Maryville council studies short-term rental stance

Short-term rental properties were the topic of a public hearing at the Maryville City Council meeting on February 25 to address this new situation for some of the city’s residences.

Tim Faris of Faris & Associates, LLC, requested a special use permit for his property located at 623 West Third for a short-term rental option. Faris has operated a Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO) at his property zoned single family dwelling. He would like to continue to rent his home for up to 10 persons and install a two foot by three foot sign in the yard. He was notified that if he wanted to continue this activity he would need a special use permit.

The public hearing at the meeting brought about six adjacent property owners to the council meeting to address their concerns or support of Faris.

After much discussion from citizens in the gallery, council members and city staff, the city council opted to direct city staff and the planning and zoning commission to draft an ordinance to create the process property owners should adhere to with VRBO, Airbnb or other home-sharing enterprises.

To alleviate the present problem, the council did follow the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission to grant a special use permit to Faris for 120 days with the plan to have the new law in place by then. The council also placed several conditions on Faris with its permit issuance including the property should not occupy more than 10 residents and no special events such as weddings.

Other business addressed:

• Approved three open meeting minutes and eight closed session minutes dating back to July 10, 2017.

• Approved a request for the shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 3:17 pm, Saturday, March 16.

• Reappointed Frederick Scott and Kathy Rice to the Maryville Public Art Committee for three-year terms. Frank Grispino, Sr., who has served, indicated he does not wish to serve another term.

• Authorized an $18,910 contract with Indigo Design, Inc., Gainesville, FL, for the design of community wayfinding signage.

• As a discussion item, the driving condition of South Main Street was determined to be a priority. City Manager Greg McDanel said there are close to $100,000 STP Small Urban Funds that could be used for the repairs. These funds were initially to be used for the development of the South Depot project.

McDanel recommended having an engineering contract by the next meeting for South Main Street repairs from Lieber to Halsey that would also address drainage needs as well as street milling and overlay.

Reports:

Northwest Student Liaison Delaney Smail told of students who went to Jefferson City to speak to legislators and she offered thanks to city staff for snow removal.

McDanel announced several legislative concerns, the MML elected officials training conference in June, Maryville Public Safety chosen to be a pilot program for the Region H MULES 5 and a snow removal update including a cost of $34,368.90 in February for labor, fuel and materials. CE Goodall, public works director, added that city crews had hauled over 150 loads of snow from the business district.

Assistant City Manager Ryan Heiland told of a Madden intramural contest on February 27 at the Mozingo Golf Course golf simulator.

Councilman Matt Johnson reported he will meet with constituents during lunch starting at 11:30 am on Friday, March 1 at the Nodaway County Senior Center.

Mayor Rachael Martin congratulated the city’s treasury department for receiving the budget document excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 2013.