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HomeMy WebLinkAboutXfinity Center Sub Comm 03/15/2016Notes For Xfinity Sub -Committee Center Meeting March 15, 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, BMS Coordinator General Manager Jeffrey Mann Tracey Whalen, Minutes Clerk Also Present: Bill Clemmey Meeting Called To Order at 7:37am r- C w m i ry Mr. Mann noted that they are still working with engineers on the traffic plan and although there are not significant changes he would present that portion of the license at the next meeting. He then began a presentation, which has been made a part of the public record. Mr. Mann noted LiveNation would like to focus on Xfinity Center as: • an asset for the Town (felt that has never developed) • it provides additional income for public safety officers • it provides economic development opportunities for local businesses • source for charitable opportunities • a tool to Park and Ride With regards to a Park and Ride program, Mr. Mann felt this could be a tool to alleviate the traffic in the area and allow for easier in and out flow times as well keeping the lots more manageable. He also referenced that this could be a revenue source for the Town. Mr. Mann asked if there are any available lots in the area to which Mr. Ross noted on the weekends the train station could be utilized but weekdays would be hard. Mr. Mann noted that they are also looking into implementing a Park and Ride program partnering with Plainridge (patrons could dine and play slots then be bussed to Xfinity to take in a show). Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 15, 2016 It is the concern of LiveNation that if the Xfinity Center continues to be the most expensive amp in the country, acts will look for alternatives. Mr. Mann began focusing on addressing concerns from the first Xfinity license meeting in February. Notably: • To Chief Sellon's concern that Mr. Mann and the Xfinity center are focusing too much on Public Safety staffing instead of solving the issue of drinking in the lots: o Felt that Xfinity is proactive o Xfinity staff aggressively o Confiscate a tremendous amount of alcohol o Any underage patrons suspected of drinking are brought to compound and parents called o Referenced staffing on big country shows (up to 14 Police, 10 ABCC officers and 55 Security officers) o Noted surrounding private lots advertise tailgating, have no police detail, no security and no fire detail • To Mr. Ross' previous meeting statement regarding no tolerance for change in past years: o Believes Xfinity and LiveNation have been open to change as shown by accommodating the Town's wishes over past few years regarding: relocating Medical Compound, rebuilding/expanding Police Compound, Polaris vehicle, takeover of medical responsibilities and increased dollars in increased staffing Mr. Mann noted that Xfinity wants to work towards change but that operating costs are impacting business. He briefly reviewed Public Safety Costs as compared to surrounding communities. • To Chief Sellon's comment that increase of staffing levels is partly due to injured officers: o No one wants that and that Xfinity and LiveNation value the job Mansfield Police do and are vital to the success. o Compared staffing levels between lighter shows and big shows noting that easier shows do not need to be staffed the same as what is considered a difficult show. He felt somehow the process has lost its way with the best of attention and it no longer looks at shows individually. o Suggested the following: ■ Use data of past shows to better predict staffing levels (separate low activity, low problem shows from discussion of high activity shows) • Details to start at appropriate times and portion of detail available for lots • Bulk of detail not needed until door open Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 15, 2016 • Vast majority of incident happen at gates or inside the gates • Asked to think about this from business perspective and focus on where coverage is needed To Chief Boldrighini asking Mr. Mann to compare Mansfield's costs to Foxboro: o Not exactly "apples to apples" but similar in large crowds, parking lots, arriving early and heavy tailgating o Noted that Foxboro: ■ Goal in First Aid is to get guest back to show ■ In practice MD makes the call ■ If just intoxicated and not a danger to themselves (others), call parents or wait until BAC is under .08 • Nurses watch intoxicated patrons, not Police or Fire ■ Reviewed staffing for Foxboro as compared to Xfinity • To Mr. Kozlowski's question regarding number of patrons seen compared to number of transports: o Not much data noting transports are not an issue for most venues but did find some data comparing Xfinity with The gorge Amphitheater (WA). To Deputy Chief Puleo's previous comment on bringing in outside medical: o Didn't understand why a board certified MD with 26 years' experience to be bad noting he has unique specialty o Goal should be to provide best service possible and continue to learn and grow At this point Mr. Mann invited Chief Boldrighini to a two day Mass Gathering Medicine Summit (costs covered) to learn more about what Xfinity is proposing. • To Mr. Annino's previous suggestion of Xfinity changing its mindset and look at the acts it books: o Xfinity books same acts as other venues across the country Mr. Mann reiterated that the staffing numbers are intimidating but would like to move forward and focus on the positives. Chief Sellon appreciated the presentation noting he is a proponent of working smart and building a process of business model. He considers the Xfinity license renewal a process since 2013 and will continue to be a process until everyone feels comfortable. The Chief asked if Xfinity pays for ABCC officer to which Mr. Mann noted it does not. Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 15, 2016 Mr. Ross felt it important to know that the ABCC came to Xfinity due to issues they identified themselves and the Town will not turn that assistance down. Chief Sellon referenced that the FBI will assist with crowd sourcing a few show as well this year. Chief Sellon stated that in terms of cost he can appreciate the burden but felt Mr. Mann should consider the burden on the Towns budget. The Chief noted a consideration of streamlining operations with regards to ingress and egress that could cut two hours off details but questioned where else the Town could cut. Mr. Mann questioned the need for same number of detail for two completely different shows. Lieutenant Archer explained that in planning they do look at each show individually and spend days researching the shows at other venues and look at roles that have to be staff. Lieutenant Archer took issue with the bike detail numbers presented stating Mr. Mann is not taking into consideration the mind set of law officials. Lieutenant Thompson summarized his visit to other venues furthering to Lieutenant Archer's point where those venues had very limited security. Lieutenant Thompson stated Mansfield takes a proactive approach. Mr. Mann referred back to comparing staffing levels for different genre shows (same staffing levels for both high and low risk shows). He stated staffing needs to have sanity to it and felt it is little aggressive but willing to staff more on high level shows. Lieutenant Archer denies the staffing issue stating it is Public Safety's job to prepare what possibly could happen noting that doesn't always fit with LiveNation's business plan. Lieutenant wanted Mr. Mann to consider the change in drug and alcohol interactions and lack of respect from younger crowds over the past few years. Lieutenant Archer felt last year should be considered a success noting a lot of positives to take from that. Mr. Kozlowski asked for Mr. Mann's process a week out from a show. Mr. Mann noted his team meets monthly with discussion of what happened last year. He did note a few shows were missed striving to be more consistent this season. Chief Sellon noted it is a difficult process and trying to find consistency is difficult. Mr. Mann felt data could be shared earlier. Chief Sellon again stated there could be opportunities to reduce details with regards to street details. Chief Boldrighini stated emphatically that the data received from Foxboro is bad information referencing the Ambulance Crew does not sit on people and that the Fire Fighters are making decisions. Justin Desroisers, Towns EMS coordinator, also works at Foxboro and noted the following: concerts actually have five first aid rooms and that Fallon EMTs are only transports, empathized that if the patron cannot make a decision they need to go to the hospital and patrons Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 15, 2016 are not stacked and there is no monitoring. Mr. Desroisers commented on previous years conditions as a reference to what it was like to which Mr. Mann agreed it will never go back to that. Chief Boldrighini referenced that drug issues are a major problem and must be taken into context. Noted that in years past there has been a difference of opinion on proper treatment where a patient should be observed at a proper facility with a doctor with proper equipment. The Chief is not willing to return to "older" days. Mr. Mann felt an on-site doctor could administer an IV. Chief Boldrighini noted this would in effect create a backup and have a profound effect on the medical tent. Mr. Mann felt they could expand the area further and with proper technique it would work. Mr. Mann again communicated that the transport numbers are off the charts to what other venues are seeing and that he personally witnessed transports where the patient did not want to go. Mr. Desrosiers commented on the timing issues when history shows that the "rush" is typically late into the show and questioned who will stay late with all those patients. Chief Boldrighini noted the Town and his department is providing proper care and treatment that takes liability off of the Xfinity and the Town and it has taken a long time to get to this point. The Chief noted he can see gearing it down as time goes on. But Mr. Mann stated he sees no plan with regard to that and only skyrocketing transports. Chief Sellon noted as things are implemented and fine-tune Mr. Mann will see an overall drop and that that is the Town's goal too as it is in everyone's best interest to run the best business possible. Lieutenant Archer felt the push is a great example of that. Mr. Ross is struggling with the differentiation of babysitting patrons/patients until 3:00am and transporting to a proper facility questioning how that saves money. There was a question regarding licensing of taxis as the Town has a policing in place to which Mr. Mann questioned if that is the best use of resources. Bill Clemmey, owner of adjacent lot, stated they announce to patrons that they must push into concert by 6:30pm and clarified they do not promote tailgating noting they can't stop it and confiscate when they have to. Mr. Clemmey referenced how awful conditions were ten years ago and felt it has gotten better. He felt traffic was better as well and would like to be considered in that discussion. The group suggested contacting GATRA for transportation issues as well. Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting March 15, 2016 Mr. Ross asked if the Chief would meet with who Mr. Mann is proposing to which he stated he would. Lieutenant Archer distributed a map proposing a change to the location of a storage container. Lieutenant suggested better layout of the trailer to which Mr. Mann referenced purchasing/leasing a trailer to use as a Command Post with work stations and to move so its apart from everyone else. Chief Boldrighini stated it would be nice to see better wheelchairs. Meeting Adjourned at 9:32 am. Signature Date XI'mity Sub -Committee Meeting March 15, 2016