Pittsfield DPW to Host Winter Operations Summit for Contractors

Print Story | Email Story

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,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories