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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 />