HomeMy WebLinkAboutXfinity Center Sub Comm 10/25/2016Minutes of the Xfinity Center Entertainment
License Subcommittee
Members Present:
Selectman Jess Aptowitz
Selectman George Dentino
Meeting called to order at 7:30 a.m.
October 25, 2016
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Others Present: 2011 j .Fs ? 14 A 8; 5
Chief Ron Sellon
Chief Neal Boldrighini
Lt. Frank Archer
Amy Donovan -Palmer
William Ross, Town Manager
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Mr. Aptowitz stated that this meeting is the initial staff meeting to talk about what public safety would
like in the license for next year.
Fire Chief Boldrighini stated that he was very pleased with the way Brewster Ambulance operated
throughout the season. They had the resources despite the size of the crowd. He would like that
relationship to continue but the agreement is between Live Nation and Brewster. Because of the
relationship, the Town was able to staff fewer EMS personnel and there was no need to call for additional
resources from other communities. There were also no social media issues. Mr. Ross asked for the
statistics, which Chief Boldrighini will provide. The Chief does believe, however, that triage staffing
issues will need to be addressed. Also needing to be addressed is the shortage of ambulances on the
weekends.
Items he will need for the next conceit season: clock in the triage area; replacement of a few more
wheelchairs; Replacement of cabinet supply doors that are falling off; a landline or burner cell phone for
staff to make calls to parents in order to eliminate the use of personal cell phones; a defibrillator in the
back -stage area, the cost for which is approximately $1,300; a check of the carts — perhaps new batteries
Police Chief Sellon expressed his continued concern over crowd behavior driven by alcohol use and the
potential of the venue to be a soft target for a mass casualty event. A continued concern for this year will
be the backpack policy inconsistency. He would like to take a look at the NFL policy; the fact that large
objects are being allowed into the venue; metal detector installation; barricades to insulate choke points at
the front; enhanced video surveillance; jersey barriers to protect waiting areas; and removal of brush in
the rear of the facility. He continues to believe that a platform for the lawn is critical and disagrees with
Live Nation that it would be a distraction to patrons. He stated that it is not a very expensive item to
construct. He also has an issue with staff using personal cell phones to contact parents.
Lt. Archer stated that there are a few remaining laptops that need to be replaced, perhaps another 4.
He would like a slop sink in the compound to permit staff to clean up if there is a bodily fluid incident.
He found the misting fans to be very successful in making staff and patrons more comfortable in the heat.
He would like to see one or two more, particularly one in the juvenile detention section.
Mr. Ross asked Chief Sellon to clarify that he wants metal detectors so that every patron is checked and
commented that this could be cumbersome and impede speedy entry into the venue. Chief Sellon
believes that by setting up stations for entry into the venue, bottleneck can be avoided. Both
acknowledged that the current configuration of the entry is a poor design for access. Changes would be
envisioned which would eliminate the necessity to loosen checks when there is a crush of people
attempting to enter the venue at the start of the show. Mr. Ross stated that it is important to insist that
Life Nation be consistent with security checks. Chief Sellon believes that it is the Town's job to put as
many obstacles in the way of potential terrorists that they won't see the venue as a target. He continues to
believe that a plate reader at the main gate would be extremely beneficial.
Health Agent Amy Donovan -Palmer expressed her concern that there may not be sufficient toilet facilities
to accommodate the maximum permitted occupancy of the venue. She stated that she witnessed a patron
using the floor drain behind a concession stand as a toilet. She will look at the plumbing code and
calculate the required number of toilets and let Mr. Ross know her findings. She also believes that
additional toilet facilities will be required for the parking lots to accommodate tailgating patrons.
Selectmen Dentino believes that the Chiefs have made great strides towards correcting problems at the
venue. He believes that the platform can be constructed so that it is sturdy. He also would like to see
something put up along the fence so that patrons fleeing from police and Metro cannot escape. He
believes the lack of lighting is a serious problem on the lawn. He would like to see the pathway from the
Extra Mail lit. He also believes the police have done a good job recognizing when a patron needs to be
moved from the compound to the medical triage tent. He expressed a concern that patrons with tickets for
the seating area are moving up to the lawn and that tickets are not being checked. He is concerned that he
did not see as many ABCC staff this year. Mr. Dentino would also like to see more signage stating that
no alcoholic beverages are allowed. Mr. Ross stated that this has been, and will be again, discussed with
Live Nation.
Lt. Archer is concerned with the access and egress to/from the compound. It is not ideally located but
they have been able to work with it. They are driving over crowded pedestrian walkways to get in and
out of the compound, and the gate set up makes this more difficult because they are working with
confined space to maneuver. He would like to see a re -work of this area with perhaps a wider gate or one
that retracts, rather than swings to open and close.
Mr. Ross stated that the Chiefs should prepare their lists and that he will draft a letter to present to Live
Nation, which should include a description of the gate they envision for the compound.
Chief Sellon reiterated his concern about the video surveillance and stated that as soon as the lights go out
on the lawn, the cameras of little benefit. He believes Live Nation is working on this and on additional
cameras throughout the venue, particularly at the choke points. Lt. Archer stated that Live Nation is a
proponent of the closed circuit system, and he has no doubt that there will be more improvements.
Mr. Ross told the group that Life Nation continues to owe approximately $6,000 to Town Counsel for its
services on the protective custody case. Despite promises made since last February, the bills remain
unpaid. He also stated that Live Nation has been put on notice of its liability for injuries to a police
officer during the 2016 concert season. Mr. Aptowitz would like to formalize the requests from the
Chiefs as soon as possible. Both Chiefs stated that they will provide their materials within the next two
weeks, and Mr. Ross stated that he would like the requests to go to Live Nation before Thanksgiving.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Deb Herbert