Pittsfield Council Preview: DEI Office Rename, Playground Grants, and City Audit

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see a request to rename the DEI office, $80,000 in grants for Williams Elementary School's playground renovation, and a proposal for the city audit.  

The agenda includes a request to amend Chapter 2 of the City Code, renaming the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the "Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity." 

"The proposed changes reflect the City's approach to advancing equitable access to municipal programs and services," it reads. 

"The updated name more accurately represents the Office's commitment to removing systemic barriers, promoting opportunity, and ensuring fair treatment of all employees and residents." 

During fiscal year 2027 budget hearings, $5,800 was reduced from the DEI Office: $4,800 from the DEI ambassador line and $1,000 from travel and dues.  

Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody asked Mayor Peter Marchetti to consider merging the department with Human Resources, and other councilors supported exploring restructuring the department, though not during budget season. 

The proposed ordinance also establishes the Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission to replace the current Human Rights Commission. 

The Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity, through the chief equity officer and supporting staff, would develop and implement the policies, programs, and initiatives of the city and Pittsfield Public Schools related to equity, access, and opportunity. 

Belonging, equity, fairness, and variety are defined as: 

• Belonging: The creation of a welcoming environment where any person can feel respected, supported, and valued, empowering them to engage and contribute to their fullest potential.
   
• Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
   
• Fairness: The impartial and just treatment of all individuals, ensuring access to opportunities and pathways to advancement. This involves proactively identifying and dismantling obstacles that have impeded the progress of any group of people.
   
• Variety: The full spectrum of human attributes, backgrounds, and experiences, recognizing the distinct characteristics that make each person or group of people unique.

The chief equity officer would be responsible for posting equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination law information to employees and prospective employees, as well as acting as a liaison with employment sources and organizations serving "protected groups." 

The Feigenbaum Foundation contributed $50,000. 

There is also a recommendation from the Audit Services Evaluation Committee to hire Scanlon & Associates for the independent city audit. 

The committee recently 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. 

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. 

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