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Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
The Council meeting will begin at 7 P.M. at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers. The meeting will be preceded, at 6:00 PM, by an open agenda public hearing. The next public hearing will be Monday, August 17, 2009 at 7 PM. The next Council meeting will be Monday, September 14, 2009. (There will be only one meeting in August.)
There are 62 items on the agenda. Below is detailed information about items of special interest to neighborhoods. Following those details is a listing of all agenda items, in layperson's language. The complete official agenda for the Council meeting is available online by clicking on "Council Agendas" at the following web site: http://www.hartford.gov/government/Town&CityClerk/Agendas/archive.htm
Justice Assistance Grant – The Council will consider a resolution authorizing the City of Hartford to apply for and accept a $100,000 grant provide by the US Department of Justice through the CT Office of Policy and Management. The funds will be used by the Police Department to purchase equipment and technology not funded in the 2009-10 City budget. The technology and equipment will be used to enhance the Police Department's ability to locate stolen vehicles, track and apprehend suspects, and process crime scenes. The funds are part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. (Item #4)
Homeless Prevention – The Council will consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with an outside organization to implement the City's Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The City will receive $1,572,727 from the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide temporary financial assistance and housing relocation/stabilization services to individuals and families who are homeless or would be homeless but for this assistance. The City is currently undertaking an RFP (request for proposal) and a selection committee will recommend a contractor to the Mayor by August 21, 2009. In order to meet HUD deadlines, the Council must approve the organization by its September 14, 2009 meeting. (Item #5)
Hartford Housing Authority – The Council will receive a report from the Housing Committee on a discussion held by the Committee with staff of the Hartford Housing Authority (HHA). The report notes that financing for Nelton Court improvements is in place, CRT will handle relocation, and Simon Konover Properties has been selected as the developer. The final phase of construction of Dutch Point has begun and the construction of rental housing at Stowe Village is almost complete. Landscaping, roofing, and elevator upgrades will be made at senior housing complexes and $5.1 million in Stimulus Funds has been allocated to improve the 250 units of scattered site housing. and. $1.5 million has been allocated to improve staffing, upgrade equipment, and refurbish 130 units in Westbrook Village and Bowles Park. The report also notes that the vacancy rate in HHA properties is 52% and 300 households are on the waiting list. (Item #12)
DeLucco Park – The Council will consider a resolution requesting the Mayor to identify $41,348 to fully fund improvements to DeLucco Park in the Clay Arsenal neighborhood. The total cost of improvements was estimated by Public Works to be $470,000 and $428,652 has been allocated from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, resulting in a shortfall. (Item #57)
Allegations – The Council will consider a resolution which prohibits the City from disbursing funds to individuals or organizations against whom allegations of wrongdoing or misallocation of funds have been made, until there has been an investigation of the allegations and the Council has authorized such disbursements. (Item #60)
The following items were previously on the Council Agenda and were included in the Council Preview/Review. They were referred to committees and/or public hearing or action was postponed by the Council. They are now on the agenda again for action.
Outsourcing of City Services – The Council will consider a resolution stating that the City administration should be restrained from continued outsourcing and privatization of City services and calling for City Council and union organizations to engage legal counsel to monitor and enforce this restraint. The resolution states that private organizations have been engaged by the City to perform services left unattended as a result of the reduction in City staff. The Council's Labor & Workforce Development Committee did not make a recommendation. (Item #21)
Flood Control – The Council's Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee reported on their meeting with Public Works staff 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 #24)
Keith L. Carr, Sr., Corner – The Council will vote on a resolution that will name the intersection 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. (Item #46)
LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS
Item #
- 911 Service. Acceptance of $675,738 from the CT Department of Public Safety for enhanced 911 service.
- New Day Program. Acceptance of $121,200 from the State of Connecticut for operation of the CT Puerto Rican Forum's New Day Program, which helps previously incarcerated individuals re-enter the community.
- Juvenile Justice. Authorization to apply for designation of the Office of Youth Services by the CT Judicial Branch as coordinator of local stakeholders working with youth involved with the Juvenile Justice System.
- Justice Assistance Grant. Approval to accept $100,000 from the State Office of Policy and Management to be used by the Hartford Police Department to purchase equipment and technology to enhance the department's ability to locate vehicles, track and apprehend suspects, and process crime scenes.
- Homeless Prevention & Rapid Rehousing. Approval to enter into an agreement with an as yet un-named organization (being chosen through a Request for Proposals process) to operate a program to provide temporary financial assistance and relocation services to individuals and families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, with $1.5 million in HUD funds.
- Pork Pie Hat Music Series. Approval for the City to charge nominal fees for the music series sponsored by the City's Office of Cultural Affairs.
- Broadband Funds. Approval to apply for funding from the US Department of Commerce through the Stimulus Act to extend networks and enhance broadband capacity at public computer centers.
- Lien Waiver. Authority to waive interest on a lien placed on property at 219 Cornwall Street to allow sale of the property by the deceased owner's estate.
- Executive Session. Request for Council to enter into Executive Session to discuss a lawsuit.
- OMB Report. Report from the Council's Operations, Management & Budget Committee postponing action on the 3rd Quarter Financial Report to August 13, 2009.
- H&HS Report. Report from Council's Health & Human Services Committee describing discussions on conditions at Rocky Ridge Park, the proposed no smoking ordinance, water issues, anti-blight enforcement, and dikes and levees.
- Housing Report. Report from the Council's Housing Committee on discussions with the Hartford Housing Authority regarding matters such as the construction program, maintenance and improvements, and vacancy rates.
- QLPS Report. Report from Council's Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee on discussion of security issues in Hartford's downtown.
- QLPS Report. Report from the Council's Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee on an update from the Police Department on five grants totaling $1.7 million, received through ARRA stimulus funds.
- Surtax. Proposal to levy a surtax on businesses which have received assistance through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
- Latino Transition Training Academy. Recommendation to withdraw allocation of $30,000 to Padres Abriendo Puertas/Parents Opening Doors due to allocation of funds by Council on July 13th.
- Dance Troupe. Allocation of $10,000 to the Cultural Dance Troupe of the West Indies for a summer program. Positive recommendation by OMB.
- Fund Transfer. Authorization of a transfer of $121,760 to the Registrars of Voters Office. OMB Committee recommends postponement to allow for discussion at August 13th meeting.
- No Smoking. Proposal to ban smoking in health care facilities within the city of Hartford. Health & Human Services Committee discharged item back to Council. (also see #33)
- Living Wage. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee postponing discussion on proposed amendments to the City's Living Wage ordinance.
- Outsourcing. Report by Labor & Workforce Development Committee on discussion of proposal to prevent the City from engaging private organizations to perform maintenance and other services traditionally performed by City employees.
- 17-19 Squire Street. Approval to sell 17-19 Squire Street to Broad Park Development Corporation for construction of Ictineo Apartments. Housing Committee recommends approval.
- 20 Wolcott Street. Approval to sell 20 Wolcott Street to Broad Park Development Corporation for construction of Ictineo Apartments. Housing Committee recommends approval.
- Flood Control. Report by the Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee on the City's progress in securing 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.
- 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. Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee reports that event has been cancelled.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees and street closures for the Community Outreach Health Fair sponsored by the Christian Activities Council on Homestead Avenue on June 13, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for "Youth Quake" held by the Hope SDA Church & Faith SDA on July 26, 2009 in Keney Park.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for "Lambda Fest" to be sponsored by Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity on July 11, 2009 in Goodwin Park.
- Police Details. Favorable report by Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee on proposal to extend, to any business open between 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM, the ability of the Police Chief to require a business owner to pay for a police detail at the place of business if the Chief deems it necessary to maintain public safety.
- Extended Hours Food Service. Favorable report by Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee on proposed ordinance to license and regulate food service establishments that are open between 1:30 AM and 5 AM. (also see #35)
- 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.
- 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.
- No Smoking. Proposal to ban smoking in health care facilities within the city of Hartford. (also see #19)
- Police Details. Proposal to extend, to any business open between 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM, the ability of the Police Chief to require a business owner to pay for a police detail at the place of business if the Chief deems it necessary to maintain public safety. (also see #29)
- Extended Hours Food Service. Proposed ordinance to license and regulate food service establishments that are open between 1:30 AM and 5 AM. (also see #30)
- 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.
- Tax Abatement Committee. Proposed addition of Council President and Minority Leader to the Tax Abatement Committee.
- Appreciation. Resolution of appreciation for service of Clarence Corbin, former Director of Public Works, to the City of Hartford.
- Appointments. Appointment of Luz Torres, Paul Colbenson, and Betsy Correa-Navarro to the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues.
- Reappointment. Reappointment of Walter Butler to the Civilian Police Review Board.
- Appointments. Appointment of Benita Toussaint and Millicent Meadows to the Permanent Commission on the Status of Hartford Women.
- Appointment. Appointment of Luz Sullivan to the Human Relations Commission.
- Appointments. Appointment of Winifred Nelson and Jen Baron to the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
- Historic Documents. Approval for the City to apply for a grant of $15,000 from the State's Public Records Administrator for preservation of historic documents by the Town Clerk's Office.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associated with the Community Renewal Team's "An Angel On My Shoulder" event held in Elizabeth Park on August 1, 2009.
- Keith Carr Corner. Resolution naming the corner of Main Street and Albany Avenue Keith L. Carr, Sr. Corner.
- Fee Waiver. Street closure and waiver of fees associated with the Columbus Day Parade and Celebration to be held from Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 1009 on Maple Avenue and Columbus Park.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associated with HART's "National Night Out" event held in Pope Park on August 4, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associates with "Sigourney Square Family Festival of Asylum Hill" sponsored by the Asylum Hill Congregational Church to be held in Sigourney Square Park on August 22, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associated with the Sawyer School Picnic to be held in Pope Park on August 29, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Street closure and waiver of fees associated with the "Franklin Avenue Block Party" sponsored by The Boriqueneers and Trantolo & Trantolo to be held on August 29, 2009,
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associates with the "Neighborhood Block Party and Wellness Festival" to be held by the Charter Oak Health Center at Oak & Hungerford Streets on August 14, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associated with "The Connecticut Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Event" to be sponsored by the Sports Association of Gaylord Hospital at Batterson Park on August 13 – 16, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees associated with the "Evergreen Block Party" sponsored by the West End Civic Association on July 25, 2009.
- Fee Waiver. Street closure and waiver of fees associated with the "Salvation Army's Marshall House Block Party" to be held on South Marshall Street on September 11, 2009.
- Fee Waiver and Funding. Street closure and waiver of fees associated with the West Indian Day Parade to be held on Main Street on August 8, 2009 and an allocation of $10,000 for the event.
- DeLucco Park. Request of the Mayor to identify $41,348 to be added to $428,652 in CDBG funds previously allocated, to complete funding needed for renovation of DeLucco Park.
- Dillon Stadium. Approval for Solar Entertainment to serve food, beverages, and alcohol at Dillon Stadium on August 1, 2009 during the New England Music Festival.
- Allocations. $15,000 in proposed allocations of Civic and Cultural Account funds to five Hartford nonprofits.
- Allegations. Resolution banning disbursements of City funds to individuals or organizations, against whom allegations of wrongdoing or misallocation of funds have been made, until investigation of the allegations has been done and Council has authorized the payment.
- Removal from Office. Resolution stating that any member of the executive branch who willfully fails to produce or provide information or refuses to appear at Committee meetings upon a second request, shall be removed from office.
- Subpoena Power. Resolution granting, to the Council's Operations, Management & Budget Committee, subpoena power limited to the review and implementation of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 City budgets.
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. |
