Council Previews & Reviews >> Reviews > July 13, 2009

Council Review
Hartford City Council Meeting

Monday, July 13, 2009

Prepared by:
Hartford 2000 and the Hartford Public Library

There were 74 items on the original agenda. One additional item was submitted during the meeting. The next public hearing will be Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7 PM. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers in Hartford City Hall, preceded at 6:00 PM by a public comment period.

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

Union Station – The Council passed a resolution authorizing the Administration to apply for and accept Stimulus funds from the US Department of Transportation through the "Grants for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery" or "TIGER Discretionary Grants". The funds would be used to redevelop Union Station and its transit arterials as a regional transportation hub, to foster transit-oriented development, and to connect Asylum Hill and the downtown neighborhoods and business districts. (Item #4)

Flood Control – The Council referred, to its Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee, a report from the Administration concerning Hartford's flood control system. The report indicates that the system is generally sound and capable of providing protection at the 100 year flood level and this is sufficient to secure FEMA certification. Certification will avoid designation of certain areas as "high risk flood zones" which would have resulted in expensive flood insurance for property owners in those areas. The report also discusses the City's work with the Army Corps of Engineers which requires levels of protection substantially higher than FEMA's requirements. The City's 5-year plan to meet the Army Corps' standards includes $55 million in capital improvements. $14 million dollars in projects have been completed to date. The report notes that, in addition to completing the remaining $41 million in projects, the City must budget for routine maintenance to prevent deterioration of the levees and other flood protection. Currently, resources are insufficient to do the needed maintenance. (Item #13)

Entitlement Grant Funds – The Council amended and then adopted a resolution authorizing the adoption and submission of the Year Five Action Plan (FY 2009-10) to the Five-Year Consolidated Community Development Plan (FY2005-09). The Year Five Action Plan addresses the City's intended use of entitlement grant funds. In order to receive these funds the City must submit the Year Five Action Plan by July 16. As an entitlement community, Hartford is eligible to receive an estimated $8,685,000 under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) programs. A list of the estimated funds available from each program and their proposed allocation may be viewed in the Town Clerk's office. A 30-day public comment period began June 11 and ended on July 10, 2009. A special Operations, Management & Budget Committee meeting for the purpose of public comment was held on June 24th and the Committee recommended approval of the resolution. (Item #20)

Youth Recreation Leagues – The Council adopted a resolution requesting that the recreation department, along with youth services, draft a strategic plan for citywide youth sports leagues, including girls and boys soccer, basketball, baseball, and football, and that a report be prepared for the Council by the second quarter of 2009-2010. The Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee recommended approval. (Item #22)

Charter Revision – The Council received comments and recommendations on the Charter Revision Commission's proposed changes to the Hartford Charter. Changes proposed by the Commission include creating a "hybrid" Council with five Council members elected by district and eight at large, requiring that the Mayor serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Education, re-definition of the role and duties of the Corporation Counsel, and establishment of timelines for appointment of members of boards and commissions. Recommendations put forth by Council members include change in the results if Council fails to adopt a budget, addition of the City Engineer as an ad hoc member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, appointment of the Corporation Counsel by Council, instead of the Mayor, and a change from 5 appointed/4 elected Board of Education members to 3 appointed/6 elected. (Items #44 and 45)

Keith L. Carr, Sr., Corner – The Council postponed action on a resolution that will result in the naming of the corner of Main Street and Albany Avenue "Keith L. Carr, Sr., Corner." Keith Carr, who passed away on January 7, 2008, is remembered as a community legend whose advocacy and commitment had a great impact on the West Indian/American community. He worked with youth through the design of an after school tutorial program at the Martin Luther King School in Hartford, a citywide fine arts summer program and a youth cricket program. He was also one of the first to organize merchants along Albany Avenue. His vision for Albany Avenue and Main Street served as a catalyst for many of the development plans currently being pursued for the area. A public hearing was held on March 16. The Council has previously postponed action on this item several times. (Item #47)

Anti-Blight Amendments – The Council adopted amendments to the City's Anti-blight ordinance. The Mayor has asked the Council to repeal amendments adopted in 2008 which were never officially codified and to take action on proposed changes which modify the definition of blight, provide better enforcement tools, and improve the registration process of vacant lots and buildings. The changes are intended to effectively implement and enforce the City's anti-blight program. Amendments were developed through a collaborative effort of City staff and community groups, including HART, Hartford 2000, ACORN, and the Hartford Preservation Alliance. A public hearing on this item was held on June 15, 2009. The Planning & Economic Development Committee recommended approval. (Item #49)

Composting – The Council passed an ordinance regarding compost and manure heaps, which requires that no nuisance be created and that the City print materials giving examples of good methods of composting. A public hearing on this matter was held on June 15, 2009. The Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee recommends approval. (Item #50)

LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS

Item #

  1. Maternal and Infant Health. Authorization to accept $210,000 from Hartford and St. Francis Hospitals to support the Maternal and Infant Outreach Program's work in reducing infant mortality. Passed
  2. Cancer Task Force. Authorization to accept $32,000 from the CT Department of Public Health to support the Cancer Task Force' work in public awareness and education. Passed
  3. 911 Training. Authorization to accept $12,456 from the CT Department of Public Safety to train 911 operators. Passed
  4. Union Station. Authorization to apply to the US Department of Transportation for stimulus funds to redevelop Union Station as a regional transit hub. Passed
  5. Senior Centers. Approval to enter into contracts totaling $691,523 with the Parkville Senior Center and the operators of the Southend Wellness Center, Northend Senior Center and the Salvation Army Senior Center. Postponed
  6. Lead Hazard Control. Authorization to apply to the US Department of Housing & Urban Development for a three-year grant to reduce lead poisoning among children by removing lead from housing. Passed
  7. Health Inequities. Approval to accept $300,000 from the CT Association of Directors of Health to continue work in reducing disparities in health among Hartford's population groups. Passed
  8. Grandparents. Authorization to enter into a $54,000 contract with Family Life Education to provide assistance and support to grandparents raising grandchildren. Passed
  9. Latino Transition Training Academy. Allocation of $30,000 to Padres Abriendo Puertas/Parents Opening Doors for continuation of a training program for parents of children with disabilities to help them find employment. Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
  10. Food Pantries. Allocation of $55,000 to New Testament Church of God, Community Renewal Team, The Village for Children and Families, and Bethel Mission AME Church to enhance the operation of four food pantries with information and referral services to those using the pantries. Passed
  11. Juvenile Review Board. Authorization to accept $200,000 from the CT Judicial Branch and contract with The Village for Children and Families for operation of the Juvenile Review Board. Passed
  12. Healthy Start. Approval to accept $320,000 from the CT Department of Social Services for the Healthy Start Program which provides services to low-income mothers to reduce infant mortality and low-birth-weight babies. Passed
  13. Flood Control. Report by the Administration on progress being made to secure certification by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of Hartford's flood protection system and work with the Army Corps of Engineers on capital projects to meet the Corps' higher standards. (also see #17) Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
  14. Lead Poisoning. Authorization to apply for and accept $96,135 from the CT Department of Public Health for public education on lead poisoning prevention. Passed
  15. Bio-Terrorism. Approval to accept $200,000 from the CT Department of Public Health for implementation of the region-wide public health bio-terrorism preparedness plan. Passed
  16. Youth Services. Authorization to accept $10,000 from the CT Department of Education for services to youth up to 18 years of age. Passed
  17. Flood Control. Report from the Council's Health & Human Services Committee on discussions held at their meeting of July 6, 2009 on the condition of Hartford's flood control system and issues raised by those in attendance at the meeting. (Also see #13) Received
  18. Single Health Plan. Report by the Health & Human Services Committee on discussion of a proposal to establish a single health plan for active and retired employees of the City, Library, and Board of Education. Received
  19. Anti-Blight. Report by the Planning & Economic Development Committee recommending approval of amendments to the Anti-Blight Ordinance. (Also see # 49) Received
  20. Entitlement Grants. Approval of submission of the 2009-2010 action plan for expenditure of $8,685,000 in HUD funds through four grant programs: Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Housing for People with AIDS, and Emergency Shelter Grant. Passed
  21. 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. Passed
  22. Youth Sports. Request to the City Administration to develop a strategic plan for citywide youth sports leagues. Passed
  23. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Annual Red Dress for Women Run, sponsored by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, to be held in Elizabeth Park and surrounding streets on July 11, 2009. Passed
  24. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Keney Park Family Day to be held on August 16, 2009. Passed
  25. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz to be held in Bushnell Park on July 17, 18, and 19, 2009. Passed
  26. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Three King's Day parade, sponsored by the Spanish American Merchants Association, on January 6, 2009. Passed
  27. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees and use of Pavilion in Bushnell Park for the Recovery Walk Festival to be held by CT Community Addiction Recovery on September 26, 2009. Passed
  28. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for City Day 2009 sponsored by the US Army in Colt Park on June 14, 2009. (Negative recommendation from the PW,P&E Committee) Failed
  29. Fee Waiver. Request to waive fees for the Connecticut Pride Hartford Rally and Festival held in Bushnell Park on June 6, 2009. Passed
  30. Fee Waiver. Request to waive fees and close streets for Our Lady of Fatima Candle Procession held on May 13, 2009. Passed
  31. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees and street closures for Our Lady of Fatima's Day of Portugal held on June 7 on Madison, Kibbe, Bulkeley, New Park, and Park Streets. Passed
  32. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for "Imperio" held on May 24, 2009 by Our Lady of Fatima Church on sections of Madison, Kibbe, Bulkeley and Park Streets. Passed
  33. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for St. Anthony Festival held on June 14, 2009 by Our Lady of Fatima Church on sections of Madison, Kibbe, Bulkeley and Park Streets. Passed
  34. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for a series of outdoor religious services to be held on Wednesdays in Barnard Park and 2015 Main Street by La Iglesia Fuente de Salvacion. (To be withdrawn because no City fees incurred.) Withdrawn
  35. Batterson Park. Authority for Mayor to enter into an agreement with Team Training New England for use of Batterson Park for training of women to participate in triathlons. Passed
  36. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the Boomerang Express held by Christ Community Presbyterian church in Lozada Park on June 22, 23, and 24. (To be withdrawn because no City fees incurred) Withdrawn
  37. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for a march from Park Place Health Center to the State Capitol on June 22nd sponsored by ADAPT in honor of the anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C and E.W. regarding integration of people with disabilities. (To be withdrawn because no City fees incurred) Withdrawn
  38. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees and use of Pavilion in Bushnell Park for the Monday Night Jazz series to be held on July 6, 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 2009. Passed
  39. Composting. Report by the Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee recommending regulations for the healthful maintenance of compost and manure heaps within the city. (Also see #50) Received
  40. Permission. Permission to serve alcohol during The New England Music Festival to be sponsored by Solar Entertainment in Bushnell Park on August 1, 2009. Passed
  41. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the Hope Out Loud Peace and Music Festival to be held by the CT Coalition for Peace & Justice in Bushnell Park on September 20, 2009. Passed
  42. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection's "Bring Your Child to Work Day" held on June 30, 2009 in Bushnell Park. Withdrawn
  43. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the King's Temple Church's "Party in the Park" in Day Park on August 15, 2009. Passed
  44. Charter Revision. Report on public comment received by the Legislative Affairs Committee on recommendations made by the Charter Revision Commission for changes to the City Charter, including creation of Council Districts. (Also see #45) Received
  45. Charter Revision. Report of the Legislative Affairs Committee proposing additional changes to be considered by the Charter Revision Commission. (Also see #44) Received
  46. Collection Contracts. March report by OMB Committee on request for a report on fees paid to and profits made by agencies under contract with the City to collect overdue taxes. Postponed
  47. Keith Carr Corner. Resolution naming the corner of Main Street and Albany Avenue Keith L. Carr, Sr. Corner. Postponed
  48. Living Wage. Amendments to the City's Living Wage ordinance, including increasing the definition of a living wage to 120% of the federal poverty level for a family of four plus health benefits and decreasing the amount of a contract that triggers the living wage ordinance from $50,000 to $20,000. Postponed
  49. Anti-Blight. Amendments to the City's Anti-Blight ordinance to enhance implementation and enforcement. (Also see # 19) Passed
  50. Composting. Regulations for the healthful maintenance of compost and manure heaps within the city. (Also see #39) Passed
  51. Surtax. Proposal to levy a surtax on businesses which have received assistance through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Tabled
  52. Lease. Authority to extend the lease for 275 Asylum Avenue (former home of the Sports and Medical Sciences Academy) to be used for a new high school of insurance and finance. OMB Committee recommends postponing action until representative of Hartford Schools can answer questions. Passed
  53. Appointment. Appointment of Adrian Calixto Torres to the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. Passed
  54. Southend Senior Center. Appropriation of $682,500 from the Capital Improvement Fund to make improvements to the Southend Senior Center. Funds to be provided by the CT Department of Social Services. Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
  55. Hyland Park. Appropriation of $500,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to be used for improvements and renovations to the baseball fields at Hyland Park. Funds to be provided by the CT Department of Environmental Protection. Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
  56. Non-Union General Government Employees. Increase in the pension contribution rate for non-union City employees. Referred to Labor & Workforce Development Committee
  57. Non-Union Police & Fire Employees. Increase in the pension contribution rate for non-union Police and Fire employees. Referred to Labor & Workforce Development Committee
  58. School Crossing Guards. Increase in the pension contribution rate for employees who are members of the School Crossing Guard Association. Referred to Labor & Workforce Development Committee
  59. Appointment. Approval of the appointment of David B. Panagore as acting Chief Operating Officer. Passed
  60. 17-19 Squire Street. Approval to sell 17-19 Squire Street to Broad Park Development Corporation for construction of Ictineo Apartments. Referred to Housing Committee
  61. 20 Wolcott Street. Approval to sell 20 Wolcott Street to Broad Park Development Corporation for construction of Ictineo Apartments. Referred to Housing Committee
  62. Funded Agencies. Establishment of a policy requiring organizations that receive funding through the Council's Civic & Cultural Account to prepare a scope of services and choose an intermediary agency. Withdrawn and replaced by #75
  63. 2010 Census. Establishment of a task force to create ways to secure an accurate count of Hartford's residents in the 2010 Census. Passed
  64. Blue Hills Post Office. Opposition to the proposed closing of the Blue Hills Post Office. Passed
  65. Uncollected Taxes. Resolution directing that the list of uncollected taxes and those who owe them be published in newspapers, on the internet, and in other venues. Passed
  66. Education Work Group. Establishment of a workgroup of Council and Board of Education leadership and parent representatives to develop strategies for maintaining a balanced financial approach to the education budget. Passed
  67. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for "Youth Quake" to be held by the Hope SDA Church & Faith SDA on July 26, 2009 in Keney Park. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
  68. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associated with The Hartford City Ballet's "Hartford Arts and Heritage Celebration" to be held on nine dates in July at the Pavilion in Bushnell Park. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
  69. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for "Lambda Fest" to be sponsored by Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity on July 11, 2009 in Goodwin Park. Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
  70. Retiree Task Force Report. Resolution asking the Mayor's Office and Human Resources Department to review recommendations made by the 2008-09 Retiree Task Force to see if there are viable options for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Passed
  71. Monday Night Jazz. Allocation of $10,000 to the Hartford Jazz Society for the Monday Night Jazz series of concerts Withdrawn
  72. Alcohol. Permission to serve alcohol in City Hall on July 23, 2009 during a reception for the National League of Cities/National Black Caucus. Passed
  73. Greater Hartford Pro-Am. Allocation of up to $2,500 for the 13th Annual Pro-Am basketball tournament to be held in July and August at the Sports and Medical Sciences Academy. Passed
  74. Ebony Horsewomen. Allocation of $10,000 from the Hartford Parks Trust Fund to install new fencing at the Ebony Horsewomen's facility in Keney Park. Passed
  75. Grants. Allocation of $337,800 from the Council's Civic & Cultural Account to 40 organizations and groups. Passed
    Note: Allocations list is displayed below:

Group/Organization

Allocation

ACORN

$ 3,000

AFCAMP

3,000

ASPIRA

7,500

Asylum Hill NRZ

2,500

Blue Hills Civic Association

17,000

Budget Fiscal Analysis Task Force

7,500

Christian Activities Council

2,500

CLARO, Inc.

12,500

CSS/CON

2,500

CT Puerto Rican Forum

25,000

Cultural Awareness & Youth Basketball

2,000

Friends of Keney Park

1,000

Friends of Pope Park

1,000

LGBT Commission

5,000

Hartford 2000

2,500

Hartford Areas Rally Together

10,000

Hartford Options for Tomorrow

5,000

Mayor Mike's Little League

3,000

Mi Casa

6,000

Minority Construction Council

21,000

Monday Night Jazz Festival

10,000

National League of Cities – Local Hartford Convention

19,500

North Hartford Strategic Alliance

59,000

OPMAD – Organized Parents Make a Difference

10,000

OPUS at Noah Webster

8,000

Padres Abriendo Puertas/Parents Opening Doors

22,100

Parkville Senior Center

1,100

Rego Coco Little League

2,500

Roberto Clemente League, Inc.

1,100

San Juan Center

5,000

San Juan Sports

10,000

Saturday Hoopsters Program

2,500

Sheff Movement

5,000

South Hartford Community Alliance

3,000

UCONN – Greater Hartford Campus

4,500

Upper Albany Neighborhood Collaborative

5,000

Caribbean Resource Center

5,000

MLK Soccer League

5,000

West End Civic Association

10,000

West End Community Center

7,000

TOTAL

$334,800

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.

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