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.
Contents
🗓️ Board of Health Meeting Summary
📅 Date: August 14, 2025
⏱️ Duration: ~35 minutes
🖥️ Format: Zoom Only
👤 Chair: Richard Lopez
🧩 Main Topics: 🐾 Wildlife regulation update, 🐀 Rodent control program, 🚉 MBTA engagement, 🗳️ Board reorganization, 🩺 Department updates
🔹 Call to Order and Roll Call
🕒 6:04–6:39
- Meeting called to order by Chair Richard Lopez.
- Roll call: Sal Bramante, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, Aditya Bengali, and Richard Lopez present.
- New member Aditya Bengali welcomed; brief introductions made by board and staff.
- Staff present: Ade Solarin (Public Health Director), Liv Bartolomei (Public Health Nurse), Haley Morphy (Admin).
🔹 Approval of Minutes (June 13, 2025)
🕒 13:38–14:28
- No edits noted.
- Motion to approve passed unanimously.
🔹 Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
🕒 14:28–14:38
- No public attendees or comments.
🔹 Feeding of Wildlife Regulation Update
🕒 14:44–18:35
- Regulation was approved in June with a revision to Section 26.3C, reducing response time from 7 days to 2 days.
- Town Counsel confirmed the amendment is reasonable.
- Next steps: publish summary in local newspaper and submit final copy to Town Clerk.
- Minor typos identified and will be corrected before publication:
- “Raccoon” spelling corrected.
- “Seed debris” clarified in Section 26.41E.
- “Constructed” corrected to “construed” in Section 26.6.
🔹 Rodent Control Program Update
🕒 18:41–21:08
- Program expanded from 15 to 50 smart boxes using additional funding from April Town Meeting.
- 294 catches recorded since January.
- Deployment includes Pinevale area and adjustments based on DPW construction.
- Complaints have decreased; targeted deployments have resolved specific issues.
🔹 MBTA Engagement Update
🕒 21:13–22:38
- Preliminary meeting held with MBTA and Reading delegation.
- Public engagement sessions planned for early September (remote and in-person).
- MBTA will return to Select Board with refined plans and file a Notice of Intent with Conservation Commission.
- Delegation pushing for transparency and frequent resident engagement.
🔹 Board Reorganization
🕒 23:36–26:26
- Annual reorganization per town bylaws.
- Chair: Richard Lopez re-elected unanimously.
- Vice Chair: Initially deferred due to Kerry Dunnell’s absence, but she joined later and was re-elected unanimously.
🔹 Department Updates
🕒 26:29–32:00
Ade Solarin (Public Health Director)
- June: 14 food inspections, 3 camp, 3 pool, 4 food complaints, 8 nuisance, 1 housing complaint, 1 temp food permit.
- July: 15 food inspections, 4 pool, 4 nuisance, 1 housing, 1 foodborne illness investigation.
- All 18 keeping-of-animals permits renewed.
- MEPC coordinator position vacant; interviews underway.
- September agenda items proposed:
- Final vote on dumpster regulation
- New haulers regulation
- Fee schedule update
Liv Bartolomei (Public Health Nurse)
- July Disease Report:
- Flu: <5 cases
- COVID: 16 cases (Stratus variant rising)
- Lyme disease increasing; tick kits available at Town Hall
- Blood Pressure Screenings:
- New location: Reading Public Library (3rd Mondays at 2:30 PM)
- Other locations: Frank Tanner and Pleasant Street Center
- Awareness Topics:
- 🍼 Breastfeeding Awareness Month
- 👁️ Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month
- Fall Vaccine Clinics:
- 📍 Coolidge Middle School: Sept 26, Oct 17, Nov 7 (2–5 PM)
- Medical Supply Takeback Program continues to be popular.
🔹 Additional Notes
🕒 32:06–33:18
- Free COVID test kits still available at Town Hall.
- Liv’s work aligns with Community Health Improvement Plan; future meetings will include structured reporting on progress toward goals.
🔹 Adjournment
🕒 36:44–37:09
- Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.
- Next meeting scheduled for September.
✅ Key Outcomes
- 🐾 Wildlife regulation finalized with 2-day response time; minor edits to be made before publication.
- 🐀 Rodent control program expanded and showing positive results.
- 🚉 MBTA engagement progressing with public sessions planned.
- 🗳️ Board reorganization completed: Richard Lopez as Chair, Kerry Dunnell as Vice Chair.
- 🩺 Department updates show continued inspections, community outreach, and planning for fall initiatives.
