WILMINGTON, MA — Below are FIVE things that happened at the Wilmington Board of Selectmen Meeting this past Monday, September 23, 2019.
#1) MICHAEL’S PLACE GETS APPROVED: Selectmen approved the application for change of officers/directors/managers and alteration of premises relative to the all-alcohol restaurant license for Michael’s Place at 110 Lowell Street.
(Selectman McCoy abstained from the vote and left the room during the conversation as he still owns the land the restaurant is on.)
Sohan Saini, one of the restaurant’s officers, clarified that the restaurant is still called Michael’s Place (not Michael’s Place Bar & Grill), the restaurant has the same owner and manager (Beesa Ram) as before the renovation, and the restaurant has the same hours as before the renovation. The restaurant did recently add some new officers — all family members of Ram.
“Mr. Saini’s family closed the restaurant briefly to change its description and add a bar,” Saini’s attorney told the Board of Selectmen. “The place looks about the same. It’s a beautiful place…. If you go there, you’ll be pleased with what you see.”
“We have a lot of stuff we had to fix up,” added Saini. “Everything has been approved by the Building Inspector, Health Inspector, and Fire Department.”
During a discussion with the board, it came to light that the restaurant now has a jukebox, which will require an entertainment license from the town. Saini’s attorney said his clients will apply for one.
Saini noted that the restaurant reopened on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 for a soft launch. The restaurant closed this past Sunday, September 22, 2019 around 6pm for a few days to evaluate and restock food and alcohol. The plan is to reopen this Wednesday, September 25, 2019 or Thursday, September 26, 2019.
Saini acknowledged that the restaurant had a minor issue on its opening day.
“One hood motor blew off,” said Saini. “Some smoke went into the kitchen and the fire alarm went off.”
Saini said the restaurant was able to work around the issue and has gotten it fixed.
Town Manager Hull noted that the Town’s Building Inspector was never informed of the disabled unit. Hull asked Saini to call the Building Inspector to explain what took place and he’ll determine whether the unit needs to be inspected. Selectman Caira noted the building had recent issues with its venting system prior to the renovation. Saini clarified with Hull that the restaurant’s 3-day closure wasn’t due to any venting issue, but primarily because the restaurant ran out of food and beer after a busy opening week.
#2) TOWN BY-LAW STUDY COMMITTEE FINALIZED: Selectman Greg Bendel and Selectwoman Jomarie O’Mahony announced their selections to the Town By-Law Study Committee. The Committee is reviewing the town bylaws and examining whether make recommendations to move the date of the Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election. Selectman Bendel chose Al Rego. (Rego is replacing Dan Stewart, who stepped down.) Selectwoman O’Mahony picked Gary DePalma. The By-Law Study Committee reconvened and held its first meeting after a long break on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.
#3) SELECTMEN INVITED TO RMLD COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: In recognition of National Public Power Week (October 6-12), Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is holding an Open House on Thursday, October 10, 2019, from 3pm to 6pm, at RMLD’s Garage located at 218 Ash Street in Reading.
This fun and educational event will feature bucket truck rides, face painting, kids’ games and prizes, pumpkin decorating, a lineman for a day activity for the kids, lineman demos, and a plug-in electric vehicle showcase. RMLD staff will offer education on electricity, electrical safety, energy conservation, and information about RMLD rebate and efficiency programs. There will also be complimentary snacks, a raffle, and a special “birthday” celebration at 5pm in recognition of RMLD’s 125th anniversary.
The rain date for this event is Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
#4) SELECTMEN APPROVE REQUEST FROM WILMINGTON-TEWKSBURY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S GROUP: The Board unanimously approved the request of the Wilmington-Tewksbury United Methodist Women’s Group to place signs on the Town Common, Whitefield School site, and entrance of the Yentile Recreational Facility.
The signs promote the church’s Annual Harvest & Holly Fair on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9am to 2pm at the Wilmington United Methodist Church (87 Church Street). The fair will include baked goods, preserves, hand-made crafts, vintage jewelry, plants, used books, attic treasures and much more. Coffee & pastries will be for sale in the lobby. Lunch will start at 11am and include chili, mac & cheese, & meatball subs. Don’t forget to visit the Youth Group’s “Pumpkin Patch.” Proceeds benefit Outreach & Missionaries. The church is handicapped accessible.
#5) HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILMINGTON: Selectman Chair Greg Bendel surprised Town Manager Jeff Hull and his colleagues with ice cream cups at the end of the meeting. Hull is celebrating his birthday this Tuesday, September 24. Hull noted that the Town of Wilmington is celebrating the 289th anniversary of its incorporation this Wednesday, September 25.
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