Special Committee on Special Permits and Licensing — September 17, 2026

The Special Committee on Special Permits and Licensing met on September 17, 2026, chaired by Councillor at Large Ian Abreu, alongside Ward 1 Councillor Leo Choquette and Ward 5 Councillor Joseph P. Lopes. A communication from Councillor at Large Naomi R. A. Carney explaining her delayed arrival was read into the record before she joined the meeting. The committee first considered the mayoral appointment of Gerald L. Ribeiro as a city constable. Mr. Ribeiro explained his prior experience as a constable from 2003 to 2005 before an accident caused his license to lapse. The committee voted unanimously to refer the appointment to the full City Council with a positive recommendation for ratification on September 24, 2026.

The committee then reviewed a petition from Mark DeCambra of Somerset, Massachusetts, doing business as SideQuest Complete at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard in Kilburn Mill, requesting a residency waiver under Section 15-38 of the city code to obtain a license to deal in secondhand articles. Mr. DeCambra explained that he operates a vintage toy and video game shop and recently relocated his residence from Taunton to Somerset. The committee voted to send the petition to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.

Lastly, the committee addressed Matter 0179 regarding the feasibility of permitting on-site tobacco consumption (cigar lounges). A letter from Police Chief Jason Thody was read into the record outlining public safety considerations, including operating hours, occupancy, security, age verification, and alcohol service. Councillor Lopes reported conversations with Health Director Stephanie Sloan and City Solicitor Eric Jaikes, explaining that tobacco lounge permitting should be tied to discussions surrounding indoor cannabis consumption. The committee agreed to leave the matter on the table before adjourning at 6:41 PM.

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