Short-Term Rentals Top Margaretville Meeting

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MARGARETVILLE - The Margaretville Board of Trustees discussed issues related to short-term rentals following a request for representatives to serve on a committee established by the Town of Middletown.

The town board elected to reestablish a short-term rental committee at its regular meeting on July 9. Town officials had paused the committee in spring after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to establish a statewide short-term rental registry. Additionally, the town had included the issue in its goals for the comprehensive plan outline. However, officials now believe the situation needs to be addressed immediately due to concerns about housing and safety.

Although Margaretville already has legislation in place for short-term rentals, officials agreed it is worth a review.

Mayor John Hubbell anticipates buyouts of local short-term rentals by a few major corporations expanding across the states. Shandaken has placed limits on the number of rental properties. He noted, "Shandaken has done well, but it took a few years to put in place."

"We don't want to lose all our homes to vacation homes," Trustee Jeff Warren said. He later added that it would be preferable to address the issue without restricting people from using their property as they see fit.

Trustee Sarah Hubbell, who serves as Middletown Clerk, said the town is struggling to identify and register short-term rentals. "We can't force registration at this point," she said.

Delaware County entered into a contract with Granicus to identify unregistered short-term rental properties to ensure compliance with occupancy tax. Many rental owners are registered with the county, but not the town, explained Sarah Hubbell. Town officials would like Margaretville to be involved in the discussion as it mainly concerns code enforcement, which is a shared service with the village, she explained. She added that the town supports the village legislation on the issue, which will be reviewed by the committee.

Mayor Hubbell asked residents and councilmembers to consider volunteering for the committee.

In other business

The board approved using Barton & Loguidice, a consulting firm, to work on the joint comprehensive plan for roughly $90,000. The firm was recommended by the Comprehensive Plan Committee, which included representatives from both Middletown, Margaretville, and Fleischmanns. Middletown and Margaretville were each awarded a $50,000 grant to update their 2012 plans. A comprehensive plan is a policy document that guides the growth and development of a jurisdiction, unifying common goals and objectives.

The five-year easement contract with New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was renewed. The easement permits access over DEP property to the village park off Main Street. The initial contract was for $400.58.

Trustees agreed to contract with the County for foreclosure services regarding a tax-delinquent property located on Walnut Street. The village is owed roughly $17,000 in taxes since 2002. The property will be put up for auction, and if purchased, monies will be split between the village and the county. County claims are usually settled first.

Trustees are expected to set a public hearing regarding legislation regulating food trucks. The board agreed to model legislation after that of Hancock.

Health insurance increases of 4.1% were accepted.

Village homeowner flood insurance rates are expected to decrease by 5% following the code enforcement office's achievement of a new rating.

Trustees accepted the revised agreement with Middletown to share code enforcement services. The agreement runs until 2027, with a $1,000 increase, bringing the total to $12,000.

The 150th Margaretville anniversary celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, July 26, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. along Main Street.

After a Delaware County Mayor's Association meeting, Hubbell announced that the members will approach the County Finance Committee again in August, asking for a share of the sales tax revenue.

Department of Public Works Supervisor John Paul Beers achieved grade 2B water treatment plant operator certification. The certification will enable Beers to treat for hazardous materials, such as arsenic. Hubbell anticipates new regulations requiring identification of PFAS levels in drinking water. He believes having a certified plant operator will help in the process.