Blog note: This article refers to an El Dorado County Grand Jury report.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — South Lake Tahoe City Council will
decide on whether or not they should extend the event cancellation policy they
enacted in May.
The decision in May was to postpone or cancel all city special
events for 60 days, and to consider an extension of that policy depending on
the state of the coronavirus. Cases have continued to rise in the county and
several counties in Calif. have been shut down by the governor. This will
likely be part of the discussion.
They will also receive a COVID-19 update from City Manager Joe
Irvin.
The council will also discuss the South Lake Tahoe Police
Department facilities. A Grand Jury report from El Dorado County found “the
South Lake Tahoe Police Department Facility is inadequate for modern police operations
and requires funding for extensive renovation or replacement.”
A draft letter included in the council packet suggests the
council respond saying they disagree with part of the findings, specifically
they believe the renovations currently underway will make the building
adequate. However, they would ultimately desire funding for a new police
facility.
The Grand Jury report also found, “while not mandated by
[Peace Officer Standards and Training], the South Lake Tahoe Police Department
does not provide its officers with continuing professional training in crisis
intervention training.”
In the staff report, it states 20 of the 39 sworn officers
have received training and nine of the remaining 19 recently graduated from
California Basic Police Academy where they would’ve received training.
The staff report also states the department will be
implementing internal standards for CIT for fiscal year 2020/21. The department
has also begun discussions with El Dorado County about expanding the PERT
program, which sends mental health professionals on calls with armed officers,
into the city.
The council will be voting on approval of those responses.
A possible ballot measure will also be discussed. If approved,
a measure asking voters to vote on a one cent sales tax “to maintain fire
protection, 911 emergency response, public safety, snow removal; reduce
wildfire threats; prevent lake pollution; repair streets/potholes, keep public
areas safe/clean; retain local jobs/businesses; protect long-term financial stability;
provide other city services” will be added to the November ballot.
The council will also discuss a 60-day deferral for business
license fees. The council has discussed this idea in previous meetings but on
Aug. 1, license renewals that were sent out in May are considered delinquent,
so the council needs to decide soon what to do.
Finally, the council will discuss awarding an architectural
and planning services contract for the 56-acre project.
Tahoe Daily Tribune
Staff report
July 14, 2020
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