Town’s short-term rentals to be discussed

The short-term rental issue in the Town of Belgium is slated to be discussed later this month

Town Chairman Tom Winker said at Monday’s Town Board meeting that he, Zoning Administrator Charlie Parks, retired attorney Jim Hubing and “a few people that I talked to” plan to have a discussion on the issue late this month.

“We don’t have to notice the meeting. But I will let the road groups know that if you want to come and listen we will let you listen. We don’t have to post it because it’s not a town meeting, but we’re going to come up with some answers that everybody can live with,” Winker said.

The issue has divided residents who want to rent out their properties and those who have cited unruly behavior by renters. Last December, a 23-year-old Sheboygan man wanted by authorities was arrested in an Airbnb at 5063 Country Club Beach Rd. and charged in Ozaukee County Circuit Court with possessing a machine gun and child enticement, both felonies, and a misdemeanor count of sexual intercourse with a child.

Winker on Monday said that property also has a leaky septic tank that is drained every week and has been rented to construction workers who park their equipment in the driveway.

“I don’t think that’s the intent of what we’re doing with this short-term rental,” Winker said.

The town, through its attorney Paul Alexy, is sending a letter to the owner of the property, EJ Property Solutions of Pewaukee, asking a representative to contact Winker to limit future issues.

Winker said he hopes to develop a solution to the issue “that most people can live with” at the discussion later this month.

“I don’t guarantee any results but I feel your pain, especially with this property,” he said.