License Commission

Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.12 This meeting was held in City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and by Zoom invitation. Video of this meeting is available: https://youtu.be/taMuSCRG8k4?si=dDeCTp1Ox27SKnDd 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 May 15, 2025. Commissioner Krieger made a motion to approve the minutes for the meeting of Thursday, May 1, 2025, with modified verbiage for clarity; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 1 Ratification of an application by Hector Luna for "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for youth-led church services to be held Fridays and Saturdays from May 23 to June 28, 2025, 6 to 10 PM on Church grounds at the Fifth Street Baptist Church, 28 W 5th Street. Denise Brito, Secretary of the church, appeared before the Commission in Council Chambers. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 2 Application by Linda Chan Flynn, Lowell Community Health Center, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for live and recorded music to be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 8PM at 161 Jackson Street. Ms. Flynn reviewed the plans for the employee barbecue and National Health Center celebration. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 3 Application by Andrew Jacobson, for two "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for Live Music at Brew'd Awakening, 61 Market St. First event: Saturday, June 14, 2025, from Noon to 4 PM. Second: Friday, July 25, 2025, from 1 to 5 PM. Commission Chair Howe noted that Mr. Jacobson has held this license many times before. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 1 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.12 4 Application by Ben Opara, for a "Special Events Permit for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," for announcements and live & recorded music to be performed at the African Festival, Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Sampas Pavilion, 160 Pawtucket Boulevard. Ms. Jackie Wangutusi appeared before the Commission, and confirmed that she was not Ben Opara, but that Mr. Opara was in a meeting down the hall. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 5 Applications by Vinny Boungnasy for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines Only" and for a "Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment" permit for the Boun Pravet Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 10 PM on Temple Grounds, 45 Bernier Street. Mr. Boungnasy confirmed for the Commission that he’s held the license many times and Captain Peaslee confirmed that the Lowell Police Department has never had an issue or complaint for any of Wat Lao’s events. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 6 Applications by Marta Rodrigues for three "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages & Wines" and by Decio Rodrigues for three Amplification permits for the Sao Joao Feast. Event to be held on June 20, 21, 22, 2025, at the Portuguese American Lowell Youth Center, 739 Central Street. Both Marta Rodrigues and Decio Rodrigues appeared before the Commission. Commissioner Donahue reminded the board and applicant that in previous years the Commission was concerned that alcohol at a youth event might have some challenges. Mrs. Rodrigues confirmed that there had been no issues (that confinement of alcohol to legal drinking age has not been a problem). Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 7 Application by Elizabeth Lopez for Aramark at Tsongas Center, for a "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for the following event on UMass Lowell's campus: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 4:00 to 6:00 PM for a retirement party for Sheil Kirschbaum, Director of Tsongas Industrial History Center, at Bellegarde Boathouse, 500 Pawtucket Blvd. Elizabeth Lopez spoke about their event before the Commission. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 2 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.12 Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 8 Application by Elizabeth Gonzalez, for a "Special One Day License to sell/dispense All Alcoholic Beverages" for a Lowell Puerto Rican Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 7 PM to Midnight at UTEC, 35 Warren Street. Application withdrawn by applicant. 9 Application by James Macdonald for a seasonal "Special Events Permits for Amplified Outdoor Public Entertainment," and for "Special One Day Licenses to sell/dispense Malt Beverages and Wines only," for the 35th Season of the ‘Lowell Summer Music Series,’ to be held on some Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 11 PM, and some Sundays until 10 PM, from June 20 through September 14, 2025, at Boarding House Park, 40 French Street. Specifics listed below: • June 20 (Fri) – 7:30 PM: Gaelic Storm • June 22 (Sun) – 6:30 PM: Los Lobos • June 28 (Sat) – 7:30 PM: Darlene Love • June 29 (Sun) – 6:30 PM: EagleMania • July 11 (Fri) – 7:30 PM: Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph • July 17 (Thu) – 7:30 PM: Grace Potter • August 3 (Sun) – 6:30 PM: KALEO • August 8 (Fri) – 7:30 PM: The Wood Brothers • August 10 (Sun) – 6:30 PM: Sierra Hull • August 24 (Sun) – 6:30 PM: Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band • September 13 (Sat) – 7:30 PM: Let’s Sing Taylor: An Unofficial Live Tribute Show • September 14 (Sun) – 6:30 PM: Big Head Todd & The Monsters James Macdonald, series director, and Peter Aucella, general manager, appeared before the Commission. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 10 Application by Rancho Tipico Inc., Gary De los Santos, Corporate Officer, for Common Victualler license at 11 Salem Street. Application postponed by applicant. 11 Application by El Tipico Bakery Inc., Gary De los Santos, Corporate Officer, for Common Victualler license at 474 Merrimack Street. Application postponed by applicant. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 3 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.12 12 Application by Mestiza Latin Kitchen Corp., Luisa Lopera, Corporate Officer, for Common Victualler license at 491 Dutton Street. Luisa Lopera and Chef Mario Chacon appeared before the Commission to speak about their business and menu. Move approval by Commissioner Taing; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 13 Application for Second Hand Motor Vehicles – Used Car Dealer, Class II, for Forza Auto Sales Inc., Winston Alves Tome, President, for premises at 47 Aiken Avenue and 30 Dalton Street, an open lot, approx. 10,300 sq. ft. with 80 sq. ft. office and 2800 sq. ft. garage with 7 bays. Number of vehicles not to exceed 17, to include 15 vehicles for sale/storage and 2 customer/employee spaces. Attorney Brian Akashian appeared before the Commission with Winston Alves Tome. Mr. Akashian reviewed the application and the applicant’s qualifications and understanding of Auto Dealer laws and regulations. Move approval by Commissioner Donahue; seconded by Commissioner Krieger. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 14 Application for Second Hand Motor Vehicles – Used Car Dealer, Class II, for Top Cars Motor Group Inc., Caroline Vulpini, President, for premises at 1582 Middlesex Street; open lot approx. 7,400 sq. ft. and a two-story commercial office building. Maximum number of cars is 24 spaces, including 2 for customers/employees. Attorney Brian Akashian appeared before the Commission with Paulo Junior. Mr. Akashian reviewed the application and the applicant’s qualifications and understanding of Auto Dealer laws and regulations. Move approval by Commissioner Mercier; seconded by Commissioner Taing. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 15 Public hearing regarding an application by East End Social Club of Lowell, Inc. for a change location of the "All Alcoholic Beverages" Club Licensee to 12 West Fifth Street Unit 102. Mark Briere, Alcohol License Manager for East End Social Club, appeared before the Commission. He recounted the 101 year history of the club and his own forty years as a board member. In discussion, it was noted that the final occupancy number has not been determined by the City inspectors yet. At the hearing, no one spoke in favor or in opposition to the application. Move approval by Commissioner Krieger; seconded by Commissioner Mercier. 5 yeas, APPROVED. 16 Memo from the Greater Lowell Polish National Home Association. City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 4 of 5 Lowell License Commission | Meeting Minutes for 2025.06.12 [Place on file.] PPP Point of Personal Privilege by Commissioner Krieger to acknowledge and thank Commission Chair Howe for almost ten years of service to the City as a License Commissioner; followed by thanks from each of the Commissioners and gratitude by Ms. Howe to the current and previous board members, especially Terry McCarthy, John Descoteaux, Ryan Wynn, and Captain Peaslee. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Krieger made a motion to adjourn at 18:55, seconded by Commissioner Donahue. 5 yeas, APPROVED. Submitted by: John Pyers Executive Secretary Minutes are prepared mainly per RONR(12th ed.) 48:2. ✻ City of Lowell License Commission | 375 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 Page 5 of 5