License Commission

Lowell License Commission I [Vleeting Minutes for 2023.09.14 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St' on Thursday, September L4,2023, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://voutu.be/QHhpKiXi4fw?si=p9iKMhOrZElcit74. ROLL CALL: On a rolt call at lg:O2, members present were, namely: Commission Chair Descoteaux, Commissioner Krieger, and Commissioner Mercier. Commissioner Howe and Commissioner Taing were absent. MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for August 24,2023. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes and place minutes on file for the Lowel! License Commission Meeting of Thursday, August 24,2O23; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED' 1 Application by Juan Breton, Latinx Community Center, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor public Entertainment," for live music and cultural performances, to be held at the Lowell Hispanic & Latinx Festival, September 30,2)23,from Noon to 8 PM at North Common Park. Rain date on LO/t. Mr. Breton joined the meeting via Zoom. He noted that this is the second annual Latinx Festival in Lowell, organized in collaboration with the City of Lowell Cultural Affairs and Special Events office. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 2 Application by George Kontos, Hellenic American Academy, for a "special One Day License for non- profits to sell/dispense All Alcoholic Beverages" for a concert, to be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, between 7PM and Midnight at 41 Broadway Street. At Commission Chair Descoteaux's request, Mr. Kontos reviewed the plans for his event, noting that he anticipated the concert drawing 100 to 200 attendees, to be staffed by two (Training for lntervention ProcedureS) TIPS Certified bartenders. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 3 Application by Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Edgar Cyrus, Director of Finance, for "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for fifteen performances of "Gaslight," at Lowell Memorial Auditorium Liberty Hall, 50 East Merrimack Street. Mr. Cyrus confirmed for the Commission that the MRT's fully-trained staff is still in place to serve the next series of performances at Lowell Memorial Auditorium's Liberty Hall. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 3 Lowell License Commission I lVeeting tvlinutes f or 2023.09'14 (C' Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Krieger.3 yeas, 2 absent Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 4 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. Saturday, Septembe r 23,2023,3-5 PM: "With a Little Help From My Friends" Reception. b. Saturday, October 21,2023,3-5 PM: "Generations" Reception' c. Saturday, Decembe r 2,2023,4-7 PM: "Creative Gifting" Reception and the Arts League of Lowell's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Syverson affirmed that his experience in applyingfor and being approved for license was excellent' Move approva! by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier.3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 5 Application by Shelby Elwell, The Anthem Group, for "Special one Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," and for "special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" for Beer Gardens on thirteen dates in September and October 2073, at Kerouac Park, 75 Bridge Street. Ms. Elwell discussed her event and explained that it was in collaboration with the City of Lowell. Commission Chair Descoteaux asked if the contract with the Citywas in place, and Ms. Elwell explained that the contract was "in the mail" on its way to her and Anthem Group for signatures. Move approval on condition that the contract, signed by al! parties, is provided to the License Commission by noon, Friday, September 22,2023, by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by commissioner Mercier. 3 yeas, 2 absent (c. Howe, c. Taing), APPROVED. 6 Application for Secondhand Motor Vehicles - Used Car Dealer, Class ll, for Central Car Corporation, presidents Fernando Guimaraes and Michael De Souza, for premises at 459-479 Broadway Street. Mr. Guimaraes and Mr. De Souza were present with their partner, lzaias Rodrigues. They reviewed their plan for their third used car dealership in Lowell. They discussed their history and success in Lowell with their first two locations. Commission Chair Descoteaux asked for clarification regarding the Zoning Board of Approval's limit of 4 cars for this location, and the owners remarked that they were fine with that limitation. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Krieger.3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 7 public hearing on the application by NAI Entertainment Holdings LLC [d/b/a] Showcase Cinema, Lowell, Daniel Bolduc, proposed license manager, all alcoholic beverages restaurant licensee, for a 'change of manager,' fot premises at 32 Reiss Avenue' Shaun Judge, the area manager for National Amusements lnc., NAI Entertainment Holdings LLC, appeared before the Commission with Daniel Bolduc, proposed license manager. They reviewed Mr. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 3 Lowell License Commission I tVeeting tvlinutes for 2023.09.1,4 Bolduc,s long career and experience with movie theaters and with alcohol service. They also confirmed his TIPS Certification. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier.3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 8 Request for a public hearing for an application by Kandon lnc. [d/b/a] The old Court, Finbarr Sheehan, license manager, to amend an "All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant" license for premises at 29 Central Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on October L2,2023, 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. 3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. 9 Request for a public hearing for an application by LMG Presents lnc. [d/b/a] Lowell Memorial Auditorium, peter Lally, proposed license manager, for an "AllAlcoholic Beverages" restaurant license for premises at 50 East Merrimack Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearingto be held on september 28,2023, at 6 PM. Motion made by Commissioner Mercier to hold a public hearing at the August 24,2023, meeting of the Lowel! License Commission, seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 3 yeas, 2 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: yeas, 2 Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:16, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 3 absent (C. Howe, C. Taing), APPROVED. Submitted by: John PYers Executive Secretary >l< City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 3 September 14,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening. Welcome to the September 14 meeting of the Lowell License Commission. Secretary Pyers, was the meeting posted? Secretary Pyers It was. Commissioner Descoteaux Roll call please. Secretary Pyers Commission Chair Descoteaux. Commissioner Krieger Commissioner Howe is absent. Commissioner Mercier. Yeah. Commissioner Taing is absent. Three present two absent. Zeroth is the acceptance of the August24 2023 minutes. Commissioner Krieger Move approval. Comm issioner Descoteaux Move approval by Commissioner Krieger, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? The motion carries number one on the agenda please. Secretary Pyers Application by Juan Breton, Latinx Community Center, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for live music and cultural performances, to be held at the Lowell Hispanic & Latinx Festival, September 30, 2023, from Noon to 8 PM at North Common Park. Rain date on 10/1. Juan is joining us on Zoom. Comm issioner Descoteaux Good evening, Juan. Juan Breton Good evening, guys. Thank you so much Commissioner Descoteaux Could you state your name and your address for the record, please? Juan Breton Yes, Juan Breton, 30 Gilmore Street, Lowell, Massachusetts Comm issioner Descoteaux Alright, what do we got going on here? Page-1-of10 September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowel! License Commission Draft Transcript Juan Breton Yes. So it's the second year that we're hosting the festival at North Common. We're partnering again, with sponsors and also partnering with the city to do this. We've been having meetings with the CASE Office to make sure everything runs smoothly this year, on our second event, and we're looking to get permlssion for amplification. We're going to have a couple of bands, bachata and salsa bands, as well as cultural performances throughout the evening. Commissioner Descoteaux Perfect, Captain Peaslee. Gaptain David Peaslee Thank you, Mr. Commissioner. We had no issues last year. I don't foresee any problems this year Comm issioner Descoteaux Perfect. Wish of the body? Motion. Motion to approve by Commissioner Mercier second by Commissioner Krieger All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries one good luck with your event. Have fun. Juan Breton Thank you. Commissioner Descoteaux All right. Secretary Pyers Application by George Kontos, Hellenic American Academy, for a "special One Day License for non-profits to sell/dispense All Alcoholic Beverages" for a concert, to be held on Sunday, September 24,2023, between 7PM and Midnight at 41 Broadway Street. Commissioner Descoteaux right, right up to there. Just state your name and your address, Sir George Kontos George Kontos, nlne garland drive Pelham, New Hampshire Commissioner Descoteaux All right, George, tell us about your event George Kontos It's a great event, actually. We have a Greek singer who's coming to Miami, Chicago, New York, and then he's gonna finish up in Boston with us. Page-2-ofLO September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Commissioner Descoteaux Oh, very nice. Where is it, right at the Hellenic center right? George Kontos At the Hellenic center? Yes, we've had plenty of events there. So Commissioner Descoteaux How many people you anticipate going to be? George Kontos Between 100 and 200 Comm issioner Descoteaux 200? And how many, and how many bartenders do you have on staff? George Kontos It's going to be at least two Commissioner Descoteaux Two. George Kontos I don't think we need any more than that. George Kontos Are they what? Commissioner Descoteaux Okay, and those bartenders, are they TIPS Certified? Gomm issioner Descoteaux TIPS Certified? George Kontos Yes, they are. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay. All right. Questions or comments 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 Mr. Kontos, good luck with your event. George Kontos Thank you very much. All right Page-3-of10 September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Secretary Pyers Application by Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Edgar Cyrus, Director of Finance, for "special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines onty," for fifteen performances of "Gaslight," at Lowell MemorialAuditorium Liberty Hall, 50 East Merrimack Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, state your name and address for the record, sir Edgar Cyrus Hi yes. I'm Ed Cyrus, and my residence is 1 1 10 Skyline Drive in Dracut Commissioner Descoteaux How are you,Edgar? Alright, so we have 15 performances of Gaslight Edgar Cyrus 15 days. Yes. Gommissioner Descoteaux Okay. Edgar Cyrus Do you want a particular date? Commissioner Descoteaux All right. And you already had your staff is already in place. Questions or comments for the applicant? motional move approval by Commissioner Mercier seconded by Commissioner Krieger. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries. You're all set, sir. Edgar Cyrus All right. Thank you. Commissioner Descoteaux All right. Good luck with those events Secretary Pyers 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. Saturday, September 23,2023,3-5 PM: "With a Little Help From My Friends" Reception. b. Saturday, October 21,2023,3-5 PM: "Generations" Reception. c. Saturday, December 2,2023,4-7 PM: "Creative Gifting" Reception and the Arts League of Lowell's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Page-4-of10 September L4, 2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Commissioner Descoteaux Motion on the floor by Commissioner Krieger to approve seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Steve? How was that? Steve Syverson That was good. Comm issioner Descoteaux All right. You did a heck of a job Steve Syverson Thank you see you next year Commissioner Descoteaux All right. Secretary Pyers Application by Shelby Elwell, The Anthem Group, for "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," and for "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" for Beer Gardens on thirteen dates in September and October, 2023, at Kerouac Park, 75 Bridge Street. Shelby's joining us on Zoom. Gommissioner Descoteaux Good evening, Shelby. Shelby Elwell Hi all, good evening. Hi, how are you? Good Commissioner Descoteaux Could you state your name and your and your address? Shelby Elwell Yes. So. Yes, Shelby Elwell. At the base is out of one international place. Boston. 02110. The event. Kerouac Park. Commissioner Descotea ux Great. Tell us about your event. Shelby Elwell So we're working in collaboration with the city of Lowell for 13 days of activation in a beer garden over at Jack Kerouac Park. We will be open from Friday to Sunday starting on September 22 to October 15, including lndigenous Peoples Day. Hours would be fourto 10 on Fridays and 11 to 10 Saturday, Page-5-of10 September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Sunday and indigenous peoples day. And it will be just beer and wine, a small food operation and then we will have live entertainment on Saturdays between four and seven. Commissioner Descoteaux Alright, Shelby, do we have a contract in place with the city yet? When when? lf not when? Do you foresee that happening? Shelby Elwell Yes, the contract is in place and it is currently in the mail on the way to us as of yesterday Commissioner Descoteaux Okay, that'd be fine. We'll approve that with that, knowing that. Questions or comments for Shelby? Move approval by Commissioner Krieger seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying 'aye'. Any opposed? motion carries. You're all set. Shelby. Good luck with your events. Shelby Elwell Thank you so much. Gomm issioner Descoteaux You're welcome. Secretary Pyers Application for Secondhand Motor Vehicles - Used Car Dealer, Class ll, for Central Car Corporation, Presidents Fernando Guimaraes and Michael De Souza, for premises at 459-479 Broadway Street. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening. Who's the applicant? Michael De Souza All of us. I'm Michael, Sousa. My address is a seven, eight. Main Street apartment. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay, maybe? You're Fernando. Okay. That is okay. All right, guys, tell us what's going on Michael De Souza So, in 2021 , we opened the first dealership. 22 the second one now the third one and Broadway Street. So it's a space that has a big parking lot with space for a gas station, where the focus is we were trying to get the license for four spaces for a dealership. lt's a big space, but that is a gas station. And on the left side is a dealership. Commissioner Descoteaux So you're looking for four spaces for four cars. That's all at this point. Well, if I met if I remember Page-6-of10 September 1-4, 2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Michael De Souza Yeah, it's because there's room for more there, there is room for more but zoning the less the zoning department they fork the last time got it we got makes, we're gonna see how he goes. We're gonna do with the four. We already have another store. So if we need more space, we're gonna keep the cars in the other story for one of the customers come and they ask for the different car we we can direct them to. Gommissloner Descoteaux Okay, I know what you're gonna do. Alright, yeah, I get what you're doing. So the four cars that if they wanted to go they just go in front of the zoning board for a variance wouldn't they? Secretary Pyers The reason that it has four spaces is because there is a zoning variance. Okay, all right. So, so they could try for more. Yeah, but they would have to go through Zoning Board of Appeals. Commissioner Descoteaux Okay, so let's go with the floor and see how that goes. And yes, good idea, like a couple of bucks that way for now. All right. Questions or comments for the applicants. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier, seconded by Commissioner Krieger. All in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? motion carries gentlemen, best of luck. Thank you all right. Secretary Pyers Application by NAI Entertainment Holdings LLC [d/b/a] Showcase Cinema, Lowell, Daniel Bolduc, proposed license manager, all alcoholic beverages restaurant licensee, for a 'change of manager,' for premises at 32 Reiss Avenue. Commissioner Descoteaux Good evening, gentlemen. State your name for the record. Shaun Judge Hello, board, my name is Shaun Judge, the area manager in New England for National Amusements. I live at 26 Hillcrest drive in Tyngsboro. This is Dan Bolduc. Daniel Bolduc Dan Bolduc, 29 Walnut Circle and Merrimack New Hampshire Shaun Judge We're here this evening we had the distinct pleasure of being able to hire Dan to run our movie theater here in Lowell. He started with us approximately well, not even approximately exactly one year, one month ago today, August 14 2023. Dan has extensive knowledge and experience working in the movie theater industry started his career as a general manager at the Bedford mall complex that's run by Page-7 -oflo September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Regal in Bedford, New Hampshire, in the in that time since then, he's also worked at the Fox Run mall in Concord, New Hampshire. And as his last stint with Regal Cinemas was at their cinnamon hooks in New Hampshire. He came to work for us. As I said, starting in mid August of this year, he's TIPS Certified. He has been fully trained in all of our company's policies and procedures regarding alcohol service and lD checking in he has read through the town's read the city's regulations. Any questions that you gentlemen have we're more than happy to answer them. And we're looking for your approval for Dan to be named as the new manager of record on that license. Commissioner Descoteaux Well done. I was an usher at the Route Three Cinema so am I going to be able to get a job there? Alright, just want to make sure I'm retiring next year. All right. Sounds sounds like a good presentation Well done. Dan. I'm sure you'd do a good job over there. The place is well, well, run already right now so l'm sure you're gonna do fine over there. Questions or comments for Mr. Balduc? Approval on the floor by Commissioner Krieger, seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? motion carries. Dan, guys, good luck. Shaun Judge Thank you very much. Commissioner Descoteaux We'll see great night you still don't you guys rip the tickets still? Shaun Judge Actually since COVID now we do not we scan the ticket. Commissioner Descoteaux Oh you scan it. Yes. All right. That's that is a so I used to do is rip the tickets, give it to my friends and then come back in they just gave back the same tickets. Shaun Judge lf they tried to get - if we've already scanned the ticket? Yeah, it'll say that you've already been through We just kick you right out. Commissioner Descoteaux You guys, you guys. I mean, that's not right. Commissioner Krieger Are you guys gonna fix this sign on the circle? Shaun Judge I'm sorry, what's that? Page-8-of10 September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript Commissioner Descoteaux What sign? Gommissioner Krieger Are you going to flx the sign on the circle so that we know what's showing? Shaun Judge Oh the so when we changed over the marquee that used to list to the movies to the wrap. lt's - we're probably going to update that wrap, but I don't think it will go back to something that lists the films that are playing. Commissioner Krieger Okay, Shaun Judge Unfortunately. Commissioner Descoteaux When did you notice that? Commissioner Krieger I should have been watching. Just gonna say go around the circle. Why don't you look it up? Gomm issioner Descotea ux Alright guys, have a good night. Shaun Judge Thank you gentlemen have a good night. Secretary Pyers Request for a public hearing for an application by Kandon !nc. [d/b/a] The Otd Court, Finbarr Sheehan, license manager, to amend an "AllAlcoholic Beverages Restaurant" license for premises at 29 Central Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in tocal newspaper, and public hearing to be held on October 12,2023, at 6 pM. Comm issioner Descoteaux Motion by Commissioner Mercier to set up a public hearing on was it October what? October 12. lt,s seconded by Commissioner Krieger, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed motion carries. Next request Secretary Pyers Request for a public hearing for an application by LMG Presents lnc. [d/b/a] Loweil Memoriat Auditorium, Peter Lally, proposed license manager, for an "AltAtcoholic Beverages,' restaurant Page-9-of10 September L4,2023, Meeting of the Lowell License Commission Draft Transcript license for premises at 50 East Merrimack Street. lt is requested that legal notice be published in local newspaper, and public hearing to be held on September 28,2023, at 6 PM. Comm issioner Descotea ux Motion on the floor by Commissioner Mercier seconded by Commissioner Krieger to hold a pubtic hearing on September 28. All in favor says chemists, I know we're gonna flt it. Perfect. Motion of Hello by Commissioner Krieger. adjourn seconded by Commissioner Mercier. All in favor signify by saying 'aye. Ladies and gentlemen have a great night Page - 10 - of 10