South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association

1. Welcome and Introduction

2. By Laws:

First there was a discussion and explanation of the By Law Change – (see attached PDF), and a review of candidates, plus addition of Barbara Ruberto, Rainbow Mountain Ski & Board as a write in candidate for Associate Member Representative.

A vote was taken, and the By-Law Change was approved.

3. Board of Directors Election:

The Board was voted in as:

President: Jerry Bindel, Lakeland Village Resort
Vice President: Pete MacRoberts, Holiday Inn Express (1 year)
Secretary / Treasurer: Melissa Springer – Camp Richardson Resort & Marina (1 year)
At Large Representative: Pat Ronan – Lakeshore Lodge & Spa
Director representing properties with 1-80 Units: Hans Hansen, Avalon Lodge
Director Representing Properties with 80 and over Units: Dan McHale, Inn by the Lake
Director representing timeshare properties/property management: Tom Davis – Tahoe Keys Resort
Redevelopment Project Representative: John Steinbach, Embassy Suites Resort
Associate Member Representative: Barbara Ruberto

The board took their place at the head table.

4. BID Update:

Pat Ronan is meeting with lawyers to discuss the New BID proposal and options. This group is currently involved with 6 BIDs and has completed over 55. Cost for their services will be about $20,000. This is a positive BID, in that the concept is agreed upon up front, a petition is done, and each property signs the petition and sends it into the City. It is a weighted vote, based on how much a property is putting into the BID. The City will still collect the money, and pass it on as stated in the petition. (What that split of monies will be is still to be worked out.) Between now and January there will be a subcommittee working on the process, and wording, then there will be meetings to explain it which will include all lodging properties. The BID will be completed about the same time the $1.50 sunsets, allowing the new costs (the thinking is $2 per night, and units with 2 bedrooms or more, $4 a night.) to continue on, and be given over to the BID. After this is voted in the first time the term is 5 years (before it comes up for vote again), and at the end of the 5 years, it is voted on again, and then lasts for 10 years. It allows us to make long-term plans. The Board of Directors will continue to communicate with the members.

5. Presentations:

Lake Tahoe Wedding & Honeymoon Association: Currently has 97 members, are a non-profit organization that is proactive in the community to increase wedding business and increase the quality of service. Most of the funds are spend on marketing and advertising the area. They have several partners that they are working with, plus trade shows (Dallas, Reno, Sac, SF, LA, LV) Check out their web page at www.tahoeweddings.org.
Consolidate Transit System: Ken announced that, due to monetary problems (ridership was down, resulting in lower fare box revenue, plus increase cost for employees, insurance and fuel), beginning January 1, 2006, daytime pickups in the casino area will be cut back to 3 p.m. to 1-2 a.m. An additional van will be put on Saturday nights. Shuttles and door to door remain the same. Ken was asked about the possibility of raising fares, he said that usually results in a loss of ridership for a while, and they don’t feel they can take that hit at this time. Also the possibility was raised of higher fares the farther out from the casino corridor you go.
Lake Tahoe Central Reservations brought summaries that can be requested from them.
Norma Santiago, our new Supervisor, was introduced. She said she was looking forward to working with all groups, and has an open door policy and would love to hear from all of us.
Chamber of Commerce: Ken spoke for Duane, discussed the possible merger of the chambers. A very important meeting will be held on December 20^th, 8 am, at Caesars. There will be a presentation and discussion. As well, LTVA will make a presentation about how they plan to assume the roll of running visitor services.
LTVA: Patrick gave an update – they will be revamping the entire Sales Program, there will be a meeting on December 16^th at LTVA, 9 a.m., have new sales software which will track sales. Marketing meeting will be held December 9^th, 9 a.m. Also, if you wish to sponsor a Bear, please contact LTVA.
Ted Long discussed the City business. Over the next weeks they will begin to discuss the budget, Ted would like to see it more open and public. The city would like to discuss what to do with the $75,000 they were going to give to the BID, after expenses. They have some ideas on event funding, etc. and would like ideas from the public.

Adjournment

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