License Commission

Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin John Zarrella MINUTES OF MEETING A special meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on December 30, 2020 over the Zoom meeting platform, and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 10:30 AM. Commissioner Boscardin was also present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Howe was present. Dave Celuzza, Owner of Slattery’s Restaurant, and Mary Jo Bohart, Director of Economic Development, also attended the meeting. I. DISCUSSION TOPICS Special Extension of Licensed Outdoor Premises permits A motion was made to extend the deadline of any granted Special Extension of Licensed Outdoor Premises until the end of the Governor’s emergency orders, or until December 31, 2021, whichever occurred first. Approved by roll call vote 2/0 Discussion regarding license payment deferments Mr. Celuzza noted that whether a business was opened or closed, there was a definite stress associated with operating it. He also stated that he would like more time looking forward to how to help the hospitality industry move forward, and thought that making future plans for outdoor seating would be helpful. The Clerk stated that Auditor Brooks had been amendable to placing a hold on fees for any business that was still closed and was unable to produce the funds to renew. It was suggested that a starting term of 3 months (March 31st) would be helpful, and that the Commission could revisit this deadline as things progressed. Lieutenant Howe asked whether there might be funds available from the City that could be put towards the fees, allowing a “refund of half” to those licensees that had paid. Ms. Bohart explained that the City very much valued all of its businesses, and was glad to have the opportunity to speak to funds available through a HUD source. She noted that funds were available in a mini-grant format that would help with any applicable expenses to business, such as utilities and insurance, and license fees would definitely also fall within this category. There were also funds available through the FRA which were different and not considered “double dipping”. She encouraged Mr. Celuzza to apply for either or both of these, along with available grants from the Commonwealth Mass Growth fund, although noted that it did tend to be allocated rapidly. Ms. Bohart said that she would be reaching out to businesses to educate them on the availability of funding that they might be overlooking. She noted, also, that funds from HUD could not be used retroactively. Ms. Bohart agreed to speak to the Mayor’s Office for any possible funding that could be provided to offset licensing fees. Commissioners Sarefield and Boscardin noted that they would be proactive in lowering/eliminating fees for licensees in the 2022 fiscal year. A motion was made to extend the deadline of fees required to renew licenses for any business not already open held until March 31st, 2021. Approved by roll call vote 2/0 Page 1 II. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss. The meeting adjourned at 10:58 AM. Respectfully submitted, Mary de Alderete, City Clerk Approved: ___________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield, Chair Richard Boscardin Page 2