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HomeMy WebLinkAboutXfinity Center sub Comm 03/30/2016Notes For Xfinity Sub -Committee Center Meeting March 30, 2016 Present: Sub -Committee Members: Selectman Doug Annino Selectman Olivier Kozlowski Others In Attendance: Town Manager William Ross Police Chief Ron Sellon Lieutenant Frank Archer Lieutenant Sam Thompson Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini Deputy Fire Chief Jim Puleo Justin Desrosiers, EMS Coordinator General Manager Jeffrey Mann Tracey Whalen, Minutes Clerk Also Present: Bill Clemmey Police Chief Brian Clark - Norton Administrative Captain Michael Kelleher — Foxboro FBI Agent Kevin White Meeting Called To Order at 7:38am Mr. Ross began the meeting requesting an actual discussion of the license itself as the last two meetings have been full of presentations. Mr. Ross explained this to be an extremely busy time for the Board of Selectmen and it would be unfair to drop the license for review at the last minute. Mr. Ross then distributed a copy of last season's license for the Xfinity Center where the Committee began to review. Highlights included the following: Section 1: • Term would stay the same (April through December) • Naming of LiveNation Worldwide has not changed Section 3: • Alcoholic Beverages - Mr. Mann noted there are no changes announcing he met with the ABCC at end of last season with regards to perhaps loosening restrictions in certain areas (45+ years of age with duplicate licenses). He stated the ABCC was comfortable with Xfinity's policies and the enforcement of those Chief Sellon wanted the record to reflect that restrictions are according to Mass General Law, Mr. Mann clarified this focus is on the "pass -off rule" Xflnity Sub -Committee Meeting March 30, 2016 Section 4: • Performance Dates and Times - Mr. Mann noted this season starts late with first show on June 2"d Mr. Ross questioned "after season events" (referencing the Tri -Town Chamber) — Mr. Mann considered those as "office party" or "meet and greet" with no live entertainment • Traffic Plan is available and will be reviewed later in the meeting Section 7: • Public Safety o A) Mr. Ross noted Charter and State Law define Chiefs to provide the authority and safety of all those residing and visiting Town. Mr. Ross commented that State law establishes regulations that apply universally. It is his feeling MA approaches things differently from other states. Chief Boldrighini agreed it is a heavily regulated State. o Chief Sellon would like to see a modification for Section 7 Part C to reflect the year 2016 o Chief Boldrighini noted he has minor changes with regards to the Emergency Manual. Mr. Mann has a few issues with the document where it was decided after discussion that Mr. Mann would meet off-line with both Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini to review. It was noted Section 8 was removed last year Section 9: • Schedule of Events has been modified and will be distributed via email by Deidre at Xfinity • Mr. Ross would like to see Town and Xfinity officials sitting down and reviewing shows • Mr. Ross recognizes the First Amendment Rights for artist — Mr. Mann did not considered any acts as controversial Section 11 • Mr. Ross noted that payment of Public Safety Fee goes into General Fund • Internet connection upgraded but computers are getting old. Discussion with Trish who would follow up. Mr. Mann tried for upgrades this year in Capital but was not successful - will try next year • Golf carts from last year are fine per both Chiefs • Update Driver's Licenses Scanners. Chief Sellon stated honestly there is no time to use. Mr. Mann also noted the ABCC is not a fan as the software can be beat and they do not rely on them. Mr. Kozlowski asked if there is one located in the Compound and it was noted there is and the Xfinity Center also has its own. Chief Sellon stated to keep in mind software upgrades come out monthly Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 30, 2016 Section 12 • Mr. Mann put emphasis on advertising when a show is Sold Out feeling the more signage, the better and has had some success. Xfinity does not want crowds coming in without tickets and they do everything they can to get the word out Section 13 • Mr. Mann is unaware of any issues with noise control. Only possible issue this season is Warp Tour which is outdoors but end time is 9:O0pm Section 16 • In terms of hours it was noted occasionally an act goes over. Mr. Mann reported LiveNation notifies each act and acknowledged they make every effort to control Section 17 • Mr. Ross reminded that Police and Fire are not covered by Worker's Comp through the Town at Xfinity. Mr. Mann noted LiveNation is self-insured. Mr. Ross felt that since LiveNation is the provider and are self-insured new language would need to be introduced in the license. Mr. Ross will consult with Town Counsel to recognize that fact. Section 19 • Mr. Kozlowski felt wording needed to be consistent Mr. Ross stated the groups will continue to work through the fine details referencing radios and lighting. Chief Boldrighini reminded of the request for better wheelchairs. Chief Sellon went through a presentation he prepared focusing on Public Safety. Highlights included: • Review of facility Background of problems, including: communication, multiple job task assignments, staffing concerns, coordination issues, Public Safety improvement measures, crime concerns and Fire/EMS concerns • Solution: an Incident Command System (ICS) based model , maximizing Public Safety efficiency o ICS is standardized, on -scene, all -hazards incident management approach that • allows for integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure ■ enables coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, private and public establishes common processes for planning and managing resources o ICS is flexible and can be used for incidents of any type, scope and complexity Xfinity Sub-Comminee Meeting March 30, 2016 o Applied to Xfinity through a unified command center housing representatives from Police, Fire, Event EMS and Security — allows quickest and most efficient form of communication • Additional measures include: Metropolitan Law Enforcement Count (MetroLEC) into staff, addition of Explosive Ordinance Device Detection Dog, Prisoner Diversion Agreement with Norton and Attleboro (noting still responsible for even though housed in other locations) and utilize Un -Encrypted Channel • Importance of Pre -Planning — direct communication between Police, Fire, Events EMS and Metro to share history of shows • Problems to date include: communication, learning curve with large scale change and radio antenna to channel 3 (painted over) • 2013 Recommendations included a complete review of activities with detailed recommendations developed • 2016 Concerns include: ongoing law suits related to Xfinity, losing ground on efforts to decrease illegal behavior, increase of mass casualty violent encounter, widespread criticism of police activities — felt it to be important to identify vulnerable areas at Xfinity Chief Sellon commented on the increased pressure of forcing a Consent Decree (take over federally of a Police Department and forced to fix all issues at once — referenced Ferguson). The Chief noted the Town requests outside assistance on an on-going basis and continually reviews who are we getting and how are we training. He reviewed the assessment prior to a show noting the hours put in to who gets assigned where as it is ajuggling act. He commented on the amount of time spent literally from May through September dealing specifically with the Xfinity Center. Mr. Ross asked for key issues/improvements now: • Radio issues are ongoing • Lieutenant Archer noted Command Post setup works with base radios, which is better but Fire operates differently • Antennas need to be up higher, hopefully with setting of pole • Large part is infrastructure, which Town is tackling, but there is a need for more antennas at venue • Communication issues were better but still a ways to go • With 7 designated stations within a modified construction trailer there needs to better organization of who is sitting next to who — Chief Sellon noted is a work in progress • Booking sheets used is much better as they outline Chapter 111B - must check off each box — great document for standard for training • Staffing of lawn with MetroLEC is better as they have awareness dealing with crowds • Continued ongoing alcohol issue in lots Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 30, 2016 Mr. Kozlowski asked if the radio issues are dependent on the Town completing to which Lieutenant Archer stated very much so furthering the major issue is upgrading antennas (utilizing channels 1, 2, and 3). All are well past useful life time (3 years over warranty). Town is working now to address and it is part of the big picture at Xfinity. It was noted it will be solved in coming year. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the Town was set budget wise for this season to which Lieutenant Archer is looking to spend money now that will assist for next few years and get the Town to the Regionalization where it will then move towards full overhaul. Chief Boldrighini noted major headway in putting the Regionalization agreement together has been made noting one of things being explored is to begin virtual consolidation where each community can reap the benefits of technology and hardware now and should assist in timeline of up to a year. Mr. Kozlowski looked for confirmation that the Town is ok for this season which parties agreed that relatively speaking it should be ole with 2 base radios to give more power out, taking local antenna and getting that higher up and that should get to Regionalization effort. Chief Sellon noted the Town is taking steps to correct for this year with the ultimate goal to help with new system. Lieutenant Archer stated also organizing interior of Command Post will be huge from an operational standpoint. Chief Brian Clark from Norton noted a few issues he would like resolved to be: drop off/pick-up at Cumberland Farms, gate times, extra patrols for Roche Brothers and ambulance sirens and lights being used on return run noting this is an issue the Board of Selectmen have commented on. Chief Clark has no issue with diversion of prisoners where Chief Sellon commented it relives the pressure. Mr. Ross commented that ambulance return runs with lights and sirens is an indication there are not enough ambulances available which Chief Boldrighini felt was a strong possibility. Mr. Mann asked what the number of resources should be to which the Chief stated it is specific to the nature of the calls. Justin Desrosiers, in his experience working in this field, noted companies model System Status Management, which move entire fleets closer. Mr. Mann again brought up the sky rocketing transport numbers, referencing Foxboro numbers. Captain Kelliher from Foxboro reported erroneous numbers provided to Mr. Mann specifically referencing: 47 transports at the last Patriots game of the 2015 season and over 90 transports at the last country concert. There was a discussion of surveillance cameras and proper placement. Lieutenant Archer noted corporate mentality information does not flow easily where he recently learned this past week out of all NFL stadiums, Gillette Stadium is the worst in terms of alcohol and transports. It was noted that the culture of the North Fast region does not handle alcohol Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 30, 2016 well. Mr. Mann did not disagree. Chief Boldrighini felt the Town is reactionary and everyone would benefit from working together. Mr. Mann believes Xfinity is proactive and felt the parking lot not to be an issue where staff deals with those that are calling attention to themselves. Chief Boldrighini reiterated that the "push" has been positive but somehow there is a niche that has gotten through the system (coming in late from somewhere or drinking hard and quick) where numbers may be down but levels are way too high. Chief Sellon reminded this was not as organized 3 years ago. Mr. Mann looked for recognition from the group that there have been improvements to which Chief Boldrighini stated there absolutely has been, noting he has personally seen Mr. Mann out there and clarified this is all venues in the region and that it is not just alcohol but an increase of drugs. Mr. Mann again introduced transport numbers where the trend has them skyrocketing over the last few years and sees a scary increase for this year. He noted there needs to be a way to reduce the numbers whether it is right personnel and equipment but it needs to slow this down stating "these are scary numbers". Chief Boldrighini looked for acknowledgement that he has competent people. Mr. Mann clarified additional people who can sit with patients to which the Chief emphatically stated you cannot sit on patients. Lieutenant Thompson reviewed staffing numbers for a sampling of shows — noting filling the following positions: traffic, bikes on lot with no stacking and are filled based on the position. It was agreed to gather intel from other venues, which Mr. Mann felt Xfinity could do a better job. Chief Sellon agreed to pull numbers from Mr. Mann's sampling (Lana Del Ray, Brad Paisley and Kelly Clarkson) to see what the differences are to more concerning shows (ie country). Chief Sellon noted it is important to keep the dialog open. Mr. Mann introduced the traffic plan noting only two changes: 1) pushing the merge down to top of bridge, which will soften and lengthen. Mr. Mann noted it has been submitted to Mass DOT with positive feedback but would like the Town to sign off. Chief Sellon would like Officer Dave Kinahan to review as he is the Town's traffic safety officer, and 2) in order to make the egress work eliminate left hand turn on Reservoir Street for 60-90 minutes (I 1:OOpm - 12:30am). Lieutenant Archer explained the issue is the condo complex and residents in area wanting to get home. Chief Sellon explained that the Street Commander has control and needs to coordinate. Mr. Mann has a plan to work with area residents by inviting them in for a tour, coffee and explain the process. Chief Sellon thought it would be a good idea to have a police representative as well. Chief Sellon asked how soon Xfinity receives information on performers to which Mr. Mann noted mid-April. The group agreed to begin a process of meeting regularly to review acts and past history. Lieutenant Archer noted Bill Shenkwin or a representative MUST be present. Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 30, 2016 Mr. Clemmey noted the following: • On the traffic plan he would like his lot to be listed as The Rumford Lot • With regards to the recommendation of closing Reservoir Street, he stated that the Holiday Inn would need to be informed as it conducts a shuttle bus service using that as it drop off/ pick up site. • Need more signage for drop off pick up • Keep dedicated lane until mutually agree it is no longer needed • Key to successful detail is to have detail cards for each location • Suggested planned time for Reservoir closing which Lieutenant Archer felt it should be all or nothing because if time were to change due to any type of extenuating circumstances (accidents and other variables) lose all credibility with residents Lieutenant Archer requested better lighting at detail posts asking if it is possible to rent scene lights to which Mr. Mann agreed to look into it. Mr. Clemmey suggested detail at Pump House Road to send pedestrians back to main entrance for crossing and also suggested signage for that. Meeting Adjourned at 9:36am. 9 Signature Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 30, 2016 Date