Pittsfield public meetings in 2025

Licensing Board

The Pittsfield Licensing Board will approve 2025 Alcohol License Renewals and a seasonal population increase. The meeting includes public hearings for several businesses seeking to change license categories or ownership.

• Approval of 2025 Alcohol License Renewals
• Approval of Seasonal Population increase for 2025
• Public hearing: Peaslee's Package & Variety (1 Wilson Street)
• Public hearing: Barrington Stage Company (36 Linden Street)
• Public hearing: Hot Plate Brewing Co. (3 School Street)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will hear a progress update on a Trust-funded project on Dewey Avenue from Marvin Purry and Tony Jackson. The board will also approve minutes from its November 5 meeting.

• Marvin Purry and Tony Jackson will discuss progress of a Trust-funded project on Dewey Avenue and other housing and community projects

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet to approve routine items including previous meeting minutes, monthly financial reports, expense warrants, and membership changes. The board will also review medical panel certificates for Brenna Dorr and Gary Traversa. The agenda consists entirely of procedural matters.

• Approve monthly financial reports
• Approve monthly expense warrants
• Approve new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers
• Review medical panel certificates for Brenna Dorr
• Review medical panel certificates for Gary Traversa

Council on Aging

The Pittsfield Council on Aging will meet to approve minutes, hear reports from the chair and director, and review finances. New business includes discussing the Berkshire United Way Emergency Response Fund, lock boxes, and rep payees. Old business covers a security system audit.

• Discussion of Berkshire United Way Emergency Response Fund
• Discussion of lock boxes
• Discussion of rep payees
• Security system audit review

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority announces proposed changes to its Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for Federal Public Housing and its Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The changes affect how applicants are selected and prioritized on waiting lists. A 45-day public comment period begins immediately, with final approval by the PHA Board of Commissioners after consideration of comments.

• Proposed changes to admissions preferences for Federal Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs
• 45-day public comment period starting December 17, 2025
• Written comments may be submitted to PHA for consideration before Board approval

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three matters: an appeal of a building inspector decision regarding alleged commercial activity in an R-43 district at 322 Cascade Street, a variance request for driveway setbacks at 809 North Street for a professional office, and a special permit application to allow retail marijuana sales at an existing cultivation facility at 71 Downing Parkway. The board will also approve minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting.

• Jennifer Downs and Dennis Carney appeal of building inspector decision at 322 Cascade Street for commercial activity in R-43 district
• Giardina & Bresett variance from driveway setback requirements at 809 North Street for professional office
• J-BAM, Jason Boze special permit for recreational retail marijuana at existing cultivation facility at 71 Downing Parkway

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Pittsfield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two petitions. One seeks a special permit to allow adult-use retail marijuana at an existing cultivation facility at 71 Downing Parkway. The other requests a variance from driveway setback requirements for a professional office at 809 North Street.

• Special permit by J-BAM, Inc. for recreational adult-use retail marijuana at 71 Downing Parkway (I-G district)
• Variance by Giardina & Bresett to relieve driveway setbacks for a professional office at 809 North Street (R-M district)
• Both hearings scheduled for December 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will hold a regular meeting on December 16, 2025. Items for discussion and possible approval include lease abatements and extensions, a terminal area study, runway lighting improvements, and a proposed change giving the airport manager authority over lease agreements. The meeting is open to the public with remote participation options.

• Discussion and approval of Hangar 14 lease rent abatement
• Discussion and approval of hangars 3, 8 and 11 lease extension
• Discussion and approval of terminal area study
• Discussion and approval of proposed REILS (Runway End Identifier Lights) on runways 08, 14 and 32
• Discussion and approval of airport manager authority over lease agreements

Community Development Board

The board will hold public hearings on three site plan requests: an amendment to allow marijuana cultivation and retail at 71 Downing Parkway, a temporary ice skating rink at 105 Wahconah Street, and demolition of structures including the grandstand at Wahconah Park. It will also discuss the Master Plan under new business. Additionally, two determinations that subdivision approval is not required will be considered for properties at 1107 Barker Road and 35 Chapman Road.

• Site plan review for marijuana cultivation and retail amendment at 71 Downing Parkway (J-Bam, Inc.)
• Site plan review for temporary ice skating rink at 105 Wahconah Street within Floodplain District
• Site plan review to demolish structures including grandstand at Wahconah Park (105 Wahconah Street)
• Determination that subdivision approval is not required for 1107 Barker Road (David Halley)
• Determination that subdivision approval is not required for 35 Chapman Road (Eyal Shapira)

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority is holding a public comment and listening session to receive oral statements and feedback on matters related to PHA housing operations. The meeting is separate from the Board of Commissioners meeting and is intended to provide extended time for residents to voice concerns. Speakers are limited to three minutes and must have previously communicated their matter to the Executive Director.

• Public comment and listening session on PHA housing operations
• Meeting at Rose Manor Community Room, 193 Elberon Avenue
• Speakers limited to 3 minutes; matters must have been previously communicated to Executive Director

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority Board will consider several votes, including accepting a board resignation, appointing a new treasurer, approving a state‑aided property insurance agreement, presenting the FY 2026 budget, and authorizing write‑offs totaling $232,464.75. A change order for accessible handrails at Wilson Park will also be discussed.

• Accept resignation of Brian Morrison (Board vote)
• Appoint David Pill as Treasurer and community‑preservation committee member (Board vote)
• Approve 2025 State‑Aided Property Insurance Program Billing and Participation Agreement (Board vote)
• Authorize write‑offs of State accounts ($149,768.74) and Federal accounts ($82,695.73) (Board vote)
• Discuss change order for Wilson Park stairs/handrails (Board vote)

Parks Commission

The Pittsfield Parks Commission will hold a meeting on December 16, 2025. They will consider a park event request for the Berkshire County Out of the Darkness Walk in September 2026, and discuss a Negotiating Rights Agreement with the Pittsfield Suns. Reports from Recreation and Parks/Long-Range Management will be presented.

• Park event request: Berkshire County Out of the Darkness Walk, The Common, September 19, 2026, 7:30am-1pm
• New Business: Negotiating Rights Agreement with Pittsfield Suns
• Reports from Recreation (Jennifer VanBramer) and Parks/Long-Range Management (Jim McGrath)
• Review of November 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public Comment period

School Committee

The Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee will meet in executive session. The body will conduct collective bargaining with several staff bargaining units.

• Collective bargaining session with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants', Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) Board

The board will vote on the August 2025 meeting minutes, Q3 2025 financials, and the preliminary 2026 budget. Updates will be provided on the Site 9 redevelopment project, including the amended ERE and ANR approval, and on the MassDOT CDL training site lease.

• Approval of August 7, 2025 meeting minutes (VOTE)
• Q3 2025 Financial Report (VOTE)
• Preliminary 2026 PEDA Budget (VOTE)
• Site 9 redevelopment: amended ERE update, plan recorded, ANR for Lot 1 approved, Keller final pay application invoiced
• MassDOT leasing eastern half of parking lot across from BIC for CDL road skills test site

Commission on Disabilities

The Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities will discuss updates on traffic signals, sidewalk repairs, and parking compliance. The group will also address community concerns regarding restaurant access and building inspections.

• Update on signals at Center and Columbus Avenues
• Repair of East Street crosswalk button for wheelchair access
• Update on Tyler Street improvements
• Review of HP parking signs and spaces at City Hall
• Complaint about Burlington Coat Factory aisle width

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to review multiple Notice of Intent and Request for Determination applications. The body will discuss various land use projects, including group home construction and pond maintenance. A vote is scheduled regarding the use of Conservation Land at Wahconah Park for an ice rink.

• Vote to allow Conservation Land at Wahconah Park to be used for an ice rink
• Notice of Intent for construction of two group homes on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc.
• Notice of Intent for demolition of structures at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street
• Notice of Intent for aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond by the Town of Richmond
• Notice of Intent for dredging of Parker Pond at 669 Churchill Street

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold eight public hearings under the Wetlands Protection Act on December 11, 2025. The most significant item is a Notice of Intent to demolish existing structures at Wahconah Park, a public historic ballpark. Other items include drainage improvements on Cobblestone Cove, substrate redistribution at Burbank Park boat launch, and several residential property modifications. The hearings begin at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers.

• Demolition of structures at Wahconah Park (105 Wahconah Street), applicant City of Pittsfield
• Drainage improvements on Cobblestone Cove (Map E5, Block 1, Lots 11, 201, 202, 301), applicant City of Pittsfield
• Redistribution of substrate at Burbank Park boat launch (Map E11, Block 1, Lot 1), applicant City of Pittsfield
• Removal of dead trees at 101 Blythewood Drive (Map D11, Block 2, Lot 101), applicant Todd Driscoll
• Replacement of deck and fence at 60 Kenwood Street (Map J8, Block 20, Lot 245), applicant Matthew St. George

Cultural Council

The Pittsfield Cultural Council will review November meeting minutes, discuss an applicant's final report, and review appeals of denial letters. The main action is a vote on the amounts to be awarded to grantees.

• Review and vote to approve November minutes
• Discussion of an applicant's final report
• Review of applicants' appeal of denial letters
• Vote on amounts to be awarded to grantees

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will consider approving employment contracts for Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips through June 2027 and Assistant Superintendent Tammy Gage through June 2031. It will also deliberate on authorizing the superintendent to proceed with implementation of the middle school reorganization plan for the 2026-2027 school year. Other actions include adopting a competency determination policy, ratifying a bereavement leave agreement, and receiving updates on the $776,500 PRISM early literacy grant and the Democratic Knowledge Project pilot.

• Approval of contract for Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips through June 30, 2027
• Approval of contract for Assistant Superintendent Tammy Gage through June 30, 2031
• Adoption of a School Committee policy on determination of student competency
• Approval of memorandum of agreement with United Educators on bereavement leave for stillbirth or miscarriage
• Deliberation on authorizing middle school reorganization plan for the 2026-2027 school year

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to vote on 20 personal exemptions for specific properties. The meeting also includes time for public comment and the review of minutes from October 28, 2025.

• Vote on personal exemptions for 20 properties, including 137 High St, 43 Hull Ave, and 503 Pecks Rd

City Council

The Pittsfield City Council will vote on accepting a $215,980 grant from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. They will also consider a petition to explore public bathroom options with Berkshire Health Systems, and receive reports on Housatonic River PCB contamination and a proposal to convert the Pittsfield Generating Facility to battery storage. Several traffic studies and reappointments to city commissions are also on the agenda.

• Acceptance of $215,980 grant from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
• Petition to explore public bathroom options with Berkshire Health Systems
• Report on Housatonic River PCB contamination and cancer incidence evaluation
• Report supporting decarbonization via conversion of Pittsfield Generating Facility to battery storage
• Traffic studies: stop sign at Longview Terrace and Willard Street, crosswalk on Elm Street

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review requests for the complete demolition of three structures. The body will also discuss a Local Historic District petition and the potential relocation of the Russell Allen House.

• Demolition delay review: 86 John Street (built 1893)
• Demolition delay review: 154 Francis Avenue (built 1863)
• Demolition delay review: 224 Fourth Street (built 1893)
• CPA Application: Colonial Theater Masonry Repairs
• Russell Allen House feasibility study and relocation discussion

RSVP Advisory Board

The RSVP Advisory Board will hear a Volunteer Coordinator report, the President’s and Director’s reports, and consider approval of the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes. The board may also enter an executive session under MGL Chapter 30A Section 21 to discuss matters the chair designates. No other specific actions are listed.

• Volunteer Coordinator Report
• Approval of minutes from October 23, 2025 meeting
• President’s Report
• Director’s Report
• Potential executive session per MGL Chapter 30A Section 21

Berkshire Workforce Board

The Board of Directors will meet to review the FY2025 audit and discuss financial reports. The meeting includes planning for FY2026 WIOA and workforce strategies. Members will also receive reports from the Executive, Youth, and Career Center directors.

• Vote on FY2025 Audit
• FY2026 Financial report
• FY2026 WIOA Planning
• Performance Negotiations
• FY 2026 Workforce Strategy

School Committee

The Taconic High School School Council will discuss and preliminarily consider approval of the School Improvement Plan. It will also receive updates on early college programming, core academics versus electives/CTE, and the career-technical education (CTE) program including a plumbing update and advisory board recruitment. A communication check-in on newsletters and principal's items on school culture and climate events are also on the agenda.

• School Improvement Plan preliminary discussion and potential approval
• Early College update
• CTE plumbing program update
• CTE Advisory Board recruitment
• Newsletter discussion for communication check-in

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The Homeless Advisory Committee will hold a remote meeting to review minutes from November 1, 2025, and hear from Berkshire Harm Reduction and ServiceNet regarding winter warming shelter operations.

• Review of November 1, 2025 meeting minutes
• Presentation by Berkshire Harm Reduction
• Discussion of winter warming shelter by ServiceNet

The Homelessness Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. No public comments were received. The committee also unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:30 a.m. after sharing information about upcoming community events.

• Approved November 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:30 a.m. (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Pittsfield Board of Health will discuss a proposed camping ordinance and the city's co-responder program. The board will also consider reinstating a permit for Berkshire Pipe and Tobacco and review new online software and permit fees.

• Discussion of camping ordinance continued from previous meeting
• Pittsfield Co-Responder Program discussion with Lt. Callahan
• Berkshire Pipe and Tobacco permit reinstatement consideration
• Review of new online software system and permit fees for Health Department
• Inspection report update from Health Department

The Pittsfield Board of Health voted unanimously to permanently rescind the tobacco permit for Berkshire Pipe & Tobacco. The Board also scheduled a site visit to Northampton on December 17, 2025 to review the Division of Community Care and co‑responder programs. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Rescinded Berkshire Pipe & Tobacco permit permanently (unanimous)
• Scheduled visit to Northampton on Dec 17, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee's Policy Subcommittee will meet to review the Competency Determination Policy. No public participation is scheduled. The only substantive item is a policy review; no votes or decisions are expected.

• Review of Competency Determination Policy

Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees

The Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees will meet to discuss old business including updates on the library social worker, the Morgan Collection, and grant status. New business items include a mayoral transfer request, proposed telephone use and borrowing policy changes, and a local history loan request. The board will also review recent gifts and plan for a legislative breakfast in 2026.

• Mayoral Transfer Request
• Library Social Worker update
• Morgan Collection Update
• Grant Updates
• Review of telephone use and borrowing policies

Community Preservation Committee

This meeting is largely procedural, with the committee set to vote on an extension request for the Onota Boat Wash Station (FY23) project. Members will also review new eligibility applications and discuss the upcoming schedule. No other major decisions or funding allocations are on the agenda.

• Extension request for Onota Boat Wash Station (FY23)
• Review of eligibility applications for new projects
• Approval of November 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Project updates on previously funded items
• Discussion of future meeting schedule

School Committee

The School Committee will hear a report from the Superintendent on the status of planning for a new middle school education model, previously approved in spring 2025, with a target implementation at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Report on planning for transition to a new middle school education model, approved spring 2025, target start 2026-2027 school year

City Council

The Pittsfield City Council will consider several mayoral orders, including accepting a $202,752 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence and a $27,119.76 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The council will also vote on a $199,269 appropriation for new online permitting software and a Tax Increment Exemption for projects at 24 North Street and 30‑34 North Street. Additional items include a feasibility study with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and two $500,000 economic development fund requests for the Berkshire Innovation Center and Myrias Optics.

• Accept $202,752 grant from Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence
• Accept $27,119.76 grant from Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (State 911 Department)
• Approve $199,269 appropriation for new online permitting software
• Approve Tax Increment Exemption for projects at 24 North Street and 30‑34 North Street
• Consider $500,000 Economic Development funds for Berkshire Innovation Center and Myrias Optics

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will hold a public hearing on transferring an All-Alcohol Club License from KJ Nosh Catering to Berkshire Hills Country Club at 500 Benedict Road. The board also considers requests for seasonal alcohol license extensions, KENO monitors, and a change of manager. Approval of prior meeting minutes and scheduling of next meeting are routine items.

• Public hearing on transfer of All-Alcohol Club License to Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road
• Extension of Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store License for Peaslee's Package & Variety, 1 Wilson Street
• Extension of Seasonal All Alcohol Package Store License for Elm St. Convenience, 155 Elm Street
• KENO Monitor applications for Nichol's Package Store, 268 Wahconah Street, and Zenner's Package & Variety, 307 Tyler Street
• Change of Manager application for Bousquet Mountain, 101 Dan Fox Drive, Manager Kevin McMillian

Ordinances and Rules Committee

The Ordinances and Rules Committee will discuss a proposed ordinance to establish a 17-member School Building Needs Commission, replacing a 2006 order. Other old business includes reviewing the city's sign ordinance for business visibility, drafting an ordinance to inform elected officials of presentment notices and lawsuits, and addressing a petition about vehicles at 75 Shaker Lane.

• Mayor proposes ordinance to create School Building Needs Commission (17 members, 5-year terms)
• Petition to review and update maximum sign area for businesses in sign ordinance
• Petition to draft ordinance requiring elected officials be informed of presentment notices and lawsuits within 10 days
• Communication regarding 30 vehicles dumped at 75 Shaker Lane property (tabled since Jan 2024)

The committee accepted the mayor’s communication to add Article LVI to the city code and unanimously approved a series of amendments defining the School Building Needs Commission’s composition, size, and quorum. It added specific roles such as a construction‑expert community member, the Director of Finance, the Purchasing Agent, and an architectural/engineering appointee, setting the total membership at 19 with a quorum of 10. A motion to make two student members voting was denied, while a standing subcommittee of five students to meet quarterly was approved. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

• Accepted communication on ordinance adding Article LVI – approved unanimously
• Amended composition to include 1 community member with construction expertise – approved unanimously
• Added Director of Finance to commission – approved unanimously
• Increased role members to 7 by adding Purchasing Agent – approved unanimously
• Increased mayoral appointees to 7 by adding architectural/engineering member – approved unanimously
• Set commission size to 19 members with quorum of 10 – approved unanimously
• Denied motion to make 2 student members voting members
• Approved standing subcommittee of 5 students meeting quarterly – approved unanimously

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will vote on whether to allow Conservation Land at Wahconah Park to be used for an ice rink. The agenda also includes public hearings and determinations on several wetland permits, including two proposed group homes on Cascade Street, drainage improvements on Newell Street, and aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond. Commissioners will also consider certificates of compliance for previous work at multiple locations and approve the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Vote to allow Conservation Land at Wahconah Park for an ice rink
• Notice of Intent for group home construction on Cascade Street (Guidewire, Inc., files CO-25-01 and CO-25-02)
• Continued hearing for drainage improvements on Newell Street (City of Pittsfield, DEP #263-1240)
• Continued hearing for aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond (Town of Richmond, DEP #263-1241)
• Request for Determination of Applicability for soil testing along Goodrich Brook (General Electric Co., RDA 25-27)

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved an Order of Conditions 1‑35 for the City of Pittsfield's drainage improvements on Newell Street. It also approved a required 3‑inch party review for the Guidewire group home on Cascade Street and extended the Order of Conditions for the Habitat for Humanity project on West Housatonic Street through January 2028. Negative Determinations were issued for dead ash tree removal at 84 Brookside Drive and for soil testing on Goodrich Brook, and several items were continued to the December 11, 2025 meeting.

• Approved Order of Conditions 1‑35 for Newell Street drainage improvement (unanimous)
• Approved 3‑inch party review for Guidewire group home on Cascade St (unanimous)
• Extended Order of Conditions for Habitat for Humanity on West Housatonic St through Jan 2028 (unanimous)
• Issued Negative Determination for dead ash tree removal at 84 Brookside Dr (unanimous)
• Issued Negative Determination for soil testing on Goodrich Brook (unanimous)
• Continued Richmond Pond herbicide application to Dec 11 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Parker Pond dredging application to Dec 11 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Guidewire group home (CO‑25‑01) on Cascade St to Dec 11 2025 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold multiple public hearings under the Wetlands Protection Act, including a proposal to construct a group home on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc., a bank stabilization on Waubeek Road, an ice rink installation on Wahconah Street, and several other determinations of applicability and a Notice of Intent. All hearings are scheduled for November 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers.

• CO 25-02: Notice of Intent for construction of a group home on Cascade Street (Guidewire, Inc.)
• Mass DEP File #263-1252: Notice of Intent for bank stabilization at 10 Waubeek Road (Timothy Dolan)
• RDA 25-28: Request for Determination for ice rink installation at 105 Wahconah Street (City of Pittsfield)
• RDA 25-29: Request for Determination for deck replacement at 100 Oakhill Road (Matthew Murray)
• RDA 25-27: Request for Determination for soil testing along Goodrich Brook (General Electric Co.)

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The BRTA Advisory Board will vote on updated bylaws and consider an open meeting law violation complaint filed by R. Wood. The board will also discuss and vote on a supplemental grant for FY25, approve minutes from October 30, and review the cash report, budget, and ridership year-to-date.

• Updated BRTA By Laws - VOTE
• Open Meeting Law Violation R. Wood 10/13/25 - Discussion and VOTE
• FY25 Supplemental Grant - discussion and VOTE
• Cash Report October 2025 - VOTE
• Minutes of October 30, 2025 meeting - VOTE

School Committee

This is a routine procedural meeting of the Herberg Middle School Council. Agenda items include a review of the school improvement plan progress and principal's updates. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Review of School Improvement Plan progress
• Principal's updates and notes

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will vote to establish a special committee to hire a new executive director, due to the current director's retirement in March 2026. Other votes include electing a new treasurer and appointing an at-large executive committee member. The commission will also vote to allow non-commission members to serve on several committees and receive a presentation on the energy and environmental program.

• Vote to elect Sam Haupt as BRPC Treasurer for FY 2026 following John Duval's resignation
• Vote to approve Mary McGurn as an at-large member of the Executive Committee
• Vote to establish a 7-member Executive Director Search Committee
• Vote to allow non-commission members to make up a majority on four standing committees
• Presentation on BRPC Energy and Environmental Program by Program Manager Melissa Provencher

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, monthly financial reports, expense warrants, and personnel changes. It will also elect an election officer for the May 2026 election and approve the election date of April 27, 2026. The agenda is primarily administrative and procedural.

• Approve previous board meeting minutes
• Approve monthly financial reports
• Approve monthly expense warrants
• Approve new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers
• Elect an election officer for May 2026 election and approve election date of April 27, 2026

The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting, the monthly trial balance and expense warrants, and the roster changes for members, retirements, buybacks, refunds and transfers. It appointed Karen Lancto as election officer for the May 2026 board election and set the election date for April 27, 2026. Two warrants were approved for a vendor ($146,976.09) and for FWT ($6,811.51). The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 a.m.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (3-0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, disbursements, adjustments, cash flow and reconciliations (3-0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (3-0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (3-0)
• Appointed Karen Lancto as election officer and set election date April 27, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved vendor warrant W11282025 for $146,976.09
• Approved FWT warrant W11282025T for $6,811.51
• Adjourned meeting at 10:07 a.m. (3-0)

Council on Aging

The Pittsfield Council on Aging is meeting to conduct routine business including approval of minutes, a finance review, and updates on supportive day services and the director's report. New business items include a donation, a security system audit, and an update from the Friends board meeting.

• Finance review by Jennifer Reynolds
• Supportive Day program update from Paula Almgren
• Discussion of a donation
• Security system audit
• Friends update from board meeting on 11/12

Public Health and Safety Committee

The Public Health and Safety Committee will hear updates on PCB contamination monitoring at the former GE site (Building 71 and Hill 78) and cancer incidence evaluations in the Housatonic River area. The committee will also consider petitions on juvenile gun violence, a downtown sanitation and hygiene program, a citywide public restroom report, and a proposal to convert the Pittsfield Generating Facility to battery storage. Additionally, a tabled petition on civil service issues for police and fire departments remains on the agenda.

• Update from EPA, DEP, and DPH on monitoring at Building 71 and Hill 78 on GE property near Allendale Elementary School
• Petition requesting a downtown sanitation and hygiene program with early-morning cleanup and hygiene resources
• Petition for a Health Department report on public restroom needs including locations, hours, and costs
• Petition to support converting Pittsfield Generating Facility to battery energy storage systems (BESS) for decarbonization
• Petition for a presentation on juvenile gun violence and public health interventions

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will hold first readings on a proposal to pilot the Democratic Knowledge Project civics curriculum and on a competency determination policy. They will also vote on an overnight field trip to Marlborough and accept a donation from Guardian Life. The committee will then enter executive session for collective bargaining negotiations.

• First reading on piloting Democratic Knowledge Project (DKP) civics curriculum
• First reading on competency determination policy
• Approval of overnight field trip to Marlborough, MA
• Acceptance of donation from Guardian Life
• Executive session for collective bargaining with multiple bargaining units

School Committee

The John T. Reid Middle School Council will meet to discuss the School Improvement Plan and receive an update on the restructuring process. The body will also select a co-chair and review meeting norms.

• School Improvement Plan review and input
• Update on the restructuring process
• Selection of co-chair

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on four applications involving land use and signage. The board will consider requests for special permits and variances for properties on Dan Fox Drive, Cascade Street, Elm Street, and West Housatonic Street.

• Blue Chair Properties LLC: Special Permits for year-round camping at 101 and 102 Dan Fox Drive
• Jennifer Downs and Dennis Carney: Appeal regarding commercial activity at 322 Cascade Street
• Frobisher Bay Holdings LLC: Special Permit for retail marijuana at 180 Elm St
• Saxton Sign: Variance and Sign Exception for a 20-foot-tall sign at 1685 West Housatonic St

The board approved an amendment and additional special permits for Blue Chair Properties to add year‑round micro‑cabins at 101‑102 Dan Fox Drive, attaching conditions such as phased cabin plans, site improvements before installation, dumpster screening, downward‑cast lighting, and a two‑year lapse clause. The motion was seconded by John Fitzgerald and passed with five affirmative votes (Chair Albert Ingegni, John Fitzgerald, Tom Goggins, Esther Anderson, Allyson Holmes). No other applications received a decision at this meeting.

• Approved special permits for Blue Chair Properties (5‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three petitions: a special permit for a recreational marijuana retail business at 180 Elm Street, an appeal of a building inspector's no-violation finding for a commercial use complaint at 322 Cascade Street, and a variance and sign ordinance exception for a 20-foot freestanding sign at 1685 West Housatonic Street.

• Frobisher Bay Holdings LLC seeks special permit under Article 23 Section 7.850 for adult-use recreational marijuana retail at 180 Elm Street (B-G zoning).
• Jennifer Downs and Dennis Carney appeal the Building Inspector's decision not to act on a commercial-use complaint at 322 Cascade Street (R-43 zoning).
• Saxton Signs LLC — CW Acquisitions LLC requests a variance and exception to build a 20-foot-tall freestanding sign 5 feet from property line at 1685 West Housatonic Street (I-L zoning).

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will discuss and vote on rent abatements for Hangar 7-7 and Hangar 14. They will also receive updates from the airport's solar developer (Navisun) and consultant (Gale Associates). The meeting includes approval of previous meeting minutes and the airport manager's routine report.

• Discussion and approval of Hangar 7-7 rent abatement
• Discussion and approval of Hangar 14 lease rent abatement
• Update from solar developer Navisun
• Update from consultant Gale Associates
• Approval of minutes from August 19, 2025

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will review site plan requests for two properties and determine if subdivision approval is required for three other land plans. The meeting is held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

• Site plan approval for recreational and/or medical marijuana retail at 180 Elm Street
• Site plan approval for agricultural uses involving livestock at 574 Lakeway Drive
• Land plan for property line alterations at 1219 North Street, 1223 North Street, and 0 North Street
• Land plan for 17 Linden Street
• Land plan for Pittsfield Economic Development Authority property on Woodlawn Avenue

The board approved the site‑plan for a licensed cannabis dispensary at 180 Elm Street, adding conditions on lighting and compliance with all regulations. It also approved three subdivision applications without requiring formal subdivision approval and granted a site‑plan with waivers for an agricultural use at 574 Lakeway Drive. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved October 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for 1219/1223/0 North Street (unanimous)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for 17 Linden Street with special condition note (unanimous)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for Woodlawn Avenue parcel (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 180 Elm Street cannabis dispensary with lighting condition (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 574 Lakeway Drive agricultural use with lighting and manure setback conditions (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:45 pm (unanimous)

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority Board will vote on amending the HUD/Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administration Plan, discuss a fee proposal from Hell Engineers for FISH project #236106, and consider change orders for FISH and other MOD projects. Additionally, the board will discuss excavation and soils issues at Wilson Park stairs (Units 53 & 55) and receive financial and maintenance updates.

• Board vote to amend the HUD/Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administration Plan
• Discussion and potential vote on fee proposal from Hell Engineers for FISH #236106
• Potential votes on change orders for FISH projects and other MOD projects
• Discussion and potential vote on Wilson Park stairs excavation and soils issue at Units 53 & 55
• Financial update and maintenance overview

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will consider three park event requests, including the 10th Annual Pride Festival at The Common, Striking Out Cancer in the Berkshires at Clapp Park, and the Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase at Westside Riverway Park. The commission will also receive updates on Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings and the ice rink.

• 10th Annual Pride Festival and Parade, Berkshire Pride, The Common, June 20, 2025, 7am-5pm
• Striking Out Cancer in the Berkshires, Joe DiCicco, Clapp Park, June 27, 2026, 8am-5pm
• Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase, Berkshires Jazz Inc., Westside Riverway Park, July 18, 2026, 4-9pm
• Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings update (old business)
• Ice rink update (old business)

The Parks Commission unanimously approved three upcoming community events: the 10th Annual Pride Festival at The Common, the Striking Out Cancer in the Berkshires event at Clapp Park, and the Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase at Westside Riverway Park. The commission voted to continue discussion of the Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings issue at the next meeting. It also unanimously endorsed relocating the seasonal ice rink to Wahconah Park.

• Approved 10th Annual Pride Festival at The Common (unanimous)
• Approved Striking Out Cancer in the Berkshires at Clapp Park (unanimous)
• Approved Berkshires Jazz Summer Showcase at Westside Riverway Park (unanimous)
• Continued Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings item to next meeting (unanimous)
• Endorsed proposal to locate the ice rink at Wahconah Park (unanimous)
• Accepted Recreation report (unanimous)
• Accepted Parks and Long-Range Management report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 pm (unanimous)

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will meet to discuss collective bargaining with the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees. The session is closed to the public and will cover negotiations with the Bus Drivers' and Attendants', Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries bargaining units.

• Closed-door collective bargaining session
• Negotiations with Bus Drivers' and Attendants'
• Negotiations with Cafeteria staff
• Negotiations with Custodians
• Negotiations with Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries

School Committee

The Williams Elementary School Council will meet to discuss the budget, student data, and school improvement plans. The meeting includes review of minutes and a reminder of open meeting law. No votes or specific proposals are listed on the agenda; the items are discussion-only.

• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes
• Open Meeting Law reminder
• Review of student data and school highlights
• Budget discussion
• Restructuring updates and school improvement plan updates

School Committee

The Egremont School Council will review MCAS results, including a School of Recognition report from DESE and data from Open Architects. They will also discuss middle school restructuring, personnel and enrollment reports, and updates from the PTO. The meeting includes public participation and approval of September minutes.

• Review of MCAS School of Recognition report from DESE
• Open Architects MCAS data presentation
• Discussion of Middle School Restructuring
• Principal's personnel and enrollment reports
• PTO updates

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee's Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee will hold an executive session to conduct collective bargaining with multiple school employee unions. No public participation is scheduled. The session covers bus drivers, attendants, cafeteria, custodial, paraprofessional, and educational secretarial units.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2) for collective bargaining with Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT units
• Bargaining units: Bus Drivers and Attendants, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries

Public Works Committee

The committee will hear communications from Commissioner Morales on snow plowing operations for the upcoming winter season and on the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Additionally, a petition from Councilor Warren requests adding sidewalks in the Walden Village area to the sidewalk list. The committee will also consider approval of minutes from October 27, 2025. No votes are scheduled on these items.

• Communication on 2025-2026 snow plowing operations
• Communication on Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Petition to add sidewalks in Walden Village area to sidewalk list
• Approval of October 27, 2025 committee minutes

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to receive input on the proposed FY2026 tax rate. Tax classification documents are available for public review in the Assessors' office.

• Public hearing on FY2026 tax rate
• Tax rate classification documents available from Assessors' office, Room 108

City Council

The City Council approved a $29,994 grant for a part-time school resource officer, referred $500,000 each for Berkshire Innovation Center expansion and Myrias Optics to committee, and received a Board of Health update on the proposed camping ordinance, with action postponed to February. Public comment focused on homelessness, food insecurity, and gun violence.

• Approved $29,994 Edward Byrne Grant for a part-time middle school resource officer
• Referred $500,000 in economic development funds for Berkshire Innovation Center expansion to committee
• Referred $500,000 in economic development funds for Myrias Optics, Inc. to committee
• Received Board of Health update on proposed camping ordinance; action delayed to February
• Approved joint utility pole installation on Henry Avenue for new construction at 111 West Housatonic Street

School Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee. The committee will enter executive session to conduct collective bargaining with multiple school employee bargaining units. No public participation or other business is scheduled.

• Executive session for collective bargaining with bus drivers, attendants, cafeteria, custodial, paraprofessional, and educational secretaries units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

School Committee

The Pittsfield High School School Council meets to prioritize funding from the Gilison Foundation and review advisory data, behavioral and attendance data. No votes are scheduled; the agenda consists of discussion items only.

• Discussion of Gilison Foundation funding priorities
• Advisory data review and discussion
• Behavioral and attendance review, including supporting students with behavioral challenges

Cultural Council

The Pittsfield Cultural Council will vote on 83 grant applications for the 2026 funding cycle. The meeting also includes a vote on previous minutes, a remembrance of Ellen Spear, acceptance of Hope Rose Kelly's resignation, and a report on the Berkshire Museum.

• Vote on 83 grant applications for 2026 cycle
• Vote on acceptance of October 7 meeting minutes
• Resignation of Hope Rose Kelly
• Report on Berkshire Museum

School Committee

This is a combined meeting of the Crosby School Council and PTO. The council will discuss updates on the school's Restructuring Plan and review the School Improvement Plan. The PTO will plan fundraising for a cash calendar and a Holiday Craft Night, including items, budget, and donations.

• Update on Restructuring Plan
• School Improvement Plan Review
• Fundraising – cash calendar
• Holiday Craft Night: items, budget, donations

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee will vote on two requests from Mayor Marchetti to allocate $500,000 each from the Pittsfield Economic Development Fund: one to expand the Berkshire Innovation Center at William Stanley Business Park for an Advanced Manufacturing for Advanced Optics Tech Hub, and another to assist Myrias Optics, Inc. The committee will also approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Request for $500,000 to expand Berkshire Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing for Advanced Optics Tech Hub at William Stanley Business Park
• Request for $500,000 to assist Myrias Optics, Inc.

School Committee

The Curriculum Subcommittee of the Pittsfield Public School Committee will consider approving a pilot of the Democratic Knowledge Project (DKP) 8th grade Civics Curriculum. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from July 30, 2025, and is otherwise procedural.

• Approval to pilot Democratic Knowledge Project (DKP) 8th grade Civics Curriculum

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will meet in an executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining with the Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries bargaining units represented by the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT. The session is closed to the public under M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) because open discussion could affect the bargaining or litigation position of the public body. No decisions are recorded; the agenda lists only this discussion item.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Community Outreach Meeting-Marijuana Retail Establishment

This is a community outreach meeting for a proposed adult-use recreational marijuana retail establishment by Great Northern Wellness, LLC at 180 Elm Street E. The meeting will be held virtually and includes an opportunity for public questions and comments. No decisions are being made; it is a forum for public input.

• Proposed Adult-Use Recreational Marijuana Retail Establishment by Great Northern Wellness, LLC
• Location: 180 Elm Street E, Pittsfield, MA
• Virtual meeting with public comment via meeting platform and email

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will hear updates on the Taconic High School campus, including a lab modernization project for metal fabrication and horticulture, a CTE expansion grant for the 16th program, and an early college designation application. The meeting will also cover CTE policy changes and new staff appointments. After the meeting, program advisory committees will meet with program chairs in their shops.

• Lab Modernization Project – metal fabrication and horticulture
• CTE Expansion Grant for the 16th program at Taconic
• Early College Designation Application
• CTE policy changes
• New CTE staff appointments

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Executive Committee will approve the minutes from the October 2 meeting and adopt the September‑October expenditure report. It will then vote on several grant applications, including one to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Additional actions include approving a policy on medical benefits after retirement and adopting a description of the Executive Director’s responsibilities.

• Vote to ratify submission of DOJ OJJDP FY25 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program grant
• Vote to ratify submission of Massachusetts DEP MS4 Municipal Assistance Grant program grant
• Vote to submit two OBHPP behavioral health promotion grant applications (Tier A and Tier B)
• Vote to approve updated continuation of medical benefits after retirement policy
• Vote to approve description of Executive Director responsibilities for the hiring process

Affordable Housing Trust

The Board of Trustees will review four applications for Community Preservation Funds totaling $670,000. The agenda includes approval of the September 17, 2025, meeting minutes and a roll call.

• Review of AM Management The Pointe proposal ($250,000)
• Review of Hearthway Linden Street Apts. proposal ($100,000)
• Review of Westside Legends Project Westchester proposal ($220,000)
• Review of YMCA Roof Renewal proposal ($100,000)
• Approval of September 17, 2025, meeting minutes

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the September 17 meeting. They approved $165,000 for AM Management’s The Pointe project, $100,000 for Hearthway Linden Street Apartments, and $100,000 for the YMCA roof renewal, contingent on city inspection approval. No motion was made on the Westside Legends project. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $165,000 for AM Management The Pointe (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 for Hearthway Linden Street Apartments (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 for YMCA roof renewal, contingent on inspection approval (unanimous)
• No action taken on Westside Legends Project (Chair recused, no motion)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:00 p.m. (unanimous)

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The committee will review minutes from October 1, 2025, and discuss the previous month's Housing Resource Fair. The meeting includes updates on the HUB and a discussion of Wildflower Alliance's work in Pittsfield.

• Update on the HUB from Lindsay Cornwell of Second Street Second Chances
• Discussion of Wildflower Alliance work in Pittsfield by Sophie Tannebaum
• Review of October 1, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding the previous month's Housing Resource Fair

The Homelessness Advisory Committee approved the October 1, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. The committee then adjourned the November 5, 2025 meeting unanimously at 11:45 a.m. No other substantive actions or votes were taken.

• Approved October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned November 5, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Pittsfield Board of Health will meet to approve October meeting minutes, hear public comment, review the Green Burial Policy, and continue discussion on the Camping Ordinance. The board will also receive Health Department updates including an inspection report and staff updates.

• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2025
• Green Burial Policy Review
• Camping Ordinance Discussion Continued
• Health Department Updates: Inspection Report and Staff Updates
• Public Comment period

The Pittsfield Board of Health approved the draft Green Burial Policy, adding amendments such as excluding home burials and applying the policy to all city cemeteries, by unanimous vote. The board also changed the time of the December 3, 2025 meeting to 5 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Green Burial Policy with amendments (unanimous vote)
• Moved December 3, 2025 meeting to 5 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

School Committee

This is a procedural agenda; the Pittsfield Public School Committee is meeting solely in executive session to discuss items of negotiations and litigation. No public business or votes on substantive matters are listed.

• Executive session per M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 20(b) for litigation strategy
• Executive session for items of negotiations (originally posted Oct 31, 2025)

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will consider approving a contract for Bonnie Howland as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance and discuss whether to advertise for a superintendent starting July 2026. They will also receive a student conduct presentation and a personnel report. The meeting includes executive sessions for collective bargaining and confidential personnel matters.

• Approval of employment contract for Bonnie Howland as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance
• Deliberation on advertising for a Superintendent of Schools for the period commencing July 1, 2026
• Student conduct presentation including suspension data and restorative discipline initiatives
• Personnel report including appointments, retirements, and co-curricular stipends (e.g., $1,200 Battle of the Books, $2,000 additional duties for bus attendants)
• Executive sessions for collective bargaining with multiple unions and non-union personnel

School Building Needs Commission

The School Building Needs Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly approve its charter, receive updates on Pittsfield school building issues, and plan for selecting an Owner's Project Manager. The meeting includes public participation, approval of previous minutes, and a report from Judy Gitelson on school building matters.

• Discussion and possible approval of the SBNC Charter (Enclosure No. 2)
• Update on Pittsfield school building issues, including MSBA process and potential consolidation of Crosby/Conte/Stearns
• Future business: formation of a committee for selecting an Owner's Project Manager (OPM)
• Approval of minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting
• Communication from the Chair regarding MSBA updates and Taconic High School garage/plumbing vocational progress

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority (d/b/a Upside4TS) will meet on November 4, 2025, at 12:00pm in Pittsfield. The board will review and vote on the minutes from the May 29, 2025 meeting, discuss the FY25 year-end results with a fee accountant, and vote on the proposed FY26 agency budget. New business includes programmatic, funding, and hiring updates as well as setting future meeting dates.

• Review and vote on minutes from May 29, 2025 board meeting
• FY25 Year End Review with fee accountant Teresa Ewald
• Review and vote on FY26 Agency Budget
• Programmatic, funding, and hiring updates
• Future meeting dates

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Finance and Audit Committee will meet to discuss and vote on supplemental operations funding for FY25. The committee will also vote on the FY26 pension contribution and an update to the Administrator contract.

• FY25 Supplemental Operations Funding vote
• FY26 Pension Contribution vote
• Administrator Contract Update vote
• Approval of September 25, 2025 minutes

City Council

The City Council is considering two orders related to the municipal election on November 4, 2025: one directing the issuance of election warrants and another designating polling places and hours for all 14 precincts. The orders were previously read and adopted on October 14, 2025.

• Order No. 119: directs warrants for the Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election for City Clerk, four Councilors At-Large, six School Committee members, and seven Ward Councilors.
• Order No. 120: designates polling places for each precinct, including Reid Middle School, Morningside Community School, Somerset Fire Station, Providence Court, Egremont School, Herberg Middle School, Williams School, Pittsfield Library, Columbus Arms Housing, Silvio O. Conte Community School, Fire Station at 54 Pecks Road, and Capeless Elementary School.
• Polls open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
• One police officer to be detailed per polling building per MGL 54, Section 72.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to receive project presentations and updates. The meeting includes a public hearing for comments. Eligibility applications are due by November 15.

• Project presentation: Brigham Center — Eureka Trail
• Project presentation: Affordable Housing Trust
• Project presentation: Russell Allen House
• CPA Overview Presentation
• Public hearing for comments

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved the October 6, 2025 minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. by unanimous vote. No project approvals, denials, or other substantive actions were taken; the next meeting will be on December 1 to review eligibility applications.

• Approved October 6 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Pittsfield Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on November 3, 2025, to solicit public input on priorities and funding for Community Preservation Act activities for the FY26 funding cycle. The hearing is required by state law. Eligibility applications will be accepted from October 6 to November 15, 2025.

• Public hearing on FY26 Community Preservation Act priorities and funding on November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 203
• Eligibility application period open October 6 – November 15, 2025

Public Works Committee

The Pittsfield City Council Committee on Public Works & Utilities is meeting on November 3, 2025. The agenda includes only procedural items: roll call and approval of the previous meeting's minutes. No substantive business is listed.

• Roll call of councilors Conant, Kavey, and others
• Approval of the October 27 meeting minutes

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet to review financial reports and approve member changes. The board is scheduled to discuss the 2026 budget and travel reimbursements for a December conference.

• 2026 Budget
• Approval for Board and staff to attend MACRS Fall conference (December 7 — December 10, 2025)
• Approval of new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers
• PRIT review
• Monthly financial reports and expense warrants

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board unanimously approved the minutes from the prior meeting, the monthly trial balance, expense warrants, and actions for new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds, and transfers. The board also approved staff attendance at the Fall MACRS conference in Springfield and related expense reimbursement. The 2026 budget was adopted with an approved amount of $1,397,247.92. All motions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, disbursements, adjustments, cash flow and reconciliations (5-0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (5-0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (5-0)
• Approved staff attendance at Fall MACRS conference and reimbursement of expenses (5-0)
• Approved 2026 budget of $1,397,247.92 (5-0)
• Approved warrants: Pension Payroll $1,931,134.72; Vendor $229,230.50; FWT $10,070.08; Staff Payroll $16,850.65; Staff Payroll $20,634.56 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:34 A.M. (5-0)

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Finance and Audit Committee meeting scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 3:00 pm has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to vote on an administrator contract update and non-ADA fare-free status. The board will also address an Open Meeting Law violation involving R. Wood from October 13, 2025.

• Administrator Contract Update vote
• Non-ADA Fare Free vote
• Open Meeting Law Violation (R. Wood 10/13/25) discussion and vote
• September 2025 Cash Report vote
• Review of year-to-date budget and ridership

Community Outreach Meeting-Marijuana Retail Establishment

This is a community outreach meeting for a proposed marijuana retail establishment by Canna Provisions at 1021 South Street. Representatives will present information on activities, security, and community impact. The public may ask questions. No decisions are being made at this meeting.

• Proposed marijuana retailer at 1021 South Street, Pittsfield
• Company: Canna Provisions
• Meeting at Holiday Inn and Suites, 1 West Street, on October 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
• Public Q&A opportunity
• Discussion of intended activities, security measures, and community impact

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold a public comment period, approve minutes from September 9, and vote on 49 personal exemptions for specific properties. The exemptions are listed by parcel ID and address, including several residential and commercial locations across Pittsfield.

• Vote on 49 personal exemptions for properties including 90 Melbourne Rd, 34 Lakeway Dr, 1085 Cascade St, and others
• Public comment period open
• Approval of minutes from September 9, 2025 meeting

City Council

The Pittsfield City Council will hold a public hearing on a joint Verizon/Eversource pole installation on Henry Avenue, and consider orders to accept a $29,994 public safety grant, allocate $500,000 each to the Berkshire Innovation Center and Myrias Optics, and amend the city compensation schedule. Several appointments and petitions are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on a joint Verizon/Eversource utility pole at 111 West Housatonic Street (continued from Oct. 14)
• Order to accept $29,994 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Edward Byrne Grant
• Order to allocate $500,000 in Pittsfield Economic Development Funds to assist Berkshire Innovation Center expansion
• Order to allocate $500,000 in Pittsfield Economic Development Funds to assist Myrias Optics, Inc.
• Communication from Mayor requesting to amend City Code Chapter 16 (Compensation Schedules)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to conduct procedural business. The agenda consists of boilerplate items including the call to order and the approval of minutes.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss a Local Historic District petition and CPA eligibility applications. The body will also review the Russel Allen House and the November meeting schedule.

• Local Historic District Petition discussion
• CPA Eligibility Application for Arrowhead — Berkshire County Historical Society
• Review of Russel Allen House
• Approval of September 29th, 2025 minutes

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 29 meeting. It unanimously approved a petition to act as petitioner for a proposed Local Historic District, moving the request to city council. The commission cancelled the November meeting, set the next meeting for December 8, and changed future meeting times to the evening. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:50 p.m.

• Approved September 29 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved petition to act as petitioner for Local Historic District (unanimous)
• Cancelled November meeting and scheduled next meeting for Dec 8 (unanimous)
• Changed future meeting time to SPM (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Pittsfield Licensing Board will consider requests for extension of seasonal alcohol package store licenses from six local businesses. The board will also receive an update from Chili's Grill and Bar on its annual all-alcohol restaurant license. Additionally, applications for a KENO license and a change of hours for a restaurant are on the agenda.

• Six requests for extension of seasonal alcohol package store licenses from Costanzo's (180 Onota), Zenner's (307 Tyler), Wohrle's (1619 East), Wheeler's (1654 North), East Street Video (10 Lyman), and Thing or Two Variety (228 Francis Avenue).
• Status update from Chili's Grill and Bar (555 Hubbard Ave) on its annual all-alcohol restaurant license.
• Application for KENO license from Skyline at the A d/b/a Tavern at the A (303 Crane Avenue).
• Application from 99 Restaurants of Boston for change of hours at 607 Merrill Road.

Public Works Committee

The Public Works and Utilities Committee will hear a communication from Commissioner Morales regarding the Water Treatment Plant. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from the previous meeting. No other business is scheduled.

• Communication from Commissioner Morales on the Water Treatment Plant

The committee approved the October 6, 2025 Public Works and Utilities meeting minutes by unanimous vote. No decisions were made on the water treatment plant upgrades; the discussion noted no cost estimates and a funding request planned for next year. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved October 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed water treatment plant upgrades; no decision made
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Traffic Commission

The Pittsfield Traffic Commission will consider several resident petitions at its October 23 meeting. Items include removing one‑hour parking signs on Curtis Terrace, installing no‑parking signs at the Dalton Avenue/Dartmouth Street corner and on Alfred Drive, and addressing excessive traffic and speeding on Lenox Avenue pending a speed study. A petition to redesign the Linden Street and Onota Street intersection is also on the agenda but remains tabled.

• Petition to remove One Hour Parking signs on Curtis Terrace
• Petition to install a "No Parking Here to Corner" sign at Dalton Avenue and Dartmouth Street
• Petition to install a "No Parking" sign on Alfred Drive
• Petition to resolve excessive traffic and speeding on Lenox Avenue (awaiting speed study results)
• Petition to redesign the intersection of Linden Street and Onota Street (tabled)

RSVP Advisory Board

The RSVP Advisory Board will meet to hear the Volunteer Coordinator, President, and Director reports, approve the September 25 minutes, and receive updates from committees including Finance, Public Relations, and Strategic Planning. An executive session may be held if needed. The meeting is primarily procedural.

• Approval of minutes from September 25, 2025 meeting
• Volunteer Coordinator Report
• Committee reports: Finance, Public Relations, Nominating, Recognition, Strategic Planning, Volunteer Recruitment, Executive, Marketing
• Possible executive session under MGL Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding several Notice of Intent applications and Requests for Determination of Applicability. The body is reviewing projects involving aquatic herbicides, dredging, and construction near protected wetlands.

• Application for aquatic herbicides in Richmond Pond by the Town of Richmond
• Rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street by the City of Pittsfield
• Dredging of Parker Pond at 669 Churchill Street by Jeffrey Carr
• Construction of a group home and a single-family home on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc.
• Certificates of Compliance for work at 205 Pecks Road, Richmond Pond, 172 Chapel Street, and 1685 West Housatonic Street

The Conservation Commission issued a Positive 1,3,6 determination for an aquatic herbicide application and approved Complete Certificates of Compliance for projects at 205 Pecks Road and 172 Chapel Street. The commission postponed the Richmond Pond application to the November 20, 2023 meeting, with one member abstaining. An amendment to the Home Depot restoration plan was adopted, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.

• Issued Positive 1,3,6 determination for aquatic herbicide application (Mass DEP File #263-1241) – approved unanimously
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for 205 Pecks Road (Mass DEP File #263-759) – approved unanimously
• Continued Richmond Pond application (Mass DEP File #263-1131) to Nov 20, 2023 meeting – approved with Mr. Forester abstaining
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance with special condition for 172 Chapel Street (Mass DEP File #263-1189) – approved unanimously
• Amended Home Depot restoration plan to include maintenance – approved unanimously
• Adjourned meeting at 7:15 pm – approved unanimously

Human Services Advisory Council

The Human Services Advisory Council will meet remotely to review member terms, prior minutes, and a proposed schedule of activities. The main business includes considering any changes to the RFP or the Human Services grant process and receiving an update on 2025 funded programs.

• Consideration of changes to the RFP or Human Services grant process
• Update on 2025 funded programs
• Review proposed Schedule of Activities

The Human Services Advisory Council met remotely on Oct. 23, 2025, but a quorum was not present, so no motions were adopted. The review of the March 27, 2025 minutes was postponed to the next meeting. The proposed schedule of activities was discussed, and the chair indicated it works, but no vote was taken. The council noted Ms. Padilla’s resignation and invited interested parties to contact the department.

• Quorum not present – no motions adopted
• Review of March 27, 2025 minutes continued to next meeting
• Proposed schedule of activities reviewed; chair said it works (no vote)
• Ms. Padilla resignation noted; invitation for replacements issued

School Committee

The School Committee will hold second readings on adopting the Investigating History curriculum for grades 6-7 and piloting it for grades 3-5. The agenda also includes a special education update detailing state compliance issues with corrective actions due, approvals for career and technical education policies, foreign travel to Portugal and Spain, a revision to the 2025-2026 school calendar, and an update on enrollment numbers for new school construction. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining with employee unions.

• Second reading to adopt Investigating History curriculum (grades 6-7) and pilot (grades 3-5)
• Special education update with corrective items due Oct 31 and Nov 7 for state compliance (Indicators 4A/4B, Credible Allegation, IPR)
• Approval to adopt CTE policies (IHAIH middle school exploration, revised JFAAA recruitment & retention)
• Approval of foreign travel to Portugal and Spain
• Approval of 2025-2026 school year calendar revision

School Committee

This is a routine School Council meeting at Capeless Elementary. The council will vote on a co-chair and discuss the School Improvement Plan. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Voting in a Co-Chair
• Discussion of School Improvement Plan

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will review updates from its solar developer and consultant, discuss a lease rent abatement for Hangar 14, and review financials for the fiscal year 2026.

• Review and approval of minutes from August 19, 2025
• Update from solar developer Navisun
• Update from consultant Gale Associates, Inc.
• Discussion and approval of Hangar 14 lease rent abatement
• Financials review for FY26 budget and revenue

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will review special permit applications for housing and parking expansions. The board will also discuss the Westside Form Based Code and a new state model bylaw for a BESS Ordinance.

• Special permit for 47 housing units at 55 Linden Street
• Site plan approval for mobile micro cabins at 101 Dan Fox Drive
• Special permit amendment for parking lot expansion at 1 West Street
• Discussion of Westside Form Based Code
• Discussion of BESS Ordinance state model bylaw

The Community Development Board approved three major projects: a site‑plan for 16 mobile micro‑cabins at 101 Dan Fox Drive, a special permit for a 47‑unit multifamily development at 55 Linden Street, and an amendment to a parking‑lot special permit at 1 West Street. All three approvals were granted with conditions and unanimous votes, except one dissent on the cabin site‑plan. The board also approved September meeting minutes and adjourned at 8 p.m.

• Approved site‑plan for 16 mobile micro‑cabins at 101 Dan Fox Drive (conditions attached; one board member voted Nay)
• Approved special permit for 47‑unit multifamily housing at 55 Linden Street (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to parking‑lot special permit at 1 West Street (unanimous)
• Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous; Ms. Irvin, Ms. FitzGerald, Mr. Herzberg abstained)
• Continued September 16, 2025 minutes to next meeting
• Approved September 30, 2025 minutes (unanimous; Ms. FitzGerald, Mr. Herzberg abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:00 p.m. (unanimous)

Community Development Board

The Pittsfield Community Development Board will hold a public hearing on two special permit applications: Berkshire Hospitality Group, LLC seeks to expand a non-conforming parking area at 1 West Street, and Hearthway, Inc seeks dimensional relief for a proposed multifamily housing development at 55 Linden Street. Both hearings are scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM via Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

• Public hearing on Berkshire Hospitality Group, LLC application to expand non-conforming parking area at 1 West Street (Assessor’s Map H08, Block 19, Lot 101).
• Public hearing on Hearthway, Inc application for dimensional relief (parking location, transparency, secondary street requirements) for a multifamily housing development at 55 Linden Street (Assessor’s Map H10, Block 20, Lot 201).
• Both hearings are under the Downtown Creative District (DCD) Zoning District and involve amendments to existing special permits or new special permits.

The Community Development Board approved a special permit for a 47‑unit multifamily housing project at 55 Linden Street, with unanimous Roll Call support. It also approved a site‑plan review for a 16‑unit mobile micro‑cabin development at 101 Dan Fox Drive, despite one board member voting nay. Additionally, the board unanimously approved an amendment to an existing parking‑lot special permit at 1 West Street.

• Approved special permit for 47‑unit housing at 55 Linden Street (unanimous)
• Approved site‑plan review for 16 mobile micro‑cabins at 101 Dan Fox Drive (1 nay)
• Approved amendment to parking‑lot special permit at 1 West Street (unanimous)
• Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous, with three abstentions)
• Continued September 16, 2025 minutes to next meeting
• Approved September 30, 2025 minutes (unanimous, with two abstentions)

Committee of the Whole

The Ordinance Review Committee has recommended that the City Council approve a Final Draft of the General Codes. This action is intended to bring the City Code into conformity with the City Charter.

• Proposed repeal of Section 1-7 (General penalty)
• Proposed repeal of Section 1-13 (form of warrant or notice for calling general meetings)
• Proposed repeal of Section 1-16 (Contractual stipulations relative to employment of residents)
• Amendment to Section 1-17 regarding the effective date of adopted measures
• Amendment to Section 2-1 regarding the marking of City-owned motor vehicles

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to review September financials and maintenance reports. The board is scheduled to vote on changes to the Housing Choice Voucher Program Administration Plan.

• Vote on Change Housing Choice Voucher Program Administration Plan
• Review of September Financials and TAR Report
• Discussion on inadvertent quorum violation
• HUD/Section 8 SEAMAP 2026 and Payment Standards update

Miscellaneous

This is a notice, not a decision-making meeting. The City Clerk will conduct public testing of ImageCast Precinct Vote tabulators and ballots for the November 4, 2025 State Election on October 21, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in City Hall Room 101, with a possible continuation on October 22 if needed.

• Public testing of voting tabulators and ballots for the November 4, 2025 State Election

Parks Commission

The Pittsfield Parks Commission will hold a meeting on October 21, 2025, to review September meeting minutes, consider two park event requests (a walkathon and holiday tree lighting), discuss correspondence including a Book House Installation Project and a new police department policy for special events, and address a request for chair approval of time-sensitive First Amendment events at The Common.

• Review of September 16 and September 29, 2025 meeting minutes
• 4th Annual Move for Movember Walkathon, The Common, November 7, 2025, 9am-12pm
• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Park Square, December 5, 2025, 6-7pm
• Correspondence: Sabrina Burgess, Book House Installation Project at Doyle Softball Complex
• Correspondence: Jennifer VanBramer, New Policy from Police Department for Special Events, Rallies & Marches

The Parks Commission approved several community events, including the 4th Annual Move for Movember Walkathon and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. It approved the Book House Installation Project at Doyle Softball Complex and a CPA application for lake‑access stairs. The commission voted to let the chair approve one‑day First Amendment rallies at The Common when the full commission cannot meet. All items were approved unanimously.

• Approved 4th Annual Move for Movember Walkathon (unanimously)
• Approved Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (unanimously)
• Approved Book House Installation Project at Doyle Softball Complex (unanimously)
• Approved CPA application for lake‑access stairs at Pontoosuc Lake (unanimously)
• Authorized chair to approve time‑sensitive First Amendment events at The Common (unanimously)
• Approved Recreation report (unanimously)
• Approved Parks and Long‑Range Management report (unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:50 pm (unanimously)

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will meet in an executive session to conduct collective bargaining with several employee groups, including bus drivers and attendants, cafeteria staff, custodial staff, paraprofessionals, and educational secretaries. No public participation is allowed. The session follows Massachusetts law for confidential labor negotiations.

• Executive session for collective bargaining with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’ unit
• Collective bargaining with Cafeteria staff unit
• Collective bargaining with Custodian unit
• Collective bargaining with Paraprofessionals unit
• Collective bargaining with Educational Secretaries unit

School Committee

The Morningside Community School Council will meet to review the School Improvement Plan and discuss recent MCAS results. The agenda also includes staff updates and district meeting norms. This is a routine procedural meeting with no votes or binding decisions scheduled.

• Review of the School Improvement Plan
• Discussion of MCAS Results
• Staff Updates
• Review of District Meeting Norms

School Committee

The Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee will meet in executive session. The body will conduct collective bargaining with several school employee bargaining units.

• Collective bargaining session with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a Wetlands Protection Act public hearing. The meeting will continue discussion of Mass DEP File #263-1251, a Notice of Intent from Berkshire Home Rentals, LLC to replace a staircase and perform site work at 323 Lenox Avenue. No other decisions are listed.

• Mass DEP File #263-1251: Notice of Intent for staircase replacement at 323 Lenox Avenue
• Applicant: Berkshire Home Rentals, LLC
• Public hearing under the Wetlands Protection Act

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission held a Wetlands Protection Act public hearing on Mass DEP File #263-1251, an application to replace a staircase at 323 Lenox Avenue. After a presentation by Anthony Barnaba of Blueline Design and a review by Shannon Poulin, the commission voted to issue Order of Conditions 1-30. The motion passed unanimously by roll‑call vote. No other business was taken.

• Approved Order of Conditions 1-30 for staircase replacement at 323 Lenox Avenue (unanimous roll‑call)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call)

School Committee

The School Council will meet at 5:00 PM on Oct 16, 2025 at Herberg Middle School, 501 Pomeroy Ave. The agenda includes a welcome, a review of compliance with the Open Meeting Law, a discussion of the School Improvement Plan, and updates from the principal. The meeting will adjourn with scheduling of the next session.

• Welcome and Introduction
• Review of Open Meeting Law & Role of School Council
• Review of School Improvement Plan
• Principal’s Updates and Notes
• Adjournment and Next Meeting

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee is holding a special meeting to interview a candidate for the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance position and then vote on the appointment. No other business is on the agenda.

• Interview of Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance candidate
• Vote on appointment of Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance

Council on Aging

The Pittsfield Council on Aging meets on October 15, 2025 at the Ralph Froio Senior Center. The agenda includes a finance review, staffing updates, and a discussion of new business items. New business focuses on the FY 26 Community Transit Grant, letters of support, and the MCOA conference materials. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.

• Staffing updates: van driver, SDP Activity Leader, outreach
• FY 26 Community Transit Grant
• Letters of support
• MCOA Conference & Power Point
• Finance review

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Pittsfield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2025, to consider three applications: a sign exception for Pixley Signs at 1035 South Street, an amendment to a special permit for the Eagle Allendale mobile home park at 245-395 Cheshire Road, and special permits for Blue Chair Properties to add year-round camping at a ski resort at 101 and 102 Dan Fox Drive.

• Sign exception request for directory signage and signage over 100 sq ft at 1035 South Street (B-G zoning)
• Amendment of special permit for Eagle Allendale mobile home park: 4,000 sq ft storage building, site reconfiguration, and inclusion of a 22nd mobile home site at 245-395 Cheshire Road
• Special permits for Blue Chair Properties to alter a pre-existing nonconforming ski resort for year-round camping at 101 and 102 Dan Fox Drive (LDI and R-43 zoning districts)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Pittsfield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three items: a special permit amendment for a mobile home park expansion at 245 Cheshire Road, a special permit amendment to allow year-round camping at a ski resort at 101 and 102 Dan Fox Drive, and a sign exception request for directory signage over 100 square feet at 1035 South Street.

• Eagle Allendale Application #3049: amendment of special permit for 4,000 sq ft accessory storage building, reconfiguration of mobile home sites, and addition of 22nd mobile home lot at 245 Cheshire Road
• Blue Chair Properties LLC Application #3052: amendment of special permit to allow alteration of pre-existing nonconforming ski-resort to include year-round camping facilities at 101 and 102 Dan Fox Drive
• Pixley Signs - L&S Limited Partnership Application #3053: exceptions for directory signage and signage in excess of 100 sq ft at 1035 South Street

The Zoning Board approved the amendment to Eagle Allendale’s special permit, adding a 4,000‑sq‑ft storage building and a new mobile‑home lot. It also approved sign exceptions for Pixley Signs with a condition for “Enter Only” and “Exit Only” signage. The Blue Chair Properties application was continued to the November 19 meeting, and the September 17 minutes were accepted.

• Approved September 17 minutes (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Eagle Allendale amendment (5-0)
• Continued Blue Chair Properties application to Nov 19 (5-0)
• Approved Pixley Signs sign exceptions with condition (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to discuss and vote on an update to the Administrator's contract.

• Vote on Administrator Contract Update

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on a Walmart expansion special permit and a Verizon/Eversource pole installation. It will also consider accepting two state 911 grants totaling over $310,000, authorize sale of city-owned properties on Daytona and Orlando Avenues, and vote on committee recommendations including a mobile home park code amendment and school bus violation detection system. Several petitions are referred to committees, including a review of homeless alternatives and a speed bump reevaluation.

• Public hearing on Walmart Inc. special permit for expansion and parking improvements at 555 Hubbard Avenue
• Order to accept $293,940 grant from MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for State 911 Department Support and Incentive
• Order to accept $16,906.57 grant from State 911 Training Department Grant
• Order to declare surplus and authorize sale of city-owned properties on Daytona Avenue and Orlando Avenue
• Report from Licensing Board recommending adoption of MGL Ch. 138 §12D to allow Annual Wine and Malt License holders to upgrade to All-Alcohol License

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will meet to discuss priorities regarding transportation and housing. The body will review the status of sidewalk, signal, and curb cut improvements at several city intersections and address ADA parking and access issues.

• Review of signals and audible alerts at Center and West Streets and Center and Columbus Ave
• Discussion of Tyler Street improvements and North Street proposed changes
• Evaluation of crosswalk button accessibility on East Street
• ADA parking sign and space issues at City Hall, Summer Street, and Clapp Park fields
• Review of accessibility for restaurants and new apartments on North Street

The commission approved the September 2025 minutes and the current meeting minutes by unanimous vote. A motion to cancel the November meeting was also approved unanimously. No other actionable decisions were made during the session.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled November meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The THS School Council will hold preliminary discussions and approval for the School Improvement Plan. The body will also review academic programming and communication methods.

• Preliminary discussions and approval of the THS School Improvement Plan
• Early College update
• Review of Core Academics vs. Electives/CTE
• CTE update regarding Green/Gold Week Schedule
• Discussion of school newsletter

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review a Title V variance request for the property at 720 South Street. An overview of the Pearl Shelter program will be presented. The board will also discuss a proposed camping ordinance before taking public comment.

• Title V variance hearing – 720 South St.
• Overview of The Pearl Shelter – presentation by Erin Forbush
• Discussion of a proposed camping ordinance

The Board voted unanimously to approve the Title V variance request for 720 South Street, permitting a septic system with a 30‑inch soil absorption depth instead of the required 48 inches. Board Member Pill made the motion, which was seconded by Leppo, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved Title V septic variance for 720 South Street (unanimous vote)

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will discuss an HR audit, a superintendent report, and accountability data. It will take a second reading on adopting the new Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) curriculum covering Algebra 1, Algebra II, and Geometry. The committee will also consider appointing a school nurse, approve meeting minutes, and review a personnel report. An executive session will address collective‑bargaining negotiations with multiple employee unions.

• Second Reading of Adoption of New Curriculum, Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) – Algebra 1, Algebra II, Geometry
• Appointment of a School Nurse
• Approval of Minutes (Enclosure No. 4)
• Personnel Report (Enclosure No. 5)
• Executive Session on collective‑bargaining negotiations with bus drivers, cafeteria, custodial, paraprofessional, and educational secretaries unions

Animal Hearing Authority

The Animal Control Hearing Authority will hold two public hearings to consider complaints about alleged dangerous dogs, one from a resident and one from the city. The board will also vote on minutes from prior meetings.

• Public hearing on complaint by Kyrie Goodwin of 44 John St. against Harold and Karen Campbell of 42 John St. regarding an alleged dangerous dog
• Public hearing on complaint by the City of Pittsfield against Kyle Roberts and Kelly Confer of 1050 North St. regarding an alleged dangerous dog
• Approval of minutes from September 2 and September 23, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold a Wetlands Protection Act public hearing to review an updated planting plan for Pontoosuc Lake Park (Mass DEP File #263-1227). The applicant is the City of Pittsfield. A site visit is scheduled as part of the meeting.

• Public hearing on updated planting plan for Pontoosuc Lake Park (Mass DEP File #263-1227)

Cultural Council

The Pittsfield Cultural Council will discuss how to handle a grantee who wants to change the subject of their funded application. They will also hear a report on Scott Maloney's presentation and final report. The meeting includes a vote on minutes from September and notes that the application cycle ends on October 16.

• Discussion of policy for grantee requesting subject change after funding
• Report on Scott Maloney's presentation and final report
• Application cycle deadline: October 16
• Vote on minutes of September 10 meeting
• Thanks to those who made the grantee reception a success

School Building Needs Commission

The commission will discuss a long-term elementary school reorganization plan known as the Three Zone Plan, which lists potential school sites including Capeless, Reid, Morningside, and others. The agenda also includes overviews of two Massachusetts School Building Authority programs: the Core Program and the Accelerated Repair Program. No votes or decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Review of three-zone elementary school reorganization plan
• Overview of MSBA Core Program process
• Overview of MSBA Accelerated Repair Program process
• List of schools referenced: Capeless, Reid, Morningside, PHS, Williams, Egremont, Herberg, Stearns, Crosby, Conte, Taconic, Allendale

Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees

The Pittsfield Athenaeum Board of Trustees will meet to review financial reports, committee assignments, and capital expenditures. The meeting will include a public comment period and the approval of a corporate resolution regarding bank account administrators.

• Review of Finance and Personnel committee reports
• Approval of corporate resolution for bank account signers
• Discussion of 2025-2026 committee assignments
• Presentation of expected capital and other expenditures
• Review of Friends of the Library committee update

Community Preservation Committee

This is a regular meeting of the Pittsfield Community Preservation Committee with mostly procedural items. The committee will review eligibility applications, discuss project updates, and set details for a public hearing scheduled for November 3rd. No specific funding requests or project decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of September 8, 2025 minutes
• Project updates from staff
• Review of eligibility applications (release applications)
• Discussion of public hearing details for November 3rd

The Community Preservation Committee approved the September 8 minutes unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously at 7:00 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved September 8 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Public Works Committee

The Committee will receive a report from Commissioner Morales on winter snow and ice control plans. The meeting also includes a petition from Alex Blumin regarding city code enforcement for catch basin ice removal and downtown shoveling.

• Report on 2025-2026 snow plowing operations
• FY25 snow expense recap showing a projected total of $2,083,793.45
• Petition from Alex Blumin for manual downtown shoveling and catch basin ice removal
• Review of winter parking management and alternate side parking policies

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will hold an executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2). The session is for collective bargaining with the Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries units represented by the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT. No public participation is allowed.

• Executive session for collective bargaining with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessional, and Educational Secretary units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee will review financial reports and vote on two grant applications. The body will also discuss clean energy infrastructure regulations and the Executive Director's performance review and salary adjustment.

• Vote on grant application to the Williamstown Community Chest for a Fund for Williamstown Grant
• Vote on grant application to the MOSAIC RIZE Municipal Matching Grant Program
• Vote on updated Continuation of Medical Benefits After Retirement Policy
• Vote on Executive Director’s FY 25 Performance Review and FY 26 Salary Adjustment
• Discussion on Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting Regulations

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee will meet virtually to approve grant applications, financial reports, and the executive director's performance review and salary adjustment.

• Vote to approve grant applications to Williamstown Community Chest and MOSAIC RIZE
• Vote to approve Executive Director's FY 25 performance review and FY 26 salary adjustment
• Vote to approve BRPC's Updated Continuation of Medical Benefits After Retirement Policy
• Financial reports and discussion on expenditures, accounts receivable, and line of credit
• Discussion on EPA's Proposed Changes to its Endangerment Finding and Environmental Bond Bill

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The committee will meet remotely to review previous minutes and hear from representatives of Clinical Support Options regarding their programs in Pittsfield. The meeting also includes a notice for a Housing Resource Fair on October 9.

• Discussion of Clinical Support Options (CSO) programs in Pittsfield
• Housing Resource Fair on October 9 at Berkshire Dream Center, 475 Tyler Street

The Homelessness Advisory Committee approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No substantive actions were taken on the Clinical Support Options program discussion. The committee announced a Housing Resource Fair on October 9 at the Berkshire Dream Center. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 11:30 a.m.

• Approved September 3 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing on several wetland-related applications, including continued hearings for aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond, rehabilitation of Wahconah Park, and dredging of Parker Pond. New items include a staircase replacement at 323 Lenox Avenue and requests for tree removal determinations. The commission will also consider certificates of compliance for past work and approve minutes from a prior meeting.

• Continued hearing: aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond (Mass DEP File #263-1241)
• Continued hearing: rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street (Mass DEP File #263-1245)
• Continued hearing: dredging of Parker Pond at 669 Churchill Street (Mass DEP File #263-1250)
• New public hearing: staircase replacement at 323 Lenox Avenue (Berkshire Home Rentals, LLC)
• Requests for determination of applicability for tree removals at 148 McIntosh Drive and 610 Churchill Street

The commission unanimously moved to continue six pending applications to the October 23, 2025 meeting. It also issued Negative 3 Determinations with conditions for two tree‑removal requests and approved Complete Certificates of Compliance for three projects. Additionally, the September 11 minutes were approved, a site visit for Pontoosuc Lake Park was scheduled, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Continued six pending applications to Oct 23 meeting (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for 148 McIntosh Drive tree removal (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for 610 Churchill Street tree removal (unanimous)
• Issued Complete Certificates of Compliance for three projects (unanimous)
• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled site visit for Pontoosuc Lake Park on Oct 7 at 5 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:15 pm (unanimous)

School Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee. The only item is to enter Executive Session under state law to conduct collective bargaining with multiple Pittsfield Federation of School Employees bargaining units. There is no public participation.

• Executive session for collective bargaining with Bus Drivers & Attendants, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Community Development Board

The board will determine whether subdivision approval is not required for altering the property line between 119 Orlando Avenue and 0 Oakhurst Avenue. The application, submitted by Patrick McColgan on behalf of Tiffany Roberts, is the only substantive item on the agenda. The meeting will also include roll call and adjournment.

• Property line alteration request for 119 Orlando Avenue and 0 Oakhurst Avenue (Assessor Map G15, Block 6, Lot 05, Deed Book 8885LC45, Page 47)

The board considered a plan of land submitted by Taconic Land Consultants for 119 Orlando Avenue. A motion was made and seconded to determine that subdivision approval is not required, and it was approved unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Determined subdivision approval not required for 119 Orlando Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Commission on Tourism

The Pittsfield Commission on Tourism will meet on September 29, 2025 at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. Commissioners will discuss the city's Cultural Plan, marketing itineraries, and collaborative seasonal events. The agenda also includes other updates and sets the next meeting for November 24, 2025.

• Discussion of the Pittsfield Cultural Plan
• Review of Pittsfield itineraries for marketing
• Planning of seasonal events for collaborative promotions
• Other updates from the group
• Scheduling of next meeting on November 24, 2025

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will discuss a Local Historic District petition, including study committee composition and a potential consultant. No demolition delay applications were submitted for review. The meeting also covers approval of August minutes and other routine business.

• Local Historic District Petition discussion
• Study Committee Composition for district process
• Consultant for District Process
• No demolition delay applications submitted

A quorum of the Historical Commission was present. The minutes from August 25, 2025 were approved, with Garrison and Bradway abstaining. No substantive actions were taken on the local historic district discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved August 25, 2025 minutes (abstentions: Garrison, Bradway)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will consider license applications for several local businesses and hold show cause hearings regarding alcohol licenses. The board will also discuss and vote on the adoption of M.G.L. C. 138, S. 12D.

• KENO License application for Tavern at the A at 303 Crane Avenue
• Change of Hours application for 99 Restaurants & Pubs at 607 Merrill Road
• Public hearing for Arcade/Family Center License for Tyler St. Arcade at 214 Tyler Street
• Show Cause Hearing for Bei Tempi (195 Onota Street) and Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North Street)
• Vote on adopting M.G.L. C. 138, S. 12D

Parks Commission

The Board of Park Commissioners will meet to consider a special park event request. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Special Park Event Request: No Kings 2.0, StandUp Berkshires!, and Robin OHerin at The Common on October 18, 2025, from 2:30-5:00pm

The commission voted to approve the special park event "No Kings 2.0, StandUp Berkshires!" scheduled for October 18, 2025 at The Common. The motion was made by Tony DeMartino, seconded by Michele Matthews, and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved No Kings 2.0 event on Oct 18, 2025 at The Common (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

RSVP Advisory Board

This is a regular monthly meeting of the RSVP Advisory Board. The agenda consists of reports from the Volunteer Coordinator, President, and Director, along with updates from several committees. The board may also enter executive session to discuss matters permitted by state law. No votes on specific ordinances, contracts, or financial items are listed.

• Volunteer Coordinator Report
• Approval of June 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• Committee reports include Finance, Public Relations, Nominating, Recognition, Strategic Planning, Volunteer Recruitment, Executive, and Marketing
• Possible executive session under MGL Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(3)

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet to approve minutes, financial reports, and expense warrants. The board will also review and discuss January 1, 2025, actuarial valuation results presented by PERAC.

• Approve previous board meeting minutes
• Approve monthly financial reports
• Approve monthly expense warrants
• Approve new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers
• Review January 1, 2025, Actuarial Valuation results

The board unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting, the monthly trial balance and receipts, the monthly expense warrants, and the approvals for new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds and transfers, each with a 5‑yea, 0‑nay vote. The board also accepted funding schedule alternative 2 proposed by PERAC, with all five members voting Yes. The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 a.m. after a unanimous 5‑yea, 0‑nay vote.

• Approved minutes of prior meeting (5-0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, disbursements, adjustments, cash flow and reconciliations (5-0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (5-0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (5-0)
• Accepted PERAC funding schedule alternative 2 (5 Yes)
• Approved vendor warrant $159,987.84
• Approved FWT warrant $910.99
• Adjourned meeting at 10:33 a.m. (5-0)

Miscellaneous

This meeting is solely for a public drawing to determine the order of candidates on the November 4, 2025 municipal election ballot. No other business is conducted.

• Drawing for ballot position at 12:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to review financial reports and program updates. The board is scheduled to vote on draft financial statements for FY 2025 and the 2025-26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.

• FY 2025 Draft Financial Statements (VOTE)
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise 25-26 Program (VOTE)
• Cash Reports for June, July, and August 2025 (VOTE)
• Administrator Search Update
• Year-to-date ridership and budget reports

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Finance and Audit Committee will vote on approving minutes from June 2025 and on the draft FY2026 financial statement. The committee will also discuss next steps in the administrator search. The meeting is procedural, with no rezonings, contracts, or fee changes on the agenda.

• Vote on approval of minutes from June 25, 2025
• Draft FY2026 Financial Statement review and vote
• Discussion of administrator search next steps

School Committee

This is a meeting of the Stearns School Council. The council will approve minutes from January 2025 and hear a principal's report on the School Improvement Plan and new staff. They will also discuss Open Meeting Law regulations and set meeting dates for January 13 and May 12. No major financial decisions or policy changes are on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from January 2025
• Principal's report on SIP and new staff
• Discussion and receipt of Open Meeting Law regulations and slide deck
• Setting meeting dates: January 13 and May 12 at 4:00 pm

Animal Hearing Authority

The Animal Control Hearing Authority will hold a public hearing regarding the seizure of a dog owned by Daniel Sullivan. The proceeding is conducted in accordance with Massachusetts General Law 140, Section 157H.

• Public hearing to appeal the seizure of a dog owned by Daniel Sullivan

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on four ordinances amending the City Charter (continued from September 9) and on Archtop Fiber's plans to install fiber-optic infrastructure. The council will also vote on reports recommending $500,000 for Jain Americas and $200,000 for Elegant Stitches from economic development funds. Multiple traffic regulation changes are on the agenda, including parking and stop-sign orders.

• Public hearing on four charter amendments (clerk term, mayor as school committee chair, etc.)
• Public hearing on Archtop Fiber fiber-optic network in city rights-of-way
• $500,000 from Pittsfield Economic Development Funds for Jain Americas, Inc.
• $200,000 from Pittsfield Economic Development Funds for Elegant Stitches, Inc.
• Petition from Gateway Fiber for aerial fiber optic network

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will meet in an executive session to conduct collective bargaining. The session will involve the Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries units represented by the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT. No public participation is allowed. No specific decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session to negotiate with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Ordinances and Rules Committee

The Ordinances and Rules Committee will discuss several proposed ordinance changes, including a petition to allow school bus violation detection cameras and a petition to amend the definition of mobile home parks. Old business includes a review of maximum sign area regulations and a petition to inform elected officials of presentment notices. A communication from the City Solicitor regarding 75 Shaker Lane is also on the agenda.

• Petition to accept MGL Chapter 40, Section 71 for school bus violation detection monitoring system
• Petition to amend City Code Chapter 2, 2-170 to redefine Mobile Home Park
• Request to review and update maximum sign area for businesses in Sign Ordinance
• Petition to draft ordinance on informing elected officials of presentment notices
• Communication from City Solicitor on petition concerning 75 Shaker Lane

The Ordinances & Rules Committee unanimously approved a petition to amend City Code Chapter 2, changing the definition of a mobile home park from "homes" to "households." It also unanimously approved a petition to accept MGL Chapter 40, Section 71 for a future school‑bus violation monitoring system. Three other petitions were tabled to the next meeting, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved July 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved petition to accept MGL Chapter 40, Section 71 for school‑bus monitoring (unanimous)
• Amended petition to change "homes" to "households" in mobile‑home park definition (unanimous)
• Approved petition to amend City Code Chapter 2, definition of mobile‑home park (unanimous)
• Tabled review of maximum business sign area to next meeting
• Tabled draft ordinance for elected‑official notice requirements to next meeting
• Tabled City Solicitor communication on 75 Shaker Lane petition to next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee will consider approving minutes from May, receive reports on personnel and enrollment, and discuss the School Improvement Plan and MCAS results. The meeting includes public participation.

• Approval of minutes from May meeting
• Principal's report with personnel and enrollment updates
• Discussion of MCAS results
• Review and discussion of the School Improvement Plan

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will discuss candidate qualifications and determine next steps for the Administrator position. The board is scheduled to vote on a recommendation for the Administrator candidate.

• Vote to recommend a candidate for Administrator
• Discussion of candidate qualifications
• Note that candidate Winger withdrew from the interview process

School Committee

This is the first meeting of the Allendale Elementary School Council for the 2025-26 school year. The council will select a co-chair, review roles and procedures, and discuss the School Improvement Plan as well as accountability and beginning-of-year reading data.

• Selection of a co-chair for the council
• Review of the 2025/26 School Improvement Plan
• Review of accountability data and beginning-of-year reading data
• Setting future meeting dates

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will host a presentation on the new Accessory Dwelling Unit law and regulations. The meeting also includes a presentation on the Home Modification Loan Program for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

• Presentation by EOHLC ADU Coordinator Claire Morehouse on ADU law and regulations
• Presentation by Principal Planner Brett Roberts on the Home Modification Loan Program
• Vote to approve minutes of the July 17, 2025 meeting

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will hold a remote meeting to approve minutes from August 20 and review eligibility applications for Community Preservation Funds. No other substantive decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Review of eligibility applications for Community Preservation Funds

The Affordable Housing Trust board conducted roll call, approved the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting, reviewed eligibility applications for Community Preservation Funds, and then adjourned. No other actions were decided.

• Approved August 20, 2025 meeting minutes

Council on Aging

The Pittsfield Council on Aging will meet to discuss a staffing restructuring of Outreach and Van Driver roles, filling a .5 position in the Social Day Program, and a transportation funding deficit from BRTA. The agenda also includes updates on a café upgrade, new grants, and safety concerns at the North Street location. No decisions are noted on the BRTA funding deficit, which remains unchanged.

• Staffing restructuring: Outreach position, Van Drivers, and .5 Social Day Program role
• Transportation funding deficit from BRTA (no change)
• Café upgrade status update
• New grants discussion
• Safety concerns from North St. and corrective actions

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will consider adopting a social studies curriculum for grades 6 and 7 and endorsing a plan to reorganize elementary schools into three zones. The meeting will also include the appointment of a new school nurse and the first reading of several policies.

• First Reading of Investigating History Curriculum for Grades 6 & 7
• First Reading on Pilot of Investigating History Curriculum for Grades 3, 4, & 5
• Endorsement of Three-Zone Plan for Elementary School Reorganization
• Appointment of School Nurse Stacie Street (Salary: $66,556)
• First Reading on Policies including Sexual Harassment and Staff-Student Relations

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will convene to review meeting norms, discuss the Open Meeting Law, and vote on selecting a parent co-chair. The body will also review the School Improvement Plan and set the date for the next meeting.

• Review of meeting norms and Open Meeting Law
• Vote to select a parent co-chair
• Review of the School Improvement Plan
• Next meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings for five applications regarding residential expansions and signage. The board will consider requests for additional dwelling units, garage and deck expansions, and mobile home park reconfigurations.

• Special Permit for an additional dwelling unit at 169-173 Pecks Road
• Variance for garage expansion at 156 Harryel Street
• Special Permit amendment for storage and mobile home site reconfiguration at 245 Cheshire Road
• Variance for deck expansion at 126 Livingston Ave
• Sign exceptions for signage over 100 square feet at 555 Hubbard Ave

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for Robinson Joachin to add an additional dwelling unit at 169‑173 Pecks Road. It also granted variances for Elizabeth and Seth Calebaugh to expand a garage and for Owen Politis to enlarge a deck, and approved sign exceptions for Agree LP’s Walmart signage. The board postponed the Eagle Allendale application to the October 15, 2025 meeting. All approvals passed with five affirmative votes.

• Approved special permit for Robinson Joachin (5 affirmative votes)
• Approved variance for Elizabeth and Seth Calebaugh (5 affirmative votes)
• Continued Eagle Allendale application to Oct 15, 2025 (5 affirmative votes)
• Approved variance for Owen Politis (5 affirmative votes)
• Approved sign exceptions for Perry Petrillo/Agree LP (5 affirmative votes)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on four applications for special permits and variances. Applicants include Joachin Robinson seeking a special permit for an additional dwelling unit at 169-173 Pecks Road in the I-L zoning district. Other items include a garage expansion variance at 156 Harryel Street, a storage building amendment at 84 Shore Drive, a deck expansion variance at 126 Livingston Avenue, and a sign‑exception request at 555 Hubbard Avenue. The board will also accept the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting and consider adjournment of old business.

• Joachin Robinson – Special Permit (Article 23 Sec 8.3) for an additional dwelling unit at 169-173 Pecks Road, I-L Zoning District
• Elizabeth and Seth Calebaugh – Variance (Article 23 Sec 4.203) to expand a garage at 156 Harryel Street
• Eagle Allendale – Special Permit amendment (Article 23 Sec 8.3) for accessory storage building and mobile‑home site reconfiguration at 84 Shore Drive
• Owen Politis – Variance (Article 23 Sec 4.203) to expand a deck within the front‑yard setback at 126 Livingston Avenue
• Perry Petrillo – Sign Exceptions (Article 25 Sec 2, 5.2(C), 5.4(A)) to adjust sign calculations and allow signage over 100 sq ft at 555 Hubbard Avenue

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will review a site‑plan request from Walmart, Inc. to add about 1,500 square feet to its building and create a new pickup area at 555 Hubbard Avenue. The board will also determine that subdivision approval is not required for a property‑line alteration at 12 Worthington Street. A discussion of the Westside Form‑Based Code and its proposed uses will be included.

• Determination that subdivision approval is not required for altering the property line between 12 Worthington Street and 86 Center Street (submitted by Brian E. Koczela for Michael Durant).
• Site‑plan review request by Walmart, Inc. to expand the building by +/- 1,500 sq ft and add a new pickup area at 555 Hubbard Avenue (submitted by Lauren Sagaser of Bohler Engineering).
• Discussion of the Westside Form‑Based Code proposed uses and workshop results under Zoning Amendments.
• Approval of minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting.
• No subdivision or special‑permit applications were submitted.

The Community Development Board unanimously approved the minutes from August 19, 2025. It determined that a subdivision approval was not required for a land alteration at 12 Worthington Street. The board also unanimously approved Walmart's site‑plan amendment for 555 Hubbard Avenue and referred the application to City Council with special conditions. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:30 pm.

• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for 12 Worthington Street (unanimous)
• Approved Walmart site‑plan amendment for 555 Hubbard Avenue and referred to City Council (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30 pm (unanimous)

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority Board will approve the minutes from the August 19 meeting and hear reports on finance, maintenance, and HUD Section 8. The new business item is a vote to approve the scope of services for EOHLC Project #236105, which includes designer fees of $9,900 and an estimated construction cost of $75,000 for driveway and parking lot repairs. The meeting will also set the date for the next board session on October 21, 2025.

• Approve minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting
• Financial update from the Director of Finance and Administration
• Maintenance overview including waitlist and vacancy updates
• Vote to approve scope of services for EOHLC Project #236105 – driveway and parking lot repair ($9,900 designer fees, $75,000 construction estimate)
• Schedule next board meeting for October 21, 2025

Parks Commission

The Pittsfield Parks Commission will review August meeting minutes, consider three park event requests, and discuss correspondence and old business regarding the Pontoosuc Lake project. New business includes a proposed Park Square Historic District (memo and draft map from the City Planner), the FY25 annual report, and election of a representative to the Community Preservation Committee. Public comment will be heard.

• Proposed Park Square Historic District discussion with memo and draft map from City Planner Kevin Rayner
• Pontoosuc Lake Project correspondence with MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and Harry Batemen Fishing Derby Committee, plus bank plantings discussion
• Park event requests: New England N Club Meet-Up (Burbank Park, Sept 21), Building Bridges (Westside Riverway Park, Sept 27), 7th Annual Dave Zerbato Wiffleball Tournament (Deming Park, Oct 18)
• Election of representative to Community Preservation Committee
• Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Annual Report FY25 presented by Jim McGrath

The Parks Commission approved the bank planting plan for Pontoosuc Lake Park and recommended it to the Conservation Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The commission also elected Paula Albro as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee, also unanimously.

• Approved Pontoosuc Lake Park bank planting plan and recommendation to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Approved New England N Club Meet-Up event at Burbank Park (unanimous)
• Approved Building Bridges event at Westside Riverway Park (unanimous)
• Approved 7th Annual Dave Zerbato Wiffleball Tournament at Deming Park (unanimous)
• Approved Berkshire Mt Pickleball field request for Benedict Rd courts on Sundays (unanimous)
• Approved Berkshire GeoBash park cleanup at Burbank Park (unanimous)
• Elected Paula Albro as representative to Community Preservation Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Parks and Long-Range Management report (unanimous)

School Committee

The Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting in executive session. The body will conduct collective bargaining with several employee bargaining units.

• Collective bargaining session with Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, and Paraprofessionals and Educational units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will consider a continued request to determine whether subdivision approval is not required for a property line alteration at 119 Orlando Avenue, involving adjacent land at 0 Oakhurst Avenue. The board may vote on this land-use matter.

• Continued determination of subdivision approval not required for lot line adjustment at 119 Orlando Avenue and 0 Oakhurst Avenue (Map G15, Block 6, Lot 05)

The board reviewed a subdivision plan for 119 Orlando Avenue submitted by Patrick McColgan of Taconic Land Consultants on behalf of Tiffany Roberts. The applicant requested the application be withdrawn, and a new plan was submitted to be considered at the October meeting. The board then voted to adjourn the meeting unanimously at 4:05 p.m.

• Subdivision application withdrawn – no decision taken
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (4:05 p.m.)

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee is considering a mayoral order to authorize $500,000 from the Pittsfield Economic Development Fund to support Jain Americas Inc.'s purchase of 10 Conte Drive. The incentive is tied to creating 15 new full-time jobs over two years, with funds released in tranches as job milestones are met. The total projected investment is $8 million, and the loan would be forgivable over 10 years if conditions are maintained.

• Proposed $500,000 allocation from Pittsfield Economic Development Fund for Jain Americas Inc.
• Funds tied to creation of 15 new full-time jobs at minimum $35,000 salary over two years
• $250,000 released upon building purchase and documentation of 7 new jobs; $150,000 for 4 more by Dec. 2026; $100,000 for 4 more by Dec. 2027
• Company plans to purchase 153,429 sq ft facility at 10 Conte Drive in Pittsfield
• Total project investment estimated at $8 million; company expects to hire up to 31 new employees over three years

School Committee

The Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee of the Pittsfield Public School Committee will meet in executive session to conduct collective bargaining with the Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries bargaining units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT). No public participation is permitted at this meeting.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(2) for collective bargaining
• Bargaining units include Bus Drivers/Attendants, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public Schools Policy Subcommittee is meeting to review Policy IJND regarding Access to Digital Resources and Acceptable Use. The agenda includes no recommended actions or new business, with future business to be announced. The meeting is broadcast live but closed to public participation.

• Review of Policy IJND, Access to Digital Resources/Acceptable Use

Commission on Disabilities

The Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities will review recent meeting minutes, discuss priorities for transportation and housing, and receive updates on curb cuts, sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals across the city. They will also hear reports on ADA compliance for municipal buildings, parks, and parking spaces, as well as community issues including BRTA services, access to businesses, and hotel bed height concerns.

• Update on Micro Transit Study and Berkshire Health Systems Community Grant
• Status of audible alerts at Center and West Streets signals
• Cross button on East Street unreachable from wheelchair; crosswalk repair needed
• Proposed changes to North Street
• ADA parking signs behind City Hall and on Summer Street

The Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities opened the meeting with a motion that was seconded and approved unanimously. The commission then approved the August 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved motion to open the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved August 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on September 11, 2025, to consider various wetlands protection applications, including stormwater improvements, aquatic herbicide use, and park rehabilitation.

• Amend Order of Conditions for stormwater improvements at 467 Pecks Road
• Aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond
• Rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street
• Dredging of Parker Pond at 669 Churchill Street
• Multiple public hearings for tree removal and minor construction projects

The commission approved an amendment to the Order of Conditions for stormwater improvements at 467 Pecks Road. Several pending applications—including herbicide treatment at Richmond Pond, rehabilitation of Wahconah Park, and dredging at Parker Pond—were each continued to the October 1, 2025 meeting. Additional actions included issuing negative determinations for a porch and a dead‑tree removal, granting a complete Certificate of Compliance for the Parker Pond dredge, and approving the FY25 Conservation Annual Report.

• Amended Order of Conditions 1-32 for stormwater improvements at 467 Pecks Road (unanimous)
• Continued Richmond Pond herbicide application to Oct 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Wahconah Park rehabilitation to Oct 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Parker Pond dredging to Oct 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 2 Determination for attached porch at 40 Willard Place (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination for dead‑tree removal at 202 Blythewood Drive with special conditions (unanimous)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for dredging project at 669 Churchill Street (unanimous)
• Approved FY25 Conservation Annual Report (unanimous)

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee's Policy Subcommittee is meeting to review the District Website and Social Media Policy. The agenda includes approval of minutes and the policy review as unfinished business; no new business is scheduled. The meeting will be broadcast on PCTV, but no public participation is allowed.

• Review of District Website and Social Media Policy

Cultural Council

This meeting is a reception to honor and network with grantees from the 2024 funding cycle. No formal decisions or discussions are scheduled. The event is primarily ceremonial and social.

• Reception for 2024 cycle grantees
• Greetings and networking

Animal Control Commission

The Animal Control Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and hear public comment. The primary focus of the meeting is a discussion with ACO Quintal regarding her needs for the commission.

• Approval of June 3, 2025 minutes
• Discussion with ACO Quintal on Animal Control Commission needs

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on 55 personal property tax exemptions and one extended abatement application that was tabled from a prior meeting. The board will convene in executive session to review and vote on the abatement. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Vote on 55 personal exemptions (property list provided)
• Vote on one extended abatement application (tabled from August 26, 2025 meeting)
• Executive session to review the abatement application (not public record)
• Public comment period
• Approval of August 26, 2025 meeting minutes

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will interview candidate Robert Lambert for the Administrator position, discuss qualifications, and vote on a recommendation. The meeting includes roll call and setting the next meeting date.

• Interview with Administrator candidate Lambert
• Vote on recommending candidate for Administrator

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings on zoning for short-term rentals, four City Charter amendments, and a fiber-optic network proposal. The body will also consider grants for pollution control and a portable ice rink.

• Public hearing on Zoning Amendment to allow Short-Term Rentals
• Public hearing on four Ordinances amending the City Charter
• Public hearing on Archtop Fiber's petition to install fiber-optic infrastructure
• Order to accept $151,944.00 grant from MassDEP for Nonpoint Source Pollution
• Order to accept $200,000.00 grant from local organizations for a portable ice rink system

Traffic Commission

The Traffic Commission will review proposed stop signs at Lincoln and Second Streets, address parking regulations on several streets, and consider petitions for traffic calming.

• Traffic Order to amend stop signs at Lincoln Street and Second Street
• Traffic Orders amending parking regulations on Newell Street and Meadow Lane
• Traffic Orders amending parking regulations on Appleton Avenue and Union Street
• Petition for a 3-way stop at Pontoosuc and Lenox Avenues
• Petition to address traffic bypassing Wahconah Street for dam removal

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair and approve minutes from April 14, 2025. Members will also review the draft timeline and application materials for fiscal year 2026.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of April 14, 2025 minutes
• Review of FY2026 draft timeline
• Review of application materials

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved Danielle Steinmann as Chair and Alexandra Groff as Vice‑Chair. The minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. The FY 2026 draft timeline and the eligibility/funding application materials were each approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:45 p.m.

• Elected Danielle Steinmann Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Alexandra Groff Vice‑Chair (unanimous)
• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 draft timeline (unanimous)
• Approved eligibility and funding application materials (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:45 p.m. (unanimous)

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to conduct interviews for the administrator position. The board will interview two candidates, Quintos and Winger.

• Interview of Administrator Candidate Quintos
• Interview of Administrator Candidate Winger

Berkshire Workforce Board

The Berkshire Workforce Board will vote on Connecting Activities FY26 Allocations and discuss FY2026 WIOA Planning. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, FY2025 audit, FY2026 financial report, and Individual Training Account. Mayor Peter Marchetti will provide comments, and the board will hold a strategic discussion on the FY2026 workforce strategy.

• Vote on Connecting Activities FY26 Allocations
• Consent agenda: FY2025 Audit and FY2026 Financial report
• Consent agenda: Individual Training Account
• Discussion of FY2026 WIOA Planning
• Strategic discussion on FY2026 Workforce Strategy

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's Executive Committee will vote on submitting comments to the EPA regarding proposed changes to its Endangerment Finding, and to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission on draft social consumption regulations. The committee will also vote on several grant applications, updated personnel policies, disposal of surplus property, and the executive director's performance review and salary adjustment.

• Vote to submit comments to EPA on proposed changes to Endangerment Finding
• Vote to submit comments to MA Cannabis Control Commission on social consumption regulations
• Vote to approve updated sick leave, vacation, medical benefits, and family leave policies
• Vote to approve grant applications to JCOIN, USDA Housing Preservation Grant, and TD Bank Charitable Foundation
• Vote to approve disposal of surplus BRPC property (servers, laptops, switches, docking stations, printers)

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The committee will review the summer Ambassador program and provide an update on a proposed camping ordinance. Members will also discuss the date and location for the next Housing Resource Fair.

• Discussion of the Ambassador program run by Downtown Pittsfield Inc.
• Update on the proposed Camping Ordinance
• Planning for the next Housing Resource Fair

The Homelessness Advisory Committee unanimously approved the meeting minutes. It then unanimously approved a letter of support for the Ambassador program run by Downtown Pittsfield Inc. The committee set the next Housing Resource Fair for October 9 at the Berkshire Dream Center. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 11:45 a.m.

• Approved September 3 minutes (unanimously)
• Approved letter of support for the Ambassador program (unanimously)
• Scheduled Housing Resource Fair for October 9 at Berkshire Dream Center
• Adjourned meeting at 11:45 a.m. (unanimously)

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will consider several items, including a first reading of a new curriculum called Pathways 2 Careers and a proposal to delete the word “Interim” from Dr. Nicole Shepardson’s title. The most consequential item is the endorsement of a three‑zone plan to reorganize elementary schools. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and personnel reports, and an executive session on collective‑bargaining strategy.

• First reading of adoption of new Pathways 2 Careers curriculum (Algebra 1, Algebra II, Geometry)
• Endorsement of three‑zone plan for elementary school reorganization
• Deletion of the term “Interim” from Dr. Nicole Shepardson’s position title
• Approval of minutes and personnel report
• Executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining strategy with multiple employee unions

Animal Hearing Authority

The Animal Control Hearing Authority will hold two public hearings to consider complaints about alleged dangerous dogs owned by Robert Tremble and Maria Guaman. The board will also take public comments and approve minutes from a previous meeting.

• Public hearing on dangerous dog complaint against Robert Tremble of 118 Winesap Rd
• Public hearing on dangerous dog complaint against Maria Guaman of 10 Santa Maria Pl

School Building Needs Commission

The School Building Needs Commission will discuss proposed amendments to its charter and recommend them to the mayor. The meeting also includes an update on Pittsfield school building issues and a report on upcoming MSBA scheduling. An interim superintendent, Dr. Latifah Phillips, will be introduced.

• Proposed changes to the SBNC charter – recommendation to mayor
• Summary of solar and ground‑source heat pump changes per new federal bill
• Update on Pittsfield school building issues
• Report on MSBA schedule for next phase

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee's policy subcommittee will meet to review and discuss policies on the school district wellness program, relations with parent and booster organizations, acceptable use, and district website and social media. They will also discuss final adoption of the policy manual. No public participation is allowed; the meeting will be broadcast on PCTV.

• Review of School District Wellness Program policy
• Review of Relations With Parent/Booster Organizations policy
• Review of Acceptable Use policy
• Review of District Website and Social Media policy
• Discussion on Final Adoption of Policy Manual

Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees

The Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Library Trustees Finance Committee will meet to discuss investment reports, review goals and strategy, consider updates to the investment policy, and review recent gifts. The committee will also address target-based budgeting and approve bank reconciliations.

• Review of American Investment Services account performance and strategy
• Investment policy review and suggested updates
• Review and acceptance of recent gifts
• Target-based budgeting discussion
• Board member approval of bank reconciliations

Traffic Commission

The Pittsfield Traffic Commission will consider establishing stop signs at the intersection of Lincoln and Second Street and amending parking regulations on Newell Street and Meadow Lane. A request for a No Parking sign on Alfred Drive is also on the agenda. The meeting includes roll call and approval of previous minutes.

• Establish location of official stop signs at Lincoln and Second Street
• Amend parking regulations on southern segment of Newell Street near Meadow Lane
• Amend parking regulations along Meadow Lane
• Request for No Parking sign on Alfred Drive

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet to approve financial reports, expense warrants, and member status changes. The board will review a disability application for Police Captain Gary Traversa and a Section 101 request for Glenda Vittone.

• Disability application review for Police Captain Gary Traversa
• Section 101 approval for Glenda Vittone, surviving spouse of Joseph Vittone
• Approval of new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds, and transfers
• Travel reimbursement for staff and board members to attend Perac’s Emerging Issues Forum on September 17, 2025

The board approved the prior meeting minutes (4 yea, 0 nay, 1 abstain) and ratified the monthly trial balance, expense warrants, and member transactions (5 yea, 0 nay each). It voted to request a medical panel for Police Captain Gary Traversa and to grant Section 101 benefits to Glenda Vittone (5 yea, 0 nay). It also approved attendance and expense reimbursement for the PERAC Emerging Issues Forum in Westborough (5 yea, 0 nay) before adjourning the meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (4 yea, 0 nay, 1 abstain)
• Approved monthly trial balance (5 yea, 0 nay)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (5 yea, 0 nay)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds, transfers (5 yea, 0 nay)
• Requested medical panel for Police Captain Gary Traversa (5 yea, 0 nay)
• Approved Section 101 benefits for Glenda Vittone (5 yea, 0 nay)
• Approved attendance and expense reimbursement for PERAC Emerging Issues Forum (5 yea, 0 nay)
• Adjourned meeting (5 yea, 0 nay)

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to review and vote on a candidate for Administrator. The board will also discuss and vote on updates to the BRTA bylaws and the Public Transportation Agency Security Plan (PTASP).

• Vote on Administrator candidate
• Vote on BRTA Bylaws updates and implementation
• Vote on updates to PTASP
• Vote on Open Meeting Law Complaint action regarding R. Wood 7/22/2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Pittsfield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request to build a two-story attached carport within the front yard setback at 84 Shore Drive. The board will also consider a sign exception for a proposed wall sign at 455-457 Dalton Avenue and vote to approve the draft FY25 Annual Report.

• Variance request by Vivian Steinberg (Application #3045) for carport at 84 Shore Drive
• Sign exception request by Matthew Signs for El Gato Grande Limited (Application #3046) at 455-457 Dalton Avenue
• Approval of draft FY25 Annual Report

The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the July 23 meeting. It granted a variance to allow a two‑story attached carport at 84 Shore Drive. It also approved a sign exception for a wall sign at 455‑457 Dalton Avenue and adopted the draft FY25 Annual Report.

• Granted variance for 84 Shore Drive (5-0)
• Granted sign exception for 455-457 Dalton Avenue (5-0)
• Approved draft FY25 Annual Report (5-0)
• Approved minutes from July 23, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 pm (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will vote on two remaining extended abatements as old business, and vote on 193 personal exemption applications as new business. The board will also convene in executive session to review and vote on abatement applications, which are not public record.

• Vote on 2 remaining extended abatements (old business)
• Vote on 193 personal exemptions (new business)
• Motion to convene in executive session for abatement applications

School Committee

The Pittsfield Public School Committee will hold a special remote meeting to discuss and vote on hiring school nurses. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion and vote to hire school nurses

Historical Commission

The Pittsfield Historical Commission will review the demolition delay application, though no applications were submitted. The commission will also discuss a feasibility study for the Russell Allen House and consider a petition to establish a local historic district. Additional agenda items include a discussion of the Somerville project and a consultant report on the district process.

• Demolition delay application review (no applications submitted)
• Russell Allen House feasibility study
• Local historic district petition
• Somerville discussion
• Consultant report for district process

The commission approved the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. They appointed Ms. Nichols as the Community Preservation Committee representative, also unanimously. The members agreed to use the Christian Science building on Wendell Avenue for the final CPA Form B project.

• Approved July 28, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Ms. Nichols as CPC representative (unanimous)
• Agreed to use Christian Science building on Wendell Ave for CPA Form B (unanimous)

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will hold show cause hearings for Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North Street) and continue a hearing for Bei Tempi (195 Onota Street). The board will also vote on adopting M.G.L. C. 138, Section 12D, which may affect licensing procedures. An update from Chili's Grill and Bar on its alcohol license status at 555 Hubbard Avenue will be heard.

• Show cause hearing for Y Not Bar and Lounge d/b/a Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North Street, Downtown All-Alcohol Restaurant License)
• Continuation of show cause hearing for Zuke's Soups & Variety d/b/a Bei Tempi (195 Onota Street, All-Alcohol 7-Day Restaurant License)
• Update from Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill and Bar on annual all-alcohol license status at 555 Hubbard Avenue
• Discussion and vote on adopting M.G.L. C. 138, S. 12D
• Approval of July 28, 2025 meeting minutes

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will hold two executive sessions. The first, from 4:00‑5:30 p.m., will discuss bargaining strategy for several employee unions. The second, at 5:30 p.m., will conduct a collective bargaining session with those unions. No public participation is allowed.

• Executive session (4:00‑5:30 p.m.) to discuss bargaining strategy for Bus Drivers, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessional and Educational Secretary units
• Executive session (5:30 p.m.) to conduct collective bargaining with the same employee units

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on several continued and new applications under the Wetlands Protection Act. New items include a Notice of Intent for culvert removal and stream restoration at 105 Partridge Road, and a Request for Determination of Applicability for Walmart's online grocery pickup expansion at 555 Hubbard Avenue near Barton Brook. The commission will also consider certificates of compliance for completed projects at Springside Pond, 630 Churchill Street, and 70 Auburn Street.

• Continued hearing for aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond (Mass DEP #263-1241)
• Continued hearing for rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street
• New Notice of Intent for culvert removal and driveway reconfiguration at 105 Partridge Road
• New Request for Determination of Applicability for Walmart online grocery pickup expansion at 555 Hubbard Avenue
• Requests for certificates of compliance for Springside Pond, 630 Churchill Street, and 70 Auburn Street

The Conservation Commission continued several pending applications to the September 11, 2025 meeting, including the Richmond Pond herbicide request and the Wahconah Park rehabilitation. It approved orders of conditions for projects at 107 Chapel Street and 105 Partridge Road, and issued certificates of compliance for Springside Pond, 630 Churchill Street, and 70 Auburn Street. The commission also approved the restoration plan for 184 Blythewood Drive and a conservation restriction for 11 Samson Avenue. Minutes from the July 31 meeting were approved with one abstention, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Continued Richmond Pond herbicide application (File #263-1241) to Sep 11, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Continued Wahconah Park rehabilitation (File #263-1245) to Sep 11, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Issued Order of Conditions 1-32 for 107 Chapel Street addition – approved unanimously
• Issued Order of Conditions 1-33 for 105 Partridge Road culvert removal – approved unanimously
• Issued Negative 2 Determination with conditions for Walmart expansion at 555 Hubbard Avenue – approved unanimously
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for Springside Pond – approved unanimously
• Approved Restoration Plan for 184 Blythewood Drive with special condition – approved unanimously
• Approved Conservation Restriction for 11 Samson Avenue – approved unanimously

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee's Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting in two executive sessions on August 21, 2025. The first session, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., is to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with multiple school employee bargaining units. The second session, at 5:30 p.m., is a collective bargaining session with those same units. There is no public participation allowed.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with Bus Drivers, Attendants, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries units (Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT)
• Executive session to conduct collective bargaining with the same units
• Meeting held at Reid Middle School, 950 North Street Library

Affordable Housing Trust

The Board of Trustees will vote to require all grantees of USDA RDCI funds to sign an Assurance Agreement. The meeting also includes an update on the status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded projects.

• Vote to require USDA RDCI grantee sign 'Assurance Agreement'
• Update on ARPA funded projects
• Approval of June 18, 2025 meeting minutes

The trustees unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes. They also unanimously ratified and required all USDA RDCI grant recipients to sign the Assurance Agreement. The board found the AM Management and Westside Legends applications eligible and authorized them to proceed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6 p.m.

• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Ratified signature of USDA RDCI Assurance Agreement (unanimous)
• Required all grant recipients to sign the Assurance Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved AM Management application to convert commercial building on Wendell Ave (eligible, move forward)
• Approved Westside Legends modular housing application on Dewey Ave (eligible, move forward)
• Adjourned meeting at 6 p.m. (unanimous)

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee is holding a special meeting to enter executive session under state law to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with the Pittsfield Educational Administrators’ Association (PEAA). No public votes or other business are scheduled.

• Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3) to discuss bargaining strategy with the Pittsfield Educational Administrators’ Association (PEAA)

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will review financials for the end of FY25 and start of FY26, and consider updates from the solar developer and consultant. The commission will also appoint an interim Airport Manager following a resignation announcement and discuss plans for a permanent manager search. Other business includes review of the draft FY25 Annual Report and annual election of officers.

• Appointment of interim Airport Manager and discussion of manager search plan
• Financials review: FY25 end budget/revenue and FY26 start budget/revenue
• Review of the Airport's draft FY25 Annual Report
• Update from solar developer Navisun
• Annual election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Signing Authority

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will review the FY25 Annual Report and hold a workshop on the Westside Form Based Code. The meeting will be held virtually on August 19, 2025.

• Approval of July 22, 2025 minutes
• Review and approval of FY25 Annual Report
• Westside Form Based Code Discussion and Workshop
• Determination that subdivision approval is not required for 140 Melbourne Road
• Determination that subdivision approval is not required for 119 Orlando Avenue

The board approved the July 22, 2025 minutes. It unanimously determined that subdivision approval is not required for the land swap at 140 Melbourne Road submitted by SK‑Design for Wingate Senior Living. The board also continued the Orlando Avenue subdivision item to the next meeting, appointed Ms. Irvin as the BRPC delegate, approved the annual report with an edit, and adjourned at 7:00 pm.

• Approved July 22, 2025 minutes (approved, one abstention)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for 140 Melbourne Rd land swap (unanimous approval)
• Continued Orlando Ave subdivision item to next meeting (unanimous approval)
• Appointed Ms. Irvin as BRPC delegate (unanimous approval)
• Approved CDB annual report with an edit (unanimous approval)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 pm (unanimous approval)

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will vote on the Executive Director's contract and year-end accounting certifications. The board will also consider a bid for vacant unit turnovers at Rose Manor.

• Bid approval for project #236110 Rose Manor Vacant Unit Turnover: $813,145.00
• Executive Director Contract Approval
• Year-End Accounting Certifications
• Fee Accountant FY ’25 year-end Presentation
• Columbia Arms Handbook endorsement

Parks Commission

The commission will vote on event permits for a Skate Park Jam, a Family & Friends Day at Burbank Park, and a suicide prevention walk at The Common. They will also discuss bank plantings at Pontoosuc Lake Park and receive the Recreation Program Annual Report for FY25.

• Event permit request: Skate Park Jam on August 24, 2025, by Downtown Pittsfield, Inc./Bomb Shack
• Event permit request: Family & Friends Day on August 31, 2025, at Burbank Park by Ricardo Reeves
• Event permit request: Berkshire County Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide on September 20, 2025, at The Common by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Discussion of Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings (old business)
• Fall 2025 Field Requests and Recreation Program Annual Report FY25 (new business)

The Parks Commission unanimously approved the Skate Park Jam, Family & Friends Day, and the Berkshire County Out of the Darkness Walk events. The discussion on Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings was continued to the next meeting. Fall 2025 field requests and the FY25 Recreation Program Annual Report were also approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.

• Approved Skate Park Jam event (unanimous)
• Approved Family & Friends Day event (unanimous)
• Approved Berkshire County Out of the Darkness Walk event (unanimous)
• Continued Pontoosuc Lake Park bank plantings discussion to next meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Fall 2025 field requests (unanimous)
• Approved Recreation Program Annual Report FY25 (unanimous)
• Approved Parks and Long‑Range Management report (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 pm (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The Pittsfield Commission on Disabilities will discuss transportation and housing priorities, review ADA improvements including audible traffic signals and sidewalk crosswalks, and vote on a letter of support for the PCA Program. The meeting also includes updates on municipal building accessibility and community issues such as BRTA services and restaurant access.

• Update on installation of audible alerts at Center and West Streets signals
• Discussion of cross button on East Street inaccessible from a wheelchair
• Review of proposed changes to North Street
• Vote on a letter of support for the PCA Program
• Update on the Micro Transit Study for transportation

The commission unanimously approved the July 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously voted to provide a letter of support to AdLib for its PCA program application. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Provided letter of support to AdLib (unanimous)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to review specific district policies and discuss the final adoption of the Policy Manual. No public participation is permitted at this meeting.

• Review of policies regarding Social Media, District Website, Internet, and Digital Resources
• Review of policies regarding Booster Organizations and Wellness Program
• Discussion on Final Adoption of Policy Manual

Cultural Council

The Pittsfield Cultural Council will vote on Scott Maloney's request for a grant extension and consider an amendment to its guidelines. The council will also discuss the upcoming September grantee reception at Zucchini's, send letters to applicants who have not submitted final reports, and address council membership re-commitment due to term limits.

• Vote on Scott Maloney's request for an extension
• Amendment to council guidelines
• Discussion of September 10 grantee reception at Zucchini's, including name tags, sign-in sheet, and updated poster
• Letters to applicants who have not submitted final reports
• Re-commitment to council membership; Florian and Sally completing their sixth year must take a year off

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will hold a final vote on a policy restricting staff from contacting current students via personal social media or cell phones. The committee will also conduct first readings on new curricula: Investigating History for grades 6-7 and a pilot for grades 3-5, plus Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) math courses. Three school nurses are appointed, and the committee will enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining with bus drivers, cafeteria, custodial, paraprofessional, and secretarial units.

• Approval to adopt Policy PER-61B, banning staff from friending or following current students on personal social media and from calling/texting students from personal phones
• Waiver of Policy SC-47 (two-meeting rule) to allow adoption of the social media policy at this meeting
• First reading of Investigating History curriculum adoption for grades 6-7 and pilot for grades 3-5
• First reading of Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) math curriculum: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
• Appointment of three school nurses: Melanie Gillmeister (Pittsfield High School, $74,909), Sarah Sawyer (Stearns Elementary, $66,406), Marie Bird (Herberg Middle School, $66,556)

City Council

The City Council will consider charter revisions that would extend School Committee and Council terms from two to four years, and debate a proposed camping ban on public property. The meeting also includes accepting grants totaling over $1.5 million, authorizing $700,000 in economic funds for two business expansions, and hearing petitions on housing, opioid settlement use, and downtown safety.

• Charter revisions: Special Acts to change School Committee and City Council terms to four years; ordinances on City Clerk term, Mayor as School Committee chair, budget process
• Public hearing on ordinance amending City Code to add Section 14-23 Camping on Public Property, plus amendments from Councilor Warren
• $200,000 in Pittsfield Economic Funds to assist Elegant Stitches Inc. expansion
• $500,000 in Pittsfield Economic Funds to assist Jain Americas Inc. expansion
• Authorization to execute opioid settlement agreements

Ordinances and Rules Committee

The committee will hold a special meeting to review and discuss two open meeting law complaints filed against the City Council. The complaints relate to a community conversation on homelessness and the proposed camping ban ordinance. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is a procedural review as required under state law.

• Review of complaint filed by resident alleging a violation tied to a 'Homes not Handcuffs' community conversation
• Review of complaint filed by podcaster Michael Daly alleging violations by councilors over the camping ban ordinance
• Discussion of the public body's required response to the complaints

The Ordinances and Rules Committee reviewed two open‑meeting law complaints and found no quorum violation. Councilor Kavey moved to accept the communication and place it on file, and the motion was carried by a unanimous vote of the five members present. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted open‑meeting complaint communication and placed on file (unanimous vote of five members)
• Motion to adjourn was made (Councilor Kavey)

School Committee

The Personnel/Negotiations Subcommittee of the Pittsfield School Committee is meeting to discuss collective bargaining strategy with multiple school employee unions. The entire meeting will be held in executive session with no public participation. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session to discuss strategy with Bus Drivers, Attendants, Cafeteria, Custodians, Paraprofessionals, and Educational Secretaries bargaining units

Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) Board

The Pittsfield Economic Development Authority is meeting to review Q2 2025 financials and the Site 9 Redevelopment Project. The board will discuss lease interests from MassDOT and Ludlow Construction for city parking lots.

• MassDOT interest in leasing the eastern half of the parking lot across from the BIC for a CDL road skills test site
• Ludlow Construction interest in leasing the Silver Lake Blvd parking lot for equipment storage for the West Street project
• Site 9 Redevelopment Project amended ERE update
• Review of Q2 2025 Financial Report

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting and the Second Quarter 2025 financial report. It also unanimously authorized the interim executive director to negotiate a license agreement for a parking lot with Ludlow Construction. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Second Quarter 2025 financial report (unanimous)
• Authorized interim director to negotiate Ludlow Construction parking‑lot license (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) Advisory Board

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board will meet to vote on a complaint regarding the Open Meeting Law and approve minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting.

• Vote to approve minutes from June 10, 2025 meeting
• Discussion and vote on Open Meeting Law complaint action
• Next meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC)

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee will review financial reports and vote on several grant applications. The committee is also scheduled to vote on adopting formal personnel policies regarding jury duty, military leave, and veterans.

• Vote on Fallon Health 2025 Community Impact Grant for Active Minds program in Pittsfield Public Schools
• Vote on Toxics Use Reduction Institute grant for Microplastics Reduction in Berkshire County
• Vote on USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) grant application
• Vote on MIIA Wellness Program grant application
• Vote to adopt formal personnel policies for Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Veterans

Community Outreach Meeting-Marijuana Retail Establishment

The City of Pittsfield will hold a community outreach meeting on August 6, 2025, to discuss a proposed Marijuana Retail Establishment. The meeting will be held at the Berkshire Innovation Center and will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions about the project.

• Community outreach meeting on proposed marijuana retail establishment
• Location: Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave
• Proposed location: Allendale Shopping Center, 5 Cheshire Road, Suite 12
• Date: August 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hear a presentation on a proposed Community EMS program from County Ambulance, receive a mosquito season update, and discuss Health Department updates including a camping ordinance and vacant building enforcement. The board will also approve minutes from July and hear public comment.

• Presentation on Community EMS program by County Ambulance
• Mosquito season update
• Health Department updates on camping ordinance and vacant building enforcement
• Approval of minutes from July 2, 2025
• Scheduling of September hearing/meeting

The Board approved corrections to the July 2 minutes and accepted them. A motion to support Andy Cambi’s signature on a letter of support for the County Ambulance Community EMS Program was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Minutes corrections accepted (no vote tally recorded)
• Motion to support Andy Cambi’s signature on EMS program letter passed unanimously
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees

The Berkshire Athenaeum Board of Trustees will convene to review committee reports, discuss old and new business including a library social worker update and a public telephone use policy, and accept recent gifts.

• Review of library social worker status
• Discussion of public telephone use policy
• Review and acceptance of recent gifts
• Committee reports: Finance, Negotiating, Nominating, Personnel, Planning
• Friends of the Library committee update

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet July 31, 2025, to approve previous meeting minutes, monthly financial reports, and expense warrants. The board will also approve new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds, and transfers. All relevant information is available for review prior to the meeting.

• Approve previous board meeting minutes
• Approve monthly financial reports
• Approve monthly expense warrants
• Approve new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds, and transfers

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board approved the prior meeting minutes, the monthly trial balance, expense warrants, and actions for new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds and transfers. All motions passed with a 4‑yea, 0‑nay vote. The board also approved payroll and vendor warrants totaling $2,123,? (see individual amounts). The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 A.M.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts and cash flow (4‑0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (4‑0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds and transfers (4‑0)
• Approved payroll warrant $1,870,900.24
• Approved vendor warrant $236,003.80
• Approved FWT warrant $16,113.01
• Approved staff payroll warrant $16,850.22

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review several Notice of Intent and Request for Determination of Applicability applications. The body will discuss projects ranging from residential additions to municipal park rehabilitation and utility installations.

• Rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street
• Installation of a 6” gas main on West Housatonic Street by The Berkshire Gas Co.
• Construction of a group home on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc.
• Application for aquatic herbicides in Richmond Pond by the Town of Richmond
• Appointment of new Conservation Agent, Shannon Poulin

The Conservation Commission continued several pending wetland and construction applications to future meetings, issued negative determinations for four site requests, and granted complete certificates of compliance for three completed projects. The commission also appointed Shannon Poulin as the city’s new Conservation Agent and approved the July 10, 2025 minutes (with two abstentions). All motions were approved unanimously except the minutes approval.

• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1241 (Richmond Pond herbicide) to Aug 21, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1245 (Wahconah Park rehabilitation) to Aug 21, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1248 (107 Chapel St addition) to Aug 21, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Continued Pittsfield file CO-25-01 (Cascade St group home) to Oct 23, 2025 – approved unanimously
• Issued Negative Determination with erosion‑control condition for RDA 25-12 (75 Lebanon Ave) – approved unanimously
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA 25-13 (6” gas main West Housatonic St) – approved unanimously
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for 154 Blythewood Drive – approved unanimously
• Appointed Shannon Poulin as Conservation Agent – approved unanimously

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to review tabled policies across several sections, including Governance, Support Services, Personnel, Students, and Community Relations. The committee will also review Policy IMDB regarding flag protocol on school property.

• Review of tabled policies in Sections A, E, G, J, and K
• Review of Policy IMDB (Flag Protocol on School Property)

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee's curriculum subcommittee is meeting to adopt the Investigating History Curriculum for grades 6 and 7, approve a pilot of the same curriculum for grades 3-5, and adopt new Pathways 2 Careers math courses (Algebra 1, Algebra II, Geometry). No public participation is scheduled.

• Adoption of Investigating History Curriculum, Grades 6 & 7
• Approval to Pilot Investigating History Curriculum, Grades 3, 4 & 5
• Adoption of Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) Math: Algebra 1
• Adoption of Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) Math: Algebra II
• Adoption of Pathways 2 Careers (P2C) Math: Geometry

Commission on Tourism

The Pittsfield Commission on Tourism will discuss the city’s Cultural Plan and proposed itineraries for marketing the area. It will also review events scheduled through August 31 for collaborative promotion and share other updates. The meeting will set the date for the next session on September 29, 2025.

• Discussion of the Pittsfield Cultural Plan
• Presentation of proposed itineraries for tourism marketing
• Review of events through August 31 for collaborative promotions
• General updates from commission members
• Scheduling of next meeting on September 29, 2025

Historical Commission

The Pittsfield Historical Commission will convene to review demolition delay applications, discuss local historic district maps and petitions, and consider new members. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Review of demolition delay applications
• Discussion of Local Historic District Map
• Discussion of Local Historic District Petition
• Consideration of new Historic Commission members
• Approval of June 30, 2025 minutes

The commission continued approval of the June 30 minutes to the next meeting and voted to adjourn at 6:00 p.m. The adjournment motion was seconded and approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approval of June 30 minutes continued to next meeting
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

Licensing Board

The Licensing Board will hold show cause hearings for two establishments regarding their annual all-alcohol restaurant licenses. It will also consider a change of hours application from Old Man Jeff's and receive an update from Chili's Grill and Bar on its license status. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Show cause hearing for Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North Street) regarding its Annual Downtown All-Alcohol Restaurant License
• Show cause hearing for Bei Tempi (195 Onota Street) regarding its Annual Downtown All-Alcohol Restaurant License
• Change of hours application from OMJ, LLC d/b/a Old Man Jeff's for premises at 370 Peck Road
• Update from Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill and Bar on Annual All Alcohol 7-Day Restaurant License at 555 Hubbard Avenue
• Approval of June 30, 2025 meeting minutes

Ordinances and Rules Committee

The Ordinances & Rules Committee will consider an ordinance to ban camping on public property, a public hearing on allowing short-term rentals through zoning amendments, and a petition to review sign area limits. Other items include a draft ordinance on presentment notices and a communication regarding 75 Shaker Lane.

• Ordinance amending Chapter 14 to add Section 14-23 'Camping on Public Property'
• Public hearing on zoning amendments to allow short-term rentals
• Petition to review maximum sign area for businesses
• Petition to draft ordinance on presentment notices to elected officials
• Communication from City Solicitor on 75 Shaker Lane petition

The Ordinances & Rules Committee passed a motion to approve (recorded as a 5‑0 vote) and also approved the minutes from the June 30, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0 vote. No other actions were taken; the proposed camping ordinance was discussed but not voted on.

• Motion to approve (unspecified) approved 5-0 (Amuso, Kavey, Lampiasi, Serre, White)
• Minutes of June 30, 2025 Ordinance and Rules Committee meeting approved 4-0 (Amuso, Kavey, Lampiasi, White)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee of the Pittsfield Public School Committee will meet to review Section K (Community Relations) of the Policy Manual with a Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) representative. No public participation is allowed; the meeting will be broadcast on PCTV. No other new business or unfinished business is listed.

• Review of Section K, Community Relations, of the Policy Manual with MASC Representative

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will meet in executive session to discuss strategy for collective bargaining and to conduct bargaining with the Bus Drivers’ and Attendants’, Cafeteria, Custodian, Paraprofessionals and Educational Secretaries units of the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees/AFT. No public participation is allowed. No other agenda items are listed.

• Executive Session to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with multiple employee units
• Executive Session to conduct collective bargaining with the same employee units

School Committee

The Pittsfield School Committee will consider selecting upper and lower middle school facilities for September 2026. They are also holding first readings of several policy manual sections, including Personnel, Facilities, Negotiations, and Flag Protocols. The committee will vote on authorizing the superintendent to file a grant application and will approve minutes and personnel reports.

• Selection of Upper and Lower Middle School Facilities for September 2026
• First Reading of Policy Manual Sections G (Personnel), F (Facilities Development), H (Negotiations), and L (Education Agency Relations)
• First Reading of Policy IMBD on Flag Protocols on School Property
• Authorization for Superintendent to file grant application on behalf of the School Committee
• Approval of Minutes and Personnel Report

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two applications. The board will consider a request for a new sign and a request to reconfigure a parking area.

• Saxton Signs, LLC / Wojtkowski Bros Inc. request for a variance and sign exception for a freestanding sign at 1548 W Housatonic Street
• White Engineering / Huajie Zhu request for a special permit for parking at 290 Wahconah Street

The board unanimously granted a variance and sign exception for Saxton Signs to place a freestanding sign 6 ft 2 in from the property line at 1548 W Housatonic Street. It also unanimously approved a special permit for White Engineering to re‑configure the parking area at 290 Wahconah Street, with conditions including a traffic safety mirror and fire‑inspector consultation. Both motions passed with a unanimous vote.

• Approved June 18 minutes (unanimous)
• Granted variance and sign exception for Saxton Signs (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for 290 Wahconah St parking (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:54 pm (unanimous)

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will review a site plan for a new dormitory and administration building. The board will also consider a parking waiver and a request to combine two land parcels.

• Site plan review for a new dormitory and administration building at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension
• Parking waiver request for 290 Wahconah Street
• Request to dissolve the property line between 6 Callahan Drive and 0 West Housatonic Street
• Discussion regarding Westside Form Based Code zoning amendments
• Master Plan Advisory Committee update

The board approved the June 17, 2025 minutes, determined subdivision approval not required for 6 Callahan Drive, approved the site plan for a new dormitory at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension, and unanimously approved a special parking waiver permit for a restaurant at 290 Wahconah Street with conditions. It also approved a change to the special‑permit application numbering system and adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (motion by Levante, seconded by FitzGerald, approved with Herzberg and O’Shaughnessy)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for 6 Callahan Drive (motion by Levante, seconded by Herzberg, approved unanimously)
• Approved site plan for Hillcrest Educational Centers dormitory at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension (motion by Levante, seconded by FitzGerald, approved unanimously)
• Approved special permit with parking waiver for restaurant at 290 Wahconah Street (motion by Levante, seconded by FitzGerald, approved unanimously)
• Approved change to special‑permit application numbering system (motion by Levante, seconded by Herzberg, approved unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:10 p.m. (motion by FitzGerald, seconded by Levante, approved unanimously)

School Committee

The Middle School Restructuring Committee is meeting to discuss the continued work of the committee. The meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2025, at the Reid Middle School Library.

• Discussion on Continued Work of Middle School Restructuring Committee

Pittsfield Housing Authority

The Pittsfield Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial and maintenance reports. The board is scheduled to vote on a construction certificate and ratify a federal five-year plan.

• Vote on Certificate of Substantial Completion for Larochelle Construction, Project #236086
• Ratification of Federal 5-Year Plan for FY beginning 7/1/25
• Financial update from the Director of Finance and Administration
• Waitlist and vacancy update regarding State and Federal status

Parks Commission

The Pittsfield Parks Commission will hold a meeting starting with a site visit at Pontoosuc Lake Park to review new bank plantings, then resume at City Hall. They will discuss park event requests, including Christian Center Community Day and National Night Out, and consider updates on Wahconah Park grandstands, refurbishment of Kirvin Park shed, Pontoosuc Lake vegetation, and a permanent mural at Durant Park.

• Site visit to review new bank plantings at Pontoosuc Lake Park
• Park event requests: Christian Center Community Day at Tucker Park (Aug 2) and National Night Out at The Common (Aug 6)
• Wahconah Park Grandstand updates and future options
• Refurbishment of Kirvin Park shed
• Permanent mural at Durant Park with Westside Legends

The Parks Commission voted unanimously to remove the structurally unsound Wahconah Park grandstand, with $75,000 earmarked for the project. It also approved a draft map showing public access areas at Pontoosuc Lake and recommended the Kirvin Park shed be refurbished. Additionally, the commission unanimously approved the Christian Center Community Day and National Night Out events, and a backpack giveaway at Durant Park.

• Approved removal of Wahconah Park grandstand (unanimous)
• Approved draft map of Pontoosuc Lake access areas (unanimous)
• Approved Christian Center Community Day event (unanimous)
• Approved National Night Out event (unanimous)
• Recommended refurbishment of Kirvin Park shed to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
• Approved backpack giveaway at Durant Park (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

School Committee

The Policy Subcommittee of the Pittsfield Public School Committee will continue reviewing Section E (Support Services) of the policy manual with a Massachusetts Association of School Committees representative. New business includes discussion on IMDB and flag protocols on school property, as well as a review of several other policy sections. No public participation is scheduled.

• Continued review of Section E (Support Services) of the Policy Manual with MASC representative
• Discussion on IMDB and flag protocols on school property
• Review of Section F (Facilities Development), Section H (Negotiations), Section K (Community Relations), and Section L (Education Agency Relations) of the Policy Manual

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission on Disabilities will review updates on transportation and housing priorities. Members will discuss specific accessibility issues regarding curb cuts, signals, and parking across the city. Mayor Peter Marchetti will issue a proclamation celebrating 35 years of the ADA.

• Micro Transit Study update
• Signal and crosswalk accessibility at Center, West, Columbus Ave, and East Streets
• ADA study of the Parks and improvements at Lake and Wahconah Park
• Handicapped parking signs behind City Hall and on Summer Street
• Proclamation by Mayor Peter Marchetti for the 35th anniversary of the ADA

The commission voted unanimously to open the July 10 meeting. It also approved the June 2025 minutes with a correction to the 30% rule notation. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved opening of meeting (unanimous)
• Approved June 2025 minutes with correction to 30% rule notation (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on several continued and new Notices of Intent related to wetlands protection. Key items include aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond, rehabilitation of Wahconah Park, construction of a group home and single-family home on Cascade Street, a stormwater detention basin on Columbus Avenue Extension, and ratification of emergency permits for Lulu Pond dam repairs.

• Continued hearing on aquatic herbicide application in Richmond Pond (Mass DEP File #263-1241)
• Rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street (Mass DEP File #263-1245)
• Construction of a group home on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc. (File CO-25-01)
• Stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension by Hillcrest Education Centers (Mass DEP File #263-1247)
• Ratification of emergency permits for Lulu Pond dam drawdown and fill repair (EP 25-01, EP 25-02)

The commission unanimously continued five pending applications to the July 31, 2025 meeting. It approved an Order of Conditions 1‑32 for the stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension. The commission also issued a Negative Determination for a fence project on Ventura Avenue and ratified two emergency permits for Lulu Pond. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1241 (Richmond Pond herbicide) to July 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1245 (Wahconah Park rehabilitation) to July 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Pittsfield file CO-25-01 (Cascade St group home) to July 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions 1‑32 for stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension (unanimous)
• Continued File RDA 25-05 (Cascade St single‑family home) to July 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Negative Determination with conditions for fence at 78 Ventura Avenue (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Permit EP 25-01 for temporary drawdown of Lulu Pond (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Permit EP 25-02 for placement of fill at Lulu Pond dam (unanimous)

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The Homelessness Advisory Committee will receive presentations from the George B. Crane Memorial Center and Upside413 about their programs and services. The meeting also includes public comment, review of prior minutes, and updates from members. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation from Kellie Meisl of George B. Crane Memorial Center on programs and services
• Presentation from Soum Bance of Upside413 on programs and services
• Public comment period (15 minutes maximum)
• Review of minutes from June 4, 2025

The committee approved the July 9 meeting minutes unanimously. Members voted to cancel the scheduled August meeting, also unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at noon with a unanimous vote.

• Approved July 9 minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled August meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:00 pm (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Pittsfield Cultural Council will approve minutes from previous meetings, discuss a survey, and elect officers for the upcoming cycle. The body will also address grant agreements and propose an amendment to its guidelines.

• Review and vote to approve minutes from December 2024 and June meetings
• Election of officers: Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer
• Discussion of a survey and amendment to council guidelines
• Review of grant agreements and final reports
• Reminder of October meeting date change to a Tuesday

City Council

The City Council will review four grant awards for aviation totaling $198,140 and a proposed city flag display policy. The body will also consider a petition to place utility poles at 923 Barker Road and a request for an inventory of vacant downtown properties.

• Acceptance of FAA grants for $149,614.00 and $21,111.00
• Acceptance of MassDOT Aeronautics Division grants for $19,045.00 and $8,380.00
• Public hearing on Verizon New England and Eversource poles at 923 Barker Road
• Proposed ordinance establishing a city flag display policy
• Proposed ordinance requiring background checks for new hires contacting minors

Board of Health

The Pittsfield Board of Health will meet to vote on draft tobacco regulations. The board will also receive updates regarding the Health Department budget, staffing, and the Mayor's resolution on Mass-Care/Medicare for All.

• Vote on draft tobacco regulations
• Update on Mayor’s Resolution regarding Mass-Care, Medicare for All
• Health Department budget and staffing updates
• Review of inspection reports and summer community outreach schedule

The Board voted unanimously to adopt the revised tobacco regulations, removing Section E language and placing Section D in an appendix. A separate unanimous vote approved sending a draft nitrous‑oxide regulation to the city solicitor and proceeding with a public hearing. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved revised tobacco regulations (Section D as appendix, Section E language removed) – unanimous vote
• Approved forwarding draft nitrous‑oxide regulation to city solicitor and proceeding with public hearing – unanimous vote
• Approved adjournment of the meeting – unanimous vote

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet virtually to review administrative items and conduct public hearings. The agenda includes discussions regarding local historic districts and the appointment of new commission members.

• Review of demolition delay applications (none submitted)
• Local Historic District discussion
• Discussion of new Historic Commission members

The commission voted to approve the June 2025 meeting minutes, with Ms. Sandstrom abstaining. A motion to adjourn was passed unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved meeting minutes (Sandstrom abstained)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet to approve financial reports, expense warrants, and membership changes. The board will conduct an evidentiary hearing for a police officer's disability application and review requests for proposals for legal services.

• Evidentiary hearing for Police Officer disability applicant Brenna Dorr
• Review of Legal RFP’s
• Approval of new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers

The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting, the monthly trial balance, expense warrants, and new member and retirement actions, each by a 5‑0 vote. In executive session the board voted to request a medical panel for officer Brenna Dorr. The board also awarded the Law Offices of Sacco & Collins a seven‑year legal services contract effective Jan 1 2026, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, disbursements, adjustments, cash flow and reconciliations (5-0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (5-0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (5-0)
• Vote taken to request a medical panel for Brenna Dorr (outcome not recorded)
• Awarded Law Offices of Sacco & Collins a 7‑year contract effective Jan 1 2026 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:00 P.M. (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several funding orders, including borrowing for a school feasibility study and water resource management. The body will also review parking changes on Appleton Ave and a proposed background check ordinance for employees working with minors.

• Order to borrow $2,000,000.00 for the Crosby Elementary School feasibility study
• Order to borrow $1,299,759.00 for an integrated water resource management plan
• Order transferring $800,000.00 from the Fire Department to the Department of Public Services
• Proposed ordinance requiring background checks for new hires with contact with minors
• Traffic Order amending parking regulations on Appleton Ave

Affordable Housing Trust

The Board of Trustees for the City of Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust will meet to approve previous minutes and discuss the use of Community Preservation Funds for housing projects.

• Discussion by City Planner Kevin Rayner on using Community Preservation Funds for housing projects

The Affordable Housing Trust Board approved the minutes from the May 28 meeting with an amendment regarding downtown overlay district subsidies, passing the motion unanimously. The board then adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved amended minutes (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment at 6:00 p.m. (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on multiple Notices of Intent and Requests for Determination of Applicability under the Wetlands Protection Act. Continued items include drainage work between East and Newell Streets, aquatic herbicide application at Richmond Pond, Wahconah Park rehabilitation, and a group home on Cascade Street. New items include a stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension, tree removal at Camp Stevenson, and boundary line determinations along the CSX railway. Other business includes discussion of Kirvin Park access and floodplain restoration, and approval of a conservation restriction for Cadwell's Woods.

• Drainage work between East and Newell Streets (Mass DEP #263-1240)
• Aquatic herbicide application at Richmond Pond (#263-1241)
• Wahconah Park rehabilitation at 105 Wahconah Street (#263-1245)
• Group home construction on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc. (CO-25-01)
• Stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension (#263-1247)

The commission approved the revised conservation restriction for Cadwell’s Woods Conservation Area. It also continued several pending applications—including drainage work between East and Newell Streets, an aquatic herbicide project in Richmond Pond, and a stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Avenue Extension—to future meetings. The body issued a Positive 2a determination for CSX Transportation’s railway boundary line and a Negative 3 determination with conditions for pine tree removal at 600 Churchill Street. Additionally, it granted a Certificate of Compliance for 198 Blythewood Drive and approved the May 28, 2025 minutes.

• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1240 drainage work to Nov 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1241 aquatic herbicide application to July 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1247 stormwater detention basin at 400 Columbus Ave Ext to July 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Issued Positive 2a Determination for CSX Transportation resource area boundary line (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 3 Determination with conditions for pine tree removal at 600 Churchill St (unanimous)
• Issued Complete Certificate of Compliance for 198 Blythewood Drive (unanimous)
• Approved revised Conservation Restriction for Cadwell’s Woods Conservation Area (unanimous)
• Approved May 28, 2025 minutes (approved with abstentions)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two sign exception requests. One is a continued case for Pixley Signs/Lipton Energy at 580 North Street seeking exceptions to allow refacing of a wall sign and pylon. The other is for American Sign Company/HomeGoods at 676 Merrill Road seeking additional square footage for a non-conforming wall sign replacement.

• Pixley Signs – Lipton Energy (Application #3040) continued from May 21, seeking sign exceptions at 580 North Street
• American Sign Company – HomeGoods (Application #3042) seeking sign exception at 676 Merrill Road
• Both requests involve sign exceptions for non-conforming signage, wall signs, and pylon signs

The Zoning Board accepted the May 21 minutes and granted sign exceptions for Pixley Signs (sections 2, 5.4, and 4.13) and for HomeGoods (section 5.4). All motions passed with five affirmative votes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 pm.

• Approved May 21, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Granted sign exception to section 2 for Pixley Signs (5-0)
• Granted sign exception to section 5.4 for Pixley Signs (5-0)
• Granted sign exception to section 4.13 for Pixley Signs (5-0)
• Granted sign exception to section 5.4 for HomeGoods (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:21 pm (5-0)

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will hold its regular meeting on June 17, 2025. The commission will review and approve a lease proposal for Hangar 7-1, receive updates from solar developer Navisun and consultant Gale Associates, and discuss preparations for the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. Routine items include approval of previous minutes and the Airport Manager's report.

• Review and approval of Hangar 7-1 lease proposal
• Update from solar developer Navisun
• Update from consultant Gale Associates, Inc.
• Discussion of 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Planning Preparations

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will hold a virtual meeting on June 17, 2025. They will decide whether a subdivision approval is not required for a plan by SK Design Group for properties at 25 and 31 Osceola Street. The board will also discuss updates on short-term rentals, subdivision regulations, and the West-Side Form Based Code, along with other administrative items.

• Determination that subdivision approval is not required for plan by SK Design Group for 25 & 31 Osceola Street (Assessor Map E6 Block 6 Lots 102 & 103)
• Discussion of short-term rentals update
• Discussion of subdivision regulations update
• Discussion of West-Side Form Based Code
• Approval of minutes from March 18, 2025

The board unanimously approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It determined that subdivision approval is not required for the properties at 25 and 31 Osceola Street. The board adopted the Declaration of Trust and Trustee Certificate and approved the Affordable Housing Trust funding application. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm by unanimous vote.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Determined subdivision approval not required for 25 & 31 Osceola St (unanimous)
• Adopted Declaration of Trust and Trustee Certificate (unanimous)
• Approved Affordable Housing Trust funding application (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:00 pm (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider multiple orders from the Mayor, including adoption of the $226,246,942 FY2026 municipal budget and borrowing for capital expenditures. Committees recommend approval of $9.7 million for general fund and $7 million for enterprise fund capital projects, as well as new water and sewer rates. Council will also discuss a proposed charter revision and a background-check ordinance for hires with minors.

• FY2026 Municipal Budget of $226,246,942 – committee recommends approval 10/0
• Borrow $9,727,000 for General Fund capital expenditures and $7,016,000 for Enterprise Fund capital – both recommended 10/0
• Transfer $2,000,000 from Certified Free Cash for street improvements and $2,000,000 to reduce FY2026 tax rate
• Borrow up to $2,000,000 for Crosby Elementary School feasibility study and $1,299,759 for integrated water resource management plan
• Set FY2026 water and sewer rates – committee recommends approval 9/1

Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) Board

The Pittsfield Economic Development Authority will vote on a lease for MassDOT to use a parking lot for CDL road skills testing. The board will also vote on road names for the Site 9 redevelopment project and a 2024 financial audit report.

• Vote on naming Road A, Road B, and Road C for Site 9 redevelopment
• Vote on leasing the eastern half of the parking lot across from the BIC to MassDOT for CDL training
• Vote on the 2024 financial audit report
• Update on Site 9 redevelopment amended ERE and timing

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting and the 2024 financial audit. It also approved the proposed street names for Site 9 and gave the interim executive director authority to negotiate a lease with Mass DOT for a commercial‑driver‑license testing site, pending executive‑committee review.

• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 financial audit report (unanimous)
• Approved Site 9 street names: Mill Town Way, Morningside Way, Innovation Place (unanimous)
• Authorized Michael Coakley to negotiate Mass DOT CDL testing lease, subject to executive‑committee approval (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:30 am (unanimous)

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The Homeless Advisory Committee will receive a presentation on the progress and fundraising for the Housing Resource Center known as “The First.” The committee will also review a City Council-referred ordinance regarding camping on public property.

• Progress and fundraising report for Housing Resource Center “The First”
• Review of the Camping on Public Property Ordinance

The Homelessness Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the May 7 meeting unanimously. It then confirmed and accepted the recommendations from the Public Safety Committee regarding the Camping on Public Property Ordinance, also unanimously. The committee set the next meeting for July 9 and adjourned at 12:15 p.m. with unanimous approval.

• Approved May 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Confirmed and accepted Public Safety recommendations on camping ordinance (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for July 9
• Adjourned meeting at 12:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Pittsfield Board of Health will conduct hearings regarding a tobacco violation and a request to demolish a property. The board will also receive updates on staffing, budgets, and community outreach schedules.

• Tobacco violation hearing for Elm St. Convenience
• Occupant hearing request for 13 Edward Ave. Apt 2
• Demolition request for 21 Ensign St.
• Staffing and budget updates
• Community outreach summer inspection schedule

The board unanimously approved an order to demolish the vacant property at 21 Ensign Avenue. It also approved a motion allowing Elm St. Convenience to obtain and submit surveillance video by June 18, 2025 for review of a tobacco‑sale violation. The preliminary health department budget was approved, with a final vote scheduled for June 10, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved demolition order for 21 Ensign Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved motion to let Elm St. Convenience obtain and provide video by June 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary health department budget (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The board will meet to approve monthly financial reports, expense warrants, and membership changes. Members will review a CRAB decision regarding Shaun Osborn and a PERAC response to a supplemental regulation.

• Review of CRAB decision on Shaun Osborn
• Review of PERAC response to supplemental regulation
• Approval of new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers
• Approval of monthly financial reports and expense warrants

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board approved the minutes from the prior meeting and the monthly financial statements. It placed a CRAB decision and PERAC email correspondence on file, and approved the amended policies and procedures manual. All financial warrants listed were also approved.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, disbursements, adjustments, cash flow and reconciliations (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Placed CRAB decision on Shaun Osborn on file (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Placed PERAC email correspondence on file (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Approved amended policies and procedures manual (5 Yea 0 Nay)
• Approved financial warrants: Pension Payroll $1,972,632.26; Pension Payroll $1,875,693.81; Vendor $103,576.19; FWT $20,358.34 (5 Yea 0 Nay)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Board will consider designating Affordable Housing Trust members as special municipal employees and review the legal documents required for the Trust, including the Delegation of Authority, Trustee’s certification, and Declaration of Trust. It will also discuss the draft Notice of Funding Availability, the eligibility application, and the application for AHTF Community Preservation Funds. Routine items such as roll call and approval of the April 7, 2025 minutes are also on the agenda.

• Designation of Affordable Housing Trust members as special municipal employees
• Review of Delegation of Authority, Trustee’s certification, and Declaration of Trust documents
• Discussion of draft Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
• Review of Eligibility Application for AHTF Community Preservation Funds
• Review of Application for AHTF Community Preservation Funds

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold a wetlands public hearing with multiple continued items, including a battery energy storage system, drainage work, Wahconah Park rehabilitation, and several residential projects. They will also consider enforcement orders for unauthorized construction and tree removal, and review a revised conservation restriction for Cadwell's Woods.

• Continued hearing on battery energy storage system (BESS) at 734 Williams Street
• Continued hearing on drainage work between East and Newell Streets
• Continued hearing on rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street
• Enforcement order for unauthorized home addition at 107 Chapel Street
• Review of revised conservation restriction for Cadwell's Woods Conservation Area

The Conservation Commission unanimously denied the Battery Energy Storage System Notice of Intent (File #263-1243). It also approved an amendment to the Order of Conditions for 40 Hancock Road and ratified two enforcement orders for unauthorized work. Additionally, the commission approved a revised Conservation Restriction for Cadwell’s Woods and continued several pending applications to the June 18, 2025 meeting.

• Denied Battery Energy Storage System Notice of Intent (File #263-1243) – unanimous
• Approved amendment to Order of Conditions for 40 Hancock Road – unanimous
• Ratified Enforcement Order #25-01 for unauthorized home addition at 107 Chapel St – unanimous
• Ratified Enforcement Order #25-02 for unauthorized tree removal at 184 Blythewood Dr – unanimous
• Approved revised Conservation Restriction for Cadwell’s Woods Conservation Area – unanimous
• Continued drainage work Notice of Intent (File #263-1240) to June 18, 2025 – unanimous
• Continued Wahconah Park rehabilitation Notice of Intent (File #263-1245) to June 18, 2025 – unanimous
• Continued group home construction Notice of Intent (CO-25-01) to June 18, 2025 – unanimous

City Council

The Pittsfield City Council will consider appointing members to the Animal Hearing Authority and Police Department, as well as accepting two state grants totaling $73,900. The body will also hear a public hearing on amending zoning rules to allow Short-Term Rentals and vote on a $1 million transfer to the Old Town Hall capital account.

• Accept $73,900 in state grants for energy and community service
• Authorize $1 million transfer to Old Town Hall capital account
• Public hearing on amending zoning to allow Short-Term Rentals
• Appoint members to Animal Hearing Authority and Police Department
• Postpone Verizon pole relocation to June 10 meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on three applications. Two request sign exceptions for wall signs at 428 Merrill Road and 580 North Street. One requests a special permit and variance for a 6-foot-tall solid fence in the front yard at 59-61 Huron Street.

• Sign Dynamics Inc. / Pittsfield Massachusetts Storage LLC — sign exception at 428 Merrill Road for additional square footage for a wall sign (Application #3039)
• Pixley Signs / Lipton Energy — sign exception at 580 North Street to reface a wall sign and address non-conforming signage (Application #3040)
• Dulce Hernandez — special permit and variance at 59-61 Huron St for 6-foot solid fencing on property line along Superior Street (Application #3041)

The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the March 19 meeting. It granted sign exceptions for Sign Dynamics and Pixley Signs, approved a 6‑foot solid fence special permit for Dulce Hernandez, and denied the associated variance. All motions passed with unanimous or 5‑0 votes.

• Approved acceptance of March 19 minutes (5-0)
• Approved Sign Dynamics sign exception for 428 Merrill Rd (5-0)
• Approved Pixley Signs pylon sign counted as one sign (unanimous)
• Approved Pixley Signs 149 sqft sign allowance (unanimous)
• Approved Dulce Hernandez 6‑ft fence special permit (5-0)
• Denied variance for Dulce Hernandez fence (5-0)
• Approved adjournment at 8:20 pm (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will hold a regular meeting on May 20, 2025. Agenda items include potential adjustments to landing and parking fees, an update from solar developer Navisun, and a discussion on airport vision planning. The commission will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear the airport manager's report.

• Adjustments to Landing and Parking Fee (discussion/vote)
• Update from solar developer Navisun
• Update from consultant Gale Associates
• Airport vision planning discussion
• Approval of April 15, 2025 meeting minutes

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 15 meeting, with one commissioner abstaining. It also unanimously approved changes to landing and parking fees, including a $0 fee for small rotorcraft, to take effect on July 1, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous, 1 abstain)
• Approved landing and parking fee changes effective July 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Parks Commission

The Board of Park Commissioners will meet to discuss and review various event requests for city parks. The meeting also includes a review of previous minutes and reports from recreation and long-range management.

• Walk with the Children at Tucker Park (May 31)
• Outdoor Yoga at Burbank Park (June 1-August 31)
• No Kings Day of National Protest at The Common (June 14)
• Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market at Wahconah Park (June 18-October 15)
• Literacy in the Park across multiple parks including The Common and Tucker Park (June 26-August 14)

The Pittsfield Parks Commission approved the May 15 meeting minutes and the recreation report. It also approved a slate of community events for summer 2025 at Tucker Park, Burbank Park, The Common, Wahconah Park, Springside Park, and multiple other locations. One request, the BCAC Community Day on August 14, was tabled to a future meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Walk with the Children event at Tucker Park, May 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Outdoor Yoga series at Burbank Park, Sundays June 1–Aug 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved No Kings Day protest at The Common, June 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market at Wahconah Park, June 18–Oct 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Wahconah Park Summer Tours, various dates June–Aug 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Car Show at Wahconah Park, June 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled BCAC Community Day at The Common, Aug 14, 2025 (unanimous)

City Council

The Pittsfield City Council will consider Mayor Marchetti's $226,246,942 municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2026, along with an order appropriating $2,000,000 from free cash to reduce the tax rate. Other major items include setting water and sewer rates, borrowing $16.7 million for capital expenditures, and transferring funds for street improvements ($2M), Old Town Hall renovations ($1M), and new voting machines ($80,000). The council will also take up ordinances on a flag display policy and camping on public property, a $988,000 federal grant acceptance, and a petition demanding the School Committee release findings of an independent investigation into staff misconduct at Pittsfield High School.

• Order raising and appropriating $226,246,942 for FY2026 Municipal Budget
• Order appropriating $2,000,000 from Certified Free Cash to reduce FY2026 tax rate
• Two orders to establish water and sewer rates for FY2026
• Order transferring $1,000,000 from overlay surplus for Old Town Hall improvements
• Petition demanding Pittsfield School Committee release independent investigation findings on staff misconduct at Pittsfield High School

Commission on Disabilities

The commission voted unanimously to open the May 8 meeting. It then approved the April 2025 minutes without dissent. Finally, a motion to dismiss and adjourn the meeting was passed unanimously.

• Approved opening of the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved April 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to dismiss and adjourn passed (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss several Notice of Intent and Request for Determination of Applicability applications. The body is reviewing proposed construction, infrastructure work, and land modifications affecting protected wetlands and riverfront areas.

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) construction at 734 Williams Street
• Rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street
• Group home and single-family home construction on Cascade Street and Churchill Street
• Installation of a new gas main along Holmes Road by Berkshire Gas Company
• Resource area boundary determinations along the CSX railway right-of-way

The Conservation Commission continued five pending applications to the May 28, 2025 meeting. It approved a site visit for the Cascade Street and Churchill Street projects on May 23, 2025. The commission issued a Negative 5 Determination for the Berkshire Gas Company gas‑main project. It also corrected an Order of Conditions by removing Friends of Pontoosuc, approved the April 10 minutes, and adjourned the meeting.

• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1240 (drainage work) to May 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Mass DEP File #263-1243 (Battery Energy Storage System) to May 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved site visit on May 23, 2025 for Cascade and Churchill Street projects (unanimous)
• Issued Negative 5 Determination for Berkshire Gas gas‑main application (unanimous)
• Corrected Order of Conditions removing Friends of Pontoosuc (unanimous)
• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous, with two abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:10 pm (unanimous)

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The Homeless Advisory Committee will hear from Pamela Schwartz on the FY26 House Ways and Means Budget and budget amendment priorities supported by the Western MA Network to End Homelessness. The committee will also review minutes from April 2, take public comment, and prepare for a Housing Resource Fair on May 8 at Persip Park (rain location Berkshire Atheneum).

• Pamela Schwartz, Director of the Western MA Network to End Homelessness, to discuss FY26 budget and amendment priorities
• Housing Resource Fair scheduled for May 8 at Persip Park (rain: Berkshire Atheneum)
• Public comment period (15 minutes maximum)
• Review of minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting
• Roll call and adjournment

The Homelessness Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn the May 7, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved April 2 minutes (unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously)

Historical Commission

The Pittsfield Historical Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss the Local Historic District, CPA Inventory and CPA projects, and new member appointments. No demolition delay applications were submitted for review. The meeting also includes approval of February 24, 2025 minutes and reports.

• Discussion of Local Historic District
• CPA Inventory and CPA projects update
• New Historic Commission members consideration
• Review of other possible funding sources
• Approval of February 24, 2025 minutes (procedural)

The Pittsfield Historical Commission met virtually on May 5, 2025. After discussing the creation of a local historic district and potential funding sources, the board voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 p.m. The motion was made by Mr. Bradway, seconded by Mr. Garrison, and approved unanimously. No other agenda items were decided at this meeting.

• Adjourned meeting at 6:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will meet on April 24, 2025 to consider routine agenda items. The board will approve the minutes from the previous meeting, the monthly financial reports, and expense warrants. It will also approve changes to board membership, retirements, buybacks, refunds and transfers. Finally, the board will vote on issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for legal services and review supplemental regulations.

• Approve previous board meeting minutes
• Approve monthly financial reports
• Approve monthly expense warrants
• Approve new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers
• Vote to issue an RFP for Legal Services

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board approved the prior meeting minutes, the monthly trial balance, expense warrants, and member/retirement actions. It voted to issue a Request for Proposals for legal services and to send a supplemental regulation concern to Attorney Michael Sacco. The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 A.M.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, disbursements, adjustments, cash flow and reconciliations (5‑0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (5‑0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (5‑0)
• Approved issuance of RFP for legal services, due June 16 2025, award by 12/31/25 (5‑0)
• Forwarded supplemental regulation issue to Attorney Michael Sacco for review (5‑0)
• Approved warrants: Vendor $59,249.61; FWT $4,943.40; Staff Payroll $16,849.98 (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:23 A.M. (4‑0)

City Council

The council will consider several mayoral communications, including accepting a $865,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and a $37,169.06 transfer to address deficits. It will also act on a report recommending the filing of a Median Safety and Pedestrian Regulations ordinance. Additional items include reappointments to commissions and a public hearing on utility pole relocation.

• Accept $865,000 grant from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• Transfer and appropriate $37,169.06 from Unclassified Department to eliminate deficits
• File Ordinance amending City Code Chapter 14, Section 14-12 (Median Safety and Pedestrian Regulations)
• Reappoint Paula Albro to the Parks Commission
• Public hearing on Verizon/Eversource request to relocate and install a pole on East New Lenox Road

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will consider and vote on updates to its rates and charges. The meeting will also include updates from the airport's solar developer Navisun and consultant Gale Associates, Inc., as well as a review of financials and a discussion of the airport's vision planning.

• Review and approval of the proposed updates to the Airport's Rates and Charges
• Update from the Airport's solar developer (Navisun)
• Update from the Airport’s consultant (Gale Associates, Inc.)
• Financials review (FYTD budget, FYTD revenue, and annual comparison)
• Airport vision planning discussion

The commission unanimously approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the proposed Rates and Charges fee schedule to take effect on July 1, 2025, with two commissioners abstaining. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Rates and Charges fee schedule effective July 1, 2025 (unanimous, 2 abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks Commission

The Pittsfield Parks Commission will consider 11 event requests for various parks including Burbank, Springside, Durant, Clapp, The Common, and others. Requests include Youth Pride, Learn to Row Day, Berkshire Health Ranger Services, Live on the Lake, Berkshire Bike Rodeo, Juneteenth Celebration, Westside Block Party, Beat The Streets basketball league, Youth Mental Health Wellness Fair, Dog Park Spring Cleanup, and Summer Playground Program. The commission will also review March 2025 meeting minutes and hear reports on recreation and parks management.

• Youth Pride at Burbank Park on May 25, 2025
• Berkshire Bike Rodeo at The Common on May 31, 2025
• Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park on June 15, 2025
• Live on the Lake concert series at Burbank Park from July 9 to August 20, 2025
• Summer Playground Program at Clapp Park, Durant Park, and The Common from July 7 to August 15, 2025

The commission approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It unanimously approved a series of park event applications, including the Westside Block Party, Youth Pride, Learn to Row Day, Berkshire Health Ranger Services, Live on the Lake, Berkshire Bike Rodeo, Juneteenth Celebration, Beat The Streets 413 Youth Inc Summer Basketball League, Youth Mental Health Wellness Fair, Dog Park Spring Cleanup, and the Summer Playground Program. The board also approved a new park‑cleanup request form schedule. No other substantive business was taken up.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimously)
• Approved 11 park event requests for Spring/Summer 2025 (unanimously)
• Approved new park‑cleanup request form schedule (unanimously)
• Approved Summer Playground Program (July 7–Aug 15) (unanimously)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a procedural meeting to approve minutes from March 24 and March 31, 2025, and discuss funding recommendations. No specific projects or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 24, 2025
• Approval of minutes from March 31, 2025
• Discussion of funding recommendations (no details provided)

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 24 and March 31 meetings. It also unanimously approved the funding recommendations totaling $511,090 after administrative costs. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 24 & 31 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved funding recommendations totaling $511,090 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Commission on Disabilities

The commission approved the March and April 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. Members approved a letter of support for the Williams School playground upgrade, also unanimously. The library bathroom item was noted as completed and removed from the agenda.

• Approved March 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Williams School playground project (unanimous)
• Removed library bathroom item from agenda (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Pittsfield Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several applications for work in wetland areas, including continued hearings for a seasonal dock on Onota Lake, a pedestrian bridge replacement, and Wahconah Park rehabilitation. New items include a group home construction on Cascade Street and a barn/golf area on Blythewood Drive. The commission will also review an enforcement order and a planting plan.

• Continued hearing: seasonal dock off Pecks Road (Onota Lake)
• Continued hearing: pedestrian bridge replacement on Tranquility Trail (Pittsfield State Forest)
• Continued hearing: Wahconah Park rehabilitation at 105 Wahconah Street
• New application: group home construction on Cascade Street by Guidewire, Inc.
• New application: barn, landscape berm, and golf area at 55 Blythewood Drive

The commission voted to issue Order of Conditions 1‑33 for the proposed seasonal dock on Pecks Road. It also approved an amended Order of Conditions 1‑33 for bridge work, extended an order for 20 Chapel Street through June 15, 2028, and continued two pending applications to the May 8 meeting. Several landscape and planting plans were approved, and the minutes were adopted with two abstentions.

• Approved Order of Conditions 1‑33 for seasonal dock (unanimous)
• Approved Order of Conditions 1‑31 for barn project (approved, Ms. Hall abstained)
• Approved Amended Order of Conditions 1‑33 for bridge work (unanimous)
• Accepted withdrawal of bridge replacement application 263‑1244 (unanimous)
• Continued Wahconah Park rehabilitation application to May 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued group home application on Cascade Street to May 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Extended Order of Conditions for 20 Chapel Street through June 15, 2028 (unanimous)
• Approved Enforcement Order 24‑02 landscape plan (unanimous)

Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) Board

The Pittsfield Economic Development Authority will vote on February 2024 meeting minutes and discuss a redevelopment update for Site 9, including survey results and an amended ERE. The board will also consider City acceptance of Site 9 roads, with a definitive subdivision plan being drafted for Roads A (Newton Street), B (Nelson Street), and C (Kellogg Street); the plan must be submitted to the Community Development Board and approved by the City Council. An executive session is scheduled for negotiations discussion.

• Vote on February 13, 2024 meeting minutes
• Site 9 Redevelopment Project update: survey results, amended ERE, ANR, City Road Acceptance
• SLR drafting Definitive Subdivision Plan for Roads A (Newton), B (Nelson), C (Kellogg)
• Plan to be submitted to Community Development Board; City Council vote required for acceptance
• Executive session for negotiations discussion (VOTE)

The board unanimously approved the February 13, 2025 meeting minutes. It then unanimously approved a motion to enter executive session to discuss a possible property transfer at Site 9 and the adjacent Woodlawn Avenue parcel. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved February 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter executive session (unanimous)

City Council

The council will consider several mayoral communications, including accepting a $1,915,089.30 grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for emergency power systems at the hospital and a $865,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. They will also act on a $37,169.06 fund transfer to eliminate deficits and an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 2, Article LIV, Section 2-322 to make Affordable Housing Trust members special municipal employees. Additional items include a public hearing petition to relocate and install a jointly owned pole on East New Lenox Road and various ordinance recommendations from committees.

• Accept $1,915,089.30 grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for emergency power systems at the hospital
• Accept $865,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• Transfer and appropriate $37,169.06 from the Unclassified Department to eliminate deficits
• Ordinance amending City Code Chapter 2, Article LIV, Section 2-322 to make Affordable Housing Trust members special municipal employees
• Public hearing petition from Verizon New England and Eversource to relocate one pole and install one pole on East New Lenox Road

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will hear from Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity about challenges with an ARPA-funded project and consider a requested amendment to the agreement. Trustees will also discuss and possibly vote on authorizing one or more trustees to execute documents on behalf of the Trust. A Community Preservation update is scheduled.

• Carolyn Valli from Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity to discuss challenges with an ARPA-funded project and request an Amendment to their Agreement
• Discussion and possible vote on authorizing execution of documents by one or more trustees on behalf of the Trust
• Community Preservation update

The board approved the March 19 minutes unanimously. It voted to amend the Habitat agreement by removing the ADU component and to let Chair McCarthy sign the revised agreement, both unanimously. The board also approved publishing a notice for affordable‑housing RFPs on August 1, and adjourned the meeting at 6 p.m.

• Approved March 19 minutes (unanimous)
• Amended agreement to remove ADU aspect (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair McCarthy to sign amended agreement (unanimous)
• Approved notice to request affordable‑housing RFPs August 1 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:00 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss and review proposed updates to Pittsfield's tobacco regulations and the 2025 mosquito control plan. A letter regarding Medicare for All to the Mayor will also be considered. The meeting includes public comment, approval of March minutes, and health department updates.

• Pittsfield Tobacco Regulations Draft Review
• 2025 Pittsfield Mosquito Control Plan presentation by Chris Horton
• Medicare for All Letter to Mayor
• Public Comment Session
• Health Department Updates including staff updates and vacant building list

The Board voted unanimously to approve the 2025 Mosquito Control Plan, including opt‑in/opt‑out options. The Board declined adult mosquito control after positive West Nile Virus samples. No vote was taken on the draft tobacco regulations. The meeting also noted staff changes and a vacant‑building update.

• Approved 2025 Mosquito Control Plan with opt‑in/opt‑out options (unanimous)
• Declined adult mosquito control after positive WNV samples (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Homelessness Advisory Committee

The Homeless Advisory Committee will meet remotely on April 2, 2025 to review January's Point In Time Count of homeless individuals, receive an update on the Emergency Winter Shelter, and discuss an upcoming Housing Resource Fair on May 8 at Persip Park. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes. The committee will also approve minutes from March 5.

• Michele LaFleur presents January 2025 Point In Time Count data
• Erin Forbush updates on Emergency Winter Shelter
• Housing Resource Fair scheduled May 8 at Persip Park (rain: Berkshire Atheneum)

The Homelessness Advisory Committee approved the March 5, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn the April 2, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously at 12:00 p.m.

• Approved March 5 minutes – unanimous vote
• Adjourned meeting at 12:00 p.m. – unanimous vote

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will approve minutes from March 24, 2025, and receive presentations on four proposed projects: Russell Allen House, Berkshire Museum archival storage, YMCA window restoration, and Firehouse restoration by the Elizabeth Freeman Center. No votes are scheduled; the committee next discusses next steps.

• Minutes approval from March 24, 2025
• Russell Allen House presentation – Pittsfield Historical Commission
• Museum Archival Storage – Berkshire Museum
• YMCA Window Restoration – YMCA
• Firehouse Restoration – Elizabeth Freeman Center

The committee approved a motion to adjourn the March 31 meeting unanimously. No funding applications were approved or denied; the minutes item was continued to the next meeting and funding recommendations will be made on April 14.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)

Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board

The Pittsfield Contributory Retirement Board will vote on a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees, effective July 1, 2025. The board will also consider approving attendance and expense reimbursement for the MACRS spring conference and review the Policies and Procedures manual. Routine approvals include minutes, financial reports, expense warrants, and member transactions.

• Vote on COLA for retirees effective July 1, 2025
• Approval for board and staff to attend MACRS spring conference (June 1-4, 2025) with expense reimbursement
• Review and approve Policies and Procedures manual
• Approve new members, retirements, buybacks, refunds, and transfers
• Approve monthly financial reports and expense warrants

The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting, the monthly trial balance, expense warrants, and updates to member status with unanimous votes. It also approved a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment of $16,000 for retirees starting July 1, 2025, and authorized board and staff attendance at the spring MACRS conference with reimbursement. Questions on the draft Policies and Procedures manual were tabled for further review.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (4-0)
• Approved monthly trial balance, receipts, and cash reconciliations (4-0)
• Approved monthly expense warrants (4-0)
• Approved new members, retirements, buybacks/makeups, refunds and transfers (4-0)
• Approved 3% COLA of $16,000 for retirees effective July 1, 2025 (4-0)
• Approved board and staff attendance at spring MACRS conference with reimbursement (4-0)
• Tabled questions on draft Policies and Procedures manual to Attorney Sacco (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:23 A.M. (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will review a grant of $1,915,089.30 from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and a proposed ten-year Tax Increment Financing Agreement for Unistress Corporation. The body will also consider easements for the Ashuwillticook Trail Extension and various budget transfers.

• Grant of $1,915,089.30 from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Ten-year Tax Increment Financing Agreement to assist Unistress Corporation
• Easements for Ashuwillticook Trail Extension at Route 8 (Cheshire Road) and Dalton Avenue
• Transfer of $26,848 from Council on Aging budget to Veteran Services budget
• Transfer of $17,093 within the City Solicitor's FY25 budget

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to approve minutes from March 17, 2025, and hear presentations for four local projects. The body will review proposals for cemetery fencing, park signage, mural restoration, and a park project.

• West Part Cemetery Fence presentation by Pittsfield Parks Department
• City Park Signs presentation by Pittsfield Parks Department
• Mural Restoration presentation by Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires
• Kellogg Street Park presentation by Mill Town Foundation

The Community Preservation Committee approved the minutes from the March 10 and March 17 meetings by unanimous vote. The committee then adjourned the March 24 meeting unanimously. No funding or project decisions were made; several projects were presented for discussion.

• Approved March 10 and March 17 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will elect a new chairperson and hear a presentation from Regan Development about their Terrace 592 Apartments project (formerly White Terrace). Routine items include roll call and approval of minutes from the January 15, 2025 meeting.

• Election of a new chairperson
• Presentation by Jeremy and Larry Regan of Regan Development on Terrace 592 Apartments
• Approval of minutes from January 15, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a sign exception, a variance, and two special permits for properties in Pittsfield. The board is reviewing requests from individual owners and businesses.

• Sign exception for Empire Pizza at 413 North Street
• Special permit for Jeffry Bradway at 85 Ridge Avenue
• Special permit for Robert Lincourt at 19 Dawes Ave
• Variance for Sportsmans Cafe at 415 Pecks Road

The Zoning Board accepted the February 19 minutes with the chair abstaining. It unanimously approved a variance for 19 Dawes Avenue, a variance for 415 Pecks Road, a sign exception for 413 North Street, and a special permit for 85 Ridge Avenue. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved February 19 minutes (Chair abstained)
• Approved variance for 19 Dawes Ave (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 415 Pecks Rd (unanimous)
• Approved sign exception for 413 North St (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for 85 Ridge Ave (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Airport Commission

The Pittsfield Municipal Airport Commission will consider a temporary waiver from minimum standards for First Step Aviation and set rental rates for terminal space. They will also receive updates from solar developer Navisun and consultant Gale Associates, and plan future visioning sessions. The meeting includes a public comment period.

• Temporary waiver from Minimum Standards for First Step Aviation
• Setting rental rates for use space in the airport terminal
• Update from solar developer Navisun
• Update from consultant Gale Associates
• Planning for future airport visioning session(s)

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board will hold a public hearing to discuss an amendment to Pittsfield City Code Article 23-7 Section 7.7 regarding Short-Term Rentals. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on March 18, 2025.

• Public Hearing: Amend City Code Article 23-7 Section 7.7 for Short-Term Rentals
• Approval of February 18, 2025 minutes
• Reports from staff and Board members
• Discussion of Short-Term Rental code change
• Discussion of State Virtual Meeting Requirements

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will consider several special event permits for city parks and the common. The body will also review Spring/Summer 2025 field and facility requests and the Open Space and Recreation Plan goals.

• Pittsfield Farmers Market at The Common (May 10-October 11, 2025)
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month Flag Placing at Park Square (April 3-17, 2025)
• Youth Pride at Burbank Park (May 25, 2025)
• Lafayette Celebration at Park Square (June 13, 2025)
• BHS July 4th 5K at Wahconah Park (July 4, 2025)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will approve minutes from November 2024 and March 2025, then hear presentations on the Barkerville Expansion Project, Barkerville Trail Project, Roots Rising Education Center, and Williams School Playground. The committee will then discuss next steps.

• Approval of minutes from November 4, 2024 and March 10, 2025
• Presentation: Barkerville Expansion Project (Pittsfield Conservation Commission)
• Presentation: Barkerville Trail Project (Greenagers)
• Presentation: Roots Rising Education Center (Roots Rising)
• Presentation: Williams School Playground (Williams Elementary School)

Commission on Disabilities

The Commission hosted MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf to discuss service outreach and the need for personal care assistants. Members also reviewed updates on municipal building accessibility and local business ramp inspections.

• Discussion of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's intent to research micro transportation services
• Report of completed library renovations including accessible downstairs restrooms and automatic door openers
• Inspection approval of the Hangar restaurant ramp
• Inspection and code compliance confirmation for the Beacon Cinema women's restroom
• Status update on the George Crane Center ramp and Debbie Wong property, both lacking permit applications

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is reviewing several Notice of Intent applications and Requests for Determination of Applicability. The body will discuss projects involving riverfront areas, wetlands, and residential construction. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding the Wetlands Protection Act.

• Rehabilitation of Wahconah Park at 105 Wahconah Street
• Construction of single-family homes on Cascade Street and Churchill Street by Guidewire, Inc.
• Replacement of a pedestrian bridge and accessibility improvements on the Tranquility Trail
• Installation of a temporary bridge off Wahconah Street by the DCR Office of Dam Safety
• Drainage work on properties between East and Newell Streets

City Council

The council will vote on several mayoral orders to accept state and local grants, including a $1,370,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and a $150,000 grant from the same office. It will also approve fund transfers of $19,000 within the police budget and $125,000 within the fire budget. A public hearing will consider a joint Verizon New England and Eversource Energy request to install a pole on West Housatonic Street, and Councilor Costa will present a resolution to declare Pittsfield a sanctuary city for transgender and gender‑diverse people.

• Accept $1,370,000 grant for housing from Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
• Transfer $19,000 between line items in the Pittsfield Police Department FY25 budget
• Transfer $125,000 between line items in the Pittsfield Fire Department FY25 budget
• Public hearing on Verizon New England/Eversource request to install a pole on West Housatonic Street
• Councilor Costa petition to support a sanctuary‑city resolution for transgender and gender‑diverse residents