Traffic Detour in Effect on Valentine Road

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Due to underground utility work, including the replacement of a water line, Valentine Road, from West Street to Lakeway Drive, will be closed to thru traffic.
 
A detour for thru traffic is in place for the duration of this project which is expected to be completed in the early fall.
 
Drivers who need to utilize Valentine Road will be detoured to Onota Street then to Lakeway Drive to reach the northern half of Valentine Road. Drivers that require access to Taconic High School and Hillcrest Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will also need to utilize this detour.
 
This detour does not apply to school buses and residents who live on the southern end of Valentine Road in the construction zone.
 
Follow appropriate detours as indicated by posted signage.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Deputy Commissioner, Jason Murphy at (413) 499-9314.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates. 

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit.  CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more. 

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said. 

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years." 

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1. 

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is." 

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations.  Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council. 

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