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Meeting date/time:
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6/23/2023
9:00 AM
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Minutes status:
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Final
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Meeting location:
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Committee Room, City Hall
SPECIAL
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 DORSEY, Catlin, Agent for "ALAHE RED HOT LLC", Extended Hours Establishments and Food Dealer License Applications from 7AM to 3AM Sun to Sat; for "Dorsey's Pizza & Chicken" at 2627 W BURLEIGH St.
The applicant was not present.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Rainey said that the applicant is no longer pursuing this business but that she has not made the formal withdrawal of the applications. He said that he recommends denial based upon second nonappearance.
Ald. Borkowski moved denial based upon second nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Roll call
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Video
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230345
| 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 License Renewal Applications for "GAS DEPOT" at 2707 W BURLEIGH St. (Expires 7/6/2023)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Vincent Bobot. Atty. Bobot said that the common factor in the police report is that the employees and owner are very cooperative and that they follow the safety protocol. He also said that he talked to the applicant and that he will hire a professional to put up a mitigation plan. He added that he talked to Ald. Rainey who said that there is an issue with the landscaping and that they will look it up.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Borkowski said that there are seven items on the police report which many are involving guns and to hear Atty. Bobot saying that they were always cooperative and, that they will hire a professional to put up a safety plan is unacceptable. He added that there is no way that he will be supporting this application because it is insulting to think that is ok or that this is a new standard and that we all should be ashamed.
Individuals in support:
Donald Peterson - 3137 N 28th St – he said that they need the gas station open and that the operators are trying to do things better and that the owner is a good person.
Nigel Tucker - 2829 W Burleigh St – he said that the owner helped him when he needed it.
Ramont Philon - 2729 W Auer St. – said that Mohammad is a much respected person in the neighborhood and that he helps a lot.
Byron Benson - 3007 N 24th St - he said that he was homeless for over a year and that Mohammad gave him a job.
Ald. Rainey said that he agrees with Ald. Borkowski and that we do not have a proactive mitigation plan in place and that he does not feel comfortable moving forward.
Atty. Bobot said that this business has been a long standing one and operating in a challenging area. He added that the applicant is providing a service for people and that the community want him.
Ald. Borkowski said that part of the problem in the City is having an attorneys that are defending customers who are not proactive and 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 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 07 HILL, JR, Gerald W, Agent for "Luxury Creations LLC", Class B Tavern and Public Entertainment Premises License Applications Requesting 1 Pool Table for "Luxury Lounge" at 4862 W FOND DU LAC Av.
The applicant was present.
Mr. Cooney said that there is a hold from DNS for being less than 300 feet from a church.
Mr. Hill said that he wants to open a tobacco free hookah lounge with nice drinks and that he will respect the neighborhood and that he won’t interfere with the church hours.
Ald. Chambers asked the applicant if he was aware of the 300 feet rule.
The applicant said that he was not.
Ald. Brostoff asked what he means with non-tobacco hookah.
The applicant said that it is “shisha” which is only flavor.
Ald. Brostoff asked the applicant if he knows what is in the shisha.
The applicant said that he does not know.
Individuals in opposition:
Anthony Luckett – said that he is in opposition because the applicant disregard the fact that there is a church and a daycare next door. He added that this establishment will bring more police patrolling and that it will increase the littering which the daycare and the church (family oriented organizations) will be taking care of. He added that this means that the applicant is just looking out for himself and not for the neighborhood. He also said that the applicant won’t be in control of what patrons do outside.
Debra Renee Prophet – 4858 W Fond du Lac Av – said that they did not know what was happening when the applicant first moved in. She added that one of the daycare opens until midnight and that this business does not fit the neighborhood. She said that this is the first time that they have come here for something like this after 20 years of owning the building. She added that they have other issues on Fond du Lac Av like the reckless driving and, that they do not want to deal with issues like littering and loitering. She added that there is nothing against the applicant but that the bar is too close from the church.
Pastor Fernando Walker – 4860 W Fond du Lac Av – said that they use the building in collaboration and that they have canvassed the neighborhood within a 2-block radius. He added that the neighbors agree that the nature of the business does not match the neighborhood but that they like the applicant. He also mentioned that there is a 300 feet rule that must be respected.
Lisa Zolicofer - 4909 W Melvina St – said that this business will be disruptive to their lives and sleep in an area where family with little children live on top of the noise, loud music, traffic jams, violence, garbage, etc. She added that she has call the police on several occasions on the past 45 days. She also said that she is looking forward for Fond du Lac to be revitalized.
Pastor Toni – 3810 N 47th St – said that the applicant is a nice guy but that the lounge will bring trouble to the neighborhood.
Darrell – 4858 W Fond du Lac Av – said that it is not personal and that he does not know the applicant but that the negative activity of the business is not good for the next door’s positivity.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Rainey said that he recommends denial based on the 300 feet rule and the neighborhood testimony.
The applicant asked the committee not to be judged for how the neighborhood was in the past. He said that he is trying to be a better person and that he is not trying to disrespect the church at all.
Ald. Chambers said that the fact of the applicant testifying that he did not know the 300 feet rule and that his bar is ready to open raises an issue for him because people are making investments without being approved. He recommended in general, to take the time to do some research prior investing.
Ald. Chambers moved denial based on the proximity to the church and the neighborhood testimony.
There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 03 ALOUL, Kahled S, Agent for "Mac & Cheese World LLC", Extended Hours Establishments and Food Dealer License Renewal Applications Removing Stockholder and Transfer of Stock for "Mac Shack" at 1701 N HUMBOLDT Av. (Expired 3/28/2023)
The applicant was not present.
Mr. Cooney said that this is the second nonappearance.
Ald. Brostoff moved to hold the application to the call of the chair to reach out to them because they have been good members of the community and to find out why they have not appeared. There were no objections. (Prevailed 3-0)
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 3:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 03 SHKOUKANI, Kamal M, Agent for "The Gallery Food Hall LLC", Extended Hours Establishments and Food Dealer License Application from 7AM to 3:30AM Sun to Sat; for "The Gallery Food Hall" at 2335 N MURRAY Av.
The applicant was present.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Brostoff said that he talked to the applicant but asked him to talk about what he wants to do.
The applicant said that it is going to be a “To Go” spot and that the inside will be a gallery to feature different artists to be with the trend that it is going on in the community.
Ald. Borkowski asked why the applicant feels the need to be open until 3:30 am every night.
The applicant said that he applied for those hours to test the late hours since they are good for the food industry.
Ald. Borkowski said that he does not agree but that he respects Ald. Brostoff’s support to this business.
Ald. Brostoff moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 03 SINGH, Manpreet, Agent for "SERENITEA BOBA AND COCKTAILS LLC", Class B Tavern and Food Dealer License Applications for "SERENITEA" at 2575 N DOWNER Av.
The applicant was present who said that he owns another two locations at Bay Shore and Marquette University and that he is looking to open the same café concept but an upscale version for the third one.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Brostoff said that he held a neighborhood meeting, which was very active, and that there was a lot of commitment with the community.
Mr. Cooney read the amendments made to the application and that they are part of the file:
-No alcohol to go
-Closing at 12:30 am at the latest (barring special circumstances such as New Year’s and private events).
-No sales of just plain beer.
Ald. Brostoff moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Not available
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 03 SCHAEFER, Scott A, Agent for "Jack's American Pub, LLC", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises, Food Dealer and Sidewalk Dining License Renewal Applications for "Jack's American Pub" at 1323 E Brady St. (Expires 7/1/2023)
The applicant was not present.
Ald. Brostoff moved to hold the application to the call of the chair. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 01 MALLORY, Jaccari, Agent for "J&J MOTOR CARS LLC", Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealer's License Transfer Application with Change of Business Operations (Retail) for "J&J MOTOR CARS" at 5231 W VILLARD Av.
The applicant was not present.
Ald. Pratt moved denial based upon second nonappearance. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 03 WALKER, Rose-Marie, Agent for "Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.", Food Dealer License Renewal Application for "Little Caesars #305" at 2831 N Oakland Av. (Expires 7/11/2023)
Atty. Richard Donner appeared on behalf of the applicant.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Brostoff said that he has been hearing a lot about Little Caesars lately and that he has had a very different response than Ald. Westmoreland. He also said that there is a collaboration going on with the BID and that the agreements are part of the record.
Ald. Brostoff moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
The meeting paused at 10:55 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 11:02 a.m.
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 14 AKYIT, Kan, Agent for "Akyit LLC", Food Dealer License Renewal Application for "Lin Yaung Kyi" at 2808 S 13TH St. (Expired 3/29/2023)
The applicant was present.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Borkowski said that Ald. Dimitrijevic is not here but that the record shows photographs with illegal butchering of animals.
Ald. Coggs asked if it is in the police report.
Mr. Cooney said that is not on the police report but that the application was scheduled for an objection that we received from the Alderwoman’s office regarding food safety issues and butchering meats in the establishment and that we have the Health Department as well.
Lauren Woboril and Kristin Castillo both Consumer Environmental Health Supervisors appeared virtually with technical difficulties.
Ald. Borkowski said that this is not how a committee should be ran and that the Health Department must have been well prepared.
Ms. Woboril said that they have received several complaints and that they conducted inspections and that they have bring state and federal agencies in for the illegal butchery is done at the business and that they have closed down this business for this and other reasons.
Ms. Castillo said that they have a significant record of this operator processing illegally for quite some time and that it is documented with photos and video since November of 2022 for the illegal butchery of chicken and cow or goat.
Ms. Woboril said that they have received complaints and that they have conducted investigations and completed investigations and that it was very clear that this applicant has been butchering and processing meats without the proper licensing and that they had to bring in state and federal agencies to close this business down. She added that they were told that they could not that anymore and that they cannot acquire these meats from unlicensed facilities out of state either and that another complaint came that they were continuing with these operations. She added that the last visit was made a couple of weeks ago with one of the federal inspectors.
Ald. Chambers asked if they could elaborate more about what they saw.
Ms. Woboril said that there is a garage on the back, which is in unsanitary conditions, with blood on the floor, burned barrels with buns and animal parts, etc. She added that the transportation was also in unsanitary conditions.
Ald. Dimitrijevic was not present.
Ald. Brostoff moved to hold the application to the call of the chair. There were no objections.
The meeting paused at 11:15 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 11:28 a.m.
Ald. Brostoff moved to reconsider the application at 11:28 a.m.
Ald. Dimitrijevic is present now.
Ald. Coggs explained to Ald. Dimitrijevic that the Health Department gave an update of the meat slaughtered, that there is no police report and that no neighbors are present to testify.
Ald. Dimitrijevic said that she was waiting to see if there are any neighbors present and that they have been working with the Health Department for some cultural sensibility and that she has no issues with this item.
Ald. Borkowski said that we have about a hundred photos here with different stages of butchering animals, that the Health Department has explained how things have taken place in the back yard and that he is surprised that the Alderperson is so supportive.
Ald. Dimitrijevic said that there was a challenge for some cultural sensitivity, that the Health Department have updated their guidance, and that they need that this operator follows the recommendations made by the Health Department. She added that they started with some uncertainty, that the applicant provided clarity, and that she would like to see a warning letter on record in order to continue working with this operator.
Ald. Brostoff said that he wanted to make sure that we are all on the 10:30 a.m. application and that she is confident that the rodents and the health concerns are going to be taken care of with a warning letter.
Ald. Dimitrijevic asked if the Health Department suggested any adverse actions.
Ald. Coggs answered that the Health Department did not suggest an adverse action.
Ald. Dimitrijevic said that she wants to work with this operator and to have him to work in compliance and recommended approval with a warning letter.
Ald. Brostoff moved approval with a warning letter. There were no objections. (Prevailed 4-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 4:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 14 DODSON, Charmice L, Agent for "Bellis Bistro, LLC", Class B Tavern, Public Entertainment Premises and Food Dealer License Renewal Applications with Transfer of Stock and Adding Disc Jockey as Type of Entertainment for "Bellis Bistro" at 2643 S Kinnickinnic Av. (Expired 4/19/2023)
The applicant was not present.
Ald. Dimitrijevic that she was under the impression that they would be here today.
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 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 14 GONZALEZ, Francisco J, Agent for "El Tucanazo Taqueria Y Mariscos Corp", Class B Tavern and Food Dealer License Renewal Applications for "El Tucanazo Taqueria Y Mariscos" at 3261 S 13TH St. (Expires 7/27/2023)
The applicant was present.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Dimitrijevic asked at what time the shooting incident happened.
Sgt. Velasquez said that the victim was taken to the hospital after 1 a.m. per police report record.
Mr. Cooney said that the establishment closes at 11PM Sun – Thu and at 11:30 PM Fri & Sat.
Ald. Coggs asked if the report says the actual time when the incident occurred.
Sgt. Velasquez said that the only call for service that was received was from the hospital and, that the bartender confirmed that the shooting happened inside the premises.
The applicant said that the shooting incident happened inside the premises.
Ald. Dimitrijevic asked the applicant what time the shooting happened.
The applicant said about 11:15PM
Ald. Dimitrijevic said that she is in shock that the incident was not reported by the bartender/business and that it happened after closing hours and that she is concerned for both situations.
The applicant said that what happened is exactly what the police report says.
Ald. Dimitrijevic said that she does not like the lack of cooperation from the applicant and recommended a 10 day suspension.
Ald. Pratt moved approval with a ten (10) day suspension based upon the preponderance of the evidence in the police report and applicant testimony that demonstrates the operation results in a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 14 GHOTRA, Parminder S, Agent for "IGG, LLC", Class A Malt & Class A Liquor License Renewal Application for "Mi Tierra Food Mart" at 2901 S 13th St. (Expires 6/15/2023)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Vincent Bobot.
Individuals also present:
Ald. Dimitrijevic said that she has no objections.
Ald. Chambers moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
| AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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230345
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: 01 JABBAR, Nael N, Agent for "HOT SPOT SUPERMARKET, LLC", Class A Malt & Class A Liquor and Food Dealer License Renewal Applications for "I SHOP SUPERMARKET" at 2643 W ATKINSON Av. (Expires 7/30/2023)
The applicant was present along with Atty. Samantha Baker.
Atty. Baker said that for the record, they received the notice on Wednesday, June 21st
Individuals also present:
Mr. Cooney said that the notice went out on June 14th and that he cannot speak for the late delivering.
Atty. Baker said that for the record, that because they just received the notice on Wednesday, they attempted to subpoena several officers: Stephen Colwell, Ryan Maxi, Nicholas Kropp, Nora Burlo and James Terrell. She added that it was confirmed that Officers Maxi and Kropp were served personally last night and that she does not believe that they are in attendance right now. She also said that the other officers were not served because they were not in duty yesterday. She mentioned that the security guard mentioned in the police reports is here to testify.
Ald. Borkowski asked the committee to hold the application to the call of the chair because Atty. Baker just mentioned that they could not serve some officials and that the others are not here to testify and that he does not want that this issue is issued against us in court.
Atty. Farris said that his recommendation is to adjourn it.
Ald. Pratt moved to hold the application to the call of the chair. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0)
Ald. Brostoff just wanted to acknowledge all the people that is here to testify.
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
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Video
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