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Home My WebLink About2025-03-13 Board of Health Minutese r r. Town of Reading - a Meeting Minutes {40 �9'Ixf O0.oOP' I I it _ Board - Committee - Commission - Council: ct:�icni 2�'%4 Board of Health Date: 2025-03-13 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Virtual Location: Zoom Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Meeting- Remote Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Richard Lopez, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, Members - Not Present: Sal Bramante, Geri Cramer, Kerry Dunnell, Sophie Hansen Others Present: Health Director Ade Solarin, Amelia Sellitto, Olivia Bartolomei, Haley Murphy Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Haley Murphy Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely via zoom. Richard Lopez called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM. Roll Call: Sal Bramante, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, Richard Lopez Public Comment: None MBTA Turnaround: The MBTA received multiple complaints about health concerns regarding the tumback tracks. The MBTA discussed these concerns at the February 251° meeting but did not address them fully. They withdrew their notice of intent to gather more information and hear resident concerns but plan to refile at an unknown date. Due to this withdrawal, all health impact assessment RFQs are paused but will resume once the notice is refiled. Member Kevin Sexton is concerned about the timing of an RFQ, which would take 2-3 weeks to contract and up to 6 weeks for a report. He suggests proceeding cautiously and rescinding the RFQ if costs are too high. Ade will discuss this with town management. Richard notes the MBTA may revise its proposal based on public input and likely won't proceed without notice. He agrees that Town Management should weigh in, as an RFQ could be wasted if it does not align with the MBTA's final decision. Ade concludes that a report would likely be ready before the MBTA's approval process is complete. Rodent Update: At the previous meeting, Health Director Ade Solarin discussed requesting additional funds at the town meeting to purchase 35 more SMART boxes. He announced a dedicated rodent activity page for Reading, accessible through the public health department page. This page explains how the boxes work, displays a heat map, and explains how the map is generated. There have been 38 Page 1 1 rodent captures (I I in January, 22 in February, 5 in March), with data available monthly. Only one complaint was received in January and February. The page includes icons to report sightings and view detailed capture data by SMART box. In April, Ade will advocate for funding to expand the program and is coordinating with DPW to prepare for upcoming construction projects and rodent control. Kevin suggests directly sharing the page with Pinevale residents, and Ade agrees. Fee Schedule Update: Ade reviewed neighboring towns' fee schedules (Andover, Winchester, Lynnfield, North Andover, Beverly, and Stoneham) and averaged them to determine Reading's new fees. Most fees increased by $25-$200. Re -inspection fees were introduced, with the first re -inspection free, the second costing $50, the third $100, and the fourth $150. Further violations may result in board review for permit suspension or revocation. For Keeping of Animals, residents can have up to six chickens, with a $10 fee per additional chicken if a variance is requested. The fee schedule, unchanged for over a decade, now includes a $125 apprentice license fee for body art establishments. Once finalized and voted on, the schedule will go to Town Council for review. Kevin inquired about re -inspection timeframes, with Ade explaining that they vary based on the violation, ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. Kevin emphasized ensuring establishments have adequate time to comply before being fined. Health Inspector Amelia stated that re -inspection fees reinforce food safety priorities and act as a deterrent. Chair Richard asked about fee -setting approaches and revenue allocation. Ade confirmed no state guidelines exist, and Reading's fees are based on an arithmetic average of similar towns. Revenue (previously $70-75K) goes to the town's general fund and is expected to double with the new fees. Ade will return after Town Council review, and board members are encouraged to share feedback. Kevin suggested using this document at the April town meeting to support funding efforts. CHIP Update: Reading partnered with Pear Associates to conduct a community health needs assessment and improvement plan from February 2023 to July 2024. Using data from various sources, surveys, and focus groups, Pear identified three health priorities: 1. Health Screenings & Services — Improving awareness and access to preventive health screenings and mental health services. The Reading Coalition supports this through mental health matchmaking, crisis intervention, and first aid training. 2. Healthy Environments & Inclusive Programs — Promoting healthy spaces and increasing community connection. This includes RECAL (Reading Center for Active Living) and expanded operating hours for town resources. Efforts also focus on youth resilience through recreation programs, the library, and the senior center. 3. Healthy Eating & Active Living — Encouraging healthier lifestyle choices across all age groups. Ade commends the progress, noting many towns struggle to implement community health improvement plans (CHIP). The Public Health Nurse Liv is working to align town organizations with CHIP goals and improve collaboration. Richard emphasizes tracking progress and educating associates. Liv shares that the library has invited her to host a community engagement event. Nursing Update: a Flu & COVID Cases: February saw 173 flu cases and 10 COVID cases, a decrease from last year. Flu shots are still available for ages 65+. • Screenings & Clinics: Page 1 2 o Blood pressure screenings: March 20 (Frank Tanner), April 2 (Pleasant St.), April 17 (Frank Tanner). o 2020 Onsite Vision Clinic: March 26. o Mammogram Van: April 29. o Hands -Only CPR Classes: March 20 & April 17. The Health Department is hosting a Health Fair at the Pleasant St. Senior Center on May 20" from 10 AM - 12 PM. The Diabetic & Medical Supplies Takeback programs remain active and successful. The department is exploring medication disposal bags for those with accessibility challenges. Inspection Report: Health Inspector Amelia begins presenting the monthly report for February. She performed 19 inspections with one re -inspection. Amelia also issued 2 annual permits along with three temporary food permits for Winterfest. There were 3 food establishment complaints. Amelia went to each establishment to reinstate the importance of food safety. She conducted 2 routine body art establishment inspections, these establishments will now be inspected twice a year. There was one resident complaint regarding birds and the bird flu. The resident was guided to report her findings and concerns to the state. Amelia, building, and fire investigated a complaint regarding the living conditions of a resident. The health department, the coalition, and the hoarding task force have all been working together and with the individual to come up with a solution. Final Comments: Rick asked for final comments and requested Ade to share the meeting's initial recording with the police. He mentioned serving on the state board of pharmacy and noted that Governor Baker's allowance for online municipal meetings expires on March 31 at, though an extension is under discussion. If not extended, the April meeting will be in person. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn meeting at 8:32 pm. Roll Call: Joan — yes, Kevin — yes (with audio difficulties), Richard — yes Materials Used: Fee Schedule CHIP PowerPoint Nursing Update PowerPoint Inspector monthly Report Page 1 3