License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.06.01 ‐ Approved This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Video of this meeting is not available; a rough‐draft transcript is available on request. ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:00, members present were, namely: Commission Chair Descoteaux, Commissioner Howe, and Commissioner Mercier. Commissioner Krieger was absent. MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for May 11, 2023. Commissioner Howe made a motion to approve the minutes and place minutes on file for the Lowell License Commission Meeting of Thursday, May 11, 2023; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent (C. Krieger), APPROVED. * Applicants for agenda items #1 & #2 were not present at the start of the meeting and were moved to the end of the meeting. 3 Ratification of an application by Ellen Casazza for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for an artist's reception for Rosie and a New World Order on Saturday May 20, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Curation 250, 250 Jackson Street. Ms. Casazza appeared before the Commission for the ratification of her license. Motion to ratify the application by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 4 Application by Gregory Curtis for 3 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and for 3 "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permits for the Greek Festival. Event to be held June 16, 17, and 18, 2023 on the Hellenic American Academy grounds, 41 Broadway Street. Mr. Curtis spoke on behalf of the Hellenic American Academy, describing the event and noting that this is the sixth or seventh year he has been working on the event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.06.01 ‐ Approved 5 Application by Elizabeth Candido for a seasonal "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for a ‘Holy Ghost Society Summer Series of Live Music,’ to be held within the City of Lowell's Noise Ordinance guidelines, from June 1 through September 30, 2023, on Holy Ghost Society property, 65 Village Street. Commission Chair Descoteaux noted that Ms. Candido was recently made (Liquor) License Manager for the club. Commissioner Descoteaux also reminded Ms. Candido that she should immediately contact LPD if anything were to get out of hand. Commissioner Howe asked Ms. Candido to address the noise complaints the Holy Ghost Society has received in the past. Ms. Candido responded that she personally attends most events held on club grounds, and that they recently purchased a decibel meter to measure sound level at events so that they can stay within Noise Ordinance. Ms. Candido also noted that she has shut down amplification in the past. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 6 Application by Laura Lamarre Anderson, Lala Books, for a seasonal "Sidewalk Stand Permit" for Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM to 6 PM, for June 1 through September 30, for their business at 189 Market Street. Ms. Anderson spoke a little about her business. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 7 Applications by Joel Mongeon for four "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for concerts that will be held at Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street on: • Friday, June 23, 2023, 6‐11:30 PM. • Saturday, July 8, 2023, 6‐11:30 PM. • Friday, July 14, 2023, 6‐11:30 PM. • Saturday, July 22, 2023, 4‐11 PM. Mr. Mongeon appeared before the board. Commission Chair Descoteaux noted that Lowell Police Captain Peaslee had “good things to say” about the events at Mill No. 5, and that there have been no complaints to the police or problems at Mr. Mongeon’s events. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 8 Application by Isha Thlang, Aramark, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for an End of Year STARs Celebration on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 3 to 5 PM at the Bellegarde Boathouse, 500 Pawtucket Boulevard. Commissioner Descoteaux confirmed with Ms. Thlang that the event would have about 40 guests and the bartender would be TIPs Certified. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.06.01 ‐ Approved 9 Application by Stanley Tabi, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 7 PM to Midnight at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street. Mr. Tabi appeared before the Commission and spoke about his event planned in memory of his aunt. Commission Chair Descoteaux offered his condolences and confirmed that the event would have 300 guests and three TIPs Certified bartenders at one bar. Mr. Tabi also stated that he had taken out liquor liability for the event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 10 Application by Shambra McDowney, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for a 'Summer Pop Up Festival' to be held on Sunday July 9, 2023 between Noon and 6 PM at 35 Warren Street. Rain date July 23. Ms. McDowney introduced herself and described her local‐business event, as well as the venue and parking for guests. She noted they expected 100 attendees and would have one TIPs Certified bartender. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 11 Application by Peter Aucella for a seasonal "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for the ‘Lowell Summer Music Series,’ to be held on some Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 11 PM, and some Sundays until 10 PM, from June 17 through September 9, 2022, at Boarding House Park, 40 French Street. James Macdonald, the new Series Director for Lowell Summer Series, was present; Mr. Aucella was ill. Commissioner Descoteaux noted that the Summer Music Series has been going on for years (33 years), and that LPD Captain Peaslee had said that the Lowell Police have had no issues or complaints about the event in the past. Move approval by Commissioner Descoteaux; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 12 Application by Virak Prum, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for the 'Vibe with THRIVE' event, to be held on Friday June 2, 2023 from 3 to 7 PM at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 10 Kirk Street. Mr. Prum spoke before the Commission about his event and the Non‐Profit he is raising funds for, which supports people returning to the community from incarceration. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.06.01 ‐ Approved 13 Applications by Melinda Silva for 3 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the Sao Joao Feast. Event to be held on June 23, 24, 25, 2023 at the Portuguese American Lowell Youth Center, 739 Central Street. Ms. Silva appeared before the Commission and spoke about her event. She noted that this is the 15th year the Feast has been held at the PALY Center. LPD had no issues at any of the past events. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 14 Applications by Steve Syverson, for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines only," for the following events at Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market Street: a. Sunday, June 4, 2023, 3‐5 PM: Nature Decoded Reception. b. Saturday, June 24, 2023, 4‐6 PM: Quebec City Perspectives Reception. c. Saturday, August 12, 2023, 3‐5 PM: Fabric of Life Reception. Mr. Syverson appeared before the Commission. Commissioner Descoteaux asked for some clarification on one of the events. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 15 Public hearing for an application to amend an All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant license for Takeo LLC [d/b/a] Bonchon Restaurant, 1075 Westford Street. Filed amendments include change of corporate structure, officers, and ownership interest. The Commissioners reviewed the application and confirmed the nature of the changes. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or against the application for transfer of license. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 16 Public hearing for an application by Baba Jagat LLC [d/b/a] Rizzo's Roast Beef and Pizza, Harkirat Singh, proposed license manager, for transfer of an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 131 East Merrimack Street. Commissioner Descoteaux asked Mr. Singh about his work history – to which Mr. Singh described his years of experience with food and beverages, particularly alcohol. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or against the application for transfer of license. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 4 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.06.01 ‐ Approved 1 Application by Jeff Venuti of Blisspoint LLC [d/b/a] Blisspoint Meadery, a Farmer Winery, for License to sell at the Farmer's Market at Mill No. 5 on Sundays from June 4, 2023 to December 31, 2023 from 10AM to 1PM, 250 Jackson Street. Mr. Venuti described his event at the Mill No. 5 Farmer’s Market. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. 2 Ratification of an application by Fr. William Acevedo, St. Patrick's Parish, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense All Alcohol" for Colombian Night on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 7 to 11 PM at St. Patrick's Parish, 282 Suffolk Street. Fr. Acevedo appeared before the Commission to ratify his license and describe his event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Mercier made a motion to adjourn at 18:23, seconded by Commissioner Howe. 3 yeas, 1 absent, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 5 of 5