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.
- 📋 Summary
- 📑 Agenda Overview
- 🗳 Discussion & Vote – Meeting Minutes Approval
- 🗣️ Public Comment
- 📢 Public Hearing & Vote
- 🏢 Administrator / Manager Report
- 🏢 Administrator / Manager Report – Policy Update
- 🏢 Administrator / Manager Report – Highlights
- 🩺 Public Health Nurse Report
- ✅ Meeting Minutes Approved
- 🔑 Key Summary
📅 February 12, 2026 Reading Board of Health Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:05:29
⏰ Meeting End: 00:48:12
💻 Format: Remote
👤 Chair: Richard Lopez
👥 Attendees: Richard Lopez, Kerry Dunnell, Aditya Bengali, Sal Bramante, Sophie Hansen, Kevin Sexton, Joan Wetzel, Adetokunbo Solarin, Liv Bartolomei, Haley Murphy
📋 Summary
The Reading Board of Health convened a relatively short February meeting that included approval of prior meeting minutes, an administrative hearing related to a tobacco sales violation, and regular department updates. The Board approved January 8, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously and noted the absence of public comment.
A formal administrative hearing addressed a first-time tobacco violation at West Street Mobile Mart, resulting in confirmation of a mandatory three-day tobacco license suspension following payment of a $1,000 fine. The meeting concluded with detailed updates from the Health Director and Public Health Nurse, including January operational statistics, seasonal illness trends, community health programming, and discussion of a forthcoming health department statement regarding federal environmental policy changes.
📑 Agenda Overview
| ⏰ Start Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:05:29 | Call to Order & Roll Call |
| 00:07:06 | Approval of January 8, 2026 Minutes |
| 00:07:40 | Public Comment |
| 00:07:49 | Administrative Hearing – Tobacco Violation |
| 00:26:46 | Health Director Report |
| 00:28:29 | Public Health Nurse Report |
| 00:39:04 | Board Discussion & Updates |
| 00:47:29 | Adjournment |
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Meeting Minutes Approval
⏰ 00:07:06 – 00:07:40
👤 Presenter(s): Richard Lopez
Overview
Review and approval of January 8, 2026 Board of Health meeting minutes.
Vote
✅ Approved
Vote Count: 4–0–0
🗣️ Public Comment
⏰ 00:07:40 – 00:07:49
👤 Presenter(s): None
No in-person or remote public comment.
📢 Public Hearing & Vote
⏰ 00:07:49 – 00:25:19
👤 Presenter(s): Richard Lopez, Adetokunbo Solarin, Compliance Officer (Maren), Store Representative (West Street Mobile Mart)
Applicant
West Street Mobile Mart
Proposal / Issue
Administrative hearing regarding a first-time tobacco sales violation involving sale of a nicotine product to a minor during a compliance check on January 12, 2026.
Key Points
- Violation occurred during a supervised compliance check using a trained youth buyer.
- $1,000 fine was paid prior to the hearing.
- Mandatory three-day tobacco license suspension applies for first violations under local regulation.
- Store representative expressed concern that the suspension was not clearly stated in the notification letter.
- Board and staff acknowledged the omission and agreed future letters would be clarified.
- Compliance procedures, ID scanning systems, employee training, and safety concerns were discussed.
- State policy no longer allows inspectors to immediately notify stores after a violation due to youth safety concerns.
Vote / Outcome
✅ Hearing concluded; violation upheld
Mandatory three-day suspension to be scheduled in coordination with the Health Department.
🏢 Administrator / Manager Report
⏰ 00:26:46 – 00:28:29
👤 Presenter(s): Adetokunbo Solarin
🚨 Public Safety
- January included severe weather impacts, pipe bursts, and multiple fires.
- One firefighter injured in a residential fire was reported to be in recovery.
🏗 Operations & Inspections
- 6 housing complaint inspections; 1 condemnation for unfit habitation.
- 4 solid waste inspections.
- 15 food establishment inspections and 2 re-inspections.
- 1 foodborne illness investigation.
- 15 temporary food events.
- 2 restaurant ownership changes.
- 3 body art inspections.
📌 Agenda Note
- Baptist church withdrew its request for an outdoor refrigerator, removing the item from discussion.
🏢 Administrator / Manager Report – Policy Update
⏰ 00:40:27 – 00:46:59
👤 Presenter(s): Adetokunbo Solarin
Overview
The Health Director briefed the Board on a draft departmental statement responding to federal action rescinding the 2009 “endangerment finding” related to greenhouse gases and public health.
Key Discussion Points
- The statement aligns with Massachusetts Department of Public Health leadership affirming science-based public health policy.
- Board members generally supported issuing the statement from the Health Department.
- Discussion acknowledged the topic may be controversial outside the public health field but appropriate for departmental communication.
- No formal Board vote was required as the statement would be issued administratively.
🏢 Administrator / Manager Report – Highlights
⏰ 00:26:46 – 00:39:04
👤 Presenter(s): Adetokunbo Solarin
- Continued benefit from the Middlesex Essex Public Health Collaborative for inspections, nursing support, training, and regional coordination.
- Collaborative provided staffing support during inspector shortages and ongoing professional development resources.
🩺 Public Health Nurse Report
⏰ 00:28:29 – 00:39:04
👤 Presenter(s): Liv Bartolomei
Health Trends
- January totals: 66 flu cases, 30 COVID-19 cases.
- COVID cases higher than January 2025; vaccine access and eligibility discussed as possible factors.
Community Health Programs
- February blood pressure screenings scheduled at senior center, library, and community locations.
- Vision van scheduled for March 9 at Town Hall for employee eye exams.
- Hands-only CPR class scheduled for March 11.
- New CPR training mannequins acquired through the regional collaborative.
Public Health Messaging
- Massachusetts DPH guidance to follow American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedules.
- February observances highlighted: National Heart Month, Low Vision Awareness Month, Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month.
- Ongoing medical supply and diabetic equipment take-back program.
✅ Meeting Minutes Approved
⏰ 00:07:06 – 00:07:40
👤 Presenter(s): Richard Lopez
January 8, 2026 Minutes: Approved as presented.
🔑 Key Summary
- January 8, 2026 Board of Health minutes were approved unanimously.
- No public comment was received.
- A first-time tobacco violation at West Street Mobile Mart was upheld, confirming a mandatory three-day tobacco license suspension.
- The Board acknowledged and directed correction of incomplete language in violation notification letters.
- January health department operations included inspections, one housing condemnation, fire response, and food safety oversight.
- Seasonal illness data showed increased COVID-19 cases compared to last year.
- The Health Department plans to issue a science-based policy statement responding to recent federal environmental regulatory changes.
