License Commission

I lowell License Commission I Meeting Minutes for 2023.08.10 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, August L0,2023, at 5:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://voutu.be/XDQv-L8leew ROLL CAtt: On a rollcall 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 July 27,2023. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes and place minutes on file for the Lowell License Commission Meeting of Thursday, June 22,2O23; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 1 Application by the City of Lowell's Mayor's Office for a "special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for live & recorded music, and MC for a Lowell Backpack Event for Back to School, to be held Sunday, August 27,2023, from Noon to 3 PM at Sheehay Park, 499 Pawtucket Street, Mr. Mwangi presented their plan for a back-to-school block party and requested a time adjustment for the event (2-6PM); he estimated 1000 attendees throughout the day. Commission Chair Descoteaux confirmed police involvement, Motion to approve the application by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Howe.5 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Ratification of an application by Rothanak Sarath for a "special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for announcements for a Cornhole Tournament, held Sunday, August 6,2023, from Noon to 5 PM at Clemente Park, 803 Middlesex Street. Motion to ratify the application by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 3 Ratification of an application by Vinh Le for a "special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages Only," for the 2023 Folk Festival, held on Saturday, July 29, 2023,from Noon to 7 PM at 175 Merrimack Street. Mr. Le spoke about his experience, participating in the festival for the first time. Motion to ratify the application by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 4 Lowell License Commission I lVeeting Minutes for 2023.08.10 4 Application by Taylor Schlacter, Patriot Care Corp., for a "special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for recorded music and MC for a Lowell Cannabist Block Party, to be held Saturday August 26,2023, from Noon to 4 PM on the grounds at 70 lndustrial Avenue East. Mr. Schlacter described the event as a miniature block party with local vendors, food, and recorded music. Captain Peaslee assured that there were no problems during the event last year, and that the LPD anticipates the same for this year. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5 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 joined the meeting on Zoom, Commission Chair Descoteaux confirmed that the entertainment on the patio will happen on most Saturdays and some Sundays, excluding those when the restaurant prefers not to organize events or weather prevents it. Mr. Kretikos explains that entertainment will usually consist of live music, mainly cover bands. Commissioner Descoteaux expressed concern about noise levels, and Mr. Kretikos reassured the Commission that he would be considerate of the residents. Commissioner Krieger asked about the duration of the permit, to which Mr. Kretikos requested it be seasonal - summer/fall. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 6 Application by Lou Aurelio, Lowell Management Group, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," outside on Lowell Memorial Auditorium grounds for the 'Lowell lrish Festival,' to be held Saturday, September 23,2023, from Noon to 11:00 PM at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E. Merrimack Street' Mr. Aurelio described the interactive activities planned for the festival and mentioned that Joshua Tree would headline the event. Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Applications by Steve Syverson, for two "special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines only," for the following events at Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market street: a. Saturday, August 19,2023,3-5 PM: Bonita Reception. b. Saturday, September 30,2023,3-5 PM: Exposed Reception. city of Lowell License commission | 375 Merrimack st. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 4 I lowell License Commission I Meeting Minutes for 2023.08.10 Mr. Syverson explained his exactly prompt arrivaljust before he was called to the stand. Commissioner Krieger inquired about the "Exposed" reception, which Mr. Syverson clarified refers to photography. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 8 Application by Ellen Casazza for a "special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the "Happy to be Here" artist's reception on Saturday September 9,2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Curation 25O,25O Jackson Street. Ms. Casazza described the artist's reception and confirmed a TIPS Certified bartender would be present. Move approva! by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 9 Application by Jonathan Northridge, Lowell Humane Society, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense All Alcoholic Beverages" for the "Lowell Humane Society's 150th Anniversary Celebration" to be held on Thursday September L4,2023, from 6 to 10 PM at UTEC, 35 Warren Street. Mr. Northridge explained the fundraising event's significance and planned activities, including a live auction. Commission Chair Descoteaux inquired after pugs' Move approval by Commissioner Howe; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 10 Request for a public hearing for an application by Still Thirsty ttc [d/b/a] Thirsty First Tavern, Bernadette Goose, proposed license manager, for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 103 Market Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on August 24,2023, at 6 PM. Motion made by Commissioner Taing to hold a public hearing at the August 24,2023, meeting of the Lowell License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 11 Request for a public hearing for an application by SLS Caf6 LLC ldlb/al Dragonfly Cafe, Sherri Sarrouf, proposed license manager, for an "All Alcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 165 Thorndike Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on August 24,2023, at 6 PM. Motion made by Commissioner Krieger to hold a public hearing at the August 24'2023' meeting of the Lowell License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. city of Lowell License commission | 375 Merrimack st. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 4 ! lowell License Commission I Meeting lVlinutes for 2023.08.10 L2 Request for a hearing for an application by Lemon Tree Food Shops lnc., Mina Guirgus, proposed license manager, for a "Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store" license for premises atZ2OAppleton Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on August 24,2023, at 6 PM' Motion made by Commissioner Mercier to hold a public hearing at the August 24,2023, meeting of the Lowell License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:17, seconded by Commissioner Howe. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary >i< city of Lowell License commission | 375 Merrimack st. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 4 of 4 20230810 License Commission Commissioner Descoteaux [18:01] Good evening. Welcome to the August '10 meeting of the Lowell License Commission. Secretary Pyers, was the meeting posted? Secretary Pyers It was. Commissioner Descoteaux Rollcall please. Secretary Pyers Comm ission Chair Descoteaux Commissioner Descoteaux Yeah. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Krieger Commissioner Krieger Here. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Howe Gommissioner Howe Here. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Mercier Commissioner Mercier Here. Secretary Pyers Commissioner Taing. Gommissioner Taing Here. Secretary Pyers Five present. Zeroth is the acceptance of the July 27,2023, minutes. 1 20230810 License Com mission Commissioner Krieger Move approval. Commissioner Descoteaux Move approval by Commissioner Krieger seconded by Commissioner Taing All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries. Number one of the agenda, please. Secretary Pyers Application by the City of Lowell's Mayor's Office for a "special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for live & recorded music, and MG for a Lowell Backpack Event for Back to School, to be held Sunday, August 27,2023, from Noon to 3 PM at Sheehay Park, 499 Pawtucket Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, state your name and your address Erastus Mwangi Hi, my name is Erastus Mwangi, threes, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. Commissioner Descoteaux Great and we're, what's the city planning on doing here? Erastus Mwangi We are planning to do a back-to-school block party.And this is in partnership with the mayor's office, city manager, CMA and T and the gents and we're hosting this event on on August 27, atthe Sheehay Park from actually time adjustment from two to six. And initial the initial permit says 12to... Commissioner Descoteaux Great, how many people do you anticipate being there? Erastus Mwangi I'll say about at least we are I'llsay about 1000. Commissioner Descoteaux Ah, 1000. So not 1000 at once but in and out all day, right? Now, to Captain Peaslee: We all set? Make sure we send a cruiser. Make sure. Captain David Peaslee Yes, we'll be involved in this. -2- 20230810 License Commission Commissioner Descoteaux Great appreciate it that questions comments? move approval by Commissioner Krieger second by Commissioner Howe AII in favor signify by saying 'aye Aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries. All set. Thank you. Erastus Mwangi Thank you have a nice night Secretary Pyers Ratification of an application by Rothanak Sarath for a "Specia! Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for announcements for a Cornhole Tournament, held Sunday, August 6,2023, from Noon to 5 PM at Glemente Park,803 Middlesex Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Motion made by Commissioner Mercier to ratify seconded by Commissioner Howe. All in favor by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries Next please Secretary Pyers Ratification of an application by Vinh Le for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense nes and Malt Beverages Only," for the 2023 Folk Festiva!, held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, from Noon to 7 PM at 175 Merrimack Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Motion made by Commissioner Tang seconded by Commissioner Mercier. I'm sorry, I didn't see you standing up there Vinh. lt was good to meet you the other day. How was business? Vinh Le Everything was good. Commissioner Descoteaux Everything was good. Vinh Le Except for Saturday. Saturday was a big rain day. Gommissioner Descoteaux Yeah, that was that was one of the days you didn't want it to rain. That's the one but you had a good Sunday. Vinh Le We had a good Sunday. Yes. -3- 202308L0 License Commission Gommissioner Descoteaux Very good. All right. Motion was on the floor by Commissioner Secretary Pyers Taing. Commissioner Descoteaux Taing, seconded by Secretary Pyers Mercier Commissioner Descoteaux Mercier. All in favor signify by saying 'aye? Aye. Aye. Oppose. You're all set. Thank you for here. All right, you will. Secretary Pyers Application by T aylor Schlacter, Patriot Care Corp., for a "Specia! Events Permit for Am ified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for recorded music and MC for a Lowell Gannabist Block Party, to be held Saturday August 26,2023, from Noon to 4 PM on the grounds at T0lndustrialAvenue East. Taylor is joining us by zoom. Taylor Schlacter Hey, how's everyone doing tonight? Commissioner Descoteaux Taylor, how are you? Taylor Schlacter Doing very well. Thank you. Commissioner Descoteaux Are we good? Can you just give us your address, please? Taylor Schlacter Sure.70 lndustrial lab east in Lowell. Commissioner Descoteaux Very good. Tell us about your event. Taylor Schlacter So it's going to be the same occurrence from last year and that we're just entirely on the premises. I'm going to be hosting a miniature, you know, kind of block party with some local vendors and localfood. -4- 202308L0 License Com mission And I think last year, we had, you know, two to three dozen people come through, throughout the entire event not all at once, from 12 to four. So I don't imagine we'll get too, too much traffic, but should be a fun time. Regardless, I know the staff really enjoyed it last year as well. So Comm issioner Descoteaux Understanding where you're where you are, how many people how many cars are you anticipating? And if so, if you think it'd be overcrowding your parking lot, will you have access to the other businesses that are probably closed on that day? Taylor Schlacter Yes, and I think we'll have ample parking. lt was nowhere near an issue last year, and I don't know that it will be this year. Commissioner Descoteaux Captain Peaslee. Captain David Peaslee Thank you, Mr. Commissioner. The event last year had no problems. We don't anticipate any problems this year either. Commissioner Descoteaux Commissioners any questions for the applicant? Move approval by Commissioner Krieger seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? the motion carries. Taylor Schlacter Thank you very much Commissioner Descoteaux Good luck good luck with your event. Secretary Pyers 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. Evan is joining us on Zoom. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, Evan. Evan Kretikos Hithere. How's it going? Guys? Comm issioner Descoteaux Good. Could you just state your address for us, please? -5- 202308L0 License Com mission Evan Kretikos 19 Merrimack street. Commissioner Descoteaux You can do a video there, Evan. Evan Kretikos I'm attempting to turn it on now, sorry Gommissioner Descoteaux Allright. Evan Kretikos I'm not good with this zoom stuff Commissioner Descoteaux I didn't know if you were doing the dishes or anything? Evan Kretikos No, no. I'm here. lt's a so it's making me quit and come back, Commissioner Descoteaux Don't worry about it. But don't worry about it. All right. So the amplified outdoor entertaining will be in the patio in the back there. Correct? Evan Kretikos Correct, Yes. Commissioner Descoteaux And four to nine. Saturday and some Sundays. Can you be a little bit more specific when you mean some Sundays. Evan Kretikos So some Sundays meaning like we're not going to be doing an event every Sunday just because like some Sundays we like to sleep in. So if we kind of like book an event with with like a band or something like that, on the Sunday between those hours, that would be like the only sort of events we'd be doing on Sundays. But it wouldn't happen every Sunday. Whereas Saturday would be basically every Saturday. Commissioner Descoteaux What type of outdoor entertainment we... -6- 20230810 License Commission Evan Kretikos dance and whatnot, similar to kind of like the Summer Music Series or like the Folk Festival kind of, you know, environment that sort of just music that's going to be a little bit louder than regular casual background music. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay, you just perked my ears up a little bit. What are we talking heavy metal band here? What? Evan Kretikos No, no, no, no, like cover bands Bon Jovi, Okay, that's, yeah. Gommissioner Descoteaux No, no, I just I want to I want to be sure. I mean, it's - even at nine o'clock. There's there's people that are in that neighborhood that have apartments and condominiums there and we don't want to upset them. So I want to make sure that we're on the same wavelength. That's all. Evan Kretikos Absolutely. Absolutely. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay. Com missioner Krieger question. Commissioner Krieger How long are you asking for this license for? How many Saturdays out? Or are you asking From now until the cows come home? Evan Kretikos I'm pretty much just the summertime. We're not really looking to do this during the wintertime, just while the summers you know, still hot. Not too much time left on that anyways, but Commissioner Descoteaux so basically, you're gonna take it by whatever the weather is. So if it's if it's a 80 degree Day on October 28, you're gonna have a band? Evan Kretikos Correct? Yes. Okay. All right. Commissioner Descoteaux ljust want to make sure I understood. Any other commissioners winning any questions for Mr Kretikos? What's the wish of the body? Commissioner Krieger Move approval. 7 20230810 License Commission Commissioner Descoteaux Move approval by Commissioner Krieger, seconded by Commissioner Taing, all in favor signify by saying Aye? Any opposed? You're all set. Evan. Good luck. Evan Kretikos Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Commissioner Descoteaux Good luck with the events. Thank you. Secretary Pyers Application by Lou Aurelio, Lowell Management Group, for a "special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," outside on Lowell MemorialAuditorium grounds for the 'Lowell lrish Festival,' to be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, from Noon to 11 :00 PM at Lowell MemorialAuditorium, 50 E. Merrimack Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, sir. state your name for the record. Lou Aurelio Lou Aurelio Commissioner Descoteaux How are you, Lou? Lou Aurelio Very well, thank you. Commissioner Descoteaux Good. Good, good, good. Good. So tell us about your event. We halfway to St. Patty's Day. ls that what it is? Lou Aurelio You know, I think that's kind of is the theme. Yeah, on this event. lt will be very interactive for both adults and children. Very good. l'll type of activities available on the grounds outside from from train rides to miniature golf to different types of arts and crafts, food vendors. Of course, you know, the big draw is the band. Joshua Tree is the main is the main act on that. That will be set up on the stage there right on the river on the right hand side. Commissioner Descoteaux I know Captain Peaslee has his kilt, right, ready. So if you need any help there. Any questions or comments? -8- 202308 10 License Com m ission Commissioner Howe Move approval Commissioner Descoteaux Move approval by Commissioner Howe, seconded by Commissioner Krieger. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? You're all set Lou. You always do a good job over there. Lou Aurelio All right, thank you, see you allthere. Commissioner Descoteaux Take care. All right. All right, actually Secretary Pyers Applications by Steve Syverson, for two "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines only," for the following events at Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market Street: a. Saturday, August 19,2023,3-5 PM: Bonita Reception. b. Saturday, September 30, 2023,3-S PM: Exposed Reception. C ommissioner Descoteaux Good evening, state your name for the record. Steve Syverson Steve Syverson Commissioner Descoteaux Steve that was good timing. Steve Syverson Yeah Commissioner Descoteaux You came right in here. Right. Two minutes before. Steve Syverson I was sleeping in my chair and the alarm went off. I'm glad I set the alarm. Commissioner Descoteaux Motion to approve by Commissioner Krieger seconded by Commissioner Howe. All in favor? say aye. Again. Oh, you had a question. I'm sorry. -9- 20230810 License Com mission Gommissioner Krieger About exposed reception. That's not a clothing issue. Steve Syverson We're not talking about it. Comm issioner Descoteaux That's why we should just give them a license. Gommissioner Krieger Good luck. Steve Syverson Oh, you skipped over that? No, it's just exposed as in photography Commissioner Descoteaux Fantastic. Always do a good job there, Steve. So I'm sure ljoined who made a motion. Commissioner Krieger Yes, you're all set. Oh, we're Steve Syverson all set. Steve good Secretary Pyers Got the money now. You can drop it with Captain Peaslee Commissioner Descoteaux There you go. Watch out watch out where he puts that Secretary Pyers I trust you. Gommissioner Descoteaux Thanks, Steve. Take care. Secretary Pyers Application by Ellen Casazza for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the "Happy to be Here" artist's reception on Saturday September 9, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Curation 250,250 Jackson Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, state your name and address for the record -10- 20230810 License Com mission Ellen Casazza Ellen Casazza,250 Jackson Street fifth floor. Commissioner Descoteaux How are you, Ellen? Ellen Casazza I'm doing great. Commissioner Descoteaux Good. What do we got going on? Ellen Casazza An artist's reception for Derrick Raymond entitled happy to be here. Probably like 25 to 30 people over the course of a few hours. Commissioner Descoteaux TIPS certified bartender? Ellen Casazza Yes Commissioner Descoteaux Fantastic; questions or comments for Ellen? What move approval by Commissioner Howe, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries. Ellen always good seeing you. Ellen Casazza Same. Commissioner Descoteaux Good luck with your event. Alright. Secretary Pyers Application by Jonathan Northridge, Lowell Humane Society, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense All Alcoholic Beverages" for the "Lowell Humane Society's 150th Anniversary Celebration" to be held on Thursday September 14,2023, from 6 to 10 PM at UTEC, 35 Warren Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, state your name and your address for the record. -11 - 20230810 License Com mission Jonathan Northridge Yes. Jonathan Northridge and the shelter is 951 Broadway Street Lowell, Commissioner Descoteaux How are you, Jonathan? Jonathan Northridge l'm doing alright. How are you? Commissioner Descoteaux Good. Tell us about your event. Jonathan Northridge Yeah, so it's basically you know, one of those fundraisers but we're trying to make it extra special because it's our 150th anniversary. We're in like the top 10 oldest in the country so as to you as well. So yeah, we are we're going to have a live auction as well as you know, the other kind of like fundraiser games that you would see especially with stuff that like you know, the boys and girls have it do at Lowell Memorial, very similar setup, just looking to kind of bring the community together. You're all invited. So I hope you come. And yeah, just looking to raise some money for some homeless pets in the community. Commissioner Descoteaux That's a good thing. I like that. Questions or comments for Jonathan. Commissioner Howe No questions move approval. Commissioner Descoteaux Move approval by Commissioner Howe, seconded by Commissioner Krieger All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries. Jonathan, you got any, you got any pugs, Jonathan Northridge Any pugs? Gomm issioner Descoteaux My wife needs a pug, because you're Jonathan Northridge lf you're looking for a pity we got those, but, uh Commissioner Descoteaux I'll be in touch. -12- 20230810 License Com m ission Jonathan Northridge Please. Yeah, please. You're invited. So I hope to see you there. All right. Commissioner Descoteaux Thank you. Thanks so much. All right. Secretary Pyers Request for a public hearing for an application by Still Thirsty LLC [d/b/a] Thirsty First Tavern, Bernadette Goose, proposed license manager, for an "AllAlcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 103 Market Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on August 24,2023, at 6 PM. Commissioner Descoteaux Motion made by Commissioner Taing seconded by Commissioner Mercier to hold a public August 24. Everyone in favor? Anyone opposed? Next Secretary Pyers Request for a public hearing for an application by SLS Caf6 LLG [d/b/a] Dragonfly Cafe Sherri Sarrouf, proposed license manager, for an "AllAlcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 165 Thorndike Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on August 24,2023, at 6 PM. Commissioner Descoteaux Move, motion made by Commissioner Krieger seconded by Commissioner Howe to hold a public hearing on August 24. All in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Next please Secretary Pyers Request for a hearing for an application by Lemon Tree Food Shops lnc., Mina Gui proposed license manager, for a "Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store" license for premises at220 Appleton Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on August 24,2023, at 6 PM. Commissioner Descoteaux Motion by Commissioner Mercier seconded by Commissioner Krieger hold the public hearing at our next meeting on August 24. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion by Gommissioner Krieger to adjourn seconded by Commissioner Howe, all in favor signify by saying Aye. Any of those ladies and gentlemen, have a great evening. [18:17] Adiourn -13-