LICENSES COMMITTEE

City Hall City of Milwaukee 200 East Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Meeting Minutes LICENSES COMMITTEE ALD. MILELE A. COGGS, CHAIR Ald. Mark A. Borkowski, VICE-CHAIR Ald. Nikiya Dodd, Ald. Scott P. Spiker, and Ald. Ashanti Hamilton Staff Assistant, Yadira Melendez-Hagedorn, 414-286-2775 Fax: 414-286-3456, Y.Melendez-Hagedorn@milwaukee.gov Legislative Liaison, Jeffrey Osterman, 414-286-2262, joster@milwaukee.gov Monday, July 18, 2022 9:00 AM Committee Room City Hall SPECIAL The meeting was call to Order at 9:23 am 220343 Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses. Sponsors: THE CHAIR 02 HANNIBLE, Lafreddria A, Agent for "Revive Family Homes LLC", Rooming House License Application for "Revive Family Homes LLC" at 6929 W Hampton Av. The applicant was not present. Individuals also present: Ms. Byrd said that this is the second nonappearance. Ald. Borkowski moved denial upon second nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) AMENDED Aye 3 - Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 No 0 Excused 2 - Spiker, and Hamilton Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 02 CANNON, Billy J, Agent for "Global Circle Automotive LLC", Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealer's License Renewal Application Decreasing Parking/Storage Spaces to 20 for "Global Circle Automotive" at 6973 W FOND DU LAC Av. (Expires 8/31/2022) City of Milwaukee Page 1 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 The applicant was not present. Ald. Dodd moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 02 ABED, Maram, Agent for "Ableen LLC", Class A Malt & Class A Liquor License Application for "Ritz Food Market" at 5834 W Villard Av. The applicant was present along with Atty. Jeffrey Gerard who said that they will have the alcohol behind the counter in addition to the food and beer licenses. Individuals also present: Ms. Byrd said that the application was scheduled because the applicant is adding liquor to the existing licenses. Ald. Coggs said that she would like to abstain because she does not feel comfortable voting for this item since there is no representation in the district. Ald. Borkowski moved to hold the application to the call of the chair until there is a representation in the district. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 03 MC BRADY, Jason R, Agent for "Fly By Night LLC", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises and Sidewalk Dining License Renewal Applications with Change of Hours From Opening at 4PM on Sun To Open at 12PM for "High Dive" at 701 E Center St. (Expires 7/27/2022) The applicant was not present. Ald. Dodd moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 03 CASTELAZ, Ryan S, Agent for "DISCOURSE COFFEE, LLC", Food Dealer License Application for "Discourse Coffee Workshop" at 2238 N FARWELL Av #4. The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ms. Cervantes from the 3rd district office said that she did not receive any objections. Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) AMENDED Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd City of Milwaukee Page 2 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 03 BARTH, Austin E, Agent for "Josh's Fine Dining LLC", Class B Tavern, Food Dealer, Public Entertainment Premises and Sidewalk Dining License Renewal Applications for "Up-Down MKE" at 615 E Brady St. (Expires 8/31/2022) The applicant was not present. Ald. Dodd moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Absent 1- Spiker Excused 1- Hamilton 03 VITUCCI-BONFIGLIO, Angela M, Agent for "VITUCCI'S, INC", Class B Tavern, Food Dealer, Public Entertainment Premises and Sidewalk Dining License Renewal Applications with Change of Agent for "VITUCCI'S COCKTAIL LOUNGE" at 1832 E NORTH Av. (Expired 7/8/2022) The applicant was present who said that she was not the agent at the moment that the incidents of the police report happened and, that the business is for sale for the same reasons of the police report and, that she would like to withdrawn the application since the business is closed. Individuals also present: Ms. Byrd said that a motion will be needed to withdraw the applications and that the applicant would need to file some paperwork. Ald. Borkowski moved to accept the withdrawal of the applications. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) AMENDED Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 02 MILTON, Quiana L, Agent for "QD'S ENTERPRISE, LLC", Class B Tavern, Food Dealer and Public Entertainment Premises License Renewal Applications for "DEE'S ELEGANCE" at 7420 W VILLARD Av. (Expires 8/31/2022) The applicant was present and said that the she did not exchanged any word with the person from the first item on the police report and that she cooperated with the police. Added that her business has a good relationship with the police department district 4. Individuals also present: Ald. Borkowski asked the applicant for how long she has been the agent. The applicant said that she has been the agent for 15 years. Ald. Borkowski said that there has been 36 incidences on the record and that he does not know how these events are going to stop. The applicant said that she does not want to make excuses and that she is trying to City of Milwaukee Page 3 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 run a family business and that she is working with a security company that is trained for the business and, that she sat down with the police back in May to talk about the issues that affect her business and, that she is working on those recommendations. Ald. Borkowski said that he won’t support the renewal because the district is not represented at the moment and that representation is needed to weigh in. Atty. McNally said that he recommends to hold the application close to the expiration date and then issue a provisional to stretch the time until the representation is elected. Ald. Borkowski said that given the fact that the common council is in recess during the month of August, he either will support the provisional or will move denial. Ald. Borkowski moved denial based on the police report. There were no objections. (Prevailed 2-1) Ald. Borkowski moved to reconsider the application due testimonies were not heard. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) Individuals in support: Shanda Northern – 4525 N 64th St - said that the applicant supports fundraisers from the organization that she represents and that she is involved with the community. Tamika - 5966 N 51st St – said that the applicant hosts fundraisers and that she has improved the neighborhood and that everyone there is like a family and that people feel comfortable at Dee’s. Brandon Key – 10033 W Hampton Av – said that he owns the security company that works with the applicant and that they meet with the police frequently and, that most of the customers are friendly and, that the incidents on the police report happened with people who are not regular clientele. Shanece Pierce - 3629 N 33rd St – she said that she is the pantry coordinator and that the applicant organizes fundraisers and gateways. Courtney – said that the staff at Dee’s is the best that she has worked with. Brian Gardner – N 77th St – said that he is the applicant’s husband and that he spends most of the time outside taking care of the customer who come in and out. Added that there are signs for cero tolerance of negativity. The applicant said that she has done everything within her power to do things better for the community and the city and that her business in not just a bar, but a family bar and that she wants to keep it that way. Ald. Dodd moved approval based on testimonies and efforts that the applicant has put in her business and that wishes the applicant continues that way. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) AMENDED Aye 3 - Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 No 0 Excused 2 - Spiker, and Hamilton Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 03 LEMUS DINEEN, Bridget, Agent for "Potbelly Sandwich Works, LLC", Food Dealer License Renewal Application with Change of Agent and Change of Hours From Opening at 11AM Everyday and Closing at 9PM Sun - Thu and at 10PM Fri & Sat; To Open at 10AM Everyday and Close at 4PM on Sun, at 8PM Mon - Fri and at 6PM on Sat for "Potbelly Sandwich Shop" at 2239 N Prospect Av. (Expired 4/21/2022) The applicant was not present. City of Milwaukee Page 4 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 Ald. Borkowski moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 03 BOURAXIS-AWADALLAH, Dina, Agent for "CANELA CAFE LLC", Class B Tavern and Food Dealer License Renewal Applications for "Canela Cafe" at 2621 N DOWNER Av. (Expires 8/19/2022) The applicant was not present. Ald. Dodd moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 3- Coggs, Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton 03 KINGSAWAN, Leo T, Agent for "Patronessy Boys LLC", Class B Tavern License Application for "Sticky Rice Brady St" at 707 E BRADY St. The applicant was present who said that back in 2017 he was intoxicated and that the situation got out of hand and that he paid the fines and ended his probation successfully. Regarding the unregistered parked vehicle item on the police report, he said that the vehicle was from one his tenants and that he, as a landlord, had to pay the fine. Individuals also present: Ms. Cervantes said that she did not received objections and that it is a new Class B. Ald. Borkowski moved approval. (Prevailed 2-0) AMENDED Aye 2- Borkowski, and Dodd No 0 Excused 2- Spiker, and Hamilton Abstain 1- Coggs 03 LATAVONG, Melissa S, Agent for "MKE Twisted LLC", Class B Tavern and Food Dealer License Transfer Applications with Change of Hours From Closing at 3PM on Sun, at 9PM on Wed & Thu and at 10PM on Fri & Sat To Close at 12AM Wed - Sun for "Twisted Cafe" at 1505 N Farwell Av. Ald. Spiker joined the meeting at 10:45 am The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ms. Cervantes said that she did not receive any objections. Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED City of Milwaukee Page 5 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 OLSON, Donna R, Agent for "HOSED ON BRADY INC", Public Entertainment Premises License Transfer Application Requesting to Add 1 Amusement Machine (Dart Board) for "HOSED ON BRADY" at 1689 N FRANKLIN Pl. The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ald. Spiker moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 02 O'BRYNE, Sean H, Agent for "The O'Byrne Group LLC", Self Service Laundry and Weights & Measures License Renewal Applications with Change of Agent for "Suds Your Duds" at 6050 N 91ST St. (Expired 5/24/2022) The applicant was not present. Ald. Spiker moved to hold the application to the call of the chair. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 02 SMITH, Myron D, Agent for "GH MIDTOWN, INC", Food Dealer License Renewal Application with Change of Agent and Transfer of Stock for "CULVER'S MIDTOWN" at 5501 W FOND DU LAC Av. (Expired 6/30/2022) The applicant was present and said that there has been incidences outside and that they keep secured the premises and that there is cero tolerance for violence and that no one can stay at the store for more than 20 minutes if no food order has been placed. He added that they work closely with the police to reinforce and maintaining a safe environment. Individuals also present: Ald. Coggs asked what about the item involving the employee? The applicant said that they take sexual assault seriously and that the employee was terminated before the incident happened and that it seems a sort of retaliation. He added that there is policy in place depending on the level of offense. Ald. Borkowski moved denial based on the police report. (Prevailed 3-1) AMENDED Aye 3- Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 City of Milwaukee Page 6 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 Excused 1- Hamilton Abstain 1- Coggs 02 HOST, Donnelle S, Agent for "DJ Golden Chicken Inc", Food Dealer License Renewal Application with Change of Agent, Adding/Removing Stockholder and Transfer of Stock for "DJ Golden Chicken Inc" at 6806 W Villard Av. (Expires 8/3/2022) The applicant was present Individuals also present: Ald. Spiker moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 02 HUANG, Steven, Agent for "Fu Xing No. 1 Inc", Food Dealer License Renewal Application with Removing Stockholder and Transfer of Stock for "No. 1 Chinese Restaurant" at 7512 W Appleton Av. (Expires 7/24/2022) The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 02 THAO, Moses, Agent for "HMONG TOWN MARKET, LLC", Food Dealer and Weights & Measures License Transfer Applications for Change of Floor Plan (Removing Sq. Footage from Northwest Corner) for "HMONG TOWN MARKET, LLC" at 8340 W APPLETON Av. The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 EITEL, Kristyn A, Agent for "BelAir Cantina Downer Inc", Class B Tavern, Food Dealer and Sidewalk Dining License Transfer Applications with Change of Agent, Removing Stockholders and Transfer of Stock for "BelAir Cantina Downer" at 2625 N DOWNER Av. The applicant was present. City of Milwaukee Page 7 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 Individuals also present: Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 EITEL, Kristyn A, Agent for "BELAIR CANTINA, INC", Class B Tavern, Food Dealer and Sidewalk Dining License Transfer Applications for Change of Agent, Removing Stockholders and Transfer of Stock for "BELAIR CANTINA" at 1935 N WATER St. The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ald. Spiker moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 BUDZISZEWSKI, Daniel V, Agent for "PB PARTNERS LLC", Temporary Change of Plan Application for Alcohol and Public Entertainment on the Street at the South End of the Premises for Riverwest 24 at Dino's on Saturday, July 30, 2022 12PM - 8PM for "Dino's" at 808 & 814 E CHAMBERS St. The applicant was not present. Individuals also present: Ms. Cervantes said that she has not heard from the applicant nor received objections. Ald. Borkowski moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) Ald. Spiker moved to reconsider the application at 1:53 pm. There were no objections. The applicant was present now who said that they want to be part of a Riverwest celebration. Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 HACKMAN, Brian, Agent for "GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH", Class B Special License Application for Grace End of Summer Block Party on Sunday, August 21, 2022 for "GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH" at 1209 N BROADWAY. The applicant was present. Individuals also present: Ms. Cervantes said that no objections were received. Ald. Borkowski moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) City of Milwaukee Page 8 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 CALHOUN, Kirlilah E, Agent for "Juice Game LLC", Food Dealer License Application for "Kwench Juice" at 2220 N Prospect Av. The applicant was not present. Ald. Dodd moved to hold the application to the call of the chair for first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) Ald. Spiker moved for reconsideration at 11:19 am The applicant was present now who said that she has retained an attorney for the incident on the police report. Individuals also present: Ald. Spiker moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton 03 MUSA, Alaa I, Agent for "CASABLANCA RESTAURANT, LLC", Class B Tavern, Food Dealer, Public Entertainment Premises and Sidewalk Dining License Renewal Applications for "CASABLANCA RESTAURANT" at 728 E BRADY St. (Expires 7/30/2022) The applicant was present along with Atty. Emil Obviagele. The applicant said that he has worked with the issues from the patio speakers, which is the first item on the police report, and regarding the second item, the applicant said that he was not present at the moment but that he is familiar with the patron who seems to have mental issues and who refused to leave the sidewalk. Individuals also present: Nasser Musa – (Manager) - said that he was present when the patron had the mental wreck down and, that the patron was not touched by the staff and that she was just being escorted on her way out. Atty. Obviagele asked the applicant if the incident from 6/20/22 happened after business hours. The applicant said that it happened after business hours and that he arrived as soon as he could. He said that the detectives and police were on the premises and that he helped them to retrieve the surveillance videos and that the deceased person was an employee. The applicant added that he reached out to the family of the deceased employee and that he provided a place where to grief to the family and the community. He also said that he is being trying to have a safe place where everyone is welcome. Individuals also present: Ald. Spiker asked regarding the August 4th incident – if Mr. Musa has shared his telephone number with his neighbors. The applicant said that he has and that the Alderperson and police know that they can share his personal cellphone number with the neighbors. Atty. Obviagele said that neighbors would get a response in real time because either the applicant or someone else will take upon it. City of Milwaukee Page 9 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 Ald. Spiker said that the reports from neighbors are very consistent with previous years of people making noise, leaving the bar and hanging out by their cars. The applicant said that the what’s app thread is meant to share any concerns and that the signage is going to be engaging patrons to be in compliance with respecting neighbors, no loitering and that he takes complaints from neighbors seriously. Ald. Spiker asked when the security guard was hired. The applicant said that he has had security over the years. Atty. Obviagele explained that they have increased the security since last year and that the metal detection equipment was not used because the incident happened after business hours. Ms. Musa (Manager) said that they were not using it because the patrons were frisked by hand which they find more efficient and faster on the busy nights. Ald. Spiker asked how the security guard had a gun when he was not supposed to. Atty. Brown said that the security guard received the ccw while being in probation. Ald. Coggs asked what the plan of operations says about security measures. Ms. Byrd said that metal detectors and bag searches are listed on the application. Ald. Coggs asked the applicant if he is willing to amend the plan of operations with doing hand searches starting at 8pm. Atty. Obviagele said that they are willing to do so. Ald. Spiker moved to amend the plan operations including doing hand searches starting at 8pm. Individuals in opposition: Tiffany Markwardt – said that no more neighbors are present because they just received the notice last Friday and that her community still have the same issues as last year but that they are not linked to Casablanca because the incidences happen either on Cass St and/or along on Brady St. She added that the applicant has not complied with the agreement from last year (closing earlier) and that she has missed work two times this year because of the shootings. She added that she lives across the street and that she already had a bullet going thru her house last year and she does not feel safe every time that a fight breaks up like it just happened recently. She said that she has seen patrons either leaving or entering the place making noise, littering, being loud and driving in the wrong direction on Cass St. She mentioned that they do not have parking available because Casablanca patrons take all of the street parking and that the noise is every day of the week. Ald. Spiker asked if the incidences happened after closing time. Ms. Markwardt said that happened after 10 pm and that her neighborhood is a young family neighborhood with children that cannot sleep at night because of the issues with Casablanca. Matthew Anchor - 804 and 808 E Brady St – said that he is the property owner of these two residences for over 20 years and that he has not been contacted by Casablanca at all. He added that the last couple of years have been a rampage of issues coming out from Casablanca and that he was there for a week while doing renovations in his building and he witnessed crazy behaviors from the patrons from Casablanca. James Lewis – 1693 N Cass St – said that he has lived over a year there and that all the parking spots are compromised. He added that that he has seen patrons coming out from Casablanca breaking in cars and that his dogs bark a lot because of all the commotion from this business and that he has videos to support his testimony. The applicant asked Mr. Lewis if he is willing to join the what’s app group. Mr. Lewis said that he would join it if he gets a telephone number to add. Jaden – Lives on Humboldt and Brady and that he stills deal with the same issues that his neighbors and that he thinks that closing earlier will not solve the problems. Individuals in support: Prabhu Kasthuriangaian – said that he lives on Humboldt Blvd and that he has reached out to the applicant to share the same concerns as the others neighbors and City of Milwaukee Page 10 LICENSES COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes July 18, 2022 that Mr. Musa took the time to explain him a plan and that he feels comfortable with it. Sedan Smith Sr – 4271 N Sherman Blvd - Said that he is the nephew of the deceased person and, that the applicant and his business sheltered him for grieving, and that this business is a representation of a community where everyone gets together. Servant Ventae Parrow Bay - 1312 N 13th St – said that he was part of the grieving experience. Shaterri Dotson - 2821 N Vel R Phillips – said that the service and the presence of the applicant are always good and that she feels welcome all the time. The following person were also in support: Ethan Bexley, Icaro Harris, Jasmine Griffin, Matthew Griffey, Minister Caliph Muabel. Danny Graybell, Thomas Holmes, Sandy Gallagher, Fadi Kurdi, Mia Fowler, Brandon Merino-Reyes, Jesus Ayala and Brenna Clarke, David Olson, Jennifer Schulheis and Cole Cobb. The applicant thanked the community for the opportunity of being here and said that he will reach out personally to the neighbors through what’s app platform or direct phone number. He added that violence is a disease that needs to be treated as such and that he encourages businesses and neighbors to have an open dialog in real time to address these issues right away. Atty. Obviagele said that the gun violence or the parking issues are not because of Casablanca. He added that many new apartment buildings do not have enough parking spaces and that we cannot let those who cause crime or disturbances to win by punishing business. Ms. Cervantes said that over the course of the year they received many emails from constituents with the same issues as the neighbors who participated today and, that she encourages the applicant to continue working with the Bid and neighbors. Ald. Borkowski moved approval with a warning letter based on the police report and on the willingness for the applicant to make a change working with neighbors and community. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) AMENDED Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton Ald. Spiker moved approval of the file #220343 as amended. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL Aye 4- Coggs, Borkowski, Dodd, and Spiker No 0 Excused 1- Hamilton The meeting was adjourned at 1:56 pm Yadira Melendez-H Staff Assistant This meeting can be viewed in its entirety through the City's Legislative Research Center at http://milwaukee.legistar.com/calendar. City of Milwaukee Page 11