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Meeting date/time:
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7/18/2025
9:00 AM
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Minutes status:
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Final
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Meeting location:
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Room 301-B, Third Floor, City Hall
Special
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250536
| 0 | 1. | Ordinance | An ordinance relating to the license period for nonconsensual towing businesses.
Minutes note: Jim Bohl, Peter Knox and Jim Cooney appeared. | RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE | Pass | 5:0 |
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250542
| 0 | 2. | Ordinance | An ordinance relating to alcohol beverage establishment regulations and licensing procedures.
Minutes note: Ald. Westmoreland and Jim Cooney appeared. | RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE | Pass | 5:0 |
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Video
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250552
| 0 | 3. | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 01 WHIGHAM, Paul L, Agent for "Brunch All Day Cafe LLC", Class B Tavern License Application for "BRUNCH ALL DAY CAFE" at 3428 W VILLARD Av.
The applicant was present and said that this would be his second location and that he would like to sell wine slushies. Regarding the item on the police report, he said that it was an altercation with a tenant and that he did not appeared in court. He added that he paid the fine in full yesterday and that he has the receipt.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Pratt said that the she is happy that this business is expanding and moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 08 ANTONIO PEREZ, Lucia, Agent for "Guelaguetza Restaurante y Barra LLC", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises and Food Dealer Licenses Application Requesting Instrumental Musicians, Disc Jockey, Bands, Dancing by Performers, Patrons Dancing, Entertainment for Private Events and Alcohol Only Served w/Kitchen Open for "GUELAGUETZA RESTAURANTE Y BARRA" at 2537 W NATIONAL Av.
The applicant was present along with Atty. Halbrooks and Pauline Bell as interpreter.
The applicant said that her plan is to sell Mexican native food from Oaxaca.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Zamarripa said that this location has had its history with the last business being there for a year and not renewed. She also said that it is her understanding that there is an amendment.
Atty. Halbrooks requested that the closing time be 12am Sun-Sat and to withdraw the PEP application to work with special permits for a year for special events. He also said that her client lives in the neighborhood, and that they won’t let the building go where it was with the previous tenant.
Ald. Zamarripa said that according to the offline conversation they are amending the PEP application to 5 amusement machines and removal of the rest types of entertainment and; to work with special permits for special events.
Atty. Halbrooks agreed.
Ald. Zamarripa moved to amend the plan of operations to close at 12am Sun-Sat and to amend the Public Entertainment Premises application to 5 amusement machines only and to apply for temporary permits for special events like Quinceaneras. There were no objections.
Ald. Zamarripa moved approval as amended. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 08 OSTOS DOMINGUEZ, Gabriel, Agent for "Antojitos El Muelle LLC", Food Dealer and Food Peddler Licenses Renewal Application for "ANTOJITOS EL MUELLE" at 3300 W LINCOLN Av. (Expires 8/13/2025)
The applicant was present along with his son Mr. Ostos as interpreter.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Individuals in objection:
Carly Hegarty (MHD) said that the applicant was found operating without running water for proper hand washing in three occasions and that the business has pending fines for re-inspection as well.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Zamarripa asked Ms. Hegarty if the applicant received a warning for the first time.
Ms. Hegarty said that it is correct and that the applicant did not fill up the tank.
Ald. Zamarripa said that it seems that it is an ongoing issue with food trucks and that the applicant has to do the work to have water available to operate properly.
The applicant said that he will use a heater to keep the pipes warm.
Ald. Zamarripa said that there are several options available including insulation for the pipes and that he can reach out to the MHD for options to serve food safely.
Ald. Zamarripa moved approval with a warning letter. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 08 MARTINEZ- PEREZ, Hermelindo, Agent for "Taqueria El Arriero LLC", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises and Food Dealer Licenses Application Requesting Jukebox and 4 Amusement Machines for "TAQUERIA EL ARRIERO" at 3530 W NATIONAL Av.
The applicant was present along with Sam Dawson as interpreter.
The applicant said that he wants to sell food with alcohol beverages and that he is thinking to close at 12am instead based on the feedback from neighbors.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Zamarripa said that she talked to the applicant regarding the amendment and that some neighbors and stakeholders are present to testify.
Individuals in objection:
Kevin Solis (VIA Manager) – said that the office is located next door from this premises and that most of the business close at 5 pm because it is a residential area. He added that this application does not add any value to the area and that the organization supports business models like the previous one.
Jeff Sponcia (717 S 36th St) – said that he is also a commercial property owner in the area and that his family welcomes the restaurant portion but they are hesitant with tavern especially with the service hours because of the noise, disruptions and behaviors associated with alcohol. He also wants to ask the applicant not to over serve patrons due the serious car crash that happened on National Av.
Ald. Zamarripa said that she talked to neighbors and stakeholders and that they are asking that the applicant close at 11pm and that the applicant and his spouse are willing to close at 12am.
The applicant said that he wants to amend the application to close at 12am.
Ald. Zamarripa asked the applicant if he wants to amend the application to remove the jukebox.
The applicant agreed.
Ald. Zamarripa moved to amend the Public Entertainment Premises by removing the Jukebox. There were no objections.
Ald. Zamarripa said that she appreciates the compromise of the applicant and moved to amend the application to close at 12am.
There were no objections.
Ald. Zamarripa moved approval as amended. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 4:1 |
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Video
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 MOHAMMAD, Younas I, Agent for "A&I Petroleum, LLC", Extended Hours Establishments, Filling Station, Food Dealer and Weights & Measures Licenses Renewal Application for "GAS DEPOT" at 2707 W BURLEIGH St. (Expires 7/30/2025)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Maistelman and Ramont Philon (employee).
Atty. Maistelman went through the police report items and said that this business has been in extended hours operation for more than 20 years.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Chambers said that from his personal observation, item 26 with expired food is an issue reported by his siblings in the area.
Atty. Maistelman said that he has discussed this issue with his client and that there will be only one warning for the employees who do not check the expiration dates and will lose their job if a second time happens.
Individuals in support:
Carol Polk - 3060 N 28th St – said that she is on the fence because she just met with the applicant at the store and that her job is to clean up the neighborhood from garbage and people loitering around. She added that after meeting with MPD and the alderperson’s assistant; the applicant told her that he needs to keep the store open all the time because it would be robbed otherwise.
Ambrose Rhodes - 2916 N 27th St – said that the applicant has been his friend since he started the business, that he comes to this place often to also talk about the problems they see because he has lived in the community since 1970. He added that they need more police presence in order to keep businesses there. He also said that he has not gotten any expired foods from this establishment.
Tara Hudson – 2613 N Vel R Phillips - said that she has a big family and that she can go there anytime when she needs it, that she feels safe and that the food is good.
Darren Divo – 3039 N 28th St – said that businesses are closing around and that the gas station must remain open with the extended hours and that the applicant is a good community partner.
Willy Locket – 2145 N 21st St - security guard for 3 years – said that the applicant has done everything to keep the business safe and that he is a good man.
Andre Goodone – 4543 N 35th St – said that he also works for the applicant and that he is a good person with everyone.
Ald. Jackson said that the applicant must build some trust in the area and to work with Amani.
Christal West – 2444 N 31th St - (Neighbor and Ecomonic and Development Chair for Amani) said that she needs to make sure that they work on the issues like garbage, loitering and also asked the applicant to attend the meetings to be connected with the neighbors and be present in different ways.
Atty. Maistelman said that the applicant will hook up the cameras with MPD, will be adding more “no trespassing” signs around, will conduct more clean-up checks and will be paying attention to the rotation of the products to avoid expired items.
Ald. Chambers moved to amend the plan of operations to hook up the cameras with MPD, adding more “no trespassing” signs around, to conduct more clean-up checks and to check the expiration dates. There were no objections.
Ald. Chambers moved approval as amended with a warning letter. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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Video
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 ISSA, Ahmad H, Agent for "Aadam Food LLC", Food Dealer License Renewal Application for "JAY'S FOOD" at 4402 W CENTER St. (Expired 6/10/2025)
The applicant was present and regarding the police report he said that everything has been take care of, that there is a neighbor that since March has been acting ridiculous but that he has been arrested for multiple reasons.
Individuals in objection:
Peter Blewett – 2750 N 45th St - said that he was impressed with the business at the beginning but that he cannot say that anymore. He added that the ongoing problems are parking, garbage, loitering and that the applicant is not working with the neighbors as he said he would.
The applicant said that he has never spoken to Mr. Blewett before and asked him if he has evidence that the loitering is related to his business.
Mr. Blewett said that he does not have evidence.
Coree Coppinger – 2700 N 45th St - said that they have a signed agreement and that the security lights have been off for 4 months now. She added that the security lights should be working continuously as this is a very dangerous corner.
Ald. Jackson said that this location is a challenge with the high school across the street and that there are other businesses there. He also said that he spoke with the property owner, who will fix the lights on the alley fixed and also noted that he is not responsible for lighting the alley. He added that the police report has gone from 9 items to 3 and that there is a progress.
The applicant said that he will talk to the property owner to connect the surveillance cameras to MPD and that he is always happy to work with all the members in the community.
Ald. Chambers moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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Video
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 QASEM, Essam M, Agent for "Yazen Enterprise LLC", Food Dealer License Renewal Application for "2 BROTHERS GROCERY & TOBACCO" at 4326 W BURLEIGH St. (Expires 9/14/2025)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Maistelman.
Atty. Maistelman said that the first item on the police report happened before his client purchased the business and that the business was cooperative with the investigation just as on items 2 and 3.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Jackson asked the applicant what changes have been done after the police report incidents.
The applicant said that a bulletproof glass, new surveillance cameras and a door lock emergency button have been installed.
Ald. Jackson said that he has no objections.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Ald. Chambers moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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Not available
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 DIGGS, Gloria D, Agent for "Splendicare Bar and Grill Limited Liability Company", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises and Food Dealer Licenses Renewal Application Adding Patrons Dancing, Removing Stockholder and Transfer of Stock for "PLAY BY PLAY" at 3910 W FOND DU LAC Av. (Expired 6/7/2025)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Gimbel.
The police report was read.
Ald. Chambers asked Ms. Lopez if there is a restriction with the use/noise of the patio on the application.
Ms. Lopez said that there is nothing on the record but found some reference in the minutes from last year with no music on the patio.
Atty. Gimbel said that the applicant removed the speakers on the patio since the last renewal and that the noise comes from loud patrons and that citations have been issued to his client. He also mentioned that the complaints come from one person and that the applicant will soundproof the patio with a wall and soundproof tiles to prevent these issues. He also said that the applicant held the annual neighborhood meeting and that only two neighbors showed up and the complainer on file did not attend it.
The applicant said that she did not know that the sound was traveling that far and that is why she took the speakers off from the patio, that she has not played music since then and that she has talked to acoustical engineers to work on how to muffle the sound. She also said that she has filed the noise variance with BOZA and that Ald. Jackson is aware.
Atty. Gresham said that it would be improper to use the citations and suggested to keep the items open.
Individuals in objection:
Martha Brock – 3344 N 39th St – said that she was here last year and testified about what was going on back then and that she still in opposition due the noise complaints, garbage, loitering, people urinating on the ground and people having sex on the ground, among bushes and in the vehicles. She also explained that the problem is the outdoor bar where people hang around.
Ald. Chambers suggested the applicant to have additional security guards to not disrupt the neighbors.
Atty. Gimbel said that the police report does not reflect the issues that Ms. Brock has mentioned.
Ald. Zamarripa asked the applicant why she keeps saying “that she is going to do it” when the same discussion was held last year.
Atty. Gimbel said that the applicant has a pending application with BOZA for that matter, that she has a decibel meter, and that she submits the readings to MPD.
Ms. Lopez said that last year’s meeting minutes reflect that the applicant will remove the patio speakers.
The applicant agreed to include that action into the plan of operations.
Ald. Chambers moved to amend the plan of operations with removing the music/speakers off the patio. There were no objections.
Ald. Zamarripa asked the applicant if all the entertainment will be held indoors only.
The applicant said that it will be indoors only.
Ald. Chambers moved to amend the plan of operations to reflect that all the types of entertainment will be held indoors only. There were no objections.
Ald. Chambers moved approval with a warning letter as amended and holding items 18, 19 and 24 to 31 open. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 NGUYEN, Sheila T, Agent for "Options LLC", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises and Food Dealer Licenses Renewal Application with Change of Hours From Closing 11:59PM Sun-Thu To Close 2AM for "OPTIONS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE" at 4747 N HOPKINS St. (Expires 7/25/2025)
The applicant was present with Justin Forney (manager).
The applicant said that regarding the items on the police report, she has filed a Loading Zone application in order to keep the entrance clear while they operate their business and that they placed the cones for the safety of their patrons.
Mr. Forney said that regarding the items on the police report, some patrons get upset when they are thrown out and call MPD to report issues on the business.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Burgelis asked why the business do not provide the surveillance to MPD when requested.
Mr. Forney said that there was an issue with the cameras during the construction phase.
Ald. Burgelis said that the applicant is expected to comply.
The applicant explained that they were busy and short staffed when it was requested and that MPD did not follow up later.
Individuals in support:
Monique Simmons – 4739 N Hopkins St – said that the business walks women to their cars, that they pick up garbage around and that there are no noise issues.
Ald. Jackson said that he has no objections.
Ald. Zamarripa asked the applicant if she is in communication with the community liaison officer.
Mr. Forney said that they are working on the parking issues with them.
Ald. Chambers moved approval with a warning letter. (Prevailed 4-1)
| AMENDED | Pass | 4:1 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 MADRIGAL VILLAGOMEZ, Ignacio G, Agent for "Ya Llegaras Food LLC", Food Dealer and Food Peddler Licenses Renewal Application for "YA LLEGARAS FOOD" at 1207 W LINCOLN Av. (Expired 6/2/2025)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Durrani and San Dawson as interpreter.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez said that the licensee has held this license for a short period and would like to hold it in order to have a conversation.
The applicant agreed.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Ald. Pratt moved to hold the application to the call of the chair. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0)
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 4:0 |
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Video
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 RENTERIA ROMERO, Cynthia, Agent for "El Carboncito LLC", Food Peddler License Renewal Application for "EL CARBONCITO" at 830 W GREENFIELD Av. (Expires 8/13/2025)
The applicant was present.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez said that this application was scheduled due a neighbor complain regarding the sign and that he let DNS to chime in. He added that he has no objections.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Ald. Pratt moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 ANTUNEZ JIMENEZ, Maricela, Agent for "Taqueria Parrilla Mixe LLC", Food Peddler Licenses Renewal Application for "TAQUERIA PARRILLA MIXE" at 1116 W HISTORIC MITCHELL St. (Expires 8/21/2025)
The applicant was present along with Sam Dawson as interpreter.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez said that this application was scheduled due a neighbor complain regarding blocking the traffic. He also said that he has no objections if the objector is not here to testify.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Ald. Pratt moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 4:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 ANTUNEZ JIMENEZ, Jose Luis, Agent for "Taqueria El Tizne LLC", Food Dealer and Food Peddler Licenses Renewal Application for "TAQUERIA EL TIZNE" at 1100 W HISTORIC MITCHELL St. (Expires 7/25/2025)
The applicant was present along with Elida Martinez and Sam Dawson as interpreter.
The applicant said that they have complied with the parking instructions cited on the police report. They also said that they are in the area but moving around.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez said that he has no objections.
Ald. Chambers moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 PEREZ MARTINEZ, Toribio, Agent for "Taqueria El Toro LLC", Food Peddler License Renewal Application for "TAQUERIA EL TORO LLC" at 551 W HISTORIC MITCHELL St. (Expired 4/26/2025)
The applicant was not present.
Ald. Brower moved to hold the application to the call of the chair upon first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 PICA FUENTES, Maritza Ivette, Agent for "Ivette Sanitation LLC", Class B Tavern and Public Entertainment Premises Licenses Renewal Application for "PUNTA CANA" at 2000 S 13TH St. (Expires 9/23/2025)
The applicant was present.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez said that he has talked to the applicant and that this application must be held in order to have a proper conversation with MPD prior the hearing.
The applicant agreed.
Ald. Burgelis moved to hold the application to the call of the chair. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 SINGH, Gurpreet, Agent for "Five Rivers Enterprise LLC", Class B Tavern and Food Dealer Licenses Application for "MAX LIQUOR AND FOOD" at 1401 W GREENFIELD Av.
The applicant was present and said that this is his first business and that he will keep the current business model (liquor store with restaurant).
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez asked Ms. Lopez if this application is consistent with what it is on file for the current one.
Ms. Lopez confirmed it is.
Ald. Perez said that he has no objections.
Ald. Chambers moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 HERNANDEZ VAZQUEZ, Marco Antonio, Agent for "Seafood and Grocery Store LLC", Class A Fermented Malt License Application for "SEAFOOD AND GROCERY STORE" at 1948 W FOREST HOME Av.
The applicant was not present.
Ald. Pratt moved to hold the application to the call of the chair upon first nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0) | HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 12 ALBANIL COYOLT, Ruben, Agent for "Sky Pub and Grill LLC", Class B Tavern License Renewal Application for "SKY BAR" at 1339 S 7TH St. (Expires 7/30/2025)
The meeting paused at 12:27 pm
The meeting reconvened at 12:36 pm
The applicant was present along with Atty. Maistelman and Yadira Melendez as interpreter.
The police report was read.
Atty. Maistelman said that they have no questions on the police report.
There were no neighbors present to testify.
Atty. Maistelman said that his client is requesting to withdraw his applications.
The applicant requested to maintain the provisional until it expires.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Perez objected to the request to keep the provisional.
MPD is not providing any further testimony based upon the withdrawal of the applicant per Atty. Helsel.
Atty. Gresham said that withdrawing voluntarily removes the necessity for a hearing.
Atty. Gresham asked Ms. Lopez whether or not a provisional is tied to an active license or ongoing application.
Ms. Lopez said that the requirement for a provisional is to have a renewal license application on file, that a provisional license is an extension of the current one and that it is tight to a renewal.
Atty. Maistelman said that he agrees with what Ms. Lopez explained.
Atty. Gresham said that this is a technicality that he rather have it resolved at the table.
Atty. Maistelman said that his client wants to withdraw the renewal application and to remain open until the provisional licenses expires.
Ms. Lopez said that the applicant can operate until the active license expires on July 30, 2025.
The applicant expressed that he is trying to sell the building and that likely will not happen with an expired license.
Atty. Gresham said that if the applicant is unwilling to surrender the provisional license he might get a closing order the same day.
Ald. Perez asked what a valid license would do for the sale.
The applicant said that the property value includes the license which is $260,000 and with the provisional is extending the purchasing period.
Atty. Gresham said that there is no persisting value for having a license and that new owner would have to apply for its own licenses.
Ald. Chambers explained the applicant that the current license will expire on July 30, 2025 and that the provisional license has no bearing or anything to do with a license and that it will be a simple building transaction between the seller and the buyer with no license property rights.
Atty. Maistelman said that they withdrew the application and that it should be the end of the hearing.
Atty. Helsel agreed with Atty. Maistelman.
The application withdrawal was accepted. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0)
Ald. Pratt was excused during this application.
| AMENDED | Pass | 4:0 |
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250552
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: Ald. Brower moved approval of the File 250552 as amended. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0) | RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL | Pass | 4:0 |
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