1.     9:30 A.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

Present:   Paul Gencarella Jr., Chair

                 Joseph M. Nigrelli, Jr. Vice Chair

                 Angela M. Thoman-Miller

                 Jaime Przekop Vorenkamp

                 Stephen J. Iacoi

                 Jason Abate, Auxiliary Member

                 T. Sol. Dioney Garcia, Esq.

                 Mary L. LeBlanc, Clerk

 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Led by Town Clerk LeBlanc

 

 

2.     CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Regular Meeting – December 12, 2024

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, 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

 

               Inside Entertainment

Pyxis LLC                                                                           1 Railroad Ave

    dba: The Junction

 

Present:   Isaiah Bailey, owner, Pyxis LLC

 

     Mr. Bailey provided his background in the service industry.  He explained his plans for inside entertainment, which includes a DJ once a month, and stated that the establishment has a seating capacity of 48.

 

     Mr. Nigrelli stated, for the record, that the Licensing Board has the opportunity to revoke entertainment licenses if it becomes a nuisance.

 

     Town Solicitor Garcia explained that reported violations are brought before the Licensing Board and that there are different types of sanctions that can be imposed by the Licensing Board.

 

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)

 

b.     Renewals

              

        Amusements

        Watch Hill Outfitters (Kayak Rentals)                                157 Main St.

 

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

 

        Motel/Hotels/ Guest Houses

        Coast                                                                                  171 Post Rd

 

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

 

c.     One-Time Events

 

               Live Music

        Dawnlands LLC                                                                  38-40 High St

        January 25, February 1, 8, 14, 2025 

        7 pm – 10 pm

 

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

 

        Class F (Beer & Wine Beverages)

Live Music

Dawnlands LLC

January 25, February 1, 8, 14, 2025                                 38-40 High St

 

     Mr. Gencarella directed that there be representation present at all new liquor license requests, including Class F license applications.

 

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

 

d.     Ratify & Confirm

 

               New Years Eve Gala and Fireworks

               Ocean House                                                                     2 Bluff Ave

               December 31, 2024  7:00 pm – 12:00 am

 

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

 

 

5.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

Motion by    Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by  Mr. Nigrelli, that the Public Hearing be opened.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

a.      Class B Limited (Beer & Wine) Beverage License (New)

Pantry LLC

                   dba: The Pantry                                                             37 Beach Street

 

Present:   Justin Morgan, owner, Pantry LLC, 37 Beach Street

 

     Mr. Iacoi recused himself due to a possible conflict of interest because his cousin, James Iacoi, Esq., represented the applicant during the business transaction.

 

     Mr. Morgan stated that he purchased the business and real estate in January 2024 and is now seeking a Class B Limited Beverage License in order to serve beer and wine associated drinks during breakfast and lunch.  He stated that the diner-atmosphere business currently closes at 1:30 p.m., but he may consider extending the time to 2:00 p.m.

 

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the aforesaid Class B Limited Beverage License be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (So Voted 4 to 0 – Mr. Iacoi recused)

 

b.      Class B Victualer Beverage License (New)

Pyxis LLC                                                                           1 Railroad Ave

    dba: The Junction

 

Present:   Isaiah Bailey, owner, Pyxis LLC

 

     Mr. Bailey explained where the liquor is stored and sold.  He stated that he hopes to open on January 24, 2025 and that he currently has a staff of five to six employees.

 

Motion by Ms. Thoman-Miller, Seconded by Mr. Iacoi, that the aforesaid Class B Victualer Beverage License be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

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

 

 

6.     ORDERED ADVERTISED FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

               None

 

 

7.     UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

8.     NEW BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

9.     COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS

 

a.    Correspondence – None

 

b.    Town Solicitor Report

 

1.     Potential Conflicts of Interest – At the request of Chairperson Gencarella, Town Solicitor Garcia provided guidance on potential conflicts of interest and discharge of duties.

 

 

10.  ANY OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD

 

                 None

 

 

11.  ADJOURNMENT

 

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

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