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Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were seventeen (17) items on the original agenda. Three (3) more items were submitted during the meeting. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers in Hartford City Hall, with a public comment period beginning at 6:30 PM. The next public hearing will be Monday, March 19, 2007.
Actions taken on all items on this agenda can be found online at http://www.hartford.gov/government/Town&CityClerk/Agendas/archive.htm
School Readiness Funds – The Council passed a resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for and accept up to $312,975 from the State Department of Education to operate the Burns Family Learning Center and to pay for nineteen additional child care slots divided between Parkville and Waverly Early Learning Centers during fiscal year 2007-2008. (Item #2)
Elderly Tax Relief Program – The Council passed an ordinance increasing the income limits for eligibility for the Elderly Tax Relief Program. Hartford residents who are 65 years of age or older who own and occupy a 1, 2, or 3 family residence and who meet certain income requirements are eligible to have their property taxes reduced by $500 per year. Currently, the income limits are $31,100 for an individual and $35,700 for a married couple. The ordinance would raise the income limits to $32,300 and $37,200 respectively. A public hearing on this item was held on February 20, 2007 and the Council’s Finance and Revenue Committee recommended approval. (Items #4 and #6)
Alcohol in the Parks - The Council postponed action on an ordinance concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages in City parks. The ordinance was referred to the Council’s Public Works, Parks, and the Environment Committee and the Planning and Economic Development Committee. A public hearing was held on February 20, 2007. The ordinance formerly on the books primarily governed beer and wine; the new ordinance governs all alcoholic beverages. (Item #7)
Hearing Procedure for Parking Violations – The Council referred, to its Management and Budget Committee, a proposed ordinance that, if approved, will update the municipal code to reflect the new hearing process for parking violations, which was implemented in December 2006. The new process is in accordance with the Connecticut General Statues and also solved administrative problems in the parking adjudication process. The new process has resulted in a dramatic increase in paid and processed parking tickets. There will be a public hearing on this matter on Monday, March 19, 2007. (Item #8)
Father Jose da Silva Way – The Council referred, to the Public Buildings and Dedication Committee, a resolution to add Father Jose da Silva’s name to Madison Avenue street signs. Father da Silva was the pastor and leader of the Catholic-Portuguese community in Hartford for many years until his recent death. (Item #14)
Minority Construction Council – A resolution allocating $100,000 to the Minority Construction Council for funding a full-time staff and paying for operating costs was withdrawn from consideration. The Council provides training and serves as an advocate for minority participation in the construction industry. (Item #16)
Caribbean Trade Council – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, a resolution allocating $35,000 to the Caribbean Trade Council to be used for funding staff and operating costs. The Council works to establish Hartford as a major center for distribution of Caribbean products and services in the Northeast. (Item #17)
License Agreements – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, an ordinance that requires the Court of Common Council to approve all License Agreements for access to City property for more than 90 days. A public hearing on this ordinance will be held on Monday, March 19, 2007. (Item #19)
Parking Lot at 1214 Main Street – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, a resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hartford Parking Authority (HPA) for operation of the parking lot at 1214 Main Street. HPA has proposed that the City invest $350,000 in improvements to the 225-space lot. HPA estimates that the lot will generate $150,000 per year in revenue and that the expenses of operating the lot will be approximately $115,000 annually, generating a net profit of $35,000. (Item #20)
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, 509-3710. The Council Preview/Review is a joint project of the Hartford 2000, and the Hartford Public Library. |
