I am in support of an oversight committee but wonder why we are limiting it to a specific group of people," asked Councilman Austin Sass. "I don't want the business community to take place of citizens."

Mayor Wendy David wanted to encourage people from those sectors, but not limit to just them. Councilwoman Brooke Laine, who remains on the Council, wanted the decision on the committee to be voted by the next Council.

Lauren Thomaselli, SLT Recreation superintendent, said the next Council will be approving the applications and she didn't want to see the process delayed. The rationale she and the commissioners used for selecting the five groups they did was based on previous and successful oversight committees with not too many members and a balanced representation.

The Council unanimously approved the formation of the oversight committee and the next Council will select its members. Applications will be available on the City's website.