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There are currently no traditional lodging options available on Lake Minnetonka, but the demand <br /> is there. We see AirBnB and VRBO as an opportunity to welcome visitors to our home and <br /> share all the great things that the Lake Minnetonka area has to offer. Typically we host folks <br /> who are in town for family events such as weddings, funerals, reunions and business trips. We <br /> prefer their stays to be less than 4 days, as we want guests; not roommates or tenants. Our guest <br /> limit is four adults, and they have the use of our lower level. While our guests are here, they are <br /> out in the community spending money at local restaurants, shopping with local retailers, and <br /> visiting places like the Arboretum, theaters, Gale Woods Farm, etc. We are owner-occupied and <br /> always available either in-person, or by phone or text, to our guests during their stay. Once or <br /> twice a year we rent out the entire home for events, such as the upcoming Ryder Cup. We use an <br /> owner's representative during these times who is responsible for managing our property and <br /> responding to any questions or issues that may arise. <br /> Jeanne went to the listening session that the Planning Commission held in February. At that time <br /> three possible options were presented, however none of these included a seven or 30 day <br /> minimum stay, which we were surprised to see currently being considered. This is absolutely the <br /> wrong thing to do. It is literally the opposite of short-term vacation rental, turning visitors into <br /> tenants, thus promoting the use of more properties not occupied or managed by the owner. The <br /> VRBO and AirBnB owners that Jeanne met at the meeting all felt strongly that they take pride in <br /> their properties, want to maintain good neighbor relations, and monitor their guests closely, <br /> through in-person communication, written policies and house rules that are tailored to their <br /> properties and enforced. <br /> We personally are not opposed to an ordinance or reasonable licensure requirements, although <br /> some hosts are concerned that the possible fees associated with licensure might be a barrier, as <br /> nobody is getting rich doing this. <br /> Jeanne and I would be happy to work with staff, educate, speak or do whatever makes sense to <br /> help develop a reasonable policy that balances the needs of all community members in Orono, <br /> while also contributing to a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to the Lake Minnetonka area. <br /> Eliminating the typical short-stay (2-7 days) of most AirBnB experiences in our community <br /> through this course of action would be an unfortunate decision, impacting everyone's pocket- <br /> books, including local business owners and the city. <br /> Thanks. <br /> 2 <br />