Chief Meston wants to concentrate on fire and resign as acting city manager

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston has given the city council a 30-day notice for his acting city manager job.

"I am unable to complete my duties as the fire chief while working as the acting city manager," Meston said in a letter to the council. "I respectfully request that we move ahead in the next 30 days to find and hire an interim city manager. I believe the City will be better served with a professional city manager."

Meston assumed the role of city manager when the former manager, Nancy Kerry, was placed on leave February 9. She resigned on March 6, 2018.

Not only has Meston been the city manager and fire chief, he is also the president-elect of the California Fire Chief's Association. Thursday he was in a senate budget hearing in Sacramento, one of his duties with the association along with other fire safety and administrative matters.

He said he has had to rely on his battalion chiefs since February and has to resume his duties as chief. Meston has had to lead the City through a few hot topics which take much of his time including labor negotiations, SnowGlobe and the cannabis ordinance.

"I appreciate Jeff stepping in so quickly and effectively," SLT Mayor Wendy David told South Tahoe Now. "I understand his trying to fill so many roles. We most likely will be looking at an interim manager to bridge the gap." David and the city council will have to meet and decide the next avenue.

Meston said he will assist the new interim city manager in "any manner needed."