It was a very short South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda Tuesday, but one that brought out passionate comments on the dais, and what one witness called “bickering.”
The lone new business item was for the creation of a City policy where local parades are concerned, an item requested to be placed on the agenda by Councilmember JoAnn Conner.
Conner’s business, Golden Bear Events, has been the coordinator of two annual South Lake Tahoe parades for a few years, one on the 4th of July and another at Christmas. She said she organized the parades at no profit for her business and all proceeds went to the American Legion and Christmas Cheer.
Since she claimed there was no income, Conner said the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) told her she was able to discuss and vote on this agenda item which called for policies on something she organizes but has no financial gain from.
There had been no complaints or concerns filed with the City, Conner just wanted procedures defined by policy.
The SLT Police and Fire Departments had been involved in previous parades, but when the Christmas Parade in 2015 went down to five vehicles participating, they pulled out as the City said they felt the safety concerns of both participants and spectators wasn’t an issue.
“I want specific parameters on what is required,” said Conner about the parade application process.
The City and Police Department look at applications for parades and evaluate the time of day, the number of participants, the day of the week and the route when determining the necessity of police escorts.
Policy stated that it was up to the discretion of the department for police escorts.
“City resources cannot be used for an elected official’s business,” said City Manager Nancy Kerry.
“I get no financial gain,” added Conner.
Once it was clear that she made no money on the parades, City Councilman Tom Davis said he wanted to see the City have a 4th of July parade since it is a national holiday. “I want it to be inclusive, not exclusive,” he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Austin Sass made a motion that an updated parade policy be created that states City resources and vehicles shall not be utilized in parades unless it is sponsored by the City. It also states that police vehicles will only be used when determined by the Police Chief that there is a public safety concern.
An amendment to Sass’s motion was made that states the City will plan the 4th of July parade in the future.
Conner appeared upset by the motion, stating the Veterans would be the ones who lose out from the donations the parade brings in. When asked how much that was, Conner said $200 to $300 on a good year. Both Councilmembers Davis and Hal Cole said they’d donate that to the Veterans.
Conner also said the 4th of July parade wasn’t on the agenda, just the policy and was the lone dissent on the vote.
Local citizen Vivian Gonterman was in the audience during the whole discussion. “Bickering is a little beyond what should be out to the public,” she said.
Mayor Wendy David then called for a vote.
“I think this is despicable that Council would take over something one business has,” said Conner.