“People want to put Airbnbs in the city,” Oronogo Mayor Charles Wilkins told Board of Aldermen members Monday.

There have been discussions about the short-term rental trend, and “I’ve heard comments both ways,” he added. “Do we want Airbnbs or just say no?”

Wilkins said he may seek ordinances passed by other cites. Joplin has passed an ordinance regulating short-term rentals (Airbnbs or VRBOs), and Webb City is in the process of approving an ordinance.

The board approved the final plat for the first 48 houses to be built in the Hawthorn Hills subdivision. Located northwest of the intersection of Highway 96 and Route D, Hawthorn Hills will eventually have more than 500 houses.

The board also approved two ordinances regarding temporary storm water detention.

Also, the board declined the request by the owner for more time to clean up the condemned house at 356 S. Fourth St. The board voted to call for bids to demolish the house. “I’m sorry it’s come to this,” Wilkins told the owner, “but we’re into 10 months,” since trying to get the property to meet code or the house demolished.

The owner of the home admitted the house in question is the first one he’d ever bought at the county tax sale. “If I’d known all that was involved I wouldn’t have bought it,” he said.

The board approved Wilkins’ appointment of Julie True to the Park Advisory Board.