South Lake Tahoe Successes Highlighted in Today's State of the City Address

Mayor Tom Davis touched on more than a couple of dozen points during his State of the City Address which was presented to an overflowing full house at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Among the Davis's highlighted city successes for the year:

Linear Park - Over $600,000 was spent on a paved bike path, landscaping and an additional 22 lights on a stretch from Wildwood Avenue to just before Pioneer Trail.

Pioneer Trail Pedestrian Improvements - A safer pedestrian area created with curbs and sidewalks and the upcoming addition of 43 lights. The lights should be up by November 28th and will come with electrical plugs so Christmas lights can be displayed.

Bijou Erosion Project - $11,000,000 project to reduce the sediments reaching Lake Tahoe by over 30%. This was the first year of the project.

New 100' Fire Truck - A new firetruck with a 100 foot ladder will be delivered in February, 2014 and will replace the current aging truck. This allowed fire fighters to aim water down on a fire and eliminate the spread of fire in the crowns of trees.

Seven new police cars Purchased - 4 marked and 3 unmarked cars to replace the aging fleet.

El Dorado Beach Restrooms - new restrooms using grant money were installed by the El Dorado Beach boat ramp.

Cal Trans "Fixin' 50" - The Ski Run to Trout Creek Project has framed a beautiful lake. New projects to include more lighting on bike and walking trails.

The Aspens at South Lake Tahoe - New afforable housing units next to the Ski Run/Pioneer Trail fire station. 47 of the 48 units will be assisted units, based on income needs. This brings up the total number of affordable housing to 350 and the last project of its kind for a long time due to the end of the redevelopment agency.

Good financial picture with a balanced budget (for the first time in five years the city balanced its budget without using reserves), TOT is up 20% and sales tax is up 8-10%. Lodging properties are reporting good advanced sales for the upcoming winter season.

Grants - Over $31 million came in by the city aggressively seeking them. Currently have $3.7 million in applications out for future grants.

Partnerships - New businesses came to town like TJ Maxx and Big 5 Sporting Goods. A new shoe store may be in the empty space next to TJ Maxx by spring and Auto Zone will break ground in spring. 257 new business licenses were submitted between January and June of 2013 including Base Camp Pizza, Tech Tahoe and Cup of Cherries.

Building Trust and Supporting the Community - Gold Star Peak Memorial was dedicated this year,the Citizen's Academy has graduated 32 people so far and all have come out with an increased knowledge of how the city works and semi-pro hockey is now in town.

What is in store for the future?

Davis touched on several projects in the works including the movement on the Chateau Project with it's heated sidewalks, retail space and restaurant. "I can't wait to knock down the fence," Davis said. "I'll be there to take down the first board." The rehabilitation of Harrison Avenue, more work on the Bijou Erosion Control Project, Bicycle Trail and rehabilitation projects, Tourist Core Area Plan, a new airport ramp funded almost completely by federal funds, Lakeshore Avenue paving, enhancement to Fire Station 2 to provide space for the new fire truck, increased special events, more art in public places in the community and Monday night movies at Lakeview Commons.

Economic Challenges

Rising health care costs and unfunded liabilities top the Mayor Davis's list of challenges facing the city. Also mentioned were the condition of roads, aging snow removal equipment (some 43 years old)and how to fund the recreation master plan.