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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20251964.tiffHearing Certification Docket No. 2025-57.A Board of County Commissioners Weld County, Colorado Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase I Regarding Tavern (County) Liquor License — El Centenario Entertainment, LLC, dba El Centenario Nightclub A public hearing was conducted on July 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., with the following present: Commissioner Perry L. Buck, Chair Commissioner Scott K. James, Pro-Tem Commissioner Jason S. Maxey Commissioner Lynette Peppler Commissioner Kevin D. Ross Also present: Acting Clerk to the Board, Houstan Aragon County Attorney, Bruce Barker Assistant County Attorney, Matthew Conroy The following business was transacted: I hereby certify that pursuant to a Notice pasted July 10, 2025, a Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase I was conducted to consider the Tavern (County) Liquor License of El Centenario Entertainment, LLC, dba El Centenario Nightclub. Matthew Conroy, Assistant County Attorney, explained that this hearing was set while the Board considered the renewal of the liquor license on June 25, 2025, at which point the Department of Planning Services presented concerns regarding outstanding building permits that have expired without completion and failure to adhere to requirements of the Mountain View Fire Rescue District. He shared there is reason to believe that the applicant violated Section 12-2-40 of the Weld County Code and is operating in a manner that affects the public health and safety of the neighborhood. Mr. Conroy further stated that a sign noticing the hearing was posted on the premises ten (10) days prior to the Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase I, the licensee was notified that the sign was to remain posted until after said hearing, but on Judy 17, 2025, the Department of Planning Services notified the Clerk to the Board's Office that the sign had been removed. He explained staff has since reposted the sign. Mr. Conroy then provided a brief history of the outstanding building permits and stated the Department of Planning Services conducted an inspection on July 17, 2025, and witnessed further remodeling without building permits. Mr. Conroy stated that a stop work order has since been placed by both the Department of Planning Services and the Mountain View Fire Rescue District, the latter of which also placed fire line tape and designated the building as dangerous because the sprinkler fire line for the building was never completed, multiple fire and cc.:CACMCIKM/SB), pLCO£/Mr1) 90CRSI ESEISK), roraol a5 2025-1964 LC0042 Hearing Certification for Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase I — El Centenario Entertainment, LLC, dba El Centenario Nightclub Page 2 electrical hazards exist, and there is hampered egress. Mr. Conroy presented a PowerPoint, displaying photos for the record, which included a beer bottle outside of the licensed premises. He stated there is sufficient evidence pursuant to Section 12-2-40 of the Weld County Code to set a Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase II and recommended the Board schedule said hearing for August 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Conroy explained the licensee has the opportunity to speak at both today's hearing and at the next hearing, and what recourse the Board could have at the next hearing. In response to Commissioner James, Mr. Conroy further explained Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase I and II processes. Bruce Barker, County Attorney, advised the Board to inquire if the applicant or the applicant's representative is present. Chair Buck made said inquiry to the audience and there was no response. Commissioner Maxey stated he cannot verify who placed the beer bottle in the photo presented in the PowerPoint, but is concerned about the outstanding building permits and Fire District violations. In response to Commissioner Maxey, Tom Potter, Department of Planning Services, provided a brief history of the outstanding building permits, stating the applicant was notified she needed to reapply and finalize inspections. Further in response to Commissioner Maxey, Mr. Potter confirmed building permits expire after one (1) year. Commissioner Ross echoed the comments of Commissioner Maxey regarding the abovementioned beer bottle. In response to Commissioner Ross' question regarding the "Takings Clause" of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Mr. Conroy stated he does not believe the applicant has recourse under said clause. Mr. Barker expanded the Board provided due process and the applicant chose not to attend the hearing. In response to Commissioner Maxey's earlier question regarding history of the building permits, Mr. Conroy stated the fundamental difference between last year's renewal hearing and this year's is that the County now has the presented evidence. In response to Commissioner Ross, Mr. Conroy confirmed the applicant was present at last year's renewal hearing, but chose not to speak. Commissioner Ross recalled the Board encouraging the applicant to resolve the issues discussed regarding the outstanding building permits. In response to Commissioner Maxey, Mr. Potter stated the applicant needs to re -permit the building, including the additional unit that has never been permitted, install a fire sprinkler, and mitigate the other concerns of the Fire District. He also stated the Fire District has recommended United Power, Inc., remove power to the building. 2025-1964 LC0042 Hearing Certification for Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase I — El Centenario Entertainment, LLC, dba El Centenario Nightclub Page 3 Maxwell Nader, Department of Planning Services, stated further recourse the Department could pursue is the violation approach for the Site Plan Review Permit that is on -site. Mr. Conroy explained that if the applicant continues operating, Weld County could also pursue a temporary restraining order under the building code for a dangerous building. Commissioner Ross stated power being removed from the building would likely prevent sales due to the inability to cool beverages and Commissioner James agreed, stating that would prevent the Board from considering the establishment to be a sound facility for liquor licensing operations. Mr. Conroy concurred, stating if the applicant doesn't respond to the concerns and the license is revoked, they could reapply, which would require the County to conduct an inspection to ensure the building is no longer hazardous. In response to Commissioner Maxey, Mr. Conroy advised the Board of protocol for making a motion. No public testimony was offered concerning this matter. Commissioner Ross moved to set a Refusal to Renew Public Hearing Phase II on August 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., based on the recommendations of staff and pursuant to Sections 12-2-40.A and 12-2-40.C of the Weld County Code. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maxey and it carried unanimously. There being no further discussion, the hearing was completed at 9:43 a.m. The Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, approved the above and foregoing Hearing Certification, on motion duly made and seconded, by the following vote on the 4th day of August, A.D., 2025: Perry L. Buck, Chair: Aye Scott K. James, Pro-Tem: Aye Jason S. Maxey: Aye Lynette Peppier: Aye Kevin D. Ross: Aye Attest: Esther E. Gesick, Clerk to the Board 2025-1964 LC0042 ATTENDANCE LIST 7/Zl /Z� NAME - PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY ADDRESS (CITY, STATE ZIP) EMAIL COUNTY OF RESIDENCE SPEAKING (Y/N)? 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