Licenses and Permits Committee

• Governing Body: Licenses and Permits Committee
• Meeting Type: Committee Meeting
• Date: February 25, 2026
• Location: Remote Participation
• Attendees:
  • Councilor Emily Hardt (Chair)
  • Councilor Lance Davis
  • Councilor Ben Wheeler
  • Clerk Pottier
  • Jacqueline Duffy (Eversource Representative)

The committee reviewed the minutes from the meeting held on February 11, 2026.

• Action: The minutes were approved as presented.
• Vote Outcome: 3-0 (Approved)
  • Councilor Davis: Yes
  • Councilor Wheeler: Yes
  • Chair Hardt: Yes

The committee held a public hearing for a new Class 2 used car dealer license for USA Auto Hub located at 61 Prospect Street.

• License Details:
  • Capacity: 15 vehicles outside.
  • Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Sunday, Closed.
• Public Comment: The Chair opened the public hearing at 6:03 p.m. No members of the public spoke on the item.
• Action: The committee moved to refer the item for recommendation of approval.
• Vote Outcome: 3-0 (Recommended for Approval)
  • Councilor Davis: Yes
  • Councilor Wheeler: Yes
  • Chair Hardt: Yes

The committee discussed two related grant of location applications from Eversource:

1. Item 26-0177: Install 25 feet of conduit in Oak Street from utility pole 258/2 to 10 Oak Street.
2. Item 26-0185: Install 75 feet of conduit in Prospect Street from utility pole 291/12 to 91 Prospect Street.

Discussion Points:

• Chair Hardt noted concerns from Ward Councilor J.T. Scott regarding property issues and the lack of active building permits for these locations.
• Jacqueline Duffy (Eversource) clarified that applications are often filed early because the approval process can take months, and Eversource does not monitor building permit status.
• Councilor Davis requested clarification on what the licensing body can legally consider regarding these applications and suggested consulting the Law Department.

Actions:

• Item 26-0177 (Oak Street): Kept in committee pending further information regarding building permits.
• Item 26-0185 (Prospect Street): Discharged to the City Council without recommendation to allow for a properly noticed public hearing.
• Vote Outcome (Discharge Item 26-0185): 3-0
  • Councilor Davis: Yes
  • Councilor Wheeler: Yes
  • Chair Hardt: Yes

The committee discussed a grant of location for 38 Ivaloo Street to install 62 feet of conduit from utility pole 179/5.

Discussion Points:

• Chair Hardt and a resident previously raised concerns about infrastructure on the street, specifically double poles and wires draped through tree branches.
• Jacqueline Duffy (Eversource) reported that she inspected the site. She confirmed that one double pole is waiting for other utilities to transfer their equipment and noted that two other poles likely need replacement.
• Ms. Duffy suggested the work could be approved with a stipulation that the double pole be removed, but the committee expressed hesitation until the exact scope of repairs is defined.

Action: The item was kept in committee to allow for further investigation and the establishment of specific conditions for approval.

The meeting was adjourned following a roll call vote.

• Action: Adjourned.
• Vote Outcome: 3-0
  • Councilor Davis: Yes
  • Councilor Wheeler: Yes
  • Chair Hardt: Yes