Click to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.

CORRECTED MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING	LICENSING BOARD	COUNCIL CHAMBERS

THURSDAY	AUGUST 14, 2025	9:30 A.M.

1. 9:36 A.M. CALL TO ORDER

Present: Paul Gencarella Jr., Chair

Joseph M. Nigrelli, Jr. Vice Chair

Angela M. Thoman-Miller

Jaime Przekop Vorenkamp

Jason Abate, Auxiliary Member

T. Sol. Diony Garcia, Esq.

Mary L. LeBlanc, Clerk

Absent: Stephen J. Iacoi

Also present: Lori Vacca, Licensing Clerk

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Led by Angel M. Thoman-Miller

2. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of Minutes

Regular Meeting – July 10, 2025

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid minutes be accepted and approved as printed. (Voted Unanimously)

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Comments shall be limited to agenda items, excluding matters to be scheduled for public hearing.

None

4. LICENSES AND PERMITS

a. New

None

b. Renewals

None

c. One-Time Events

Colonial Theatre 44 Broad St

Colonial Theatre Wilcox Park

August 14,15,16, 2025 6 pm – 10 pm

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Ms. Thoman-Miller, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Art Show on the Lawn

Rebecca Spustek / Langworthy Inn & Winery 308 Shore Rd

August 16 & 17, 2025 11 am – 6 pm

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Westerly PeeWee Football Jamboree

Westerly PeeWee Football & Cheer / TJ Alvino 23 Ward Ave

August 16, 2025 8:30 am – 4:30 pm High School Field

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Amato Welcome Party

Margin Street Inn / Sarah Cooper 4 Margin St

August 22, 2025 6 pm – 11 pm

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Live Music at The Langworthy Winery

Rebecca Spustek / Langworthy Inn & Winery 308 Shore Rd

August 23 & 24, 2025 3 pm – 6 pm

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Back to School

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8955 113 Beach St

Aug. 23, 2025 12 pm – 4 pm

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Ms. Thoman-Miller, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Ocean Community YMCA Dolphin Swim Team Car Wash 85 Main St

Ocean Community YMCA Dolphin Swim Team / Stephanie Troupe

Aug. 23, 2025 8 am – 12 pm

Rain Date: Aug. 24, 2025

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Next Up Music Festival

Next Up Music Festival / Tom Gamache 44 Broad St

Sept. 6, 2025 9 am – 9 pm Wilcox Park

Rain Date: Sept. 7, 2025

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Drop In Make & Take Art with Phebe Poppins

The Space / Phebe Campsey and Jeremy Buhler 38-40 High St

Sept 5, 2025 & Oct. 3, 2025 & Nov. 7, 2025 & Dec 5, 2025

Jan. 2, 2026 & Feb 6, 2026 & Mar. 6, 2026 & Apr. 3, 2026

May 1, 2026 & June 5, 2026 & July 3, 2026 & Aug 7, 2026

5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Misquamicut Fallfest

Misquamicut Business Association 251 Atlantic Ave

Sept. 12, 2025 5 pm – 11 pm State Beach

Sept. 13, 2025 11 am – 11 pm

Sept. 14, 2025 11 am – 5 pm

Present: Caswell Cooke, Jr., Executive Director, Misquamicut Business Association

Mr. Cooke responded to questions from the Board regarding the State permit application.

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli , Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Stavros Memorial Beach Run

Westerly Track & Athletic Club Inc. 365 Atlantic Ave

Sept 19, 2025 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid license application be continued to September 11, 2025 due to the request to change the date of the event to September 26, 2025. (Voted Unanimously)

Oktobellfest

New England Ringers / Susan Amos 41 Railroad Ave

Sept. 26, 2025 12 pm – 9 pm

Sept. 27, 2025 7 am – 6 pm

Sept. 28, 2025 7 am – 4 pm

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Ms. Thoman-Miller, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Addison Brasier Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament

Addison Brasier Foundation (Amy & Kyle Brasier) Cimalore Field

Sept 27, 2025 10 am – 3 pm

Rain Date: Sept 28, 2025

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Gene Properties LLC 149 Atlantic Ave

August 28, 2025 5 pm – 9 pm

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Belly Button 5K

Global Gastroschesis Foundation / Katie Gervasini 651 Atlantic Ave

Sept 28, 2025 9 am – 12 pm

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

Santa’s Arrival

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Downtown Westerly

Nov. 28, 2025 5 pm – 7 pm In front of Post Office

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (So Voted 4 to 0 – Ms. Thoman-Miller recused herself due to a possible conflict of interest as she serves on the Board of Directors for Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce)

Holiday Stroll

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Downtown Westerly

Dec. 3, 2025 5 pm – 9 pm

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (So Voted 4 to 0 – Ms. Thoman-Miller recused herself due to a possible conflict of interest as she serves on the Board of Directors for Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce)

Light Parade

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Downtown Westerly

Dec. 14, 2025 6 pm – 7 pm

Rain Date: Dec. 21, 2025

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (So Voted 4 to 0 – Ms. Thoman-Miller recused herself due to a possible conflict of interest as she serves on the Board of Directors for Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce)

Class F-1 (All Alcoholic Beverages)

Misquamicut Fallfest

Misquamicut Business Association 251 Atlantic Ave

Sept. 12, 2025 5 pm – 11 pm State Beach

Sept. 13, 2025 11 am – 11 pm

Sept. 14, 2025 11 am – 5 pm

Present: Caswell Cooke, Jr., Executive Director, Misquamicut Business Association

Mr. Cooke stated, for the record, that the Windjammer purchases all the alcohol for the event, does not charge the Association, and allows the Association to keep all the proceeds. He stated that the Windjammer also handles the service of alcohol for the entire event.

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid Class F-1 license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities. (Voted Unanimously)

RATIFY & CONFIRM:

One Time Event & Class F (Beer & Wine)

George Kent Celebration of Life

Ogontz LLC / Dave Kent 44 Broad St

July 11, 2025 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm Wilcox Park

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Ms. Thoman-Miller, that the action of the Town Clerk in granting the aforesaid license be ratified and confirmed. (Voted Unanimously)

Colonial Theatre 44 Broad St

Colonial Theatre Wilcox Park

July 30 & 31, 2025 6 pm – 10 pm

August 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 2025 6 pm – 10 pm

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Ms. Thoman-Miller, that the action of the Town Clerk in granting the aforesaid license be ratified and confirmed. (Voted Unanimously)

Live Music at The Langworthy Winery

Rebecca Spustek / Langworthy Inn & Winery 308 Shore Rd

August 2, 3, 9 & 10, 2025 3 pm -6 pm

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the action of the Town Clerk in granting the aforesaid license be ratified and confirmed. (Voted Unanimously)

One Time Event & Class F1(All Alcoholic Beverages)

Party of the Century

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce 21 Bay Street

August 3, 2025 5 pm – 9 pm Village Green

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the action of the Town Clerk in granting the aforesaid license be ratified and confirmed. (So Voted 4 to 0 – Ms. Thoman-Miller recused herself due to a possible conflict of interest as she serves on the Board of Directors for Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce)

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Liquor Licenses & Others)

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the Public Hearing be opened. (Voted Unanimously)

Class B Tavern License - Transfer

From: The Haversham LLC

dba: The Haversham Inn 336 Post Road

To: The Haversham Village LLC

dba: The Haversham Village 336 Post Road

Present: Sam Resnick, Esq., representing applicant

John Bellone, applicant

Melissa Bellone, applicant

a. Correspondence received from Attorney Paul J. Pisano on behalf of Johnson Brothers of RI, Inc. in objection to the liquor license transfer.

b. Town Clerk LeBlanc entered into the record correspondence received from Attorney Gregory A. Mancini on behalf of Mancini Beverage and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits in objection to the liquor license transfer.

Attorney Resnick addressed the outstanding debts with several distributors, stating that there is enough equity to pay the indebtedness. He stated that the closing will take place in a few days and there will be releases.

Mr. Bellone responded to questions from the Board regarding the operation of the business.

No one was present in favor or in opposition.

Motion by Mr. Abate , Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the aforesaid Class B Tavern License Transfer be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities and subject to all outstanding debts being satisfied.

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli, that the motion be amended that the Class B Tavern License Transfer be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities and subject to the satisfaction of outstanding debts that include Mancini Beverage at $31,404 and Johnson Brothers at $1,082. (Voted Unanimously)

Outside Entertainment

The Haversham Village LLC

dba: The Haversham Village 336 Post Road

Motion by Mr. Abate , Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid license application be continued to September 11, 2025.

Discussion was held regarding the clerical error of not listing the application for inside entertainment on the agenda and the restriction that any outdoor entertainment license can only be issued to premises which hold a license for indoor entertainment.

Mr. Abate withdrew his motion and Ms. Vorenkamp withdrew her Second.

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller , Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid outdoor entertainment license be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities and upon issuance of the inside entertainment license by the Town Clerk. (Voted Unanimously)

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Mr. Nigrelli , that the Public Hearing be closed. (Voted Unanimously)

6. ORDER ADVERTISED FOR PUBLIC HEARING

None

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

a. Conditions of Beverage Licenses and Rules and Regulations to be Observed by All Retail Liquor Licensees – Rule #10. Submittal of a current and accurate drawing of the licensed premises showing the area of any sale, service or storage of alcoholic beverages

1. Liquor Licensed Businesses that have expanded service area to include outdoors

10:17 A.M. Ms. Thoman-Miller left the Council Chambers and was absent for the remainder of the meeting.

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the current and accurate drawings of licensed premises showing the area of any sale, service or storage of alcoholic beverage be accepted and placed on file. (So Voted 4 to 0 – Ms. Thoman-Miller absent)

9. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS

a. Correspondence

None

b. Town Solicitor’s Report

None

10. ANY OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD

None

11. ADJOURNMENT

10:18 A.M. Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

ATTEST:

Mary L. LeBlanc, MMC

Licensing Board Clerk

Details of the aforesaid proceedings are video streamed and available on the Town of Westerly website.