North Cook News

Village of Palatine Liquor Commission met June 10

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. ROLL CALL – Time: 7:09 PM

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived

Jim Schwantz Commissioner Present

Tim Millar Commissioner Present

Scott Lamerand Commissioner Present

Doug Myslinski Commissioner Present

Greg Solberg Commissioner Present

Kollin Kozlowski Commissioner Present

Brad Helms Commissioner Present

Also Present:

Village Manager Reid Ottesen, Deputy Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos, Village Attorney Patrick Brankin, Director of Public Works Matt Barry, Police Chief William Nord, Fire Chief Patrick Gratzianna, IT Director Larry Schroth, Director of Finance Paul Mehring, Director of Human Resources Pam Jackson and Kristin La Russo

II. MINUTES APPROVAL – Time: 7:10 PM

1. Palatine Liquor Commission - Regular Meeting - May 20, 2024 - Accepted

RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Doug Myslinski, Commissioner

SECONDER: Tim Millar, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

III. AGENDA ITEMS

1. Consider a Request for a Temporary Liquor License (Class E) for the Palatine Jaycees Fall Back Brew Fest to be Held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 155 W. Wilson Street - Approved by Voice Vote

Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated that this event is the same as last year and has been a good event. 

Organizers Emily Reyes, Margie Musary and Megan O’Brien were present to speak about the event and explain that they are celebrating the 7th annual fest.

The event will be held at the same location with a change to the layout from last year and additional offerings of ciders, as well as, beer will be served at the fest.

Mayor Schwantz complimented the organizers for their outstanding work and events they host for the community.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Brad Helms, Commissioner

SECONDER: Doug Myslinski, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

2. Consider an Application for a Class E (Temporary) Liquor License for the Palatine Township Senior Center's Summertime Shindig Event at 505 S. Quentin Road, Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Approved by Voice Vote

Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated this is a new event for the Township and the volunteers will go through proper liquor training.

Katie Johnson, 505 S. Quentin Road, mentioned there will be food, entertainment and examples of activities offered at the center to share awareness of the Township Senior Center offers.

Mayor Schwantz complimented the organizers stating any event they host is an enjoyable time and brings awareness to the community, which is greatly appreciated.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Scott Lamerand, Commissioner

SECONDER: Tim Millar, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

3. Consider a Motion Acknowledging a Transfer of Ownership for Sumas WS, LLC dba Sushi Para Located at 1268 E. Dundee Road - Approved by Voice Vote Village Manager Reid Ottesen reported no issues regarding the transfer of ownership.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tim Millar, Commissioner

SECONDER: Kollin Kozlowski, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

4. Consider a Motion Acknowledging a Transfer of Ownership for Cotillion Banquets, Inc. Located at 360 S. Creekside Drive - Approved by Voice Vote

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Brad Helms, Commissioner

SECONDER: Greg Solberg, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

5. Consider a Motion Approving Applications for Liquor License Renewals for the 2024/2025 Liquor License Year - Approved by Voice Vote

Village Manager Reid Ottesen presented a list of current liquor license renewal holders for staff’s approval. He stated that all establishments have background checks completed and and periodic checks are done throughout the year.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Brad Helms, Commissioner

SECONDER: Scott Lamerand, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

6. Consider a Motion Approving the Renewal of the Class D and VG Liquor Licenses for Schnell Brothers LLC and Donkee Bar and Grill Inc. for the 2024/2025 Liquor License Year - Approved by Voice Vote

Mayor Schwantz noted concern that after 15 years of approvals for liquor license renewals, that two establishment have been singled out with issues. This is typically fixed at the staff level and does not escalate beyond that. Schwantz commented that staff is recommending renewal but we have the ability to listen to the issues at hand before approval is granted.

Village Manager Reid Ottesen stated that spot checks for compliance are made during the year and both establishments abide by local and state rules. There are no issues with the selling or serving of alcohol, the issues were with proper permits. Recently there has been an administrative issue concerning the listing of Managers and Assistant Managers. This has been resolved and they are working diligently with the Police Department.

Brian Schnell, 923 S. Plum Grove Road and 45 W. Slade Street, representing both establishments came forward apologizing for the current situation escalating to this level. He understands 100% of what is expected of him and the new system the Police Department implemented for permitting and registering employees. Brian has worked diligently to rectify this situation and understands that a Manager or Assistant Manager must have an Alcoholic Beverage Seller Server Permit and be on the premise at all times.

Mayor Schwantz voiced concern regarding the combined license for video gaming and liquor licensing. When this was introduced there was a voluntary meeting offered for all establishments to attend. All but two establishments attended noting that this was not a mandatory meeting. 

Ottesen explained that Brian has been undergoing training and is confident moving forward he understands the requirements and steps that need to be taken to stay in compliance.

Councilman Kozlowski clarified the penalty that has been established within the Agreed Order issuing complete shutdown for seven days if there is not a Manager or Assistant Manager on site. Kozlowski explained a heightened concern with the additional license for video gaming.

Mayor Schwantz stated to Brian Schnell the honor that is held as a business owner to hold a liquor license in Palatine paired with a video gaming license. The scrutiny that has been placed on the applicant is warranted and not to be taken lightly.

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Brad Helms, Commissioner

SECONDER: Greg Solberg, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

IV. ADJOURNMENT – Time: 7:21 PM

Motion to Adjourn - Motion Carried by Voice Vote

RESULT: MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Brad Helms, Commissioner

SECONDER: Kollin Kozlowski, Commissioner

AYES: Schwantz, Millar, Lamerand, Myslinski, Solberg, Kozlowski, Helms

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