License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Street FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Fitchburg MA 01420 Jun 06 2023 8:26 am (978) 829-1820 Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin John Zarrella MINUTES OF MEETING A regular meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on Monday, May 15, 2023 and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:00 PM. Commissioner Boscardin and Commissioner Zarrella were present. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Jeffrey Howe, City Clerk Joanna Bilotta, Assistant City Clerk Elizabeth McNiff were present. I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING(S) The minutes of May 1, 2023 were approved by roll call vote 2/0. Commissioner Zarrella abstained. II. NEW APPLICATIONS Please note that the Commission may enter into Executive Session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, sec. 21(a) (5) (Discussion of CORI results), if required during this portion of the Agenda, and will return to regular session upon completion. Monday – Saturday Entertainment Permit James Bunnell, Fitchburg Parks & Recreation Department, Mill Street Main Stage, 512 Main Street, for live amplified and acoustic music, and spoken word, annually for approximately 25-30 people. Joe Ferguson was present at the meeting on behalf of Mr. Bunnell. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and verified the annual permit on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department for City Properties. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0 Caroline Miranda-Gomez, Munchies To Go LLC, 27 Airport Road, for live amplified and acoustic music, DJ, Annual Friday and Saturday’s, from 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM for approximately 50 people. Ms. Miranda-Gomez was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and verified the times. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Page 1 Annie Louis and Lieutenant Howe, Juneteenth Celebration, Riverfront Park, 40 Commercial Street, for live amplified music, Saturday June 17, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, for approximately 250 people. Lieutenant Howe was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified the times, an amendment was made to add Fitchburg Abolitionist Park and the time from 9:30AM – 4:30 PM Amended application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Michael Roy, The Cellar, Mill Street Stage, 14 Mill Street, for live amplified and acoustic music, Dancing, Friday June 2, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM for approximately 50 people. Mr. Roy was not present at the meeting. Commissioners reviewed the application. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Sunday Entertainment Permit Caroline Miranda-Gomez, Munchies To Go LLC, 27 Airport Road, for live amplified and acoustic music, DJ, Annual Sundays, from 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM for approximately 50 people. Ms. Miranda-Gomez was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and verified the times. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Late Closing Permit (1AM) Joan Gomez, Munchies To Go LLC, DBA Melao by Munchies, 27 Airport Road (Sunday through Saturday) Ms. Miranda-Gomez was present at the meeting, Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the days for late closing. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Special One Day Wine & Malt License Michael Roy, The Cellar, Mill Street Stage, 14 Mill Street, Music Event, Friday June 2, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM for approximately 50 people. Mr. Roy was not present at the meeting. Commissioners reviewed application. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. William Mario, Thirsty Robot Brewing Co., The Market on Main, Main Street, Saturday May 27, 2023 (Rain date: Sunday May 28), from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Applicant has withdrawn the application. Page 2  Amanda Morse and Wyatt Lafferty, Tavern 13 Bar Services, The Market on Main, Main Street, Saturday May 27, 2023 (Rain date: Sunday May 28), from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mr. Lafferty was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and verified that all servers are TIPS Certified and need to use Wholesale distributors. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Taxi Driver Permit 1. Jalil Chnioul – City Cab, Inc. Mr. Chnioul was present at the meeting, Commissioner Sarefield discussed the Taxi and Livery Service Regulations, as well as his driving history. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. 2. Rebecca Cote– City Cab, Inc. Ms. Cote was present at the meeting, Commissioner Sarefield discussed the Taxi and Livery Service Regulations, as well as her driving history. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0 III. PUBLIC HEARING Application for New License on Premise Restaurant Wine & Malt with Cordial Liquors Beverage Licensed IQarus LLC, DBA Rise & Grind Café, Mark McCaffrey, 805 Main Street Commissioner Sarefield open the public hearing at 6:30 PM Mr. McCaffrey was present at the meeting and shared he wanted to be able to host meetings and late afternoon events. Mary Jo Bohart, spoke on behalf and support of Mr. McCaffrey and what an outstanding job they are doing, the location is great, with spectacular views of the common. There was no other public comment in favor or opposition to the new license. Public Hearing was closed at 6:34 PM Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0 Page 3 IV. CORRESPONDENCE ABCC Actions On file with the City Clerk’s Office V. NEW BUSINESS Lieutenant Howe request a summons hearing for Taxi Driver John Norcross pertaining to incident #23- 18812 Request for a summons hearing approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. NEXT REGULAR MEETING Monday, June 5, 2023 The meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM Respectfully submitted, Joanna Bilotta, City Clerk Approved: __________________ ___________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield Richard Boscardin John Zarrella Page 4