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Home My WebLink About2025-06-12 Board of Health MinutesO��OFR G Town of Reading S . Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: i- 2: % J Board of Health Date: 2025-06-12 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, Kerry Dunnell, Kevin Sexton, Geri Cramer, Sophie Hansen Members - Not Present: Sal Bramante and Joan Wetzel 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. Chair Richard Lopez called the meeting to order at 7:05pm Roll call: Associate Geri Cramer, Member Kerry Dunnell, Associate Sophie Hansen, Member Kevin Sexton, Chair Richard Lopez Asvroval of May 29th Minutes: Chair Richard Lopez noted two corrections to the draft minutes: Geri', name is misspelled in the final paragraph, and the roll call vote to adjourn the meeting is missing. With these amendments, Richard made a motion to approve the minutes as revised. Kevin seconded the motion. Public Comment: None Wildlife Regulation: Health Director Ade Solarin reported that the proposed wildlife regulation was presented at the previous meeting, and board feedback was relayed to Town Council. All outstanding questions were clarified. Once adopted, a summary will be published in the local newspaper, and the final regulation will be posted on the town website. Chair Richard Lopez raised questions about the definition of "wildlife" and timing inconsistencies in the proposed regulation. Town Council clarified that the definition includes any undomesticated, unrestrained animals and is not exhaustive. The board agreed to adopt a revised definition listing specific examples like coyotes, deer, and rabbits. The board discussed the discrepancy between a 48-hour and a 7-day requirement to remove attractants. Ade explained the 7-day period was originally used to help establish intent, while the 48-hour timeline supports faster enforcement. Member Kerry Donnell asked if the change was routine; Ade Solarin confirmed it was in response to a specific ongoing Page 1 1 complaint and lack of previous enforcement tools. Notices can be posted or delivered in person. Concerns were raised about ensuring receipt, especially if residents are away. Member Kevin Sexton noted that fines can be appealed. Associate Member Sophie Hansen questioned the need for Section 26.3c, as it addresses intentional feeding without changing the penalty. The board agreed to seek further legal clarification before removing that language. There was also discussion about reducing compliance timelines and clarifying "calendar days." Ade Solarin voiced concern about enforcement over weekends. Amelia noted the state's nuisance law could support enforcement regardless of intent. Richard Lopez moved to approve the regulation with a revision to Section 26.3c, reducing the response time from 7 days to 2 days, and referring it to Town Council for review. Chair Richard Lopez moved to approve the regulation with a change in Section 26.3c, reducing the response time from 7 days to 2 days, and to refer the section to Town Council for further legal review. Kevin seconded Richard's motion. Roll call: Kerry- yes, Kevin- yes, and Richard- yes. Dumpster Regulation: Health Director Ade Solaria reported that an updated dumpster regulation was submitted to Town Council following the January 2025 Board of Health meeting. While a few changes were made, two key questions remain. First, Town Council suggested merging this regulation with refuse hauler permit requirements, but Ade prefers they remain separate and sought the Board's input. He also proposed removing the last sentence in Section 4.2.1, as the Health Department is not currently permitting haulers, making the regulation specific to dumpsters. The second question concerns whether construction and demolition dumpsters should be exempt from the lid requirement. Ade Solarin believes they should be, unless complaints arise. Richard Lopez noted a typo in Section 4.2.5, "expect" should be "except", and questioned if Section 4.3.3 should specify a distance from lot lines. Ade Solarin explained that dumpster placement must be approved by the Fire Department per Section 4.2.2. Richard Lopez moved to approve the regulation with three changes: fix the typo, remove the last sentence in 4.2.1, and exempt construction and demolition dumpsters in 4.3.5. Kevin Sexton advised careful wording around the food mention. The changes will be made, and the revised regulation will be reviewed at the next meeting. Ade Solarin reported no updates on the MBTA or the rodent control contract, which is still being handled by the purchasing department. Monthly Inspector and Nursing Report: Public Health Inspector Amelia Sellitto conducted 20 routine inspections in May, along with inspections for two temporary food events and food trucks. She investigated a complaint at Market Basket about odor and worms in fish but found no issues. Three temporary event permits were issued, and eight complaints were received, including: a neglected ground pool (part of a growing trend), a resolved issue with a portable toilet left at a home, and repeated dog feces complaint near Canine Performance and Killam School. Amelia Sellitto resolved these by speaking with those responsible and emphasized the need for public awareness on pet waste. She also investigated a no -hot-water complaint, which was unfounded upon inspection. In May, she inspected all public pools, which she continues monthly while open. Additionally, Amelia is undergoing training for state housing inspections, Title V inspections, and mental health fast aid. Public Health Nurse Liv Bartolomei reported no flu cases in May, a decline in COVID cases, but a rise in Lyme disease —residents are reminded to check pets and use tick prevention. Two blood pressure screenings are scheduled for June 11 (Pleasant Street Center) and June 18 (Frank Tanner). Liv highlighted June as PTSD, Alzheimer's, Pride, and Mental Health Awareness Month. She reminded residents to stay informed about travel health advisories and extreme heat, Page 1 2 noting two cooling centers in Reading: the public library and Pleasant Street Senior Center. In July, a guest speaker will present on medicinal herbs for gut health and mood. Liv continues to run the medical and diabetic supply take -back program and announced the Health Department will have a table at Reading Family Day, featuring goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol and THC. Final Comments: Chair Richard Lopez acknowledged that this meeting marks Associate Member Geri Cramer's final meeting. He expressed his gratitude for her contributions and dedicated service. All board members joined in thanking Geri for her commitment and support. Richard also noted that there may be a vacancy in the associate member seat, as the sole applicant has withdrawn their application. Board Member Kerry expressed her appreciation for the department staff, stating it is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and capable team. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:21. Kerry seconds. Roll call: Kerry Dunnell- yes, Kevin Sexton -yes, Richard Lopez- yes Materials Used: • Wildlife Regulation • Dumpster Regulation • Inspector Monthly Report • Nursing PowerPoint Page 13