The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2025-10-09 Board of Health Minutes�• orR Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Ik Z: � 7 Board of Health Date: 2025-10-09 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 (7:25PM), Joan Wetzel, Sophie Hansen, Sal Bramante Members - Not Present: Aditya Bengali Others Present: Health Director Ade Solarm, Olivia Bartolomei, Haley Murphy, Aaron Parry, Allie Hettler, Christine Parks, James Riley, Mark Agami, McKenzie Ridings, Robert Levy, Linda Russo, Lucas Prato, and David Camitto 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 7:02 PM. Roll Call: Member Sal Bramante, Vice Chair Kerry Dunnell, Associate Member Sophie Hansen, Member Joan Wetzel, Chair Richard Lopez Chair Richard Lopez reviews the agenda; review and approval of September minutes, public comment, MBTA update, solid waste hauler regulations, private well regulations, health department monthly report and nursing update, final comments. Richard Lopez reminded attendees that public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker and requested that remarks remain focused on matters within the Board of Health's purview; specifically, public health concerns related to the MBTA Tumback Track project, including air quality and noise impacts. Minutes Approval: Vice Chair Kerry Dunnell noted a spelling error and clarify her intent with the roll of the Board of Health regarding permit approval and that permit applicant's do not have to come to monthly meetings, instead having an agenda item with a list of permits approved that month. Chair Richard Lopez makes a motion to approve including the two changes. Joan seconded. Roll call: Sal — yes, Kerry — yes, Joan — yes, and Richard — yes. Public Comment: Several residents, including Aaron Parry, Allie Henley, Christine Parks, David Camino, James Riley, Mark Agami, Lucas Prato, McKenzie Ridings, Robert Levy, and Linda Russo, expressed concerns regarding the MBTA Tumback Track and potential public health impacts from diesel emissions, idling Page I I trains, air quality, and noise affecting nearby homes, conservation areas, and Parker Middle School. Residents requested independent sound, vibration, and air quality studies, greater transparency in reporting health -related complaints, and consideration of additional mitigation measures. Representatives of the RTC group also requested a meeting with the Board of Health to present their findings and data for further review. MBTA Update: Richard summarized that public comments centered on noise, vibration, and air quality concerns, as well as questions about the accuracy of MBTA data. He confirmed these issues fall within the Board of Health's jurisdiction and noted that, although MBTA reports show results below noise and air quality thresholds, the agency is not subject to MEPA or DEP review. Richard proposed two actions: sending a letter to the Conservation Commission requesting that no project approval be granted until detailed sound and air quality data are provided, and hiring a consultant to analyze MBTA data and recommend further studies. He also mentioned potential mitigation for nitrous oxide emissions. Vice Chair Kerry Donnell cited Chapter 111, Sections 31 C and 122, affirming the Board's authority to address nuisance noise and conduct independent studies. She supported hiring a consultant and emphasized ensuring study validity. Member Sal Bramante suggested meeting with residents directly, while Kerry preferred reviewing findings with a consultant first. Member Kevin Sexton supported both sending the letter and engaging a consultant, noting the need to ensure environmental safety. Health Director Ade Solarin advised that a bid process would be required to hire a consultant, and Kevin suggested emergency funding could be discussed at Town Meeting. Member Joan asked about timelines, and Kerry emphasized defining the scope of work and collaborating with procurement staff, referencing prior sound study bids. Richard moved to charge Ade with drafting and posting a proposal for an expert consultant to review the MBTA project's air quality, noise, and vibration data, with input from the Board and Turnback Committee. He also moved to have Ade notify the Conservation Commission of the Board's concems and request that project approval be delayed pending independent review and access to MBTA data. Kerry recommended revising "advise" to "ask" in communications and directed Ade to coordinate with Town Hall staff on the bidding process. The motion was seconded by Sal. Roll call: Sal —yes; Kerry — yes; Kevin — yes; Joan — yes; Richard — yes. Solid Waste Hauler Regulation: Health Director Ade Solarin recommended delaying publication of the regulation until new trash and recycling contracts are finalized for consistency. Kerry expressed concern about waiting, noting that regulations should not be influenced by bidders. Kevin agreed that haulers must comply with adopted regulations regardless of contract timing. Richard requested clarification on sections 4.3.1 E and 4.3.2 related to hauler education, resident communication, and receptacle placement. Kerry and Ade confirmed that education requirements are coordinated through the Town and that updates will be made for clarity. Regarding Section 4.3.2, Richard questioned the need for Board approval of haulers chosen by residents. Kerry clarified that only haulers permitted and approved by the Board may operate in Town. Richard also recommended specifying that haulers return emptied receptacles to their proper locations. Kevin recommended specifying that rules apply to ongoing service contracts, not one-time hauler use. Ade will finalize the draft and return it to the Board for review. Private Wells Re ulgu atop: Health Director Ade Solarin reported that the Health Department is in the process of amending the Private Well Regulations to address missing definitions and basic requirements. He noted that the current regulation focuses primarily on potable drinking water wells and lacks sufficient guidance on irrigation and geothermal wells. Additionally, there are no setback requirements specified for non -potable wells. Ade asked the Board to consider whether geothermal and irrigation wells should be held to the same standards as drinking water wells. Monthly Report — September e IS food establishment permits e 12 food inspections e 27 temporary food permits issued; I I corresponding inspections e 1 food complaint Page 1 2 • 1 trash complaint • 3 housing inspections • 1 keeping of animal violation • 14 rat complaints • 39 rat catches in September; 433 total • 1 well construction plan review • 1 tobacco license inquiry Nursing Updates — September • Disease Reports: 23 COVID-19 cases. • Vaccination Clinics & Screenings: • COVID-19 vaccines available at the Oct. 17 clinic. • Flu clinics held at the Reading Public Library; additional clinics scheduled for Oct. 15-16, Nov. 3, Nov. 19, and Dec. 10. • Coolidge Middle School clinics held Sept. 26; upcoming dates Oct. 17 and Nov. 7 (COVID-19, MMR, and Tdap offered). • Homebound flu vaccinations available by appointment. • Blood pressure clinics scheduled for Oct. 2, 16, 20, and Nov. 13, 17, 20. • Programs & Outreach: • Hands -Only CPR class held Sept. 8; next session Nov. 3; additional sessions planned for 2026. • "Teen Talks" series launched with CPR lesson; next session Oct. 15 focusing on health discussion. • Ongoing diabetic and medical supply take -back programs. • Awareness Events: • Breast Cancer Awareness Month • Down Syndrome Awareness Month • World Menopause Awareness Month • Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month • SIDS Awareness Month Richard requested an update on the revised fee schedule. Ade reported that he will present the updated schedule to the Select Board at a date to be determined and will return to the Board of Health afterward to hold a public hearing. Kerry asked whether an agenda must be posted if a quoru n is present at Town Meeting, Kevin clarified that no other meetings may be held during Town Meeting, as open meeting law requirements are suspended at that time. The Board also discussed the potential need to reschedule the November Board of Health meeting due to a possible conflict with Town Meeting. Final Comments: None Adjourn: Motion to adjourn at 8:26 PM; Seconded by Kevin Roll Call: Sal, Kerry, Kevin, Joan, Richard Materials Used: • Monthly chart • PowerPoint • Solid Waste Hauler Regulation Page 1 3