License Commission

Minutes for the Lowell License Commission meeting for Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., held in the City Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852. Present: Commissioners Martha Howe, presiding, Terry McCarthy, and Joseph Donahue; and Captain Jack Webb of the Lowell Police Department and Adam LaGrassa, Assistant City Solicitor. Absent: Commissioners John Descoteaux and Clifford Krieger The Commission reviewed the applications for special one-day license to sell/dispense all alcoholic beverages: Francey Slater of Mill City Grows, Farm to Cocktail Fundraiser, Thursday, June 21, 2018, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at UTEC, 35 Warren St. Francey Slater was present. Ms. Slater stated that it is the 6th year for the fundraiser, a professional bartending service will offer beverages to guests who have purchased a ticket for a beverage; approximately 300 people are expected. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve the license for Francey Slater of Mill City Grows. Marc Clermont was present for his application on behalf of The Miracle Providers North East, for Charity cabaret show, Saturday, May 5, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at The Onyx Room, Western Ave. Studios, 122 Western Ave. Mr. Clermont stated that the event is a fundraiser for The Miracle Providers as the organization assists children with H.I.V. and AIDS. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to approve the license for Marc Clermont. The Commission reviewed applications for special one-day license to sell/dispense malt beverages and wines only, or either one: Marc Clermont of The Miracle Providers North East, Musical revue to benefit The Miracle Providers North East, Saturday, April 28, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at The Onyx Room, Western Ave. License Commission minutes April 26, 2018 page 1 of 6 Studios, 122 Western Ave. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve the license for Marc Clermont. Constantine Tsioulis of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, outdoor grounds at 25 Fr. John Sarantos Way, Greek Festival '18, Friday, June 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, June 2, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Mr. Tsioulis was present. Mr. Tsioulis stated that the first event took place in 1979. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to approve licenses for Constantine Tsioulis of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. The Commission reviewed applications by Patricia Donahue at Gallery Z, 167 Market St. for the following events: Dinner Theater, Friday, April 27, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Dinner Theater, Saturday, April 28, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Dinner Theater, Sunday, April 29, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; First Thursday event, Thursday, May 3, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 13, 2018, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Patricia Donahue was present. Ms. Donahue stated that 30 people were expected per night. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve licenses for Patricia Donahue of Gallery Z. The Commission reviewed the application for special one-day license to dispense wines only by Patricia Donahue, Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, Artist Reception, Saturday, May 5, 2018, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to approve the license to dispense wines only for Patricia Donahue of Gallery Z. The Commission reviewed applications by Gabby Davis - Made in Lowell special one-day licenses to sell/dispense malt beverages and wines only, or either one for events at Lucy Larcom Park and Kerouac Park. Gabby Davis was present. Ms. Davis requested in a communication filed with the Executive License Commission minutes April 26, 2018 page 2 of 6 Secretary, subsequent to filing applications, that the venue be changed to JFK Civic Center. The events are as follows: Lowell Market Place, Friday, May 4, 2018; and Friday Nights, May 11, 2018, May 25, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for each event. Ms. Davis stated that the request for venue change was the recommendation of the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Each event is family friendly with food trucks, and special activities. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve licenses for Gabby Davis – Made In Lowell for events to be held at JFK Civic Center, May 4, 11, and 25, 2018. The Commission reviewed the applications by Tabatha Garnett, Catering Manager, Aramark, for the following: at the Allen House, 2 Solomont Way, Biology Retirement Party, Friday, May 4, 2018, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and, End of Semester Gathering, Monday, May 14, 2018, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; at University Crossing 260, 220 Pawtucket Street, Tom Taylor Retirement Party, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and at the O'Leary (Library), Mezzanine, 61 Wilder St., Retirement Celebration, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tabatha Garnett was present. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve licenses for Tabatha Garnett of Aramark for events May 4, 14, 22, and June 5, 2018. The Commission reviewed application(s) for special events permit for amplified outdoor public entertainment. Bianca Mauro, BRM LLC & GLCF, sound system for d. j., Cox Bridge Lighting, Saturday, May 5, 2018, event 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., sound check 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Kerouac Park & CAP Lot. Bianca Mauro was present. Ms. Mauro stated a police detail will be placed at the Caps lot, Kerouac Park, and at the point of pedestrian crossing at the Cox Bridge. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to approve the permit for amplification to Bianca Mauro, BRM LLC & GLCF. License Commission minutes April 26, 2018 page 3 of 6 Constantine Tsioulis, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, sound system, Greek Festival '18, Friday, June 1, Saturday, June 2, 2018, Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., church grounds, 25 Fr. John Sarantos Way. Constantine Tsioulis was present. Mr. Tsioulis stated a d. j. will play music in the afternoon, in the evening there will be live music. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve the permit for amplification to Constantine Tsioulis, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Christopher Torres of Holy Ghost Society was present. Holy Ghost Society is requesting amplification permit for sound system for band, public address, May to September 2018, Sunday to Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday - 10 a.m. to 12 midnight, outdoor grounds at Holy Ghost Park, 65 Village St. Mr. Torres stated that there are three events scheduled at this time, May and September, and may have requests for outside music in July. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve the permit for amplification to Holy Ghost Society, Inc. Gabby Davis of Made In Lowell was present for the request for amplification of live music, at JFK Civic Center for Lowell Market Place, May 4, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and for Friday Nights!, May 11, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and May 25, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to approve the permit for amplification to Gabby Davis – Made In Lowell. The Commission reviewed the applications by Empire Loan of Lowell, Marc Gundersheim, Treasurer, for renewal of licenses, and change of business address from 43 Merrimack St. to 731 Lakeview Ave., i.e. Pawnbroker, Old Gold, Silver, & Platinum, and Second Hand Articles. Marc Gundersheim and Michael Goldstein were present. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second License Commission minutes April 26, 2018 page 4 of 6 by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve change of business address to 731 Lakeview Ave. for the 2018-2019 licenses for Pawnbroker, Old Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Second Hand Articles. The Commission reviewed the application by TreMonte Restaurant Group, LLC, d/b/a TreMonte Pizzeria, all alcoholic beverages restaurant licensee at 44 Palmer St., for change of manager to Renee M. Bianchi of North Reading. Renee M. Bianchi was present. Ms. Bianchi stated she is T.I.P.S. certified, and explained her managerial duties at TreMonte Pizzeria. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to approve Renee M. Bianchi as manager of record for TreMonte Restaurant Group, LLC. The Commission reviewed the application by LD Holdings, LLC, d/b/a Bar 74 Lounge & Grill, all alcoholic beverages restaurant licensee at 76-78 Merrimack St., for change of manager to Paul F. Palladino of Lynnfield. Paul Palladino and Lauren DiSalvo of LD Holdings, LLC were present. Commissioner Howe and Commissioner McCarthy questioned Mr. Palladino about replacing the manager of record David Heeley. Commissioner Donahue stated the Commission has some concerns about Bar 74. Mr. Palladino stated he is there every night checking security, there is an ID scanner. Commissioner Howe stated her concern to Ms. DiSalvo about not in contact with David Heeley. Ms. DiSalvo stated she has not been able to contact him since March 4th. Commissioner Howe asked Captain Webb about Bar 74. Captain Webb spoke of Mr. Palladino’s background recorded on the application. Mr. Palladino is listed as Bar Manager at Lowell Lodge of Elks from 2013 to 2018. Captain Webb stated that the A.B.C.C. cited the Elks Club for gaming violations in 2015. A discussion took place on the ABCC complaint against the Elks Club and Mr. Palladino’s employment at the Elks. Commissioner Howe and Commissioner Donahue stated they could not support the manager change without further information. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner McCarthy, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to table the matter of the change of manager to May 3, 2018 in order to receive License Commission minutes April 26, 2018 page 5 of 6 information on dates and time of said Elks Club violation by roll-call: Commissioners Howe, McCarthy and Donahue voted in the affirmative. The Commission reviewed the application by LD Holdings, LLC, d/b/a Revolution, Sean K. Brine, Manager, all alcoholic beverages restaurant licensee for 74 Merrimack St., for promoter’s license for April 28, 2018 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., UMass Lowell fundraiser entertainer for under 21 patrons. The following individuals were present: Lauren DiSalvo of LD Holdings, LLC, Sean Brine, Manager of Record for LD Holdings, LLC, d/b/a Revolution, two UMass Lowell students who are members of the Association of Students of African Origin (A.S.A.O.). Emmanuella Cantave spoke of the UMass Cumnock Hall as the site for the event “Culture Shock.” Cumnock Hall now serves as a cafeteria so the students are looking to have the event at Revolution on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Commission duly noted the short notice for requesting a promoter’s license. After a discussion about a separate bar area for patrons 21 years and older, a security plan that would include the request for a police detail, the Commission on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to deny the request by roll call: Commissioners Howe, McCarthy, and Donahue voted in the affirmative. The denial of license for short notice of the application filed April 20, 2018, underage security plan inadequate, and the unlikely presence of a police detail officer due to the 24 hour period that a police detail request is filled. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner McCarthy, voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Ryan Wynn, Executive Secretary, present at meeting. ***** License Commission minutes April 26, 2018 page 6 of 6