License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Street Fitchburg MA 01420 (978) 829-1820 Daniel Sarefield , Chairman Glenn Fossa Richard Boscardin MINUTES OF MEETING A meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on February 3, 2020 in the Fitchburg Fire Department Conference Room, 33 North St., Fitchburg, and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:01 P.M. Commissioner Boscardin and Commissioner Fossa were present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe was present. I. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Minutes from the previous meeting of January 22, 2020 were reviewed and signed. II. DISCUSSION: Review of Lodging House Application and Procedural information with Liz Murphy, Director of Housing and Development, Fitchburg Department of Community Development Ms. Murphy was present to discuss the DRAFT Lodging House Application. She noted that Councilor Walsh had already given an overview of the changes that were being considered. It was her understanding that the application would first be taken in by the Building Commissioner, who would review the application for type of occupancy (owner/non-owner), number of persons, whether the unit would be considered short-term or a lodging facility, and whether a Zoning Board approval would be necessary. After receipt of the application, there would be coordination with the Board of Health, Zoning, and Fire Departments to review the application for compliance. Once reviewed and possible required corrections taken, it may be sent for a CORI for the manager on record. Commissioner Fossa noted that he had originally asked for the application to have a place to consider compliance for liability insurance, but that was not currently present on the application. Ms. Murphy said that while she recalled this, as the document had been reviewed by the City Solicitor, it might have been removed for legal reasons. The Commission discussed the possibility of adding a statement to the minutes upon review of each application that liability concerns might need to be addressed. Lt. Howe mentioned that it might be worthwhile to view Boston’s website regarding how they handled lodging situations, which include notification of neighbors and required fire extinguishers. Commissioner Sarefield inquired regarding enforcement with those locations that failed to comply with regulations. A discussion of possible fines/summons was considered. Voted to accept the DRAFT Lodging House Application with the proviso that the liability concerns would be addressed. 3/0 Page 1 III. APPLICATIONS NEW: Lodging House Application South Middlesex Non-Profit Housing Corporation (SMOC) 94 Highland Avenue Attorney Katherine Garrahan and Matthew Lane (applicant) were present. Attorney Garrahan mentioned that the application had already gone through the Zoning Board and been approved. She noted that the application was for two (2) units of seven (7) housed together for a total of fourteen (14) units. One unit would be for the on-sight manager. The use of the building would be for program supported housing in a sober environment for those who had experienced homelessness with a way for them to transition. In order to be assured grant money set aside for sprinklers and other costs, the application would need to be approved in order to move forward with new architectural drawings and further permitting from the Building Department. The resident manager had not yet been identified but as the project moved forward, the understanding would be that the person would need to pass a CORI check before the units could be opened. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to grant a provisional application approval, based upon the contingency of meeting further requisite regulatory obligations during the City approval process. 3/0 Application for Automatic Amusement Device FunStuf Party Place, 791 Water Street, for one (1) Air Hockey Table. Ethan and Francis Dower were present. It was noted that the application included a basketball device as well. Approved for both devices. 3/0 Monday through Saturday Entertainment Permit Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Avenue, for live acoustic music, live amplified music, DJ, and dancing. Mr. Schaff was not present. Approved 3/0 Special One Day License – Wine and Malt Beverages River Styx Brewing, 166 Boulder Drive, for a Light Sculpture Art Installation with Food and Drink from 4PM to 9PM on Saturday, February 29, 2020 for 50 people at Fitchburg Riverfront Park. Melissa Montero was present to provide an overview of the Art Installation event and accompanying layout of the River Front location. Jacqueline Cullen was present. Approved 3/0 The meeting adjourned at 6:56 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Mary de Alderete, City Clerk Approved: ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield, Chair Glenn Fossa Richard Boscardin Page 2