CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
REGULAR LIQUOR BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1990
A regular meeting of the Central Falls Liquor Board was held in the City Hall Council Chambers on the above date at 9:50 P.M.
Councilman Charbonneau
Councilman Laroche
Councilwoman Moreau
Councilman Vaudreuil
Mayor Lazieh
Councilman Sienkiewicz absent due to illness.
Chairwoman Sandra Moreau presided.
Motion was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Laroche to accept and place on file the minutes to the previous meeting. All Agreed. So Voted.
Thomas Lazieh, Public Safety Director; re: Jimbo's Cafe Inc. 134-148 Cowden St.
Thomas Bousquet, Acting Chairman Central Falls Zoning Board or Review; re Transfer of Class Bv License & Location of Jamro Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Joe's Cafe.
Notice to Abutters for the transfer of license & location of Jamro Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Joe's Cafe.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Mayor Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
St. Joseph's Parish
391 High St. C.F.
New Year's Eve Party at Parish Hall.
Motion to approve waiving all fees was made by Mayor Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Jamro Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Joe's Cafe - 200 Cross St. C.F.R.I.
to
The Santander Company d/b/a Joe's Cafe - 260 Illinois St. C.F.R.I.
Chairwoman Moreau opened the meeting to a public hearing.
Chairwoman Moreau read the correspondence from Thomas Bousquet and the Notice to the Abutters.
Thomas Bousquet, Acting Chairman of the Zoning Board of Review read Article 7 Section 2 of the Zoning Ordinance which explains that the premises in question was not used for this type of business for a period of six consective months and he requested that the Liquor Board defer action on this petition to transfer until the Zoning Board could review the matter.
Councilman Vaudreuil asked for an opinion from the Legal Department.
James Briden, Assistant City Solicitor responded.
Mayor Lazieh questioned Thomas Bousquet as to whether a legal opinion was given by the City Solicitor regarding the zoning matter.
Acting Chairman Bousquet replied that he could not reach the City Solicitor prior to this meeting.
Mayor Lazieh commented and advised the Acting Chairman to review matters with the City Solicitor prior taking this type of action.
Councilman Vaudreuil remarked that a petition was circulated among the abutters and tenants in the neighborhood strongly against locating another bar in the area. He stated that approximately 55 signatures were on the petition.
Leo St. Jean of 241 Cowden St. stated that his house is two lots away from the playground and Rick's Pub. The noise in the area is loud and neighbors can't sleep. He remarked that three bars in a 300' area was impossible. He stated that he did not want a bar located in this area. He stated that Mr. Jamro was a businessman and didn't care who he sold the license to.
Councilman Laroche commented on Mr. Jamro stating that the establisment he has run has had no complaints and has assisted many people in need. He also stated that Mr. Jamro is an asset to the City and was a former Councilman.
Mr. St. Jean stated that he was not trying to offend Mr. Jamro and also stated the he knew and respected him.
Norman Guilmette of 281 Illinois St. commented that the parking is terrible and allowing another cafe in the area would increase this problem. He mentioned that several accidents in the area resulted from the parking situation. In addition to parking, patrons from the existing cafes urinate on his property and broken beer bottles are often found on the property. He commented on the music and dancing that would take place. He commented that the area already has Rick's Pub, Hannibal's Pub, Lefebvre Post and the Tropicana Cafe and stated that was more than enough for one neighborhood. He asked the Board not to allow this transfer.
Ronald Doucet of 74 Perry St. read from a prepared statement which expressed that he had a right to a peaceful enjoyment of his property. He also stated that there were enough of these establishments in the neighborhood. He stressed that he strongly opposed the granting of this transfer. Mr. Doucet urged the Board to protect the rights of the property owners who live next door to this proposed license location. He asked the Board to vote no to this transfer.
Norman Dumas of 274 Illinois St. addressed the Board and stated that his property is located directly across the street from the building. He told the Board of many incidents that have occured because of the establishments that are already in the area such as urinating on his property, broken beer bottles thrown in his yard, needles and syringes found on the sidewalk. He also stated that patrons would sit in their cars drinking and making comments to his young children. He told of the many nights that a person couldn't sleep because of the noise made by patrons. He also reminded the Board that a playground was right next door to the property and two schools up the street from the proposed cafe. He strongly urged the Board not to approve this transfer.
Police Chief Robert Sasso stated that he was against any transfer or new licenses being granted. He stated that the City has enough.
Mr. Waldemore Jamro of 200 Cross St. told the Board that it was hardly fair to refuse Mr. Ondis a license because of problems with other establishments. He stated that if there were problems with the other cafes the Board should correct them. He also stated that his establishment has been in business for 56 years and that he considered this establishment to be an asset to the Community.
Mrs. Helen Doucet of 74 Perry St. stated that the issue was not with Mr. Ondis or Mr. Jamro but rather that to allow this transfer would add to the existing problems and that the neighborhood just didn't need another cafe.
Mr. Dumas also stated that the neighborhood just didn't need another cafe. He remarked that Mr. Ondis and Mr. Nugent did not live in the area, but the area is home for he and his neighbors and they just don't need another bar located there.
Jesus Nevarro of 68 Perry St. stated that property values were already down and by locating another cafe there would only further decrease the property values.
Jean Paul Gaiselle of 293 Illinois St. stated that he is opposed to this transfer as well as all of his neighbors and urged the Board not to allow this transfer.
Louis Paquette of 52 Sumner Ave. commented on the building and the parking facilities. He urged that the Board not pass this transfer.
Councilman Charbonneau asked who was present to represent the Santander Co.
Attorney Nugent responded to the Councilman's inquiry and began to explain the type of business that Mr. Ondis was interested in. He also stated that Mr. Waldemore Jamro would stay on to assist Mr. Ondis. He also spoke of Mr. Jamro's character and reminded the Board that Joe's Cafe has been involved as a Civic Organization for many years and is known to have helped in veterans activities, youth groups and held large dinners for those in need. He told them that the Santander Co. would sponsor many of these same events and would be an asset to the area. He also informed them that Mr. Ondis owned many properties in the City and that he presently runs his business from this location, and that it would be in his best interest to maintain this property. He also stated that he took exception to the petition that was presented to the Board he stated that he felt that under R.I.G.L 3-7-19 the proper attestation and format to present this document may not have legal status as an objection to this transfer.
Chairwoman Moreau responded that this was not a court of law and rules of evidence do not apply in this situation.
Councilman Vaudreuil responded that the petition was circulated to note the feelings of the neighborhood.
Mayor Lazieh questioned Mr. Ondis of the present use of the building.
Mr. Ondis responded that it was a multi-use building in which he employees 17 people. He stated that the building once had a market on the first floor and that there is an apartment and two commercial offices, the bar and lounge in the building. Mr. Ondis further explained that there is also a 50 X 100 adjoining lot which can accomodate parking. He stated that he is not interested in off the street business but that he was interested in providing a social club to people of similar interst.
Mayor Lazieh questioned where the entrance to the lounge would be located.
Mr. Ondis responded that the entrance would be on the Illinois St. side of the building. He further explained that there were three empty apartments in the building that was involved in a fire June of 1984. He stated that the alternative to the bar would be to fix the apartment and make an additional 8 to 12 family unit. This would cause more of a burden to the Community and he stated that he'd rather go commercial.
Richard Muggle questioned if the insurance on the building would be covered if the bar was allowed.
Mayor Lazieh responded that this is getting off the subject of the transfer of license.
Paula Dumas of 274 Illinois St. questioned the hours of business.
Chairwoman Moreau responded that the hours are regulated by State Law.
Jean P. Gasaille commented on the meetings of the Foisy Post and commented on Mr. Jamro's assistance to others.
Mr. Guilmette questioned the entrance and asked if there was a state law prohibiting the bar from being so close to a playground.
Councilman Laroche responded that he had contacted the State Liquor Control Administrator and it was found that there is no law prohibiting the location of a bar near a playground area.
Mr. Doucet commented that when the F.O.P. Lodge was in the neighborhood things were different and nearly ten years later the problems of drugs and other crime has changed the neighborhood.
Mr. Jamro corrected the statement made by Mr. Gazaille regarding veterans meetings.
Mr. Dumas commented on the neighborhood and reminded that Board that neither Mr. Ondis or Mr. Nugent lived in the location of the proposed establishment he added that both of these gentlemen probably lived in a neighborhood that had no such establishment. However this neighbor where they wish to place this bar is his home and that of his neighbors and the neighborhood didn't need another bar.
Chairwoman Moreau closed the public hearing at 10:20 P.M.
Councilman Laroche commented on Mr. Bousquet's actions and although he didn't agree with the way the action was done he agreed with the reason for the action.
Mayor Lazieh responded to Councilman Laroche's comments and explained that in order for the Administration to run smoothly it is imperative that actions taken be reviewed by the City Solicitor so that the City can properly defend any liability that can arise from these actions.
Councilman Laroche stated that he agreed with the Mayor and such action should be reviewed by the City Solicitor.
Councilman Vaudreuil commented that he is in agreement with the neighbors of this proposed establishment the noise, parking and property values in this neighborhood would be affected by allowing an additional bar to be located in the area.
Motion to deny the transfer of the Class Bv Alcoholic Beverage License from Jamro Enterprises Inc. to Santander Co. was made by Councilman Vaudreuil.
Chairwoman Moreau asked if there was a second. Hearing no second Chairwoman Moreau relinquishes the Chair to the Vice-Chairman.
Councilwoman Moreau seconds the motion to deny the transfer.
Chairwoman Moreau resumes the Chair and asked the City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa to take a roll call vote on the motion to deny.
Councilman Charbonneau against.
Councilman Charbonneau asked that the motion be read. Clerk reads motions.
Motion was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to deny the transfer of the license.
Councilman Charbonneau asks to change his vote.
Councilman Charbonneau yes
Councilman Laroche yes and explains his vote.
Councilwoman Moreau yes and commented on her vote,
Councilman Sienkiewicz absent
Councilman Vaudreuil yes
Mayor Lazieh no because he feels there is still a question regarding the Zoning issues and he indicates that the petition may not be before the Liquor Board in a proper fashion.
Motion to deny carries; 4 yes 1 no 1 absent.
Councilman Laroche commented and agreed with the Mayor.
Mayor Lazieh responded that the question has not been resolved.
Councilman Laroche questioned the Assist'City Solicitor.
James Briden, Assistant City Solicitor responded that he would have to look at the statute.
Councilwoman Moreau questioned the Mayor.
Chief Sasso distributed additional information on the Tropicana Nightclub and referred to the Correspondence submitted to the Board.
Motion was made by Mayor Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau to summons the owner of Jimbo's Cafe Inc. d/b/a Tropicana Nightclub before the Board at the next regular Liquor Board meeting. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion was made by Mayor Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil to change date of Special Meeting for G.A.M. Corp. from Jan. 21, 1991 to Jan. 23, 1991. All Agreed. So Voted.
Chairwoman Moreau instructed the City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa to notify all parties involved of the change of date.
Councilman Laroche commented on last Thursday's meeting late start.
Mayor Lazieh responded that the Marshall's Office supplied last minute items to copy and distribute to the Board prior to that meeting.
Chairwoman Moreau commented and instructed the City Clerk to submit to each Board member new license and transfer requests when they are received so that the Board Member has more time to study and investigate the request.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:45 P.M.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk