License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.27 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://youtu.be/b9cMCJA9DLM. ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:01, members present were, namely: Commissioner Krieger, Commissioner Howe, Commissioner Mercier, and Commissioner Taing. Commission Chair Descoteaux was absent MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for July 13, 2023. Commissioner Howe made a motion to approve the minutes and place minutes on file for the Lowell License Commission Meeting of Thursday, July 13, 2023; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 1 Application by Mark Coddaire [d/b/a] Marx Running & Fitness, for a "Sidewalk Stand Permit" for their business at 118 to 122 Merrimack Street, seasonally from July 28th to October 30th, 2023. Application includes dates and times for Folk Fest 2023. Asher Brownson, the manager of Marx Running, appeared before the Commission. Mr. Brownson explained their plans for Folk Fest. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 2 Application by Pina Amato, owner of the Coffee Mill Emporium, for a "Sidewalk Stand Permit" for their business at 23 Palmer Street, during Folk Fest, July 29, 2023. Rain date July 30. Ms. Amato explained her plans for the day. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 3 Application by Evan Kretikos, Trend Restaurant, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for Live & Recorded Music on their patio, seasonally 4 to 9 PM, Saturdays and some Sundays, at 19 Merrimack Street. Mr. Kretikos did not appear before the Commission. 4 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. Mr. Sack represented the Southeast Asian Water Festival Foundation; he noted that this would be the 26th annual Water Festival. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.27 Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 5 Application by Maya Shah, Director of GURJAR, the Gujarati Association of New England, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for the ‘Gurjar India Heritage Festival,’ to be held Saturday, September 9th, 2023, from Noon to 7:00 PM at Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Boulevard. Ms. Shaw appeared before the Commission. She explained that this is the sixth year of the GURJAR and that the event showcases food from all over India, as well as regional dance and music. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 6 Application by Sambath Bo, Clemente Park Committee, for a "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for a Movie Nights to be held on Thursday August 10, 2023, from 5 to 9 PM at the basketball courts of Clemente Park, 803 Middlesex Street. M. Bo spoke about their event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 7 Application by Aniyyah Boone, Lowell Community Health Center, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for live and recorded music to be held Wednesday August 9, 2023, from 11:30AM to 1:30PM at 161 Jackson Street. Ms. Boone described her event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 8 Application by Penny Hamourgas for 2 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and for 3 "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permits during the Lowell Folk Festival. Service and entertainment to be held July 28, 29, and 30, 2023 at Worthen House, 141 and 152 Worthen Street, including the parking lot, approved outdoor seating, and attached alley. Ms. Hamourgas reviewed her plans for the Folk Festival and noted that it’s the same as last year. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 9 Application by Scott and Jacqui Pelletier for 3 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and for 3 "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permits during the Lowell Folk Festival. Service and entertainment to be held outside on an expanded seating area July 28, 29, and 30, 2023 at Fuse Bistro, 45 Palmer Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.27 Mr. Pelletier noted that their plans for the Folk Festival haven’t changed in ten years. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 10 Application by Emile Kamadeu for 3 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and for 3 "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permits during the Lowell Folk Festival. Service and entertainment to be held in their outdoor seating area, which has been approved for July 28, 29, and 30, 2023 at Sahel Restaurant & Lounge, 135 Central Street. Peter Tamajong, owner of Sahel, spoke. He explained that this is their first time having outdoor seating for an event. He then reviewed their plans and selected items for the Folk Festival. Commissioner Howe asked about hours of amplification; Secretary Pyers reviewed City Ordinance, which Captain David Peaslee confirmed. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 11 Applications by Joel Mongeon for two "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for concerts that will be held at Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street on: • Thursday, August 10, 2023, 5‐9 PM. • Thursday, September 14, 2023, 7‐11 PM. Mr. Mongeon joined the meeting via Zoom. He reviewed his events. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 12 Application by Patrick Coughlin, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for a birthday party to be held on Saturday August 5, 2023, from 5 to 10 PM at Shedd Park Pavilion, 495 Rogers Street. Mr. Coughlin spoke about his birthday party plans for his brother. He explained that, after some changes to the plans, the event would be “BYOB” and exclusively for adult family and friends in a confined area of Shedd Park. He explained that he also obtained liquor liability insurance (City property). Captain Peaslee confirmed that there was no issue. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 13 Application by Marta Pagan, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the Lowell Puerto Rican Festival, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 & 6, 2023 from noon to 8 PM at JFK Plaza, 50 Arcand Drive. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.27 Liz Gonzales spoke for Ms. Pagan, who was present. They explained that Ms. Pagan and four of her family members, who are certified for alcohol service in Puerto Rico, would be serving the Puerto Rican Festival. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 14 Applications by Nicole Comtois, manager of TreMonte, for 3 "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for additional outdoor seating at Folk Fest. 11 AM to 12 AM on July 28, 29, 30, 2023, 44 Palmer Street. Ms. Comtois introduced herself and reviewed her plans for TreMonte during the Folk Festival. She explained that they’ve participated in Folk Festival for the last ten years, and Lowell Police Captain Peaslee confirmed that there have been no issues at TreMonte. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 15 Application by Christopher Baum, LLC Manager of TE Pizza LLC [d/b/a] Domino's Pizza, for transfer of Common Victualler License for three locations: 90 Lakeview Avenue, 374 Chelmsford Street, and 77 Mammoth Road. Mr. Baum introduced himself and explained that he bought out his partner, who retired from the business, and formed a new business entity. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 16 Application by Zack Smith, LLC Manager of ZDS Holdings LLC [d/b/a] Little Delights Bakery, for transfer of Common Victualler License for 138 Merrimack Street. Mr. Smith confirmed that he’s the owner and manager of his business. Commissioner Howe noted that she enjoyed his cupcakes. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. 17 Application by Tina Khakeo, LLC Manager of 810 Central Street LLC [d/b/a] Frank & Errnest, for transfer of Common Victualler License for 810 Central Street. Ms. Khakeo appeared before the Commission. She explained that she purchased the business recently and was in the process of transferring and updating all the permits and licenses. She reviewed a little of her business plan as well. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 4 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2023.07.27 18 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. Attorney Brian Akashian provided a review of the application and the applicant’s bona fides. Commissioner Krieger asked about the applicant’s other businesses, and Ms. Gibson spoke about her tea shop and her donut shop. Commissioner Howe asked if Ms. Gibson had experience serving alcohol, to which she said ‘no,’ but confirmed she was obtaining TIPS Certification. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or against the application. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Howe made a motion to adjourn at 18:34, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 4 yeas, 1 absent (C. Descoteaux), APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 5 of 5