HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-18 Board of Health Minutesq Town of Reading
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Board -Committee -Commission -Council: -
Board of Health
Date: 2025-12-18 Time: 6:00 PM
Building: Virtual Location: Zoom
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Meeting- Remote Session Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Kerry Dunnel, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, Richard Lopez
Members - Not Present:
Aditya Bengali, Sal Bramante, Sophie Hansen
Others Present:
Health Director Ade Solarin, Haley Murphy, Rushank Patel, Ankit Kumar
Patel
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Haley Murphy
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held remotely via mom.
Meeting called to order at 6:04 pm.
Roll call: Kerry Dunnell, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez
Chair Richard Lopez opened the meeting to review the request for the transfer of the tobacco
sales permit for 1330 Main Street.
Tobacco Permit Transfer — 1130 Main Street
Health Director Ade Solarin reported that 1330 Main LLC has completed the purchase of the
Mobil gas station and requested Board consideration due to the financial hardship that would
result from waiting until January 2026 for approval. Applicants Rushank Patel and Ankit Kumar
Patel introduced themselves. Richard asked the applicants to describe their request and whether
they own other gas stations or convenience stores in Massachusetts. Rushank responded that they
own other locations and that this is their first location in Reading. Richard asked if they are
familiar with Reading's tobacco regulations. Rushank stated that they met with Maureen Buzby,
Reading's Regional Tobacco Control Coordinator, and are aware of all local requirements,
including the Nicotine -Free Generation regulation. He noted that while the station is operating,
all nicotine products are currently closed off and unavailable for purchase. Richard asked
whether the applicants have a Department of Revenue permit, and Rushank confirmed that they
do. Richard also asked what measures are in place to prevent tobacco sales to minors. Rushank
explained that the existing POS system from Global LP requires ID scanning for age verification.
He added that all required Nicotine -Free Generation signage is already posted and that all
partners and employees are trained in Reading's tobacco regulations. Ade confirmed that the
change of ownership has been completed, all requirements have been met, and recommended
approval of the tobacco sales permit transfer. Chair Richard Lopez made a motion to approve the
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transfer of the tobacco sales permit to the new ownership under the Patel's. Joan seconded the
motion. Kevin Sexton asked if the motion could be amended to take effect immediately. Richard
agreed, and the motion was amended accordingly. Roll call: Kerry yes, Kevin yes, Joan yes, and
Richard yes
Adioum:
Richard motioned to adjourn at 6:13 PM
Roll call: Kerry, Kevin, Joan, Richard
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