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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There are 40 items on the agenda. The Council meeting will begin at 7 PM at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers. The next Council meeting will be Monday, February 23, 2004 at 7 PM: it will be preceded by a special public hearing that will begin at 6 PM. The purpose of the special public hearing will be the discussion of the recommendations of the Property Tax Task Force. (See below.)
Property Tax Task Force Recommendations: The Council will be preceded by a public hearing on the recommendations of the Tax Task Force. According to the report, unless changes are made in the tax code, some homeowners could see their taxes increase 70% - 80% as a result of the recent revaluation of property. Since home ownership would be negatively affected by this increase, the Task Force is recommending that several changes be made in the tax structure:
- Implementation of a Homestead Exemption that would provide tax relief for people who live in their own homes:
- Implementation of a surcharge on vacant parcels to encourage the development of vacant and blighted properties: and,
- Elimination of the current business surcharge.
Making these changes would require legislative changes at the state level so the resolution argues that the City Council should adopt these changes as part the City's legislative agenda.
Government Relations Services: The Council will vote on a resolution to authorize the Mayor Eddie Perez to enter into a contract with Capitol Strategies Group LLC (CSG) for up to $29,500 for government relations services. CSG is a full service lobbying, government relations, and public affairs firm that would work with the City to identify, enhance, and build key political relationships in state government. (Item #18)
Coordination of Park Street Streetscape Project: The Council will vote on a resolution to authorize the Mayor to enter onto an agreement with the Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) to provide coordination of construction activities and associated interruption of business activities during the Park Street Streetscape Project for a fixed fee of $150,000. (Item #2)
Bonds for School Renovation: The Council will vote on four ordinances authorizing the issuance of bonds for the renovation of Webster ($4.5 million), Simpson-Waverly ($2 million), Naylor ($4 million), and the University of Hartford Magnet Schools ($3.4 million). There will be a hearing on the ordinances on Monday, March 15, 2004. (Item #15)
Memorial Arch and Trinity Street Project: The Council will vote on a resolution which would authorize the Mayor to work with the Bushnell Park Foundation and the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) to seek funding for street improvements to protect the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch and to make pedestrian safety improvements. CRCOG will seek federal funds for the initial phase of the project. (Item #4)
Community Development Block Grant Funds: The Council will vote on two resolutions which would designate monies from the 29 th Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the purchase of a fire ladder truck ($800,000) and graffiti removal ($50,000).
If you have any questions about the agenda call Greg Vickers at CREN, 509-3701 or Richard Frieder at the Hartford Public Library, 695-6365. The Council Preview is a joint project of the Citizens' Research Education Network and the Hartford Public Library. |
