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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, October 9, 2017 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />stated what would help the most is to identify the problem the City is trying to solve, such as noise or <br />parking. <br />Police Chief Farniok stated as it relates to sex offenders, the police department monitors them when they <br />move here and use a permanent address. Farniok noted there is no way the police department could ever <br />address the situation such as the one that occurred in Minnetonka, especially if they do not yet have that <br />sex offender designation. <br />Farniok stated the police department has not seen huge issues with the short-term rentals and that they <br />currently have regulations to address situations with noise, parking, etc. Farniok stated he does not know <br />if those issues pertain to just regular homeowners or rentals. Farniok stated the City can probably expect <br />to see an increase in complaints with the Super Bowl. <br />Printup stated in his view the upcoming Super Bowl is why it is important to have something in Orono's <br />tool box to deal with the short-term rentals. Printup stated the City Council also needs to think about the <br />stranger component with the short-term rentals and that there is the potential of different people coming in <br />every weekend. Printup stated the City would be able to go after the property owner if they have <br />something on the books and that in his view short-term rentals should only occur at a homesteaded <br />property rather than a non -homesteaded property. <br />Farniok noted if there is a violation relating to current code, the police department can enforce that now <br />and that they will continue to address situations as they arise. <br />Dankey asked if a week-long rental would be more beneficial than a weekend rental. Dankey stated in <br />her view a family would be more likely to rent for a week and that a bachelor party would likely be just <br />over the weekend. <br />Farniok stated he does not see a difference since it depends on what the property is and how it is being <br />used. <br />Walsh stated summertime is probably when the most abuse happens and that the City needs something in <br />the tool box to address issues. Walsh stated the homestead versus non -homesteaded is something to <br />consider and that longer term rentals tend to provide more stability than a weekend rental. <br />Walsh asked if anyone from the public would like to comment on this item. <br />Bill Wolfson, 3399 Crystal Bay Road, stated he did live next to a VRBO that was owned by Matt Johnson <br />and that he never had any issues. Wolfson indicated he also has a VRBO and that the burden is on him to <br />prequalify the people to make sure they are good renters. In addition, the city requires him to have a <br />license and that the house has the typical safety features like smoke detectors. Wolfson stated that system <br />works well. The online systems also allow the property owners to rate people so the renters know they <br />have accountability or a track record. <br />Wolfson noted someone could have a bad long-term renter and that the property owner has less recourse <br />against them. Wolfson stated the price point in Orono defends a little bit against a bad renter. Wolfson <br />stated the City currently has regulations here against noise and parking and that further regulations <br />reducing private property rights is a concern for him. Wolfson stated whenever the City starts to regulate <br />something new, everyone does a mad dash to say they are existing or to get a license. <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />