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HomeMy WebLinkAbout Xfinity Center Sub Comm 02/19/2015Notes For Xfinity Sub -Committee Center Meeting February 19, 2015 Present: Sub -Committee Members: Selectman Doug Annino Selectman Olivier Kozlowski Others In Attendance: - J, Town Manager William Ross =_ Police Chief Ron Sellon rt;- Z7 on Lieutenant Sam Thompson _i ST- -T1n Deputy Fire Chief Jim Puleo "j) � rn Acting General Manager Lee Zazofsky Tracey Whalen, Minutes Clerk Meeting Called To Order at 7:44am Mr. Ross distributed a summary of notes taken from a previous meeting between himself and Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini regarding issues that they have identified as needing further work: Lighting - Lawn Area • Mr. Zazofsky noted in actuality in the older days the lawn area was illuminated during the performance and he is not averse to putting the emergency lighting on in the lawn area, obviously not for every show but those designated as potential problems. • Mr. Ross noted the goal is to have lighting that works for police but still allows the concert goer the ambiance it paid for. • Chief Sellon noted Xfinity is the expert with regards to lighting and reiterated the lighting will aid in identifying problems pinpointing where assistance is needed. • Deputy Chief Puleo mentioned "opera lighting" and noted the department is not looking to take away from show but that a low light will assist in locating those in need of assistance. He asked if there is a capability to turn on the emergency lighting during a performance which Mr. Zazofsky will check in to. • Lieutenant Thompson reported he, along with Sergeant Bain, William Shinkwin and Edward Holsteon (Aegis Protective Group) toured two venues in Florida (Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa and Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach) where security officers used "baton like" flashlights which aided in pinpointing situations and where help was needed. He felt they were effective and very inexpensive. Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting February 19, 2015 • Deputy Chief Puleo also asked for some type of identification markers for the lawn which could also aid in pinpointing where assistance is needed. Cameras 4x4 • Mr. Kozlowski asked if cameras could also assist with guiding safety officials to an incident, to which Chief Sellon noted yes and confirmed it will be a direct feed from the Compound. Mr. Zazofsky asked if there will be a recording to which Chief Sellon reiterated a live feed only. • Cameras are critical for the Compound for police, especially booking, but due to HIPAA, they are not suggested for the triage area. The only advantage that Deputy Chief Puleo sees with a camera in that area would be to monitor if there were a surge and they could immediately send assistance, but agreed it was more of a disadvantage. • Mr. Zazofsky asked who would monitor the cameras to which Chief Sellon noted a Lieutenant within the,Command Center. • Mr. Kozlowski asked why there would be no recording to which Chief Sellon explained it is cheaper and an option would be to record booking portion of command center only. Mr. Ross explained the main issue is with storage. He felt it would be nice for citizen/officer security to record as it is a valuable asset but to find storage capability for that information. Chief Sellon also noted there then would be a question of why there are only certain recordings with discovery requests. • In addition to utilizing the golf carts, Public Safety is looking for an all -terrain vehicle "Kobata" as the golf carts are not big enough in certain situations. Chief Sellon felt this vehicle would be easier to utilize (transporting supplies/people) and has a higher level of visibility. They would also outfit the sides with tool compartments for supplies. Chief Sellon noted the Town is only looking for Xfinity to offset some of cost. Mr. Ross noted there is money in the Capital Budget for a quality used pickup and the Town would be looking for help to outfit it for Xfinity needs. Elimination of Drinking in Lots • Mr. Ross noted the Town is encouraging Xfinity to do more advertising with regards to no alcohol in the parking lots and suggested signage and printing directly on tickets. It is the Town's intention to gradually ratchet up enforcement. • Mr. Zazofsky can only speak for himself and explained that Ticketmaster limits the amount of language on the ticket as does the artist. He has seen "no tailgating" printed on the ticket and ensured he will bring it up with Ticketmaster. Mr. Zazofsky suggested an alternative of distributing cards with the rules and regulations. Lieutenant Thompson noted the West Palm Beach venue he toured does a good job with that. He reported there are eight points of egress, which makes for a much easier "out". He also reported that Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting February 19, 2015 patrons are given a two sided laminated card when entering with directions on how to park and provides information about tailgating and Florida alcohol laws. The venue also has a soft and hard push enforcement in the lots beginning 30 minutes prior to scheduled start (soft) and double back 30 minutes after start (hard) to push crowd into the venue. Lieutenant Thompson witnessed security checking tickets in the lot and if a patron had no ticket they had to leave the venue and are guided out. Deputy Chief Puleo questioned the timing and felt it would be more advantageous here to start an hour prior to scheduled start time and noted it would increase revenue for Xfinity and decrease problems in the Compound. Chief Sellon noted they are beginning to institute that process with shutting down tailgating by lots (noting when a lot is full then timing tailgating). It was noted that the parking crew could distribute cards when cars are entering. Mr. Ross noted crowds will learn over time the changes and noted we cannot solve it all at once. The behavior will need to be modified. Mr. Ross recognized that Xfinity needs to make a living and would like to create an atmosphere that is a win for everyone Mr. Ross liked the idea of the cards as a start. Lieutenant Thompson will work with Billy Shinkwin on a template. Golf Carts • Lieutenant Thompson reported problems with the electric golf carts as on long days they are only good for four hours and then are down to recharge. He would like to see an upgrade to gas. Mr. Zazofsky further asked if the carts are making it through a regular show to which Chief Sellon noted no and officers are then typically sent to walk lots. Mr. Zazofsky will check into this. • It was felt that workers are unplugging the carts (not purposefully) to use the outlets for something else. • Both Police and Fire felt the carts needed to be upgraded and noted it would be better transport for persons needing a "bed" (unconscious individuals) and better seating capability when transporting unruly persons. Mr. Kozlowski asked if there are sturdier models for those types of situations to which Chief Sellon noted yes and that he has put in the Capital Budget for one and asked if Xfinity could purchase another (modified with bed or four- seats, comparable in price). Mr. Zazofsky asked for the supplier the Town is using to which Chief Sellon will have Lieutenant Archer supply that to him. • Mr. Kozlowski noted that the airport has propane powered vehicles. Deputy Chief Puleo is familiar and felt them to be safe but noted they are more expensive. Ambulances • Deputy Chief Puleo explained that the intent here is not to have to utilize municipal assets for the Xfinity Center. He felt that the Town has developed a great working relationship with David Piantedosi but the company is too small. He reminded that Mr. Piantedosi enacted a mutual aid plan where he would subcontract for back-up but that did not come to fruition last year. The Deputy Chief explained that surges, when not Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting Februr ary 19, 2015 coordinated properly, call upon municipal assets, and felt Xfinity should look into a larger supplier. Mr. Zazofsky noted that in recent conversations with Mr. Piantedosi he has indicated that he has added to the fleet as he has purchased one additional ambulance and has also mentioned a contractual agreement. Deputy Chief Puleo noted that the additional ambulance is great and reminded that the contractor must be vetted through Fire Chief Boldrighini. The Deputy Chief noted an analysis is needed from Dave as clearly the fleet of four is not enough. Mr. Zazofsky suggested instituting a plan in preparation of each show in order to keep form utilizing outside resources (smaller shows would need a scaled back plan and place focus on country and a few hip hop). Mr. Zazofsky also noted Xfinity will have an ambulance available at the opening of the lots. Mr. Ross suggested having the parties sit down and discuss what is appropriate and necessary for each show and felt Mr. Piantedosi does a good job and that it is important for a good working relationship to continue. Deputy Chief Puleo reiterated he does not want Mr. Piantedosi removed but highlighted the capabilities are not there for certain shows. The Deputy Chief also noted they have met to try to forecast and it is his experience, at this point, that he cannot meet those needs and be more solidified. Lieutenant Thompson reported that the Town of Norton has noticed on numerous occasions that ambulances are using lights/sirens on return trips from Sturdy to Xfinity and it is against the law. They will be enforcing tickets if it is seen this year. Doctor • Deputy Chief Puleo stated it is the opinion of the Fire Department that the doctor has proven to be an obstacle. It was the Town's understanding that the idea behind the doctor was to assist in weeding out transport/non-transport patients and respectfully asked for the removal of the doctor. Deputy Chief Puleo noted the department understands that Xfinity has every right to have a doctor on premises but it is their experience that there is one expectation regarding protocols for the Town and a different expectation at Xfinity and it is not clear as to how to resolve the conflict. • Mr. Zazofsky felt this to be a contentious issue and it is his understanding the medical doctor has direct overview of EMS services with regards to BAC and which patients to transport. Mr. Zazofsky reported Xfinity feels the parties could come to an agreement to standardize a BAC level where there is no room for discussion and would eliminate poor interaction between the two parties. Lieutenant Thompson explained to Mr. Zazofsky that a level for one person is different for another and is just a gauge. He noted field sobriety must also be taken into consideration. Deputy Chief Puleo agreed and felt BAC is a custody issue on whether medical treatment is needed. Again, he stated there is a perceived standard at the venue that conflicts with the Town's and stems from a street level emergency triage set up that the Town operates on and a sterile environment that the doctor operates in. Mr. Zazofsky stated this is not something that Xfinity would just Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting February 19, 2015 decide on its own as they do not want a situation where the doctor is saying to eliminate all gray areas. Mr. Zazofsky stated Xfinity feels the doctor serves an important purpose. • Mr. Ross noted a clearly defined role is in order and reminded again that standard procedures for patient care and those protocols are run through and approved by the State, which the Town is following, and that the doctor needs to be aware of those as the Town is bound to follow those protocols. • Chief Sellon noted the biggest issue is EMS bringing patrons into the Compound that clearly need medical attention and leaving them inside the Compound, which is an abandonment issue. He furthered by stating it is his perspective that there is a tremendous level of comfort with the Fire Department and felt his department is put in a precarious position when the doctor is involved and that there is no level of trust. Mr. Zazofsky understands this is a constant issue and felt there needs to be clearly defined terms and the situation is not insolvable. • It was noted that hiring a doctor is not a requirement of the license. • Mr. Ross felt the question here is, if the doctor is here to reduce the number of transports. If that is the case there is a conflict because at this time the Town is unsure of that role. Deputy Chief Puleo initially thought it was to assist with 17-18 year old borderline protective custody issues. Mr. Ross felt the doctor needs to be involved at appropriate times and striking that balance will require sitting down with the doctor, Xfinity and the Chiefs. Mr. Zazofsky stated transports are the crux of the matter and won't deny Xfinity has more transports than any in the country and they do not want to risk lives. He felt having additional ambulances available will help and is not exactly sure why this area is at the highest for transports. Deputy Chief Puleo stated more ambulances will reduce headlines but there are no hiding Fire Department incidents as media monitors scanners. • Mr. Ross stated to solve this issue is ultimately through addressing drinking in the lots. Deputy Chief Puleo felt reducing public drinking will clearly help issues but to expect that transports will then translate into custodies. Mr. Zazofsky referenced the Dave Matthews concert and the success between the past two years was the elimination of an opening act. Summary • Mr. Ross summarized that Chief Sellon will meet with Mr. Shinkwin and that Deputy Chief Puleo and Chief Boldrighini will meet with Mr. Zazofsky, the doctor and EMS. Mr. Zazofsky will also work on the lighting issue and distribution of cards (no alcohol, no public drinking) before anything will be put in writing. • Both Mr. Kozlowski and Mr. Annino felt most of the license work was completed last year and they will rely on the Town's professionals to identify issues and work out an agreement. • Mr. Zazofsky reminded that in the EMS Safety Manual there is reference to an annual review of the plan. He then reintroduced proposed draft language for the Xfinity Xfmity Sub -Committee Meeting February 19, 2015 Entertainment License regarding discussions every year between the Mansfield Fire Department, Physician/Medical Doctor and private EMS/ambulance provider to agree on a plan for EMS/triage/on-site treatment and transport protocols. Mr. Zazofsky stated we are all here to make for a safe environment and not to cross purposes with one another. He felt where there have been conflicts, all parties need to resolve together as ultimately it will benefit the public of Xfinity, the Town and its providers. Mr. Ross again reminded protocols are issued by the State and the Town will adhere to those. • It was decided the Xfinity Sub -Committee will reconvene in a few weeks to sit down and work toward a final license. Meeting Adjourned at 9:30am. Xfinity Sub -Committee Meeting February 19, 2015