city manager
South Lake Tahoe City Council adds monthly evening meetings
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/12/2018 - 8:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The new city council voted unanimously during their December 11 meeting to add nightly meetings to their calendar during the year to make it easier for residents who work during the day to make it to a meeting.
“Council understands that everyone can’t make it to a morning meeting,” said South Lake Tahoe City Manager Frank Rush. “Council has made this change in an effort to make the city more open, more accessible and more transparent, and encourages our citizens to participate in City government.”
New South Lake Tahoe city manager takes the helm
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/06/2018 - 5:32pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Frank A. Rush, Jr. is now officially the city manager for South Lake Tahoe.
Rush was sworn in on Wednesday, December 6, 2018
For the past 17 years Rush has been the city manager for the city of Emerald Isle in North Carolina. He and his wife of 20 years, Suzanne, moved to the South Shore with their two teenage sons, Jacob and Matthew.
Former news anchor hired as City of South Lake Tahoe communications director
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/03/2018 - 10:48pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new communication manager is on board at the City of South Lake Tahoe.
Chris Fiore was hired on November 5 and is now on the job at City Hall. He’ll be the contact person for not only all media inquiries and City press releases, but also directing the city’s digital communications and social media.
There were 62 other people vying for the job, but the Emmy-nominated and Associated Press award-winning communications professional rose to the top of the strong pool of candidates.
Former City Manager Nancy Kerry honored with proclamation and party
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 12:26pm
Nancy Kerry has been gone from her position as the city manager of South Lake Tahoe since March, but she finally got the credit due for her many accomplishments and contributions during a standing room only celebration Tuesday evening.
Over 75 community leaders came together to present Nancy with a proclamation signed by both Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis, their last official act with the City.
The list of tributes spoken during the evening is a lengthy one.
Letter: It's time to vote for Tamara Wallace
Submitted by paula on Sat, 11/03/2018 - 1:04am
Dear Citizens of South Lake Tahoe,
Letter: Ellen Palazzo is right choice for City Clerk
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 10/29/2018 - 1:07pm
Dear Voters,
Ellen Palazzo is the right choice for our next South Lake Tahoe City Clerk. She brings a rich background of education and experience to this job.
● Graduated from LTCC with AA degree
● Certified Municipal Clerk
● Enrolled in Master Municipal Clerk program
● 22 years experience in the City Clerk’s office with 15 years as Assistant City Clerk
● Notary Public
New City Manager hired for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 9:44pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council today voted unanimously to hire Frank Rush as their new city manager starting December 5, 2018.
The 49-year-old Rush gave his notice to the Emerald Isle, NC town commissioners, resigning the position he'd held for 17 years in the small oceanside resort community.
Vote expected Tuesday on new South Lake Tahoe city manager; Candidates question timing
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 5:05pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City Council will be voting to hire Frank Rush as the new South Lake Tahoe City Manager during their Tuesday, October 16 meeting.
Rush, 49, who has been Emerald Isle, N.C. town manager since 2001, was one of five candidate finalists interviewed for the job after the City Council hired a recruiting firm on April 17, 2018. Dirk Brazil, the interim SLT city manager, said the process has been a fair one with extensive work between the City's human resources department and the recruiter. Rush was a unanimous choice by the City Council.
Meet the Candidate: Cody Bass says trust and unity must be found in City Council
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/07/2018 - 7:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council have answered the same ten questions given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses have been shared in the order received.
Today is the ninth and final candidate. Cody Bass gives his responses as he makes his first bid for a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Hal Cole says his experience and calm leadership will guide City
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/06/2018 - 9:31am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, Hal Cole gives his responses as he attempts to return to the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Tamara Wallace wants City to concentrate on basics - police, fire and roads
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/04/2018 - 10:21am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the first-time candidate Tamara Wallace gives her responses as she seeks a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Bruce Grego to bring fairness and honesty to the Council
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/03/2018 - 11:18am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the first-time candidate Bruce Grego gives his responses as he seeks a seat again on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Devin Middlebrook says transparency and trust are his key pillars
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/02/2018 - 8:14am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, the first-time candidate Devin Middlebrook gives his responses as he seeks a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Austin Sass says experience is key to serving community
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 10:56am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, current Councilman Austin Sass shares his thoughts in his quest for another term on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Patrick Jarrett would like to see South Lake Tahoe come together
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/30/2018 - 11:30am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Patrick Jarrett shares his thoughts in his quest for a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Wendy David seeks second term on South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/29/2018 - 9:38am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For each of the next nine days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
First up is Wendy David, the current mayor of South Lake Tahoe. She is seeking a second term on the Council.
South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Meston sworn in as California Fire Chief's Association president
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/28/2018 - 4:11pm
South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston is now the president of the California Fire Chief's Association (CalChiefs). The 925 voting members of the association voted in Meston and he just completed one year as president-elect. On Friday, September 28, he was sworn into the position with some from South Lake Tahoe making the trip to Sacramento to be there for the big day.
This is not only the first time a chief from South Lake Tahoe has been elected to the state's top spot for fire chiefs, but also the first time anyone has from cities along the Sierra Nevada.
DA finds South Lake Tahoe City Council had "possible" Brown Act violations
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/25/2018 - 9:21pm
The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office has released their review of Councilmember Brooke Laine's allegations in April that there was a "complete disregard on the part of politicians and appointed officials for state law, transparency, and honesty to the public."
El Dorado Beach in South Lake Tahoe another victim of erosion; Beach closed
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/28/2018 - 5:11pm
Erosion from a high water level in Lake Tahoe has prompted closure of El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe.
Douglas County Manager Larry Werner asks to be released from contract
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/28/2018 - 1:52pm
Douglas County Manager Larry Werner has requested to be released from his contract giving a 60 day notice effective August 31, 2018.
“The time I have spent working for Douglas County has been challenging but rewarding,” said Larry. “I know that it is time for me to pursue retirement and family, but I will miss working with the great people in this community in this capacity.”
Discussion of Larry’s resignation and a plan for the future of the position will be held at the July 5, 2018 Board of County Commissioners meeting and has been placed on the meeting agenda.
Meet interim city manager at next South Lake Tahoe mayor chat
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/19/2018 - 4:34pm
Event Date:
June 20, 2018 - 9:00am
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David is holding her next monthly "Let's Have a Conversation" on Wednesday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center.
This month, meet the new interim City Manager Dirk Brazil during the informal meeting.
The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is located at 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
City Council makes it official: Dirk Brazil's interim city manager contract approved
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/05/2018 - 11:07pm
He's been on the job for a few weeks, meeting with staff and getting to know the ropes in South Lake Tahoe, but Dirk Brazil's employment contract for the interim city manager position was officially approved at Tuesday's City Council meeting, his first official day on the job.
SLT Fire Chief Jeff Meston recognized for filling in as acting city manager
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/05/2018 - 5:56pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For four months, Fire Chief Jeff Meston worked as the City's acting city manager, and today he was recognized for his extra service.
During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Meston was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from the Council for taking on the duties from February 7, 2018 to June 5, 2018.
“Chief Meston is not only recognized statewide but also nationally for his numerous accomplishments in the fire world. He took on the duty of Acting City Manager 100% and with grace, with intellect, with wisdom and with experience,” said Mayor Wendy David.
City Council to look at marijuana sales ordinance during Tuesday's meeting
Submitted by admin on Mon, 06/04/2018 - 11:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - At their May 1 meeting, the South Lake Tahoe City Council gave direction to the City Attorney's office to draft ordinances to regulate sales, cultivation and distribution of medical and adult-use cannabis.
Consensus at that meeting was to allow for two micro-businesses, two retail businesses, two cultivation businesses up to 5,000 square feet and unlimited testing labs.
At that same meeting, the Council assigned councilmembers Austin Sass and Brooke Laine to an ordinance sub-comittee and they have worked on the ordinance will be voted on Tuesday.
Letter: VHR company concerned with unverified complaints
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/31/2018 - 10:53am
Note: The letter was send to South Tahoe Now, the City Enforcement team, Chief of Police, City Council, and City Manager.
Dear VHR Enforcement Team,
We are in receipt of a fourth “Advisory – Vacation Home Rental Complaint” since the City’s wonderful and effective ordinance which brought South Lake Tahoe national publicity. All four of these complaints were unverified.
Dirk Brazil ready to take on interim city manager role for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 6:39pm
Recently retired from the City of Davis, Dirk Brazil has been selected to become the City of South Lake Tahoe's interim city manager starting June 5.
Even though he doesn't start officially until next month, Brazil has been in town meeting with various stakeholders and getting to know the city.
He said a lot of things in a city are the same, departments and their functions are similar, but each one has its own issues.
Food trucks, VHRs, new interim city manager all part of SLT City Council meeting
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 8:18pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council will take a look at vacation home rental (VHR) fines at their meeting on Tuesday, May 15. In a story that has had national attention, the $1,000 fines for violations of parking, noise and other ordinances for each the renter and homeowner have become the spotlight.
Council will look at the fines and rules for parking and bear boxes, and the fact that both renter and homeowners are fined for each instance.
South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/30/2018 - 11:21pm
Monday night's special session of the South Lake Tahoe City Council was scheduled for not only Brown Act and AB 1234 (ethics) training, but it was also time to interview candidates for the interim position of city manager. Tuesday's Council meeting has a closed session scheduled to name the person to fill the position.
On Tuesday, the Council has a full agenda:
Special City Council meeting for Brown Act/AB 1234 training and city manager interviews
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 4:57pm
Event Date:
April 30, 2018 - 3:00pm
Words many hear when dealing with public agencies are the words "Brown Act." These words have also been used many times recently in complaints about the South Lake Tahoe City Council. But how many understand their meaning and how they came about?
On Monday, April 30, the City Council will hold a special meeting to take care of a few items prior to their May 1 meeting, and a training on the Brown Act and AB 1234 are part of that.
Search on for new city attorney and city manager for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 11:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Prothman Executive Recruitment has been hired by the City of South Lake Tahoe to conduct searches for the next city attorney and city manager, but the process to find an interim city manager will be conducted in house, for now.
During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Brad Robbins of Prothman Executive Recruitment was the only representative of the three companies who submitted proposals to show up.
EDC District Attorney's office looking into allegations made in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/17/2018 - 1:16pm
South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler has asked the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office to look into allegations made by Councilwoman Brooke Laine in her opinion piece published on South Tahoe Now on April 15.
Uhler was asked by acting city manager, Fire Chief Jeff Meston to look into the content of Laine's disclosures. "I asked for that [the investigation] to occur to ensure transparency under my authority as City Manager," said Meston.
Opinion: Saddened by Laine's stunningly secretive display, hope we can find a path back
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/16/2018 - 12:00pm
The last few months have been some of the most difficult for our City Council, for our City and for our community. Similar to the national conversation, with immediate access to social media in many forms, controversial opinion pieces go immediately out to the public, even before the accused have an opportunity to hear the allegations. Soon after, public comment and “opinion” on the opinion begins with little interest in whether there is truth.
Mayor: Thorough and independent investigation requested to look into claims
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/16/2018 - 10:30am
On April 14th, Brooke Laine, a fellow South Lake Tahoe City Council member, publicly brought forth serious accusations and allegations against our City leaders. Because of the gravity of Ms. Laine's allegations, I, as Mayor, believe I have a duty to ensure that the claims that the City Council, City Clerk, previous City Manager, Acting City Manager, previous City Attorney, Interim City Attorney, and indeed any city employee has violated the law are fully and adequately investigated.
Full agenda for South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 7:53pm
Tuesday, April 17 will be the next South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, starting at 9:00 a.m. in the council chambers at the airport.
A cannabis ordinance will once again be discussed during the meeting. Micro-businesses, on-site consumption, permit costs, taxes, and number of licensees will be a few of the points they will discuss as an ordinance is developed.
The Council will also be voting on steps to replace the City Attorney and City Manager.
Letter: There must be a difference between politics and administration in local government
Submitted by paula on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 7:49pm
Over the years I was employed by the City of South Lake Tahoe, I had the privilege to work with many fine City employees, far too many to mention in one letter. I found that most employees cared a lot about their community and wanted to be given the chance to do the best job possible for all residents of South Lake Tahoe. They take their public employment seriously, and they just need the support and help from management and elected City officials. They are committed to the public service.
Chief Meston wants to concentrate on fire and resign as acting city manager
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/05/2018 - 11:04am
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."
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative given "breath of life"
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/27/2018 - 11:15pm
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC), the only medicinal marijuana collective in South Lake Tahoe, was given the boost they needed Tuesday during a special SLT City Council meeting.
Cody Bass, the nonprofit's executive director, has been unable to purchase many products for this business since retail sales of marijuana have been allowed in the state of California. Those businesses are now only allowed to sell to others with a license.
'Thank You' party for former South Lake Tahoe City Manager Nancy Kerry
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/24/2018 - 10:57pm
Event Date:
March 25, 2018 - 6:00pm
Ted Kennedy and Outpost Brewing Co. are holding a 'Thank You Party' for Nancy Kerry, the former city manager of South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, March 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
"Some generous and thankful South Lake Tahoe residents are paying the first $1,500 of the tab so come out and have a fresh beer, some great food and thank Nancy for her great contributions to the city that we all love," said Kennedy on his Facebook post for the event.
Jeffrey Connor and the Connor party will be performing throughout the evening.
Potential VHR ban could stall new recreation complex in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/24/2018 - 6:40pm
South Lake Tahoe voters went to the polls on November 8, 2016 and approved Measure P, a Tourist Accommodation Tax (TOT) increase of two percent to fund a new $25 million recreation complex in the city.
Now that new center is at jeopardy.
City hires Thomas Stuart as new HR analyst
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/07/2018 - 12:27pm
The City of South Lake Tahoe announced their hiring of Thomas Stuart as their new Principal Human Resources Analyst. Prior to joining the City, Stuart was a Director of Human Resources for Alvarado Group Services, a construction company with over 200 employees located in the Central Valley of California.
“We value all of our employees in the City with each and every one of them making great contributions to the community. With the addition of Tom as our Human Resources Analyst, we can ensure that our employees are being treated impeccably,” said Acting City Manager Jeff Meston.
The City of South Lake Tahoe accepts Nancy Kerry's resignation
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/06/2018 - 8:36pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council has accepted Nancy Kerry's resignation letter.
At the end of closed session Tuesday, March 6, the announcement was made.
"We have accepted the resignation of Nancy Kerry effective immediately and have accepted a settlement agreement with Ms. Kerry," said Mayor Wendy David.
"It's been an absolutely wonderful experience," Kerry told South Tahoe Now. "Such a great honor to be the city manager of this beautiful community."
South Tahoe Action Team graduates honored at meeting
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/06/2018 - 5:01pm
A new group of local volunteers graduated from the South Tahoe Action Team (STAT) program during Tuesday's South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting.
There were 16 citizens participate in this session of the STAT training.
SnowGlobe on the South Lake Tahoe City Council agenda
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/04/2018 - 1:42am
The March 6 South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting will include discussion on the annual music festival, SnowGlobe.
Council members will hear from the concert promoters, city staff and the public and decide one of three options: Continue with existing agreement but add additional conditions, continue as is, or consider terminating the agreement for the Dec. 29-31 event.
They will also hear from the Tahoe Prosperity Center on their funding request of $20,000, a vote on the final subdivision map for Gondola Vista estates
"No reportable action" in Monday's special SLT City Council meeting
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/12/2018 - 2:50pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council held a special closed session meeting on Monday to discuss matters surrounding City Manager Nancy Kerry.
The over two-hour meeting concluded with no reportable action, according to City Council.
"We will be providing no further comment," they said.
Letters: Modern day witch hunt in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/12/2018 - 10:28am
On February 8th, 2018 a South Lake news source, based on seven anonymous sources, destroyed City Manager Nancy Kerry’s reputation. As the former City Manager prior to Nancy Kerry, I know the challenges, rewards, and pitfalls of managing cities. Given the average tenure of a City Manager is 3-5 years, it is not uncommon for City Managers and City Councils to amicably part ways.
Letters: No Globe Alliance wants change or elimination of SnowGlobe event
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/11/2018 - 2:21pm
We are a diverse group of local South Lake Tahoe residents who are organizing to eliminate or relocate SnowGlobe. This event has unfairly displaced local residents, invaded our homes with noise, closed access to whole neighborhoods, exposed our forests to unnecessary and dangerous potential for fire and attracted visitors who do not reflect the family friendly Lake Tahoe we want to be. We want to bring the experiences of our local community into the light.
Special City Council meeting to decide Kerry's fate; Meston outlines plans
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/09/2018 - 10:09pm
News spread through South Lake Tahoe this week that surprised and shocked many, the City Council's decision to put City Manager Nancy Kerry on indefinite leave. The council will be meeting in closed session on Monday, February 12, 2018 to discuss the situation. Their agenda item, "PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)" starts at 9:00 a.m.
That section of code allows special and closed session meetings to consider the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, discipline, or dismissal of a public employee.
SLT City Manager on "indefinite leave." Fire chief steps in as acting manager
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/07/2018 - 2:17pm
The South Lake Tahoe City Council announced today that City Manager Nancy Kerry is on indefinite leave. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston has been appointed as the acting City Manager.
Kerry has been with the City since 2008, working in various departments and moving into the City Manager position August 21, 2012
"City Council will not be making any additional comments to respect Ms. Kerry’s privacy," according to a press release issued Wednesday.
Letter: VHR company responds to public letter
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 3:55pm
In Response to Mr. Scott Ramirez’ Letter to the City Council 01/21/2018
Dear Mr. Ramirez,
My name is Joshua Priou and I manage the property that is located directly across the street from you, I have been the sole property manager since it became a Vacation Home Rental in 2012. After reading your article I became quite saddened to hear of your concerns and I felt it was necessary to clarify and shed some light on your comments.
Tahoe Wellness Cooperative reopens after closing doors for two days
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/08/2018 - 4:04pm
1/8/18 6:00PM Update: It has been confirmed that Tahoe Wellness Center has reopened their doors for sales of medicinal marijuana. It is unknown at this time why they closed as both the State and the City did not ask him to close.
* * *
As of Monday, January 8, 2018, Tahoe Wellness Cooperative (TWC) in South Lake Tahoe is closed, but the reason for the closure differs between the parties involved.
