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HomeMy WebLinkAboutXfinity Center Sub Comm 02/06/2014=r; _IV 0 -BICE ��I`; I �, -,) r Town o 1�lan � zl Minutes of Xfinity Center Entertainment License Subcon! ttoe February 6, 2014 The meeting was called to order at 7:35 a.m. Subcommittee Members Present: Doug Annino Olivier Kozlowski Others present: Neal Boldrighini Jim Puleo Ron Sellon Mr. Ross was not present for the start of the meeting. Mr. Kozlowski updated Mr. Annino on the subcommittee process. He indicated to Chief Boldrighini and Chief Sellon that the subcommittee would be looking for input from them and identifying what changes need to be made to the license agreement. Chief Boldrighini believes that discussions with Mr. Montgomery for the upcoming year are going well. Chief Sellon presented a plan of the facilities depicting the location and floor plan for the relocated police compound/medical tent. Chief Boldrighini discussed the fact that the EMS facility has been relocated to an area immediately adjacent to the police compound and that a fence will be erected to make the area more private. Chief Sellon indicated that he believes that the compounds should have security cameras so that the subcommittee will have documented evidence to support any suggested changes to the license agreements in future years. Rails will also be set up to direct the foot traffic and "soften the density of the crowd." Chief Boldrighini stated that the new area will be paved. Mr. Annino asked about lighting. Chief Boldrighini stated that he had asked that the tents be better lit. Management also plans to replace the tent. Deputy Chief Puleo pointed out the second stage area on the plan, and indicated that there may be about 5 shows that could have an impact on the compound. He stated that it could get very loud in the compound when the second stage is utilized. Deputy Puleo believes that it will be much easier managing with the compound at this location. Mr. Ross arrived at 7:49 a.m. Chief Sellon believes that the change in the juvenile laws will create more activity at the compound and create the need for segregated areas for juveniles. There will be an area with benches where juveniles will await parents which will be monitored by a member of security. Chief Sellon stated that there was much success with using the ABCC staff to curb underage drinking. The ABCC will perform sweeps of the parking lot and issue summonses. They are then asked to leave the venue. This technique will be applied on a wider scale during this season. With respect to patrons under 17 brought to the compound, Chief Sellon stated that Bill Shinkwin was very helpful last year and will continue to send security to monitor the juveniles. He again stressed the need to separate the males from the females, and that will be his procedure this year as well. He clarified the new juvenile protective custody law and stated that it only applies to juveniles who are subject to CHINS orders. Mr. Ross asked if the new location will be ready for the start of the concert season. Chief Boldrighini indicated that Mr. Montgomery has said that it will be. He asked what specific items the group would want to discuss with Mr. Montgomery and the following were mentioned: Additional Command Center office supplies Computer access - user names and passwords Base Radio Headset Lighting /desk lamps Dry erase board Power strips Shelving Deputy Puleo would like to clarify the role of Shinkwin's group in the Command Center. He believes that they are needed in the Compound at all times during shows. Chief Sellon will address this directly with Mr. Shinkwin. Chief Sellon believes that this season will be better than last. He stated that time and the cooperation of management are on the side of the Town. Communication prior to each show will be improved by speaking directly with Mr. Shinkwin to discuss personnel levels. Mr. Ross stated that he interprets the license to say that police and fire have the ability to determine staffing levels. Deputy Puleo suggested that Mr. Shinkwin and Dave from EMS meet before the season to avoid any issues. 2 2/6/14 Minutes Prepared by Deb Herbert Chief Sellon indicated that radio transmission will be improved. It was discovered that when the roof of the Xfinity Center was painted, antennas were painted over. Antennas have been replaced and radio quality is better. Mr. Ross indicated that there is a possibility that Mr. Clemmey will be coming to the meeting on the 25th to discuss pedestrian crossing. He will ask for more control and protection of pedestrians. He stated that this will be something that needs to be addressed. Chief Sellon believes there is a lighting issue at this location as well. Mr. Ross would like to have a solution to this issue before the next meeting. Chief Sellon believes that taxis and individuals picking up concert -goers after shows are also an issue, with their meeting spot being 800 South Main, across the street from the Clemmey lot. There is no crosswalk at that location, and there are lighting and signage issues contributing to this problem Mr. Ross asked if the plan was to continue the gradual tightening of alcohol use in the parking lots. Chief Sellon believes that this problem is specific to the Jimmy Buffett concerts, but most others are manageable. I -Ie believes that Buffet shows are a problem, but others are manageable. He would like to see parking better managed during these events. Selectmen Kozlowski asked about electronic music events. He stated that the Town has the ability to add additional restrictions and stated that he would like to see the schedule. He also asked about having a presence in the lawn area this year. Chief Sellon stated that there was good success with the additional presence, but there were a couple of shows during which the lawns were out of control. He stated that lighting is an issue, and security staff often can't see when there is a problem. He also stated that Metro crowd control has been a very valuable tool in the lawn area. He believes that the proper use of lighting can minimize problems and that the lawn is 75% of the problem. Mr. Ross would like everyone to compile a brief list of items that we might want to incorporate into the license. Deb will email word version of the existing license. Mr. Ross stated that the group needs to show that we are making annual progress. He acknowledged that significant progress was made last year. The group agreed that management of the Xfinity Center have made attempts to work cooperatively. Motion to adjourn: Kozlowski/Annino Motion carries 2-0 Meeting adjourned at 8:31 a.m. '43 2/6/14 Minutes Prepared by Deb Herbert