The Lake Geneva Short-Term Rental (STR) fiasco in residential neighborhoods is the latest debacle from the AD HOC committee under the reign of Mayor Todd Krause. This committee, chaired by the ever-optimistic Joel Hoiland, and supported by the Alderman from the war-torn district, has set its sights on making tourists a priority over residents. As Hoiland declares with the fervor of a snake oil salesman, “We live in a tourist destination, and we need to recognize that many STRs bring value to our community. They pay property taxes, provide jobs, and their guests patronize local restaurants, businesses, and entertainment venues.”
These so-called changes to Lake Geneva’s STR ordinance, which has been ignored for the past six years, are nothing short of a giveaway to the transient hordes. The rental period, once a respectable minimum of seven days, is now proposed to be slashed to a mere two days – because who cares if this place turns into a weekend madhouse? The maximum rental period, formerly capped at 180 consecutive days, is set to be extended to an entire year. The rule on the maximum number of occupants per bedroom? Gone. Guest parking? Who needs it on-site? Let them clog the streets!
And as for noise? Well, the new ordinance generously allows guests to raise hell from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. It’s a free-for-all!
This AD HOC committee is hell-bent on expanding STRs in every residential nook and cranny, with one notable exception: newly elected Alderperson Sheri Ames. She stands as the lone voice of sanity, declaring, “The fact is that allowing STRs in residential neighborhoods changes our neighborhoods. I am not a fan of STRs in residential neighborhoods, and you will not change my mind on that.”
In this circus, it’s clear: tourists are king, and residents are mere peasants in their own town.
And here it is:
Pages-from-STR-AdHocPKJust to clarify, Sheri Amines was not added to this committee by Mayor Todd Krause ,which is unfortunate but not surprising, because she wants stop STR’s from taking over Lake Geneva’s residential neighborhoods. She just a powerless bystander like the rest of us peasants.
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Hi Gary,
Joel Hoiland here! Newly elected 3rd District Alderman. Please get in touch.
I’d like to provide details about STRs and the work of the STR Ad Hoc Committee. Your articles lack many important facts. If you are seeking qualified information, your columns could be more seriously considered additions to the Lake Geneva experience.
BTW-my primary goal as alderman is to serve the best interests of residents, businesses, and (yes) visitors. All of these constituencies play a vital role in the success of our amazing community. The combination of these three entities is what sets LG apart from most small cities.
Let me know when we can visit further. I remember meeting you at Joni’s Diner this past spring. I’m also aware that you operate a B&B across from the lake and believe we have a lot to discuss.
Best wishes,
Joel
Gary, good to talk with you this morning at the diner. I looked back at Common Council minutes from October 9, 2023, and discovered they voted 1-7 to NOT send the Symphony Bay annexation to the Plan Commission. That’s where it stalled last year. The Mayor did not vote (only votes to break ties). Here is the verbiage from the minutes. Joel Hoiland
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MINUTES from October 9, 2023 – Discussion/Action regarding referral to the Plan Commission of an Annexation Petition filed by Bloomfield Holdings LLC for a parcel located at 875 Townline Rd, Unit 103, Tax key # MB 500003 for recommendation and assignment of temporary zoning for the subject parcel
Mayor Klein stated that this would not be the Council’s time to approve the annexation, but to refer to the Plan Commission.
Attorney Draper stated that the Department of Administration needs to consider the annexation before the Council can.
Motion by Howell to refer to the Plan Commission for consideration, second by Yunker. No discussion. Fesenmaier stated that she has issues with considering this annexation. She added that the developer for the proposed annexation had pre-paid impact fees, per their developer’s agreement, to avoid having to pay the higher impact fee rate. Fesenmaier passed out a handout to the staff and members of the Council showing excerpts of different documents pertaining to the developer and impact fees. She added that the Council should be given a written opinion from the City Attorney and from the state concerning this matter. Motion failed on a roll call vote 1-7.