 Good morning, everyone. First off, we've had a few of us had a little chance to chit-chat about whether we haven't seen rain for so long. But we should take a roll call to confirm that all five of us are here. Commissioner Cameron. Good morning. I'm here. Commissioner O'Brien. I'm here. Good morning. Commissioner Zuniga. Good morning, everybody. I'm here. Commissioner Stevens. Good morning, everyone. I'm here. Five of us are all set to proceed. A reminder that today we'll conduct this meeting. Using virtual connectivity. Governor issued an executive director that provided some relief from open meeting law provisions that has. Allowed us to connect this way since March. So we'll proceed in this fashion. If for any reason there's disruption today, please go to the MGC website and we'll give further instruction. Thank you so much. And we'll proceed call to order today. September 30th, everyone. And it is public meeting. 321. It's. 9 0 2. We'll get started today. Karen will, you'll need it off and then we'll be. Of course going to chat. Thank you so much. Yes. Thank you. Madam chair. Good morning. Madam chair members of the commission. Welcome to the meeting today. This is a big day. This is a vote on the PPC license renewal. I do want to thank the team for all the work that has been done. We don't come here today without months and months of work. By not only our team, but also by the PPC team that provided a lot of information and documentation to the gaming commission in order to get to this point where we're at an area we can vote on the license renewal. I would especially like to thank Joe Delaney who took the lead on this. He did a tremendous job. I'm very grateful. I know that the team is very grateful that he stepped up in this capacity. And I'm so pleased with how he was able to work with both the licensees and the staff. And I just want to give a big thank you to Joe. So thank you Joe for all the work on this. We also have several members of our team here at the MGC. They're going to testify here this morning about. The license renewal. So I want to thank them. That's Loretta Lilios, Bruce Bands, Andrew Steffen, Captain Brian Connors, Derek Lennon, Todd Grossman, Dr. Alex Whitebound, Katrina Geiger, Bomes, Jill Griffin, Crystal Howard, and Mark VanderLinden. So all these people and their teams have been working for months to get this information together. So I want to thank them for a lot of renewal process meetings, document review and all of that. I would want to acknowledge their work on that and the presentations that are going to be in front of you this morning. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to Joe. He's going to act as sort of the coordinator of the MC, if you will, amongst all the folks that are going to be presenting and testifying, including not only our staff, but also members of PPC and Penn National. Thank you very much. And Joe, I'll turn it over to you. Thank you, Karen. Thank you, chair and commissioners. So what I'd like to start off with here is just to take a few minutes and go over the whole license renewal process. Just so everyone understands how we got to where we are today. So Mass General Law 23 K says surprisingly little about license renewal. It only states that the commission needs to establish renewal procedures. And that the commission set a renewal fee of not less than $100,000. So at a meeting back in February, the commission established those procedures and the renewal fee at that time. So these procedures were sent to the licensee in the form of a letter dated February 28th, 2020, which was the basis of our reviews here today. So the procedures established a timeline that envisioned awarding the license before the 62420 expiration date, June 24th. Now, of course, due to COVID, the closure of the casinos and the furloughing of casino staff, we determined really that meeting that schedule would be unrealistic. So from the time of the closure of Plain Ridge in March through early June, PPC staff pulled together all of the application information that was set forth in that February 28 letter and submitted that to us through that whole time period. So in June, the commission voted to accept PPC's application as timely and sufficient. And in doing so under Mass General Law, Chapter 38, Section 13, the license did not expire or hasn't expired until the commission makes a final determination on the license. So what that did was that allowed us to perform the necessary relicensing activities really in a more organized fashion that allow the casino to reopen. And then we were able to take on these licensing activities. So essentially there were four main pieces to this renewal process. The first was accepting the application from the licensee which we did back in June. The second step was performing the necessary suitability reviews. These were done in late July by IEB at a commission meeting in late July. So they presented a lot of information on PPC's performance in the last five years. And some of what you'll hear today, you may have already heard on that meeting back in July as part of that suitability review. And then the third piece of it was holding a public hearing to obtain input from legislators and the host and surrounding communities, the impacted live entertainment venues, and the general public. That meeting was held on September 16th and was well attended. Over 20 people provided either written or verbal testimony as part of that hearing. And notably none were in opposition to the relicensing, which was great. And fourth is today, the public commission meeting to deliberate on the reissuance of the category two license. So the way things are going to go today is first, the commission will hear testimony from MGC staff regarding PPC's compliance over the last five years. And as Karen said, I'll act as kind of MC on that and introduce each, each person who's presenting. So then after each presentation, we'll open it up for questions from the commission. And then also in addition to our staff, there's a whole bunch of folks here from PPC who are also available to answer questions should, should we need any backup. On those questions. So then at the conclusion of the testimony and the questions, we, we plan on walking through the proposed license conditions. And after that, while it's not showing on our agenda, we will get an update from PPC. And then at that point, the commission can feel free to vote on the application. So any questions at all with the process. Okay. None appearing. So at that point, I'm going to turn this over to Loretta Lilios, our interim IEB director. And she's going to introduce her folks, the gaming agents and the gaming enforcement unit. We'll do the first couple of presentations. So with that, Loretta. Loretta, you're on mute. Good morning. Okay. Yeah, thank you for that reminder. I apologize, but good morning, chair. Good morning commissioners. I am here today virtually with assistant director, the assistant director Bruce band and senior supervisor at PPC. Andrew Stephan. And I am in the office today. Captain honors is also here. He is having some issues getting onto this evening. So we may come into my office and address you later, but we are here to offer testimony relevant to the renewal. Before launching into the substance of the IEB's testimony, I didn't want to just expand on what Joe mentioned and take a moment to remind all that the suitability portion of PPC's relicensing application was recently completed and that you've issued a determination of suitability on July 30th. And as part of that review, the IEB performed the required background reviews of the corporate entity and individual qualifiers related to this licensee. And we summarize suitability reports and in our presentation at a commission meeting on July 30th, PPC's history of compliance with the gaming regulations and with their internal controls. And you reviewed in those materials and in our presentation, the itemized incidents of noncompliance that occurred over the five year term of the initial license. And the IEB also noted and you previously reviewed that for each incident of noncompliance, the licensee responded promptly with appropriate remedial actions. And at that meeting in July, you did in fact vote and determined PPC to be suitable under the statutory regulatory criteria that focus on integrity, character, financial stability and compliance. So with that said, we did not plan to repeat the full compliance history today as you just reviewed it in July. And Andrew for his part intends to focus on current compliance at PPC, knowing that you in the in the public already have that the full history. So with that said and with that backdrop, unless there are questions now, I would ask Andrew to to jump in and address the commission on agenda item to be I. Thank you, Loretta. Good morning, Madam Chair, commissioners. As Loretta mentioned, this memo does focus on PPC's current compliance with an emphasis on the following six gaming areas, the approved system of internal controls, the floor plan, the surveillance plan, the slot machine operation plan, credit procedures and suspension of credit and the gaming leverage licenses. Prior to the temporary closure, game agents at PPC would routinely conduct investigations and audits outside of the office on the casino floor, offering more hands-on approach. However, due to the current guidelines, agents have been quick to adjust the new norms of working primarily in our MGC on-site surveillance office. Many of our investigations are now completed in review or through the lens of a camera. Although this may have presented some early challenges, agents have easily adapted and have continued their routine monitoring with a focus on the six areas as well as several other aspects of the property. Additionally, agents have kept a continuous 24 presence on-site as well as a now added presence of gaming agents working remotely throughout the day. This has allowed for several further investigations into those specific departments. Speaking on each area separately with regards to compliance with the approved system of internal controls, the IED has continued to review PPC's ICs and submissions daily. As I mentioned, this is done through our new guidelines of routine monitoring through the surveillance system and through our operational audits. Agents while working remote have continued auditing the internal controls and subsequently conducting investigations while on-site. Through this, the IED certifies that PPC is currently in compliance with their internal controls. With regards to the floor plan and the surveillance plan, the IED reviews both of these daily through routine investigations as well as continued operational audits. The IED certifies that both the floor plan and the surveillance plan at PPC are currently in compliance. With regards to the slot machine operation plan, the IED completes daily and monthly audits of the slot units on the casino floor as well as units in the approved storage locations. The IED finds that PPC is currently in compliance with their slot machine operation plan. With regards to credit procedures and the suspicion of credit, PPC has remained compliant throughout. The IED has documented zero issues relating to credit and finds that PPC is currently in compliance. And lastly, with regards to compliance with the gaming beverage licenses, the IED has reviewed the terms of PPC's license and its obligations with respect to the service and storage of alcoholic beverages. The IED continues to monitor those areas on a daily basis and finds PPC is currently in compliance with all beverage license requirements. So just in closing here, the IED does find that PPC has remained compliant and is still currently in compliance with the six gaming requirements of this category to license. I can now open up to any questions there may be or throw back to or Joe. Commissioner's. Any questions for Andrew? I have one Andrew and perhaps it should be put into a parking lot for the end. But when you and your team are certifying as to the floor plan in your surveilling, are you certifying with respect to also COVID compliance too? With respect to COVID guidelines? We do check for COVID guidelines as well. And that does fall under PPC surveillance and floor plan. So those are checked daily. Agents have easily adapted to check for these new COVID guidelines. Thank you. Any further questions for Andrew? Sure, Madam Chair. Andrew, I know that early on there were some issues that PPC with respect to locking up the beverage storage areas. I'm assuming there hasn't been any complications with that since some of those early incidents. If you could share any information you might have. Correct. Yeah. The ID, we have documented zero issues relating to locking up the beverage storage locations. PPCs remain compliant. At least since reopening and probably even prior as well. Thank you. Of course you're very welcome. Okay. If there are no further questions for Andrew, I think next up we have Captain Connors. I think he was having a little, oh, there we is under Loretta's. Screen. Good morning. We wait a second. Good morning. I'm proud to be Loretta Lillios for a little while. She's comfortable with that. I'm sure. Thank you. So one of the, the one area that I've been tasked with to address has to do with the compliance with the emergency and the critical incident response plan from PPC. As you know, with the gaming enforcement unit being attached to each of the three casinos, particularly at the plane, the plane, which park casino we're able to have a very close working relationship with them on a day-to-day basis. They have submitted a emergency and critical incident plan. That's very detailed, very extensive. It runs the gamut from auto operator, a fire extinguisher to a major critical incident that may involve an evacuation of the building and addressing any other types of high risk scenarios. And obviously with the GEU being on site 24-7, we're able to, again, we're closely with them, but also evaluate what their responses are on a consistent basis. You know, unfortunately, we haven't had to deal with many of the critical incidents that were detailed within their, in their plan. It is extensive. It does cover many areas in great detail to give their staff the direction that they need on a consistent basis. And so we've been able to see at least some of that put into practice in the five years of their licensee, licensure and get an understanding as to how they operate. And in a general sense, I think it has gone very smoothly with how things are implemented there. Again, we haven't had those real significant incidents, but also sometimes it's within the details of the smaller incidents and how they handle those that you can really get a sense as to whether they're complying with their own plans as well as just their day-to-day operations. And those would include even just incidents of, you know, just general crowd control, specific crowd control measures during a specific event. They do have a consistent amount of medical calls, in some cases, emergencies that in large part of all been handled very well. So in that regard, I think we can take some comfort in that, and that they've shown that consistently. They are adhering to the written policies, which are extensive. But one area additionally within working closely with them, we do work closely with their security and surveillance departments and their security directors. We do have an open line of that communication. It can immediately address any issues that we see at any point. There are a number of incidents, if you will, that I believe that they've handled very well, including a number of power outages for very brief period of time. I think we've had four since the opening, and those are handled very well by the people staff. It was also one shutdown as it related to a major snowstone back in 2017. And then obviously the COVID-related shutdown in March of this year. And all of these have gone extremely smoothly. And I think it's a testament to their staff and their preparedness in these issues and also working closely with us, with the Plainville Police Department, with local fire and EMS as well. So in that regard, I think they've been consistent. And one other area that I think is worth noting and highlighting is also the fact that having law enforcement on site is critical for any type of major incident response. The response time is absolutely critical. The old ad is that seconds cone is rings true 100%. And the fact that we are on site, we do have direct communications with PPC and their staff. And it has shown during the five-year period that that communication is timely and consistent. I think is a positive for PPC and the staff and also for the commission can take some comfort in that as well. As just a side note, we do, the GU does monitor and carry the security radio. So we are in immediate contact. Should there be a significant incident on site? And again, that response time is absolutely crucial. The communications thereafter with responding assets, coordinating those assets is something that is not only detailed within their plan, but it's something that I'm comfortable that will take place should a significant incident take place in coordinating a response. So as far as just addressing the areas, the categories as far as additional measures identified, at this time the GU has not identified any areas requiring additional measures. We would not be recommending any particular additional licensing conditions in this particular area. And again, overall, I think the relationship is strong and the process is strong and the responses have been strong. And hopefully within another five years I'm reporting the exact same thing as far as status, as far as the ability to handle these issues and we haven't had any significant issues as well. So with that, I'm glad to take any questions or comments. Captain Connors, I do have a question. Thank you for that report. First of all, it's very positive to hear about how well, whether it be critical incidents or the communication seems to be, as you know, we work very hard at the beginning to, to make sure GU was made up of both Plain Ridge, PD members as well as state police members. And I give credit to all of you who work so hard initially on that MOU. The other thing we've talked about, and you mentioned it here today is the relationships with security, surveillance, the gaming agents, you know, all of the GU, all of the public safety folks. And I just wonder if you feel interoperability, you mentioned as well, big piece that is lacking in some other jurisdictions. If you feel like this really positive report with response time being exactly what they are meaning, incidents are handled professionally, they're handled in a really timely manner. Those strong relationships that were built over the years and continue to, you know, continue to maintain have something to do with the fact that this report is so positive today, the fact that you just mentioned all of these folks working hand in hand to keep it safe in particular with a critical incident. No, that's absolutely correct, Commissioner. The relationship has been strong. I think that, that is just, you know, on a day to day basis from the local police, the Plainville police and their fire and EMS, they're vested in the facility themselves. They're constantly, you know, Plainville PD is on site, as you know, on the racing side. So it really has to be coordinated effort in the event that there is any type of significant incident, but even in a relatively minor incidents that we've had, they've been handled very smoothly. It seems like the cooperation, the communication, that interoperability is very strong. And I'm confident that it's going to continue. Thank you. I thank all of you for your efforts. I don't know that everybody realized this, this is not always the case where, where all of these folks work so seamlessly together, respect each other's talents and abilities and share information in a timely manner. It's, it's, it's really nice to see and just proud of all the work you've done and thanks for that positive report. Thank you. Other questions for Captain Connors? Yeah, just to add my comments of thanks for the report. You know, it's, it's great to hear. I'm taken back to the comments we heard in the public hearing portion that was described earlier, how positive the community has received, you know, the presence of PCC, especially in the light of what many people earlier before the license was awarded, were fearful of in terms of what's, what's the usual criticism of, of these type of operations of increased incidents and, and traffic and, you know, and in some ways they all, they all, they often get into the notion of fearing some criminality. And I have to congratulate, I think to a great degree, this is the result of both the operation that you speak of, but especially the presence, Captain Connors, of what you and your team and the Plainville Police have done in terms of making sure that there's the Terrence Prevention as well as rapid response. So thank you for the report and thank you for the work you do. Thank you, sir. Any further questions for Captain Connors? I think we can echo that, that gratitude. Thank you, Captain Connors and thanks for the comprehensive report. Very, very helpful. Thank you. Okay, so if no other questions for Captain Connors, we'll move on to the Finance and Accounting Division. We have Derek Lennon, our Chief Finance and Accounting Officer with us. Derek. Thank you, Joe. Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. Morning, Derek. I'm joined today by Doug O'Donnell and he's our Revenue Manager and Dana Fortney, the CFO from Plain Ridge Park Casino. And I just want to say that the information you have in your packet has been reviewed both internally as well as externally to make sure that we're providing the correct information to you. So today we're here to report on certain compliance areas with requirements of the Category 2 license and specifically the compliance with daily tax reporting, gaming revenue and taxes, compliance with an annual audit, the payment of the renewal fee, and the licensees compliance with a capital expenditure plan. So for the first area, compliance with daily tax reporting, the Category 2 licensees are required to pay a daily tax of 40% on its gross gaming revenue and an additional daily assessment of 9% of its gross gaming revenue to be deposited on the RACIS Development Fund. The two areas, the Finance Office measures for compliance with this section of the Category 2 licensees are required to pay a daily tax of 40% on its gross gaming revenue and an additional daily assessment of the RACIS Development Fund. The other two areas that we're going to focus on in this section are did the licensee remit the daily taxes, and then did the licensee remit taxes in a timely manner. We've set goals for both of these measures for the daily remittance. Our goal is 100%. You have to pay the taxes. And we're pleased to report that they have paid their taxes on a daily basis. So they're 100% compliant with that. And the chart in the memo shows that they have exceeded that goal every year. So for this first category, we find the licensee to be compliant with the terms of the Category 2 license and have no recommendations. Moving on to gaming revenue and taxes. As referenced in the first part of the memorandum, Category 2 licensee is required to pay taxes of 40% on gross gaming revenue. An additional 9% assessment to the race who has development fund. PPC is in compliance with this requirement. The chart on the memo shows the facility generated 759 million in gross gaming revenue over its initial license period. That's a five-year period, not including July and August of this year, which shows up on our website. And that resulted in 303.6 million in taxes, which goes to local aid. And an additional 68.3 million to the race who has development fund for a total contribution of 371.97 million or approximately 372 million to state resources. Moving on to the next section, compliance with an annual audit. 205 CMR 139.07 requires gaming licensees to have an audit prepared by an independent certified public accountant of its financial statements relevant to the operation of its Massachusetts gaming establishment. Regulation also requires the licensee to file the report with the commission on an annual basis. We're pleased to report the licensee has been compliant with that requirement, and we have no recommendations. Payment of a renewal fee. Mass General Law Chapter 23K, Section 20F, sets the term of a Category 2 license to five years and requires the commission to set a renewal fee. Renewal fee for PC was set at 100,000 and the fee was paid to the commission's eastern bank account via wire transfer on June 16, 2020. Prior to the expiration of the license, we find the licensee to be compliant with the section. Compliance with the capital expenditure plan. Mass General Law Chapter 23K, Section 21, paragraph A sub paragraph 4, requires the commission to include in PPC's license conditions, a requirement for the licensee to either make capital expenditures to its establishment equal to or greater than 3.5% of net gaming revenues, or establish a multi-year capital expenditure plan equal to 3.5% of net gaming revenues derived at the establishment. This requirement was further detailed in 205CMR 139.09. In January of 2017, PPC submitted a five-year plan to the commission requesting a variance from the 3.5% net capital expenditure requirement. In a public meeting in February of 2017, the commission found good causes demonstrated for the five-year plan as submitted to not equal or exceed the 3.5% of net gaming revenue threshold, and the commission approved the plan with the five conditions outlined in the memorandum. For compliance with their approved plan, PPC has been including capital expenditures and their quarterly spend figures, as well as in their annual report. For the commission to rely on the information reported, the commission staff and the PPC internal audit have added audits of capital expenses to the PPC internal audit plan of fiscal year 2017, 19, and 2020. We have received the plans for 17 and 19, and have reviewed the information as well as our independent auditors have reviewed it and found it, and that the commission can rely on those, and the information reported to them based on those audits. And once the 2020 plan is completed, we will see that we will review that audit as well and have our external auditors review it. 205CMR139.09 requires that a multi-year capital plan must at a minimum provide for the establishment of in contribution to a capital reserve account. 205CMR139.06 paragraph one requires the licensee to report quarterly on its contributions to the capital reserve account. PPC has established a construction and progress account, which is consistent with their approved plan, and we do recommend that they should include the contributions to this account in their quarterly report to the commission as required by 205CMR139.06 paragraph one, rather than rolling up those expenditures into the quarterly spend figures. Based on this information, we find them to be compliant with the exception of that one area and just recommend that they continue, that they put that into their quarterly report. And that concludes our presentation. Questions for Derek. Commissioner. Thank you, chair. I do have a question. Thank you for the report. Let me preface my question by saying that, you know, asking this question, but I don't want to create the impression by asking this question that this is an issue because I don't believe it. But if you can go to page two of the report, Derek and perhaps a little bit for the record and the statements terms, explain more the difference between the daily remittance compliance rate of 100% and the timely remittance, which goal is to be above 90%. And it is, in fact, 9%. More than 90%. What are some instances as to why there are times when the timely remittance is not 100%. What are we talking about in general? So the timely remittance requirement is 24 hours after the gaming day closes. We would have to get a gaming, a tax payment. And there are multiple reasons. Some of them are our bank account was down. Other areas are their banking. Software may not have been trans be able to transfer it. There may have been a problem in the counter room to complete their process. And that's why we set it at 90%. The one we really care about is that we get the taxes. And that is 100%. So, you know, the timely requirement, there are always going to be issues to that. And that's the reason we've set it at a 90% internal goal, because it's not always PPC's fault. It could be our fault too. So we look at that as a shared, a shared target. Thank you. That's good for the record. Any other questions for Derek and team? Including Dana. Good morning, Dana. Good morning. Doug. Okay. Not appearing, I guess. So why don't we move on to legal division? We have with us general counsel, Todd. Thank you, Joe. And good morning commissioners and all. I will be addressing two discreet areas of compliance. The first pertains to the gaming licensees compliance with its legal obligations relative to the state lottery. And the second pertains to its compliance with its obligations relative to past due child support and tax liabilities. They're owed to the Commonwealth. And if I may, I'll begin with the state lottery compliance related. Item. And begin by noting that right in the findings and declarations. Section of chapter 23 K located in section one. It says explicitly. That enhancing and supporting the performance of the state lottery and continuing the Commonwealth's dedication. To local aid is imperative. To the policy objectives. Chapter 23 K. So in an effort to ensure that outcome. Section 15 of chapter 23 K. Required that the licensee agree as a condition to even being eligible. To being awarded the gaming license initially. That it agreed to three things, essentially the first, that it become. A licensed state lottery. Sales agent to sell or operate the lottery. Multi jurisdictional and Kino games. Second, that it make the lottery and Kino games readily accessible to the guests of the gaming establishment. And third, that it not create promote, operate or sell games that are similar to or in direct competition with games offered by the state lottery. A commission including lottery instant games. And third, that it make the lottery and the games offered by the state lottery. A commission including lottery instant games or its Lotto style games such as Kino. Or it's multi jurisdictional game. The licensee, as you'll recall, is part of its RFA to application. Agreed to each of those terms. And in furtherance of that pledge, it ultimately executed a lottery sales agent agreement with the Massachusetts. In 2016, 2015. That particular agreement remains in effect today. The agreement itself is a comprehensive document that outlines the obligations of each of the parties. And in conjunction. With the written commitment, I would submit to you that. PPC satisfies its legal obligations and requirements under chapter. And I would also submit to you that. The legal obligations are in place. As you know, PPC has asserted in its written attestation as part of its new application. That it is in material compliance with that lottery agreement. I was able to confirm that statement with senior leadership at the state lottery commission. And the lottery officials further confirm that PPC has been cooperative and participatory with the lottery regarding promoting lottery products. So. There is sufficient factual basis for the commission to deem the gaming licensee to be in material compliance with its state lottery related obligations. For purposes. So I can pause there on the lottery related obligations. For any questions or comments. Before we move into the. The DOR related. Questions for Todd. Council. Thank you, Madam chair. Counselor, is there any indication or. Conversation between the two parties about conditions for reopening. A lot of re-agreement and what that would. What that would include. They were to do so. You know, I'm not sure if the agreement discusses reopening. There was no indication. That there needed to be any amendments to the terms of the agreement. At the present time, the lottery seems to be content with the terms that are in place. And PPC's performance. At the moment. Okay. Thank you. Madam chair, I think it's also important to. To remind ourselves, you know, the great work that our research and responsible gaming group did with. The segment team to look at the lottery impact. Around the immediate area. And I recall that those research results there show that. Even with the addition of. Presidents of Plain Ridge Park as well as their. Their establishment is a lot of reagent that there wasn't much there. I don't believe. Commissioner Zuniga will correct me. There was no significant impact on lottery sales from the other lottery agents in the immediate area. If I remember it wasn't a positive impact. In the aggregate, it was a positive impact. There was some decrease that. Some agents in the surrounding communities experience. And the period that they observed. But that was more than made up by the increase that. PPC as a lottery agent brought in. And that. I think speaks directly to what. What the legislature envisioned. In the requirement that thought just. Just described. As agreeing to be an agent of the lottery. That's an important measure for its protection. And commissioner Stebbins to your point. And, and Todd. Perhaps you can confirm. I do not believe there's any sunset provision on that agent. Agency agreement. It does follow the typical agency agreement of the lottery. So there is no. You know, Required renewal provision. Is that correct, Todd? That's right. I actually did ask that question. There is no expiration date on the agreement. It remains in effect until it's. And that mirrors what. What there's 7,600. Agents in the Commonwealth lottery. It mirrors that arrangement. So. Okay. Right. Okay. Well, I'll move into the next area. And that relates to, again, the licensees compliance with its legal obligations relative to the intercept of past due child support and tax liability to the Commonwealth. You'll recall, of course, that that obligation stems from chapter 23 K section 50. Which essentially provides, and I'm paraphrasing a little bit here, that prior to disbursement of cash or a prize in excess of $600, a gaming licensee shall review information made available by the Department of Revenue. To ascertain whether the winner of the cash or prize owes past due child support to the Commonwealth or to an individual whom the DOR is providing services and to ascertain whether the winner of the cash or prize owes any past due tax liability to the Commonwealth. You'll recall, of course, that the $600 figure referenced in that section of the law was adjusted subsequently. By way of legislation to $1,200. In an effort to detail the process by way of legislation to $1,200. In an effort to detail the process by which the licensee would be granted access to the Department of Revenue information to determine whether intercepts are required and to satisfy its statutory obligations, an MOU between the commission, the Department of Revenue and the gaming licensee was executed. The MOU addresses such things as the instances in which a check has to be conducted, which employees can actually conduct the check, and information security procedures and other contractual type provisions. I've discussed PPC's compliance with this MOU with colleagues over at the Department of Revenue, and with the exception of three instances of non-compliance which are detailed in the memo and packet. The licensee has otherwise performed as it has been required to do. I will submit and I'm happy to run through each of those instances if that would be helpful here today. But otherwise, even in light of those, I would submit that there is evidence to support a conclusion that the licensee has been in material compliance with its legal obligations relative to the past due child support and tax liability. And as I mentioned, there are those three instances, Matt and Chair and commissioners, I'm not sure if that would be helpful to run through each of those at the moment, but they are contained in the public packet. Commissures, would you like him to do so? Or are you all set? I guess that's hiring. I'll set. Yeah, we have the materials and have been able to review them in advance. So thank you, Todd. Great. I don't have anything further. If there are any questions, I'd be happy to address. Questions for Todd on the child support. Thank you, Todd. Thank you very much. Okay. Thanks, Todd. So next up we have a report from the racing division. Dr. Alex lightbound our director of racing. Alex. Thank you. And good morning commissioners. Today, I want to report that Plain Ridge is in accordance with mass general out 23 K section 24 a. They have maintained an existing racing facility on the premises. And they did hold their increasing number of racing days. 105 in 2015. Up to 115 and 16 and then 125 in 2017. And then after that, the. That's it be up to working with the gaming commission and consultation with Plain Ridge and the harness horseman's association of New England. And they did come to different numbers of days in those different years. Recently they did sign a seven year agreement that calls for 110 days of racing each year. So in further details with the having the purse agreement with the horseman, the first one was in 2014 a five year one. And then when that expired, they did come to an agreement on a seven year. First agreement that began in 2019. So they are in compliance with having a purse agreement. The. Plain Ridge Park is also in compliance with chapter 128 a and chapter 128 C, which are the racing regulations. And they have applied for a racing license each of the last six years and being granted by the racing by the gaming commission. A racing and simulcast license. There haven't been any issues related to noncompliance of the racing regulations. And PPC is responsive and they were collaboratively with us. And we're basically in constant communication. And if there's any questions, I'm happy to answer them. I'm happy to answer them. I'm happy to answer them. I'm happy to answer them. I'm happy to answer them. Commissioner Cameron. Yeah, Dr. Leitham. I just wanted to comment on, you just explained, you know, the last five years in the history. I just actually want to thank you, your team and. The folks at PPC who work collaboratively of you just explained as well as the horsemen and women who, you know, worked hard to get these five year and then seven year purse agreements. And, you know, work hard together in particular now during COVID to, to keep it safe. But, you know, we are a model agency for the way that we regulate racing. And I just think listening to you and listening to how well everyone collaborates, I know it wasn't always the case. So just a thank you and thank you for that positive report and what you do to, to keep racing profitable, but also done with integrity and following those practices. Thank you for the questions for Dr. Leitham. I think we can attest to the close collaboration. Most recently, of course, in the successful Derby day, where novel COVID measures had to be taken. It's really a testament to your leadership, Dr. Leitham and the relationship you've established with PPC. So thank you. Thank you. Also, I think. Okay. So next up report from our information technology division. We have Katrina to group bones, our chief information officer and Scott Hellwig, our gaming technical compliance manager Katrina. Good morning, chair commissioners, executive director Wells. Before we begin, I'd like to introduce the team that is presenting today. Like Joe said, beginning with Scott Hellwig, our gaming technical compliance manager, Jason Giddle, regional director of information technology for PPC. And in the wings, we have Kevin Gavril, our senior converged engineer and Priya Gandotra, our gaming technical compliance engineer. And by no means does this represent the number of individuals that worked on this. And as a special note, I'd like to recognize the collaboration due diligence and efforts put forth by both PPC and the MGC technology team. Today we will be presenting an update on PPC's compliance and the following areas. Certification and verification of electronic gaming device software or EGD's certification of property, online monitoring and validation systems, information security plan and any license conditions to consider. I will now hand it over to Scott Hellwig. Thank you, Katrina. Hello, chair and fellow commissioners. Good to see you. Good day. Good morning to you. As Katrina said, my team and I, the gaming technical compliance team worked with and collaborated with the team from Plain Ridge Park Casino, their technical team, I should say, and verifying and certifying the electronic gaming devices and the systems that helped to manage these devices at the Plain Ridge Park Casino. So from October 2015 until March 15th, 2020 prior to the expansion of operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts Gaming Commission's central monitoring system performed daily software validations on all active electronic gaming devices at Plain Ridge Park Casino. As a result, the MGC central monitoring system found no signature failures and all active software installed was approved by one of Massachusetts Gaming Commission's certified and independent testing. During the COVID-19 pandemic closures, the knock or network operation center and the gaming technical compliance team continuously verified the electronic gaming devices software to ensure compliance. Once PPC was given the approval to reopen, they continued to comply with MGC regulations regarding the EGD software operating at Plain Ridge Park Casino. The GTC or the gaming technical compliance team found no electronic gaming device signature failures on active software since PPC's opening in June of 2015 or June of 2015 and also during the COVID-19 pandemic closures and reopening. Our verification excludes change of quest to ensure accuracy. Once a change of quest is approved, the MGC central monitoring system will force us off for validation to ensure compliance. If we do experience any issues with change of quest or on the gaming floors while we work with the IEB gaming agents, the slot tech team at the casino and also our network operations team to ensure that we work out any issues and they get resolved in a timely manner. And as of today, we have not had any issues where nothing has gotten resolved or there's been a kind of a back and forth of why the problem happened. And that wraps up the items for the electronic gaming devices and I will go over the notes for the management systems of the electronic gaming devices at Plain Ridge Park Casino. So Plain Ridge Park Casino's management system is certified by one of our certified independent testing labs and verified by the gaming technical compliance team. The gaming technical compliance team verified the software signatures and all are in compliance with MGC regulations. The process included confirming the currently libraries on their systems and their compliance with the certification letters provided by our certified independent testing labs. The gaming technical compliance team found no signature failures on active libraries since PPC is opening in June 2015 and during the COVID-19 pandemic closures and reopening. In closure, I'd also like to note and thank the technical team at Plain Ridge Park Casino for helping us getting through verifying all the signatures over the course of the last few months. So I'd like to say in accordance with 205 CMR 143 and 144, it is determined that Plain Ridge Park Casino or PPC is in compliance with the Apple Gold regulations. Thank you. No, go ahead Kathy. Do you want to do it per presentation or way to the conclusion? I was going to offer the opportunity to ask questions now before we go into the information plan. Any questions for Scott? Nice straight forward presentation, Scott. Thank you so much. So moving on to the information security plan pursuant to 205 CMR 138.02 and further detailed in 143.12, the submitted information security plan was reviewed which included 23 policies and standard operating procedures. The PPS team found 115 issues and recommendations. All feedback was provided to PPC which was reviewed by the necessary teams and the documents were updated as applicable. In some cases they even rewrote their policies to ensure improved compliance. For example, their hardware sanitization policy. In accordance with 205 CMR 138.02 and the standard operating procedures. Thank you. Thank you. As for license conditions to consider, the information technology services division does not recommend any additional licensing conditions at this time. This concludes our presentation. Any questions for Katrina and team? Good news. Commissioner. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I understand from the beginning, the power of the technology and the power of the team that we have monitoring understanding the technology. The central monitoring system has the power to detect issues immediately. Reconciled to the penny. I don't know if you have any questions. I don't know if you have a report from Scott and Katrina, but I know that it's a testament to the technology, the team on the PPC side and the team on our side to be able to both understand, test it and verify it on a daily basis. Any further questions? I also, I inherited a lot of the information technology feature. That we know took a great deal of collaboration. Again, leader leading the way. So we credit that to PPC and of course, the IT department for its success. Thank you. All right. So if there's no other questions. Next up, we have workforce supplier and diversity development with Joe Griffin, who is the CEO of the PPC. I'm not seeing Joe. Let's just see. I'm looking at my document too. I'll try and reach out to her, Madam chair. Hold on. That's okay. We can just, we can just pause for a second. I think everybody can get their notes. I'm scrolling through. So we'll just give her a chance. I saw that she was on before. So there just might be. I don't know. I think it's not a big branch like the one that Burke is encountering. It was just going to share, Madam chair. Unfortunately due to the winds that went through and the storms this morning. Jill was on the call earlier. I don't know if her area might have had a power outage. That's what we just were wondering if she could have had a power outage. We weren't worried that there could be a few folks who couldn't make it. Let me just. I thought I saw her early on with her. I'm not sure if she could have had a power outage. She could have been taken or to just been a disruption. So let's just give Karen two minutes because I'm still scrolling through my document anyway. And then if need be. Joe will. We'll skip to the next presenter. The GLI here. Madam chair. So Jill did get booted off the system. She tried calling in, but. She was on mute. She's trying to get in again. And if she can't, she will call in and I have her number so we can unmute her. So either way, we're going to get this resolved. Okay. Should we. Should we proceed with the next presentation or wait another minute. She asked if you just give her a minute to see if she can jump on. Yeah. So everybody in terms of the document, if you're scrolling through. Jill's starts on page 109. There are 20 pages after that. And can you hear me? Yeah. Welcome. So I don't know what happened. Judd Stein. I got kicked off. I was just ready to go and. I don't know if I had a power outage here. So. We were discussing that in your absence. We knew that with the, the winds that could be disruption. So we're glad to see you live and thank you. And again, I pointed out to everyone that's 109 on our packet. So we're glad to see you live and thank you. Thank you. Great. Thank you. So from the opening of the casino on July 24th, 2015, the workforce supplier and diversity development. Department has overseen several facets of the compliance of the licensee. And so we're looking at, we're looking at, um, to regular communication with department leaders, especially in human resources and procurement. Um, but Joe mentioned earlier that in 2018. Staff began a review of plane, which part casinos progress towards meeting their goals. Um, Related to workforce development specifically. Um, we looked at the original application. Um, and then we looked at the strategic plan to engage and recruit the diverse and under employed workforce population. Also known as their workforce plan. And we looked at associated RFA to requirements. Um, we met several times with Plain Ridge Park management. Um, And department leaders and Plain Ridge Park, uh, we looked at, um, on substantially complete matters. At the February 28th, 2019 meeting, uh, commission meeting, Plain Ridge Park briefed the commission regarding its compliance with the above items. And if you'll remember, the commission approved and revised workforce plan. Um, the commission today and its review of, um, certain items, um, regarding their category two license in the RFA two commitments. In your memo. Um, you'll notice a through F of their memo pertain to license conditions, including agreements and MOUs between impacted live entertainment venues. Um, community colleges as well as the required, um, vendor diversity programs during design and construction. Affirmative action programs for equal opportunity. A plan to identify and market to unemployed residents in Massachusetts. And the tourism and hospitality plan. Um, and items G through L event memo focused on vendor spending in Massachusetts. Um, vendor diversity employment goals. And hiring commitments, completing and adhering to a hiring plan and average wage scale commitments. Um, so I'm pleased to report that the compliance with the impact of live entertainment agreement, um, has been met. Um, as you know, each gaming licensee is required to implement and abide by, um, It's agreement as per 23 K section 1510. Um, and you'll also know if this was, um, the language and one impacted live entertainment agreement with a mass performing. Um, arts coalition and their present Troy Siebel's testified confirmation in the hearing as well. Um, plain plain Ridge also fulfilled, um, this, the, um, MOU collaboration between the community colleges. Um, the mess casino careers training Institute. And, um, Penn national gaming MOU was signed on September 20th of 2013. And submitted with the RFA too. Plain Ridge works with both Masses soya and Bristol community colleges and the mass department of labor and workforce developments mass hire career centers. Um, MGC staff does recommend that at a later date, plain Ridge Park casino work with the mass community colleges to update the 2013 agreement to better reflect the new goals and strategies and their revised workforce plan. Um, compliance with affirmative marketing programs for business in chapter three, chapter 23 K section 21. Um, this condition was met. Penn national gaming's leadership and Turner constructions consistent focus on the diversity goals throughout the construction period led to strong results. Um, construction oversight manager, pink and company provided on site compliance and verification. Penn national also worked closely. With MGC's vendor advisory team and other state resources provided. Um, compliance with the affirmative action program for equal opportunity to residents identified in chapter 23 K section 21 a 22. Um, Penn national and Turner construction exceeded most of their diversity goals for the union construction workforce. They fell short of their goal for hiring females in the trades. Women accounted for 4% of the total construction work hours versus a goal of seven percent. Um, they exceeded the goals for minority individuals and, and veterans in the construction workforce. Um, compliance with the license condition plan to identify and market to unemployed Massachusetts residents. Plain Ridge Park casino complied with this license condition. Donahue. Um, you mess Donahue Institute. Um, study found that more than 50% of the new hires at Plain Ridge Park casino had previously been unemployed. Um, compliance with the license condition. Um, 14 for the regional tourism marketing and hospitality plan. Um, Penn national is required to submit a regional tourism and marketing and hospitality plan created in consultation with a regional tourism council and with the mass office of travel and tourism. Um, Plain Ridge Park casino complied with this license condition. In 2015, they consulted with the mass office of travel and tourism. Um, and members from the regions of Boston, Metro West, Bristol County and Plymouth County to complete the hospitality plan is required by chapter 23 case section 18. Um, Plain Ridge additionally has demonstrated strong local and regional tourism partnerships. Examples of the partnerships include, um, a strong relationship with the Simon property group of New England, the owner of rent and village outlets, premium outlet center. Um, and there were other examples as evidenced in the public hearing. Um, in the public hearing to their loyalty database through cross marketing efforts, including targeting out of state residents as, as part of the marquee rewards program, the licensee promoted state and play complimentary trips, including to the Patriot place and the licensee properties. Um, as per, um, chapter 23 case section 18. Um, number two, the licensee utilize social media to promote local businesses such as the ever so humble pie company, that's pro shops and Franklin Ford through promotional gifts to their customers. Um, the plan rich park casino website plan rich park casino.com also as required by chapter 23 K, um, features a variety of local area hotels. Um, however, some of the commitments in the regional tourism and marketing plan were not met. The plan rich park casino at test station to the commission indicated that they had executed and followed the tourism plan, except for the following areas. Um, the plan rich park casino introduced tourism kiosks in the casino lobby, offering promotional information. Um, these were introduced in 2015 and they were removed after one year due to low usage. Um, the property developed a bus program in 2016 focused on the Asian markets of greater Metro Boston area. After testing the program for a full year, it was discontinued due to low volume. Plan rich park casino has not partnered with any campgrounds or RV parks to date. They plan to work with Normandy Normandy farms on partnership opportunities for the 2021 season. Um, in terms of educating casino staff on promoting regional tourism. Um, although in place when the property first opened, it was not continued when Penn national streamlined the training program. They plan to review, revisit this in the future. Um, MGC staff additionally noted that links to the regional tourism websites to promote local attractions were not readily evident on the plan rich park casino.com website. Um, these links were however available in the past, but removed perhaps coinciding with the national company wide website. I just add that plain rich park casino at the request of the commission staff are updating the hospitality and tourism plan for the commission review. And approval at a future date. Um, I'm going to move on. Um, these issues. Um, and discuss their compliance, um, in the future. Um, and now I'm going to move on from licensed conditions to compliance with RFA two statements. Um, First regarding vendor spending in Massachusetts and vendor diversity. Um, the commission staff affirms that these commitments have been met. Um, plain rich park casino has built relationships with suppliers in the state. They have conducted vendor fairs on site. To allow vendors to introduce their projects. Uh, products and services. Um, to the property. Um, they have strong relationships with the United regional chamber. Um, and the commission staff. Uh, and the commission staff. Um, hearing from Jack link. And also with a tri town regional. Um, chamber of commerce. The greater New England minority supplier development council. And the center for women. In business enterprise. Um, Compliance with RFA two statement. Um, regarding vendor diversity. Licenses are required as per check. Um, the commission staff. Um, the commission staff. Um, to set specific goals for the utilization of minority women and veteran owned businesses. For the provision of goods and services for the casino. This goal has been met. Um, plain rich park casino has complied. With their plan. In their 20. 19 year end report. Plain rich park casino exceeded all vendor diversity goals. For the procurement of goods and services with 28% spent. With minority women and veteran owned businesses. Um, And, um, Um, and I'll just point out on page eight of my memo, there was an editing error that I would like to correct for the record. But the, um, Um, the point is they exceeded their MBE goal. Um, they exceeded their VBE goal and their WB goal as well. Um, operational hiring commitments and workforce plan. Um, hiring numbers and diversity. As per chapter 23 K section 18. 17. As, um, it demonstrated during the last five years of quarterly reports. In addition to providing opportunities for unemployed individuals, plain rich park casino has demonstrated significant efforts to achieve and have in most cases exceeded their goals. Um, I mentioned that, um, at the request of commission staff. Um, um, plain rich park casino amended their original workforce diversity plan. That was submitted to the commission in August of 2014 prior. To their. A 2015 opening. Um, in June of 2019, the commission approved an amended plan. That included additional hiring strategies and adjusted goals. Um, and they were approved to reduce their local and surrounding community resident hiring goal to 35%. The previous 90% goal. Um, which was set when they had a proposal in Springfield was never met. Um, they increased their minority hiring goal. Um, as well. Um, the commission approved, um, also including additional recruitment strategies in the plan. Hosting an annual onsite career fair per calendar year. Attending a veteran's career fair. And attending at least two college careers. There's in Massachusetts partnering with the mass hire career centers and coordinating two hiring events. Um, as of March 31st, 2020, Pete plain rich park casino has exceeded all their employment goals. Apart from the goal to hire 35% of their employees. From their host and designated surrounding communities. As of this report. They only fell slightly short with 32% local employees. Um, they're. They exceeded their 15% worth work for school from ethnic minority groups. Um, in their last report of March 31st, 2020, the actual was 26. Um, they hired 48% females. Actually just falling slight, uh, slightly, uh, lower than their 50% goal. Um, they exceeded their veteran's goal of 2%. Um, hiring 5% veterans. Um, and in spite of, um, being so close to Rhode Island, they have consistently hired more than 60% of their employees who are residents of Massachusetts. Joe, can I just interrupt briefly on, on, I'm looking at page. Um, nine. And I think, you said 50% for women, but their goal was 47. So they actually exceeded it by 1%. Correct. Am I. I'm on the right page. Um, I actually had the same question. Um, I believe the goal has always been 50% and they've always been a pad short. Is this a type of. That's what I wondered. Yes. Um, I think I see Kathy Lucas there. Their goal has, I believe, been 50%. So that's an editing error. Okay. I think I mentioned. Yeah. That's correct. Thank you. Thank you. Historically, I mean, remember that's been a little bit of a challenge. Okay. Excellent. I think it's been a challenge for all of our life. Um, But they came fairly close this time. Our goal was 50% and we hit 52. We achieved the goal for female. Oh, great. Okay. Good. So that's an update to this report. I hate, hate it to break up your momentum, but it was just, it's an important metric. So. I appreciate it actually. Thank you. Um, um, um, um, um, um, um, um, um, Um, um, Um, um, Um, the commission vote on April 29th, 2019. In order to review the number of employees and the salary and benefits projections, Plain Ridge Park Casino made in their 2013 RFA-2 application. Staff compared their RFA-2 projections in the full compendium scenario to the 2018 compendium results submitted to MGC staff. Compared to the RFA-2, the 2018 data showed that Plain Ridge Park Casino came within 96% of their total salary and benefits projected in their RFA-2 application. And lastly, their opportunity to review the RFA-2 and lastly, their operational goods and services procurement plan. Plain Ridge Park Casino has complied with their original operational goods and services procurement plan approved by the commission in 2014. The licensee submits quarterly reports regarding in-state and surrounding community, as well as diversity spend quarterly to the commission. Over the five years of the license, Plain Ridge Park Casino has met or exceeded most of their diversity goals after several periods after opening in 2015. The licensee has submitted a draft update to their goods and services procurement plan to be discussed in a future commission meeting for a commission vote. And then to close out, I would just say the additional license conditions are not recommended at this time. Staff advises that the MOU between Penn National Gaming and the Massachusetts Casino Careers Training Institute, dated September 2013, should be updated to reflect their goals and commitments in their new revised workforce plan. And both the updated tourism and hospitality plan and the operational goods and services plan will be discussed at a future date. And this is all reflected in the existing license conditions that Joe will discuss later. Questions? This is Commissioner O'Brien. I wanted to go back to page four of the memo you talk about how they just missed the mark with the women, their goals for the women in construction. The goal was seven and they were at four. And I know the memo says that you, FGC staff consistently met with Turner Construction and PPC about trying to meet that goal and they said they didn't have enough women in trades. Can you just talk a little bit more about was that because the women in trades program named GC was part of what was in its germination stage or was there something else going on? You know, very good question. So, MGC staff worked closely with Turner and met regularly with the unions. We determined that there really was a supply issue. They did not have women who were on the bench and available to work on this project. We were concerned given the size of the project compared to the two large resort casino construction projects that hadn't yet been developed. So, we pulled together members of construction companies, vendor advisory groups and other experts. And after six to eight months came up with a strategy that was introduced following this project that you've heard about, that introduced the build a life that works campaign advertising that this is a career, construction is a career that is viable for women. And I wish we had had that around early on, but I can say that Plain Ridge Park Casino and Turner Construction, I believe, tried their very best and were very committed to the diversity goals. So, in your view, that experience really helped motivate everyone to move forward with the plan that resulted in the numbers on the other two projects? Well, yes, it motivated everyone, but it also gave us more information about the economy, the availability of the workforce. And there was a little bit of a difference. Some of the unions actually were down in the Southwest, part of Massachusetts and not so much. The workforce was a little bit different and not located in the Greater Boston area. So I think there also was a difference there. Okay, thank you. If I could follow up on that. Director Griffin, I actually think this is more of a tribute to your leadership and the women involved with construction that have fought for so many years to add to their numbers. So I think the experience with PPC, having difficulty finding as you would test to, it's not that they didn't try, but the availability was not there at the time. Really was, started this, you know, the impetus to start this whole program, which I think our other two licensed licensees demonstrated a willingness to engage and those numbers were significantly better. So that really is about a determined group of people being intentional about changing that dynamic. So I give you credit for that and the women in construction and our licensees who certainly participated. I actually think your diligence in following these numbers closely, it's always an added, when you know you're being, you know, really in one way judged on your numbers, helps you to work harder. I'm pleased with the report, very pleased actually from Ms. Lucas that, because I've mentioned this every year, tell me where you're struggling a little bit in hiring women. And as, but to say that they've actually gone to 52% now, my really credit PPC with staying with that and making the improvements necessary to achieve that goal and all of the other goals. So good work by, I think, Director Griffin and as well as the licensee for working collaboratively and really achieving these very, very strong results. So thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. I actually would like to acknowledge the folks over at Plain Ridge Park Casino. You heard from Kathy Lucas, their VP of HR, Dale Fortney, VP of Finance, Michelle Collins, VP of Marketing and Lisa McKinney, the Compliance Manager, worked very hard providing many, many documents during this project. So I'd like to just thank them. And of course, last but not least, program manager, Crystal Howard, who you all know. Of note to me of what you just said there first of all, our leadership team is headed up by a woman and all of the four executives from Penn that you just mentioned are women. So I mean, it just makes the point. So again, thank you. Thank you. Other questions for Jill, Commissioner Zinnega. Yeah, thank you. Thank you for that thorough report, Jill. Let me just mention something about a couple of programs that you mentioned have been continued the, you know, because of low usage, the bus program, the kiosk program. I certainly agree with your ultimate conclusion as to the need to update or revise the tourism plan. I do not fault PPC for suspending the programs. I'm sure you don't either due to low usage. If they were taken as a need for compliance purposes and just kept there, they could easily turn into the opposite effect of what they are trying to achieve in people perhaps preceding those as holder sale, et cetera. So thanks for mentioning them. And I think ultimately the conclusion is the most important one, which is this might provide a good opportunity to think of new programs to look at, take a refresh at the plan, the tourism plan and go from there. Great, thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Stebbins. Sure, Madam Chair. Thank you and thanks to Jill and Crystal for their great work over the last five years in this good update and report. And just a reminder or a point of information about the construction work. The point person for diversity from Turner Construction was a woman who was, is ardently pursuing their goals as Jill pointed out. So it certainly wasn't lost on us, but Turner Construction and their credit made a very aggressive effort to try to meet some of those female numbers on construction. And obviously it has led us to success on the other two projects. Interestingly enough, I think, pointing out that a good number of PPC employees come from Rhode Island and I would chalk that up and appreciate Jill's comments. I would chalk that up one to proximity, two to the level of pay. I believe there's a minimum wage differential between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. And I would also credit it to the fact that PPC has proven themselves as a good solid employer with many opportunities for promotions and professional development along the way. But Jill, if you have any other thoughts on that, welcome to hear those. Well, I actually think that Plain Ridge Park Casino's strong relationships with the career centers, the mass higher career centers and the community colleges play into that as well. And they have made a commitment to recruiting from Massachusetts. So I think their efforts and their commitment show in the results. To follow up on that, Jill, at the public hearing, I referenced this challenge. I'm looking again at the stats that you just went through and to your point, PPC did exceed its goal of retaining 60% of its workforce from Massachusetts by 3%. The only place that was a little bit short was of course on the goal of hiring from the immediate surrounding communities. And I think if these are correct, it was 35% goal, the 32% actual. So I had referenced this at the public hearing because it's perspective work. In light of the pandemic, I am wondering how we're going to use your great skills in holding our licensees accountable that as Commissioner Cameron referenced and also provide support to ensure the local hires and the Massachusetts hires and actually maybe leverage what will be a new unemployment rate. When the last five years, Massachusetts unemployment rate was so low. Now of course, with the pandemic, it's a very different landscape for unemployment. So I just am hoping that prospectively we'll be able to provide the support for the job fairs as they ramp up their employee base to take advantage and perhaps even exceed these goals given our unemployment rate now. Your point is well taken. The unemployment rate in their host and surrounding communities prior to the pandemic was lower than the statewide average. So it was a challenge to hire locally and that dynamic may have changed. And I think the relationships with the local partners will be especially critical to make sure that this dynamic continues and that they can perhaps even increase that percentage. Thank you. Any other questions for Jill? Excellent report, always fascinating and always reflective of your leadership and as I say, the accountability that you expect of our licensees. So thank you. And to Kathy and team, thank you. I love that Kathy had that stat right there. Thank you, Kathy. Excellent, Joe. Okay, so moving right along, our next topic of discussion is our research and responsible gaming. And we have with us Mark VanderLinden, our director of research and responsible gaming. Mark. Thank you, Joe. Good morning, chairwoman and commissioners. I'm going to be talking to you about responsible gaming and mitigating problem gambling at Plain Ridge Park Casino over the past five years. So embedded in the expanded gaming act are numerous provisions to mitigate problem gambling and promote responsible gaming. Consistent with this direction, early in the commission's life, the MGC engaged a range of stakeholders including several at Plain Ridge Park Casino to create a responsible gaming framework. Since that time, this framework has informed the development of gaming regulation in Massachusetts and provided an overall orientation to each of our licensees on responsible gaming policy and practice. Since Plain Ridge Park Casino opened, they've maintained a commitment to promoting responsible gaming and mitigating problem gambling consistent with the commission's values and the aims outlined in the responsible gaming framework. Today, I'm going to talk to you about the voluntary self-exclusion program, the voluntary credit suspension program, the GameSense Information Center, Play My Way and Plain Ridge Park Casino's responsible gaming plan. So first, voluntary self-exclusion. This I consider a cornerstone of the commission and our licensees overall efforts to assist those struggling with a gambling problem or experiencing gambling related harm. The voluntary self-exclusion program provides patrons with one means of addressing problem gambling behavior by promoting prohibiting their entrance to the gaming area of the gaming establishment for any area in which paramutual or signal-pass wagers are placed. PPCs, BSE policies and procedures meet the requirements outlined by regulation and statute. The MGC IEB noted that in PPC's five years of operations, a total of 103 voluntary self-exclusion persons breached the VSC agreement and were allowed to enter the prohibited area on the casino property. It should be noted that this number isn't necessarily an indication of PPC's failure to enforce it, but it actually is an indication of they are enforcing it in collaboration with our IEB. Individuals on the floor are identified and at that point they're asked to leave the gaming establishment. However, there were two noted instances in which PPC have been found non-compliant with MGC regulation. In both cases, PPC implemented the correct action plan and no further action was necessary by the MGC. In terms of the voluntary credit suspension program, this program allows patrons who do not wish to voluntary self-exclude but still wish an option to limit or restrict their access to financial credit within the casinos. PPC's voluntary credit suspension policies and procedures meet the requirements outlined in regulation. It is not a popular program, especially at Lane Ridge Park Casino at this point. There's very few persons that have enrolled in the credit suspension program and do not have that exact number. The IEB has documented zero issues in the five years regarding related to credit access. The Game Sense Information Center, also one of the key pillars within the responsible gaming strategies of both Lane Ridge Park Casino and the MGC. Game Sense Information Centers are located on site at all Massachusetts casinos and operate 16 hours a day, seven days a week by trained Game Sense advisors. At PPC, the Game Sense Information Center is strategically located just off the gaming floor near the elevators to the parking garage. It's welcoming, it's visitor friendly. It also includes a private space for more sensitive conversations, including assisting individuals in role in the voluntary self-exclusion program. The space provided by PPC is a requirement that is outlined by statute that requires operators to provide on-site space for an independent substance abuse and mental health counseling service to be selected by the gaming commission. In early on, when we were identifying the space and working with PPC, they were gracious to identify and provide a space that provides such high traffic in a high traffic area that is as welcoming as it is. The Game Sense Information Center has been operational since PPC opened, providing patrons and PPC employees with information and resources on positive play, at-risk and problem gambling. The fourth area is Play My Way. Play My Way is a budgeting tool designed to allow players the ability to monitor the amount of money that they spend on electronic game machines or slot machines at Plain Ridge Park Casino. While Play My Way is neither game regulation nor outline a standard for a requirement, it's consistent with Plain Ridge Park Casino's and MGC's commitment to promoting safe levels of play. In 2014, Plain Ridge Park Casino agreed to test pilot Play My Way. And on June 9th, 2015, Play My Way was launched on the gaming floor. Through December of 2019, nearly 25,000 players have actively enrolled in the program with an unenrollment rate of 14%. Plain Ridge Park Casino staff have been cooperative in all aspects of the development, implementation, maintenance, general operation, and evaluation of this program. The final area that I want to touch on is Plain Ridge Park Casino's Responsible Gaming Plan. The Plain Ridge Park Casino Responsible Gaming Program outlines policies and procedures and programs consistent with the MGC's expectations that gaming be conducted in a manner to minimize harm. The plan that they've adopted includes initiatives to address each of the seven strategies outlined in the Responsible Gaming Framework. Highlighted in the plan are efforts to train casino employees utilizing our gamesense, our gamesense staff on site, incorporating and adopting the gamesense branding strategy and gamesense information centers, supporting Play My Way, as well as protections for vulnerable underage populations. Responsible Alcohol Service, as well as responsible marketing policies. The division of research and responsible gaming support, the relicensure of Plain Ridge Park Casino and the areas in which we directly oversee and we do not have any additional license recommendations. Thank you. Thank you, Mark. Questions for Mark. I just have a question, it's probably just a clarifier because the number 103 for the VSC breaches seems so high. Do you know, Mark, and maybe we don't separate this out by property, but the number of VSCs, I guess because it's all across the Commonwealth, of course, the VSCs apply to all the Commonwealth, in total right now, or maybe on the average of their first five years. What has the total of the VSC been? You know, we currently have roughly a thousand individuals that have ever enrolled in the voluntary self-exclusion program and that includes individuals who have completed the term that they wanted to sign up for and as well as the exit session. You know, I was just before this presentation, I was kind of thinking about that exact same question, Chair, and wondering how many individuals specifically enrolled at Plain Ridge Park Casino. I don't have that number right off hand, but in terms of what seems like a relatively high number, again, I think that it speaks to the enforcement of the regulation to diligently monitor the gaming floor and implement and oversee the policies that would identify persons if they do breach that agreement to be identified and quite honestly supported in their original decision to sign up for the program. Amika, maybe you can help me with this because you're there. Yeah, I was going to speak to that. Perhaps the keyword that Marc just mentioned is support. He's individuals, individuals who, and there's a, you know, a very wide range of how people try to manage their play if they're thinking it's getting a little bit out of hand. But what's important to try to understand is that these systems are put in place to try to support how they're trying to get, to manage that play. And the self-exclusion program is the prime example. And it also, I would say, is centered on that self, the person who is trying to manage. So the program removes incentives like the suspension of jackpots and whatnot. And there's, you know, processes in place at the casino to try to help support them. Notably, the game sense program who gets to know and makes a lot of those quantized self-exclusions in the first place. So I think it's a very relevant question, Chair, that you ask what would be perhaps a level that could give us some indication or benchmarking. I'm remembering as you posed the question, a good conference that I attended a speaker, you know, was making the point around people who violated, violate those self-exclusion terms, or then, or maybe go from one term, and then we, you know, play, and then we knew again, and then play, et cetera. The point there was if you look at the totality of what you're trying to do, which is reduce harm, maybe that person who is signing up and maybe violating or going back to play and signing up for another term is in effect managing in their own way the total of their play coming at different intervals perhaps. So it's, I think it's a very relevant question. I would emphasize perhaps what we are all left with, regulators, operators, and people like, like Game Sense advisors, is to think about the ways in which we can support those efforts, those efforts of the self to try to manage their play. I don't know if that answers really well. No, that really helps. It really, what it shows is that the VSC and the efforts of the individual alone are probably sufficient to really give the, the assistance that they're, they're seeking. It does require the vigilance that Mark mentions and the support that you mentioned. So, but that first step is, is such an important step, but continued vigilance, continued support and having those eyes right on the floor through the Game Sense advisors is critical. So let me mention one thing, you know, this early on, you know, when we were thinking about these programs, it's great to hear Mark take us back all the way to when we started, they were responsible in framework. There was a, what I would say it was a very conscious decision not to replicate a couple of practices from other jurisdictions in which people get arrested perhaps when, when they are violating, when they are found to be in violation of the voluntary self solution. The idea being that this is fundamentally a program to try to support somebody who is experiencing difficulties, not one of punitive, you know, this incentive to be well. There, that's, that's an approach that other jurisdictions have taken in the past, I should say are moving away from and in that sort of mindset, I think we're left with, you know, the point that I've been trying to make, which is how can we work together to support. Yeah. If I could just expand on that piece. That we specifically adopted what we were calling an engaged approach to voluntary self exclusion. This should not just be a, an administrative function that this is actually, this is a person that is actively reaching out to, to seek help. And it could be argued that when they violate that agreement and come back to the casino, it is also another point in time, which help can be provided. And what I have appreciated is a partnership between the IED, Plain Ridge Park Casino, and our game sense program that when this happens, it's also seen as an opportunity to again, provide even a brief intervention that, that perhaps leads to somebody seeking additional support outside of the casino. It takes a village. It takes a village. That's right. Very helpful. Thanks. It just was a number that just needed a little bit further clarification. So I appreciate that. If I could just tap on one other piece and, and chair, you mentioned this a little bit ago, which was play my way and just the, the enormous effort to get that off of the ground back in 2014 and 15. And the commitment by Plain Ridge Park Casino to really take that on it and, and see it through to its success. It's, it was an IT. Without a doubt, it was an IT task, but it was also a marketing task. So, you know, both Jason Giddle, Ray Collins, Lisa McKinney in collaboration with the gaming commission to assure that that, that got off the ground was, was very important. And if I could also add to that, sorry. He said, this is a great reminder of the work we have yet to do with the other two licensees. It's a different platform. It's a different timeframe or, or deploying. Some of which, you know, to which we have all agreed to, and we need to revisit, you know, given the COVID closures as our next to do on the two other licenses. And I know that's on Karen, that's on your work plan with Katrina and team. So, and, and the marketing and all the other efforts that go on is Mark says it really is cross departmental. So thank you, Mark's team. All right. Joe, I think, I think Mark, we're all set commissioners. Director Vanderlinden. All right. Thank you. Thanks for the comprehensive report. Right, Joe. Okay, great. So I will be doing the last report for the commission on behalf of the ombudsman's office. So the focus of my review is in the areas of. RFA two compliance. Host and surrounding community agreement compliance and compliance with the section 61 findings. So as Jill mentioned in her report, you know, in preparation for this re-licensing effort. In 2018 and 2019, we undertook what. What we called a commitments review, but wound up going a bit beyond the halfway point and to maybe the two-thirds point. And so we had to come up with a better name for it and we just called it the Commitment Review. So my presentation, because so much of that work was done previously, my presentation is largely an update of that earlier effort. So overall, we're very pleased with PPC's compliance over the five-year term. They've complied with the vast majority of their commitments, you know, most of these had to do with the actual construction of the facility and getting things up and running, but there's also the ongoing commitments, you know, and there's nothing in this report that we believe would whatever disqualify them from receiving a license renewal. Now with that said, there were a few areas identified where either compliance could not be achieved or in fact, some areas that PPC is still working on. So with respect to the RFA-2, we had a few things that were in there. Initially, the RFA-2 proposed an onsite daycare facility and early on that was determined that it was not adequate space to provide that onsite. So right now PPC contracts with Care at Work to provide team members with care.com membership, which is the world's largest network of caregivers that care for children. Couple of other things under non-gaming amenities. You know, originally PPC had proposed using the in-field of the racetrack for maybe some events. They wanted to give some music or other things there. And when the design was done on that, you know, they needed to put a stormwater detention basin in that area, so they haven't been able to use that space. I guess they have used, had a few events pre-COVID on the apron of the racetrack. So they've been able to sort of comply with wanting to do some outdoor events, but they weren't able to use that in-field location. And then the third item was just regarding the food court. The RFA-2 proposed four venues in the food court. And right now there are just three venues there. It's not that there's any empty space. It's just that they're different size from what was originally proposed. So again, we have no real issues with these things. You know, there were commitments that were made and they've made alternatives to try to address those. With respect to the host and surrounding community agreements, at the time that we did that earlier review, PPC was still working on a couple of things, notably some donations to charities and some of the surrounding communities. But as of today, we got a recent update of their host and surrounding community agreements updated through August of 2020. And at this point, it appears that they have, that they are in substantial compliance with all of their host and surrounding community agreement requirements. And then on section 61 findings, I think as I mentioned earlier, most of those really related to the actual construction of the facility, but there are a few that extend out into the license term. And there are a couple of those things that are still outstanding. And one I want to talk about is the Transportation Monitoring Program. So the MASDOT section 61 findings require there to be an annual traffic study for the five year term of the license. And one of those studies actually inadvertently didn't get completed. So PPC is committed to doing that additional study and they were going to do that in June of 2020. Now obviously COVID intervened and doing a traffic study when the facility is closed doesn't make a whole lot of sense. So in fact, we have asked PPC to hold off on doing that study at this point because we'd really like to consult with MASDOT and see what their thoughts are. We know that sort of what I'll call the ambient traffic, the background traffic, still hasn't come back to where it was pre COVID. And we know that since the reopening, revenues are certainly down a little bit from where they were pre opening. So I think we want to try to get things back to whatever I guess I'll call it a new normal level is before we do another traffic study. So we're going to do that consultation but PPC is definitely committed to doing that. And they said, you know, whenever we say go, they'll do it. And then the other item is our favorite topic of discussion, which was a section 61 finding for PPC to work with the greater Attleboro, Taunton Regional Transit Authority, we call GATRA, to implement a new bus route to the facility. Over the last five years, we at MGC folks at PPC have talked with GATRA, have talked with MASDOT. We've had numerous conversations that have never really come to a resolution on that. And at this point, I talked with Lance George yesterday and they actually have an announcement to make on this. So I'd like to invite Lance to just come on to explain what's happening with GATRA. Thanks, Joe. Good morning, everyone. Good morning. We do have a positive update to provide. In short, we have reached a verbal agreement with GATRA. The property will be funding a micro transit initiative based on the direction of GATRA, this is their idea which will provide service in the towns of Plainville, Fochboro, Mansfield, and Lentham. Important connections for the property, including two commuter rail locations in the towns of Mansfield as well as Fochboro. Also significant connections from the existing bus route Line 14, as well as the Patriot Place and the Lentham Outlets. At this point, GATRA is drafting an MOU for review and the anticipated pick up date for this service will be October 15th. So a very encouraging update down to the wire. I think both sides are happy. This makes the most sense for GATRA and existing bus routes or a new bus route. I don't think anybody believes this is the right idea given what has unfolded over the last six months. We did have lengthy conversations with them about extending the existing bus route. They proposed this as their best option and alternative. And so we will work with them to wrap up the MOU. The MOU will be good for one year and then we'll revisit. If it's not productive for them or for us or we would like to transition to a bus route for an extension, we'll make that change. We're good at this point. We'll take a look and we can anticipate service going out on a public basis. Great, thanks Lance. That's great news. This has been, I guess I would say a thorn in every one side, probably from day one of the opening of this facility. So it's great to hear some resolution of that. And again, as I said at the beginning of my report, we don't have any qualms of what's happening here. Everybody's working, the few things that are left out there we don't think are critical to the operation of the facility and that they're working on these issues still. So I guess that concludes my report. And just before I open it up for questions, I did wanna thank specifically Lance George and Lisa McKenney who have done a whole lot of work on this entire process. And of course you've heard, and there's also a small army of folks at Plain Ridge Park Casino that have been providing all kinds of input on here. I think you've heard a number of the names mentioned by some of the other MGC folks. We've been meeting for the last two months or so or close to two months every Tuesday to go over issues to make sure we have the right documentation, to make sure everybody's talking to the right people and that we're getting all the right information. And it was really I think a great partnership in getting that I said Lance's folks have been fabulous in getting us information and working with us and doing the back and forth that we need to get the answers that we need to get to where we need to be. And of course you've heard all of those very detailed thoughtful presentations by the gaming staff commission. Again, we had a great group of people working on this. Everybody worked really hard to get to where we are today. And I just wanna extend my thanks to everybody who was involved and made my life a lot easier. But with that I'll open it up for any questions on this last presentation before we move on to license conditions. Yeah, so the next discussion will be on the licensing conditions let's just wrap up the presentation and also Lance's update questions for Lance or Joe. Commissioner Stevens, are you leaning in? I am, just to echo that last bit of news that is first of all thanks Lance and Joe and the team for helping to resolve that kind of a standing section 61 issue. It was as it relates to Gattra but I know as Director Griffin and I have heard all of the communities have been looking for different ways to connect the increase in service on MBTA lines down to that neck of the woods and finding a way to connect folks to some of the various destinations from the T stops as well as think about opportunities for people that live or work closer to Boston that do a reverse commute perhaps out to the Foxboro Patriot PlayStation and then have hopefully a resource to get to PPC if they're interested in going to work for PPC. So congrats Lance and Joe and the rest of the team for helping to make that happen. That's exciting. Other questions, commissioners, comments? Before we move on and commissioners soon ago are you leaning in? Well, yeah, yeah. I wasn't sure. Let me, let me mention these, perhaps just a wrap up comment on all the presentations that, you know, there's a lot of work that certainly happens by PPC, the staff that should get a lot of credit for all the efforts. But as I was sitting through the presentations and having read the materials beforehand there's another narrative that really comes across and that is all the work of the gaming commission, all the departments, all the work that happens on a daily basis that doesn't necessarily gets a lot of opportunity to be talked about in some of these meetings except for the, of course, the diligence of looking back at the five years that we are going through today, you know, from as we go back from the responsible gaming framework all the checking that gets done on the technology, the revenue reconciliation, the goal tracking, the incidents daily relative to the GAU and the gaming agents. It's really a testament to how much work gets done behind the scenes that is very relevant to the work that we do as regulators today. So thank you to all the team and all the team at PPC but this is a great presentation. So with respect to the presentations, thank you. We're about to go on to conditions and a few other items. Commissioners, would you like to take a brief break? Maybe five, I'm seeing five minutes. Should we do 10 minutes or five minutes? Commissioner O'Brien, how's virtual school going today? I'm about to find out, so I would say 10. 10 minutes will be great. And again, to commissioners Zuniga, I know that every commissioner will want to have an opportunity to thank both our team and PPC. There'll be an opportunity, but again, Commissioner Zuniga, you summed it up. We thank everyone for the thorough reports and presentations at this point. Okay, it is now 11.07, we'll return at 11.17. Mr. Grossman, Mr. Zuniga, we'll go through the conditions. We'll have an update from PPC. And then if we wish to go forward our vote. Thank you very much. 10 minutes, we'll be back in 11.17. Thank you. I think we can get started then. Yeah, I see Todd now. Thank you. Joe, I think we're returning now to now items C on the agenda, the conditions please. Yep, okay. So just again, before we get into the meat of the conditions, I just wanted to go through a little bit of the process on how we arrived at our conditions. So first, we started with the original license conditions from five years ago. And we reviewed them to see what items on that list could be removed, you know, essentially because they were completed. So for instance, these might, these included the preparation of various workforce plans and the tourism plan and some of these other plans that were required, as well as compliance with the actual, you know, building plans and specifications and things like that. So we were able to sort of remove all those items from the, from the license and then second, what we wanted to do was reduce what I'm gonna call the redundancy in the conditions. When the original conditions were developed, a number of our regulations had not yet been written. So we needed to put in a lot of specific language into the conditions that reflected, you know, some regulations that may not have been prepared at that point. But now that the regs exist and compliance is just required by those regs, we don't really need to repeat them in the license conditions. So there's a, there are a bunch of those that we went through and eliminated from the license conditions. And then third, we asked all of the MGC staff that were involved in this to let us know, and the commissioners as well, to let us know if there are any new conditions that we felt needed to be added in to these conditions. And there were no suggestions from commissioners or staff, which I think is really a testament to the job that PPC has done over the last five years. And with that, I would like to share my screen which has the draft conditions so that we can just walk through these item by item. Everybody have that up on their screens? Yes, we do. Okay, so I'll just walk through these fairly quickly. Just one by one, and I'll highlight any of the changes that we made to these. So in the first one, we talked about the compliance with 23K. And what we did do in here was we added compliance with 23K section 21. And that section 21 is the section of the law that sets out the specific conditions that each licensee has to be. So again, rather than reprinting them all in the license itself, we just did it by reference. Item number two, and again, if anybody has questions on any of these, please feel free to interrupt us as I'm going along. Joe, on that note, section 21 does have some conditions that apply to the original licensing period. Are there any that no longer apply to these two recollections that all of them might? No, I think these are all, they all seem to be operational conditions. You know, for instance, they talk about CapEx and they talk about some of those other things. And I deferred a taut on that. I don't think there was anything in there that's no longer in effect for the facilities. But of course, if something related to the construction of it, it would just simply be not applicable to the facility since it was already constructed. So the second item, compliance with all federal state, federal state and local laws, rules and regulations, that's just kind of boilerplate. Under item three, we did leave in this requirement for compliance with the host community agreements, surrounding community agreements, I-Labs, lottery agreements. This is the MOU for tax and child support. And then that MOU between the commission and actually this, we need to make a change on this. This is the MOU between Penn National Gaming and the Massachusetts Community College Casino Career Institute. So I will make that one, this is a PDF copy that I have up so I can't change it in real time, but we'll make that change. And I'm gonna ask Jill, I can't see her on my screen, but I did see her there. If she can explain why we're keeping, originally we talked about getting rid of this condition because it was really more effective just during the hiring process and it doesn't really have as much applicability today. But I know Bruce and Jill had some conversations with some folks that can explain why we need to keep that. Well, this agreement talks a lot about recruitment and training. And the thought is that as Plain Ridge ramps up regarding their hiring, the community colleges and the career centers will continue to be great resources for them. In terms of the training, Plain Ridge Park has focused primarily on their own training, but should things change, should there be an expansion of table games or other things that we don't foresee right now, the community colleges were interested in continuing to be potential partners in this effort. Any questions? Okay, so then the last item, compliance with all federal, state and local permits and approvals required to construct and operate the gaming establishment. The facility obviously is constructed, but we left this in again as a means of, if there's ever an expansion there, if the legislature approves table games over there or they wanna put a hotel up or whatever it is, we wanna just make sure that we're covered with respect to that. So item number four was compliance with the terms and conditions of the following plans and programs subject to amendment as required or allowed by the commission. And we added in this language subject to amendment as required or allowed by the commission. In the original license, we said, hey, everybody has to prepare these plans. And then there was sort of no requirement to update them. And of course, as we've been reviewing some of the things now, we're realizing, gee, some of these things really are, they're more than five years old and really do need to have a bit of a refresh. So what this does is this gives the commission the ability to require amendments as we determine that they might be necessary. And so again, those items that we have covered under here, we talked about the affirmative marketing program for design and construction. And again, this is maybe a little belt and suspenders here. Design and construction is done, but we wanted to keep that in play in case there's any expansions in the future that they would abide by an affirmative marketing program for that. The affirmative marketing program for the provision of goods and services, that's sort of the standard MBE, WBE, VBE required for goods and services. The affirmative action program, free cool opportunity. And then the workforce development plan designed to identify and market employment opportunities to unemployed residents of Massachusetts. And you know what, actually now I'm looking at this, we do have a little redundancy here. This item F, the memorandum of understanding between the commission and Massachusetts Community College Career Institute. We actually put that back down here and made it the right way. The memorandum of understanding between Penn National Gaming and the Massachusetts Casino Career Institute. So I would propose that we delete item F under number three and keep it in under item E, number four. Because again, this also gives you the authority to require it to be updated from time to time. Item five, this is as a holder of horse racing license, they have to apply with the rules and regulations for horse racing. Item number six, compliance with the regional tourism marketing and hospitality plan, which shall be subject to approval by an amendment at the discretion of the commission. We talk about such plans shall be prepared in furtherance of general law chapter 23, section one, six and in consultation with the regional tourism council. And I think as you heard from Jill, this item number six and some of these other workforce programs, they're in the process of being updated even as we speak and we'll be coming in front of the commission and the not too distant future for review and approval. Item seven, this was an item that we originally proposed deleting, but we added back in. We're saying the licensee shall operate the facility in accordance with the lead standards and the gold certification for any further relevant capital expansions to the facility. Again, we just wanted to be covered in case is ever a sort of a major expansion that's done for the facility. And then lastly, the gaming licensee shall adhere to the average wage scales provided in the gaming licensee's RFA two application and the licensee shall provide annual updates to the commission as required by 205 CMR 139.04. As I mentioned at the beginning, we tried to get rid of most of these things that we're doing by reference, but we did add this in here just to give us some particular emphasis. Wage scales has been a very important employment and wage scales are a very important part of this whole process. And we just wanted to make sure that, I mean, they are required to submit annual reports and they have been, but we just wanted to put a little extra added emphasis on it in the conditions. So with that, that's the entire list of conditions that we're proposing. If anyone has any questions. Could we keep the document up while we go through the questions, Joe? Sure. Commissioner Zuniga asked about condition one. And I know that you suggested Todd might be able to affirm that those are all operational, just to kind of close the loop on that. Todd, is that the case? Yes, if you believe that's the case. And I would also just note that it also, section 21, essentially cross-references section 18, which are the objectives. I'm sorry, the evaluation standards that are employed in determining licensure. And those are covered under 21A1. So those are important too. And as we'll, I think go through momentarily when the commission talks about its findings and relative to this evaluation, section 18 is incorporated in pretty much everything that the commission heard here today. So that's just an important note as well, that it's really section 21 and 18 that are specifically at play here today. Other questions. If you have any question, Commissioner Zuniga, is I believe pretty much all of them are still relevant. I don't know. Okay, other questions for conditions. And we can scroll down as needed. I have one on four, if that's, if there's no one before four, has no question. I just, I'm looking at the language we used for the lead condition. As to four A, I'm sorry, if we could go back up. There was a good deal of discussion around our fabulous construction accomplishments that we've already referenced today. Our licensees who had the benefit of the Build a Light campaign and all of them, what's really was subsequent to that effort. Each licensee and PPC assuming a relationship will have an affirmative obligation with respect to capital expenditures. And you address that today. Are you saying that the construction goals that we discussed today and referenced the other day extensively would apply for capital expenditures and capital improvements here in four A? If so, do we need to be more explicit like we do in the lead language? So the regulations under 1.39, 0.04 maybe, I'm trying to do it by memory. Talk about reporting on workforce for design and construction. And in that section of the regulations, they spell out that any construction that is done with gross gaming revenues, meaning essentially meaning CAPEX has to report on workforce. So they would have to do, yeah. So whatever workforce levels they provided in that affirmative marketing program, they would have to abide by with the workforce. Now, the other piece of it is the regulations don't require a similar MBE, WBE, VBE requirement for construction, but one could argue that that construction is a good end service procured by the gaming establishment, which requires them to comply with the affirmative marketing program. So I think we're pretty well covered under this. I don't think we need to be any more specific. I would actually argue to do away with confusion that we do away with for A, for the reason that you spoke about, Joe, that any future major expansions these would cover. And my thinking on that realm is that if there's any major future expansion, that there will be of course the opportunity for a future commission to place any kind of conditions given whatever the set of circumstances led to such expansion in the first place. So, and I know it's fair to think in terms of like, belts and suspenders, but I think it's just the potential for creating confusion or having, let's say the state auditor to come at a future date saying, you're not tracking these gaming commission and we have to explain that these dates to a legacy or whatever may have an unintended consequence. My take is more of kind of like, can we be as straightforward as we can with what we have in front of us, clearly what's required in statute, we won't change. And that any major changes, expansions, stable games, I don't know, that will be treated accordingly with our ability to impose additional conditions. Why don't we just take the same language that we use for the lead and apply that so it's clear that this would apply to any significant capital expansion construction project. I guess I'm wondering why you're concerned about an audit. I'm saying it's not necessary that any future expansion we treat, whenever we get to that point, we will be able to place any kind of conditions at that time. That placing a condition now, predicated on the possibility of a future expansion may generate some confusion. How about if we look at just the language for the lead on the weekend, see what you think on that. I think it's similar. It's a future capital expansion. But they do have an obligation. They have an affirmative obligation to do. Yeah, they've been certified. It's not an imaginary obligation. No, no, no. They have been certified as lead, what is it, silver or gold? Gold, yeah. They were already certified with what they built. And then we're committing them to maintain that for any further relevant capital expansions to the facility. Can't we do the same kind of language for the affirmative action program? I'm coming down on the side of doing away with that lead as well, because if there's a future capital expansion, we will have the ability to, you know, to condition that on, you know, meeting a lead certificate called certification. Isn't this our opportunity right now to, this is what we're doing? Maybe, if we... I'm just suggesting that hypotheticals, you know, become, you know, confusing. And when we're talking about future, you know, that is uncertain. How about other commissioners? Because I'm just, I'm struggling a little bit as to the wisdom of taking it away. Yes, I actually think it's a good idea to leave it in because it just, we're being very clear about expectations for the future. So, you know, at the time, they don't have to think, oh, what am I gonna be required to do? Right now, it's here, it's, I think it's clear. And it's, you know, just, it just sets expectations for what the future construction requirements will be. Yeah, I'm on the same mind. And also this is a five-year license. And so sort of the speculative future is only five years. And you've got commissioners sitting here today. We'll be here for half, if not more of that time period. So, laying out our expectations, I think with a little more detail to me, while I understand commissioner Zunica's point in terms of if you're going too far out, maybe when you're renewing a 10-year license, maybe there's a different conversation. But I think at this point, it's appropriate to leave it in, to indicate, unless there's obviously not consensus around wanting to continue that format. But I don't think that. I think that is a fair, just that helps a whole lot to both commissioners. Maybe commissioner Zunica, that's where I was sort of struggling because it doesn't seem so speculative. Maybe it is the five-year versus a 15-year license or whatever. So I appreciate your idea. You don't want to tie them to something that's so speculative. To commissioner Cameron's point, it does help the licensee if it's really going to be a planned expectation. Well, let me ask, because this is relevant to the LEED certification. There's Joe, tell me if you can answer this question. My understanding of LEED certification is that, there's one for the construction, and there may be another one for the operations. Are we talking about a LEED certification for the operations period? I don't think we're all- No, there is an ability to do a RE certification under LEED, and that is purely optional. It's not like the LEED folks will come back and take away your certification if you don't do that. I think what we were just saying under this LEED was that there are operation and maintenance standards under LEED that say they're supposed to do energy audits and some of these other things and we just want to make sure that they're operating in sort of in compliance with those standards. And then that any future expansions that they're committing to continuing that effort that they did in the initial construction. Let me just mention that, this is not by any means a deal breaker. I'm trying to try to simplify it a little bit. I wouldn't want to create confusion, but I think it's a fair point that others make in terms of creating expectations and mentioning what might be something that we want in the future when others might not be here. So I was just trying to simplify some of the attainability of these conditions. I would just add Madam Chair and commissioners, if I may, although I'll slightly straddle the fence on this issue for you, that both of these things are referenced in chapter 23K, both section 21 and 18. So in the future, if it weren't taken out, any commission could easily say, well, here you're required to do this. On the flip side, it may be helpful to keep it in so that it's clear that this is the expectation that this does apply to any future construction design. So both ways I think you're covered. Then I'm fine, I'm leaving it in. Okay, that's helpful. I think with respect to we'll leave for A as is, I'm hearing that at least we know that the goals would apply for not just retrospectively for past construction but for future capital improvements and expansions. Other questions for Joe and Todd? Straightforward. Well done, nice and clean and very helpful. Okay, and I guess just from a procedural standpoint, Todd, I will ask you, so I'm recommending deleting item 3F because it's already covered under item 4E. Would we need a motion to make an amendment to that? Well, I think, oh, sorry, Madam Chair, if you're, I saw you. Go right ahead, go right ahead. Okay, I was just gonna say, I don't think we need a motion at this point if there's consensus that these are the conditions because I think subsequent to this we'll want to talk about the draft decision, if you will, if there is a decision to renew which incorporates the conditions. So that would be part of that, but it would be helpful to at least have a consensus that these are essentially the conditions you would like to see. With respect to what Joe was proposing for the edit on this document that would be incorporated into, I believe, the license gets issued. It doesn't, everybody agrees that that's helpful, correct? I'm not hearing any objections. So I agree, Joe, that you should make that edit. I think we are all agreeing to that because it is redundant. And then I think we've had some discussion as to the conditions. If there are no other comments or questions, can we give, I don't see everybody right now. So maybe it would be helpful if you then I can get the thumbs ups. And I can't look around my shoulders like thumbs up in terms of the conditions, in terms of a consensus. Great, with that edit. Thank you. We may use that. So that concludes my report on the license conditions. Excellent. Now, in terms of the next piece of information, we did receive word that Penn National does have an update for us that they would like to make before we move on to any motion on the renewal of the license. I'd like to introduce to you, Erin Chamberlain, who is Senior Vice President Regional Operations for Penn National. They have a very busy morning. They've got a board meeting. And so she is taking time. I can see her now, she's here and we'll have an update from Erin. Thank you so much. Great, thank you. And good morning, Madam Chair, Commissioners, Executive Director Wells. Thank you for allowing me a brief moment to share an update with you this morning. As you're preparing to vote, we thought it would be best to share this information. So you had full transparency. As you all know, Lance George has been a really terrific GM for us at Plain Ridge Park over the first five years, actually five years plus, that Lance has been with us in Boston area. So he has been so terrific that he's actually earned himself a promotion. And we have asked Lance to take on responsibilities as the General Manager for our Argosy Riverside Casino that's located in Kansas City, Missouri. This is a great opportunity for Lance and well-deserved for a certain. Pending all regulatory approvals, we've asked North Groundsall to join the team that Lance has built at Plain Ridge Park as their new General Manager. North is currently the Assistant General Manager for us at our Ameristar Black Hawk property, which is located in Colorado. And he's been with Penn since 2017. However, Jay and I both have known North for going on 15, 16 years now, as we both worked with him while we were at Easteasers Entertainment. North has submitted his gaming license application and we look forward to introducing him to you in the very near future. Of course, Lance and North will partner and work together to ensure we have a very smooth transition. And we anticipate that will occur sometime later this year, pending all licensing and regulatory requirements being met. Well, I know this is perhaps not technically a required disclosure prior to the votes. We really did wanna be sure that we were very transparent with you regarding this leadership change before you made such an important decision. So I thank you for the opportunity to share this update. I congratulate Lance. And of course, I'm here to answer any questions you may have. Well, first off, Lance is not showing his face right now. And if he's hearing us, we would love to, there we are. Erin, thank you for the update. I'm going to turn it over to my fellow commissioners for questions to you, Erin. And then I know that folks are gonna wanna say something to Lance. And then I also am going to invite Loretta Lillios to follow up on the news of the successor in the status of the licensing process. So commissioners, who's leaning in first? For questions for Erin or comments for Lance? Commissioner Zuniga. Thank you. I'll start with a thank you for the update. And congratulations to Lance. I think we got the, I got this update from Erin earlier, your phone. And I got thinking that part of the expertise that we knew Penn National brought when we awarded the first license was this ability to operate in so many jurisdictions, so successfully. I remember when we did the evaluation of the first time with speaking with our consultants, they made the point there's little that you're gonna be able to say or do or have them do that they haven't already seen in another jurisdiction because they have so much of a footprint in the original casino of business in the United States. And when I learned the news of Lance leading, it occurred to me that this is one of the ways in which they are so very able to operate successfully by relying on the ability of their key people to move and progress in their careers from one jurisdiction to another. So congratulations to Lance for the work that he's done in six plus years, because I know he came before or during the construction period and in terms of implementing the operations even before it was built, his team and all the work that has been done that we now heard from today in terms of compliance and meeting all the requirements is a big testament to the work that he has been able to do. So we look forward to meeting North and I know that the team here will also work to smooth the transition with them and us. Commissioner Cameron. Yeah, I'd like to chime in as well. Vice President Chamberlain, thank you for sharing and it was nice to hear that news. I do want to wish Lance well. He and we all knew that this would happen. Eventually I suspect we knew the company policies and whatnot. So I think Lance will miss, I know we got to him to start to root for some of our Boston teams. So I don't know how quickly he'll change those allegiances but at least his kids probably do root for the Boston team. So I do wish him well and he's been a very good partner, honest with us. I remember when we were scrambling the first time to make sure they were going to receive a license to open and we had a 4 a.m. meeting with Lance which I'm sure he remembers as well to make sure those final issues were tied down and they were ready to go for that first license. So he's been a really good partner and on both the racing and the casino side and I think that's important. So again, thank you for officially sharing the news. We do look forward to the new general manager and we do wish Lance well. Thank you. Commissioner Stevens. Sure, thank you, Madam Chair and thank you, Ms. Chamberlain for joining us this morning. It's been referenced a number of times at the great cooperation that we've gotten from your, I would call them small, but Nimble and experienced team that Lance has helped build down at PPC and we look forward to our continuing work with that team as well as welcoming North to his new position. I think that has made the period of this license go very smoothly and with a great degree of cooperation. And just to note to Lance, wish him all the best. I told him I had the chance to visit Kansas City about a year ago. So I'm giving him all the best ideas for the best place to get barbecue. And it's no, you know, just a coincidence. I have my Kansas City Royals drinking cup with me this morning, but we will wish him all the best. He certainly will be missed, but as we pointed out this morning, he leaves a very experienced, cooperative, Nimble and strong team behind to make sure that the Plain Ridge Park continues to be a success in your portfolio. So thank you very much for joining us this morning. This afternoon. Commissioner O'Brien. Just to reiterate what's already been said, congratulations. Look forward to meeting North Lance. I think it probably speaks to how well things went that I did not have the opportunity to be face to face with him as much as the commissioners were here in the beginning. And I trust that the team that is in place, like has been said, will carry on the fact that they've got a smooth operation and the transition will go smoothly. And Lance, I wish you well. I wish you, as commissioner Cameron said, I'm sure your heart broken to not be around knowing the fans. And I wish you and your family good luck with the move. It's a tough time to do it. So I wish you well and your family. There's a lot of benefit in going last because everybody has really shared my sentiments first off to Vice President Chamberlain. Erin, thank you. You received a wonderful promotion. I think it was November or December when we met. So, and then of course we were met with the pandemic. So it's nice to see you virtually and at some point we look forward to seeing you in real life and working again with you and your team. As to Lance, I've had the benefit of only about a year and a half working with Lance, but it became very clear to me that Lance's gift is he's a straight shooter. There's not a lot of drama. It's clear. He gets things done and he creates a lovely, lovely workspace. The testament would be that I visited the property. I guess it was last Friday with Joe Delaney as part of our due diligence for today. And the property of course, wonderful. But our very own Andrew Steffen, who we heard from today, who is the supervising gaming agent there, said to me privately, how much he would miss Lance because he had created even for the MGC staff a sense of family. And that's a gift that you've given the folks from our team. And so we thank you for that. Thank you for your clarity on your management. And we know that when there's been a good investment in by accompanying into an individual and you spot that you know that this moment is going to come sooner than later. And our loss is Kansas City's gain. I also have the full assurances from Erin that North will be a wonderful addition. And we just know that because of the collaboration and the great partnership that Penn National and PPC have been for us, we wish you luck and know that we will have being good hands going forward. So thank you so much. So if there are no other questions for Erin and Lance, I did want to just close the loop with Loretta to just kind of position us because this is an added piece of information for us to process as we move possibly into our vote. Sure. So the position, the person that holds this position is required to be licensed under our scheme as a key employee. And I can confirm that Mr. Bronson has in fact submitted his application materials and the licensing division is now completing its administrative review of his submission. Our protocols call for the IEP to conduct a full background review under the key licensure protocols and 23K also authorizes us to issue a temporary license for this position after a preliminary review. That temporary license would be valid for a limited period while we perform a full review and that process would be available if timing requires it. Individuals licensed as key employees do not come before the five member commission panel for approval. The IEP in conjunction with the licensing division is authorized and does issue key licenses. So this is a long way of saying that Mr. Bronson's status does not interfere with the relicensing decision that's before you today. So chair, I hope that addresses the questions you may have had but if not I will try to add to that. It really does just help with clarification of this juncture. Are there any questions for Lovetta? I see no. Excellent, great summary. Thank you so much. So I think then Joe we need to move on to the next item on the agenda which is in the event that first off, I know our thank yous will come as well but we have had the benefit of a very comprehensive presentation today. The work has been going on for a good lengthy period well before even February when you really ironed out the process for us. You're able to achieve some great efficiencies that help PPC and helped us and we appreciate that. Today's presentations I think we're very thorough, they were clear and give us really the information that we can move ahead as an informed body but with that said I do want to make sure that my fellow commissioners be able to say and if so there would need to be a formal motion to proceed for the renewal of the license. In terms of feeling comfortable, does it make sense to give a thumbs up or are there further questions? I'm okay, it's very thorough and I won't repeat the point I made before, thank you to everybody for all their work, associate. Yes, thank you. Any additional items that you would want to address or that we need to go back on, everybody comfortable. Okay, got a different lighting effect going on so I'm having to squint to see you now. Excellent, at this juncture then I am asking for a formal motion if one of you wishes to move. Madam chair, I'd move that the commission renew the category two gaming license to Plain Ridge Gaming and Redevelopment LLC for a term of five years commencing June 24th, 2020 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the renewal determination and as discussed here today that the commission has reviewed. Madam chair, I have a technical question on that motion. I think we prior, we discussed previously that a renewal of a license would be from the point of the vote, not necessarily June 24th. Is that correct Todd? No, there's been a review. That was discussed in the past. We went back and took a look at the statute though and it's right in section 20 F. It says that the category two license issued shall be for a period of five years and in order to remain in compliance with that section I would suggest that the license has to have effectively ended on June 24th and would then be renewed at that time even though it didn't technically expire because it was continued while the commission was reviewing the application that should be the actual date to ensure that it's a five years. Fair enough, I just wanted to make sure we didn't have a misunderstanding because I remember the prior discussion. And Commissioner Zuniga, you're absolutely right. I also address that question. It's my understanding team and maybe Karen if you wanna help clarify that this has been addressed with Lance and his team because I believe the initial letter did reference as Commissioner Zuniga brought up that it would be the date going forward as opposed to the June date. Yes, that is correct Madam Chair and the team did circle back with Lance and the team at PPC on that. So we're all in agreement, it's my understanding. Commissioner Zuniga. On that note, then I would second the motion. Perfect motion. And an important clarification, so thank you. Does anybody have any further edits or questions regarding the motion before us? All right, then I'll take a roll call vote and Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zuniga. Aye. Commissioner Stevens. Aye. And I vote yes, 5-0, Shara. And that would be a congratulations to PPC, to Lance George and their entire team. With that, each commissioner, if you would like to comment, we will have President and Chief and Executive Officer, CEO, Jay Snowden who does wish to address all of us. So if you would like perhaps to make any comments now, I would invite that we let President and Chief Executive Officer Snowden close, make the final statement today. So I would invite you now to make your comments. I'll be happy to just reiterate, thank you to all the team, ICJ has joined us. Thank you, Jay, for all the work that PPC has done, all the work that Penn National does and has brought to the Commonwealth here with the investment six and a half years ago and the five years of operations. You know, it's a testament to the strength of the company. And in many ways, the Commonwealth has benefited because of all of that. So congratulations on this new phase. And we look forward to another five years of similar smooth operations. If I could, yes, thank you. If I could, I congratulate the team also. Not only were there no disqualifying issues, but there were no issues at all. It was such a clean report today and both teams, I think, worked hard to get to this point. President Snowden made us, and I'll always remember this, he made us a commitment when we first issued this license that Penn National would be a good partner here in Massachusetts and would always live up to their commitments. And I think the public meeting, which we had so many people testify, how much good has been done for the community and what a good partner PPC has been, is a testament to that promise and the fact that that promise was kept. So again, congratulations and really good work. Thank you. Commissioner Stevens. Sure, thank you, Madam Chair. You know, it's interesting we're sitting here when we first reviewed their RFA-2 application. That process was both an opportunity to look at the previous performance of the licensee as well as what their plans would be going forward. And that was really how we based our decision. As we get here today and think about the license renewal, it's that same combination. We have looked at their performance over the past five years and it has been strong and at the same time, through some of the plans that Director Griffin talked about, we get a little bit of insight into what the next five years will look like also. And I think that's a strong acknowledgement of the great work that the PPC team has done as well as Penn National. You know, when we licensed them as the first licensee in the Commonwealth, they immediately struck out to do two things, which was stem the loss of revenue that we knew was going to other gaming jurisdictions, as well as offer some incredible career and work opportunities for Massachusetts residents. Those were the two big components of the Expanded Gaming Act. And I think it's been determined that PPC did a great job and helping us meet those objectives of the gaming statute. The next five years will be exciting. I think the leadership of the company and the leadership on the ground and Plainville will continue to help them be successful, not only just with gaming operations, but as Commissioner Cameron always notes with the horse racing side of the business, I think they have also really helped meet the legislature's expectations as to what could really be possible for horse racing here in the Commonwealth. So just kudos all around and great work by our team to get us to this licensed renewal decision today and thank everybody for their good work. Commissioner O'Brien. Sure, thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just to reiterate the congratulations to the licensee and then also a thank you to our staff, not only the people who present today, but all the people that help them gather all the materials to get us to where we are. And I do think that this commission benefited from the fact that you have a licensee, you complied with the conditions and that there were no surprises. I think that also made the process of doing the first renewal as easy. It could probably be in these circumstances because you could really look at the statute and determine what we as a body wanted to look at. So again, thank you to the people of PBC who unusual circumstances compiled the information and then in particular at our staff. And I wish they luck over the next five years and I hope they keep it going. I'll just echo that and extend to you Jay, congratulations. We extend congratulations to your entire team, many of whom are joining us virtually today. I think that I'd like to just share a quick note that we experienced when we held the public hearing. One of the comments was made by apparently a candidate for an office that was not successful. From our perspective, however, that individual was terribly successful because he went door to door prior to COVID and asked 300 voters a series of question and each one was asked about what they thought about PPC. And this gentleman was able to report back to all of us that there were no negative comments whatsoever that PPC was indeed a neighbor and an economic driver that benefited each and every one of those voters. That was a significant piece of due diligence for us. And note that perhaps he should have been elected given his work ethic on that piece. You have, for me, and I know from my fellow commissioners, you've been an extraordinary partner as we've navigated the pandemic. We had two for a sustainable opening, imposed significant restrictions. Your team has been fully compliant with those additional conditions on top of everything else that you were expected to do when back when you were originally received this license. And for that we are grateful because as I've said before, the stakes are so high right now. So we thank you for that. Again, I'm so glad you invested so heavily in Lance that you're taking him away from us. We wish him well. We look forward to working with North and I know that our entire team, I wish they could all express their gratitude to Lance because I know that you touched each and every one of our team. We're a small group and all the way from the GEU, all the way through the entire enterprise, Lance has made a difference. So thank you. And to that, congratulations. And I suspect, Jay, you'd like to make a statement and we would welcome it, but you're mute. Help, thank you. Well, good afternoon, Madam Chair and commissioners. A couple of things struck me as I listened to the comments. One, I'm getting really old. My hairline on video is horrific. And I think that when I first met the commissioners who I've known the longest, Commissioner Cameron, Commissioner Stevens, Commissioner Zuniga, hairline was better, but time flies. Wow. I think about six, seven years ago when we were presenting to you and really trying to educate around our company and what we stand for, our culture and our values and the pledges and the promises and commitments that we made throughout that process. And of course, the day we won the license five and a half years ago, I remember like it was yesterday, sitting there and pins and needles until Commissioner Stevens with his stone look gave us the final rev it after two to two. And what a wild ride, but it's been, I'm so proud of the last five years and Executive Director Wells. I've known her for five and a half years as well. And really can't thank your staff enough throughout this timeframe. It's been a great partnership. I would tell you, I've mentioned this before. It's not the same in every state. We really value and take serious being the first licensee in Massachusetts Casino History, the first five year renewal. And this is a very important property in our portfolio. It's the only property we have in the state of Massachusetts. It's my home state. It's a very important state that we wanna make you proud. And I'm glad we have for the first five years. I do have to say that we have a board meeting going today. I think Chair Judd Stein had mentioned that previously, but I did join Aaron's office in time to hear Commissioner Cameron talk about Lance and what a trader he is as a fellow Yankee fan. I may have to reconsider his promotion to he truly is now a Boston fan across all sports. His brother's not gonna be happy to hear that. But in all seriousness, we're very proud of Lance. He's done a great job. And the opening, they're not easy. And you'll recall the first week or two after we open rave reviews, but you typically have all of this pent up demand the first few days or the first week. And then it does die off until you stabilize. And we've met from being heroes to dogs overnight in the Boston Globe and the media reports. And so Lance is so resilient and never complains. And I think you guys really summarized him and described him very well that he's no nonsense, very transparent. You get what you always need, which is the truth. And even when the truth is something that we need to self report, that's what you're gonna get and you're gonna get it real time. That's what we do. That won't change. I think you're gonna find with North, who is somebody that Erin and I, I know she mentioned, have known for a long time from even pre-pen days. And then I recruited him to pen because I think so highly of him. I think you're gonna find that he has a lot of those same qualities, obviously different style, but I think that you're really gonna like him. So really, just wanted to thank you. I mean, really it's for us, it's not just about gaming, it's also about horse racing. That's something that we also promised when we were able to earn this license five and a half years ago. And I hope that you're proud of what we've done for horse racing in the state of Massachusetts and certainly being the first to open a casino and to do it in a way with integrity and transparency and partnership. And I love always hearing you guys describe it that way as well, you have a job to do as regulators. We always respect that, but we can also be partners. And I think in the States where we're at our best, it is viewed also as a partnership. We will always respect the job you have to do and we will always self-report and we will always take criticism and constructive ideas to heart because we wanna make you proud. But this is a special day for us. And I'm glad to see all of your faces. I wish we could do this in person. It'd be nice to give everybody a hug, but you guys have set a really high standard as the first regulatory body in Massachusetts gaming history as well. And we take that seriously. So I just wanted to thank all of you. I wanted to thank your staff, obviously thank Lance. I'll do more of that offline and do some embarrassing things for him within the company. And we look forward to welcoming North to Massachusetts. And Aaron will be making those introductions. Hopefully not too distant future. We can do more of that in person. But I'm also available and free right now for any questions that you may have for me, whatever's on your mind, I'm happy to answer. Any questions for Jay? Even though I said he could have the last word. I think we're all set. Jay, congratulations, congratulations PPC. In terms of our work, Todd and Joe, I know we have to finalize their license. I think that the vote today memorializes our action. And so you'll be getting the written documentation that you need to cement the deal five years. It takes a lot of work. It's a short time period. And we appreciate all the efforts that went into getting us prepared to make an informed decision today. Thank you so much. Thank you. We'll continue to make you proud. And then last comment I would make is, you know, we understand these licenses are, it's a privilege. It's not a right. And we'll continue to earn that every day, every month, every year through the next five years. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. With that commissioners, we do have a meeting at one o'clock for our agenda setting. We reversed the order of our meetings today. And I suspect we all need to have a little bit of a lunch break. So do I have a motion to adjourn? With, unless there's any other further comments, besides a big, I think we can all say, thank you team. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Right. Karen, you'll make sure that that message goes all the way through. Thanks. Absolutely, ma'am. Move to adjourn. I second. Okay. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zuniga. Aye. Thank you team. Congratulations, Ben. Lance. And commissioner Stephens. Another big thanks to the entire team and I vote aye also. Great. Five, zero, shard. Thank you so much, everyone. Great job. Thank you, Joe. Great job.