5/9/2024 - Empire Village | Work Session Minutes

Summary

The Empire Village Council Work Session held on May 9, 2024, addressed several key issues, primarily focusing on short-term rental (STR) regulations, a mass gathering waiver form, and updates related to the Renovare feasibility study. Public comments were actively solicited, particularly regarding STR concerns, with a consensus to continue developing recommendations. Decisions regarding future agenda items and next steps were also discussed.

Public comments

Several community members voiced their concerns about short-term rentals. - **Tina Taghon** emphasized community issues linked to STRs. - **Steve Young** cited an increase in the number of STRs. - **Bob Chase** detailed the lack of communication to half the STR committee regarding related materials. - **Karen Baja** questioned the necessity of STR regulation in such a small village. - **Barbara Ludlow** expressed concerns about noise and fireworks complaints at STRs. - **Terry Bacon** suggested defining STRs within the Zoning Ordinance. - **Frank Clements** commented on the registration and ordinance process for STRs.

Emails from Bacon and Clements regarding STRs were noted, and Bacon read Clements' letter during the meeting.

Affordable housing initiatives

(No discussion was provided on affordable housing initiatives in this meeting.)

Parks and recreation matters

(No discussion was provided on Parks and Recreation matters in this meeting.)

Infrastructure projects

There was a review of plumbing quotes for the new office, but no specific infrastructure projects such as marinas, cell phone towers, or water and sewer projects were discussed in detail.

Other Business

Several items were moved to the next meeting for discussion, including Beach Parking Fees and Personnel Policy.

Financial Summary (if applicable)

A **Mass Gathering Waiver** fee was discussed, with the original fee being $1500. There was a proposal to reduce this fee by $300-$500; however, final decisions will be addressed in June.

Action Items

- A community meeting on the Renovare Feasibility Study is scheduled for **May 16, 2024**. - The STR committee was tasked with developing recommendations for future discussions. - The mass gathering waiver application will be moved to the June work session for further consideration. - Next steps regarding STR regulations will be formulated and discussed in subsequent meetings.