City of Bloomington Liquor Commission met Feb. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
The Commission convened in regular session both virtually and in-person in the Government Center Chambers, 115 E. Washington Street, at 4:01 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Mboka Mwilambwe.
Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Mboka Mwilambwe | Commissioner | Present | |
| Lindsey Meister | Commissioner | Absent | |
| Jim Jordan | Commissioner | Remote |
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Amanda Stutsman | Deputy City Clerk | Present | |
| George Boyle | Asst. Corporation Counsel | Remote | |
| Kierra Brown | Paralegal | Remote | |
| Tim McCoy | Asst. Chief of Police | Remote | |
| Chris McAllister | Building Official | Remote |
Individuals wishing to provide emailed public comment must email comments to publiccomment@cityblm.org at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. Individuals wishing to speak in-person may register at cityblm.org/register at least 5 minutes before the start of the meeting.
No individuals registered to speak at public comment and no emailed public comment was received.
Consent Agenda
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are approved with one motion; Items pulled by the Liquor Commission from the Consent Agenda for discussion are listed and voted on separately.
Commissioner Jordan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mwilambwe, that the Consent Agenda, including all items listed below, be approved as presented.
Commissioner Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mwilambwe, Jordan
Motion carried.
Item 4.A. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the September 14, 2021, Regular Liquor Commission Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 4.B. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the December 14, 2021, Regular Liquor Commission Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Regular Agenda
All license creations, amendments or transfers are contingent upon compliance with all building, health, and safety codes.
The following item was presented:
Item 5.A. Public Hearing and action on a Request for change in ownership of Tailwind BMI, LLC, d/b/a Tailwind News & Deli, located at 3201 CIRA DR., Unit 112, who holds a Class RAS (Restaurant, All Type of Alcohol, Package and Sunday Sales) Liquor License, as requested by the City Clerk Department.
Commissioner Mwilambwe opened the public hearing at 4:04 p.m.
Hannah Becker, Senior Associate with Grey-Robinson on behalf of Tailwind BMI, LLC, after being sworn, addressed the Commission. She explained that as a result of a recent transaction at the end of 2021, there was a change in ownership where Tailwind BMI, LLC was previously 100% owned by Tailwind MC, LLC but was now 100% owned by Tailwind Hospitality, Inc. She noted that Tailwind MC, LLC, remained part of the ownership structure but was now multiple tiers above. Ms. Becker stated that there was no change at the entity level with the exception of the addition of Jefferey Switzer who was now listed as the President, CEO and director of Tailwind BMI, LLC. She further explained that management and day-to-day operations would remain the same and that there would be no change to the way alcohol would be handled.
Commissioner Jordan had no questions and deferred to George Boyle, Assistant Corporation Council.
Mr. Boyle confirmed with Ms. Becker that Mr. Switzer had become the sole officer of Tailwind BMI, LLC. Ms. Becker confirmed. Mr. Boyle asked if Mr. Switzer was involved in the business prior to the change and if he would be involved in the day-to-day operations post change. Ms. Becker responded that Mr. Switzer was involved prior to the change and that he managed multiple properties.
Mr. Boyle then asked if there would be any operational or management changes of the local establishment. Ms. Becker confirmed that there would not. Mr. Boyle then asked if Ms. Becker expected any further changes in local management or day-to-day operations. Ms. Becker responded that she did not expect any changes.
Tim McCoy, Assistant Chief of Police, and Chris McAlister, Building Official, had no questions or concerns.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked if anyone would like to speak for or against the application.
Carl Olsen, Executive Director of Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority, after being sworn, addressed the Commission remotely. He spoke in favor of the application and noted the 12 years of successful partnership with Tailwind BMI, LLC at the airport. He stated that the Airport Authority supported the request.
Commissioner Mwilambwe closed the public hearing at 4:14 p.m.
Commissioner Jordan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mwilambwe, that the application be sent to Council with a positive recommendation.
Commissioner Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mwilambwe, Jordan
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 5.B. Public Hearing and action on an Application from G-Cubed, LLC, d/b/a Schooner's, located at 810 E. Grove St., requesting a change in ownership for their Class RAS (Restaurant, All Type of Alcohol, Package and Sunday Sales) Liquor License, as requested by the City Clerk Department.
Commissioner Mwilambwe opened the public hearing at 4:15 p.m.
Bob Groetken, an Owner of Schooners, after being sworn, addressed the Commission. He explained that he, and the other two current owners, Gene Gebhards and Greg Gebhards, sought to add two new owners, Adam Jones and Matt Pavelski. He then provided their history and experiences in the food industry. He explained that the current ownership was aging and that they wished to give a total of 25% ownership to the new owners. Mr. Jones was a 25-year employee with Schooner’s while Mr. Pavelski had been in the food industry for 20 years and most recently working for US Foods.
Commissioner Jordan asked if the new owners completed their appropriate training required by the City of Bloomington. Mr. Groetken confirmed that both had completed their BASSET training and that Mr. Jones needed to complete his food manager certification.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked Mr. Groetken if the day-to-day operations would remain the same. Mr. Groetken confirmed.
George Boyle, Assistant Corporation Counsel, Tim McCoy, Assistant Chief of Police, and Chris McAlister, Building Official, expressed no concerns.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked if there was anyone registered to speak for or against the application. Amanda Stutsman, Deputy City Clerk, confirmed that no one had registered to speak.
Commissioner Mwilambwe closed the public hearing at 4:18 p.m.
Commissioner Jordan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mwilambwe, that the application be sent to Council with a positive recommendation.
Commissioner Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mwilambwe, Jordan
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 5.C. Public Hearing and action on an Application from Lil Beaver Brewery, LLC, d/b/a Lil Beaver Brewery, located at 16 Currency Dr., Unit 2, requesting a change in classification from their Class TBPS (Tavern, Beer and Wine Only, Package and Sunday Sales) to a Class TAPS (Tavern, All Type of Alcohol, Package and Sunday Sales) Liquor License, as requested by the City Clerk Department.
Commissioner Mwilambwe opened the public hearing at 4:16 p.m.
Chad Bevers, an Owner of Lil Beaver Brewery, after being sworn, addressed the Commission. He explained that the establishment started as a small brewery four years ago but had expanded to include a full restaurant that employees over 50 individuals. He went on to discuss they previously offered beer and cider but, with the new Class 3 liquor license created by the State of Illinois, would now be able to offer spirits as well. Mr. Bevers assured the Commission that they only intended to offer premade cocktails due to customer demand.
Commissioner Jordan confirmed with Mr. Bevers that the request was based on customer demand. Mr. Bevers confirmed and noted that they didn’t have the space or desire to offer a full bar.
Commissioner Jordan asked for additional details on the premixed cocktails. Mr. Bevers explained that while they may mix their drinks in the future, they intended to utilize the premixed versions initially.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked if Mr. Bevers anticipated if the new classification would bring about new customers or require additional staff. Mr. Bevers did not believe that the new classification would not generate a significant increase as they intended to fill the requests of the current customer base.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked Mr. Bevers if there were modifications to the current layout of the establishment. Mr. Bevers confirmed that there would be no changes.
George Boyle, Assistant Corporation Counsel, asked Mr. Bevers if he intended to sell packaged alcohol besides the beer that they brewed. Mr. Bevers confirmed that they did not intend to offer a liquor store type setting and would continue to only sell packaged beer produced by Lil Beaver Brewery.
Mr. Boyle stated that the Legal Department had no further questions or concerns.
Tim McCoy, Assistant Chief of Police, and Chris McAlister, Building Official, also expressed no concerns.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked if there was anyone registered to speak for or against the application. Amanda Stutsman, Deputy City Clerk, confirmed that no one had registered to speak.
Commissioner Mwilambwe closed the public hearing at 4:26 p.m.
Commissioner Jordan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mwilambwe, that the application be sent to Council with a positive recommendation.
Commissioner Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mwilambwe, Jordan
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 5.D. Consideration and action on the first Appearance for Violation Citation of Puran India, Inc. d/b/a Puran India Restaurant, located at 1704 Eastland Dr., Unit 10, for Violating Section 37(e)(12) of Chapter 6 of the Bloomington City Code relating to past due food and beverage taxes, as requested by the City Clerk Department.
Commissioner Mwilambwe asked George Boyle, Assistant Corporation Counsel, to provide an update on the item.
Mr. Boyle reported that since the filing of the complaint, the delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest had been paid in full. The violation was settled with an agreed order where the licensee admitted to the delinquency and paid a fine of $600 for the violation. This matter was resolved.
Old Business
No Old Business was discussed.
New Business
No New Business was discussed.
Executive Session
No Executive Session was held.
Adjournment
Adjourn
Commissioner Jordan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mwilambwe, that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried unanimously (Viva Voce).
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
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