Pittsfield DPW to Host Winter Operations Summit for Contractors

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield Department of Public Works (DPW) will host a Winter Operations Summit for snow and ice removal contractors on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at 232 W. Housatonic St (Public Services Office).

The session is open to contractors who have worked with the city and to those interested in joining its winter operations team, to clear neighborhood streets during winter storms. At this meeting, DPW staff will review expectations for the upcoming season, go over the city's approach to storm response, and answer contractors' questions ahead of the first snowfall.

In addition, the city announces the hourly rates for contractors for the 2026–27 winter season, an increase of approximately 7% over last year's rates:

Pickup / Utility Body – Plow: $116.00

Pickup / Utility Body – Plow & Sander: $127.00

1 Ton – Plow: $130.00

1 Ton – Plow & Sander: $141.00

5 Ton – Plow: $187.00

5 Ton – Plow & Sander: $197.00

10 Ton – Plow: $211.00

10 Ton – Plow & Sander: $222.00

"Our contractors are a critical part of keeping Pittsfield's neighborhood streets safe and passable all winter," said Commissioner of Public Works, Ricardo Morales. "This summit gives us a chance to get everyone on the same page before the season starts, and the roughly 7 percent rate increase reflects the real cost of putting equipment and operators on the road. If you have the equipment and want to help keep Pittsfield moving, we want to hear from you."

Contractors planning to attend the summit are asked to RSVP by Oct.13 to dpw@pittsfieldma.gov or call the Highway Department at (413) 499-9314.

Contractors who cannot attend but are interested in participating in winter operations should email dpw@pittsfieldma.gov or call the Highway Department at (413) 499-9314.

 


Tags: DPW,   snow removal,   

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Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes. 
 
According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.
 
Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states. 
 
The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them. 
 

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."
 
The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.
 
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