South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association

The South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association held its monthly Board of Director's Meeting as shown above.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Foff, Eric Eymann, Jerry Birdwell, Pat Ronan, Verla Younker, Ken Daley, Scott Oldakowski, Dwayne Baty
BOARD MEMBERS UNABLE TO ATTEND: Dwayne Baty, Eric Eyemann

OTHERS PRESENT: Alex Silvermann, Ruthis Nicholes, Les Wright, Austin Sass, Bob Bartlett, Milindo Nilson, Holly Collins, Pete McRoberts, Rich Hodge, Brian Williams, Clyde Billman, Bob Maloff, Ed Mcarthy, Teresa Ortiz, Ed Orbock, Benny Harrold, Sean Sweeney, Nick Edwards, Pam Drum, Tom Davis, Barbara Ruberto, Chris Jackson, Stephen Belston, Dave Johnson, Grant Tettle, Jeremy Mosiek, Ben Martin, Gail Thompson, Bill Chernock, Lynda Mcdowell. Hal Cole, Tom Conner, Kris Long

PRESIDENT'S INTRODUCTION: JIM FOFF

President Foff called the meeting to order at 9:30am. Mr. Foff discussed the increase in minimum dues to a $75 minimum. Vote on increase will be voted on in December meeting as stated in By-Laws. Discussion ensued for increase as a value. Following board and audience introductions, introduced guest speaker from Sierra at Tahoe.

AGENDA ITEMS:

PRESENTATIONS:

Sierra at Tahoe - Lodging tickets will cost $43 for 2002/2003 season. Direct to lift ticket will return, Early season tickets will cost $37 and will be valid through December 20th. Tickets resold should not exceed the $53 rack rate.

Kirkwood - Holly Collins - New to Kirkwood. Kirkwood has an ice rink, free skating but rentals cost. New snow skate park to target teen market and is sponsored by Santa Cruz. There will be one teen night a month. Kids ski free on Sunday to increase drive traffic to Hwy 88. To day ticket is $88 ($80 to lodging) for two consecutive days. Vouchers can be redeemed at any window. ATM will be Kirkwood shuttle. Phone for reservations which is staffed 24hrs at 541-SKIT. $5 round trip fee.

Heavenly - Austin Sass - New to office at Heavenly. Tammy Anstedt and Paul Swanson now represent Vail Resorts National. Blaise Carrig is dedicated and has directed staff to raising the level of service to Heavenly to Vail Standards. Vail has a 60% group return rate. More town friendly than prior (ex: Season Passes). Capital Investments include computer systems, ticket systems, frequent skier programs, PEAKS Program, Calif Lodge upgrade, bathrooms, bar, and restaurants. Vail is known for excellent F & B and has hired a new F & B manager. A new run has been added on Nevada side "Meteor". Heavenly dedicated to safety and education. A Yellow safety zone is added for families. Marketing front has a larger database with Vail. Marketing can speak to 5 million Vail and Rock resort guests. Lodging tickets- two tiered based on prior volume and Tram will run this season. Gondola is 40% - 50% of entry point and Cal Lodge is 50% - 60%. Summer activities bases upon USFS and TRPA approval.

Lake Tahoe Cruises - Dave Johnson - There will be a ski shuttle Mon - Fri 7:30am - 8:30pm two prices with and without lift tickets. All prices include food $70 or $119

ATM - Ken Daly - Ski shuttles start when resorts open except Kirkwood which begins December 14 2002. Phones are staffed 24 hours.

TRPA - Pam Drum encouraged a joint Chamber workshop on certain areas. Common ground has been achieved in past 6 - 7 years. TRPA needs local involvement with future decisions regarding 20 year plan 2007 - 2027 which addresses nine areas: Water, Air, Soil, Wildlife/Fish Habitats, Scenic, Noise and Recreation. She addressed five questions:

Conversion- coverage factor was placed on non-community plan areas. This is an area for additional conversion. Some areas are same or up to 50% if less than that of in community plan areas.
Staffing-funding issue they are fully staffed at this time in project review. Record level of applications. They are looking at outsourcing some to "fast track" this would be paid for by applicant. There is no charge for public agency applications.
Building allocation- 5 year evaluation of standards and they are not meeting the standards. Current plans states that they must meet standard thresholds if not then we cannot continue to do more. A reduction to baseline from 300 to 150 allocations. Some leave theirs on the table others like SLT use all and have a shortfall, Each area can earn back if they meet 4 criteria's. TRPA needs to work with local governments to better understand and communicate. Workshop is scheduled for Dec 6 2002 for the various stakeholders.
Enforcement - Staffing issue. TRPA needs to make business decisions and set priorities.
Vacation rentals: TRPA wishes the city to handle. TRAP does have authority because of land use issues It is a regional issue and is at the city level at this time. Ed McCarthy asked about the Shoreline Scenic Threshold. Pam stated that it is an enforcement issue. Owners do comply with permit standards or stick with original visual as approved by TRPA. They are looking for measurements that are not subjective. Pat Ronan asked with the decreased dollars yet increased scope how does TRPA plan to do it all? Pam indicated that is why we need community involvement in the next 20 year plan.

Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority - Bill Chernock - Negotiations ongoing with NLTRA. Rubicon Tech has phone tree and will make it much better. Blue campaign rolls out in March/April. This will move Tahoe to a new level. Sales Committee meeting moved to Nov 22 9am.

City of SLT - Tom Davis - Sod will be placed in Linear park this Spring. Discussed briefly that city staff is looking at 6 trailer parks for future affordable housing projects. Needs developers. Bike path at Ski Run this summer. Harrah's is still looking at Convention Center project. The MOU renews in January and the City wants milestones with the renewal.

Ken D. SLTCC - Measure Z passed. Dec 6 Open house at Chamber, same night as Heavenly Winter Welcome. Tallac Faire is Saturday December 7th.

Dave Solaro - County of Eldorado - two capital improvement projects. Juvenile Hall at Al Tahoe and 3 ball fields on Al Tahoe.

Barbara Ruberto - Rainbow Mtn - newly remodeled shop. Open house scheduled for Dec 15.

Meeting adjourned.
This meeting was recorded by Jim Foff ( President) and transcribed by Dwayne Baty (Secretary/Treasurer).

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