Chair McDonald noted that priorities for the Task Force include a review of the issues that relate to enforcement and safety.
Chair McDonald posed questions surrounding:
- how the proposed By-Law would be enforced;
- could the City utilize paid-duty police officers for enforcement issues and, if so, would the paid-duty officers require a City vehicle;
- would the OPP allow Kawartha Lakes Police Services to respond to calls within the OPP catchment;
- which City Departments would be responsible for the inspections that are required within the proposed By-Law; and
- Can the the hours of service for Municipal Law Enforcement Officers be expanded to include evening and weekend shifts.
Manager Sloan advised that extended hours of service for Municipal Law Enforcement Officers would need to be reviewed as they are subject to the collective bargaining process. Manager Sloan outlined that under current processes complaints can be submitted in a number of ways during existing hours of service. Manager Sloan also noted that Staff are exploring the implementation of a 24 hour contact line for matters relating to short term rentals. The 24 hour contact line would be managed through a third party vendor. The proposed Short Term Rental By-law proposes a demerit point system that would be used to manage issues relating to short term rentals. The demerit point system would be a multi-step process which would include the receipt of a complaint, a review of the scenario, a review of the historical information relating to the subject property, a risk assessment, a response on site and the final step would be proceeding to legal enforcement.
Manager Sloan recognized that residents have expressed a need for an immediate time of event response to complaints and the police are a resource for situations that require that immediate response. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers would follow up on the immediate response by police to address licensing issues.
Councillor Joyce reiterated the need for enforcement after 9:00pm on weekends.
Councillor Perry echoed concerns about a time of event response and questioned why the existing By-Laws couldn't be enforced instead of implementing an new licensing program.
Manager Sloan suggested that a new licensing program would establish a business license that Staff could rely upon for enforcement issues.
CAO Taylor that once Council has determined the level of service that will be mandated by a short term rental licensing program, that program will determine the staff complement that would be required for the administration of that program. CAO Taylor also noted that staff can consult with the Kawartha Lakes Police Service and the OPP on the options that are available for an enhanced level of service for issues relating to short term rentals.
Deputy Mayor Richardson asked if the OPP can enforce by-Laws. Deputy Mayor Richardson also inquired about annual renewal fees for the short term rental licenses and suggested that the annual renewal fee less than the initial registration fee.
Councillor Joyce suggested that if enforcement is required after 9:00pm that the enforcement officers enlist police support if safety is a concern.
Chair McDonald asked that if staff position are created for the short term rental licensing program their duties should be solely dedicated to the administration of the program. Chair McDonald also asked when a 24 hour contact line could be established.
Manager Sloan outlined that any staff positions that are created for the short term rental licensing program would also be able to assist with other enforcement issues. Manager Sloan also outlined discussions are ongoing with the vendor for a 24 hour contact line but council direction would be required for the contact line can be implemented.
CAO Taylor noted that the City does not currently have a short term rental licensing program in place. The administrative work associated with a licensing program would be finalized once a program is approved by Council and enforcement would follow.
Manager Sloan reviewed how a database of short term rentals would be established and how monitoring would be conducted. The short term rental licensing program would place the onus on the property owner if issues arise. With a program in place the City would have the ability to contact the property owner to advise them of a complaint that needs to be addressed. Manager Sloan also noted that the short term rental licensing program would allow the City to pursue properties that are not licensed. Once a program is in place there will be monitoring and as licenses expire, notices will be sent to the property owners advising of the licensing requirement.