11-13-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 9, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. Anderson stated she also works every day and that at midnight, when the renters are outside still partying, she will ask them to be quiet but then the voices rise again. Anderson stated the neighbor suggested they close their windows, which they have done, but that they can still hear the activity and partying going on even with the windows shut. Anderson stated two weeks ago there was a bachelor party and at 3 a.m. the guys ran out in the yard to go skinny dipping in the lake. Anderson commented she does not want to have to call the police every time something happens but that she will do that if that is what it takes. In addition, the renters will leave the trash out for several days, the trash ends up getting knocked over, and the neighbors have to pick up what is blowing around. Anderson stated the neighbors should not have to be encumbered with this. In addition, because they are having a number of people on a small lot, they are overflowing onto the neighbor's lot. Last weekend someone was trying to up someone else with their sexual escapades. Anderson stated she overhears that as well as her kids and that the people do not belong there and that it is not right for this zone or area. Anderson stated this is a good time to discuss this since the Super Bowl is coming up. Anderson stated she does not want Orono to become a pocket resort area and that she would also oppose hotel licenses going out. Anderson stated if they go by the MN Department of Health guidelines, short-term rentals have risen to the level of a hotel, and as such, regulations relating to fire code, disabilities, and other things should go along with it but it is doubtful the City wants to get into managing those things. Walsh commented his neighborhood has had longer-term renters over the years and just having a renter changes the character of the neighborhood because they care differently about the neighborhood. Walsh stated the City Council wants to tread lightly but tread well because it is important to protect the community as a whole versus the individual homeowner. Steve Elliott, 1400 Baldur Park Road, stated he moved into this neighborhood about five years ago because it was a very family oriented neighborhood and is on a dead-end road. Elliott stated he likes to spend a lot of time in the back yard or on the dock but that in the last year or two that has completely changed because of the next door property and the short-term renters that are in there. Elliott stated they can get to know the people that are there a longer period of time but that it is mainly bachelor and bachelorette parties. Elliott stated he can no longer be outside anymore on the weekends with his daughter because by noon a couple of the people will be drunk and they will be wrestling, fighting, and swearing. Elliott stated he is uncomfortable being out there, and by 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon, his children cannot be out there given the vulgar language. Later in the evening is when the strippers show up, which is not what should be happening in Orono. Elliott stated what also goes with that are the drugs. Elliott stated probably four or five weeks ago he was sitting in his kitchen and there were two young gentlemen knocking at his glass door. Elliott stated he stepped outside to talk with them and they said they are trying to buy drugs. Elliott stated that is the kind of stuff that you get when the City doesn't have regulations and you have two or three day rentals. Elliott noted the issue with garbage was mentioned and that he typically spends a couple days a week picking up trash. Elliott stated he also has to repair the ruts in his yard on a weekly basis from cars parking on his yard. Elliott noted the property owner lives in Washington State and would not be available if there is a problem. Elliott indicated he does text him to try to let him know what is going on Page 4 of 7