City of South Lake Tahoe
City Council
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 9:00 am
City Hall - Council Chambers - 1901 Lisa Maloff Way, South Lake Tahoe NOTE: The Meeting Minutes represent actions taken during the meeting of the City Council. Complete Council member discussions on Regular Session meeting items can be viewed in archived video recordings on the City’s website at http://www.cityofslt.us Public submittals on items are retained in the administrative record and can be viewed in the City Clerk’s repository at http://www.cityofslt.us
Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Bass read the Land Acknowledgement.
Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Bass called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the led the pledge of allegiance.
Roll Call
Present were Mayor Bass, and Councilmembers Robbins, Jinkens, Roberts, and Horgan.
Also present were City Manager Irvin, City Attorney Stroud, and City Clerk Blankenship.
Closed Session Report
Closed Session Report from January 13, 2026:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation - Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2). Regarding Liability Claim from Riccomini Family Trust Regarding Partial Refund of Inclusionary Housing Ordinance In-Lieu Fee.
Action: No reportable action.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1).
Case: South Lake Tahoe Property Owners Group v. City of South Lake Tahoe, Third Appellate District Case No. C103980.
Action: No reportable action.
Closed Session Report from October 15, 2025:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case: John Miller v. City of South Lake Tahoe, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Case Nos. ADJ17872997 and ADJ19215685.
Action: Settled by compromise and release in the amount of $40,000.
Closed Session Report from December 9, 2025:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation - Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
Regarding Liability Claim from Chris Fanini Regarding Partial Refund of Inclusionary Housing Ordinance In-Lieu Fee.
Action: Settled by compromise and release in the amount of $50,506.33 Public Communications
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Larry Pedigo- Councilmember Horgan, inflation, loss of businesses, cost of living, census change, insurance, “vision” as a strategic priority
2. Melissa Soderston- Kidnappings, VP Vance, SLTPD
3. Ed Mosur- City retiree benefits lawsuit
4. Kelly O’Haire- Thank you to City Manager Irvin, massage parlor blight, business window advertising blight
5. Robert Aaron – Fire hazards, child protection, community cleanup, Tamara Wallace, City Manager Irvin leaving position
6. Rafael- VHR buffer zone removal
Written public comment was received from the following person:
1. Anna Gaofano- Discounted parking in Stateline area
City Commission Reports
Student Advisors Sebastian Guerrero and Myra Donahue- provided verbal report.
Reorganization of the City Council
1. 2026 Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem Selection
Action: Moved/Seconded: Horgan/Bass
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Jinkens, Horgan
No: Robbins
Action: Passed Motion 2026-001 selecting Bass as Mayor and Roberts as Mayor Pro Tem for the year 2026.
Public comment was heard from the following people:
1. Lou Perini
2. John Messina
3. Larry Pedigo
4. Melissa Soderston
5. Ed Mosur
Consent Agenda
Action: Moved/Seconded: Jinkens/Roberts
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Note: Councilmember Robbins voted “No” on Item 8.
Note: Item 11 was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Councilmember Jinekns.
Action: Passed the Consent Agenda, without Item 11, and with noted “No” vote on Item 8.
2. City Council Meeting Minutes
Action: Passed Motion 2026-002 approving the minutes from the December 9, 2025, City Council meeting.
3. Agreement with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District for General Forestry Services for Fuels Reduction Projects
Action: Passed Motion 2026-003 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (C-006-2026) for General Forestry Services for fuels reduction projects within the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Public comment was heard from the following person:
1. Melissa Soderston
2. John Messina
4. Data Sharing Agreement with Xylo Risk, Inc. (XyloPlan) for Tahoe Fund Smart Community Pilot Project
Action: Passed Motion 2026-004 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute Data Sharing Agreement with XyloPlan (C-007-2026) for Tahoe Fund Fire Smart Community Pilot Project.
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Larry Pedigo
5. Right of Entry Agreement with El Dorado County and Lake Valley Fire Protection District for Fuels Reduction work on County-Owned Properties Action: Passed Motion 2026-005 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute a Right of Entry Agreement between El Dorado County, the City of South Lake Tahoe, and Lake Valley Fire Protection District (C-008-2026) for Fuels Reduction work on County-owned properties.
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Melissa Soderston
2. John Messina
6. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Purchase
Action: Passed Motion 2026-006 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Order for the purchase of new SCBA inventory from ALL STAR Fire Equipment (C-009-2026) for an amount not to exceed $361,799.51.
7. Fire Department Purchase of Three Light Duty Vehicles Action: Passed Motion 2026-007 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Order for three (3) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PPV pickup trucks from Champion Chevrolet (C-010- 2026), for an amount not to exceed $162,255.84.
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Nick Speal
2. John Messina
8. Authorization to Purchase Two Community Service Officers Vehicles from Champion Chevrolet
Note: Councilmember Robbins voted ‘No” on this item.
Action: Passed Motion 2026-008 authorizing the purchase of two 2026 Chevy Silverado 4WD pickups from Champion Chevrolet (C-011-2026), using existing budget up to $101,766.60 and authorize the City Manager to execute the Purchase Order to Champion Chevrolet.
Public Comment was heard from the following person:
1. Nick Speal
9. Grant Application to California Office of Traffic Safety for Special Enforcement of Traffic and Alcohol-Related Crimes
Action: Passed Resolution 2026-001 authorizing the Chief of Police to submit a grant application to the California Office of Traffic Safety for special enforcement of traffic and alcohol-related crimes, running of DUI checkpoints, and press releases, up to $100,000.00. Grant funds will be used to carry out enforcement related to a host of traffic and criminal violations in our community including, but not limited to, DUI enforcement, seatbelt violations, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian details. It will also be used for in-state travel for related trainings, and to purchase supplies and equipment.
Public Comment was heard from the following person:
1. Ed Mosur
2. Larry Pedigo
10. Funding Transfer for Upper Truckee River Bridge Pier Protection Design Services Action: Passed Resolution 2026-002 authorizing the Transfer of $58,500 from General Fund Engineering Account to the new Upper Truckee River Bridge Pier Protection Capital Project Account
Public Comment was heard from the following person:
1. Alan Miller *written comment distributed
11. Reimbursement Agreement with Southwest Gas
Note: This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda. By Councilmember Jinkens Action: Moved/Seconded: Jinkens/Horgan
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: Passed Resolution 2026-003 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute a reimbursement agreement with Southwest Gas (C-012-2026) for their 2025 construction project in the Tahoe Keys neighborhood and amending the Street Overlay Program account (301- 50005) by appropriating $321,964.10 in paving funds from Southwest Gas into revenue code 34415 and expense code 48030 for the purpose of funding the Road Rehabilitation Projects.
Public Comment was heard from the following people:
1. Ed Mosur
2. Larry Pedigo
Regular-Unfinished Business
12. Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement with NDC Lake Tahoe, LP for Affordable Housing Project at 3900-3908 Lake Tahoe Boulevard Action: Moved/Seconded: Horgan/Robbins
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: Passed Motion 2026-009 granting a one-year extension on the closing deadline under the current Purchase and Sale Agreement to January 18, 2027.
Public Comment was heard from the following people:
1. Lou Perini
2. Ed Mosur
3. Amelia Richmond
4. Melissa Soderston
5. Deepak Sharma
6. Bobby Gonzales
7. Allan Miller *written comment submitted
Note: Mayor Bass announced this Item would be heard before Item 13 under Unfinished Business.
14. Reimbursement Agreement with South Tahoe Transit Joint Powers Authority Action: Moved/Seconded: Roberts/Horgan
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: (1) Passed Resolution 2026-005 authorizing budget appropriations in an amount of $51,551 (for the City's share) from General Fund Undesignated Excess Reserves for the South Tahoe Transit JPA FY 2025/2026 budget; and (2) Passed Resolution 2026-006 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute the Reimbursement Agreement for Managing Agency Services with South Tahoe Transit Joint Powers Authority (C-015-2026).
Public comment was heard from the following people:
1. John Messina
2. Ed Mosur
13. Shelter Pass Program
Action: Moved/Seconded: Robbins/Jinkens
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: 1) Passed Resolution 2026-004 approving the Program Guidelines, directing staff to establish the Shelter Pass Program, and approving budget appropriation of $80,000 from El Dorado County Opportunity Knocks Continuum of Care and $15,000 from General Fund Undesignated Excess Reserves; 2) Passed Resolution 2026-005 ratifying the grant application and authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) for receipt of grant funding through El Dorado County (C-013-2026); and 3) Passed Motion 2026-10 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute the Subrecipient Agreement with Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (C-014-2026).
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Chris Proctor, Barton Health
2. Melissa Soderston
3. John Messina
4. Chelcee Thomas, Vista Rise Collective
15. 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule
Action: No changes were made to the 2026 City Council meeting schedule.
Public comment was heard from the following person:
1. John Messina
16. City Council Assignments to Boards and Commissions
Action: Moved/Seconded: Robbins/Jinkens
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: Passed Motion 2026-011 making the following appointments:
1. Creation of Ad Hoc Sign Ordinance Committee: Bass, Robbins
2. California Tahoe Conservancy: Roberts
3. City Selection Committee: Bass
4. Local Agency Formation Commission: Jinkens, ALT: Bass
5. El Dorado Countywide Oversight Board: Horgan, ALT: Robbins
6. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency: Bass, ALT: Jinkens
7. Tahoe Transportation District: Robbins, ALT: Bass
8. South Tahoe Transit JPA: Bass, Roberts, ALT: Robbins
9. Abandoned Vehicle Abatement: Horgan
10. Cal Tahoe JPA: Roberts, Horgan, ALT: Robbins
11. Clean Tahoe: Roberts, Sara Letton (City’s Sustainability Coordinator)
12. El Dorado County Commission on Aging: John Messina (Council Representative)
13. League of California Cities: Jinkens
14. Park Avenue Development Project Plaza Maintenance Association: Bass, Jinkens
15. South Lake Tahoe Recreation Facilities JPA: Robbins
16. Community Play Consortium JPA: Horgan
17. South Lake Tahoe Basin Waste Management JPA: Roberts, ALT: Horgan
18. Tahoe Prosperity Center: Removing this assignment.
19. Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority Board: Bass
20. El Dorado County Community Action Council: Horgan
21. Tahoe Chamber of Commerce: Roberts
22. South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association: Roberts
23. South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce: Removing this assignment.
24. El Dorado County Transportation Commission: Bass, ALT: Robbins
25. Finance Subcommittee: Jinkens, Robbins
17. Update to City Council Protocols
Action: Moved/Seconded: Jinkens/Roberts
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: Passed Motion 2026-012 approving amendment to City Council protocols as presented.
Note: Mayor Bass announced this item would be brought back for future discussion at a Special Meeting.
Regular-New Business
18. Roles and Expectations of City Commissions, Boards, and Committees Action: Council made no changes to the Roles and Expectations of City Commissions, Boards, and Committees.
Public comment was heard from the following people:
1. Erika Gonzalez, Police Advisory Commission Chair
2. John Messina
19. Citizen Appointments to City Boards and Commissions Note: Staff noted Steve Weiss withdrew his application.
Action: Moved/Seconded: Robbins/Jinkens
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens, Horgan
Action: Passed Motion 2026-013 making the following appointments:
1. Parks and Recreation Commission: Jerry Bindel, Mark Costigan, David Gregorich
2. Planning Commission: Gavin Feiger, Julia Lucksinger, Erika Gonzalez (limited term)
3. Arts, Culture, Tourism: Samantha Rebrovich, Ryn Muat (LTVA nonvoting representative), and providing direction to the City Clerk to resolicit for a youth member.
4. Police Advisory Commission: John Messina, Alberto Manfredi, Rebecca Sheff (limited term)
5. Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (Measure P): Alberto Manfredi (limited term) Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Mark Costigan (applicant)
2. Robert Gonzales (applicant)
3. John Messina (applicant)
4. Julia Lucksinger (applicant)
5. Gavin Feiger (applicant)
6. Erika Gonzalez (applicant) *written comment submitted
7. Erick Asbury (applicant)
8. Stacy Ballard
9. Rebecca Sheff (applicant)
10. Samantha Rebrovich (applicant)
Written public comment was received from the following people:
1. David Gregorich
2. Steve Weiss
20. Consideration of 2026 Paving Program Options – Johnson Boulevard with James & Eloise Neighborhood or Al Tahoe Neighborhood
Action: Moved/Seconded: Bass/Jinkens
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Jinkens, Horgan
No: Robbins
Action: Passed Motion 2026-014 selecting Option 2: Johnson Blvd. and Al Tahoe Neighborhood.
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Nick Speal
2. John Messina
21. Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for Design and Permitting Services for El Dorado Beach Revetment and Improvements Project Note: At this time, Councilmember Horgan left the meeting.
Action: Moved/Seconded: Robbins/Jinkens
Yes: Bass, Roberts, Robbins, Jinkens
Absent: Horgan
Action: 1) Passed Motion 2026-015 authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (C-016-2026) for Phase 1 services for the El Dorado Beach Revetment and Improvements Project for a not-to-exceed amount of $149,971; and 2) Passed Motion 2026-016 directing staff to pursue planning, design, and permitting for preferred interim and permanent priorities for El Dorado Beach (structural protection of Lakeview Commons only or structural protection of Lakeview Commons and preservation of the beach.
Public comments were heard from the following people:
1. Melissa Soderston
2. John Messina
3. Lou Perini
4. Allen Miller *written comment submitted
Agenda Planning Calendar
22. Agenda Planning Calendar
Action: Received and filed.
Updates and Announcements (City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager) City Clerk Blankenship
1. Arts, Culture, and Tourism solicitation for a youth member will be brought back in February.
City Manager Irvin
1. Welcome to new Director of Public Works Dr. Mohammad Qureshi Councilmember Reports and Comments - Assignments to Boards, Committees, and Commissions
Councilmember Robbins
1. Request for agenda item on Paving Prioritization Policy (Bass seconded).
2. Request for agenda item on discounted parking permits in Heavenly Village (Bass seconded).
Councilmember Jinkens
1. Thank you to Council for debate and agreements
Mayor Pro Tem Roberts
1. Upcoming City Council protocol special meeting
Adjournment
Mayor Bass adjourned the meeting at 5:51 p.m.
_______________________ _________________________
Cody Bass, Mayor Date
Attest:
________________________________
Susan Blankenship, City Clerk
The presence of electronic signature certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy as approved by the South Lake Tahoe City Council.