HomeMy WebLinkAboutXfinity Center Sub Comm 04/17/2013Minutes of Meeting # 5
Comcast Center Entertainment License Subcommittee April 17, 2013
Mr. Ross called the meeting to order at 7:33 a.m.
Subcommittee Members Present were:
William R. Ross, Town Manager
Olivier Kozlowski, Chairman, Board of Selectmen
Jess Aptowitz, Board of Selectmen
Neal Boldrighini, Fire Chief
Ron Sellon, Chief of Police
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Also present were James Puleo, Deputy Chief Mansfield Fire Department, Lt. Samuel Thompson
of the Mansfield Police Department, Mr. Bruce Montgomery and Mr. Doug Bord, from the
Comcast Center, Norton Selectman Robert Kimball, Jr., and Norton Police Lt. Todd Jackson
Mr. Ross reviewed the changes to the document, noting that Paragraphs 4 and 7 had been
revised. He also stated that additional editing may be required and that Schedule A needed to be
revised to reflect current rates. He stated that the document is the result of a joint effort between
the police and fire departments.
A discussion took place about the late distribution of the draft License document to Mr.
Montgomery, and he indicated that he would like to have had time to review it before the
meeting. Mr. Ross explained that the document had been completed late the day before, and that
there wasn't time to provide it to him.
Chief Sellon reviewed the unified command which would be applicable to all events. He stated
that some pieces of the command center would be different for some events, but that unified
command would be in place for all events. He stated that all EMS calls would go through the
command center and that the dispatch of personnel and ambulances would also go through the
command center.
Mr. Montgomery expressed his concern about the timing of the presentation of the document,
indicating that he is not prepared, and neither is his EMS and security staff, to put any of these
new processes into place. He stated that command centers are required only during
extraordinary events when the FBI is present. Chief Sellon stated that he believes that each
event at the Comcast Center is an extraordinary event and that the Town needs to be prepared.
Mr. Montgomery also objected to the Emergency Manual being incorporated into the License.
He stated that it should only be referenced.
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Mr. Ross reiterated that the document is the result of a joint public safety decision and that the
new Chief has only had 12 days to get it done. Mr. Montgomery asked for clarification about the
Service Zone Plan and asked why there had been no response to the attorney letter sent two
months ago. Mr. Ross stated that the Town's attorney has reviewed the letter and believes the
license statute and court cases permit the proposed documents.
A discussion then ensued about the proposed plan for EMS Services. Chief Boldrighini
explained that the plan does not attempt to replace Events EMS. Under the plan, Mansfield EMS
will be assuming triage responsibilities. Treatment and transport of patients will remain the
responsibility of Events EMS.
Norton Selectman Robert Kimball addressed the group and stated that Norton had developed a
unified command center at TPC, and he offered assistance to the Town to do the same at the
Comcast Center. He stated that Norton takes the position that it is protecting its neighbor
Mansfield and believes that Mansfield should do the same and protect Norton.
Mr. Montgomery suggested that bringing more Town of Mansfield first responders onto the
Comcast site reduces the number of first responders available for emergency calls in the Town.
Both chiefs disagreed with that statement. Chief Boldrighini believes this plan will actually
lower the incidents of having to bring additional staff in and stated that the plan is for the good of
the public safety. Selectman Aptowitz explained to Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Bord that no new
staff is being added, but some of those people will be positioned in the command center.
Chief Sellon strongly expressed his concern about the overdose deaths last year and that a delay
in notifying his department and delay in communication hindered and delayed the start of the
investigation. He stated that one of the patients was well on his way to the hospital before
police were even told about the incident.
Mr. Montgomery stated that he is willing to try the command center model but was more
concerned about the changes to the EMS structure, again stating that not all parties responsible
for care of attendees had been consulted. Both Chairman Kozlowski and Selectman Aptowitz
stated that the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief are the experts and that the document before the
subcommittee is a result of their recommendations to ensure public safety.
Selectman Aptowitz acknowledged that there are logistics that will need to be put into place and
that the Chiefs and Mr. Montgomery should make the best use of the time available.
A lengthy discussion took place about the reasons behind the need for the change, the history of
events at the Comcast Center and potential liability to the Town and to the Comcast Center, Mr.
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Montgomery stated that he is willing to see how the command center works, but does not want to
change the EMS services after 28 years without all participants having input, nor does he want to
rush the process to be in place for May 17`h. He and Mr. Bord suggested putting the License in
place now, and phasing in the EMS changes until proper planning and implementation can be put
into place. There was no further discussion of this suggestion.
Chief Sellon presented the changes which relate to police services provided at the venue. He
stated that the document calls for the shifting of personnel, adding a few people in the
compound, and shifting a person back to the station booking area. The plan calls for officers to
be posted on either side of the lawn to facilitate removal of disruptive patrons and to work with
security staff. He is concerned about the 311/Cyprus Hill and Pitbull/Kesha shows and stated
that he is advising that Metro be posted on either side of the lawn as a crowd control unit. He
explained that Metro is a combination of members from many communities who have special
training for crowd control.
Mr. Montgomery stated that he had recently read an article about the lack of training for officers
and security personnel regarding under -age drinking and offered to provide training for officers
working Comcast details.
Chief Sellon discussed the need to involve the private security staff with communication
instructions and suggested that security staff wear numbered shirts for easier, quicker
identification. He is concerned that there has been a decline in the productivity of the security
staff. He would like to see better communication with Norton officials about traffic concerns
and better communication about when gates open to ensure that details are put into place at
appropriate times. Selectman Kimball stated that he has heard fi•om residents that they don't feel
safe going to the Comcast Center for events and suggested that the proposed changed would be
good public relations for the venue.
With respect to the drinking in the parking lots before events, Mr. Ross stated that the plan also
calls for an increase, on an incremental basis, of policing the prohibited public alcohol
consumption in the parking areas. Chief Sellon stated that it would be handled lot -by -lot on a
low key basis by bike officers. This could also be used to check tickets in the parking lot.
Mr. Ross stated that the draft of the Rules and Regulations would be presented to the Board of
Selectmen at its meeting on April 17, 20134. The Committee agreed, and Mr. Montgomery
stated that he agreed as well. He stated that while, he does not always agree with the chiefs, he
respects the process and their efforts. The Chiefs and Mr. Montgomery agreed to facilitate the
process outlined in the Agreement by beginning immediate meetings involving all parties.
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Motion to adjourn (Ross/Aptowitz)
Roll call vote:
Ross, aye
Kozlowski, aye
Aptowitz, aye
Boldrighini, aye
Sellon, aye
The meeting adjourned at 9:38 a.m.
Minutes taken by Deb Herbert
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