11-27-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 13, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 16. #17-3984 — CITY OF ORONO TEXT AMENDMENT: RENTAL LICENSING, VACATION RENTAL PROHIBITION — Continued Anderson stated he understands the City has received some letters regarding short-term rentals and that some of the letters speak to maintaining control over their renters, maintaining good relationships with the neighbors, which would be very appreciative but, unfortunately, he is not sure if that will happen with an absentee owner. Anderson stated he has experienced issues with speeding, strangers in the neighborhood, lewd comments, parties, and animals off leash. Katherine Kent stated her rental property is located at 3635 North Shore Drive, and that she submitted a letter earlier today, along with her actual rental agreement and the rules that go along with the rental. Kent stated she has been a Vrbo manager for four years and that she has had wonderful guests stay at the property. Kent indicated she screens all the potential guests at the time of their inquiry as to the purpose of their visit and the number of guests that they will have at the property. At that time it is explained to the prospective renter that the property is located in a residential neighborhood and that there is to be no noise or other disturbances after 9 p.m. that can be heard by a neighbor and that the property is not rentable for events, parties, receptions, weddings, or bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc. After the screening, if the prospective renter does not seem to be an appropriate fit for the property, a reply is sent stating that the property is unavailable for rental. Most of the guests are couples or a family with one or two children. Kent indicated she also has a rental agreement stating the rules of the property that is signed by the tenant prior to their arrival. Kent stated she does not have a problem adding additional rules of conduct or stronger language to the rental agreement if necessary but that she does have a problem being told what she can and cannot do responsibly with the property that she pays taxes on. Kent stated she agrees with the previous speaker and that it is definitely the responsibility of the owner of the property to make sure that issues do not happen. Kent stated she lives approximately five minutes from the rental property and that she manages and maintains it. Kent stated she is interested in seeing what the City drafts. Walsh asked how many properties she has in Orono that she rents out. Kent indicated it is one. Walsh asked if it is homesteaded or non -homesteaded. Kent stated it is non -homesteaded. Jeff Uklu, 1416 Baldur Park Road, stated he lives two doors down from the rental property and that the primary issues are noise, dogs defecating in their yard, scaring children, and increased traffic. Baldur Park Road is a small road, with parking being at a premium, and when cars are packed alongside the road, it would be difficult to get emergency vehicles in there as well as a great inconvenience for the residents. Uklu stated the crux of the problem is the owner of the property needs to be held accountable to make it absolutely clear what the rules of the situation are and that it is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Uklu commented common courtesy seems often to be lacking in a lot of the renters and that a lot could be done to encourage more responsible renting. Page 3 of 17