As a handful of our very first PRU readers may remember, we published a piece we called Hat Trick! for our third PRU post. It was a fast, tongue-in-cheek look at Mayor Howard's relationship to three applicants to the Liquor License Review Board.
We hadn't checked in on the Liquor Board in some time, partly because they meet somewhat infrequently. But we decided to take a look and see what is on the City calendar and agenda for this week, and we saw that the Liquor Board is set to meet this evening.
screen shot of city website from this morning.
What we don't see is an agenda or any supporting documents listed for the meeting. And failing to post an agenda is a violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The IOMA plainly states:(5 ILCS 120/2.02)
The PRU Crew then decided to take a look at minutes from past meetings of the Liquor License Review Board. At the board's December 3, 2007 meeting (.pdf), they reviewed 30 licenses for renewal and at their March 6, 2008 meeting (.pdf) they reviewed approval for 1 license.
(from Ch. 102, par. 42.02)
Sec. 2.02. Public notice of all meetings, whether open or closed to the public, shall be given as follows: (a) Every public body shall give public notice of the schedule of regular meetings at the beginning of each calendar or fiscal year and shall state the regular dates, times, and places of such meetings. An agenda for each regular meeting shall be posted at the principal office of the public body and at the location where the meeting is to be held at least 48 hours in advance of the holding of the meeting. A public body that has a website that the full‑time staff of the public body maintains shall also post on its website the agenda of any regular
meetings of the governing body of that public body. Any agenda of a regular meeting that is posted on a public body's website shall remain posted on the website until the regular meeting is concluded.
Of the 31 liquor licenses reviewed and approved by the Liquor License Review Board, Mayor Howard had to recuse himself from discussion and voting on 8 licenses -- a little over one quarter of all the licenses approved in the City of Park Ridge!
Pay-to-Play! Priceless!
Update! -- 3:45pm -- The City has finally posted an agenda, background memo, and draft ordinance for tonight's Liquor Review Board meeting -- just hours before it is to take place. You may review the documents here. Minutes of the Liquor Review Board's last meeting held on June 10, 2008 seem to still be unavailable.
Update! -- per PRU reader "MIKE" -- CANC 6:30 p.m. Liquor License Review Board: -->This event has been cancelled.
Got to love decisive leadership!
November 10, 2008
Fat Cat Frimark!
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21 comments:
I just looked at the city's website and you are right PRU, they haven't posted an agenda or anything else for this meeting tonight. Busniness as usual, especially the part about Frimark making some dough off his position as Mayor. The guy has turned out to be a disaster for this town.
Didn't the Niles Mayor just plead guilty to getting kickbacks from insurance buyers? Howie better watch himself!
At least the City has an ethics ordinance that requires his recusal from voting. If I recall correctly, that ordinance was revised to add some extra teeth only a couple of years ago. Without those extra teeth, Frimark would probably be voting on those applications.
But how odd that when Frimark recused himself from voting on the Country Club, he stated it was because he was a member; and when he recused himself re Piano Piano, he stated that he had received a campaign contribution from them.
But when he recused himself from voting on Diplomats Banquets, Morningfield's, Affresco, Uncle Mike's LLC, and The Johnson Partners, LLC, he didn't say why. It sure would be helpful if we knew why (e.g., insurance client, real estate owner, business partner, etc.?), and it would also be helpful if we knew for what addresses those liquor license apps were filed.
Lest you forget. Frimark did vote to give his pal and campaign contributor, Napleton, $2 million dollars of YOUR MONEY. And he still wants to push his cronies on the Council to buy the new Napleton property on Busses for a police facility with $1 million or so of YOUR MONEY. Don't forget that come this April.
Mayor Blase pled guilty to receiving over $400K in kickbacks from an insurance sales bribery scheme that he could not take part in *legally*...unlike Frimark, who is "legitimately" in the business of selling insurance...and can "legitimately" put the proverbial squeeze on business owners...
It's interesting to note the businesses that Frimark does appear to have "economic relationships" with...they are the small, local businesses... I guess the big chains would tell the scumbucket to take a flying leap if he tried to muscle them...
Though, as I've seen, far too many local business owners have jello where their spines should be...or some personal interest to be served...and I'm sure many of them will pony-up when Frimark comes a'calling again for his re-election efforts...
That's Howie for you..give him a little rope....and he'll hang himself.
If and when the hammer falls...better call
that famous law firm to
defend HF.....
Do'me, Cheat'em and How....
Howard Frimrk is one crappy leader.
No. Strike that. He is not a leader at all. He is just crappy.
Looks like tonight's meetings have been cancelled.
BWAAAAAAAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...!
I guess cancelling meetings is some kind of "smaller more efficient government"...just as Frimark promised! I wonder if the local businesses waiting on the changes to the liqour ordinance would agree...since now they'll have to wait even longer for the P&R's recommendations to "move forward"...
This is too funny!!!
Howard... WTF?!?
You are either the most ill equipped guy on the face of the earth, the stupidest guy on the face of the earth or both. OK... both!
The saying about "one car funerals" comes to mind... and you could sure as hell screw one of those up, big time!
A PRU PSA --
A couple comments were recently deleted in error -- the moderator thought they were duplicates based on the way the email notification works. If you do not see your comment posted, please resubmit it.
Does anybody really believe that the mayor is responsible for getting the agenda posted? Frimark's a mope, but wasn't this somebody else's screw up, like the City mgr's?
Anon@6:51 --
In other words, the buck stops some place other than at Mayor Howard's desk? Even when this is one of only two public bodies he is most personally responsible for participating in?
Staff posts the agenda, but the mayor frequently holds it up because he is manipulating it in some way, usually keeping bad news or controversial subjects from the public as long as possible. Staff is essentially at his mercy when it comes to the timing of posting.
pru, thank you!
I was wondering though slightly off-topic who's a so called Friend of Frimark.
I know Bill Napelton is one of them but what about the others?
You could start with Bruce Adreani, one time PR resident and principle of Norwood Builders...Check out the history of the Executive Office Plaza fiasco and perhaps that little problem at the Country Club as a warm up for taking the whole Friends of Frimark credit course.
How can we find out who are the owners of the 31 Park Ridge liquor licences?
Anon@2:45 --
Apologies for the delayed response. Our records keeper isn't available, but the rest of us think you would have to click on the minutes in the post above, make note of the licenses that have been issued, then do a corporate records search with the Secretary of States Office to see if there is an owner listed. Sometimes those records submitted by agents and then sometimes on the main page of the Corp. or LLC report there is a link to another record in the Management Type that will give you the name of who manages the establishment. That person is frequently the owner.
Liquor license ownners on record 12/3/07
Liquor License review board minutes, 12/3/2007, 5pm is the closest thing I can find online at:
http://www.parkridge.us/file.asp?F=75A406BAC4A544889B05DC3B69411386%2Epdf&N=Minutes+12%2D3%2D07%2Epdf&C=events_documents
I can't find the minutes on the website, but was able to print it out at: Don't know how much of this you want to print, but maybe you just want to review this...
Minutes_12-3-07.pdf
CITY OF PARK RIDGE
M I N U T E S
LIQUOR LICENSE REVIEW BOARD
December 3, 2007
5:00 p.m.
Finance Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Howard Frimark - Commissioner; Marcella Dickerhofe, Steve Huening,
Tony LaPelusa, Tony Amelio and Dave Zwolinski
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Cathy Doczekalski, Assistant to the City Manager
ALSO PRESENT: None
I. NON-MEMBER ALDERMEN WISHING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEM
None
II. CITIZENS PRESENT WISHING TO BE HEARD ON A NON-AGENDA ITEM
None
III. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approval of Minutes – October 1, 2007 Meeting
The board reviewed the draft minutes from the October 1, 2007 meeting. Moved by S. Huening,
seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the minutes were approved.
B. Approval of Liquor License Renewals for 2008
The Board reviewed the renewal applications for 2008.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for the Park Ridge Country Club (A, 1). The Mayor
disclosed that he is a member of the Country Club and recused from the vote. Moved by T.
LaPelusa, Seconded by T. Amelio, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a
Class A liquor license to the Park Ridge County Club.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for the Dominick’s Finer Foods, LLC (E, 18). Moved
by T. LaPelusa, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner
to grant a Class E liquor license to Dominick’s Finer Foods, LLC.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for PK Restaurant, Inc. (B, 25). Moved by S. Huening,
Seconded by T. Amelio, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class B
liquor license to PK Restaurant, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Siam Park Ridge, Inc. (C, 30). Moved by D.
Zwolinski, Seconded by T. Amelio, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a
Class C liquor license to Siam Park Ridge, Inc.
2
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Cumberland Corporation (B1, 31). Moved by T.
LaPelusa, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant
a Class B1 liquor license to Cumberland Corporation.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Jimmy’s Restaurant and Lounge (B1, 33). Moved
by S. Huening, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class B1 liquor license to Jimmy’s Restaurant and Lounge.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Hay Caramba, Inc. (B1, 36). Moved by T. Amelio,
Seconded by S. Huening, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class B1
liquor license to Hay Caramba, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for L&H Trading Company (B, 37). Moved by D.
Zwolinski, Seconded by S. Huening, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a
Class D liquor license to L&H Trading Company.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Parry’s Pizzeria, Inc. (C, 41). Moved by D.
Zwolinski, Seconded by T. LaPelusa, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant
a Class C liquor license to the Perry’s Pizzeria, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Diplomat Banquets, Inc. (D, 44). The Mayor
recused from the vote. Moved by D. Zwolinski, Seconded by T. LaPelusa, the Board recommended
to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class D liquor license to Diplomat Banquets, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for MJ2 Bistro LLC (B1, 63). Moved by T. LaPelusa,
Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class
B1 liquor license to MJ2 Bistro, LLC.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Maki Sushi and Noodle Shop, Inc. (B1, 66). Moved
by T. Amelio, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class B1 liquor license to Maki Sushi and Noodle Shop, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Nona Silvia’s, Inc. (B1, 67). Moved by T.
LaPelusa, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class B1 liquor license to Nona Silvia’s Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Piano Piano II, Inc. (B1, 71). The Mayor disclosed
that he has received a campaign contribution from Piano Piano and recused from the vote. Moved
by T. Amelio, Seconded by T. LaPelusa, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class B1 liquor license to Piano Piano, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Siam Park Ridge, Inc. (J, 73). Moved by
S.Huening, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class J liquor license to Siam Park Ridge, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Maki Sushi and Noodle Shop, Inc. (J, 75). Moved
by S.Huening, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class J liquor license to Maki Sushi and Noodle Shop, Inc.
3
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Nona Silvia's Inc. (J, 76). Moved by S.Huening,
Seconded by T. Amelio, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class J
liquor license to Nona Silvia's Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Morningfield's Management Company, Inc. (G, 79).
The Mayor recused from the vote. Moved by T. LaPelusa, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board
recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class G liquor license to Morningfield's
Management Company, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Rita's on the Run (I, 80). Moved by D. Zwolinski,
Seconded by T. Amelio, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class I
liquor license to Rita's on the Run.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Hay Caramba, Inc. (I-PR, 81). Moved by T.
Amelio, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a
Class I-PR liquor license to Hay Caramba, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for PK Restaurant Inc. (J, 83). Moved by M.
Dickerhofe, Seconded by S. Huening, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant
a Class J liquor license to PK Restaurant Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for American Drug Stores, LLC (E, 85). Moved by T.
LaPelusa, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant
a Class E liquor license to American Drug Stores, LLC.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Trader Joe's East, Inc. (G, 87). Moved by T.
Amelio, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a
Class G liquor license to Trader Joe's East, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Fire and Spice, Inc. (B, 90). Moved by D.
Zwolinski, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class B liquor license to Fire and Spice, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for MJ2 Bistro, LLC (J, 91). Moved by D. Zwolinski,
Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class J
liquor license to MJ2 Bistro, LLC.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Fire and Spice, Inc. (Y, 92). Moved by S.Huening,
Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class Y
liquor license to Fire and Spice, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Affresco, Inc. (B1, 93). The Mayor recused from
the vote. Moved by D. Zwolinski, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended to the
Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class B1 liquor license to Affresco, Inc.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for Uncle Mike's LLC (C, 94). The Mayor recused
from the vote. Moved by M. Dickerhofe, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the
Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class C liquor license to Uncle Mike's LLC.
4
The Board reviewed the renewal application for The Johnson Partners, LLC (B1, 95). The Mayor
recused from the vote. Moved by T. Amelio, Seconded by M. Dickerhofe, the Board recommended
to the Liquor Commissioner to grant a Class B1 liquor license to The Johnson Partners, LLC.
The Board reviewed the renewal application for TD Bell Corporation (L, 96). Moved by M.
Dickerhofe, Seconded by D. Zwolinski, the Board recommended to the Liquor Commissioner to
grant a Class L liquor license to TD Bell Corporation.
Action: Place on City Council agenda for approval.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
None
V. ADMINISTRATION REPORT
None
VI. PENDING ITEMS
None
VII. NEW BUSINESS
The Board discussed the possibility of requiring establishments to provide a certified list of
employees with regards to BASSET training so the City or Liquor Board is not responsible for
inaccuracies throughout the year.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Here is the most recent 2009 licenses...
A. Approval of Minutes – June 10, 2008 and November 17, 2008 Meetings
B. Approval of Liquor License Renewals for 2009
Park Ridge Country Club 1 A-Club
Dominick's Finer Foods, LLC 18 E-Packaged Goods
PK Restaurant Inc. 25 B-Restaurant
Siam Park Ridge, Inc. 30 C-Restaurant
Cumberland Corporation 31 B1-Restaurant
Jimmy's Restaurant and Lounge 33 B1-Restaurant
Hay Caramba, Inc. 36 B1-Restaurant
L&H Trading Co. 37 B-Restaurant
Perry's Pizzeria Inc. 41 C-Restaurant
Maki Sushi and Noodle Shop, Inc. 66 B1-Restaurant
Nona Silvia's, Inc. 67 B1-Restaurant
Siam Park Ridge, Inc. 73 J-Sidewalk Café Supplement
Maki Sushi and Noodle Shop, Inc. 75 J-Sidewalk Café Supplement
Nona Silvia's Inc. 76 J-Sidewalk Café Supplement
Rita's on the Run 80 I-Off-site Catering
Hay Caramba, Inc. 81 I-PR Off-site Catering
PK Restaurant Inc. 83 J-Sidewalk Café Supplement
American Drug Stores, LLC 85 E-Packaged Goods
Trader Joe's East, Inc. 87 G-Package Store
Fire and Spice, Inc. 92 Y - Corkage
Affresco, Inc. 93 B1-Restaurant
Uncle Mike's LLC 94 C-Restaurant
TD Bell Corporation 96 L-Wine Establishment
Fire and Spice, Inc. 97 B1-Restaurant
DiFrasio Enterprise Corporation 98 G-Package Store
Affresco, Inc. 99 J-Sidewalk Café Supplement
The Noodle Shop Co. 100 C-Restaurant
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