The April 3 meeting is 7:30 p.m. in
Licenses for bars, restaurants, liquor stores and social clubs were formerly approved or denied by the seven-member governing body, but the three-member board is expected to review annual licenses starting this year. License holders are subject to inspections by the Police Division and several other city agencies and must be up to date with city fees and sales tax due to the state. The City Clerk's office handles much of the preparation for renewal, including correspondence with licensees and verification of compliance. Most licensees conform with all requirements, but police sometimes recommend denial for infractions such as sale of liquor to minors. The process may then involve hearings.
The three initial nominees have staggered terms. Successors will all have three-year terms. The ordinance also requires one of the three to be of the opposite political party. They are:
- James Perry, who cites extensive board service on his resume in addition to being the founding Chief Financial Officer of the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority, serving from 1996 to 2013. His board affiliations include 23 years with Union County College,and 28 years with King's Daughters Day School. He was former chair of the Plainfield Redevelopment Authority and a founding member of the Plainfield Business Development Corp. A Democrat, he is nominated for the initial three-year term.
- David Graves, a repairer with the State of New Jersey, having previous managerial and technical positions in entertainment and manufacturing. Though not noted on his resume, Graves is well-known for community activities as well. He is a Democrat and is nominated for the two-year term.
- Oscar Riba, who is now vice president of Two Sigma Investments, LLC but who gained knowledge of ABC regulations as owner/operator of a New York bar for a decade ending in 2012. According to the resolution, he is a Republican and is nominated for a one-year initial term.
See more details on the ABC board in my January preview.
License renewals are supposed to take place by June 30, but may be held up if licensees have not paid fees or taxes or if hearings are involved.
See the April 3 meeting agenda here.
--Bernice
More PMUA carryover? Just reshuffle the deck and same dealing. As a side note 20% of pmua staff is management. So with that pour the drinks Plainfield is drunk.
ReplyDeleteYou are way off base to characterize Jim Perry as "more PMUA carryover." Jim has always demonstrated high professional standards and sincere interest in the city's well-being, from what I have seen over the past 30 years.
DeleteWhy no women nominees to ABC board? The choices are thoughtful, and wish them well in their endeavors.
ReplyDeleteTo 5:14am - Jim Perry's reputation is beyond reproach. Before you start making remarks that have no facts attached, go do your homework.
ReplyDeleteMAYBE THEY NEED TO GET SOMEONE ON THE BOARD WITH PREVIOUS ABC ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE
ReplyDeleteReasonable intelligence and good character are the primary qualifications for Board members. This is a premier crew. As to Mr. Perry; we are fortunate to have him. He was the only executive professionally qualified for his position at the inception of the PMUA. The financial administration was impeccable for the 16 years he served. Bill Kruse
DeleteMy copy of the email agenda states that the meeting is in the City Hall Library. Has it been moved or is Council and Administration insensitive to all diverse residents as it seems by scheduling next Monday's meeting on the first night of Passover the time for the first Seder and home family celebration.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. I fixed it. Unfortunate about the conflict Monday.
ReplyDeletePrefect balance of residents, now can we focus on the amount of empty beer, liquor wine bottles that are littering our city. Why does Plainfield have so many shops that sell, but we do not have a respectable watering hole for the adults in town
ReplyDeleteWhat do you consider respectable ?
DeleteA Place that is airy is bright, with windows and outdoor space. A place that the music is not blaring from speakers with Jazz music or a piano playing. Comfortable seating that you can have a conversation and hear your friends. Seating at a bar, is very hard to have a conversation when you are in a group.
DeleteTimothy, how in the world did we every manage without you and your wisdom. Usually I don’t comment on anything you post because I refuse to give you any life. The place you are describing sounds like a restaurant not a bar and we have a few of them that serve liquor.
DeleteTim makes a valid point about all the litter from alcohol containers. The smaller bottles are especially troublesome. I know some municipalities ban the sale of those.
DeleteWalk down Park Ave going toward 8th from South Plainfield. You will always find a plethora of whole and broken beer bottles and liquor bottles of all sizes, which I imagine coming from the liquor store/bar in South Plainfield. What can we do about that?
DeleteRB
There are several "respectable watering holes" in Plainfield Timothy. Chez Maree, which has LGBT Wednesdays, the Latin Bar, Giovanna, Hugo's and others. What is "respectable" to you? The clientele at these places is not "respectable" because of their color? Because of their ethnic background? Sounds like more divisiveness from you. You know nothing about this city but you shoot your mouth off. Why don't you do some research or move to some "respectable" place and leave your racial tinged remarks to yourself?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Anonymous @5:14 AM. Why do we keep recycling the same people? Did Mr. Perry resign in protest at the nonsense that occurred at PMUA?
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to get people to give their time and energy for public committees and commissions. If anyone wants to volunteer, just contact the mayor's office.
DeleteKudos to Adrian Mapp for choosing such a diverse panel. I am especially pleased that Oscar Riba is on the board. Oscar has experience in the industry. He will be able provide a unique perspective – kind of like giving the applicants a seat at the table. As a small business owner I feel that’s a good thing.
ReplyDeleteWhile it may appear that the same people are being recycled, the truth is I meet all three nominees at one time or another and had conversations on more than one occasions with two. All are excellent choices. Intelligent, individual thinkers who care about this city and it’s positive growth.
ReplyDeleteRB