1.    9:32 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

                 Mary L. LeBlanc, Clerk

 

Absent:    Stephen J. Iacoi

                 T. Sol. Dylan Conley, Esq.

 

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

 

 

2.    CONSENT CALENDAR

 

Regular Meeting – December 11, 2025

 

Motion by Mr. Abate , 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

 

         None

 

b.      Renewals

 

                        None

 

c.       One-Time Events

              

        Fun Time @ The Space

        The Space, Phebe Campsey & Jeremy Buhler                 38 High Street

        Jan. 14 & 23, 2026 and Feb. 13, 2026   5 pm – 9 pm

 

        Representative:  Phebe Campsey, co-owner, The Space

 

     Ms. Thoman-Miller recused herself due to a possible conflict of interest because the events scheduled for January 14, 2026 is hosted by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and she is a board member of the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

     Ms. Campsey explained that the event on January 14, 2026 is the Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” with a mini-Disco Bingo, and that the events on January 23, 2026 and February 13, 2026 are both craft and sip events.  She stated that she and the co-owner are tips certified and will be serving the beer and wine. 

 

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid One-time Event licenses for January 14, 2026, January 23, 2026 and February 13, 2026 be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Mr. Abate, to move to the Class F Liquor License application submitted by The Space at this time.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

        Bowlathon Fundraiser                                                       

        Jonnycake Center of Westerly                                           Alley Katz

        Jan. 25, 2026 1 pm – 4 pm                                                116 Granite St

 

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

 

        Birdsnest Curling Mini Bonspiel

        Pawcatuck River Curling Club/ Howard Taylor                 61 Main Street

        Feb. 8, 2026 9 am – 12:30 pm

        (Rain Date Feb 15, 2025)

 

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

 

               Clamdigger Road Race

        Westerly Track & Athletic Club Inc.                                   365 Atlantic Ave

        April 19, 2026  8:30 am – 12 noon

 

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

 

Class F Liquor (Beer & Wine)

        Fun Time @ The Space

        The Space, Phebe Campsey & Jeremy Buhler                 38 High Street

        Jan. 15 & 23, 2026 and Feb. 13, 2026   5 pm – 9 pm

 

     It was noted that the agenda contains a typographical error of January 15, 2026 and that the correct date is January 14, 2026 as listed on the license application. 

 

Motion by Ms. Vorenkamp, Seconded by Mr. Abate, that the aforesaid Class F Liquor licenses for January 14, 2026, January 23, 2026 and February 13, 2026 be granted subject to the prior approval of proper authorities.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

d.      Ratify & Confirm

 

One Time Event

New Years Eve Celebration & Fireworks

The Ocean House                                                              2 Bluff Ave

Dec. 3, 2025   8 pm – 12 am

 

     It was noted that the agenda contains a typographical error and that the correct date is December 31, 2025 as listed on the license application. 

 

Motion by Mr. Nigrelli, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the action of the Town Clerk in granting the aforesaid license for December 31, 2025 be ratified and confirmed.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

5.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

                None

 

 

6.    ORDERED ADVERTISED FOR PUBLIC HEARING

 

                None

 

 

7.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

a.    Inside Entertainment

                Studio 39A LLC

                  dba: Studio 39A                                                               39A Beach St

               (Increase number of spectators from 100 to 130)

 

               Representative: James Paradise, partner, Studio 39A LLC

 

     Mr. Paradise explained that the studio is a music venue/art gallery with local and regional music acts and artists displaying their artwork.  He explained that, when the architect deemed it a 130 capacity, changes to the structure were required that included a handicapped bathroom, another front egress, and an enclosed door to basement, which will only be used for storage.

 

     Mr. Gingerella explained that this license is before the Licensing Board again because the original application had the number of spectators estimated at 100, it was then changed to 50 due to building code regulations, and now the architect has stated an occupancy of 130.  It was recommended that the number of spectators be established by the Building Official and Fire Chief.

 

Motion by Mr. Abate, Seconded by Ms. Vorenkamp, that the number of spectators/ occupancy be determined by the Building Official and Fire Chief.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

8.    NEW BUSINESS

 

               None

 

 

9.    COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS

 

a.    Correspondence

 

                        None

 

b.    Town Solicitor Report

 

                        None

 

 

10.  ADJOURNMENT

 

        9:54 A.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

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