Several ordinances seeking to allow and regulate such rentals failed at the town polls on April 13.
On Tuesday, selectmen met in non-public session with attorney Peter Malia of Hastings Malia in Fryeburg, Maine, to discuss how to move forward.
On Wednesday, Conway Town Manager Tom Holmes said the board had authorized him to issue the following brief statement: The selectmen agreed to begin the enforcement process which in Conway begins with a notice to the property owners regarding the violations.
Holmes added that selectmen hope to have another non-public session with Malia next Tuesday. He did not say when notices would be sent.
CONWAY â In one of the most contentious issues to come before the town in quite some time, Conway residents will go to the polls next Tuesday to act on warrant articles that include ones that will allow and regulate short-term rentals.
Selectmen are hoping voters approve Articles 21 and 22, to create a $50,000 trust fund with $50,000 to be used to regulate short-term rentals. They also are asking voters to approve a noise ordinance under Article 23.
But it is Article 3 that would include short-term rentals (Airbnbs) in all zones where single-family residences are permitted. Under current zoning, short-term rentals are limited to owner-occupied properties.
Ten people filed for 12 of the 20 town and six school positions opening up.
One person who is not running for re-election, Town Moderator Deborah Fauver, shared in an email Tuesday that while âIâve decided not to run again, but I have recruited a great replacement. Then she added mysteriously: âYouâll have to wait for the sign-up period to find out who it is.â
That person is attorney Chris Meier, a partner with Cooper Cargill Chant in North Conway, which is the same firm where Fauver works as a lawyer specializing in estate planning.
Meier, who also serves on the board of the MWV Trails Association, joked with Conway Town Clerk Louise Inkell on Wednesday that Fauver personally escorted me hereâ to make sure he signed up.