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Politics & Government

Comcast Center Security Issues, Tailgating, to be Discussed

Details will be hammered out to ensure better security at the Comcast Center.

An attempt by Mansfield selectman George Dentino to have a professional negotiator take part in the 2012 's entertainment license renewal process fell flat last week as fellow board members deemed the current plan sufficient to the town's needs.

A subcommittee that includes board chairman Jess Aptowitz and fellow member Olivier Kozlowski, along with Town Manager William Ross and both the police and fire chiefs, are just beginning to meet with Comcast representatives to nail down specifics of the agreement with the entertainment venue for the coming concert season.

Because of several incidents involving excessive and this summer, including an , the subcommittee will be likely focusing closely on security issues.

In a discussion at the board's Oct. 5 meeting, Dentino said he wanted a professional sitting in on negotiations because Aptowitz "goes to 90-percent of the concerts - everyone knows you." He added Aptowitz could be seen as "cozy" with the concert center representatives, rendering his input suspect. He also said the police and fire chief should have input, but not be able to vote on the stipulations of the license, because they "are being paid by Comcast."

Aptowitz immediately objected, saying, "I went to four or five shows, and represented the town. I'm not 'cozy' with anyone - that comment is incorrect."

When Dentino pointed out two of the center's security personnel appeared to recognize Aptowitz at a past public town hall discussion session, Aptowitz retorted, "I take exception to that - saying 'cozy' is inferring something. I'm not on anybody's payroll."

Ross said he himself had not ventured any further than the parking lot at Comcast because he found the confusion annoying. He added the chiefs give advice at the negotiation meetings, but "don't rule the roost."

Board member Doug Annino said he saw no need for a professional negotiator. "It's been 25 years," he said. "Jess is sort of our eyes and ears - I appreciate his time down there." He added Kozlowski's presence is also important because he is an attorney, and said Ross as a mediator creates "a pretty good team."

He reminded the board that Comcast is a 25-year-old business operating in town, not "a great evil thing out there."

Selectman chairman Kevin Moran noted if any issues arose within the negotiations that were outside of the norm, town attorneys could be called in to assist.

Ross mentioned several issues that need attention -- adding early quitting times for shows that include an additional stage in the parking lot, because of past noise issues and finding a way to exert more control over the tailgating problems.

Ross, who is a veteran administrator with experience in a number of communities in various parts of the country, said in one city where there was an indoor concert center, there was no tailgating allowed at all. In another township where he worked, however, tailgating was part of the scene.

"We were struggling with it," he said. "It is tougher with outdoor facilities."

The board officially OKed the negotiation process, and Ross said he would report to them frequently on progress.

Later on in the meeting, Dentino apologized for his comments about Aptowitz, and he accepted, saying the selectmen now can disagree and still "shake hands and go home.

"We are five people with five different opinions - that's fine," he said.

 

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