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Meeting Name: LICENSES COMMITTEE Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 1/27/2009 8:00 AM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: Room 301-B, City Hall
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Minutes Minutes  
Meeting video: eComment: Not available  
Attachments:
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081128 01.OrdinanceAn ordinance relating to the residency requirement for a precious metal and gem dealer’s license.

Minutes note: The ordinance makes residency in the State of Wisconsin a requirement, not residency in the City of Milwaukee. Ald. Kovac moves for passage. Prevailed 3-0. (Ald. Hamilton and Ald. Zielinski excused)
RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGEPass3:0 Action details Not available
081062 02.MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.    Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: GARCIA, Victoria, Class “D” Bartender application. Ald. Coggs moves to deny based on non-appearance. Prevailed 3-0. (Ald. Zielinski and Ald. Hamilton excused) The applicant contacted the License Division and asked that the application be held. Ald. Zielinski moves to reconsider. Prevailed 5-0. Ald. Coggs moves to hold to the call of the chair. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: MACHNITZKY, Michael F.K., Class “D” Bartender renewal application. (expired 12-31-08) Special Letter Applicant at the table, 1002 S. 3rd St., #207. Grant by Ald. Kovac with a 60 day suspension based on the police report. Failed 1-2 (Ald. Bohl and Coggs voting "no") Grant by Ald. Kovac with a 30 day suspension based on the police report. Prevailed 2-1 (Ald. Coggs voting "no", Ald. Zielinski and Ald. Hamilton excused)
AMENDEDPass2:1 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 04 THOME-JOHN, Susan K., Agent for “George Watts & Son, Inc.”, Class “C” Wine – Service Bar Only application for “Watts” at 761 N. Jefferson Street. Ald. Coggs moves to hold to the call of the chair. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused)
AMENDEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 04 ANTONOPOULOS, Constantino N., Agent for “Meze Café & Lounge, Inc.”, Class “B” Tavern and Tavern Amusement (Cabaret/Nite Club) applications for “Meze Café & Lounge” at 785 N. Jefferson Street. New Location Special Letter Ald. Bauman has requested that the application be held until he can appear at committee to represent his district. Ald. Kovac moves to hold the call of the chair. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused) Ald. Bauman now present at committee and is at the table with the applicant. Ald. Hamilton moves to reconsider. Prevailed 5-0. Ald. Bauman at the table with the applicant. No neighbors objectors present when called. Mario Pappas, 9536 Oleander Ave., Morton Grove, IL, also at the table. He is a corporate officer. Ald. Zielinski moves to make a plan of operation for the establishment part of the record. Prevailed 5-0. (Exhibit 1) Ald. Bauman say that he is has not opposition to the Tavern license, but he opposed to the cabaret/nite club license. Mr. Pappas says that he is running an "ethnic" establishment and anticipates that patrons will want to get up and dance when music is played. The applicant's are informed that they can have patrons dance with a Tavern Dance license. The applicants say that they would like a Tavern Dance license instead of a Tavern Amusement license. Ald. Hamilton moves to grant the licenses as amended. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 04 CLAUSEN, Christina S., Agent for “Hush, LLC”, Class “B” Tavern and Tavern Dance applications for “Hush” at 240 N. Milwaukee Street. New Location Special Letter Ald. Kovac moves to hold to the call of the chair. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused)
AMENDEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 10 BARROW, Jewel C., Agent for “Midwest Rides, LLC”, Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealer application for “Midwest Rides” at 5401 W. Lisbon Avenue. New Location Special Letter Applicant at the table, 3355 N. 38th St. Ben Weiland, Legislative Aide for District 10, also at the table. Mr. Weiland says that Ald. Murphy would like the application held so the alderman can speak with the applicant. No neighborhood objectors present when called. Ald. Hamilton moves to hold to the call of the chair. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 13 TERRONES, Enrique, Class “B” Tavern renewal application with change of hours and NEW Tavern Dance application for “Primos Place” at 1631 W. Grant Street. (expires 3-7-09) Special Letter Appplicant at the table, 1623 W. Grant St. Attorney Michael Knoeller, counsel for the applicant, also at the table. Ald. Witkowski also at the table. He says that he does not support the application for Tavern Dance and wants some kind of adverse action taken against the applicant for items on the police report. Atty. Knoeller says that item 16 on the police report deals with retaliation to an employee of the bar because of a previous occurrence at the bar with patrons that had been removed. No neighborhood objectors present when called. Ald. Kovac moves to make the entire police report part of the record. Prevailed 5-0. The applicant agrees to withdraw the Tavern Dance application. Ald. Hamilton moves to accept the withdrawal of the Tavern Dance application. Prevailed 5-0. Ald. Coggs expressed concern with the lack of cooperation of the applicant with the police. Ald. Kovac moves to grant with a 10-day suspension based on the police report. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 07 WILLIAMS, Arthur R., Agent for “AR Williams, LLC”, Class “B” Tavern and Tavern Amusement (Cabaret/Nite Club) renewal applications with change of hours and entertainment for “The Mecca” at 3801 W. Hampton Avenue. (expired 12-10-08) Special Letter Applicant not appearing. Ald. Hamilton moves to deny based on non-appearance. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 08 HERNANDEZ, Graciela, Agent for “Mi Pais, LLC”, Class “A” Malt application for “Mi Pais” at 3911 W. Greenfield Avenue. New Location Special Letter Applicant at the table, 717 S. 123rd, West Allis. Ald. Donovan also at the table. Ald. Donovan has no objections to the license. Ald. Witkowiak at the table. He says that the other store that the applicant operates, in his district, is very well-operated. Ald. Kovac moves to grant. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 08 PHIFER, Linda D., Class “B” Tavern and Tavern Dance applications with an age distinction of 25 years of age and older for “Rhapsody’s Entertainment Lounge” at 2338 W. Forest Home Avenue. Special Letter Applicant at the table, 2878 N. Sherman Blvd. Ald. Donovan also at the table. The applicant says that she has operated bars in the past and that the establishment will be a jazz club with a restriction of 25 years of age and up. Talaya Watson, 2878 N. Sherman Blvd., manager of the establishment, also at the table. She says that there will be an older crowd at the establishment. Ald. Donovan is in opposition to the license due to the concentration of alcohol outlets in the neighborhood. No neighborhood objectors present when called. Ald. Zielinski moves to make the concentration map dated January 1, 2009 centered on 2338 W. Forest Home Ave. part of the record. Prevailed 5-0. Ms. Phifer says that her establishment will be different from other liquor establishments in the area. She also says that she does not tolerate graffitti or litter on her property and that the establishment will have a security guard at the door. Ald. Donovan says that the business that was at the location previously was a restaurant, not a bar. Ald. Hamilton says that he feels uncomfortable not giving the operators a chance at the location. Ald. Zielinski moves to deny based on over-concentration of alcohol beverage outlets in the area. Prevailed 4-1. (Ald. Hamilton voting "no")
AMENDEDPass4:1 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 08 PEARMAN, Lang E., Class “A” Liquor & Malt application for “Beer ‘n Tobacco” at 4306 W. Forest Home Avenue. New Location Special Letter Applicant at the table, 3622 N. 61st St. Ald. Donovan also at the table. The applicant says that he will have security guards and security cameras. Neighborhood objectors present: Peter Fleming, 3059 S. 39th St., is opposed to the license. He believes that there are too many alcohol and tobacco outlets in the area. Ken Franzen, 3002 S. 46th St., president of the Jackson Park Community Association, is opposed to the license. He says that there are already too many liquor stores in the area and that there is not enough parking for the business in the area. Mr. Frantzen also believes it will create too much traffic. Mr. Pearman asks if Mr. Frantzen would be opposed to any successful business in the area if it would create high traffic. Mr. Frantzen says that he is mostly concerned with there not being enough parking for the business. Ald. Zielinski moves to make the aerial map of the proposed location submitted by a neighborhood objector part of the record. Prevailed 5-0. (Exhibit 1) Ald. Dudzik at the table. Lola Hospel, 3002 S. 44th St., is opposed to the license. She says that the establishment is near Manitoba School and would be an additional enticement to students to buy junk food. Ald. Donovan says that he is in opposition due to concentration of alcohol outlets in the area. He says that the number of outlets is even greater than a concentration map shows because it does not take into account the outlets in Greenfield and West Milwaukee. Ald. Dudzik opposes the license because of concentration of alcohol outlets in the area. The location is on the border of his district. He also says that constituents in the area are mostly opposed to the license. Ald. Kovac moves to make a concentration map of alcohol beverage outlets dated January 1, 2009 centered on 4306 W. Forest Home Ave. part of the record. Prevailed 5-0. (Exhibit 2) Ald. Zielinski moves to deny based on neighborhood objections. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 08 MENDEZ, Vickey L., Agent for “Mendez, Inc.”, Class “B” Tavern, Tavern Dance, Video Game Center and Billiard Hall renewal applications with change of hours for “The Last Chance” at 3235 W. Scott Street. (expires 2-21-09) Special Letter Applicant at the table, 3235 W. Scott St. Alderman Donovan also at the table. Ald. Zielinsk moves to make the entire police report part of the permanent record. Prevailed 5-0. Ald. Kovac moves to make the additional information including the previous complaint from the police department and 104 pages of additional documents part of the permanent record. Prevailed 5-0. Ms. Mendez says that she is trying to run a good establishment and that she is working with the neighbors. She also says that she has never seen any gang members in the establishment and that she was unaware of any previous drug activity until it was brought to her attention. Neighborhood objector present: Claire Zellner, 3224 W. Scott St., is opposed to a license. She says that she kept a log of things that she observed and that she has witnessed public urination, heard loud music and loud patrons, and witnessed parking problems. She has picked up beer bottles from her property left by patrons of the bar. Ms. Zellner says that a neighborhood meeting was held with the area's police liaison at the bar, which she thought was not a neutral location. She says that the problems at the bar were not discussed at the neighborhood meeting and that the meeting was more for the neighbors to become more familiar with each other. Ald. Zielinski moves to accept a log of observations and pictures submitted by a neighborhood objector part of the record. Prevailed 5-0. (Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2) Ms. Mendez says that some of the beer cans and bottles that are in the submitted pictures are not sold at the bar. Ms. Mendez says that she goes out everyday and picks up litter around the property. Ms. Zellner requests that the Tavern Dance license be not be renewed even if the Tavern license is approved. Valdemar Gonzalez, 3234 W. Scott St., lives across the street from the bar. He is opposed to the license. He says that there is not just a jukebox at the location, but that music is being played with large speakers. Mr. Gonzalez says that the bar is out of control. Capt. Donald Gaglione, Commander of District 6, at the table. He testified about the Vice Control Division's investigation at the tavern. Two police officers at the table: Ofc. Todd Bohlen of the Neighborhood Task Force was previously assigned to the Gang Squad and investigated activities at the tavern. He says that there was a gang member employed at the bar and selling drugs at the bar. He also says he saw numerous gang members at the location on certain nights. Ofc. Gwen Lazo of District 2 was previously assigned to the Anti-Gang Unit. She is testifying about the previous drug activity in the bar. Ms. Mendez says that she is not able to identify gang members. Capt. Gaglione says that the police have spent a significant amount of resources in the neighborhood to fight crime and says that noise problems and drug activity in the tavern make it a nuisance in the neighborhood. Ald. Donovan says that the applicant has lost control of the bar, and that he is opposed to the licenses being renewed. Ald. Zielinski moves to deny based on police report, neighborhood objections and police testimony. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 01 ABDALLAH, Ahmad A., Agent for “ASR, Inc.”, Class “A” Liquor & Malt renewal application for “Villard Foods” at 5123 W. Villard Avenue. (expires 2-21-09) Special Letter Applicant at the table, 6901 S. 34th St. Othman Atta, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. #5181, and Fadi Hussein, son of the applicant, at the table as witnesses for the applicant. Mr. Atta says that the incident on the police report involving a shooting was self-defense against an assailant at the store. Ald. Hamilton says that the store is a good business and that he has no objections. No neighborhood objectors present when called. Ald. Hamilton moves to grant despite items contained in the notice. Prevailed 5-0.
AMENDEDPass5:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 12 COWEN, JR, Leeroy J., Class “B” Tavern renewal application with change of hours for “Lee’s Place” at 2690 S. 13th Street. (expires 3-1-09) Special Letter Applicant at the table, 2690 S. 13th St. Ald. Witkowiak also at the table. No neighborhood objectors present when called. Ald. Witkowiak says that there have been no neighborhood complaints received about the establishment and that he does not have any objections to the license renewal. Ald. Kovac moves to grant with a warning letter based on the police report. Prevailed 3-0. (Ald. Zielinski and Ald. Hamilton excused)
AMENDEDPass3:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 12 SALEM, Saleh M., Agent for “Sal & Sal Group, LLC”, Class “B” Tavern and Tavern Dance renewal applications with change of member, shareholder and hours for “Club Fuego” at 430 S. 2nd Street. (expires 2-25-09) Special Letter Applicant at the table, 3776 S. 25th St. Ald. Witkowiak also at the table. Gary Shovers, 1070 E. Thorn Lane, owner of the building, also at the table. No neighborhood objectors present when called. Ald. Bohl says that numerous e-mails were received by the local alderman detailing complaints about the establishment. Ald. Witkowiak says that he has received complaints from constituents in the area, but he notified them that they would have to appear at the Licenses Committee to object to the license. Ald. Witkowiak also said that he visited the establishment and found no problems there and that the majority of complaints that he has received involves behavior of patrons at closing time, which was addressed at a neighborhood meeting. Ald. Witkowiak says that the applicant has agreed to work on the problems at closing time. Ald. Hamilton moves to grant with a warning letter despite the police report. Prevailed 3-0. (Ald. Zielinski and Ald. Coggs excused)
AMENDEDPass3:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 02 RASHADA, Kamilah, Class “A” Liquor & Malt application for “Boss Lady Store” at 6109 W. Fond du Lac Avenue. New Location Special Letter Applicant at the table, 3338 N. 37th St. Ald. Davis, Sr. also at the table. Ms. Rashada says that she wants to add alcohol to her already existing business to raise her profit margin. Neighborhood objectors present: Pilar Carrington-Ahmad, 6033 W. Baldwin St., is opposed to the license. She says that almost every four or five blocks there is a alcohol beverage outlet and that the neighborhood does not need another alcohol beverage outlet. Ms. Rashada says that she does not forsee any problems with loitering and littering at her location. Bilal Ahmad, 6033 W. Baldwin St., is opposed to the license. He says that he does not see a need for another liquor store in the neighborhood. He also mentions the location's proximity to two churches and a day care center. Mr. Schrimpf cites liquor licenses being prohibited by state statutes from being within 300 feet of a church or a school. He also says that the prohibition can be waived by the Common Council. Ald. Davis says that he opposes the license due to the affect on the safety, health and welfare of the neighborhood, as well as due to overconcentration of alcohol beverage outlets in the area. Ald. Hamilton moves to make a concentration map dated January 1, 2009 centered on 6109 W. Fond du Lac Ave. part of the record. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused)(Exhibit 1) The applicant says that she will withdraw the application. Ald. Kovac moves to accept the withdrawal of the application. Prevailed 3-0. (Ald. Coggs and Ald. Zielinski excused)
AMENDEDPass3:0 Action details Not available
081062 0 MotionMotion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relative to various licenses.

Minutes note: 02 CHAVIS, Andrea N., Agent for “Diamond Food & Beverages, Inc.”, Class “B” Tavern and Record Spin renewal applications and request to withdraw the applications for “Phoenix Bar & Grill” at 6222 W. Fond du Lac Avenue. (expired 1-17-09) Special Letter Applicant not at the table. Atty. Michael Guerin at the table representing the property owner. Atty. Patrick Knight, attorney from Gimbel, Riley, Guerin and Brown, also at the table as counsel for the property owner. Ald. Kovac moves to make a packet of documents regarding the property owner, his company and the location provided by Atty. Guerin part of the record. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused)(Exhibit 1) Neighborhood objectors: Bilal Ahmad, 6033 W. Baldwin St., is opposed to the license due to noise and parking problems. Pilar Carrington-Ahmad, 6033 W. Baldwin St., is opposed to the license. Michelle McCoy, 6247 W. Leon Terrace, is opposed to the license due to loud noise and patrons and previous criminal activity at the location. Atty. Knight asks if there was activity at the location after the club was boarded up. Ms. McCoy says yes. Celestine Junior, 6248 W. Leon Terrace, is opposed to the license at the location and believes that the location is unfit for the business. Property owner James Heyden, 1895 Hwy 175, Richfield, WI, at the table. Steve McEaver, attorney from Gimble, Riley, Guerin and Brown, also at the as counsel table. Mr. Heyden says that the previous license holders are completely out of the location and that he is rehabbing the property for another business in the location. Ald. Kovac moves to make photos of the property taken by Mr. Heyden part of the record. Prevailed 3-0. (Ald. Zielinski and Ald. Coggs excused)(Exhibit 2) Ald. Davis says that he did not meet with the applicant because he wanted to maintain the integrity of the process. Matt Dama, Special Enforcement and Nuisance Abatement Inspector for the Department of Neighborhood Services, at the table. He testifies as to the condition of the building while the liquor establishment was operating and says that the building was placarded. Mr. Dama says that electricity and water have been restored at the location, but the placarding of the restaurant still stands. He also suggested to the property owner that the restaurant property and the hotel/motel property be separated and have different addresses. Ald. Kovac moves to make an inspection report and an order to improve conditions dated September 15th, 2008 part of the record. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused)(Exhibit 3) Atty. Knight says that the location, as another business, will be an asset to the community and that Mr. Heyden is improving the property. Ald. Davis says that the property should be deemed an unfit location and that the owner of the property had an agreement with a problem tenant and did not improve the property until DNS required it. Ald. Coggs asks Mr. Heyden if he was unaware of damage to the property until the City notified him of the problems. Mr. Heyden says that he was not aware until he was notified by the City. Ald. Hamilton moves to deny the applications based on non-appearance, the police report, and neighborhood objections and to designate the location as unfit. Prevailed 4-0. (Ald. Zielinski excused)
AMENDEDPass4:0 Action details Not available