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HomeMy WebLinkAboutXfinity Center Sub Comm 01/05/2017Minutes of the Xfinity Center Entertainmentc , License Subcommittee 01 V �) 2r . January 5, 2017 7 1�JAN i , «. Members Present: Selectman Jess Aptowitz Absent: Selectmen Dentino Meeting called to order at 7:05 a.m. Others Present: Jeffrey Mann, Xfinity Center U M. Chief Neal Boldrigl ini Deputy Chief James Puleo Chief Ron Sellon Justin DeRosier, EMS Coordinator William Ross, Town Manager Lt. Frank Archer Kevin White, FBI Mr. Aptowitz thanked Mr. Mann for coming in. He stated that, given the absence of Mr. Dentine, approval of the minutes would be tabled for the next meeting. He explained the process of the entertainment license negotiations and noted that internal staff has met to discuss issues and concerns for the upcoming year and previous years. He noted that public safety has been pleased with the new ambulance company. Mr. Ross distributed handouts outlining needs that public safety has identified. He also noted that there are invoices that still remain unpaid relative to legal services provided to the Town for Xfinity issues. He gave those invoices and the invoices for the VFIS accident and sickness policies to Mr. Mann, Mr. Mann noted that he had experienced some accounts payable staffing issues that have now been resolved and he sees no problem in getting these invoices paid. Mr. Aptowitz asked that Mr. Mann review the lists of items needed and be prepared to talk about it at the next meeting. Chief Sellon discussed the possibility of enhanced video surveillance and the addition of BOSAR (Behavior Observation Suspicious Activities Reporting) training certification for his staff. This would permit his staff to train all Xfinity Center staff. Chief Sellon indicated that all staff could be trained at simply the cost of the time of his officers. Chief Sellon relayed some of the information he obtained from attending training in Israel. He received training regarding the eliminating choke points. He would like to see a barrier and staggered entry which will eliminate the choke point. Mr. Mann acknowledged the challenge of getting people into the venue and balancing that with security checks. He has some plans in the works and is using a third party vendor to re -configure the front area, but is not certain if it will be approved. His long-term vision is to put everyone that comes into the venue into a single chute. Chief Sellon stated that spreading people out provides an opportunity for better surveillance. Mr. Ross stated that he would like Mr. Mann to involve the Town's public safety staff in discussions about reconfiguration of the entrance. Chief Boldrighini stated that he felt last year went extremely well. Things were better and more efficient and his data supports that. He used significantly fewer personnel and ambulances. He believes that only a few things need to be adjusted. He went over his list of necessary items for the next season. Mr. Mann stated that he will look into getting a landline in the triage tent. Chief Boldrighini said that he would like a defib in the back stage area, and Mr. Mann stated that he believes there are 2 in the backstage area. He will confirm and show Fire Department staff the locations. Chief Boldrighini stated that during weekend shows there were issues with scheduling of ambulances and that needs to be resolved. He also stated that go-cart batteries need to be fresh for the upcoming season. Chief Sellon stated that injury of the officer involved in the Polaris accident has caused staffing issues and that there have been costs associated with that. He indicated that this will need to be discussed moving forward. Chief Boldrighini asked if Mr. Mann would consider putting defibs throughout the venue. Mr. Mann stated that he would consider staggering them throughout the venue and perhaps adding a couple each year. Chief Boldrighini would like some collaboration on the choice of the equipment as he would like to ensure that the equipment is compatible. Lt. Archer would like to have one on the Polaris. Mr. Mann stated that he would like to look at the overall operation of the venue. There were some positive things coming out of last year. He would like to review the economic impact study. His data shows that they hosted 90,000 patrons over last year and that the overall impact was $535,000 in direct visitor spending in Mansfield. Concessions employ 206 Mansfield residents and 336 from the tri -town area and they intend to continue to hire locally. They want to be a good corporate neighbor. He has begun the process of having direct communication with the neighbors and believes that this is resulting in fewer complaint calls to Town Hall. He stated that they strive to support the local community with graduations and charity walks and recycling of water bottles which resulted in approximately 500 meals being provided to the Mansfield Food Pantry this year. He stated that he is working to develop predictability of events by grouping them appropriately and by targeting where they know the problems are. The venue is currently at a 12 year low in arrests and 14 year low in protective custodies. He stated that everyone has done an excellent job. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Mr. Mann and stated that he has been very cooperative and reactive to public safety concerns. He acknowledged the amount of time spent by Town public safety staff in planning in advance of the season and after shows dealing with parents, etc. which takes away from their regular duties. He noted that the Town dedicates a lot of time and effort to the venue but it has to be in a safe environment. He stated that he would like the group to reconvene soon to develop the language of the license agreement, and the next meeting was scheduled for January 24`h at 7:00 a.m. Deputy Chief Puleo stated that the monthly planning sessions to plan out the next month's events were very effective. Mr. Mann thought it worked and would like to continue. He stated that more frequently would be okay except that it could be difficult to get everyone together. Lt. Archer believes that there could be time during events for staff to get together to discuss planning for subsequent events. He stated that it would be productive to have Mr. Shinkwin or a representative of security at those meetings. Mr. Mann stated that they are still working with Brewster on the contract for the next season, but they are getting close. Meeting adjourned 7:42 a.m.