Village of Arlington Heights Committee-of-the-Whole met June 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
President Hayes called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Hayes; Trustees Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, LaBedz, Shirley, Schwingbeck, and Tinaglia
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Village Manager Randy Recklaus and Assistant Village Manager Diana Mikula
OTHERS PRESENT: Leonard Gjoni
A. Consideration of recommending to the Liquor Commissioner the issuance of a Class E liquor license to Sokol & Leo Inc. dba Fausto’s Italian Kitchen located at 16 S. Evergreen Avenue.
The Mayor swore in Leonard Gjoni, owner of Fausto’s Italian Kitchen.
Ms. Mikula gave the staff report. She stated that Fausto’s is an existing business in town that would like to add a liquor license. A background check was completed in May on Mr. Gjoni and no issues were found.
A walk through was conducted on June 12 and the floor plan was consistent with the plan that had been submitted. A total of 27 seats at tables was observed.
Upon a satisfactory interview tonight, Ms. Mikula stated it would be appropriate to issue a Class E liquor license to Sokol & Leo Inc. dba Fausto’s Italian Kitchen located at 16 S. Evergreen Avenue.
The Mayor asked Mr. Gjoni why he would like to add liquor to the restaurant. Mr. Gjoni said they have expanded the menu and want to offer wine and beer to make customers happy. The Mayor also inquired about Mr. Gjoni’s liquor experience. Mr. Gjoni stated he had worked in the back of house for many years for establishments that served liquor. He also held a liquor license for two years at a restaurant in Chicago where he was an owner. In Italy, the restaurant he had there for seven years also served liquor.
Mr. Gjoni is Basset certified. He has 4 employees and hopes the business will grow and then may add more employees. The Mayor reminded Mr. Gjoni employees serving alcohol will need to be Basset certified. Currently the restaurant is open until 7:00 pm, hopefully they may expand the hours until 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm.
Discussion ensued with Trustee Bertucci mentioning that he enjoys visiting Fausto’s and it is like a traditional Italian restaurant/deli especially with the upcoming addition of liquor. He reminded Mr. Gjoni that the Board does do compliance stings to be sure liquor is not sold to those under age.
Trustee Grasse moved, seconded by Trustee LaBedz to recommend that the Village Board of Trustees recommend to the Liquor Commissioner the issuance of a Class E liquor license to Sokol & Leo Inc. dba Fausto’s Italian Kitchen located at 16 S. Evergreen Avenue.
The following voice vote was recorded:
9 Ayes 0 Nays
The motion passed.
B. OTHER BUSINESS – Resident Keith Moens asked the Board to consider amending the flag ordinance to include the Pride flag during the Pride Month celebration.
C. ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Baldino moved, seconded by Trustee Schwingbeck to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm.
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