North Adams Councilor Ashley Shade proposes sanctuary city measure for Berkshire County

Pittsfield City Council made significant strides in community safety and health during its March 25, 2025, meeting, with a focus on child protection and emergency preparedness.

A key highlight was the passionate appeal from local resident Sean Muellers, who urged the council to support legislation aimed at protecting children from abuse by authority figures. He emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, noting that Massachusetts is one of the few states lacking such protections. Muellers called for action to ensure the safety of children in Pittsfield and across the state, expressing frustration over the lack of progress on related bills over the past eight years. His remarks resonated with many attendees, who were encouraged to participate in future advocacy efforts.

In addition to child protection, the council approved a substantial grant of $1,915,089.30 from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) aimed at enhancing emergency power systems at Berkshire Medical Center. This grant, which requires a 10% match from the hospital, will fund critical upgrades to ensure the facility remains operational during power outages, addressing vulnerabilities identified in the city’s hazard mitigation plan. The collaboration between the city and Berkshire Medical Center was highlighted as a vital step in bolstering community resilience against climactic challenges.

The council also made several appointments, including Jennifer Kerwood to the Board of Registrars and Edward O'Toole to the Sister Cities Commission, both of which were unanimously approved.

These discussions and decisions reflect Pittsfield's commitment to safeguarding its residents and enhancing public health infrastructure, setting a precedent for other communities in the Berkshires and beyond. As the city moves forward, the implications of these actions are expected to foster a safer and more prepared environment for all citizens.