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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 76 items on the agenda; four more were added at the meeting. The next Council meeting will be Monday, September 13, 2004 at 7 P.M. It will be preceded by an open agenda public hearing that will begin at 6:30 P.M.
Amendment of Council Rules: The Council referred to the Corporation Counsel a resolution that would amend the current ‘Rules of the Council.’ The first proposed change would require all department head candidates nominated by the Mayor to appear before the Committee of the Whole to give the Council members an opportunity to ask questions on the qualifications of the candidate. The second proposed change would require board or commission candidates nominated by the Mayor to have their name presented to the Council, after which the Council would refer the name to the appropriate committee for consideration; the committee will then interview the candidate. Action on this item was postponed at the last Council meeting.
Hartford Parks Trust Funds for Carousel: The Council referred to the Public Works, Parks, and Environment Committee a resolution which would authorize $26,172 be made available from the Hartford Parks Trust Fund for the New England Carousel Museum. New England Carousel Museum has begun a restoration project for the Bushnell Park Carousel for which it has been raising funds. The funds authorized in this resolution were left over after the completion of a carousel renovation project completed in November of 2001.
Property Taxes from Semi-Annual to Quarterly: The Council tabled a resolution that would change the collection of property taxes from twice yearly to four times each year effective January 1, 2005. This resolution would have reversed a Council decision which recently established twice yearly collection.
Wal-Mart Weapons Agreement: The Council passed a resolution requesting that Mayor Eddie Perez negotiate with the Wal-Mart Corporation an agreement that Wal-Mart will not sell guns and ammunition at their Hartford location. According to the resolution New Haven and Saint Paul, Minnesota have both negotiated agreements with Wal-Mart to not sell guns in their towns. The Hartford Police Department reports 462 shooting incidents between January 1 and July 17, 2004.
Mini bikes: The Council passed a resolution directing the City’s lawyer to research laws related to the regulation of mini bikes. The resolution requests that a report of these laws be presented to the Council in September along with a proposed ordinance to regulate or ban the use of mini bikes in Hartford. According to the resolution, children under 16 often ride these bikes which are very small and are often difficult for vehicle drivers to see.
Fire Explorer Program: The Council passed a resolution authorizing the Hartford Fire Department to create a Fire Explorer program for students in Hartford schools. The program will target students between 14 and 20 who are interested in a career with the Hartford Fire Department. In addition to training in fire science, fire prevention, fire fighter safety, and first aid, the program will also focus on community service, life skills, conflict resolution skills, and academic success. The program will not cost the city any additional funds.
Park “Friends” Financial Reporting: The Council passed a resolution establishing uniform financial reporting requirements for all of the “Friends” groups which receive payments or donations for their work. The resolution also requires the Friends to appoint a representative to the Hartford Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The Friends groups support Hartford’s parks and are sometimes recipients of funds from special events.
Bonds for Hartford School: The Council passed seven ordinances authorizing the issuance of bond funds for Hartford schools. The projects, to be funded in part from funds received from the state include:
University of Hartford Magnet School, estimated total cost $34,000,000, City’s portion, $1,700,000;
Capital College Preparatory Magnet School, estimated total cost $45,650,000, City’s portion, $2,282,500;
Sarah J. Rawson Elementary School, estimated total cost $33,000,000, City’s portion, $6,600,000;
Simpson Waverly, estimated total cost $20,000,000, City’s portion, $1,000,000;
Noah Webster Elementary, estimated total cost, $31,730,000, City’s portion, $6,274,000;
James H. Naylor Elementary School, estimated total cost $30,160,000, City’s portion, $6,032,000; and
Alfred E. Burr Elementary School, estimated total cost, $28,000,000, City’s portion, $5,600,000.
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. |
