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Home My WebLink About2026-01-08 Board of Health Minutesoa o R Town of Reading g� Meeting Minutes t�it s 6JJINCOPO� �� Board - Committee - commission - Council: Board of Health Date: 2026-01-08 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Virtual Location: Zoom Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Meeting- Remote Session Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: It i Chair Richard Lopez, Kerry Dunnell Kevin Sexton, loan Wetzel, and Sal Bramante, Aditya Bengali Members - Not Present: Sophie Hansen Others Present: Health Director Ade Solarin,Haley Murphy, Olivia Bartolomei, 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, Sal Bramante, Kerry Dunnell, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez Chair Richard Lopez reviews tonight's agenda: introduce the new health inspector, review minutes from November and December meetings, public comment, discuss community fridge for First Baptist Church, and monthly department updates. Introduction Health Director Ade Solaria introduced Zerihun Ayele as the new Health Inspector for the Town of Reading. Zerihun previously served as a Health Inspector for the City of Medford and brings a strong background in public health and environmental health inspections. Zerihun expressed enthusiasm for joining the department and contributing to the promotion of the community's health and safety. Minutes Aooroval: Keay Dunnell noted a spelling correction in the November 24, 2025, meeting minutes, clarifying that "peer associates" should read "pear associates,". Liv's name should be removed from the "Members Not Present" section of the December 8 and December 18 meeting minutes. Richard made a motion to approve the minutes for November 24, December 8, and December 18 as amended. The motion was seconded by Kevin Sexton. Roll call: Sal, Kerry, Kevin, Joan, and Richard. Page I 1 Public Comment: None First Baptist Church — Community Church Frid¢e Health Director Ade Solarin presented a proposal from First Baptist Church at 45 Woburn Street to install an outdoor community refrigerator to reduce food insecurity and food waste. He noted that about 200 community refrigerators operate statewide and that there are currently no specific Department of Public Health or Town of Reading regulations governing them. Ade explained that Board approval would require establishing food safety guidelines, including placement on a non -porous surface, a dedicated electrical outlet, weather protection, adequate lighting and monitoring, temperature monitoring, and designation of a responsible individual. The Board would also need to determine allowable food items, recommending whole, fresh foods and factory -packaged or commercially prepared items, while discouraging expired, repackaged, or unlabeled foods. Oversight would rest with the designated individual, not the Board of Health, and the church would be required to submit a Board -approved standard operating procedure. Chair Richard Lopez noted that community refrigerators differ from traditional food pantries because they allow perishable foods in an outdoor setting, creating additional risk. He stated that many municipalities have adopted guidelines rather than outright approvals or denials and emphasized that the Board and Health Department would retain authority to shut down the refrigerator if necessary. Board members discussed food safety, risk, and liability concerns. Sal Bramante raised issues related to allergens, temperature control, sanitation, labeling, food sourcing, pest control, and access controls. Kevin Sexton expressed concern about unresolved questions and potential liability and recommended reviewing how other municipalities handle similar programs. Keay Dunnell stated she was not prepared to approve or deny the proposal without more information. Aditya Bengali suggested that continuous monitoring and layered safeguards could mitigate risks. Joan Wetzel voiced support for the concept's benefits but emphasized the need for clear safety guidance and noted that individuals with allergies may self- select out. The Board discussed possible parallels to the Cottage Food Law and the use of disclaimers, waivers, or signage noting Board of Health non-involvement, as well as consulting Town Counsel and considering access controls. The Board directed staff to research other municipalities' approaches, consult Town Counsel regarding liability, and seek guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Staff will notify First Baptist Church that the proposal remains under review. Kerry will reach out to professional colleagues statewide, and Ade will explore whether elements of the Cottage Food Law could inform a potential regulatory framework. Health Department Monthly Report & Nursing Report: Ade Solaria reported on housing and permitting activity, noting that 12 housing complaints were investigated, approximately 15 temporary food permits were issued, and staff efforts focused on permit renewals and filling the Health Inspector position. Public Health Nurse Liv Bartolomei reported 25 COVID-19 cases and 135 influenza cases, with norovirus cases notably elevated in the prior month. She emphasized continued public health guidance, including handwashing, safe food preparation, surface disinfection, and staying home when ill. Liv also announced upcoming January blood pressure screenings scheduled for January 8 at the Pleasant Street Senior Center, January 15 at Frank Tanner, and January 26 at the Reading Public Library. She highlighted January observances, including Thyroid Awareness Month, National Blood Donor Month, and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Blood donation opportunities will be available through Good Samaritan Lodge on January 6, 15, and 29 at 110 Haven Street. Additionally, Hands -Only CPR classes will be offered throughout the year in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The Health Department continues to operate the medical and diabetic supplies take - back program. Page 12 Chair Richard Lopez reviewed vaccination data, noting that Reading's influenza vaccination rate is approximately 49%, compared to a statewide average of 33-34%, and COVID-19 vaccination rates are about 30% locally versus 15% statewide. He questioned whether additional influenza clinics are needed given current trends. Liv reported that a school -based vaccination clinic is scheduled for January 23 at Coolidge Middle School. Kevin asked whether Reading's rates were low, and Richard clarified that the Town's typical vaccination rates are higher, usually in the 70- 75% range. Health Director Ade Solarin reported that the Shared Services Collaborative Coordinator position has been filled and that the coordinator will be introduced at a future meeting. He also stated that he will present a proposed fee schedule increase to the Select Board at the Town Manager's request. Ade added that the Health Department is negotiating a new Animal Control contract and amending the Private Well regulations, with updates to be provided as work continues. Richard Lopez called the meeting to adjourn at 7:58 PM. Joan seconded. Roll call: Sal Bramante, Kerry Donnell, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez Materials used: • Nursing Report Page 1 3