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February 3, 2016 <br /> Jeremy Barnhart Community Development Director,City of Orono <br /> PO Box 66 <br /> Crystal Bay MN 55323 <br /> Dear Jeremy and Orono City Planning Commission, <br /> I would like to make a public comment for the workshop on February 3rd regarding the proposed <br /> ordinance dealing with short term rentals. I agree that establishing standards for the protection of <br /> renter, neighborhood and community at large is a very laudable goal. I do not feel that prohibiting these <br /> rentals is the right approach. The City of Orono and the surrounding cities has a definite lack of available <br /> housing for short term people coming into the area and as such people that may do short term rentals <br /> help fill some of this need for the community. <br /> Having been a 43 year resident of Orono and most recently moving away for business in the last 6 years I <br /> built my retirement home in Orono with an eye to returning to it in a couple of years. The ability for me <br /> to rent the home on a short term basis occasionally throughout the year has been a benefit to a great <br /> many people and has allowed me to maintain a presence in the community that I wish to return to. I <br /> take great care to screen all potential tenants and minimize the impact on the neighborhood and this <br /> also allows me to invest and keep up my property to the highest possible standards for the benefit of <br /> the neighborhood. <br /> I feel that putting some standard in place such as a minimum 3 day rental or 1 week rental may help <br /> significantly as well as establishing a resolution process for any problems that may arise from any <br /> disputes or problems that neighbors may have. I have several rental properties in different communities <br /> across the country and most communities level a small fee on each of the people renting the properties <br /> to help defray this cost. This allows them to establish a resolution process if there are any problems <br /> with renters that could be handled in a manner so all neighbors are treated properly and able to enjoy <br /> their homes. <br /> I would be happy to serve on an advisory board or give additional input in person if needed. I can be <br /> reached at (612) 245-9665. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> � <br /> Benjamin Milbrath <br /> Owner: 1404 Balder Park Rd, Wayzata MN 55391 <br />