SOUTH LAKE TAHOE LODGING ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
December 11, 2003 @ 9:30am
Embassy Suites Hotel

MINUTES

I. Welcome & Introduction: Members of the Board, Members & Guests

II. Election

• The General Election for the Board of Directors of the South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association was held Thursday, December 11th, 2003. The following are the 2004 Board of Directors for the SLTLA:
  • President – Jerry Birdwell – Black Bear Inn
  • Vice President – Eric Eymann – Best Western Station House Inn
  • Secretary – Missy Springer – Camp Richardson Resort & Marina
  • LTVA Representative – Cathy Colbert – Inn by the Lake
  • Director representing properties with 40 or fewer units – Edward Orbock – Ridgewood Inn
  • Director representing properties with 41-80 units: James Clark – Best Tahoe West
  • Director representing properties with 81 or more units: Pradip Patel – Super 8
  • Director representing timeshare properties or property management: Dan Slaughter – Marriott
  • Redevelopment Project Representative – Stefan Gruvberger – Embassy Suites Resort
  • Associate Member Representative: Ken Daley – ATM – Blue Go
• LTVA – Cathy Colbert represented the LTVA.
  

III: Reports

• Several people discussed the City of South Lake Tahoe's funding crisis, and the impact it will have on funding for marketing the South Shore. As of the most significant industries in South Lake Tahoe, we as a group need to continue to fight for funding to market our town. Tom Davis feels it's very important to remove funding for the LTVA and Chamber from the political arena, and protect it in the future from these kinds of fiscal problems. Tom Davis feels the VLF (Vehicle License Fees) backfill is the most important item facing the city, and as such wrote the following letter to Governor Schwarzenegger:

December 11, 2003

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: VLF Backfill for Cities and Counties

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

On behalf of the City of South Lake Tahoe I wanted to first thank for your ongoing and continuing efforts to assure cities and counties in California that the State keeps its word by backfilling lost VLF revenues. Your perseverance and commitment to see this matter through to a successful conclusion is very important to local governments and the people we serve.

It has been reported tome that your office and the Legislature may have come up with a framework for a budget deal. I am told that such a deal could be acted on later today or tomorrow.

This deal, unfortunately, does not mention the VLF backfill – there is still no word on whether the VLF backfill will be addressed before the Legislature goes home. This is unacceptable for those of us who must provide essential services to the people of our communities (police, fire, emergency medical and snow removal). In South Lake Tahoe alone, without VLF backfill, the City begins in December losing almost $1 million in this fiscal year. The City of South Lake Tahoe counts on this General Fund source to balance the budget and continue providing services. The City Council has been prudent and already cut over $1.3 million in General Fund expenditures from last year’s budget.

The VLF backfill of cities and counties is absolutely essential. It is required by Law. It is a commitment made by State government to preserve essentials local services. State government must keep its word and obey the Law. City officials and those who provide essential services are pleased wit your commitment to honor the State obligations to cities and counties. We are also pleased with the word that the Republican Caucus continues to push for VLF backfill. Out State Senator Rico Oller and Assemblyman Tim Leslie are working with you to accomplish your goal of backfilling local governments, and wed appreciate and support their efforts too.

Governor, we need your energy, focus and commitment to help resolve the VLF backfill matter. You are being tested by an entrenched power system. We have faith in you and your ability to keep the State’s promises to local governments if you persevere.

Sincerely,
Tom Davis
Mayor

Mr. Davis suggested that each and every member should also write to the Governor regarding VLF backfill.

• JoAnn Conner, Prepaid Legal Services presented an overview of the services she provides, for both business owners and individual families. If you don't need a full time lawyer, this could be just the program for you. For more information, contact JoAnn at 544-7412.

IV. Adjournment

Next meeting will be Thursday, January 8, 2004, 9:30 a.m. Location TBA.

[ close window ]