License Commission

Lowell License Commission I Meeting Minutes for Febru ary 23, 2023 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, February 23,2023, at 5:00 PM and remotely by Zoom: Meeting lD: 880 19348L67 Passcode: 8225L6. Video of this meeting is available: https://voutu.be/t8dDrGLSbtl ROLL CALL: On a rollcallat 18:01, members present were, namely: Commission Chair Descoteau& Commissioner Howe, Commissioner Chhan, and Commissioner Donahue. Commissioner Krieger was absent. M!NUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for January 26,2023 Commissioner Howe made a motion to approve the minutes and place minutes on file for the Lowell License Commission Meeting of Thursday, January L2,2O23; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 3 yeas, 1 present, APPROVED. 1 Ratification of an application by Alaina Brackett, owner of Purple Carrot Bread Co., for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for a Valentine's Day Dinner on Tuesday, February L4,2023 from 5 to 9PM at Purple Carrot, 107 Merrimack Street. *Was taken together with agenda item #2. Motion to ratify the application by Commissioner Chhan; seconded by Commissioner Howe.4 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Application by Alaina Brackett, owner of Purple Carrot Bread Co., for Common Victualler License for 107 Merrimack Street. *Was taken together with agenda item #1. Move approval by Commissioner Chhan; seconded by Commissioner Howe.4 yeas, APPROVED. 3 Application by David Lanci, CEO NexDine Hospitality, for Common Victualler license for 900 Chelmsford St. Sean McCaffrey, VP of Operations, will represent. Mr. McCaffrey reviewed their application for the Commission. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Chhan.4 yeas, APPROVED 4 Applications by Gregory Cafua, GL 2 Donuts LLC dba Dunkin Donuts, for Common Victualler licenses for six locations throughout Lowell: 551 Rogers St., L85 Woburn St., 290 Central St., 1 Hospital Drive, 552 Dutton St., and 24 Merrimack St. Manuel Ferreira, District Manager will represent. Commissioner Descoteaux confirmed that this was the same company that recently purchased six other Dunkin' Donuts in Lowell. Mr. Ferreira discussed his experience and reviewed the corporate structure and stakeholders in the company. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 3 Lowell License Commission I Meeting I\4inutes for Febru ary 23,2023 Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Chhan.4 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Applications by Amanda Etinge, for six "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for the following events at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street: a. Saturday, March L1rth,2023,7-11PM: Wake Keeping. b. Friday & Saturday, March 17-18th, 2023,7 to 11 PM: Celebration of Life. c. Saturday, April 1st, 2023,7 to 1L PM: Celebration of Life. d. Saturday, April 15, 2023,7 to 11 PM: Birthday Celebration. e. Saturday, April22,2023,7 to 11 PM: All White Party. Amanda discussed her events and confirmed for Commissioner Descoteaux that she and all her bartenders are TlPs Certified, and she stated that she's added a third bartender to her events. Move approval by Commissioner Chhan; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 4 yeas, APPROVED. 6 Applications by Patrick Fitzgibbons, General Manager of Aramark at Tsongas Center, for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for the following events at Costello Gym, 251 Riverside Street: a. Saturday, March 4th,2023,4 to 7 PM: UMass Lowell Conference Tournament. b, Tuesday, March 7th,2023,5 to 7 PM: UMass Lowell Conference Tournament. Mr. Fitzgibbons withdrew one of the 3 applications and explained that the second event was contingent upon success at the first event. Commission Chair Descoteaux confirmed that Aramark uses TlPs Certified bartenders. Mr. Fitzgibbons explained that alcohol service would be in a confined and closed off area overlooking the sporting event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Donahue.4 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Application by Brendan McGrath, for a "special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," for a Concert to be held on Saturday, March 4th,2023 from 6PM to Midnight at Taffeta, 122 Western Avenue. Mr. McGrath reviewed the events he is holding at the venue and explained that he wanted to hold the events at Taffeta because he knows and trusts the staff, who are all TlPs Certified, and that they have high standards. He confirmed that these were his personal applications for the bands he is managing. Move approval by Commissioner Chhan; seconded by Commissaoner Howe.4 yeas, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 3 I lowell License Commission I Meeting tVinutes for Febru ary 23,2023 8 Application to transfer Second Hand Motor Vehicles Dealer Class ll License, to lnvestMeth Group LLC, Sombo Meth, President, for premises at 658 Broadway Street, an open lot approximately 6,800 sq. ft., with an office/garage approx. 1,200 sq. ft. Commissioner Descoteaux confirmed with Mr. Meth that the conditions and limits placed on the previous license would remain on the transferred license. Commissioner Donahue asked about the premises, and Mr. Meth reviewed the lot and garage. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Chhan made a motion to adjourn at 18:17:30, seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary >i< City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 3 Febru ary 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript fi;o(:3> Gomm issioner Descoteaux Good evening. Welcome to the February 23rd Meeting the Lowell License Commission Secretary Pyers, was the meeting posted? Secretary Pyers It was. Comm issioner Descoteaux Roll call please. Secretary Pyers One moment please, I'm admitting people into the meeting Secretary Pyers All right. Commission chair Descoteaux. Commissioner Descoteaux Yeah. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Howe Commissioner Howe Here. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Krieger is going to be joining us on zoom but he is not here yet. Commissioner Donohue? Gommissioner Donahue Yep. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Chhan Secretary Pyers Four present and one absent. Commissioner Chhan Here. 1 Februa ry 23, 2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Comm issioner Descoteaux Sorry, before you proceed, yes, John. lf Cliff has not shown himself to be present, I'm not sure he can vote on anything if we've already started the meeting. So I don't mind giving him another minute or two if you want, but absolutely, but l'm fairly sure about that. That if he is not present, and then halfway through he gets on that he would not be able to vote. Very good. So let's let's just wait a minute for a while the other members don't mind Secretary Pyers Okay four Present, one absent Thank you. Zeroth is the acceptance of the January 26 2023 minutes Commissioner Descoteaux move approval by Commissioner Howe seconded by Commissioner Donahue. All in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed motion carries number one of the agenda please. Secretary Pyers ratify ratification ratification of an application by Elena Brackett, owner of purple carrot Bread Company for a special one day license to sell dispense malt beverages and wines for Valentine state dinner on Tuesday February 14 2023. From five to 9pm at purple carrot 107 Merrimack street. Comm issioner Descoteaux Read number two as well, John, please Secretary Pyers application by Elena Brackett, owner of purple carrot Bread Company for common Viddler license for 107 Merrimack Street. Comm issioner Descoteaux Good evening state your name for the record. How are you Alaina? My apologies for not having a quorum. I blame the rest of the commissioners, not myself. Motion by Commissioner Chhan, seconded by Commissioner Howe, all in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries Alaina, thanks for coming by. Okay, thank you. All right. Bye bye. Secretary Pyers Application by David lancy, CEO of nextion hospitality for common Viddler license for 900 Chelmsford Street, Sean McCaffrey, VP of Operations representing. He's joining us on Zoom. Comm issioner Descoteaux Sean, you there? Comm issioner Descoteaux names Mr. McCaffrey? ls he muted? - z- Februa ry 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Comm issioner Descoteaux Hello. Commissioner Descoteaux There we go. Could you state your name for the record, sir? Sean McGaffrey There are Sean McCaffrey Gommissioner Descoteaux Hey, Sean. So what's going on here? Sean McCaffrey So we are applying for a Common Vic license. We recently transitioned the operations for the food service at the Cross Point building in Lowell, and we are taking over the food service for the cafe and catering in the building. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay. John, everything in line on the application Secretary Pyers Everything's good. Comm issioner Descoteaux Very good. Questions or comments for the applicant? Motion on the floor by Commissioner Donahue seconded by Commissioner Chhan. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Sean, you're all set. Good luck. Sean McCaffrey Wonderful. Appreciate it folks. Have a wonderful evening. Commissioner Descoteaux Thank you. Secretary Pyers Applications by Garrett Gregory Kapha GL two donuts LLC doing business as dunkin donuts for common Viddler licenses for six locations throughout Lowell 651 Roger street 185 Wilburn street 290 central street, one hospital drive 552 Dutton Street and 24 Merrimack Street. Manuel Ferreira district manager will represent and he's on Zoom. Commissioner Descoteaux Mr. Ferrara Are you there? -3- February 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Manuel Ferreira Yes. How are you? Commissioner Descoteaux Good. How are you tonight, sir? Manuel Ferreira I'm good. Thank you. Comm issioner Descoteaux Very good. John, so this is the same company that from the last meeting, I think there were like flve or six of these. Secretary Pyers Yes. Comm issioner Descoteaux So Mr. Ferreira and his group pretty much buying 12to 13 of these Dunkin Donuts. Secretary Pyers Yep. Gommissioner Descoteaux I'm gonna start hanging around with you, Manny. All right. So that's in fact, exactly what's happened You've gone in and purchased all of them. Manuel Ferreira That is correct. Yes. All right Comm issioner Descoteaux And you have experience in this. Manue! Ferreira l've been in industry for well over 25 years. Comm issioner Descoteaux Over 25 years. Manuel Ferreira Yes. 4 Febru ary 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Comm issioner Descoteaux Are you - I didn't get a chance to see the license is it you and a couple other gentlemen ladies that have gotten in on this? Manue! Ferreira So, it's three brothers. lt's Greg, David, and Mark Commissioner Descoteaux Got it. All right. Questions or comments for Mr. Ferreira? Commissioner Descoteaux Move approval approval by Commissioner Howe seconded by Commissioner Chhan All in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Manny you're all set. Commissioner Howe Move approval Manuel Ferreira Thank you. Commissioner Descoteaux All right. Good night. Manuel Ferreira You too, thanks. Secretary Pyers Applications by Amanda attend gay for six special one day licenses to sell dispense malt beverages and wines only for the following events at the Hellenic Center. 41 Broadway Street, Saturday March 11 2023. from seven to 1 1pm. Awake keeping Friday and Saturday March 17 lo 18th Seven to 1 1pm a celebration of life. Saturday, April 1 2023. Seven to 1 1 a celebration of life. Saturday April 1 5 2023 Seven to 1 1 upper Have the celebration. And Saturday, Aprll22 2023, seven to 1 1 an all white party And managers should be joining us on Zoom. Comm issioner Descoteaux Amanda you there? Secretary Pyers She is. Amanda Etinge I'm here, John. Hi -5- Februa ry 23, 2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Commissioner Descoteaux How are you? Amanda Etinge I am okay. Under the weather with the snow Comm issioner Descoteaux Are you, really? Amanda Etinge ln New Hampshire we had like almost - I couldn't get out of the house. I had to wait for my driveway to be plowed. Commissioner Descoteaux You were supposed to shovel my driveway, Amanda. Amanda Etinge l'm coming! (laughter) Comm issioner Descoteaux You doing okay? Amanda Etinge I'm doing okay. Yes Gomm issioner Descoteaux Good. Good. lt's good to see you. So you have a couple of parties going on here celebrations of life a birthday. Amanda Etinge I wish. I wish they were parties. Out of all of that, only the All White Party is a happy event with the birthday celebration. The rest of it is you know, wake keeping. We've lost a lot of people in our community. And you know, those weeks, the weekends, are the weekends are trying to lay them to rest. And of course, just you know, give them a flnal burial. That's what's going on. Commissioner Descoteaux Very nice. Any of the, are we looking at about 100? People? 200. Can you tell us how many people? Amanda Etinge That's 150 to 200 at each event. Comm issioner Descoteaux And you usually have two bartenders on that are TlPs certified, correct? -6- Febru ary 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Amanda Etinge I actually am adding a third bartender just to make things easier Comm issioner Descoteaux Very good. Okay. Questions or comments for Amanda? No questions. motion on the floor by Commissioner Chhan seconded by Commissioner Donahue. All in fit all in favor signify by saying aye Aye. Amanda, you do a good job. Keep up keep up the good work and good luck with all your events. Commissioner Descoteaux Thank you so much, John. Take care Amanda Etinge Bye bye now. Secretary Pyers Applications by Patrick Fitzsimmons general manager of Aramark Tsongas center for two special one day licenses to sell dispense malt beverages in minds only for the following events at Costello Gym 261 Riverside Street, Saturday, March 4 2023. Four to 7pm us LOLC conference tournament. And if they win that one, Tuesday, March 7 2023. Five to 7pm for the same tournament. Comm issioner Descoteaux Just for clarification, John, your first sentence has general manager or market for three Special one day license is it three or two? Secretary Pyers Okay, yeah, two, sorry Commissioner Descoteaux Alright, that's flne. ljust want to make sure we were on the same wavelength. Yep Okay. Good evening. State. Your name for the record. Patrick Fitzgibbons Patrick Fitzgibbons, Commissioner Descoteaux How are you, Patrick? Patrick Fitsgibbons Good. Good. Commissioner Descoteaux Very good. Tell us about your events. -7 - Februa ry 23, 2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Patrick Fitzgibbons First event is first comp playoff game for the American East hosted at Costello Gym; homecourt advantage at Costello rather than Tsongas. ln the back hallway, there's a Athletics Department. contained area, they'll be no more than 50 guests in there. Set up a bar. A couple of snacks cheese board whatnot. Commissioner Descoteaux Yep. Patrick Fitzgibbons And turns out ticket holders who go in there actually aren't going in the gym and enjoying the space for the game. TVs are on and hopefully they win the first game and we can do it again. Comm issioner Descoteaux One bartender, TlPs certified? Patrick Fitsgibbons Correct sir. Commissioner Descoteaux Very well. Questions or comments for Patrick from the board? Commission Howe? Commissioner Howe No questions. Move approval Comm issioner Descoteaux Move approval by Commissioner Howe seconded by Commissioner Donahue. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? The motion carries Patrick all set. Patrick Fitsgibbons Thank you guys. Secretary Pyers Application by Brendan McGrath for a special one day license to sell dispense mines and malt beverages only for a concert to be held on Saturday, March 4 2023. From 6pm to midnight at tatfeta. 122 Western outh Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening state your name for the record. Brendan William McGrath Good evening, Brendan William McGrath -8- Febru ary 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Commissioner Descoteaux You had to get the William in, right? Brendan William McGrath l'm William Commissioner Descoteaux Very good. I like it. Tell us what's going on Brendan Brendan William McGrath So there is a band, "Actor Observer," there'll be releasing their third record. And they'd wish to have it at at Taffeta. And I know Taffeta. The guys who run a very well, I've known them for 18 years and they have a high bar. So I think "Actor Observer" is going to do very well. Commissioner Descoteaux Are you the manager or record for that night? ls this your application? Or is it Tacitus Brendan William McGrath It is my application. Commissioner Descoteaux This is yours. Okay? So you understand your responsibilities with this application, right? Brendan William McGrath I do. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay, and you know the police number if you need it or right there. Brendan William McGrath I do. They're right around the corner Commissioner Descoteaux All right, and how many people we expect at this event? Brendan William McGrath Pre sales forecast, we're expecting around 100 Commissioner Descoteaux 100. How many bartenders? -9- Februa ry 23, 2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Brendan William McGrath One. Gommissioner Descoteaux One. Okay. Questions, comments from the applicant? Commissioner Howe? Commissioner Howe ls the bartender TlPs certified? Brendan William McGrath Absolutely. And also additional managers and staff are TlPs certified as well Comm issioner Descoteaux Thank you. Very good. Motion on the floor by Commissioner Chhan seconded by Commissioner Howe, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Brendan, you're all set. Best of luck. Brendan William McGrath Thank you very much. Have a great night. Commissioner Descoteaux You as well. Thank you. Secretary Pyers Application to transfer a secondhand mode, secondhand motor vehicles dealer class two licence to invest meth Group LLC Sambo, meth president for premises at 658 Broadway Street and open law approximately 6800 square feet with an office garage approximately 1200 square feet Comm issioner Descoteaux Good evening state your name for the record. Sombo Meth Good evening. My name is Sombo Meth Comm issioner Descoteaux How are you today? Sombo Meth Good. Yourself? Commissioner Descoteaux Good. Hold on one sec. Oh, yeah, you knoM Yeah, that was a huge fire -10- Febru ary 23,2023 Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Sombo Meth like, four houses down? Yeah. Yeah, so it was my father's business. So now he's transferring it to me and I'm just taking all over & rebranding everything. New name, new setup, new everything. Gommissioner Descoteaux Max vehicles stay the same. Everything, so basically, it's just your dad giving you the business basically. Sombo Meth Yeah, I'm just trying to lay him off Commissioner Descoteaux I wasn't gonna say it but you said it. John, everything else OK with the application? Secretary Pyers It is. Gomm issioner Descoteaux Alright. Wish of the board? Gommissioner Donahue I was just gonna ask that... you have the six over on the right hand side as you go through the door there's going to be six spaces. Sombo Meth So on the right side once you enter yeah, there's six cars Commissioner Donahue suppose the six cars and you the garage. I was by there yesterday. Somebody's working on a car in the garage. So you've got enough - one bay? Sombo Meth We have two bays Commissioner Donahue Two bays. Okay, great. Thank you. Comm issioner Descoteaux Motion on the floor by Commissioner Donahue seconded by Commissioner Howe, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries Good luck with with the new business okay. Motion on the floor by Commissioner Chhan seconded by Commissioner Howe to adjourn. All in favor signify by saying Aye. Any oppose ladies and gentlemen have a good evening. lY'. t7 _' 3 d -11 -