Orchard Card Company dismissal: owner must secure special permit before returning

The Liquor License Commission on July 23 dismissed the Orchard Card Company Inc.’s licensing matter for 421 Main Street because the owner, Edward (last name given as Dufour Sowing in the agenda), had not secured a city special permit and remained on a tax payment plan.

When called, Edward said he is on an agreed payment plan to address outstanding taxes and has been working with code enforcement and planning staff. He told the commission the tax balance was near completion (he estimated a remaining balance around 10% on the payment plan) and that the planning department indicated the next special‑permit meeting would be in September. Commissioners and staff noted that the city council issues special permits and that the applicant needed to pursue that process between meetings.

Because the owner had not obtained the special permit and his tax issues were still in process, the commission voted to dismiss the matter; Edward was told to return when he has the special permit and taxes in order. Commissioners urged him to secure assistance to identify the correct contacts and steps between meetings rather than relying on a public hearing for procedural guidance.