Council delays Byrne grant decision, 6-3

Select Board · Meeting of October 28, 2026

North Adams City Council voted 6-3 to postpone a decision on a $14,231 federal police grant after two hours of public opposition. Councilor Green's motion delays a final vote to November 10 so the city can attach a side letter, recommended by the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, addressing immigration-enforcement conditions tied to the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Chief Bailey said the department has received only one ICE civil detainer request in his 22-year career and is barred by the state's Protect Act from sharing release or custody information with federal immigration authorities.

More than 20 residents, including Tim Janowitz of the Protect Our Neighbors Coalition, cited a 325-signature petition against acceptance. Councilor Bona noted "Pittsfield in September did vote down this grant, and less than one month later, ICE was there containing one of their residents." The council separately voted 9-0 to advance what City Council President Shade called the first municipal artificial intelligence safeguards ordinance in Massachusetts to a second reading.

In the full story:

• Public hearing: National Grid pole petition
• Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant: reconsideration and postponement
• Public comment on the Byrne grant
• Artificial intelligence safeguards ordinance
• Committee reports and other business
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,316 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of October 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.