License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.01.25 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, January 25, 2023, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom. Video of this meeting is available: https://www.youtube.com/live/veLEEbHkQp8?si=LoNnBDAZX7mg3im9 ROLL CALL: On a roll call at 18:00, members present were, namely: Commission Chair Howe, Commissioner Krieger, Commissioner Donahue, Commissioner Mercier, and Commissioner Taing. MINUTES: 0 Acceptance of the meeting minutes for January 11, 2024. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of Thursday, January 11, 2024; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 1 Applications by Lou Aurelio 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: • Friday, January 26, 2024, Noon‐10PM for "Turn it Up" Dance. • Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 5‐11PM for JDCU's "The Common Thread" Fundraiser. Mr. Aurelio appeared before the Commission to provide a synopsis of his proposed events at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Application by Fionna Brennan, for two "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Wines and Malt Beverages only," at Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson Street. Both are for Market Events with Concerts on Saturday, February 17 and February 24, 2024, from Noon to 11 PM. Ms. Brennan joined the meeting via Zoom and introduced herself. Commission Chair Howe asked about anticipated attendance and number of bartenders and their TIPS Certification status. Ms. Brennan anticipated about 75 attendees at each event, with one TIPS Certified bartender at each. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 3 Application by Ellen Casazza for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" for the "Homecoming" artist's reception on Saturday February 3, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Curation 250, 250 Jackson Street. Ms. Casazza reviewed the plans for her artist reception, noting that she expected 25‐30 participants. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 4 Application by Tor Voner, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Wines only," for the "Water" art reception on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM at LTC Gallery, 246 Market Street. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 2 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2024.01.25 Victoria (Tory) Voner attended the meeting and spoke before the Commission. She explained that she was the artist “Tor,” and that this was for her art reception. Ms. Voner noted that the two hour reception would have one TIPS Certified bartender . Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Consideration of a proposal to review License Commission regulations through a series of meetings and public hearings. Commissioner Krieger discussed his proposal for the License Commission to review rules and regulations so that they could update them so that they reflect the needs of the community. He recommended the public be invited to participate in the process. Commissioner Howe noted that she had reviewed all alcohol regulations and police training documents for alcohol regulations. She recommended that the motion be to hold a public hearing. Motion made by Commission Chair Howe to hold a public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. On a roll‐call vote: C. Howe – Y, C. Krieger – Y, C. Donahue – Y, C. Mercier – Y, C. Taing – Y. [5 in favor] APPROVED. 6 Review annual retail alcohol license renewals for 2024. Secretary Pyers reviewed the 3 non‐renewals: Lowell Post 87 of the American Legion (Closed); Social Club of Pawtucketville (Closed); and Roast Beef and Pizza Lowell LLC (entity no longer in business; transfer of license never completed). Motion made by Commission Chair Howe to accept the three non‐renewals and to accept all renewals; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:12, seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 2