The nettlesome question of whether to allow vacation rentals in residential districts was again before Grand Marais city councilors Aug. 12.
Two citizens spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, both of whom supported a change in the ordinance, which dates to 1971 and prohibits such use. Although the ordinance has been revised at various times over the years, the planning commission has twice in the last three months been unable to reach a consensus on making any further changes regarding vacation rentals, and thus has recommended to city council that the ordinance remain as is.
Speaking to council Aug. 12 were Tod Sylvester and David Beckwith. Sylvester said he saw no problem with allowing vacation rentals in residential zones and pointed out some apparent inconsistencies in the ordinance, for instance the continued operation of Betsy Bowen’s studio and its associated businesses in a residential zone. There are two sets of rules, Sylvester noted, and he believes it is time for creation of a “level playing field” and for something to be done as the public has requested. Sylvester also cited a “lack of leadership” shown by the planning commission and its failure to come up with a solution to the problem.
Beckwith, a member of the city planning commission, said the zoning board is here to serve the people of Grand Marais, but due to recent bickering and ineffectiveness, he’s not sure that’s happening. “You [council] asked us for help and we were unable to provide it,” he said, noting that he and fellow planning commission member Hal Greenwood were outvoted on the matter twice, both times by 3-2 counts. “It’s kind of disappointing that we couldn’t come up with anything,” said Beckwith, noting that there are several options available to help the three residents who are known to be operating vacation rentals not in compliance with the ordinance, but the board is unable to agree on any of them.
Councilor Tim Kennedy, who chairs the planning commission, said the commission looked at about 30 options employed by other municipalities to manage and control vacation rentals. “It was a very thorough discussion, but no agreement was reached,” said Kennedy, who described the commission’s discussion and debate as “pretty heated” at times.
In lieu of a consensus to amend the zoning code, said Kennedy, the planning commission’s recommendation – as it was before – is to let the ordinance stand as is. “There is no compelling reason to change. There are just three places in violation…and there is no public outcry to do something.”
Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux said there are a lot of zoning issues and background involved in the decision, and council needs to take a look at all of them and bring in more public comment. He also agreed with Kennedy that it would be premature of council to consider going against the planning commission’s recommendation and changing the ordinance at this point, especially before public sentiment and the wishes of the community are known.
Following a short discussion, City Administrator Mike Roth – who warned council at the prior meeting that solving the dilemma will be a lengthy process – said he would try to coordinate schedules so a joint workshop with the council and planning commission could be held. “There is a lack of agreement, but not a lack of ideas,” Roth observed. “We can make it happen if you decide.”
In addition to Beckwith, Greenwood and Kennedy, other members of the planning commission are Todd Miller and Michael Garry.
In other business:
. On the planning commission’s recommendation, council approved the final plat for the Ravenwood development, a six-lot residential subdivision on the lake side of the highway near the west entrance to the city off what is now known as Chapman Avenue. The plat includes no public dedications other than utility easements, and the city bears no responsibility for construction costs or ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure; no public water or sewer will be provided to the properties.
. Council approved a permit allowing the North House Folk School to set up and operate a beer tent during the annual “Unplugged” event Sept. 16-19. Appropriate security measures will be taken as in past years, and the operation will be run by Voyageur Brewing.
. Council approved on second reading an ordinance amendment allowing residential use on six designated lots in the business park. There were no objections to the change, and Roth said there have already been inquiries made about the properties and usage.
. Finance Director Kim Dunsmoor presented some information pertaining to ongoing efforts to update and improve the city’s website. Cost of the project ranges from $5,000 for a full renovation to $400 for a makeover of the home page. Due to the variety of options and an uncertainty of exactly what is desired, councilors will look at websites of other municipalities and the cost associated with each option, and discuss the matter further at a future meeting.
Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux reported that he has heard more concerns about the dangerous pedestrian highway crossing near North House Folk School, and said the city is doing its best to expedite the installation of orange safety flags as approved by council at its last meeting.
. Councilor Kennedy prompted a discussion on the need to take a “serious look” at the city garage issue and the pursuit of property on which to build it and/or a new facility to house City Hall and possibly the liquor store. Specifically mentioned as a possible site for the new quarters was property near the erstwhile Tomteboda Lodge, which is currently available and on the market. Due to the long-term ramifications and expense of any decision, council planned a work session to take an indepth look at the situation.
Leave a Reply