License Commission

BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Street Fitchburg MA 01420 FITCHBURG CITY CLERK (978) 829-1820 Jun 12 2024 1:20 pm Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin Glenn Fossa MINUTES OF MEETING A regular meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on Monday, May 20, 2024 and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:01 PM. Commissioner Fossa was present. Commission Boscardin was present VIA zoom and FPD Liaison Lieutenant Jeffrey Howe was absent. Officer Michael Sevigny, City Clerk Joanna Bilotta and Assistant City Clerk Elizabeth McNiff were present. I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING(S) Regular Minutes of May 6, 2024 The Regular Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2024 were approved by roll call vote 3/0. 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. Monday – Saturday Entertainment Permit Fitchburg Police Department, National Night Out, Lowe Park, for live amplified music and DJ, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for approximately 250 people. Officer Sevigny was present at the meeting, he explained to the commission that it is the same set up as last year. Commissioner Sarefield confirmed that Officer Sevigny was aware that the music needs to be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Officer Sevigny asked to extend the time to 6:30 PM. Amended application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Derek Craig, Buy Black Market, City Hall, 718 Main Street, for live amplified & acoustic music, DJ, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, for approximately 75 people. Mr. Craig was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Mr. Craig is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Page 1 Derek Craig, River City Rhythm & Rock Festival, Riverfront Park, 0 Boulder Drive, for live amplified & acoustic music, DJ, and dancing, Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, for approximately 250 people. Mr. Craig was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Mr. Craig is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Savannah Amaral, Crossroads Community Church, Faith Alive Event, for live amplified music, Monday, July 22nd, Tuesday July 23rd, Wednesday, July 24th, Thursday, July 25th, Friday, July 26th, and Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, for approximately 500 people. Ms. Amaral was present at the meeting. Ms. Amaral confirmed the location of the event will be happening at Coolidge Park. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Ms. Amaral is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Ms. Amaral asked to extend the time to 10:30 PM, as they got approved for the event to end at 10:00 PM. Amended application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Special One Day Wine & Malt Beverages Derek Craig, River City Rhythm & Rock Festival, Riverfront Park, 0 Boulder Drive, Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM, for approximately 250 people. Mr. Craig was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and verified all servers have TIP certifications. Officer Sevigny had no concerns other than to check with the FPD about whether police detail is needed at the event. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Stephanie Marazzo, Graduation Celebration, Coggswell Park Stone House, 159 Electric Avenue, Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, for approximately 50 people. Ms. Marazzo was present at the meeting. Ms. Marazzo informed the commission that this was not a public event, it will just be family and friends having a college celebration gathering. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and reiterated that Ms. Marazzo be aware of the alcohol at this celebration. Commissioner Fossa encouraged Ms. Marazzo to review the social host laws for Massachusetts. Officer Sevigny had no concerns. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Jeff McVoy, New Vue 45th Anniversary Appetizer Reception, Hammond Hall Main Lounge, 251 North Street, Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, for approximately 112 people. Mr. McVoy was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield stated for the record that while he is an employee at Fitchburg State University, he has no financial stake or connection to this event. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed application and verified all servers have TIP certifications. Mr. McVoy confirmed there would be no one invited to the event that is under 21 years old and has worked with campus police to ensure Page 2  Officer Sevigny had no concerns. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Amendment Alteration of Licensed Premises Mamajuana Rd Latin Restaurant, Inc., 423 Main Street Mr. Vicioso was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and asked Mr. Vicioso about his plans for the outdoor seating and how the tables will be set up. Commissioner Fossa shared his concern that this outdoor set up is similar to what another licensee has been working on to obtain. The commissioners agreed that they would like a second opinion on this license before approving. Application moved to Monday June 3, 2024 meeting approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. III. PUBLIC HEARING Application for New General On-Premises All Alcoholic Beverages Liquor License Radzaddy LLC, DBA Level-1, 108 Third Street 347, 349, 351 Main Street Mr. and Mrs. Rife were present at the meeting and shared they are opening up a retro video game arcade bar. They will be open seven days a week, Monday-Thursday until 1AM, Friday and Saturday until 2AM, and Sunday until 8PM. Mr. Rife informed the commission that no one under the age of 21 would be allowed in the arcade bar after 7PM. Commissioner Fossa shared some concerns he had with the late 2AM closing. Mr. Rife explained he researched surrounding areas and that was the normal closing times for those two days. Commissioner Sarefield open the public hearing at 7:20 PM Mary Jo Bohart and Maribel Cruz from Community and Development spoke in favor of the business. Both very excited for this unique opportunity in downtown that will attract the public, along with the students from Fitchburg State University. Public Hearing was closed at 7:23PM Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0 IV. CORRESPONDENCE Acceptance of surrender of license Darios Diner Inc., DBA El Toro The commission accepted the surrender of the license. ABCC Actions On file at the City Clerk’s Office. Page 3 V. NEW BUSINESS Officer Sevigny shared with the commission that Mill City Pub handled everything as they should have regarding am incident that had been shared with the commission at the Monday, May 6, 2024 meeting. NEXT REGULAR MEETING Monday, June 3, 2024 Joanna Bilotta-Simeone, City Clerk The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM Respectfully submitted, Joanna Bilotta, City Clerk Approved: __________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield Richard Boscardin Glenn Fossa Page 4