City of Central Falls
Liquor Board Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, July 6, 2004
4:00 p.m.
Agenda
Meeting started at 4:10pm
| Councilman Silva | absent |
| Councilman Leger | absent |
| Councilman Patino | present |
| Councilman Benson | present |
| Councilman Weber | present |
| Mayor Charles Moreau | present |
Quorum Present.
Knights of Columbus Sullivan Council 2700
20 Claremont St.
Incident that occurred on June 26, 2004 involving patrons using hall.
Dennis Rondeau, President, of the Knights of Columbus was present.
He was asked to come to this meeting because alleged fights that broke out at this establishment at the hip hop dances that had been booked through entertainers.
Councilman Weber stated that the incident had occurred in his ward and that this was the last warning that they would get. He also stated that this is what happens when you hire a promoter. He also stated that next time there would be fines issued.
Councilman Benson stated that it was because a previously signed contract between the Knights and this Hip-Hop group. The group threatened to sue the Knights if they cancelled.
Sgt. Joseph Goncalves of the Central Falls Police Department was on duty at the K of C on the night of the incident, and stated it was a safety issue for the Police officer on duty.
Dennis Rondeau stated that the Knights were having a meeting to vote not to have this type of entertainment anymore.
Councilman Patino asked to be sent a letter stating exactly what he just told the Council.
Dennis Rondeau agreed to do this.
Mayor Moreau stated the City should be reimbursed for the Police Officer who was hurt and for the time out of work.
Discussion on this took place with John Gannon on how to subrogate this case to retrieve monies due to the city for the Police Officers salary while out on injuries.
H & D Entertainment Assoc. Inc.
d/b/a Destiny Bar & Grill
Desenia Martinez, President
John McDonald, Esq. was present representing Destiny Bar & Grille.
Desenia Martinez, President of Destiny Bar & Grille were also present.
John McDonald answered questions of the Council asking if the Bar was open now.
Mr. Mc Donald stated it was not open now.
John McDonald,Esq. asked for a continuance because he had just been retained, and they would voluntarily remain closed until the hearing.
John Gannon, Esq. City Solicitor was present and said he was ready to go forward.
Mayor Moreau made a motion to move forward, seconded by Councilman Patino, Benson and Weber.
All Agreed. So voted. 4-0
Captain Choquette was present and was called to the stand to testify by John Gannon.
He described the events and how they unfolded. He gave testimony on how the department had been contacted by Hector Mendez had called in a complaint.
He gave a statement on how Lincoln and Central Falls Undercover was notified of the situation of alleged drug traffic going on at Destiny’s. He gave testimony on how much cocaine was found inside the establishment
John Gannon, Esq. questioned Captain Choquette on how many alleged times that cocaine had been sold to undercover police, and he stated six.
Testimony was also given on what information was given before and after the arrest of Mr. Martinez the father of Desenia.
John Gannon,Esq. asked if Desenia Martinez cooperated with police.
Det. John Carroll stated yes that she has cooperated.
John McDonald Esq. questioned Captain Choquette.
Councilman Weber questioned Ms. Martinez on knowledge of her father’s activities.
She indicated that she did suspect something was going on.
John Gannon questioned Det. Carroll on attaining a search warrant.
Mr. Gannon also asked if the purchase of alleged cocaine was tested, and what was the result.
Det. Carroll indicated that it tested positive to be cocaine.
Attorney McDonald summarized stating that the evidence only proved that the father was selling cocaine, but that there was no evidence that Desenia was involved.
He is asking that the Business remain open at this time.
Councilman Weber made a statement on the responsibilities of a License holder inside and outside the establishment.
Motion made by Mayor Moreau to revoke the license, seconded by Councilman Patino, and Benson.
Roll call vote:
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Mayor Charles Moreau | yes |
License revoked 4-0.
None
None
Motion to adjourn made by Mayor Moreau, seconded by Councilman Weber and Councilman Benson.
Sincerely,
_____________________
Marie Twohey
Deputy City Clerk