MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS

OF CECIL COUNTY

The Board of License Commissioners of Cecil County met in a regular session at the County Administrative Building, Conference Room, 107 North Street, Elkton, MD on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 9:00 A.M.

PRESENT:      Tim Snelling, Chairman

                   Herrel 'Cuz' Curry, Commissioner

                   William Gerweck, Commissioner

                             H. Norman Wilson, Jr., Esquire

                   Earl R. Bradford, Chief Alcohol Beverage Inspector

                             Robin S. Coyle, Administrative Assistant

Chairman Snelling called the meeting to order at 9:06.

Update- 05/16/06 License Issued - Not Opened -     Class "B" BWL Alcoholic Beverage License No. B-112 - Natalie A. Horton, T/A Gumbo's Louisiana Kitchen, 26 South Main Street, Port Deposit, MD 21904

Natalie Horton appeared to update the Board on the progress at her establishment. She stated she continues to have problems with the Town of Port Deposit; they retracted the zoning approval, which they have now approved with the approval of the Fire Marshal and the Health Department.  The town has now issued her construction permit and she stated she needs a little more time.  She submitted pictures for the Board as well as a menu and floor plan.  The Board stated they would discuss this matter and send their decision in the mail.  Ms. Horton also requested a change of trade name to Gumbo's Ragin Cajun; Mr. Gerweck made a motion to approve the name change; Mr. Curry seconded that motion and the Board then voted unanimously to approve the name change as presented.

BOARD DECISION:          Six-month extension

Update- Not Opened - Class "B" BWL Alcoholic Beverage License No. B-36 - Xianting Cao; Diane Stringer; Schaefer's Canal House Restaurant & Market, Inc. 208 Bank Street, Chesapeake City, MD 21915

Charles Cao, Chris Castagno and Jack O'Connell appeared to update the Board.  Mr. O'Connell stated they continue to make strides on the site; he submitted photos and drawing of the building.  He stated the bulkhead had not been taken care of and eroded causing the building to fall three inches on the west-side corner and seven inches on the east-side corner, however as of yesterday the building is stabilized.  The Town of Chesapeake City has partially approved the plan; they will issue a separate permit for each project.  The Town also has requested a complete plot plan for the building, banquet hall and marina.  Mr. Gerweck asked what the time frame is from now to the first meal served; Mr. O'Connell stated May 15, 2008 if all goes well.  He stated it will take three months for reconstruction of the building.  Mr. Castagno requested a one-year extension; Mr. Gerweck made a motion to approve the one-year extension; Mr. Curry seconded that motion and the Board then voted unanimously to approve the one-year extension as presented.

New License - Application received from Enrico Pagliaro, President/Vice President/Secretary; Chesley Huber, Resident Agent; Beaver Brook Liquors, Inc., T/A The Main Place, 2 South Main Street, North East, MD 21901

Enrico Pagliaro appeared before the Board with attorney Tom Kemp; Mr. Wilson read the public notice which appeared on dates of October 16 and 23, 2007; Mr. Pagliaro was then sworn by the Clerk.  The fully executed application packet with proper fees included: Zoning Certificate signed by Town of North East Administrator Melissa McKenzie, signatures of 10 registered voters and property owners in District 2-2; Criminal Waiver Forms; letter from the Cecil County Health Department stating okay with issuance of new license; letter from the Comptroller of Maryland's office stating okay with issuance of new license; Alcohol Awareness Training.  Mr. Wilson asked if the application was correct today as when Mr. Pagliaro submitted it; Mr. Pagliaro stated yes.  Mr. Kemp thanked the Board for being so understanding and the Clerk for all of her help.  Mr. Gerweck made a motion to approve the issuance of the license; Mr. Curry seconded that motion and the Board then voted unanimously to approve the issuance of the license.

Violation - Class "B" BWL Alcoholic Beverage License No. B-23 - Jerren U. Wetterau, Partner, Arnold Ford Hall, Jr., Partner, James Walter O'Neal, Partner, Fredericktown Partners, L.L.C., T/A Granary Restaurant Sassafras Grill,97 George Street, Fredericktown, Georgetown, MD 21930 - Complete transcript available from Wilcox and Fetzer, Wilmington, DE.

Jerren Wetterau and Arnold Ford Hall, Sr. appeared before the Board with attorney Robert Jones.  It was decided the hearing would proceed on an agreed statement of fact.  Chief Bradford was sworn y the Clerk and read his report for the record; Mr. Wilson asked if Mr. Jones had anything to add or change Mr. Jones stated no; Mr. Wilson summarized that the underage person was asked for an ID, ID was presented however, the person in the ID was not the person presenting the ID.  Mr. Jones then said that the Granary has  a very upstanding reputation and shore-side businesses must find someway to make money during the off season and the half-price pitchers and burgers and wings night were started just about the time the management took over, they have been discontinued as of this week.  They are in the process of making other changes as well; they have purchased a seconded scanner and have placed that machine behind the bar.  Mr. Jones continued they would like to get back to the business in which their reputation was gained; family restaurant.  Mr. Hall was then sworn by the Clerk; he stated he owns 95% of the business and his son Arnold Ford Hall Jr. owns 5% and he has now relocated to North Carolina.  They will be submitting a Change of Officer's Form with this change.  Mr. Curry asked if they had music; Mrs. Wetterau stated no.  With nothing further to discuss Chairman Snelling stated they would receive their decision by certified mail. 

BOARD DECISION:          Guilty - $250 Violation of Probation, $750 Fine and $250 Cost of the Proceedings - Total $1,250.00.

Comments/Questions from the floor

General Business

·                     Approve Minutes

                        The minutes from the September 25, 2007 were approved.

·                     Specials

Old Business

·                     Legislative Issues

·                     Quota

New Business

With no further business to discuss Chairman Snelling adjourned the meeting at 11:10 AM.

BY:                                                    

Tim Snelling, Chairperson

ATTEST:

Robin S. Coyle, Administrative Assistant