PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre will step down from her post a couple of months early to work in education. 

"Tonight will be officially my last City Council meeting," she reported at the conclusion of Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting. 

"I'm stepping down a few meetings earlier than originally planned because I've accepted an opportunity to join the public schools. I'm returning back to my roots. This has been a long-term plan all along, but it wasn't expected to happen until next September, so it's a little premature." 

She feels that this council did a "tremendous" amount of work, and after the night's unanimous preliminary approval of the revised City Code in conformity with the City Charter, felt comfortable that city issues have been moving along. 

"I just want to say to you guys, this has been one of the most productive City Councils I have seen in decades," Serre said. 

"It has been an absolute honor to serve with each and every one of you. My original campaign promises have all been fulfilled, except one." 

She turned to Councilor at Large Earl Persip, III, chair of the Wahconah Park Restoration Committee, and said to expect her at every meeting until the project is done. 

"I'm looking forward to the next servant who's going to step forward and serve on behalf of the residents of Ward 7. I encourage any constituents within Ward 7 to reach out to our fine at large counselors for assistance. I'm sure any one of you would be willing to help out. Most of the issues I have already brought forward," she said. 

"There is nothing open on my desk at the moment, but if you need any reference or questions for me in dealing with an issue, please feel free to reach out, and I'd be happy to fill you in with the history." 

President Peter White clarified that since Pittsfield is within 120 days of an election, to be held Nov. 4, the vacancy will not be filled. Serre was not running for re-election and Anthony Maffuccio, former Ward 7 councilor, and Katherine Nagy Moody are vying to replace her.

The City Council unanimously supported a final draft of the City Code that was brought forward by the Ordinance Review Committee after three years of work to rid the code of outdated language, typos, duplications, and conflicts. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren commended the committee's work in updating the code and made a friendly amendment to remove a section about firearm discharge because it is regulated by state law.  It was clarified that the change will not be reflected in next week's City Council materials due to time, but it is accepted. 

Serre reported that she served on this committee long before running for council.  She thanked other members and explained it was "an immense amount of work."  

Members include: Chair Jody Phillips, City Clerk Michele Benjamin, Esther Anderson, Rhonda Serre, Kerry Sullivan, and Attorney Stephen Pagnotta. 

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