License Commission

Monty Tech BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS City Hall, 718 Main Street Fitchburg MA 01420 FITCHBURG CITY CLERK (978) 829-1820 Sep 17 2025 1:18 pm Daniel Sarefield, Chairman Richard Boscardin Glenn Fossa MINUTES OF MEETING A regular meeting of the Board of License Commissioners was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 in person and called to order by Commissioner Sarefield at 6:00 PM. Commissioner Boscardin and Commissioner Fossa were present. FPD Liaison Lt. Keenan, Officer Michael Sevigny, were present. City Clerk Joanna Bilotta and Assistant City Clerk Elizabeth McNiff. I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING(S) 1. Regular Minutes of July 21, 2025, Special Minutes of July 29, 2025, Executive Minutes of July 29, 2025 and Special Minutes August 29, 2025. The regular meeting minutes of July 21, 2025, special meeting minutes of July 29, 2025, executive minutes of July 29, 2025, and special meeting minutes of August 29, 2025 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. Solicitor Application 1. William Jordan – Weathervane Home Services Mr. Jordan was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield asked Mr. Jordan if he has worked in the city soliciting before, Mr. Jordan has not worked in the city of Fitchburg, but has been soliciting for the last four years. Commissioner Sarefield informed Mr. Jordan that the door-to-door solicitation hours are 9:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM. Commissioner Sarefield advised he needs to wear Identification and the City of Fitchburg Solicitation hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, no Sundays or Holiday hours. Lieutenant Keenan informed the applicant that he is responsible to notify the police department of what areas of the city he will be working each day. Commissioner Sarefield also shared that Mr. Jordan should notify the Police Department of the vehicle he will be using while soliciting. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Monday-Saturday Entertainment Permit Shane Franzen, Fitchburg State University, Homecoming Tailgate Event, 1000 John Fitch Hwy, Saturday, October 4, 2025, for DJ, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for approximately 500 people. Page 1 Shane Franzen, Fitchburg State University, Homecoming Carnival, 1 Ross Street, Ross parking lot, Saturday, October 4, 2025 for DJ, from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, for approximately 500 people. Ms. Franzen was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield disclosed while he is an employee of Fitchburg State University, he has no financial stake or connection to this event. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Ms. Franzen is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. No concerns from Lt. Keenan. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Andrew Lamarche, Fitchburg State University, Bruins Fan Fest, 1000 John Fitch Hwy, Saturday, September 6, 2025 for DJ and microphone, from 11:00 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, for approximately 4000 people. Mr. Lamarche was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield disclosed while he is an employee of Fitchburg State University, he has no financial stake or connection to this event. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Mr. Lamarche is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Mr. Lamarche informed the commission that the Fitchburg state Police Department is involved with the planning of this event and have partnered with FPD as well. Mr. Lamarche asked to amend the start time to 10:30 AM. No concerns from Lt Keenan. Amended application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Keith Poirier, Leonardo DRS, Employee Appreciation BBQ, 166 Boulder Drive, Thursday, September 25, 2025, for DJ, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 3:30 PM, for approximately 175 people. Mr. Poirier was not present. Ms. Lisa Trombetta a representative from the company was present. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Ms. Trombetta is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Ms. Trombetta asked to amend the end tine to 3:30 PM. Ms. Trombetta explained to the commission that this will be the same set up as last year. No concerns from Lt Keenan. Amended application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Damary Rosado, Rise for Rita, 0 Boulder Drive, Saturday, October 11, 2025, for DJ, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, for approximately 150 people. Ms. Rosado was not present at the meeting. Application moved to Monday, September 15, 2025 meeting approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Michael Roberts, Reunion in the Park, 67 Scott Road, Saturday, September 13, 2025, for live acoustic and amplified music, from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM, for approximately 175 people. Mr. Roberts was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Mr. Roberts is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Mr. Roberts explained this is the second year of the event and there are no changes from last year. No concerns from Lt Keenan. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Page 2 Sunday Entertainment Permit Katherine Marsh, Legends Bar & Grille, Zach’s Goal Washer Tournament, 68 Airport Road, Sunday, September 21, 2025, for live amplified music, from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, for approximately 100 people. Ms. Marsh was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that Ms. Marsh is aware that all entertainment must be shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. Ms. Marsh explained to the commission that it will be the same set up as years prior. No concerns from Lt Keenan. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Special One Day Wine and Malt Beverages Katherine Marsh, Legends Bar & Grille, Zach’s Goal Washer Tournament, 68 Airport Road, Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, for approximately 100 people. Ms. Marsh was present at the meeting. The application was originally applied for with Katherine’s name, there will be a change to have the non-profit organization reapply to have it in their name to receive the all-alcoholic beverages. Application moved to special meeting Monday, September 8, 2025 approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Keith Poirier, Leonardo DRS, Employee Appreciation BBQ, 166 Boulder Drive, Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 3:30 PM, for approximately 175 people. Mr. Poirier was not present. Ms. Lisa Trombetta a representative from the company was present. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that the event will have TIPS certified servers. Ms. Trombetta explained to the commission that it will be the same set up as last year. There will be two drink tickets for the employees and families. Ms. Trombetta asked to amend the end time to 3:30 PM. Lt. Keenan had no concerns. Amended Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Michael Roberts, Reunion in the Park, 67 Scott Road, Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM, for approximately 175 people. Mr. Roberts was present. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that the event will have TIPS certified servers. Mr. Roberts explained to the commission that it will be the same set up as last year, the alcohol area will be boarded off and screening will be taking place at the time of purchase. Lt. Keenan had no concerns. Application approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Special One Day All Alcoholic Beverages Derek Craig, Events and Programs at Canvas, 326-344 Main Street, Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 10:00 APM, for approximately 100 people. Derek Craig, Events and Programs at Canvas, 326-344 Main Street, Saturday, September 6th, 13th, 27th, and Saturday October 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM, for approximately 200 people. Derek Craig, Events and Programs at Canvas, 326-344 Main Street, Friday, September 12th, 26th, and Friday, October 17, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM, for approximately 200 people. Page 3  Derek Craig, Events and Programs at Canvas, 326-344 Main Street, Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM, for approximately 200 people. Derek Craig, Events and Programs at Canvas, 326-344 Main Street, Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM, for approximately 200 people. Derek Craig, Events and Programs at Canvas, 326-344 Main Street, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 10:00 APM, for approximately 100 people. Mr. Craig was present at the meeting. Assistant City Clerk Elizabeth McNiff informed the Commission that the application would need to be amended to an all-alcoholic beverage special one day license. Mr. Craig explained that the events are similar to those he held in June and July. Commissioner Sarefield inquired about how alcohol service is monitored during these events. Mr. Craig responded that he and his staff are TIPS certified and that he is actively working to have more staff undergo the same training. He further explained that guests are required to show identification, after which they are given a wristband indicating they are of legal drinking age. He also noted that some of the events are to guests aged 21 and over. City Clerk Jonna Bilotta reminded both the Commission and Mr. Craig that an individual is limited to a maximum of thirty special one day Licenses per calendar year. The Clerk’s Office will follow up with Mr. Craig to confirm how many licenses he has used to date. Lt. Keenan had no concerns. Amended Applications approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Special One Day Wine and Malt Beverages Jeff McVoy, Compass Group NA, DBA Chartwells Dining Services, Richard Kerris Art Gallery Opening, 0 Highland Avenue, Fiorentino Foyer & Sanders Administration Hallway, Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, for approximately 60 people. Jeff McVoy, Compass Group NA, DBA Chartwells Dining Services, Alumni Awards Brunch, 160 Pearl Street, Hammond Hall, Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for approximately 100 people. Jeff McVoy, Compass Group NA, DBA Chartwells Dining Services, Veterans Alumni Reception, 160 Pearl Street, Hammond Hall, Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for approximately 50 people. Mr. McVoy was present at the meeting. Commissioner Sarefield disclosed for the record that, although he serves as a professor at Fitchburg State University, he holds no financial interest in the matter under discussion. Mr. McVoy explained to the commission that these events are the same set up as last year. Commissioner Sarefield reviewed the application and verified that the events will have TIP certified servers. Mr. McVoy informed the commission that he has the support of the campus police as well. No concerns from Lt. Keenan. Applications approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. III. CORRESPONDENCE ABCC advisory regarding M.G.L. 138 Section 12D. City Clerk Joanna Bilotta explained to the commission that this new advisory allows current Wine & Malt only holders the option of applying to become an all-alcoholic beverage license if they choose. Motion to send this to the Monday, September 15, 2025 meeting approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Page 4  Draft letter of Unpermitted Door-to-Door Solicitation Activity in Violation of City Ordinance. City Clerk Joanna Bilotta shared with commission a rough draft of unpermitted door-to-door solicitation. Commissioner Fossa requested to have some verbiage be added to the letter. Review of final draft letter moved to Monday, September 15, 2025 meeting approved by unanimous roll call vote 3/0. Police Department Administrative Report: Paddock Lounge, 1426 Water Street. Police Department Administrative Report: Mill City Pub & Pizza LLC, 488 John Fitch Hwy. Police Department Administrative Report: Mill City Pub & Pizza LLC, 488 John Fitch Hwy. Lieutenant Keenan read aloud the three reports that he submitted to the commission. He wanted to reiterate to the commission that he was not sending these reports to get any licensee in trouble, but to inform and put forth these reports to enhance public safety. All reports are on file at the city clerk’s office. Motion to take no action on all reports approved by unanimous roll call vote IV. NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Joanna Bilotta shared a mew police administrative report for Mill City Pub & Pizza LLC, 488 John Fitch Hwy, that was received in the clerk’s office on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. NEXT REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, September 15, 2025 The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM Respectfully submitted, Joanna Bilotta, City Clerk Approved: __________________ ___________________ Daniel Sarefield Richard Boscardin Glenn Fossa Page 5