License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.13 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://youtu.be/IeuYdzSvRCA. ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:00, members present were, namely: Commission Chair Descoteaux, Commissioner Krieger, Commissioner Howe, Commissioner Mercier, and Commissioner Taing. MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for June 22, 2023. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes and place minutes on file for the Lowell License Commission Meeting of Thursday, June 22, 2023; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 1 Ratification of an application by Dutrochet Djoko, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," for a Celebration of Life. Event to be held on Saturday July 1, 2023, from 7 PM to 1 AM at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street. Mr. Djoko appeared before the Commission via Zoom and thanked them for allowing him to proceed with his event, and for allowing him to join this meeting by Zoom. Commission Chair Descoteaux reminded Mr. Djoko to apply well in advance for future events. Motion to ratify the application by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Application for Secondhand Motor Vehicles – Used Car Dealer, Class II, for 66 Canada Street, LLC, Anabelle Pholy, President, for premises at 66 Canada Street, an open lot, approx. 24,700 sq. ft. with a 2400 sq. ft. office. Conditions to be determined: # cars for sale and # parking spaces for customer/employee. Attorney Brian Akashian appeared before the Commission to represent the applicant, with Jessada Ounpauly from 66 Canada Street LLC. At Commission Chair Descoteaux request, Attorney Akashian reviewed the particulars of the application and answered questions about the buildings and the lots surrounding the building, on the premises. Attorney Akashian also offered that the applicant was trying to ‘clean up’ the property and ensure that no unlicensed activity occurs on the property, as it has in the past. Commissioner Krieger inquired about the parking spaces and how many should be allocated to what purpose. Mr. Ounpauly reviewed the businesses’ needs. Motion by Commission Chair Descoteaux to approve on condition that 10 parking spots are reserved for employees/customers, and 44 parking spots are for sales cars; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 6 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.13 3 Informational Chris Golden VFW ‐ @ new location for Veterans of Foreign Wars Walker Rogers Post No. 662, Inc., James Golden, License manager. Chris Golden, President of VFW 662, appeared before the Commission. He recounted his progress in selling the previous VFW premises and in identifying new premises for the Club, with the help of the City Manager of Lowell. Mr. Golden confirmed that they are anticipating being notified of a closing location and time on July 20; they noted that the closing date on the new premises (as yet undisclosed) will be August 8, 2023. Commission Chair Descoteaux made a recommendation that Chris Golden appear before the Commission during the last meeting of September to provide an update on the VFW 662’s new location for “Change of Location” for their All Alcoholic Beverages Veterans’ Club license. Move approval by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 4 Application by Maria Vejar‐Mason & Maurice Mason, Galeria De Los Andes Boutique, for a "Sidewalk Stand Permit" for their business at 68 Merrimack Street, for Lowell Folk Festival, July 28, 29, 30, 2023. Maurice Mason spoke to the Commission about the Galeria’s participation in the Lowell Folk Festival. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Applications by Robin Dupell, Cobblestones Restaurant, for 3 "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for Live Music during the 2023 Lowell Folk Festival, to be held on July 28, 29, 30, 2023 at the dead end outside Cobblestones, 91 Dutton Street. Ms. Dupell confirmed that their plan for the Lowell Folk Festival is the same this year as it was last year. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 6 Application by Joe Carreiro, El Potro Mexican Grill, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for Live Music to be held Saturday July 29, 2023, from 6:15 to 10 PM at 124 Merrimack Street. Mr. Carreiro introduced himself and confirmed for the Commission that his plans for this year are the same as last year – an evening of live entertainment that won’t conflict with the Lowell Folk Festival’s concerts. Move approval by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Application by Christopher Hayes, DIY Lowell, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for a "Ribbon‐Cutting" to be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from Noon to 2 PM at Ferry Landing Park, 3 First Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 6 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.13 Chris Hayes described his event for the Commission. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 8 Application by Hector Luna for "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for youth‐led church services to be held Fridays and Saturdays in July, August and September 2023, from 6 to 10 PM on Church grounds at the Fifth Street Baptist Church, 28 W 5th Street. Mr. Luna spoke about the youth activities the church holds during the summer. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 9 Application by Eric Sack, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for Live Music and storytelling to be held Saturday August 19, 2023, from 10AM to 5PM at Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Boulevard. Postponed to next meeting on July 27, 2023. 10 Application by Kerri Keeler, Mill City Grows, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for "Harvest Day at the Farm" to be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1 to 4 PM at 1001 Pawtucket Boulevard. Ms. Keeler spoke about the City of Lowell property that Mill City Grows farms at the address and how the organization is working to increase awareness of its work. She noted that she’s patterning the event after National Park events so that they can accommodate a large crowd and also remain a good neighbor. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 11 Application by Kerri Keeler, Mill City Grows, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the "Harvest Moon Dinner" to be held on Thursday September 28, 2023, from 6 to 9 PM at Wannalancit Mills, 175 Cabot Street. Ms. Keeler explained that her event would be limited to 50 attendees and that bartenders would be TIPS Certified. Move approval by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 12 Applications by Corey Belanger for 8 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Alcohol" on festival grounds at the 2023 Lowell Folk Festival, to be held on July 28, 29, 30, 2023. • JFK Plaza ‐ Arcand Drive "All Alcoholic Beverages”: Friday 6‐10:30PM; Saturday 12‐10:30PM; Sunday 12‐6PM. • John Street at Boarding House Park "Beer & Wine" : Friday 6‐10:30PM; Saturday 12‐10:30PM; Sunday 12‐6PM. • Market Street Stage "Beer & Wine" : Saturday & Sunday 12‐6PM. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 6 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.13 Corey Belanger, board member of the Folk Festival Foundation, appeared before the Commission and reviewed the plans for the “Beer Gardens” for the Lowell Folk Festival. Mr. Belanger stated that plans for this year were almost exactly like the plans for last year, and the festival before that. He also noted that there was one change of interest: they would like to serve a couple of premixed vodka drinks at one of the three locations (All Alcoholic Beverages License). The Commissioners reviewed Mr. Belanger’s plan for controlling the additional beverages, as well as the venue for it – in JFK Plaza, in the Lowell Police Department courtyard. Commissioner Howe inquired into the details and portioning of the proposed premix. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 13 Application by Ellen Casazza for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the "Conflicted Culture" artist's reception on Saturday July 22, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Curation 250, 250 Jackson Street. Ms. Casazza confirmed for the Commission that she has appeared before the Commission many times for her “Curation 250” events. She also discussed the title of the event “Conflicted Culture” at the request of Commissioner Krieger. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 14 Application by Amanda Etingé, for five "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only" at the Hellenic Center, 41 Broadway Street from 7 PM to 1 AM for the following: • Saturday, July 15, 2023 ‐ Graduation Celebration. • Friday, August 4, 2023 ‐ Cultural Night. • Saturday, August 5, 2023 ‐ Convention. • Saturday, August 19, 2023 ‐ Dance Night. • 5th event pending. Amanda Etingé appeared before the Commission and explained her new batch of applications. Commissioner Descoteaux noted that none of her events in the past have had any issues or problems. Ms. Etingé confirmed for Commissioner Howe that all her bartenders and she are TIPS Certified for alcohol service. Commissioner Krieger inquired about the “5th event Pending,” to which Ms. Etingé replied that she was still in the process of negotiating that event, so she didn’t want to finalize that application. Commissioner Descoteaux asked if the possible 5th event would have the same parameters as her other events with respect to crowd size, number of bartenders, hours of service, and location. Ms. Etingé agreed that the event would be just like the others. Motion made by Commissioner Krieger to approve 4 scheduled events and 1 pending unscheduled event; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 15 Applications by Jack Lally for two "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for events that will be held at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E. Merrimack Street, on: City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 4 of 6 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.13 • Thursday, August 3, 2023, 6‐11 PM. • Sunday, August 6, 2023, 6‐11 PM. Mr. John Lally appeared before the Commission and explained that these two events are tentative – preparation in case the two Lowell Summer Music Series events rain out – so that the events can be moved indoors and alcohol service can be provided. Move approval by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 16 Public hearing for an application by New Star MA Inc. [d/b/a] Koto Restaurant, Deven Kenison, proposed license manager, for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 76 Merrimack Street. Deven Kenison appeared in person at the meeting, and Attorney Jia Wei and President of the company, Yonghui Liu joined the meeting by Zoom. Mr. Kenison spoke to his experience in the industry and his experience with the business entity pursuing this endeavor. He described the concept of the restaurant and function hall, as well as they layout. Commissioner Howe inquired as to the general business plan and types of functions being proposed to support the large venue, to which Mr. Kenison provided options. Commissioner Descoteaux reviewed the history of the place and challenges it has faced in the past. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or against the application. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 17 Public hearing for an application by RFS Store 117, Inc. [d/b/a] Richdale Food Shops, Barznab Khan, proposed license manager, for transfer and Change Location of a "Wines and Malt Beverages" Package Store license for premises at 103 Rogers Street. Attorney Jennifer Allen was present for RFS Store 117, Inc., and reviewed the transfer application as well as the applicant’s experience with alcohol service and in management. Mr. Barznab Khan, the proposed Manager of Record for the Liquor License explained the history of the location and his purchase of the business. The Commission discussed the location of the business in relation to other package stores and did not find the location to be a problem, and confirmed that abutters were properly notified. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or against the application. Move approval by Commission Chair Descoteaux; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 18 Request for a public hearing for an application by Thara Land, LLC, Nhi Gibson, proposed license manager, for transfer of an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 350 Market Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 5 of 6 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.13 Motion made by Commissioner Krieger to hold a public hearing at the July 27, 2023, meeting of the Lowell License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:45, seconded by Commissioner Taing. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Mercier), APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 6 of 6