Residents tell board short‑term‑rental ordinance needs reevaluation amid lawsuits and communication gaps

During the public‑comment portion of the July 6 meeting several residents urged the Village Board to revisit the short‑term rental ordinance adopted earlier in 2026, citing enforcement gaps, communication failures and pending litigation.

Resident and short‑term rental host Devin Gray said many local hosts were unaware of the ordinance, that the village code search does not yet index the new rules, and that a Freedom of Information Act review shows the village is defending two federal lawsuits challenging the ordinance. "Effective government is reconsidering based on new information," Gray said, urging the board to evaluate costs to taxpayers for defending the suits and to consider revising the measure.

Village Manager declined to comment on litigation strategy, saying it "would not be appropriate to comment on the village's strategy or involvement in any current lawsuits," but told the board the ordinance is posted on a special short‑term‑rental section of the village website and that enforcement began last week. "If we get a complaint, it will be investigated," the manager said, outlining the administrative adjudication and citation process for violations.

Another resident, Cheryl Brown, said she supported the ordinance and shared photos of repeated violations by a nearby hotel, but asked the board to add stronger fines to deter one‑night party rentals charging roughly $500 per night.

Trustees asked staff to clarify codification timing, enforcement procedures and how residents should report suspected violations. No board vote or change to the ordinance occurred at the meeting.