Lynn public meetings in 2023
18 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The council voted 11-0 to confirm Mayor Nicholson's reappointment of Lauren Drago as Associate Planning Director, effective immediately through January 5, 2026. They also accepted minutes from the prior meeting and a committee report allowing porta-potties for a parade. The meeting concluded with recognition of outgoing councilors.
- Confirmed reappointment of Lauren Drago as Associate Planning Director (11-0)
- Accepted minutes of December 12, 2023
- Accepted committee report granting porta-potties at 2 State Street for Richie Viger's People's Parade on December 24, 2023
City Council
The council voted 10-1 to authorize the mayor to execute a development agreement and related tax incentive and easement documents for the South Harbor Project at 830 Lynnway, a multi-phased mixed-use commercial and residential development by SEB Lynn Harbor Property, LLC. The council also approved several ordinances and grants, including creating a Cultural Council, a Disability Commission, and a Problem Property Task Force, all unanimously. Additionally, the council accepted over $6 million in state and federal grants for police, schools, and senior services, and approved a $68,800.75 ARPA allocation for constituent request software.
- Approved development agreement for South Harbor Project at 830 Lynnway (10-1)
- Authorized easement agreements for 830 Lynnway project (10-1)
- Approved sign permit for Greatest Hits Cannabis Company at 100 Ford St. (11-0)
- Created Cultural Council ordinance (11-0)
- Created Disability Commission ordinance (11-0)
- Created Problem Property Task Force ordinance (11-0)
- Accepted $528,321.22 police staffing grant and $5,043,774 SPED IDEA grant (11-0 each)
- Approved $68,800.75 ARPA allocation for constituent request software (11-0)
City Council
The Lynn City Council denied a petition to construct an eight-unit residential building at 201-203 Boston Street, with a 10-0 vote. The council also approved appointments to multiple boards and commissions, accepted several grants and funds, and granted various licenses and permits. All decisions were made with Councilor Lozzi absent.
- Denied petition for 8-unit residential building at 201-203 Boston Street (10-0)
- Approved appointments to Conservation Commission, Council on Aging, Disability Commission, Lynn Cultural Council, and Public Library Board of Trustees
- Approved $350,000 grant for Lynn Commons Historic Fountain Plaza upgrades (10-0)
- Approved $100,000 grant for FY24 E-Machine Program (10-0)
- Approved $27,391.50 grant for youth employment (10-0)
- Approved $400,000 grant for FY24 FC325 TAG Grant (10-0)
- Approved $30,000 ARPA allocation for consulting and outreach services (10-0)
- Approved gift of $3,500 from WIN Innovations for civic events (10-0)
City Council
The Lynn City Council approved several financial transfers and grants, including $589,000 for a police youth initiative grant and $400,000 for Lynn Woods improvements. They also approved appointments to the Water and Sewer Commission and Off-Street Parking Commission, and granted numerous licenses for taxis, auto dealers, and signs. A public hearing for a new restaurant at 414 Broadway was rescheduled to November 28, 2023.
- Approved $589,000 Safe and Successful Youth Initiatives Grant for police (9-0)
- Approved $400,000 DCR grant for Lynn Woods improvements (9-0)
- Approved $60,000 transfer for commercial insurance (9-0)
- Approved $98,000 transfer for parking meter operations (9-0)
- Approved $45,000 transfer for opioid working group (9-0)
- Approved reappointment of Robin Grace to Lynn Water and Sewer Commission (unanimous)
- Approved appointment of Robert Stilian to Off-Street Parking Commission (unanimous)
- Approved 'Art on the Move' public art project with stipulation on signage (9-0)
City Council
The Lynn City Council approved multiple grant certifications, including $1.26 million for the police department's 911 support, $6.77 million for school Title I funding, and $80,000 for Memorial Auditorium upgrades. Three sign permits were granted for businesses at 608 Essex St, 151 Central Ave, and 369 Summer St. The council also set a public hearing for a $4.67 million bond to replace windows and doors at Drewicz Elementary School.
- Approved $1,255,719 police 911 grant (11-0)
- Approved $6,768,210 school Title I grant (11-0)
- Approved $80,000 Memorial Auditorium arts grant (11-0)
- Approved sign permits for Post Quam, Valsos Table and Bar, and Golden Lake Market (all 11-0)
- Set public hearing for $4,668,086 bond for Drewicz Elementary windows and doors
- Approved mutual aid agreement with Swampscott for emergency dispatch and prisoner transport (11-0)
- Re-appointed Robert Nadeau and Rob Smith to Pine Grove Cemetery Commission (both 11-0)
- Granted new livery company license for Royalty Limos LLC and two new livery operator licenses
City Council
The Lynn City Council confirmed mayoral appointments for Parking Director Jessica Chiappini, Public Health Director Lisa Tobin, and a five-year reappointment of CFO Michael Bertino. The council also approved several business licenses and a five-unit row house at 140-151 Shepard St. All votes were 9-0 with two absent.
- Confirmed Jessica Chiappini as Parking Director (9-0)
- Confirmed Lisa Tobin as Public Health Director (9-0)
- Re-appointed Michael Bertino as CFO for five-year term (9-0)
- Approved auto repair license at 106 Oakville St. with 16 stipulations (9-0)
- Approved mobile detail shop at 2 Bickerton St. (9-0)
- Approved five-unit row house at 140-151 Shepard St. (9-0)
- Approved 30+ license renewals and transfers from Licensing Committee
- Approved $391,538 transfer from Rainy Day fund for Broadway ROW project
City Council
The council unanimously allowed Councilor LaPierre to withdraw his motion for reconsideration of a prior eminent domain taking for the Northern Strand Bike to the Sea path. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.
- Withdrew motion for reconsideration of eminent domain for Northern Strand Bike to the Sea (unanimous consent)
City Council
The council approved an order of takings for permanent and temporary easements needed for the Northern Strand On Road Extension to Nahant Beach, a 1.9-mile separated bike lane and shared-use path. The vote was 8-2, with Councilors Colucci and Starbard voting no. A separate order of takings for Broadway improvements was tabled (7-3). The council also confirmed George Potter as DPW Associate Commissioner (10-0) and approved a recreation permit for CMCC at 298 Union Street (10-0).
- Approved order of takings for Northern Strand bike path extension (8-2)
- Tabled order of takings for Broadway reconstruction (7-3)
- Confirmed George Potter as DPW Associate Commissioner (10-0)
- Granted recreation permit for CMCC at 298 Union Street (10-0)
- Approved $1,194,424 transfer for Local 739 labor settlement (10-0)
- Approved $70,938 transfer for Broadway ROW project settlements (10-0)
- Certified $52,920 for Special Needs Camp FY24 Stabilization Grant (10-0)
- Certified $190,042 for School Department CFCE Grant (10-0)
City Council
The council held four public hearings and unanimously approved amendments to ordinances regulating neighborhood block party permits, special event permits, mobile food truck locations, and mobile food vehicle licenses. They also approved the abandonment and conveyance of Cleveland Terrace, accepted committee reports on licenses and grants, and authorized a lease agreement with the MBTA for an emergency egress at the Senior Center.
- Approved amendment to block party permit ordinance (9-0)
- Approved amendment to special event permit ordinance with amendments (9-0)
- Approved amendment to zoning ordinance for mobile food truck locations (9-0)
- Approved amendment to mobile food vehicle license ordinance (9-0)
- Approved abandonment and conveyance of Cleveland Terrace (9-0)
- Granted taxi operator licenses (tabled), auto body/repair/flammable renewals, and canning permit for Lynn Tech Football (committee report accepted)
- Authorized lease agreement with MBTA for emergency egress at 37 Friend Street and release of easement at 55 Friend Street (9-0)
- Certified available funds totaling $617,574.32 for school department grants and police training (9-0)
City Council
The Lynn City Council voted 10-0 to approve the mayor's $445,214,336 budget for fiscal year 2024, including $1,717,591 in free cash. The council also authorized a contract for an ARPA Grants Manager and accepted reports on a litter poster campaign and a National Grid conduit installation.
- Approved $445,214,336 FY2024 budget including $1,717,591 in free cash (10-0)
- Approved contract with Joseph Hustins as ARPA Grants Manager (10-0)
- Accepted report on 2023 City-Wide Litter Poster Campaign winners
- Accepted report granting National Grid conduit installation on Clark Street
- Approved $312,320 transfer from Gannon Enterprise Rev Fund to Gannon expense accounts (10-0)
- Approved displaying litter poster campaign artwork in City Hall foyer (10-0)
City Council
The City Council voted unanimously to adopt Vision Lynn, a comprehensive plan for the city, and approved multiple emergency appropriations including $2.6 million from free cash for an Emergency Response Infrastructure Stabilization Fund to repair fire stations. The council also approved $703,836.68 for opioid stabilization, $700,000 for FICA payroll, $500,000 for OPEB trust, and various transfers to cover salary shortfalls and a snow and ice deficit. All votes were 11-0.
- Adopted Vision Lynn comprehensive plan (11-0)
- Approved $2.6M Emergency Response Infrastructure Stabilization Fund for fire station repairs (11-0)
- Approved $703,836.68 for opioid stabilization (11-0)
- Approved $700,000 to fully fund FICA payroll for FY23 (11-0)
- Approved $500,000 to fund OPEB Trust (11-0)
- Approved $146,123.27 transfer to fund snow and ice deficit (11-0)
- Approved $199,000 to fund 53rd week for next fiscal year (11-0)
- Approved $300,000 to prevent health insurance deficit (11-0)
City Council
The City Council certified a $77,551 immigration grant for the School Department. The council also accepted three gifts for the Senior Center and the city bike path.
- Certified $77,551.00 DESE Title II/A Immigration Grant for School Department (9-0)
- Accepted $1,000.00 gift from North Shore Hellenic Women’s Guild for Senior Center (9-0)
- Accepted food and delivery gift from Tesoro Distributor valued at $1,943.76 for Senior Center (9-0)
- Accepted $2,500.00 gift from North Shore Cycle for bike fix-it station (9-0)
- Permitted DPW to install bike-fix it station along City of Lynn Bike Path/Bike to the Sea (Granted)
- Accepted May 9, 2023 meeting minutes (Motion carried)
City Council
The City Council approved several million-dollar budget transfers, including funds for a bailout bond and various department shortfalls. The council also confirmed the reappointment of the Principal Planning Director and approved several business licenses and property easements.
- Approved $8,053,812.15 to payoff City Bailout Bond Bill (11-0)
- Confirmed reappointment of Aaron Clausen as Principal Planning Director (11-0)
- Approved funding for GAR Hall and Museum improvement project (11-0)
- Accepted $6,800 alarm system gift for GAR Hall and Museum from Wayne Alarm Systems Inc. (11-0)
- Approved temporary easements at 2 State Street for Bike Path/Northern Strand Extension (11-0)
- Authorized MOU with Lynn Community Health Center for children with adverse childhood experiences (11-0)
- Approved $275,000 for Workers Compensation Payroll and $50,000 for ISD rodent control (11-0)
- Set public hearing for FY24 Budget for June 13, 2023 (11-0)
City Council
The City Council elected a new Vice-President and approved several municipal grants and contracts. The council also scheduled public hearings for zoning amendments and passed a resolution requesting MBTA rail electrification.
- Elected Dianna M. Chakoutis as Council Vice-President (9-0)
- Approved $51,480 grant for Fire Department Emergency Management (9-0)
- Approved $15,000 grant for Downtown Lynn Cultural District (9-0)
- Approved $8,000 grant for Local Food Policy Council (9-0)
- Approved $75,000 grant for School Department Project RISE/SIEMER (9-0)
- Approved $5,000 grant for School Department Civics Project Showcase (9-0)
- Authorized 25-year North Shore Public Health Collaborative agreement (9-0)
- Authorized 4-year Stryker Corporation contract for CPR-assist device maintenance (9-0)
City Council
The City Council approved three budget transfers totaling $550,000 to fund fire department overtime, assessor cases, and FAO expenses. The Council also accepted a $33,250 gift from Amundi Asset Management US, Inc for 95 trees and granted multiple business license renewals.
- Approved $475,000 transfer to Fire-PR for overtime (8-0)
- Approved $50,000 transfer to Assessors-Exp for ATB cases (8-0)
- Approved $25,000 transfer to FAO-PR (8-0)
- Accepted $33,250 gift from Amundi Asset Management US, Inc for 95 trees (8-0)
- Appointed Robert Lennon to Pine Grove Cemetery Commission
- Re-appointed Arthur Dulong, Ralph Tyler, and Mary Wright to Pine Grove Cemetery Commission
- Granted new auto repair/flammable license to Willy V. Motorsports, Inc.
- Tabled 30-day taxi operator reviews for Stephen A. Carroll and Wilfredo A. Gonzalez
City Council
The City Council authorized the Mayor to proceed with two Northern Strand bike path and intersection projects. The council also approved several school grants, a class action settlement, and various business licenses.
- Authorized Northern Strand bike path extension to Nahant Beach and Broadway intersection improvements (10-0)
- Authorized class action settlement agreement with TEVA, Allergen, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart (10-0)
- Approved $10,000 and $7,100 DESE grants for the School Department (10-0)
- Authorized MOU between Lynn Public School Department and Play Ball Foundation (10-0)
- Authorized grant from MA Department of Agricultural Resources for Local Food Action Plan (10-0)
- Approved license agreement with Wayne Alarm for 911 Call-Taker Center and Antenna (10-0)
- Appointed Julio Hernandez to the Park Commission (10-0)
- Granted various taxi, livery, and auto repair licenses; denied taxi licenses for Miguel Angel Dias and Arthur Silvia Marcellino
City Council
The City Council approved several emergency fund transfers and certified various grants for the health, police, and planning departments. The council also authorized a five-year contract for police interview room upgrades and approved two carnival fundraisers. Several business license renewals were granted via committee reports.
- Approved 5-year contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc. for police interview room upgrades (10-0)
- Certified $249,300 Mass Cultural Council grant for Lynn Memorial Auditorium (10-0)
- Approved $70,465.96 emergency transfer for tower rental invoices (10-0)
- Approved two carnival fundraisers for Lynn Fireworks Fund at Keaney Park and Federal/Centre St (10-0)
- Approved donation of surplus Fire Equipment, including Jaws of Life, to Ukraine (10-0)
- Approved Pluto Cannabis Company to take over location at 193 Oxford St (10-0)
- Re-appointed Dan Small as Tree Warden (10-0)
- Re-appointed Steve Martin to Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development Board (10-0)
City Council
The City Council approved a $7.18M reclassification for school airflow upgrades and certified several grants for fire, police, and school departments. The council also authorized a new pump station at 21 River Street and approved a change to the voter registration deadline.
- Approved $7,180,898 reclassification for school airflow upgrades (11-0)
- Approved installation of new Camden Street Pump Station at 21 River St (11-0)
- Approved change to voter registration deadline from Saturday to Thursday (11-0)
- Certified $633,534 in FEMA grants for the Fire Department (11-0)
- Certified $133,087 in grants for Police, Planning, and School departments (11-0)
- Approved bid award to 2LIFE Development Inc. for Marshall Middle School (11-0)
- Granted abandonment of a portion of Circle Avenue (11-0)
- Appointed Steven Babbitt to the Pine Grove Cemetery Commission (11-0)