Village of Arlington Heights Committee of the Whole met Nov. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
President Hayes called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Hayes; Trustees Baldino, Canty, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck and Tinaglia
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Village Manager Randy Recklaus and Assistant Village Manager Diana Mikula
OTHERS PRESENT: Dong Kim
A. Consideration of recommending to the Liquor Commissioner the issuance of a Class A Liquor License to J&D Mowa Inc. dba Mowa located at 4216 N. Arlington Heights Road.
President Hayes administered the oath to Dong Kim. Diana Mikula gave the staff report. Ms. Mikula stated that Mr. Kim has 100% ownership interest and that this application is a change in ownership. A background check was done and liquor violations were found that were omitted from the application. Upon follow up, Mr. Kim stated that omitting the information was an oversight on his part; he did not mean to keep it off the application. He had used his father’s application as a template (Mr. Kim’s father owns a restaurant in Arlington Heights). Mr. Kim is now Bassett certified.
Ms. Mikula stated she did a walk-through of the restaurant on October 29 and the layout is consistent with the submitted floorplan. Ms. Mikula said that upon a satisfactory liquor interview, it would be appropriate to issue a Class A liquor license to J&D Mowa Inc. dba Mowa.
Mayor Hayes asked Mr. Kim about his restaurant experience. Mr. Kim stated his parents own a restaurant (San Korean) and through the years, he has been in the restaurant helping out. Mr. Kim mentioned that he did not know how to specify “working” on the application as he was not an employee on the payroll. The Mayor asked about the time that he listed on his application for working in the restaurant (Jan 2019-August 2019) and asked if that was the time of his liquor violation. Mr. Kim stated that he graduated college and then helped at the restaurant during that time and that is when he received the violation. Mr. Kim stated he had just started working at the restaurant and was not Basset certified. The Mayor asked about Basset training from February 2019. Mr. Kim responded that he received his Basset certification in February or March 2019, immediately after receiving the violation however, could not find the documentation. Discussion ensued regarding staffing, Basset training, and the set-up of the new restaurant. Currently, the other employees are in the process of Basset certification. Employees will be family at this point.
The Mayor asked Mr. Kim to explain his liquor violation. Mr. Kim said that it was a mistake on his part and that he should have checked the ID more closely. The Mayor stated he has hesitation in granting a liquor license to someone who just got a violation and has very little experience.
Trustee Scaletta pointed out that a liquor license is a privilege. Trustee Scaletta questioned the liquor application and mistakes that were made. Mr. Kim said he filled out the application out in haste. Trustee Scaletta discussed the discrepancy of the Basset training. Ms. Mikula stated that Mr. Kim did present paperwork and that it had an expired date. Mr. Kim did go back and retake the Basset training course recently as he wanted to be sure he was covered. Discussion ensued as to whether or not in-person Basset training had been required following the violation. Staff was directed to check on the order from the San Korean liquor violation hearing. The Mayor said that the only way he would feel comfortable is if all Mowa employees went for in-person Basset training.
Trustee Scaletta stated he is concerned and feels Mr. Kim needs to be more responsible. Trustee Scaletta pointed out that the applicant served an underage person, missed the first interview and made mistakes on his application.
Trustee Tinaglia questioned if the applicant really wanted the license. Trustee LaBedz agreed with all comments and stated she is very uncomfortable. As discussion continued, Mr. Kim asked if he could clarify, stating that he was nervous and did not want to say too much to sound like he was overselling. He stated he understands the severity of what he did. He did not want it to be taken that he was not taking responsibility. The Mayor stated he feels it is clear that there is no consensus for approval at this meeting. Mayor Hayes stated at a later date, 6 months or something like that, the applicant could reapply.
Trustee Canty stated that Mr. Kim could look at his business plan and look at how to structure the organization, and then resubmit which would bring more comfort to the Board. The Mayor stated that the Board does not have a comfort level tonight to approve. Mr. Kim asked what else could be done.
Trustee Tinaglia stated there are resources available such as working with the Chamber of Commerce or Assistant Village Manager, Diana Mikula. Ms. Mikula pointed out that Mr. Kim has purchased the property so technically they can operate as a BYOB.
Discussion ensued and the Trustees agreed that at a minimum the Village would like-
1. Proof/receipt of a Basset Course earlier this year after sale to a minor violation. 2. Completion of an in person Basset training course.
3. Other employees of business to take in-person Basset training.
Additionally, because of Mr. Kim’s limited experience and 100% ownership; it was suggested to hire and work with an experienced restaurant operator/manager. It was also recommended that Mr. Kim understand the concept of a business plan and employee handbook and be able to describe the process and training of employees. Additionally, it was suggested that Mr. Kim work with the Chamber of Commerce.
Trustee Scaletta stated he would like to request some items from staff: legal packet from liquor violation hearing, proof of Basset certification and paid proof of Basset training from petitioner.
Trustee Scaletta moved, seconded by Trustee LaBedz to deny recommending to the Village Board of Trustees the issuance of a Class A liquor license to J&D Mowa Inc. dba Mowa located at 4216 N. Arlington Heights Road.
The following voice vote was recorded:
8 AYES 1 NAYS (Canty)
The motion passed.
B. OTHER BUSINESS - None
C. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Baldino moved, and Trustee Schwingbeck seconded the motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm.
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