staying, the neighbors experience the negative impacts. Mr. Owens closed his comments by stating that if Airbnbs become more common, he may need to find a new home.

David Esrati, 113 Bonner Street, shared that he is an Airbnb Superhost. He has hosted many guests with different occupations. All of the guests have been great neighbors and visitors. The idea behind Airbnb has been around for a while. In the past, many empty nesters would invite visitors to stay in their home so they could interact with people of all kinds. The city of Oakwood does not have any hotels for visitors to stay. Airbnb allows for cultural cross-pollination. Mr. Esrati suggested that City Council table this ordinance to learn about other possible alternatives that do not restrict property rights.

Ashley and Emily Webb, 321 S. Bromfield Road, shared that they offer the short-term rental of furnished apartments. They have stayed at many Airbnbs, including internationally, and have had great experiences. Airbnbs allow for people to get immersed in different cultures and communities. They then shared concerns about the precedent that Oakwood could set for other local communities if short-term rentals are prohibited. They were particularly concerned that Kettering or Dayton might follow Oakwood’s lead. Mr. and Mrs. Webb asked City Council to consider other options and not force hosts to shut down their current short-term rental sites, which could potentially cause them to lose “Superhost” status on Airbnb. They then invited City Council to stay at their Airbnb free-of-charge to see what they are like. Mr. and Mrs. Webb closed their comments by stating that Airbnb is not only a business, but a fun way to connect with people.

Michael Branott, 3931 Roslyn Avenue, shared that he owns two Airbnbs. He explained that he got into hosting Airbnbs after staying at an Airbnb in Barcelona. Mr. Branott also invited City Council to stay free-of-charge at his Airbnb. Airbnbs help local businesses and restaurants because they bring people into the community. He then suggested that City Council understand and investigate how short-term rentals work so the appropriate laws can be enabled. Mr. Branott closed his comments by opining that Airbnbs would create a positive experience in the Oakwood community.

Mr. Jacques clarified that Ohio ethics laws do not allow for City Council to stay “free-of-charge.” If City Council members should choose to stay at a local Airbnb, they would pay for their visit.

Jeremy Gwinnup, 447 Volusia Avenue, commented that there have been a lot of positive Airbnb stories, but asked what can be done to address negative experiences. He shared that the house next door to him has recently come an Airbnb. There have been a series of guests, and for the most part, the Airbnb has not created a bad experience. However, there have been issues with noise. He explained that he and his wife have five kids and he travels out of town for business. Problems that occur in Airbnbs, such as noise complaints, should not have to be addressed by neighbors. This is a business in a residential community. Mr. Gwinnup closed his comments by sharing that he has enjoyed staying in a few Airbnbs, but he is glad City Council is considering legislation to prohibit short-term rentals in Oakwood.

Deborah Cool-Llorens, 114 Volkenand Avenue, shared that she owns an Airbnb on Wayne Avenue. She explained that Airbnbs are not intended to be a platform for transient people. The idea is to create a “home” for people traveling away from their home. She shared a few comments that guests of her Airbnb have posted online. She is an Airbnb Superhost and is proud to promote local communities, businesses and restaurants. Airbnb hosts and guests are held to and rated at a high standard. She explained that if hosts or guests are not following the standards set for Airbnbs, bad reviews are given. Ms. Cool-Llorens opined that Airbnbs make neighborhoods a better place. Prohibiting short-term rentals is like closing doors on people interested in visiting the Oakwood community. Ms. Cool-Llorens closed her comments by asking City Council to take more time to evaluate short-term rentals and to develop a more equitable and feasible plan.

Evan Kaufman, 3328 Sagamon Avenue, commented that he has heard arguments from both sides and his experiences do not fit on either end of the spectrum. Mr. Kaufman explained that he was in the Air Force stationed in the Dayton area in 2013. He had to find a temporary living situation for 6 – 8 weeks for his family that a hotel could not provide. After his military service, Mr. Kaufman got his real estate license to help families (mainly military families) bridge the gap between short-term and long-term home arrangements. His short-term rentals offer families the amenities that are needed, at half the cost of a hotel. Mr. Kaufman asked City Council to consider what is transient and what is short-term. He then recommended that visitors be vetted and screened prior to being offered short-term rentals in Oakwood. Mr. Kaufman closed his comments by stating that he believes that if Oakwood prohibits short-term rentals that it will set precedence in other areas.

Mr. Stephens asked Mr. Kaufman where his short-term rental properties are located.