HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-29 Board of Health Minutes03. 5FxQ r
,t Town of Reading
sx' Meeting Minutes
r` pA /
'LVCOA00 yl._
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: t -. 2: 24
Board of Health
Date: 2025-05-29 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, Geri Cramer, Sophie
Hansen, Sal Bramante
Members - Not Present:
Kerry Dunnell
Others Present:
Health Director Ade Solarin, Amelia Sellitto, Olivia Bartolomei, Haley
Murphy, Lucas Prado, Mackensie Ridings
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Haley Murphy
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held remotely via zoom
Char Richard Lopez called the meeting to order at 7:10PM
Roll Call: Associate Geri Cramer, Associate Member Sophie Hanson, Member Joan Wetzel and
Chair Richard Lopez
Chair Richard Lopez stated that one additional voting member was needed to meet quorum. He
noted that an associate member could be temporarily elevated to voting status until another full
member was present. Accordingly, Geri Cramer was designated as a voting member for the
duration time being. Kevin Sexton and Sal Bramantejoined later in the meeting.
Approval of March 13 and April 10 minutes:
The Board reviewed the draft minutes from the March 13 and April 10 meetings, which were
distributed in advance. Member Joan Wetzel suggested a correction to the March 13 minutes on
the third page under the inspection report, the word "reinstate" should be revised to "restate" in
reference to the importance of health rules.
Motion to approve the March 13 and April 10 minutes as amended passed by roll call vote:
Associate Member Geri Cramer — Yes, Member Joan Wetzel — Yes, Chair Richard Lopez — Yes.
Public Comment:
Mackenzie Ridings stated she is here to address her concerns regarding the MBTA which will be
discussed later in the meeting.
Page 1 1
YMCA:
Public Health Director Ade Solaria reported that the YMCA is requesting a camp license without
a prior inspection, as allowed under 105 CMR 430.650 if specific conditions are met. Ade
confirmed the YMCA meets all six required conditions but noted their representatives couldn't
attend the meeting due to scheduling conflict. They requested authorization for the Director to
issue this and future licenses under the same terms. Rick supported the routine nature of the
request, noting no prior issues and that inspections still occur once camps open. Rick also stated
that an inspection will take place once the camp is open for session. He moved to authorize Ade
to issue the license for this year and for this Wiling to be effective for future years.
Starbucks Variance:
Starbucks needed to come to the Board to request a variance for keeping certain liquid products
available to the public for use. However, Starbucks has since changed their procedure and no
longer needed to come before the Board as a variance was no longer needed.
Hearing for 31 Audubon Road- Keeping of Animals:
Ade reported on an outstanding complaint about chickens being kept without a permit at 31
Audubon Road. The property owners, Mr. and Mrs. Campos, were contacted multiple times and
informed about the permitting requirements, including building department review, setback
compliance, feed disclosure, and proper housing for the chickens. Mrs. Campos had mentioned
they recently moved in and planned to build a chicken coop. They were invited to attend the
meeting but did not appear. Although the issue qualifies as a hearing, it was not formally opened
due to their absence. Chair Richard asked if the cease and desist notice had resolved the issue.
Ade responded that no new complaints had been received for over a week, no chickens were
seen during a recent site visit, and neighbors were no longer reporting concerns. Rick noted this
was an update rather than an urgent matter and recommended a formal inspection to confirm
compliance. If chickens remain, fines should be issued. He also clarified that enforcement
actions fall under staff authority and do not require further board involvement at this time.
1051 Main Street Update:
Ade Solarn reported that Mr. Barbo is and has been conducting extensive renovations on his
property with the intent to rent the apartment again. He has been informed that a Certificate of
Occupancy from both the Building and Health Departments is required to ensure the unit is fit
for human habitation. The case is now considered closed. If Mr. Bathe seeks to rent the unit, an
inspection will be conducted; if the dwelling does not meet the required standards, it will not be
approved for occupancy.
Shared Services Update:
Ade introduced Annette Garcia, grant manager and shared services coordinator, to update on the
Middlesex Public Health Collaborative, which serves six towns including Reading. Annette
presented her team and explained the collaborative's mission to strengthen regional public health
services. A five-year strategic plan is nearing completion with support from BME Strategies.
Community outreach has included health fairs and a quarterly Substance Misuse Prevention
Workgroup. Foundational service reporting revealed areas for improvement, leading to plans for
hiring a second health inspector, expanding training, increasing vaccine access, and enhancing
food safety efforts. A sustainability plan is in development to ensure funding beyond FY27.
FY25 data highlighted case investigations, screenings, health education, and inspections. Staff
have also advanced through training and certifications. Kevin Sexton asked why Haverhill
showed fewer needs; Annette explained Haverhill's well-resoureed health department. Richard
asked about sharing opioid fund best practices; Annette cited Lynnfield's mental health program
as a model and mentioned plans to engage towns in July.
Page 1 2
MBTA Sound Study Update:
After the February 25th meeting, the MBTA withdrew its letter of intent to gather more
information and address community concerns. Though a sound study was conducted by WSP,
the town has not yet received the report, despite a request. Mr. Prado raised concems about the
study's transparency and scope, questioning if it includes idling and slow -moving trains near
Hancock and Vine Streets, and urged it to address duration, vibration, and diesel emissions. He
also called for resident involvement in the review process. Rick noted a potential conflict of
interest, as a senior WSP executive recently left the MBTA, a concern echoed by Mackensie
Ridings. Sophie Hansen asked about a timeline and emphasized escalating the issue if necessary.
The board discussed reviewing the study's scope before finalization, with Rick highlighting the
importance of early input. Ade confirmed town staff will review the report, while Kevin
suggested an independent third -party review, though none has been retained. Mr. Prado added
that a previous study was inadequate, lasting only 48 hours and missing key data. The board
agreed to monitor the issue and revisit it once the report is received.
178 Main Street Suspension Update:
Ade Solarin provided an update on the enforcement action against Mobile Gas Station for selling
tobacco to a minor. In accordance with the direction of the Board of Health, a 3-day suspension
was issued from May 5", 2025 to May 8a', 2025 and the $1,000 fine was received. Compliance
has been satisfactory, and it is expected that the establishment will implement measures to
prevent future sales to individuals under the minimum legal sales age.
Rodent Program Update:
Ade Solarin reported continued success with the rodent control program, noting approximately
157 catches since its launch in January. An additional $35,000 in funding for rodent mitigation
was approved at Town Meeting. The department is currently working with the Purchasing
Department to execute a new contract, which is expected to be finalized by the end of next week.
An update will be provided at the next meeting.
Feeding of Wildlife Update:
Ade Solarin provided an update on the proposed regulation to prohibit the feeding of wildlife in
Reading, with certain exceptions. A clean version of the draft, incorporating feedback and edits
from Town Counsel, was distributed to the Board in advance. Board members discussed the
scope of the regulation, particularly regarding which animals should be explicitly included.
Richard questioned whether animals such as rodents, deer, rabbits, and waterfowl should be
listed alongside coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, turkeys, and bears. Ade clarified that wildlife,
as defined, is meant to be broadly inclusive and that hunting laws may have influenced how the
term was defined. Richard comments on minor wording edits, including a suggested correction
in Section 8 from "see debris" to "seed debris," and a question about consistency in compliance
timeframes—specifically, whether the 48-hour requirement in one section should align with a 7-
day window mentioned elsewhere. Ade confirmed that the intent was to give the Board time to
review the regulation further before taking a vote. The final version will be placed on the agenda
for a vote at the next meeting.
Health Department Monthly Report and Nursing Update:
Health Inspector Amelia Sellitto provided an overview of inspections and complaints handled in
April. She inspected all public schools, Austin Prep, and Goodyear preschool. Two complaints
involved food establishments: one regarding dumpster trash (resolved same day), and another
involving pest sightings, which was addressed with cooperation from the restaurant. A new food
permit was issued for a preschool affiliated with a church on Summer Ave. Residential
complaints included trash issues (resolved), dog waste in front of a canine training facility on
Page 1 3
Main Street, and general concerns about dog waste in public areas, prompting a reminder for
residents to clean up after pets due to potential health risks. Additional complaints involved an
overflowing dumpster (removed), a mattress and porta-potty issue at a contractor site (resolved),
and three housing complaints: a leaking kitchen pipe, a malfunctioning thermostat due to a faulty
condenser, and cigarette smoke in a unit. All issues were addressed with landlord cooperation.
Amelia also handled a complaint about chickens on a property, informed the residents about the
permit process, and plans to follow up in person due to a potential language barrier. Two pool
inspections were conducted in preparation for the summer season.
Public Health Nurse Liv Bartolomci reported a decrease in COVID-19 and flu cases in April,
with 13 COVID cases. Upcoming blood pressure screenings are scheduled for June 11 and 18,
and July 3 and 17 at Pleasant Street Senior Center and Frank Tanner. May was recognized as
Mental Health and Food Allergy Awareness Month. Liv shared tips on tick and heat -related
illness prevention, as the two cool off centers in Reading are the Library and Pleasant Street
Senior Center. This time of the year its important to remind residents about ticks and Alpha -gal
syndrome that comes from deer ticks. She announced a digestive and mental health class on July
15-16, a Narcan training on June 10 at the Public Library. Liv also promoted our usual diabetes
and medical supply take -back programs. A recent health fair hosted 70 attendees and 27 vendors.
Volunteer Application:
As part of the annual reappointment process for town boards and committees, three Board of
Health members —Richard, Joan, and Geri —have terms expiring this June. Richard and Joan
have submitted applications for reappointment, while Geri has chosen to step down due to work
commitments after five years of service. Jerry is expected to attend the June meeting.
Applications remain open until June 6, and the VASC Committee has begun scheduling
interviews. One new applicant, a former Board of Health member, has applied —likely for the
associate position being vacated by Jerry. If the process proceeds smoothly, the Board may be
fully staffed moving forward.
Final Comments:
None
Adioum:
Chair Richard Lopez motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:40pm. Joan seconded.
Roll Call: Sal- yes, Kevin- yes, Joan- yes, Richard- yes
Materials Used:
• Shared Services PowerPoint
• Feeding of Wildlife Regulation
• Inspector Monthly Report
• Nursing PowerPoint
• Volunteer Application
Page 14