PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council will handle grants, subcommittee assignments, and a local historic district effort during its first meeting of the new term on Tuesday. 

On the agenda is a $50,000 donation from the Feigenbaum Foundation Inc. for the Wahconah Park ice rink, a $66,826.52 Violence Against Women's Act STOP state grant for the Police Department, and a petition to establish a Local Historic District Study Committee for the Park Square area. 

New and returning City Council and School Committee members were inaugurated on Jan. 5 at City Hall. Councilor at Large Earl Persip III was elected president, and Councilor at Large Peter White vice president. 

White previously served as the president, and Persip as vice president. 

"I know firsthand the complexities of opposition and how important it is to work together to provide the best and most efficient services to residents, businesses, and our community. I look forward to working with you in this new capacity," Mayor Peter Marchetti said to Persip during the swearing-in ceremony. 

"Vice President White, you have a vital role on the council, and your previous work will be helpful. I know when you served as my vice president, you were the best parliamentarian that anyone could ask for, and I’m sure you will continue that work." 

The $50,000 grant from the Feigenbaum Foundation will go toward Pittsfield’s effort to bring outdoor public ice skating back with a portable rink in front of Wahconah Park. The city is working on its plan for the historic baseball park after the deteriorated grandstand is demolished, and wants to bring life to the property in the meantime. 

The funds will be directed at programming activities on the ice rink, preferably for a skate rental and community access program.