Wausau committee holds two alcohol-license applications, approves remainder and seeks owner of closed Jalapeños

The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee on March 17 held action on two individual alcohol-license applications recommended for denial, approved the remainder of the staff-recommended licenses and agreed to summon the owner of Jalapeños to next month’s meeting to address closure and compliance concerns.

The committee held the applications for Kristen Volmer and Taisha Payton so the applicants could provide additional evidence of rehabilitation for police review. Chief Barnes told the committee he had received a letter from Volmer and encouraged both applicants to contact him to discuss what documentation would best show rehabilitation; he said a single letter from a former probation officer would likely be insufficient given the records he had reviewed. Volmer and Payton were placed on the April agenda for reconsideration after they and Chief Barnes exchange that information.

The committee heard brief, heated exchanges in the room while Volmer’s husband, Matthew Volmer, sought to address the panel; the chair reminded attendees of meeting order and the requirements for submitting evidence. The committee did not make a denial decision at the meeting.

Separately, staff recommended approval or renewal for the bulk of the license applications in the packet, including a renewal for a Class B license for the Woodchucks at Athletic Park. Member Larson moved to accept licenses as recommended by staff (with the two applicants above held), Lukens seconded, and members voted aye; none opposed and the motion carried.

On a separate enforcement matter, the committee discussed Jalapeños, which staff reported had closed around Feb. 1 and remained shuttered. Officers and staff told the committee they had spoken with the former owner, Jose, and with a translator, Tony Gonzalez. Committee members asked staff to send a letter inviting the owners to the April meeting to explain whether they intend to surrender the license or provide a plan to reopen; if the owners do not surrender the license, staff advised the committee it may move to reclaim it.

The committee also reviewed the February tavern-activity report. Chief Barnes noted a stabbing-related incident at 101 Pub in which officers made an arrest; he said he was pleased with the owner’s cooperation and would confirm whether demerit points had been assessed. The committee discussed the demerit-point process and reiterated that the chief or a designee assigns or adjusts points under the existing system so the committee’s role remains primarily to receive the report.

A noise complaint matter at Forefathers Pub remains unresolved; staff said the owners have not proposed modifications and the item remains in limbo until the owners bring a plan forward.

The committee took no further enforcement votes at the meeting; held applications will return in April for formal action.