Work Session (Haiderer Written Comment 04102025)

**Executive Summary**

**Introduction**
The transcript from the public comments delivered by Donna Haiderer at the April 10, 2025, Council Meeting highlights her perspective as a responsible owner of a Short Term Rental (STR) in the Village of Empire. Haiderer advocates for a balanced approach to regulations that apply equally to all residents, emphasizing the need for well-defined rules that protect community character while supporting local STR operations.

**Key Concerns and Suggestions**
Haiderer raises several points regarding the proposed regulations, particularly the lack of clarity in definitions such as “Event” and “Maximum Occupancy.” She indicates that these terms should not impose undue restrictions on families or small gatherings that do not pose a threat to the community’s character. Haiderer stresses the importance of allowing flexibility for guests visiting family members and addresses concerns about groundwater and septic system protections that also apply to other residences in Empire. Additionally, she expresses her discomfort with the requirement for a local contact person to respond to nuisances within 45 minutes, suggesting a more reasonable timeframe that considers various circumstances.

**Additional Insights and Recommendations**
Haiderer shares her experiences implementing a Good Neighbor Guide for her STR, noting specific rules about fireworks, backyard fires, and trash management that demonstrate her commitment to responsible hosting. She also supports the idea of an application fee, but advocates that funds should be directed toward mitigating tourism’s impact on the community’s infrastructure rather than merely policing STRs. Her suggestions are aimed at fostering a collaborative approach between STR owners and local authorities to enhance the village’s tourism landscape while maintaining its character.