Council denies operator’s license for Watertown resident after hearing; applicant had sought explanation during public comment

The Watertown City Council voted on June 17 to deny an operator’s license application from Amanda Pilsner, who had used public comment time earlier in the meeting to ask why her liquor license was denied.

During the public comment period, Amanda Pilsner identified herself and said she lives at 106 Emerald Street and asked why she was denied her liquor license, saying, “I really need my license to do my job.” The council’s clerk indicated staff would make follow-up available after the public comment period.

Later in the agenda, the licensing item for Pilsner (application denial based on Category 1 of the city’s licensing guidelines) was moved by Alderman Smith and seconded by Alderman Lampe. The motion to deny passed; the council discussion noted staff had sent certified denial letters and included information about how applicants could appeal to the licensing board.

No additional findings or details about the Category 1 determination were read into the record at the council meeting; the council relied on the licensing memorandum and exhibit referenced in the packet. The council did not provide an on-the-record summary of the underlying 2021 incident Pilsner referenced during public comment.

Pilsner’s request for the reasoning during public comment was recorded on the meeting transcript; council members and staff stated that denial letters had been sent by certified mail and that the letters explained the reasons for denial and how to appeal.