02-12-2018 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 12, 2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. their license if they receive so many complaints. Seals stated it is super hard to regulate noise and that it is almost a moot point. Crosby stated he would be okay with enhancing Option A. Crosby noted Option A requires a license, a 30 -day stay, and that he would willing to be flexible for owner -occupied. Walsh stated he also likes the license requirement and that he would recommend revisiting the license component in six months to see how it is working versus saying three strikes and you are out. Walsh stated the license would also allow the City to have a better idea of what is going on in the community. In addition, the license fee will help cover some of the costs. Walsh stated he also agrees with the 30 days and that the City can deal with violations later once they have a better idea of how the ordinance is working. Seals stated in her view there has to be someone managing the properties that resides in the state so the City has someone to contact in the event there is a problem. Walsh concurred that it would be difficult to require someone to respond within 60 minutes, but that having contact information for the property is a good place to start. Walsh stated the City can always revisit it and build on it. Dankey noted some of her friends who have rented for longer than 30 days have been the people who cannot get the renters out of their house. Walsh stated short-term and long-term landlords have the same legal obligations. Dankey stated a short-term lease is very different. 19. #17-384 CITY OF ORONO: TEXT AMENDMENT: RENTAL LICENSING, VACATION RENTAL PROHIBITION — Continued Walsh stated someone would still have to go to court even with a short-term lease. Dankey stated one of her neighbors has always rented out a portion of her house and that a 30 -day Vrbo is ridiculous. Dankey stated she would rather have all or nothing and that no one is going to rent for 30 days through Vrbo. Dankey questioned how the City is going to be able to legislate one or two rooms in someone's house. Crosby pointed out the homes have to be owner -occupied. Dankey stated that does not mean the owner will be there and that the City will not know. Walsh stated in his view they have to start somewhere and gather information as they go. Carter asked how the 30 -day minimum will be enforced. Carter stated the properties on Big Island have a business model to rent out primarily in the summer. Page 20 of 22