SnowGlobe to stay with modifications to address concerns

SnowGlobe will be returning to South Lake Tahoe in December, 2018, but it will be with some modifications to mitigate sound issues residents have as well as playfield concerns.

A majority of those speaking at Tuesday's City Council meeting said they are for SnowGlobe continuing, but 38 percent of those who spoke us gave a list of concerns they have from the popular three-day festival.

Thirty-two residents signed up to speak, but with the length of the previous agenda items some didn't stick around for the SnowGlobe discussion. Those who stayed had a lot to say from concern for the playfields, noise in neighborhoods to how much the annual event brings to the community in economic benefits and donations.

"People inside are happy, having a good time, a great energy," said Paul Reder, found of Bass Camp and local resident. "I offer to help with mitigation of issues." Reder said the fun attendees to the festival have sparked return visits.

"We're seeding the tourism for Tahoe," said Jarod Minghini. "Attendees said they'd be back at other times."

Not only does SnowGlobe bring tourists, many in the millennial age group, but it also shows potential investors that South Lake Tahoe business environment welcomes entrepreneurs according to several of the speakers.

"I have seen a lot of successes and failures in this town," said resident David Moore. "Its a huge success. We are the only ones in the world to have a SnowGlobe. After Celebrity Golf this is the next biggest event. Fix the sound and let it go."

The No Globe Alliance and other residents weren't as positive about the event that will be in town for its eight year. John Spinola of the group said he objects to SnowGlobe as it is. "It needs to be moved, severely modified or canceled," he said.

Bob Neidermeyer, who lives nearby the event in Sierra Tract, said the event could have reduced hours and not impact residents as much. "Have it from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so they can ski by day, listen by night," he said.

One college student, Carlos Santiago, shared with the council about how SnowGlobe changed his life. He said he'd be depressed and unsure of his path but attended the festival and he said it "changed my life." He said he saw joy and happiness, now he goes every year to visit where he got new energy in life.

"Our economy is tourist based and SnowGlobe has had a postive impact," said Tahoe Chamber CEO Steve Teshara. "International exposure, keeps employees working, nonprofits benefit and serves our future community and investors," he said.

Not everyone is happy or wants compromise though.

"I have the house closest to SnowGlobe and I can't bring my family here anymore for the holidays," said John Ebert. "The sound affects animals. Tahoe Doesn't need SnowGlobe, but SnowGlobe needs Tahoe."

Chad Donnelly, SnowGlobe's founder and CEO and two of his team were at the meeting. He said the stages will be different this year, there will be no after party and they will set up some relay towers so not all of the sound has to come from the stage.

"We want a great experience and event too," said Donnelly.

He and his team will meet with staff and the No Globe Alliance to address concerns. The playfield will be covered 100% next year, and not just under the stages and equipment. After the event left this year the grass was green under those covers. He said they are working on addressing the sounds issues and investing in a model that will show what happens to sound when there is no snow, or a lot of snow.

"Smart ideas, smart solutions, one of best public comment periods we’ve been involved in," said SLT Mayor Wendy David at the end of discussion on SnowGlobe. "People were prepared."

The 2018 event is scheduled and SnowGlobe promoters need to get their acts booked and contracts signed very soon. Donnelly and his group will be holding some online meetings with NoGlobe and city staff to address the sound and field issues that will satisfy all sides, and then they'll come back to the Council with proposed modifications on March 20.

The Council voted 5-0 to continue with the existing special event agreement with SnowGlobe but to add additional concerns to the facility use and/or temporary activity permit.

“Thank you to everyone for coming,” said Mayor David.