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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 79 items on the
regular agenda. The Council meeting was preceded by a public
hearing on Charter Revision that began at 7 PM and an open topic public hearing
that began at 7:30 PM. The next Council
meeting will be Tuesday, May 28 in Council Chambers. The next public hearing will be Monday, May 20.
Benefit Options for Employees
Retiring Early or Laid-off -- The first two items on the regular agenda
were for a public hearing on two ordinances regarding benefits for employees
who retire early or who are laid off as a result of 2002-2003 budget cuts. The first ordinance would allow an employee
who retires voluntarily before June 30, 2002 to choose between a six-month
subsidy of health insurance or a pay bonus of one week’s pay for every year of
service up to ten weeks. The second
ordinance would allow any employee laid-off because of budget cuts to choose
between 6 months medical coverage or one week’s pay for every year of service
up to six weeks. Both ordinances would
require the agreements of the employee’s appropriate bargaining unit. Four city employees spoke against the
ordinances.
Charter Revision – The
Council passed two resolutions concerning the recent report of the Charter
Revision Commission. Both request a
meeting between the Council and Commission to discuss items in the Commission’s
report. The resolutions mention as
items of concern, among other things: powers and duties of the Mayor and
Council, geographic districting, composition of the school board (elected or
appointed), and appointment powers of the Mayor. The meeting between Council and Commission is scheduled for
Tuesday, May 21, time and place to be announced.
At the public hearing preceding the Council Meeting, three
residents addressed the Charter Commission’s report. All three were generally in favor of the report, but expressed
concern over the proposed make-up of the Council and the Board of Education.
Workforce Taskforce -- On
the recommendation of Mayor Eddie Perez, the Council passed a resolution
establishing a task force of high level corporate and community leaders to
develop a comprehensive set of recommendations for training young people for
the workforce. According to the
resolution there are approximately 4,000 out-of-school 14 – 21 year olds in
Hartford. The task force will have
staff support from the Capital Region Workforce Development Board and the United
Way of the Capital Region.
Community Development Block
Grant Restrictions – The Council referred to the Operations, Budget, and
Management Committee a resolution which would limit agencies receiving
Community Development Block Grant Funds in the Public Services category to only
three consecutive years of funding. According to the resolution, the city receives many more requests for
funds in this category than it can support and some programs have received funds
for five years and more.
Video Representation – On
the recommendation of Mayor Perez, the Council passed a resolution which allows
a council member to participate in a Council meeting via video, telephone, or
other electronic means.
If you have any questions about the agenda call Greg Vickers at CREN, 249-1416. The Citizens' Research Education Network is a non-profit research and education center for Hartford community-based organizations. |
