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14. COMMISSIONERS MATTERS <br />A. Commissioner Bob Solari, Chairman <br />10:16 1. Short -Term Rentals and Hotels <br />a.m. (memorandum dated June 29, 2016) <br />136 <br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <br />Commissioner Solari felt the recent Ordinance (2016-006) <br />pertaining to short-term rentals was treating the symptoms and <br />not the cause of the short-term rental issue. He spoke about the <br />increasing growth rates in tourism within Florida and Indian <br />River County, and felt that if the City and County are going to <br />promote tourism and discourage short-term rentals, there needs <br />to be more hotels. He suggested that Community Development <br />research hotels in the County and provide a report that would <br />show: (1) where hotels would be appropriate or possible; (2) the <br />existing hotels and the number of rooms they currently have both <br />east of US -1 and throughout the County; and (3) the current <br />estimate of short-term rentals. He also suggested staff provide <br />suggestions on how to increase the number of hotel beds. <br />Vice Chairman Flescher and Chairman Solari explained why they <br />wanted staff to involve the resources of the Treasure Coast Sports <br />Commission and the Indian River and Sebastian Chambers of <br />Commerce. <br />Joseph Paladin, President of Black Swan Consulting and <br />Entitlement, LLC, encouraged the Board to use the Chamber of <br />Commerce to reach out to hotel chains that might be interested in <br />building within Indian River County. <br />Commissioner Zorc suggested staff consider using Smith Travel <br />Research to provide hotel development guidelines. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan did not believe the proliferation of short- <br />term rentals was due to the price of hotel rooms, but rather the <br />easy access to rental services and rental houses being more <br />desirable venues for families. He voiced opposition to economic <br />incentives for hotels since they are not on the targeted industry <br />list. He said he would support staff providing an inventory <br />report, but felt the Board should stay focused on making sure that <br />suitable land and zoning is available, and that the permitting <br />process will be smooth and efficient. <br />Rick Hatcher, Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Sports <br />Commission, revealed that there has been an increase in the local <br />venues being used due to the recurring sporting events, and <br />Board of County Commission Minutes Page 10 <br />July 5, 2016 <br />