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The Elk Rapids Village Council heard the ordinance's first reading during its Monday, March 5, regular meeting. It would allow short-term rentals in all residential zoning districts under two conditions: "the impact of the establishment is no greater than that of a private home with house guests" and "rental activities shall not alter the essential character of the lot or structure in terms of use or appearance."

The proposed ordinance defines short-term rentals as "the rental of a residential property for a duration of less than thirty (30) days" and they must meet the two conditions.

Zoning administrator Steve Ravezzani explained the ordinance's history, saying the village's planning commission was asked by the previous village council to pursue to issue. The discussion brought about concerns that the village's character could change because of shortterm rentals, he said.

"It has taken nearly two years to get to where we are now," he said.

During public hearings at the planning commission level, two clear sides on the issue were formed and no consensus was reached, he said. After the village hired planning consultant Brenda Moore in October, Moore came up with a "reasonable alternative," he said.

The proposed ordinance could also eliminate redundant language that provides language for group day care homes in two places within the Elk Rapids Zoning and Unified Development Code, Ravezzani said.

In other business at its March 5 meeting, council set the date for a public hearing and second reading of a proposed ordinance that would raise the water rate fee from $6.80 to $8.80. That hearing will take place April 16 in order to allow "snowbirds" to voice their opinions on the increase, which was a suggestion made by Trustee Dan LeBlond.

Trustee Bob Orschel recommended holding the second reading during the March 19 meeting, saying "I know (village manager) Bob Peterson has good reason to propose" the rate increase.

During an earlier meeting, Peterson, who is on vacation until March 9, suggested the village increase its water rate in order to help balance its water budget. The increase could also help pay for planned water improvements, which could lose funds if the village continues transferring money from its water capital fund to its water operation fund.