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
🗓️ Reading Board of Health Meeting Summary
📅 Date: December 8, 2025
⏱️ Duration: ~20 minutes
🖥️ Format: Zoom Only
👤 Chair: Richard Lopez
🧩 Main Topic: Tobacco sales permit transfer approval for 87 Walkers Brook Drive
🔹 Call to Order and Roll Call
🕒 6:55–7:31
- Meeting called to order by Chair Richard Lopez.
- Roll call: Adi Bengali, Sal Bramante, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez present.
- Sophie Hansen and Kerry Dunnell expected but not present.
- Special meeting convened to address a time-sensitive permit transfer request.
🔹 Purpose of Meeting
🕒 7:38–8:47
- Health Director Ade Solarin explained:
- Kabla LLC seeks to purchase the property and business at 87 Walkers Brook Drive (gas station and convenience store).
- Current owner holds a valid tobacco sales permit.
- Town regulations allow permit transfer to a bona fide purchaser with Board of Health approval.
- Closing scheduled for December 16, 2025; board does not typically meet in December, hence special meeting.
🔹 Applicant Presentation
🕒 9:01–12:28
- Attorney Sasha Meyer (for Kabla LLC) summarized:
- Purchase includes property, business, and all assets.
- Permit application submitted earlier today with required documentation.
- Request: Board approval to transfer tobacco sales permit upon closing.
- Representatives present:
- James Hall (General Counsel)
- Mario Vendettelli (Director of Operations)
- John Russell (Shareholder)
🔹 Board Questions & Applicant Responses
🕒 12:34–18:22
- Compliance History:
- Kabla Enterprises operates ~60 locations in Massachusetts (Season Corner Market and Shell Food Mart brands).
- No tobacco violations reported in recent years.
- Preventive Measures:
- Mandatory ID scanning for all tobacco purchases; no exceptions.
- Familiar with Reading’s Nicotine-Free Generation rule (no sales to anyone born after Jan 1, 2004); system adjustments will be made as needed.
- Future Plans:
- Facility upgrades planned over the next few years.
🔹 Board Discussion & Motion
🕒 18:31–25:20
- Board agreed to conditionally approve the permit transfer, contingent upon:
- Completion of the property sale and transfer of funds.
- Notification to Health Director once transaction is finalized.
- Filing of official change of ownership documentation with the Town Clerk.
- Motion passed unanimously:
- Sal Bramante, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez voted Yes.
🔹 Adjournment
🕒 25:28–25:59
- Meeting adjourned after confirming next steps.
- Board and applicants exchanged holiday greetings.
✅ Key Outcome
- Tobacco sales permit transfer for 87 Walkers Brook Drive approved conditionally, effective upon completion of sale and required notifications/documentation.
