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 18, 2025
⏱️ Duration: ~15 minutes
🖥️ Format: Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
👤 Chair: Richard Lopez
🧩 Main Topic: Tobacco sales permit transfer approval for 1330 Main Street
🔹 Call to Order and Roll Call
🕒 10:10–10:28
- Meeting called to order at 6:04 PM by Chair Richard Lopez.
- Roll call: Carrie Dunnell, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez present.
- Purpose: Special meeting to review and approve transfer of tobacco sales permit for Mobile Gas Station at 1330 Main Street.
🔹 Background & Request
🕒 10:32–11:38
- Health Director Ade Solarin explained:
- 1330 Main LLC purchased the Mobile gas station yesterday.
- All required permits (lottery, dumpster, etc.) obtained except tobacco permit.
- Waiting until January for approval would cause financial hardship.
- Representatives requested immediate approval for permit transfer.
🔹 Applicant Presentation
🕒 11:49–15:28
- Owners: Ranken Patel and Ankit Kumar Patel.
- Key points:
- Own other gas station/convenience store locations in Massachusetts; first in Reading.
- Fully aware of Reading’s Nicotine-Free Generation regulation (no sales to anyone born after Jan 1, 2004).
- Employees trained on compliance; signage already posted.
- POS system requires ID scanning for all tobacco purchases; software configured for birthdate verification.
- Products currently covered and not sold until permit approval.
🔹 Compliance Confirmation
🕒 16:32–16:55
- Health Department confirmed:
- Site visit completed by Tobacco Compliance Officer.
- Owners educated on local regulations.
- Change of ownership filed with Town Clerk.
- All requirements met.
🔹 Board Discussion & Motion
🕒 17:06–18:20
- Motion: Approve transfer of tobacco sales permit to 1330 Main LLC, effective immediately.
- Amendment: Permit activation upon meeting adjournment.
- Motion passed unanimously:
- Carrie Dunnell, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, and Richard Lopez voted Yes.
🔹 Adjournment
🕒 18:46–19:12
- Motion to adjourn approved unanimously.
- Board and applicants exchanged holiday greetings.
✅ Key Outcome
- Tobacco sales permit transfer for 1330 Main Street approved and activated immediately.
- Owners confirmed compliance with Reading’s tobacco regulations and ID verification requirements.
