Councilman Jay Kramer submitted an agenda item for next Tuesday evening’s Council meeting asking his fellow Council members to consider “reinforcing” the City’s policy on short-term rentals.

Because the Code Enforcement Board recently voted 3-2 in favor of Vice Mayor Tracy Carroll and her husband, John, the only option open to the Council to “reinforce” the policy will be to appeal the CEB’s decision to the circuit courts.

The Carroll’s, who have admitted to renting their home for periods of less than 30 days, challenged the Planning Department’s long-standing interpretation of the City code prohibiting short-term rentals in residential areas.

According to City Attorney Wayne Coment, Carroll will have to recuse herself from the discussion and vote on any motion to appeal the CEB decision to the courts.  Kramer and Councilman Richard Winger have already publicly expressed a willingness to put the issue before the courts.  Mayor Craig Fletcher and Councilwoman Pilar Turner have yet to take a position or express their inclination.

By a margin of 85 percent to 15 percent, respondents to an InsideVero.com poll are expressing support for appealing the CEB decision to the circuit court.

In a letter to the membership of the Indian River Neighborhood Associate, executive committee chairperson, Honey MInuse, wrote, “For those who are in Vero Beach we encourage you to attend the September 3rd, 6:00 p.m. meeting to voice your concerns and support an appeal of the Code Enforcement decision.  All that we value is at risk.”