Vacation rentals concern just a few

For the past few months, the issue of vacation rentals have been discussed at the Administrative Committee level. With little or no public notice or complaints, committee members have taken it upon themselves to direct the council to address the issue with "instructions to drop the notion of no regulations." It is my opinion that the committee has gone way beyond its position as advisors to the City Council and at the same time done so with almost no factual study or information to base their recommendation.

I am, therefore, requesting that the council and the planning commission send this matter back to the committee with direction to spend whatever monies are required to do a non-bias, objective study of the alleged "problem" and have this information presented to the public for comment. In addition, I request that the facts and information discussed in committee meetings that lead to their current recommendation be made public and presented in an legal public format.

It is my feeling that this issue is of personal concern to a few, including some members of the committee , but is not of much concern to most residents of Sandpoint. Before we taxpayers waste any more time and money on this issue, let us make sure we are all willing to pay for the decision at hand. We can only do so if accurate, information is presented to us.

So that my side of this dispute is heard and presented at all of the public meetings and hearings, I request that you personally contact me at (208) 263-7406 regarding any meetings or hearings that you might hold to help you with your decision in this matter, I will be doing my own survey of city residents as a comparison to the one you provide with city funds so that a consensus of opinion may be reached.

The issue regarding growth and improvement of residences in Sandpoint is of major concern with many side issues (signage) that need to be addressed as a whole. Good planning will address all of these as they relate to one another. First, we should find out if a problem even exists. Please do not put the "cart before the horse."

DAN TONNEMACHER

Sandpoint