HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2013 ac galetka ss1Goodwin, Heather
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Heather,
Agenda correspondence.
Thanks - Kathy
Smith, Kathy
Monday, November IL,2013 9:04 AM
Goodwin, Heather
FW: Vacation Rental Agenda topic
City Council.doc
R
NO\/ 1 2 2013
SLO HRI{"
From: Gloria Galetka fggaletka@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 10,2013 2:09 PM
To: Max, Jan; Smith, Kathy; Christianson, Carlyn; Carpenter, Dan; Ashbaugh, John
Subject: Vacation Rental Agenda topic
Deor lodies ond Gentlemen,
f opologize f or sending this ottqched letter ot the lqst minute but just reolized you wíll be
meetang on lhis topic IL/tz ond wonted to shqre my thoughts os q VRBO owner f or 9 yeors ín
this town f love. Please f eel free to contoct me by emoil or phone with ony guest¡ons. f qm
ovoiloble to do whotever is needed to help with this siluotion ond contínue my business. Thqnk
you for your time ond service.
Glorio Goletko
Glorio Gsle' ka RN, BSN
CA Licensed Fiduciory PF 279
www.vrbo .com/ 24L919 ond www.vrbo .com/ 702912
Phone 805-471-2709
Fox 805-546-8616
1
Gloria Galetka RN, BSN
California Licensed Fiduciary #279
843 Upham Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-47 l-2709; FAX 805-546-86 I 6
E-mail: ggaletka@gmail.com
tUt0lt3
Ladies and Gentlemen of the SLO City Council,
I am writing regarding the newly enforced ban on vacation rentals within the
city of SLO. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the City Council meeting
next week or be involved in local groups, as I am in San Diego caring for my
grandson temporarily. When I heard about the "cease and desist" letters which
were being received by others in the community I quickly called the
appropriate city official, Cassia in Code Enforcement to inquire about it since I
have held a business license type 080, description: Vacation Rental, Certificate
number 105170 for 9 years. I was asked to fax the certificate as I was told that
080 was not a "vacation rental" which is written on the certificate. I explained
that when I first applied for a license, I was very clear on my pu{pose on the
application and was issued the license. I have always followed the "rules" and
so was shocked when told this is now "illegal". I faxed the application copy as
well as the prior license certificate 6118113. I received my renewed license
effective July 18,2013 through June 30, 2014.I have always paid the annual
tax and fees requested on the form provided annually. I did specifically inquire
about transient bed taxes as I knew they were required in other cities, but was
merely given the form which is for all businesses, the same one I get for my
Fiduciary Business. I do pay selÊemployment federal business taxes.
As one of the oldest VRBO vacation rentals in town since 2005,I can honestly
tell you that the types of people renting from me are often Cal Poly parents or
prior students visiting for events. Other guests are couples/families visiting the
"happiest town in America", maîy bring their bikes and all love the proximify
my home lends to walking to town. They all wish to have the convenience of
preparing a meal for themselves and their loved ones in town, I always look
first for a VRBO rental when travelling, as I love the convenience of feeling at
home, even if someone else's home. Travelers treat my home as if it were
theirs. I have NEVER had a complaint from a neighbor. I have lived in this
location since 1993 (SLO since 1988) across the street from Kappa Chi on the
comer of Chorro and Upham. I can assure you that the problem here is over
crowded college rentals with no oversight. I have called the police many times
on parties for noise and underage drinking. In my opinion, this is the issue the
city should use its resources to improve. Living across the street from that
fraternity and down the street from the Del Monte café,I couldn't park a
second car on my street; still can't on the weekends.
I love San Luis Obispo and my home. I would never want to hurt either. I do
understand that local beach cities have drawn party types into their rentals on
the beach. This is not my experience for all these years in SLO, I have NEVER
had to collect I penny for damage to my home or cottage. Guidelines are
already in place for tenants/landlords with associated complaint fees. Nothing
new needs to be set up. These are just shorter term rentals.
As has been suggested from others in the VRBO community, I am in agreement
to paying the same taxes/fees that hotel and B&B's are charged. This is fair.
Having my business closed due to whatever entity has stined this up is not. If
safety inspections are required of vacation rentals, then inspections should also
be required of all rentals, of which there are many, whether month-to-month or
with annual leases. Safety is safety. This would be a huge undertaking since
there are non-licensed rentals and buildings without permits throughout the
city. It seems to me that that non-licensed, non-permitted rentals should be a
more important job for code enforcement rather than spending time on a few
home owners trying to make ends meet.
I am willing to assist in any task force which may be set up although I feel
monitoring as stated is already in place. Using the same fee structure as is
already in place for B&B's should be used for collecting transient tax fees for
vacation rentals. As far as numbers; it has been suggested that the numbers be
limited. This has been adopted in other communities per square mile or
proximity to other rentals. Since there are rentals of every sort throughout our
college community, this can really not be done fairly; possibly the same rules
that are set for hotels & B&B's if there are any.
Again, I am willing to work with the city. I feel strongly that these rentals are
well maintained and add to tourism and the warmth of our town. Please feel
free to contact me my phone or email listed at the top of my letter. Thank you
for your attention.
Sincerely,
Gloria Galetka