License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Street FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Fitchburg MA 01420 Dec 05 2023 11:29 am (978) 829-1820 Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin Glenn Fossa MINUTES OF MEETING A regular meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on Monday, November 6, 2023 in person and via zoom and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:02 PM. Commissioner Boscardin was present via zoom and Commissioner Fossa was absent. FPD Liaison Lieutenant Jeffrey Howe and City Clerk Joanna Bilotta and Assistant City Clerk Elizabeth McNiff were present. I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING(S) The minutes of October 16, 2023 meeting were approved by roll call vote 2/0. 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. Taxi Driver Permit Heather Norton – City Cab, Inc. Ms. Norton was present at the meeting, she informed the Commission that she had previously worked for Twin City Cab The Commission voted to approve application by unanimous roll call vote 2/0. Solicitor Applications Earl McClellan Wells – Excess Wireless Mr. McClellan was not present at the meeting, City Clerk will contact Mr. McClellan. Monday – Saturday Entertainment Permit Angelo Prevosto, Fitchburg State University, Falcon Hub/S-Level Lobby, 160 Pearl Street, for amplified music, Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for approximately 325 people. Page 1  Commissioner Sarefield disclaimed that he is an employee of Fitchburg State University, and this has no financial impact to Commissioner Sarefield. Mr. Prevosto was present at the meeting, he explained there would be background amplified music. Commissioner Sarefield explained music would need to be completed at 5:00 PM. Application approved unanimous roll call vote 2/0. Special One Day Wine & Malt Beverage License Angelo Prevosto, Fitchburg State University, Falcon Hub/S-Level Lobby, 160 Pearl Street, for wine & malt beverage license, Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for approximately 325 people. Mr. Prevosto was present at the meeting. Commission Sarefield reviewed application and verified that All servers are TIPS certified and need to use Wholesale Distributors Application approved unanimous roll cell all vote 2/0. III. CORRESPONDENCE Ellen Griffin, Major’s Café wanted to provide for the record documentation that the police were called by the employees working at Majors Café on August 27, 2023. Ms. Griffin further expressed concern over the vagueness of the Summons Hearing that was served, as well as the License Commission Meeting Minutes of the Summons Hearing held on August 27, 2023 and her frustration with the inability to obtain the incident report of that evening that she is mentioned in. Ms. Griffin stated that her neighbor Christopher Cordio advised her that he helped the police write the incident report and he obtained a copy of the report that she is still unable to obtain. Lt. Howe explained that incident report 23-38852 is still an active investigation so the report cannot be shared as of yet. He has no idea how Mr. Cordio would have been able to obtain a copy of the report, if Ms. Griffin would like to file a complaint, Lt. Howe will be able to open an investigation to find out, Ms. Griffin stated she would not file a complaint, wants to be a good neighbor. Ms. Griffin feels the Summons Hearing needs to be more specific as to the violations, so as a business owner she is able to come to the meeting prepared with representation, bartenders etc. Ms. Griffin informed the commission that at the Summons Hearing the Officer stated she was intoxicated, Ms. Griffin stated she was not intoxicated, the crowd was excited they had just witnessed a car drive through a crowd of people. Page 2  Ms. Griffin feels the minutes need to be more detailed, they are too vague. Commissioner Sarefield thanked Ms. Griffin for coming in and speaking with the commission, he appreciates the feedback. Commissioner Sarefield can see how the Summons Hearing could be more detailed and that the minutes may include some more information in them. Going forward, this is something Commissioner Sarefield will look into. Lt. Howe also told Ms. Griffin to keep up the good work, the Police Department has not received any calls since the August 27th. IV. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. NEXT REGULAR MEETING Monday, December 4, 2023 The meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM Respectfully submitted, Joanna Bilotta, City Clerk Approved: __________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield Richard Boscardin Glenn Fossa Page 3