The Dalles City Council is sending a proposed short-term rental ordinance back to staff for changes after lengthy discussions Monday night.  Councilors asked municipal staff to make revisions that include a 500-foot buffer between STR’s instead of a proposed 300, a similar change to the area to notify neighbors of the presence of an STR, an amortization period for the new regulations for existing STR’s, and adjusting the procedure to report violations.  Mayor Rich Mays suggested the buffers should be larger, perhaps up to 1,000 feet.  The Council once again took testimony from those who live in West Scenic Drive area, where a number of homes have been purchased by an out-of-town company and are being used as short-term rentals.  The residents complain of large groups, noise late at night, trespassing, parking and traffic issues, and other problems.  There is currently a moratorium on new short-term rental licenses that expires near the conclusion of November.  A revised proposal will be discussed at the November 25 City Council meeting, one day before moratorium expires.