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Prepared by:
Hartford 2000 and the Hartford Public Library
There were 65 items on the original agenda. Two additional items were submitted during the meeting. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers in Hartford City Hall. The next public hearing will be Monday, April 20, 2009 at 7 PM.
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
Parkville Municipal Development Plan – The Council referred, to its Planning & Economic Development Committee, a resolution approving the Parkville Municipal Development Plan for 295 acres in the industrial area of Parkville. The Plan was developed by the Parkville NRZ and the City of Hartford proposes a series of actions including removal of waste, demolition, creation of green space, streetscape improvements, construction of parking, gateway signage, and improvement of sites for economic development. (Item #2)
Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility – The Council approved a resolution expressing its opposition to locating a hazardous waste transfer facility at 94 Murphy Road or anywhere in Hartford. Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC, has filed a permit application to establish such a facility at 94 Murphy Road for the purpose of receiving hazardous waste from various locations and transfer of the waste from smaller route trucks to trailer trucks. (Item #24)
Ad Hoc Committee – The Council postponed action on a resolution stating that the City Council will appoint a three person ad-hoc committee composed of members of Council to work with the Mayor and City Unions to look for ways that Unions can assist the City in resolving the deficit and stabilizing its finances. This resolution was part of a series of ten resolutions addressing budget matters submitted in November 2008. Council has postponed action on this resolution several times. (Item #28)
Reduction in Salary for Highly Paid Managers – The Council postponed action on a resolution that City managers and executives with salaries above $80,000 accept progressively scaled salary reductions. The resolution states that City workers have been suffering losses of jobs and benefits and that, under these conditions, pay raises for government officials and highly-paid managers are not appropriate. The Council has postponed action on this item several times. (Item #29)
Day Off Without Pay – The Council postponed action on a resolution asking that the Mayor and his appointees volunteer to take a day off without pay in consideration of the difficult economic times and following the example of Governor Jodi Rell. The Council has previously postponed action on this matter. (Item #31)
Campaign Finance Reform – The Council postponed action on a proposed ordinance that, if approved, will prohibit political contributions to candidates for Hartford municipal office from contractors, prospective contractors, or principals of contractors. A public hearing on this matter was held on February 17, 2009. (Item #32)
Equestrian and Exhibition Center in Keney Park – The Council postponed action on a resolution that would name Ebony Horsewomen Inc. as the tentative developer for the purpose of identifying funding for the Connecticut Equestrian and Exhibition Center in Keney Park. A 200-acre section of the park has been identified for lease and an updated feasibility study has been completed that supports the need and economic opportunity for such a facility. The item has been considered by two Council Committees. The Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee voted to recommend disapproval and the Planning & Economic Development Committee postponed action pending receipt of a legal opinion. The Council has previously postponed action on this item. (Item #34)
Better Choices for Connecticut Revenue Proposal – The Council passed a proposed resolution calling for the City to support such initiatives as the Better Choices for Connecticut revenue proposal. This proposal was motivated by concern over the Governor's proposed budget which would result in devastating cuts in funding for human services. The Better Choices proposal suggests alternatives such as raising state income taxes on the wealthy, closing corporate tax loopholes, and increasing the state sales tax, among others. (Item #42)
Living Wage Ordinance – The Council passed an amendment to the living wage ordinance. Among the proposed changes are lowering the value of city service contracts to which the ordinance applies from $50,000 to $20,000, and raising the definition of "living wage" (on an annual basis based on 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) from 110% to 120% of the federal poverty level for a family of four. (Item #43)
Flood Control Improvements – The Council referred, to its Operations, Management & Budget Committee, a proposed ordinance that, if approved, will result in a $5 million allocation from the Capital Improvement Fund to finance flood control improvements. The project includes the following activities, among others: levee improvements; inspection and improvements to the Park River Conduit and Auxiliary Conduit; sediment removal; improvements to the North Meadows, South Meadows, Keney Lane, Bushnell, Armory and Pope Park Pump Station; and continuing analyses of the stability and functionality of the levee, the conduits and the pump stations. (Item #44)
Hiring Processes – The Council referred, to its Labor & Workforce Development Committee, two ordinances that were prepared in response to a Council resolution asking that civil service processes be reviewed and recommendations made for changes that would eliminate barriers to job applicants with criminal records. The first ordinance prevents inquiry or action based on arrests or accusations that are not presently pending or did not result in conviction. It also restricts the circumstances under which criminal background checks may be conducted. The second ordinance applies similar requirements to City vendors. (Items #45 and #46)
LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS
Item #
- Lease. Approval of lease to allow T&J Food Service to use kitchen facilities at North End Senior Center for private business use. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee
- Parkville MDP. Approval of Parkville Municipal Development Plan for industrial area. Referred to Planning & Economic Development Committee
- Readiness Initiative. Approval to accept $40,000 in Federal funds to be used to arrange for antibiotic dispensing sites in response to a bio-terrorist event. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee
- Hyland Park. Approval to accept $500,000 in State funds for improvements to baseball fields at Hyland Park. Passed
- Lawsuit. Request for the Council to enter into Executive Session to discuss Garcia, Preston/Towing v. City of Hartford. Executive Session
- Lawsuit. Request for the Council to enter into Executive Session to discuss Murtha v. City of Hartford. Executive Session
- Report. Report of the April 6th meeting of the Health & Human Services Committee. Received
- Report. Report of the Education Committee's discussion of literacy. Received
- Report. Report of the Education Committee's meeting at which discussion of school facilities plan was postponed. Received
- Report. Report of the Education Committee's discussion of the Office of Youth Services Report. Received
- Report. Report of the Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee on discussion of single stream recycling. Received
- Report. Report of the Legislative Affairs Committee discussion of Hartford's response to funds to be provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (stimulus money). Received
- Report. Report of the Planning and Economic Development Committee of the discussion of location of the CT Equestrian and Exhibition Center in Keney Park (also see #34) Postponed
- Pharmacy Benefits. Resolution that the City will update management of its prescription drug program for employees and retirees to reduce costs and increase employee satisfaction. Postponed by Health & Human Service Committee. Postponed
- Tobacco. Resolution prohibiting the use of tobacco products on the campus of the Hartford Municipal Building. Discharged by Health & Human Services Committee. Postponed
- Law School. Resolution creating a committee to study and explore the feasibility of creation of a Law School within the city of Hartford to meet the educational needs of residents under-represented in existing schools. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for the "Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness" sponsored by the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on March 14, 2009 in Bushnell Park. Withdrawn
- Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver and street closures by the Hartford Marathon Foundation for the "O'Hartford 5K" held on March 15, 2009 in downtown Hartford. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Phagwah (New Year) parade, sponsored by Shri Krishna Mandir and held in Goodwin Park on March 15, 2009. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver and street closures for the March of Dimes "March for Babies" on April 26, 2009 in downtown Hartford and Bushnell Park. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver and street closures for a motorcycle ride through Hartford on April 26, 2009 for the benefit of the CT Childrens Medical Center. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request to waive fees for the Coleman Brothers Carnival to be held in Pope Park from June 10 through June 14, 2009. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request to waive fees for the Coleman Brothers Carnival to be held in Colt Park from May 6 through May 10, 2009. Passed
- HazWaste Facility. Resolution opposing the location of a new hazardous waste transfer facility at 94 Murphy Road. Passed
- Pause for a Cause. Resolution to allow the serving of alcohol at an event on April 2, 2009 in the City Hall Atrium, sponsored by Office of Councilperson Cotto. Passed
- Fee Waiver. Request to waive fees for the Outreaching the Vision of Christ 2009 – Evangelical Campaign to be held by the Ebenezer Pentecostal Church A/D on July 25 and 26, 2009 in Barnard Park. Passed
- Code of Ethics. Amendments to the City's Code of Ethics that expand definitions and provide for revocation of pensions of City officials or employees and reimbursement of monies spent by the City to pursue legal cases leading to convictions. Withdrawn
- Ad-Hoc Committee. Appointment of a 3-person committee of Council members to work with the Mayor and City unions to seek ways to reduce the City's deficit and stabilize its finances. Postponed
- Reduction in Salary. Resolution calling for City managers and executives with salaries above $80,000 to accept reductions in their pay. Postponed
- Hartford Public High School. Authorization to increase appropriation for renovation of Hartford Public High School by $8.0 million to a total of $114.5 million. Postponed
- Day Without Pay. Resolution asking the Mayor and his appointees to volunteer to take a day off without pay. Postponed
- Campaign Finance Reform. Ordinance prohibiting contributions by contractors to candidates for City elected offices. Postponed
- Parks & Recreation Fees. Authorization to raise fees for lawn bowling in Elizabeth Park from $40 to $100 per season and to increase the amounts of various fees for the use of Dillon Stadium. Passed
- Equestrian Center. Resolution authorizing the leasing of a portion of Keney Park to the Ebony Horsewomen for construction of an equestrian and exhibition center. (also see #13) Postponed
- Appointments. Ordinance requiring that all nominations made by the Mayor for seats on ten listed boards, commissions, and committees be referred to Council Committee before the Council votes on the nominations. Withdrawn
- Percent for Art. Ordinance requiring that 1% of the cost of above-ground capital improvements which cost more than $1.0 million be set aside for public art that enhances the project. OMB Committee report recommends action be postponed for further discussion. (Also see #39) Postponed
- Veto. Mayor's veto of appointment of Patricia Conran to the Freedom of Information Advisory Board. Received
- Collection Contracts. Request for a report on fees paid to and profits made by agencies under contract with the City to collect overdue taxes. OMB Committee received information from Administration and recommends postponement to allow time for review of information by Council members. Postponed
- Percent for Art. Report from Operations, Management & Budget Committee postponing action on Percent for Art ordinance. (also see #36) Received
- Appointment. Resolution appointing Jack Hale to the Advisory Commission on the Environment. Postponed
- Appointment. Resolution appointing Michael Downs to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Postponed
- State Budget. Resolution supporting the Better Choices for Connecticut proposals for raising State revenues to avoid cuts in human services. Passed
- Living Wage. Amendments to the City's Living Wage ordinance. Referred to Labor and Workforce Development Committee
- Flood Control. Ordinance appropriating $5.0 million to finance flood control improvements throughout Hartford. Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
- City Hiring. Ordinance amending the City's hiring processes and standards for criminal background checks to remove barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated job applicants. Referred to Labor and Workforce Development Committee
- Vendor Hiring. Ordinance requiring City vendors to adhere to processes that eliminate barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated job applicants. Referred to Labor and Workforce Development Committee
- Ethics. Ordinance amending the City's Ethics Ordinance to add a section on crime related to City office or employment and to extend provisions to anyone providing services to the City. Referred to Legislative Affairs Committee
- Appointment. Appointment of Gerry Pleasant to the Planning and Zoning Commission as an alternate. Referred to Planning & Economic Development Committee
- Appointment. Appointment of Carlos Hernandez-Chavez to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Reappointment. Reappointment of Khadija Abdul-Salaam to the Permanent Commission on the Status of Hartford Women. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of permit fees for the closure of High Street during construction of the Public Safety Complex. Referred to Planning & Economic Development Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for Family Fun Day in Bushnell Day on April 18, 2009 sponsored by the Student Senate of Capitol Community College. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the Hispanic Health Council's Health Fair to be held in Barnard Park on August 6, 2009. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for Easter Egg Hunt in Goodwin Park held by the Friends of Goodwin Park on April 4, 2009. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the 2009 Greater Hartford Heart Walk to be held in Bushnell Park on October 17, 2009 by the American Heart Association. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the Good Friday Way of the Cross to be held on April 10, 2009 by Sacred Heart Church at Ely and Winthrop Streets. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Block Parties. Resolution to authorize street closings, noise standards, and serving of alcohol at the Pour House Summer Block Party Series to be held on Allyn Street between Ann and Union on May 1, June 12, August 21, and September 18. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Library Events. Approval for the Hartford Public Library to serve alcohol at five events to be held on May 1, June 26, September 20, October 3, and October 15. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees and street closures for Our Lady of Fatima's Day of Portugal to be held on June 7 on Madison, Kibbe, Bulkley, New Park, and Park Streets. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for "Imperio" to be held on May 24, 2009 by Our Lady of Fatima Church on sections of Madison, Kibbe, Bulkley and Park Streets. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for St. Anthony Festival to be held on June 14, 2009 by Our Lady of Fatima Church on sections of Madison, Kibbe, Bulkley and Park Streets. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the Gospel Festival and Fair to be held by LEVAS in Bushnell Park on September 12, 2009. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for NAMIWalks for the Mind of America to be held in Bushnell Park on May 16, 2009. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
- Homeless Shelter. Approval of an allocation of $5,500 from Contingency Fund to keep Salvation Army overflow shelter open through the end of April. Passed
- Council Counsel. Authorization for the Council to hire the law firm of Day Pitney to advise the Council. Passed
- Downtown Business improvement District. Reauthorization of the Hartford Business Improvement District for five more years. Referred to Planning & Economic Development Committee
- Waiver. Approval to waie building permit fees for repairs to be made by Rebuilding Together Hartford to 20 homes on April 25, 2009. 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. |
