License Commission

Minutes for the Lowell License Commission meeting for Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 6:05 p.m., held in the City Council Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01852. Present: John Descoteaux, Commissioner, Chairman, Commissioners Clifford Krieger, and Joseph Donahue, and Captain James Hodgdon of the Lowell Police Department. Absent: Terry McCarthy and Martha Howe, Commissioners The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Krieger, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve meeting minutes for December 19, 2019. The Commission reviewed the applications for special one-day license to sell/dispense malt beverages and wines only, or either one: Clare Gunther of Lowell Community Health Center, for events at 161 Jackson Street, 6th floor, Donor Event, Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Retirement Party, Friday, February 28, 2020, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Clare Gunther was present. Allison Jolly of Plenus Group, Inc. for the Winter Holiday Party to be held at UTEC, 35 Warren St., on Saturday, January 18, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Allison Jolly was present. Chairman Descoteaux addressed Ms. Gunther and Ms. Jolly about their respective applications. Chairman Descoteaux inquired with Ms. Gunther about the status of the premises for each event at the Health Center. Ms. Gunther stated that she will be meeting with a Building Inspector on Monday, January 13th at the Health Center to ensure the premises are in compliance with building code regulations. Commissioner Donahue stated satisfaction with Ms. Gunther’s explanation that the certificate of inspection is to be reviewed. At the end of discussion, the Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner Krieger, voted to approve licenses for Clare Gunther for events on January 21 and February 28, 2020 scheduled to be held at Lowell Community Health Center, 161 Jackson Street, 6th floor; and, license for Allison Jolly of Plenus Group, Inc. for the event on January 18, 2020 scheduled to be held at UTEC, 35 Warren Street. License Commission minutes January 9, 2020 page 1 of 3 The Commission reviewed the applications for special one-day license to dispense wines only by Jim Dyment, Executive Director, The Brush Art Gallery & Studios, for events at 256 Market Street. The following events are scheduled: Artist Reception "The Power of One" Exhibit, Saturday, February 1, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Artist Reception "The Power of One" Exhibit (Snow Date), Saturday, February 8, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Artist Reception "Benefits of Lowell's Urban Environment" Exhibit, Saturday, May 2, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Artist Reception "Annual Quilt" Exhibit, Saturday, August 22, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and, Artist Reception "Annual Members" Exhibit, Saturday, December 5, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Jim Dyment was present. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Donahue, second by Commissioner Krieger, voted to approve licenses for Jim Dyment of The Brush Art Gallery & Studios. The Commission reviewed the application by School Street Used Cars and Parts, Inc., Steven R. Belley, President, Craig R. Belley, Treasurer, a used car Junk licensee, Class III, for premises at 410 School Street, for change of corporate officers and directors. The following individuals were present: Ronald E. Belley, Steven R. Belley, Craig R. Belley, and Attorney David Reppucci, legal counsel for School Street Used Cars and Parts, Inc. Attorney Reppucci addressed the Commission about the family of Mr. Ron Belley. Ron Belley has been in business for over forty (40) years, and now he would like the business to be owned and managed by his sons, Steven and Craig, according to Attorney Reppucci. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Krieger, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve the application for change of officers and directors for School Street Used Cars and Parts, Inc. The Commission reviewed the application for Second Hand Articles license by Juan C. DelaCruz, President, JC Wireless Inc., d/b/a JC Wireless Inc., for premises at 70 Bridge Street for license period to expire April 30, 2020. Juan DelaCruz was present. Mr. DelaCruz stated he acquired the business from his brother four (4) months. Chairman Descoteaux asked Captain Hodgdon about the business. Captain Hodgdon stated [Lowell police] no issues with the business. The Commission, on the motion by License Commission minutes January 9, 2020 page 2 of 3 Commissioner Krieger, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to approve the Second Hand Articles for JC Wireless Inc., Juan C. DelaCruz, President, for premises at 70 Bridge Street. The Commission discussed the misconduct on the licensed premises of LCRC, Inc., d/b/a Dudley’s, Matthew J. Murphy, Manager, all alcoholic beverages restaurant licensee at 19 Merrimack St. The presence of the manager of record was requested by the License Commission office. The Executive Secretary stated that Mr. Murphy is presently out-of-state, and due to return next week, according to Mr. Murphy’s email response. Chairman Descoteaux inquired of Captain Hodgdon about the licensed premises. Captain Hodgdon stated Lieutenant Peaslee requested the Building Commissioner inspect the premises after Lowell Police found the premises to be vandalized. The Building Commissioner notified the landlord. The landlord agreed to secure the premises. Dudley’s closed January 1, 2020. The Commission agreed to continue discussion about the status of Dudley’s restaurant with Matthew Murphy at the next regular meeting of the Commission, scheduled for January 30th. The Commission, on the motion by Commissioner Krieger, second by Commissioner Donahue, voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Ryan Wynn, Executive Secretary, present at meeting. ******* License Commission minutes January 9, 2020 page 3 of 3