LYNN — The Lynn City Council met for the first time in the 2026 calendar year on Tuesday evening.
The Council approved a motion to set down a public hearing for amending the ordinance that, at the time, was from when cannabis was still unlawful and prohibited the sale of drug paraphernalia in the city of Lynn.
Attorney James Lamanna went on to explain that, at the request of Public Health Director Lisa Tobin and North Shore Cape Ann Tobacco Policy Program Director Joyce Redford, they looked at other cities and towns and put together an ordinance that “modernizes it up to 2026 according to our health department,” he said.
Lamanna added, “There have been a lot of new substances and new paraphernalia that show up at convenience stores [that] often try to get around the rules with respect to flavored tobacco and paraphernalia. So, they believe that this ordinance will be an effective tool for them moving forward.”
The Council also voted unanimously to appoint Andreina Granado to the Board of Public Health, as well as Ted Smith, Magnolia Contreras, and Charles Gaeta to the Redevelopment Authority Board, and Fredrick Hogan, who was also appointed to the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC), as well.
“At this time, I just like to thank Mayor Jared Nicholson and James Cowdell from EDIC,” Hogan said. “Both of these positions I’m going to take very seriously and work really hard. With a lot of redevelopment going on in Ward 6, these are key positions to be on, and with the economic development in the city and trying to make things get more businesses in here, we’re going to work really hard, and I’m very honored to accept these positions.”
The Council also had a unanimous vote to consider Stanley Wortring under consideration for the Human Rights Commission. Wortring, who is currently a public administration student at Southern New Hampshire University, has extensive experience in security, administration, and public service, including as a legislative intern for Massachusetts State Rep. Sean Reed
“I’m a Lynn resident with a strong commitment to public service, equity, and community advocacy,” Wortring said.
He added, “I’m interested in serving on the Lynn Human Rights Commission, because I believe human rights work starts at the local level by showing up, listening, and helping to ensure that every resident of Lynn feels protected, respected, and heard. I would be honored to contribute my experience, perspective, and commitment to advancing equity in our city.”
The meeting began with a moment of silence and remembrance for members of the Lynn community, including Vincent Lozzi, retired Lieutenant of the Lynn Fire Department and former Lynn City Councilor and Massachusetts State Representative, who passed away on January 11, as well as the family of Christine Elaine (Hoffman) McCarriston, who passed away on January 8 and was both a Librarian and ESL coach in the Lynn Public Schools for 30 years. They also remembered former Lynn Fire Department Lieutenant Don Sullivan, who served for 30 years and passed away on January 9, as did Neil Wilson Dunlop, whose family was also honored, in addition to the family of John Coleman Walsh, who passed on December 27, and the family of Peter Costas Loomos of Lynnfield, who passed on December 20.
