Council Review
Hartford City Council Meeting

Monday, January 10, 2011

Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000

There were 64 items on the original agenda. Ten (10) additional items were submitted during the meeting. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers in Hartford City Hall. The next public hearing will be Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 7 PM (day change due to MLK holiday).

This Review consists of two sections: Items of Special Interest and Action on All Agenda Items. The City’s official listing of actions taken on all items on this agenda can be found online at: http://www.hartford.gov/government/Town&CityClerk/Minutes/council_meeting_minutes.htm

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

Huyshope Avenue Streetscape – The Council referred, to its Operations, Management & Budget Committee, a resolution authorizing the execution of an amendment to the existing City-State Agreement for the construction of streetscape improvements along Huyshope Avenue. In 2005, the City received a federal grant for this project through the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT). The construction funds were insufficient to cover actual costs, so the City requested and received permission to reallocate funds that were specified for contingencies and incidentals for construction. The DOT requested that the City-State Agreement be amended to reflect the revised construction costs. (Segarra) (Item #6)

Limiting the Police Department’s Domestic Surveillance and Immigration Enforcement Activities – The Council tabled a proposed amendment to Chapter 29 of the Hartford Municipal Code creating a new article with the purpose of maintaining the focus of the Hartford Police Department (HPD) on their core public mission by limiting their domestic surveillance and immigration enforcement activities. This is a re-introduction of an earlier ordinance introduced on August 16, 2010. The initial ordinance brought forth some objections from Police Chief Roberts and Corporation Counsel. Under the proposed amendments, HPD would retain the operational flexibility to engage in surveillance based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity (a less demanding standard than probable cause), while also remaining subject to the original bill’s reporting requirements and the limits on collaboration with federal departments. The Council’s Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommended tabling this item. (Cotto) (Item #12)

Changes to Non-Union Retirement Plans – The Council adopted five ordinances that modify the retirement plans of non-union Police, Fire, and General Government employees who are hired on or after January 1, 2011. Employees in this group will be eligible for normal retirement at 55 years old with 20 years of employment or at 62 years old with at least 5 years of employment. Pension payments will be calculated at 1.75% of final average pay instead of 2.5%. A public hearing was held on December 20, 2010 and the Labor & Workforce Development committee recommended approval. (Segarra, Kennedy) (Items #21-24 and 67-71)

Restrictions on the Sale of Drug Distribution Equipment – The Council postponed action on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the Hartford Municipal Code, Restrictions on the sale of drug distribution equipment. Such equipment includes, among others, scales or balances used to weigh or measure illegal drugs, dilutants and adulterants used in cutting unlawful drugs, and capsules, envelopes, or bags used in packaging illegal drugs. If approved, the amended ordinance will impose a fine of $99 per piece of drug equipment per day. The Committee did not make a recommendation. A public hearing was held on December 20, 2010 and the Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee considered the item but made no recommendation. (Cotto) (Item #26)

Annual Tax Collector Report – The Council received the annual Tax Collector’s report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010. Tax collections exceeded the fiscal year 2009-2010 adopted budget by more than $4 million with roughly half of that coming in the form of collections of prior years’ levies. The improved collections were the result of a number of initiatives. (Tax Collector) (Item #27)

Moratorium – The Council postponed action on a resolution that would recommend, to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Economic Development Department, a one-year moratorium on granting permission for tax exemptions on property in Hartford while a review of zoning restrictions, policies, and procedures is undertaken with regard to property tax-exemptions. Exceptions to the moratorium during the one-year period could be granted for projects that enhance the value of the grand list and meet a critical human service need. The Council’s Planning & Economic Development Committee recommended postponement. (Winch) (Item #31)

Novelty Lighter Regulation – The Council postponed action on a proposed ordinance that would regulate novelty lighters - those which are designed to be attractive to children by incorporating flashing lights, musical sounds, or a toy-like appearance. The ordinance would prohibit the sale, gift, or distribution of such lighters within the city of Hartford. The Council’s Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee has recommended postponement of this item pending additional review by Corporation Counsel. (Torres) (Item #33)

Parks & Recreation – The Council postponed action on two proposed ordinances which, together, would change the way the City’s parks and recreation functions are organized. The first ordinance would remove the Parks Maintenance Division from the Department of Public Works and would remove the Division of Recreation and Youth Services from the Department of Health and Human Services. The second ordinance would create a separate Department of Parks and Recreation which would consist of three divisions: Administration, Parks, and Recreation & Youth Services. The changes would be effective 90 days after passage of the ordinances. A public hearing on this matter was held on June 21, 2010. The item has been postponed several times. (Cotto) (Items #34 and 35)

Campaign Contributions – The Council tabled a proposed ordinance that would prohibit campaign contributions by City contractors to candidates running for Mayor, Council, Board of Education, Treasurer, and Registrar of Voters. City contractors include individuals, business entities, and nonprofit organizations that have agreements or contracts with the City of Hartford, Hartford Parking Authority, Hartford Housing Authority, or the Board of Education, as well as those who have submitted bids or proposals for the purpose of obtaining an agreement or contract. Contributions would be prohibited to candidates, exploratory committees, and political and party committees. A public hearing was held on this item on July 19. The item has been postponed several times. (Cotto) (Item #36)

Elderly Tax Relief Program – The Council passed an ordinance amending Section 32-18(j) of the Municipal Code extending the Elderly Tax Relief Program to elderly Hartford homeowners for taxes due on the Grand List of October 1, 2010. To qualify for this tax relief residents must have been 65 years of age or older by December 31, 2009. They must also be the owner/occupant of a 1, 2, or 3 family residence and must qualify for the following income limits: $41,600 for a married couple and $35,400 for a married individual. The recommended maximum benefit is $500. A public hearing was held on November 15, 2010. (Segarra) (Item #41)

Tree Ordinance – The Council postponed action on an ordinance for the purpose of maintaining and growing Hartford’s urban forest, maintaining trees in a healthy condition, protecting existing trees, and mitigating loss and damage to Hartford’s trees. At a previous meeting, the Council referred this ordinance back to the Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee for further deliberation. (Boucher, Cotto) (Item #43)

Parkville NRZ Strategic Plan – The Council referred, to its Operations, Management & Budget Committee, a proposed ordinance amending Article X, Section 28-196 of the Municipal Code to approve the 2008 update of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan of the Parkville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ). (Segarra) (Item #45)

Racial Profiling Report – The Council referred, to its Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee, a resolution that requests the Police Department to post, on its web site, all information which is sent to the CT African American Affairs Commission and the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office as required by the Alvin W. Penn Racial Profiling Prohibition Act. The Act mandates that police departments report on traffic stops and racial profiling complaints. (Cotto) (Item #60)

LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS

Item #

1. Commission on Women. Confirmation of reappointments of Kadija Abdul-Salaam, Tamelia Joyner, and Nyesha McCauley to Permanent Commission on the Status of Hartford Women. (Segarra) Postponed
2. Human Relations Commission. Confirmation of reappointment of Harry Hartie and appointments of Ben Daigle and Samariya Smith to the Commission on Human Relations. (Segarra) Postponed
3. Cultural Affairs Commission. Confirmation of appointments of Abby Brooks, Susan Hood, Trudi Lebron, Isabel Logan, Amy Mielke, Doreen Stern, and Carlos Velazquez to the Cultural Affairs Commission. (Segarra, Cotto) Postponed
4. 52 Franklin Avenue. Approval for the City to accept blighted property at 52 Franklin Avenue through a quit claim deed in lieu of foreclosure. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
5. Vending Machines. Approval to set up a separate account for revenues from vending machines at Pope Park and Parker Memorial Recreation Centers. (Segarra) Passed
6. Huyshope Avenue Streetscape. Authorization to amend a contract with the State of Connecticut to finalize project costs for streetscape improvements on Huyshope Avenue completed in 2007. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
7. H1N1 Grant. Authorization to accept $100,000 from the Centers for Disease Control through the CT Department of Public Health for H1N1 mass vaccinations. (Segarra) Passed
8. Library Incentive Retirement. Approval for the Hartford Public Library to offer a voluntary retirement incentive program for full time non-union and unclassified employees. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
9. McKinney Shelter DSS Funds. Approval to accept a 2-year grant of $935,296 from the CT Department of Social Services for the operation of the McKinney Emergency Shelter. (Segarra) Passed
10. McKinney Shelter FEMA Funds. Authorization to accept a grant of $68,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for utility and administrative costs of the McKinney Emergency Shelter. (Segarra) Passed
11. Snype v. City of Hartford. Settlement of Snype v. City of Hartford for $175,000. (Segarra) Passed
12. Intelligence Collection. Ordinance limiting certain intelligence collection and profiling activities by the Police Department unless directly related to criminal activity. (Cotto) Tabled
13. 90 Earle Street. Authorization of a six-month license agreement between the City and Residential Rehabilitation, LLC for use of a garage located on City-owned property at 90 Earle Street. (Segarra) Postponed
14. North Hartford Senior Center. Authorization to enter into a contract with Blue Hills Civic Association for operation of the North Hartford Senior Center. (Segarra) Passed
15. Banking Services. Request that the City Administration consider using banking institutions that consider type and quality of services, price, and employment for Hartford residents and City government. (Deutsch) Passed
16. Allocation of Funds. Allocation of $1,000 each to Gardner’s House, Caribbean Multi-Cultural Arts & Heritage Center, and K-LA-RUE Educational Arts in Motion, $2,000 each to Institute for Community Research and Cricket Hall of Fame, and $1,500 for the Marcus Garvey Memorial Park. (Winch, Boucher, Aponte, Torres, Airey-Wilson) Passed
17. Literacy Volunteers. Allocation of $2,500 to Literacy Volunteers. (Winch, Boucher, Cotto) Passed
18. Allocation of Funds. Allocation of $500 to CT Center for Nonviolence, $1,000 each to the Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford, John E. Rogers African American Cultural Center, and the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, and $5,000 to Scapegoat Garden Dance Company. (Cotto) Passed
19. Allocations. Allocations of $17,000 to Guakia, $1,400 to Artists Collective, $5,000 to Blue Hills Civic Association, $1,000 to Mi Casa, $4,000 to Hartbeat Ensemble, and $600 to San Juan Center. (Deutsch) Tabled
20. Contributions. Allocation of $2,000 to Martin Luther King Soccer League, $1,000 to the West Indian Foundation Youth Day Program, and $1,000 to Caribbean Urban Research Education & Training. (Airey-Wilson) Passed
21. Change in Retirement Benefits. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee supporting increase in retirement age and decrease of pension amounts of non-union General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Received
22. Change in Retirement Benefits. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee supporting increase in retirement age and decrease of pension amounts of non-union Police and Fire employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Received
23. Change in Retirement Benefits. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee supporting creation of a new retirement program for non-union Police & Fire employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Received
24. Change in Retirement Benefits. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee supporting creation of a new retirement program for non-union General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Received
25. Non-Discrimination. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee supporting an ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in employment and housing. (Cotto) Received
26. Drug Distribution Equipment. Report from the Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee discharging, without a recommendation, an ordinance prohibiting the sale of materials and equipment used in the manufacture and sale of illegal drugs. (Cotto) Received
27. Tax Collector’s Annual Report. Report of $259,434,187 in taxes collected during the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $8,985,715 in revenues from the sale of tax liens. (Tax Collector Nelson) Received
28. Parking Authority. Confirmation of reappointment of Patricia LeShane to the Hartford Parking Authority. (Segarra) Postponed
29. Historic Properties Commission. Confirmation of reappointment of Lynn Ferrari and Gregory Secord and appointment of Raphael Podolsky to the Historic Properties Commission. (Segarra) Passed
30. Commission on Food Policy. Confirmation of reappointment of Gloria McAdam and appointments of Dawn Crayco, Jennifer Chapin, Katie Martin, Michael McGarry, Michael Reid, and Evelyn Richardson to the Commission on Food Policy. (Segarra) Passed
31. Moratorium. Proposal to establish a one-year moratorium on location of new tax-exempt property in Hartford. (Winch) Postponed
32. Commission on Disability Issues. Ordinance specifying the composition of the Commission on Disability Issues to include people with disabilities, representatives of organizations serving those with disabilities, and relatives of or those who are active with the issues of people with disabilities. (Segarra) Referred to Health & Human Services Committee
33. Novelty Lighters. Proposed ordinance prohibiting the sale, gift or distribution, in Hartford, of lighters that are designed to be attractive to children. (Torres) Postponed
34. Organizational Changes. Ordinance removing the division of Parks Maintenance from the Public Works Department and removing the division of Recreation & Youth Services from the Department of Health & Human Services. (Cotto) Postponed
35. Parks & Recreation. Ordinance creating a Department of Parks & Recreation to include Parks Maintenance and Recreation and Youth Services. (Cotto) Postponed
36. Campaign Contributions. Proposed ordinance prohibiting individuals and entities who have contracts with the City of Hartford from making contributions to candidates for Mayor, Council, Registrar of Voters, Treasurer, or Board of Education. (Cotto) Tabled
37. Board of Education Budget. Request to the Board of Education to provide the Council with adopted line-item budgets for the past two fiscal years and year-to-date figures for the current fiscal year. (Deutsch, Segarra) Postponed
38. School Bus Contracts. Request that the Administration investigate school bus contracts to determine if there are willful or unintentional violations of the Living Wage Ordinance. (Winch, Airey-Wilson) Postponed
39. MDC. Appointment of Daniel Kinch, Rupert Daniels, and Lee Hunt as Commissioners to the Metropolitan District Commission (Deutsch) Postponed
40. Monetary Settlements. Authorization for the Corporation Counsel to settle claims for up to $25,000 without approval by Mayor or Council and to settle claims between $25,000 and $50,000 with approval of the Mayor. (Segarra) Passed
41. Elderly Tax Relief. Approval to extend, for another year, the program to provide $500 tax benefits to elderly homeowners with lower incomes. (Segarra). Passed
42. Late Fee Amnesty. Ordinance authorizing a one-time amnesty on payment of late fees for certain food establishments who renewed their licenses late. (Segarra) Passed
43. Tree Ordinance. Ordinance governing the planting, removal, altering, or damaging of trees in Hartford for the purpose of maintaining and growing Hartford’s urban forest. (Boucher, Cotto) Postponed
44. Asian Studies Academy. Ordinance increasing the scope and budget of the renovation of Bellizzi School for the Asian Studies Academy from $13 million to $21 million and authorizing the issuance of bonds in the higher amount. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee and Public Hearing on January 18, 2011
45. Parkville NRZ Plan. Approval of the update to the Parkville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan. (Segarra) Referred to Planning & Economic Development Committee and Public Hearing on January 18, 2011
46. Deputy Registrar. Establishment of salary of Republican Deputy Registrar of Voters at $826.92 per week. (Winch) Passed
47. Councilmember Appointment. Appointment of Gerry Pleasant (R) to a vacancy in the Court of Common Council to fill unexpired term of Veronica Airey-Wilson. (Torres) Withdrawn
48. Councilmember Appointment. Appointment of Corey Brinson (R) to a vacancy on the Court of Common Council to fill unexpired term of Veronica Airey-Wilson. (Winch) Failed
49. Councilmember Appointment. Appointment of Sean Arena (D) to a vacancy on the Court of Common Council to fill the unexpired term of Matt Ritter. (Winch, Torres) Failed
50. MDC Appointments. Reappointment of Adam Cloud, Al Marotta, and Hector Rivera to the Metropolitan District Commission. (Winch, Torres) Postponed
51. Committee Chairs. Appointment of the following Council members as chairs of the following committees for the term January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012:
    Education: James Boucher
    Legislative Affairs: Alexander Aponte
    Operations, Management & Budget: Kenneth Kennedy
    Planning & Economic Development: Alexander Aponte
    Health & Human Services: Larry Deutsch
    Public Works, Parks & Environment: Luis Cotto
    Quality of Life & Public Safety: Calixto Torres
    Labor & Workforce Development: rJo Winch
    Housing: No appointment
    Passed
52. Councilmember Appointment. Appointment of Dr. Robert Painter to a vacancy on the Court of Common Council to fill the unexpired term of Matt Ritter. (Deutsch) Postponed
53. MDC Appointment. Appointment of Rupert Daniels to the Metropolitan District Commission. (Deutsch) Postponed
54. School Building Committee. Appointment of Councilman Larry Deutsch and an unspecified engineer/planner/architect to fill vacancies on the School Building Committee. (Deutsch) Referred to the Education Committee
55. Councilmember Appointment. Appointment of David McDonald to a vacancy on the Court of Common Council to fill the unexpired term of Matt Ritter. (Kennedy) Failed
56. Permission. Granting of permission to the North End Senior Center to serve alcohol at a Super Bowl Party on February 6, 2011. (Winch, Boucher, Cotto, Aponte, Deutsch, Kennedy, Torres) Passed
57. Permission. Granting of permission to the Hartford Public Library to serve alcohol at three events on January 21, February 4, and April 8, 2011. (Cotto) Passed
58. Art Inventory. Request that the Mayor direct the Office of Cultural Affairs to conduct an inventory of art that the City owns. (Cotto) Passed
59. Hiring Methods. Request that all necessary steps be taken to ensure that the hiring methods used to fill vacant City positions be open and transparent and that details of those methods be provided to the Council within 30 days. (Cotto) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
60. Racial Profiling Information. Request that the Hartford Police Department post, on its web site, all information submitted to the CT African American Affairs Commission and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office in compliance with the Alvin W. Penn Racial Profiling Prohibition Act. (Cotto) Referred to Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee
61. Pump House Gallery. Declaration of a 5-year moratorium on development on the Pump House Gallery grounds that is not consistent with use of the Pump House as gallery and performance space. (Cotto) Referred to Planning & Economic Development Committee and Planning & Zoning Commission
62. Trans Fats. Request that the Administration submit an ordinance, within 90 days, banning or restricting the sale, in Hartford, of products containing trans fats. (Cotto, Deutsch) Referred to Health & Human Services Committee
63. Guakia. Allocation of $20,000 to Guakia. (Deutsch) Passed
64. Council Staff Vacancies. Proposal that Executive Assistant vacancies in the Council’s staff be left vacant and/or filled on a part-time basis in order to reduce expenditures. (Torres, Aponte) Passed
65. City Treasurer. Appointment of Adam Cloud to fill the unexpired term of City Treasurer Kathleen Palm. Failed
66. Coltsville. Approval of an appropriation and bond ordinance implementing the $849,656 grant previously approved by Council for the design of streetscape improvements for the Coltsville Corridor project. (Segarra) Passed
67. Change in Retirement Benefits. Creation of a new retirement program for non-union Police & Fire employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Passed
68. Change in Retirement Benefits. Creation of a new retirement program for non-union General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Passed
69. Change in Retirement Benefits. Elimination of the ability to exchange accumulated sick time for years of service for purposes of retirement benefits for non-union Police, Fire, and General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Passed
70. Change in Retirement Benefits. Increase in retirement age and decrease of pension amounts of non-union Police and Fire employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Passed
71. Change in Retirement Benefits. Increase in retirement age and decrease of pension amounts of non-union General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011.. (Segarra) Passed
72. Drug Distribution Equipment. Ordinance prohibiting the sale of materials and equipment used in the manufacture and sale of illegal drugs. (Cotto) Postponed
73. Affirmative Action. Ordinance including gender identity as a protected class in the City’s affirmative action laws. (Cotto) Passed
74. Non-Discrimination. Ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in employment and housing. (Cotto) Passed

If you have any questions about the agenda, please call Richard Frieder at the Hartford Public Library, 695-6365, or Linda Bayer at Hartford 2000, 547-1663 X21. The Council Preview/Review is a joint project of Hartford 2000 and the Hartford Public Library.