🩺 Board of Health 6-12-25 AI Recap

Below is a summarized version of the Board of Health meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.

🗓️ Board of Health Meeting Summary

Date: June 12, 2025
Duration: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Format: Zoom Only
Chair: Richard Lopez
Main Topics: Wildlife feeding regulation, dumpster regulation, department updates, and board member acknowledgment.

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🔹 Call to Order and Roll Call

🕒 4:34–9:12

• Meeting began with discussion about quorum and voting procedures.
• Kerry arrived, establishing quorum.
• Roll call: Geri Cramer, Kerry Dunnell, Sophie Hansen, Kevin Sexton, and Richard Lopez present.
• Agenda overview included minutes approval, wildlife feeding regulation, dumpster regulation, and department updates.

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🔹 Approval of Minutes (May 29, 2025)

🕒 11:36–13:36

• Minor edits noted: correction of Geri’s name and missing roll call for adjournment.
• Motion to approve with edits passed unanimously.

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🔹 Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)

🕒 13:36–13:48

• No public comments received.

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🔹 Feeding of Wildlife Regulation

🕒 13:53–58:56

• Reviewed final draft of regulation with edits from Town Counsel.
• Key changes:
  • Definition of wildlife clarified to include undomesticated and unrestrained animals, rodents, and fowl.
  • Consistency in timelines: Board voted to change the 7-day cleanup requirement to 48 hours for consistency and enforcement clarity.
  • Discussion on intent: Board debated whether to retain language about intent and its legal implications.
  • Decision: Adopt regulation with 48-hour change; Town Counsel to review necessity of intent clause for future amendment.

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🔹 Dumpster Regulation

🕒 59:02–1:09:04

• Reviewed clean copy of updated regulation.
• Key points:
  • Refuse hauler permit clause to be removed and addressed in a separate regulation.
  • Construction/demolition dumpsters exempted from lid requirement unless food waste is present.
  • Typos corrected and clarification added regarding non-food dumpsters.
• Final vote deferred to next meeting for additional edits and review.

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🔹 Department Updates

🕒 1:09:19–1:24:08

Ade Solarin (Public Health Director)

• No updates on MBTA sound study or rodent control contract.

Amelia Sellitto (Public Health Inspector)

• 20 routine inspections completed.
• Temporary food event inspections conducted.
• Complaints addressed: fish odor at Market Basket, dog waste, trash, and pool disrepair.
• Pool inspections completed for all complexes.
• Attended housing and septic system trainings; praised mental health first aid training.

Liv Bartolomei (Public Health Nurse)

• Disease report: COVID cases down, Lyme disease cases up.
• Promoted tick safety and awareness.
• Upcoming blood pressure screenings scheduled.
• June awareness campaigns: PTSD, Alzheimer’s, Pride Month, and Men’s Health.
• Promoted July event on medicinal herbs and ongoing medical supply donation program.
• Announced participation in Reading Friends and Family Day with impairment simulation activities.

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🔹 Board Member Acknowledgment

🕒 1:20:26–1:24:08

• Geri Cramer recognized for five years of service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Board expressed appreciation and farewell wishes.

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🔹 Adjournment

🕒 1:24:08–1:24:48

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
• Next meeting scheduled for August unless urgent matters arise.

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✅ Key Outcomes

• Wildlife Feeding Regulation adopted with a 48-hour cleanup requirement; intent clause to be reviewed by Town Counsel.
• Dumpster Regulation edits approved; final vote deferred to August.
• Department Updates highlighted proactive inspections, community outreach, and staff training.
• Geri Cramer’s departure acknowledged with gratitude for her service.