South Lake Tahoe's Year in Review - 2014

The following is a summary of accomplishments during 2014 by the City of South Lake Tahoe.

Strategic Priority: Fiscal Sustainability
The most important issue facing cities and local agencies is continued steadfast attention to the budget, both short term and long term fiscal impacts.

· Implemented “budget watch” approach to financial analysis; a year-long effort evaluating state, national and global economic impacts for South Shore economy, and capital investment opportunities
· FY 14/15 budget adopted on time and without use of alternative revenues (Second consecutive year)
· FY 13/14 budget closed with positive cash flow of nearly $1.2M directed to capital assets, capital needs and investment in City’s human capital
· Achieved AAA- bond rating
· Adopted 5-year Financial Forecast and 5-Year Capital Investment Plan
· Issued Pension Obligation Funds generating ROI and $2.5M positive cash flow to City over next 3 years
· Refunded redevelopment bonds resulting in $3M in positive cash flow
· $61K Boating and Waterways grant received
· $30k grant received for law enforcement activities
· Accepted $250k FAA grants for additional reconstruction of airport ramp
· Restructured Health Benefit Plan for employees and retirees substantially reducing long term costs
· Initiated optional Retiree Medical Opt-Out Plan
· Authorized comprehensive review of City’s Master Fee Schedule

Strategic Priority: Improve the Built Environment
· $6M Harrison Avenue Project Completed! In early 2014, City Council approved additional funding, authorized construction contract, project broke ground in May and substantially completed by October 2014
· $50,000 Champions Plaza – from idea to installation in the Harrison Ave project area
· Public Art selection for Champions Plaza
· $18M Bijou Erosion Control Project completed
· $211k grant accepted from CTC for Sierra Track Erosion Control Project
· 2.6 miles of bike trails rehabilitated
· Amended Multi-family Dwelling Unit Program to include additional units
· Amended sign ordinance – banners and sandwich signs
· Approved update to Housing Element
· Approved Tentative Subdivision Map for Tahoe Woods Development (Cedar Avenue)
· Updated the City’s capital investment priorities
· Established Community Facilities District for Bijou Area residents participation in erosion control
· Parking Garage technology upgraded
· Held Outdoor Displays community workshops implementing recommendations for code amendments
· Code Enforcement launched multi-departmental Tiger Team to respond more efficiently to code compliance issues, complaints and successfully resolve cases
· Authorized PACE program – an energy efficiency funding opportunity for commercial and residential properties

Strategic Priority: Economic Development
“Growing the Economy” is important to the entire South Shore. Economic Development necessary as a strategy of the City Council and survivability of the South Shore.

· Over $42.5M in major design review permits processed
· Approved major design review for Chateau project @ Stateline improving the built environment and contributing to South Shore’s economic development
· Retained Hot August Nights on South Shore
· Launched the “Business Friendly Initiative” to evaluate the City’s codes that impact business
· Welcomed many new or remodeled businesses to town! Chateau at Heavenly, South Shore Bikes-new location, Sonny’s BBQ, Cold Water Brewery, Blue Dog Pizza additional location, Auto Zone, Artemis additional location; Azul and Gunbarrel at Heavenly Village, Heavenly Summer Recreation Amenities, Highland Inn upgrade
· Awarded 3-yr Business Coaching Grant to single bidder: TahoeChamber.org
· Supported the upgrades at Heavenly Village for additional outdoor dining and events
· Authorized amendment to Stateline Plan Area Statement for Edgewood Properties development
· Entered into negotiations with interested developers for the Southwest Corner parcel, currently in escrow
· Launched Economic Development Task Force; community recommendations presented to City Council

Redevelopment
· Adopted Long Range Property Management Plan
· Received Certificate of Completion of Dissolution from CA Department of Finance
· Successful approval from Department of Finance to retain funding for debt service, positive $1.8M impact
· City purchased Southwest Corner parcel from Former RDA
· Former $7M loan between City - RDA approved by Department of Finance
· Refunded $30M in outstanding loans generating positive cash flow of approximately $3M

Community Engagement Initiative
· 24,000 average Monthly Website visitors
· 12,368 Facebook likes
· 4,428 Facebook likes on second page
· 1,094 #OneSouthShore likes
· 1,519 Twitter followers
· 402 Instagram followers
· OpenGov.com: interactive web link to City’s budget online making budget more transparent than previously
· Numerous community workshops: business friendly initiative, outdoor displays, paid parking program, City Council legislative televised, State of the City Address
· Community ideas, solutions and issues raised and brought forward for resolution

Long Term Planning Initiatives
· What is the future South Lake Tahoe?
· Tahoe Valley Area Plan nearing completion
· Airport Master Plan nearing completion; focusing on improving general aviation service
· Recreation Master Plan
· A full year effort on the Parks/Trails and Recreation Master Plan
· Initiated a 20 year Airport Master Plan
· Tahoe Valley Area Plan, held multiple meetings, adopted versions and admin draft of plan
· Amended MOU with TRPA for delegation of permitting authority

Strategic Priority: Partnership Development
· $193K grant accepted and passed through to Live Violence Free program
· Approved Barton’s issuance of $18M in bonds for further infrastructure capital investment
· Adopt A Tahoe Beach program co-author and support for website and media outreach with LTVA
· Supported passage LTCC’s Measure F
· Collaborated with local community for Olympic Golden Celebration, parade and event, utilized outcome to launch Champions Plaza concept
· Partnered with TRPA for shared resources
· Senior Center – resolved the mixed use of the facility and spruced up the facility for seniors
· Approved STPUD financial reimbursement agreement for capital replacement project Keller/Saddle
· Launched Community Engagement Initiative
· Partnered with LTCC to bring 4th Annual SnowGlobe Event generating substantial economic benefit
· Business Expo Sponsor
· Evaluated California Voting Rights Act issues and concerns

Strategic Priority: Quality Core Services
Delivering quality core services is a key function of city government and the main reason the City was formed 50 years ago to deliver police, fire and snow removal operations. The following actions and activities supported the Strategic Priority to deliver Quality Core Services.

· Substantial overall and upgrade of information technology and financial software
· Conducted full-scale Emergency Operations Center Training exercise with numerous partner agencies
· Purchase Mobile Lift Equipment for Fleet Services
· Installed improved station alerting system at Fire Station #1
· Purchased and took delivery of new Fire Pumper and ladder truck and Public Works sign truck
· First full year of permit processing center
· $12K grant accepted from JAG for law enforcement activities
· Initiated project to relocate public works yard out
· Implemented “City University” a year-long monthly training program for City staff
· Constructed an upgraded media room in Council Chambers
· Entered into three-year contracts with all labor groups
· Established strategic management teams within city administration
· Recognized innovation, leadership, and accomplishments among city employees supporting improved performance standards