South Lake Tahoe Parking Initiative: "Fix It and Not Nix It"

The City of South Lake Tahoe is letting the voters decide the future of paid parking in the city limits during the next election on June 3, 2014. Voters will be able to either approve or repeal the city's paid parking ordinance.

During Tuesday night's City Council session, several options were voted on that address concerns the public had on paid parking. They will go into effect immediately, well ahead of the election.

John Friedrich spoke during the public portion of the meeting. He asked that the council "fix it and not nix it" where the parking ordinance is concerned. Friedrich urged the city to have the ballot contain language so the community would be clear on what the consequences would be should paid parking be eliminated.

It is estimated that repealing the paid parking program will have a negative impact on the city's budget by $620,000. The budget includes revenues of $62,000 from Lakeview Commons parking, $60,000 from the boat ramp contract, $85,000 from Bellamy Court/Transit Way parking and $250,000 from parking program management (Lakeside Beach and city wide citations). Without the revenues there will be less money that can be put into improvement projects.

The city was ready to go on Lakeside Beach parking improvements but will hold off until after the election.

The City Council had two options to choose from on Tuesday, either do nothing or amend and modify the current parking ordinance which is what they did:

-Some residents had expressed concern since paid parking became a reality about the affect $55 citations would have on tourists. The fine has been reduced to $35.
-Paid parking at Venice Drive will be eliminated and modification of the area to better serve walkers and bikers will be investigated.
-A parking pass will be issued to all locals on both sides of the state line (those with 89449, 89448, 96150-96158) for $40 per year. Passes will be good Monday through Friday only, leaving the spaces for tourist parking on weekends.
-Hours of operation will change. Paid parking will be during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-The council recognized the need for better striping and signage but decided to hold off on expenses in this area until the election.

Funds raised from paid parking will go back into the neighborhoods they are gathered from for maintenance and improvements. City Manager Nancy Kerry told the council that they want community involvement on how to best spend the revenues with the formation of "Community Improvement Groups." These will be formed if voters decide to keep paid parking.

In an effort to make it easier to participate in city government the South Lake Tahoe City Council split their meeting Tuesday into a daytime and an evening portion. Mayor Hal Cole said he wanted to make sure all voices were being heard concerning the paid parking measure.

Just a handful of people attending the evening meeting, but all that wanted a say in front of the council had the opportunity. Most that spoke were in favor of paid parking.