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 19, 2020 in the Fitchburg Fire Department Conference Room, 33 North St., Fitchburg, and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:00 P.M. Commissioner Boscardin was also present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe was present. I. REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Minutes from the previous meeting of February 3, 2020 were reviewed and signed. II. DISCUSSION: Board of Health Complaint, Singapore Restaurant Mr. Wallance Chung, Owner, Mr. Dirk Kiefer, Consultant, and Stephanie Holinko, Board of Health Food Inspector were present. Ms. Holinko stated that she was present with the approval of Steve Curry, Board of Health Director, as he was aware of many of the deficiencies present on the premises, and they had been dealing with the issue since 2017. She said that there were originally many pages of violations and she was hopeful that with the input of the License Commission, there would be greater motivation to complete the necessary repairs and have the items fixed professionally. Ms. Holinko mentioned that on January 15, 2020 she performed an inspection and noted soiled sponges, plumbing leaks under the bar, as well as other violations. She stated that the wall behind the bar is should be updated with a non-porous substance. She also stated that many times when she has been in the building, the dish machine was either broken or out of sanitizer. Service calls needed to be put in for these issues as it was important to not just water to clean the glassware. She also mentioned that on December 11, 2019, she had seen a possible altercation at the bar while she was there to inspect the premises. The police were not called regarding this alleged incident. Commissioner Sarefield reminded the owner and consultant that the liquor license was predicated on complying with the City Code in regards to regulatory requirements in other departments such as the Board of Health and Building Department. Mr. Kiefer noted that he has been given authority by the Owner to speak for him and that they have been endeavoring to clear up the violations, but that often it was a monetary issue. He presented the City Clerk with updated eTips information for Mr. Chung and one other employee, as well as the updated Alcohol Handling Certification cards for the staff. He said that since the last inspection, he had hired a Page 1  plumber and repainted, as well as instituting new cleaning procedures with the current maintenance staff. He stated that he felt that a majority of the issues in the bar were due to the bar manager not taking an active role in the establishment and had advised Mr. Chung to find a new general manager and bar manager. He had intended to advertise for these positions as soon as he was given the approval to do so. Mr. Kiefer asked that it be noted in the record that Mr. Chung has not been “non-compliant” when asked to do things by the consultant, but has been trying to accomplish what he can with the funds available. Commissioner Boscardin inquired whether there was a prioritized punch list of the violations that he could review. As there is currently not, he recommended that one be prepared by the Board of Health as soon as possible and that some interim inspections be scheduled in order to inspect the current state. A schedule was discussed regarding possible inspections times. It was agreed that Ms. Holinko and Commissioner Boscardin would inspect the premises on March 4th at 10 a.m., and then a follow-up inspection on March 16th, also at 10 a.m. Commissioner Sarefield asked that any updated be brought to the next License Commission meeting and that the Commission also be updated on any hiring that took place. Lieutenant Howe reminded the owner that it was imperative that any altercations be called in to the Police Department, and that a crowd control person be hired for more than 100 people in attendance at while there was live entertainment. He also noted that while the hiring process was going forward, it would be helpful to have a Police detail present on Friday and Saturday evenings while the restaurant was busiest. Mr. Chung agreed to have the detail start this weekend. It was agreed by the Commission that the matter would be continued to the next License Commission meeting on March 4, 2020. 2/0 III. APPLICATIONS I. Special One Day License – Wine and Malt Beverages 1. Ipanema Concert Party, 567 Crawford Street, for Live Entertainment – Bull Riders / Dancing from 11AM to 9PM on Sunday, May 24, 2020 for 2,500 people at 567 Crawford Street, nearby the stage. Mr. Silva was present and provided a layout plan to the Commission. The plan was placed on file. Approved 2/0 Saturday Entertainment Permit Application The Fitchburg Art Stewards, Riverfront Park, for live acoustic music, live amplified music, DJ for Saturday, February 29, 2020. Ms. Melissa Montero was present to provide an overview of the event. Approved 2/0 Sunday Entertainment Permit Ipanema Productions, 567 Crawford Street, for live amplified music, DJ, dancing for May 24, 2020. Mr. Silva was present. Approved 2/0 Page 2  Application for Automatic Amusement Devices Blazin Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, 150 Whalon Street, for Basketball, Juke Box, Cranes (3), Videos (3). Attorney Andrew Upton and Mr. Tim Pryor, Manager, were present. Approved 2/0 Application for Late Closing (2AM) Blazin Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, 150 Whalon Street (Sunday through Saturday). Attorney Andrew Upton and Mr. Tim Pryor, Manager, were present. Approved 2/0 Sunday Brunch Application (11AM) Blazin Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, 150 Whalon Street Attorney Andrew Upton and Mr. Tim Pryor, Manager, were present. Approved 2/0 II. PUBLIC HEARING Transfer of an Annual On-Premises Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License Blazin Wings, Inc. dba Buffalo Wild Wings, 150 Whalon Street Attorney Andrew Upton and Mr. Tim Pryor, Manager, were present. Attorney Upton explained that although the corporate structure of the business would be changing slightly, the business would be held in the usual manner and that the current manager, Mr. Pryor, would be continuing in the role for the business. No one spoke in favor or in opposition to the application. Hearing closed and application approved 2/0 III. CORRESPONDENCE 1. ABCC Actions – information placed on file 2. Cancellation of Hearing – SACF Inc. dba Beemers Pub & Grill – information placed on file IV. NEW BUSINESS Lieutenant Howe noted that there had been an incident at Major’s Café on February 15th, and that the particulars should be referred to the next License Commission meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Mary de Alderete, City Clerk Approved: ___________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield, Chair Richard Boscardin Page 3