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Home My WebLink About2026-02-12 Board of Health Minutes0-9 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes ) C." Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Health Date: 2026-02-12 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, Sophie Hansen, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and, Aditya Bengali Members - Not Present: Sal Bramante Others Present: Health Director Ade Solarin, Olivia Bartolomei, Arthur Sordillo Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Haley Murphy Topics of Discussion: The meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Chair Richard Lopez called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. Roll call: Aditya Bengali, Kerry Dunnell, Sophie Hansen, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Chair Richard Lopez reviews tonight's agenda: review January minutes, public comment, administrative hearing on a tobacco violation for 4 West Street, and monthly department updates. Minute Approval, Richard makes a motion to approve the minutes. Seconded by Kerry. Roll call: Kerry, Kevin, Joan, Richard Public Comment: None West St. Mobil Mart — Tobacco Violation - Richard Lopez called the administrative hearing to order at 7:00 p.m., Joan seconded. Roll call: Kerry, Kevin, Joan, and Richard were present. Richard stated that the hearing's purpose was to review the recent tobacco violation at West Street Mobil and discuss corrective actions. He noted this was the establishment's first violation, that the $1,000 fine had been paid, and that a mandatory three-day tobacco license suspension applies. Health Director Ade Solarin reported that on January 12, 2026, during a supervised compliance check, a nicotine product was sold to a minor. He confirmed the associated fine and Page I 1 suspension. Mr. Sordillo, representing the establishment, stated he was unaware of the violation until receiving the notice by mail and was not informed of the three-day suspension, as it was not referenced in the letter. After reviewing security footage, he confirmed the employee did not check identification and expressed concern that the store was not notified immediately. Maureen Buzby, Tobacco Compliance Coordinator, explained that a trained 19-year-old youth buyer conducted the compliance check without presenting identification and successfully purchased Zyn nicotine pouches, which were secured as evidence. She clarified that state policy no longer permits immediate notification following failed checks for safety reasons; instead, violations are submitted to the Health Director for issuance of an official order. Member Kevin Sexton supported the policy change to prevent businesses from alerting others to ongoing checks and suggested considering written notice for establishments that pass inspections. Richard acknowledged that the January 12 violation letter did not reference the mandatory three-day suspension and stated that the template would be revised to include all required penalties. Mr. Sordillo described the store's ID scanning system, which prompts age verification at the register, and confirmed awareness of the January 1, 2004, Nicotine -Free Generation cutoff date and that required signage is posted. The hearing was adjourned, and Mr. Sordillo was informed that Ade would follow up regarding implementation of the three-day suspension. Richard also noted that the Town's tobacco regulations are available on the Town website. Member Kevin Sexton acknowledges that First Baptist Church has rescinded their want for the outdoor refrigerator. That is why the board is not discussing it, even though it was an item number on the original agenda. Health Department Monthly Report & Nursing Report Health Director Ade Solarin reported that in January the Department conducted six housing complaint inspections, including one dwelling condemned as unfit for human habitation. Staff also completed four solid waste inspections, 15 food establishment inspections with two re - inspections, one foodborne illness investigation, and responded to a significant residential fire on James Street. Additionally, there were 15 temporary food events, two restaurant ownership transfers, and three body art inspections. Public Health Nurse Liv Bartolomei reported 66 influenza cases and 30 COVID-19 cases in January, reflecting an increase from the prior year. Three blood pressure screenings are scheduled for February: February 5 at the Pleasant Street Senior Center, February 19 at Tannerville, and February 23 at the Reading Public Library. She noted that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends following immunization schedules established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. February is recognized as National Heart Month, Low Vision Awareness Month, and Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month. A Vision Van is scheduled for Town employees on March 9, 2026, and the next Hands -Only CPR class will be held March 11. The Medical and Diabetic Supplies Take -Back Program remains ongoing. Liv also reported that the Middlesex Essex Public Health Collaborative (MEPHC) purchased a second set of CPR mannequins and designated Reading as the storage site due to frequent local use. Final Comments: Member Kerry Donnell thanked Liv for reviewing the immunization schedule and asked about the Shared Services Collaborative. Ade explained that the Collaborative conducted inspections prior to the hiring of a local health inspector and later provided training support. Liv added that it has also assisted with epidemiological efforts and continues to serve as a regional resource through nurse meetings, an opioid workgroup, and funded professional development trainings. Ade clarified that the MEPHC is a multi -municipality partnership supporting local health departments. Page 1 2 Member Aditya Bengali noted that changes in COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and availability may have influenced local vaccination rates and case trends. Ade acknowledged the elimination of the Endangerment Finding. Richard Lopez explained that the 2009 determination by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified greenhouse gases as threats to public health and climate, and that its elimination could lead to increased fossil fuel use. He emphasized that the State of Massachusetts will continue to rely on scientific evidence in addressing environmental and public health concerns. The Reading Health Department plans to issue a statement expressing concern and reaffirming its commitment to science -based practices and clean air initiatives. Keny supported informing residents about evidence -based policies, and Richard clarified that the matter represents a policy position without immediate local impact. Adjourn: Richard makes a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM. Kevin seconded. Roll call: Kerry, Kevin, Joan, and Richard. Materials used: • Nursing Report Page 1 3