Council Preview
Hartford City Council Meeting

Monday, August 13, 2012

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 public comment period. The next public hearing will be Monday, August 20, 2012 at 7 PM. The next Council meeting will be Monday, September 10, 2012. (There is no second meeting in August.)

There are 61 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://townclerk.hartford.gov/Webfiles/archive.aspx

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

New Agenda Items: The following items appear for the first time on the Council's Agenda.

Asylum Hill Early Learning Center – The Council will consider a resolution that authorizes the City to enter into a lease agreement with Asylum Hill Congregational Church for space at the church’s facility at 814 Asylum Avenue to be used by the City as an early learning center for 44 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from Hartford families. The resolution also authorizes the City to provide up to $172,500 to the church for renovation of the space to meet State licensing standards. (Segarra) (Item #1)

Nuisance Vehicle Towing Program – The Council will consider an ordinance establishing a towing program to deal with abandoned vehicles which have been determined by the City’s Health Inspectors to be public health nuisances as a result of harboring rodents, illegal drugs, weapons, trash, debris or toxic materials. Owners of the vehicles or the property on which they are located will be notified to remove the nuisance vehicles. If the owners fail to do so, the Police Department may tow the vehicle at the owners’ expense. (Segarra) (Item #52)

Previously Submitted Items: 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.

Appointment of Council Member – The Council will vote on a resolution appointing Joel Cruz to the Court of Common Council to complete the unexpired term of Councilman Luis Cotto who is resigning. The City Charter requires that the Council fill such a vacancy with a member of the same political party as his/her predecessor. Mr. Cruz is a member of the Working Families Party, as is Councilman Cotto. (Deutsch, Jennings) (Item #20)

COPS Hiring Grant – The Council will act on a resolution authorizing the City to accept a three-year $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice through its Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The grant will enable the City to pay for the personnel costs of twelve officers who were previously scheduled to be laid off. In accepting the grant, the City agrees to pay for the salary and benefits of the officers for at least one year after the 3-year grant ends. (Segarra) (Item #44)

Blighted Housing Special Assessment – The Council will consider an ordinance establishing a Blighted Housing Special Assessment as part of the City’s Anti-Blight Program. Annually, a special assessment would be levied on housing units that are determined by the City to be blighted. This assessment would result in an additional tax to the owners of blighted property. The amount of the additional tax would be determined by adding up the direct costs to the City for public safety, code enforcement, and property maintenance for the blighted properties, and dividing the total cost by the number of blighted housing units. The cost of blighted housing would therefore be shifted from the general public to the owners of the properties. (Segarra) (Item #48)

LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS

Item #

1. Asylum Hill Early Learning Center. Authorization for the City to enter into an agreement with Asylum Hill Congregational Church and to expend $172,500 for creation of an early learning center at 814 Asylum Avenue. (Segarra)
2. Basketball Court. Acceptance of the donation of a basketball court to be constructed in DeLucco Park by 97.9 ESPN, Ultimate Sports, and Lia Auto Group. (Segarra)
3. Aerial Imaging. Authorization for the City to enter into a 3-year $40,647 contract with Pictometry International Corporation for aerial photographs of Hartford for the City’s Geographic Information System and Assessor’s data base. (Segarra)
4. Donation. Acceptance of 10 computers and 5 printers donated by Aetna Insurance Company to the Police Academy and Police Activities League (PAL). (Segarra)
5. 17-19 Squire Street. Approval of the sale of property at 17-19 Squire Street by the Redevelopment Agency to Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance and Carlos Valinho for rehabilitation into two 2-family homes. (Segarra)
6. 911 Subsidy. Acceptance of a grant of $681,865 from the CT Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection as a subsidy for the City’s 911 dispatch center. (Segarra)
7. HIV/AIDS Fellowship Program. Approval for the City to accept $11,000 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to implement a program through which ten individuals living with HIV/AIDS will be trained to be effective leaders and advocates. (Segarra)
8. Health Grant. Acceptance of a grant of $147,198 from the CT Department of Public Health to be used by the Department of Health & Human Services for a variety of health related programs and services. (Segarra)
9. 911 Training Grant. Acceptance of a $12,474 grant from the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for training of 911 dispatchers. (Segarra)
10. Ryan White Grant. Acceptance of a grant of $4.6 million from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for the City to provide medical and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in 57 towns in Hartford, Middlesex, and Tolland Counties. (Segarra)
11. Parks & Recreation Commission. Confirmation of the Mayor’s appointment of Rafael Rivera and George Sirois to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. (Segarra)
12. Commission on HIV/AIDS. Confirmation of the Mayor’s appointment of Hector Davila to the Commission on HIV/AIDS. (Segarra)
13. Commission on the Environment. Confirmation of the Mayor’s appointment of JoAnne Bauer to the Advisory Commission on the Environment. (Segarra)
14. Human Relations Commission. Confirmation of the Mayor’s reappointment of Harry Hartie to the Human Relations Commission. (Segarra)
15. Greater Hartford Transit District. Confirmation of the Mayor’s reappointment of Jennifer Cassidy to the Greater Hartford Transit District. (Segarra)
16. Commission on Cultural Affairs. Confirmation of the Mayor’s reappointments of Abby Brooks and Thomas Rome to the Commission on Cultural Affairs. (Segarra)
17. Grandparents Commission. Confirmation of the Mayor’s reappointment of Winifred Eileen Nelson to the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. (Segarra)
18. Committee Report. Report by the Council’s Health & Human Services Committee on discussions held on July 9th with City staff on summer issues.
19. Committee Report. Report by the Council’s Health & Human Services Committee on discussions held at a meeting on August 6th regarding meals at the Southend Wellness Center and recommendations made by the Food Policy Commission in its annual report to Mayor and Council.
20. Council Appointment. Appointment of Joel Cruz, of the Working Families Party, as a member of the Court of Common Council to replace Luis E. Cotto effective August 17, 2012. (Deutsch, Jennings)
21. Ashley Street Land Sale. Approval to sell a vacant lot at 131 Ashley Street to HIB, LLC for $5,000. (Segarra)
22. Liberty Street Land Sale. Approval to sell a vacant lot at 37 Liberty Street to Johnny Medina for $500. (Segarra)
23. CL&P Easement. Authorization to grant an easement to CT Light & Power across City-owned property at 321 Park Terrace. (Segarra)
24. Imlay Street Easement. Approval of an easement along the west side of Imlay Street to allow the Aetna Life Insurance Company to install pedestrian lighting. (Segarra)
25. Jefferson Street Air Rights. Report by the Planning & Economic Development Committee supporting approval of an air rights easement over Jefferson Street to enable Hartford Hospital to construct a skywalk between their employee parking garage and the hospital campus. (Segarra) (see also #26)
26. Jefferson Street Air Rights. Report by the Operations, Management, Budget & Legislative Affairs Committee on discussions about an air rights easement over Jefferson Street to enable Hartford Hospital to construct a skywalk between their employee parking garage and the hospital campus. (Segarra) (see also #25)
27. North Hartford Senior Center. Report by the Operations, Management, Budget & Legislative Affairs Committee supporting approval to transfer approximately $495,000 in balances from completed capital projects to the project for renovation of the North Hartford Senior Center. (Segarra) (see also #50)
28. Recreation & Community Centers. Establishment of a policy that City recreation and community centers provide services for all ages with normal or extended hours during school vacations and the summer. (Deutsch)
29. Windsor Avenue Lease. Approval to extend the term of an existing lease for the use of space at 184 Windsor Avenue by the Board of Education for the Pathways to Technology Magnet School. (Segarra)
30. Locust Street Lease. Approval to extend the term of an existing lease for the use of space at 245 Locust Street by the Board of Education for the MD Fox Elementary and High Road special education program. (Segarra)
31. Senior Center Funding. Report by the Council’s Operations, Management, Budget & Legislative Affairs Committee supporting the provision of grants of $77,377 to the Parkville Senior Center and $90,773 to the Hispanic Senior Center. (Segarra)
32. Lease-Purchase Agreement. Authorization for the City to enter into agreements with Grant Capital Management and First Niagara Bank for the purpose of securing a line of credit to purchase replacement vehicles and other equipment for use by City departments. (Segarra)
33. Lead Poisoning Prevention Grant. Approval for the City to apply for a $90,000 grant from the CT Department of Public Health for programs to prevent lead poisoning in children. (Segarra)
34. Public Health Preparedness Grant. Authorization for the City to accept a grant of $180,000 from the CT Department of Public Health to assist with planning for bio-terrorism and other public health threats and emergencies. (Segarra)
35. Senior Center Funding. Report by the Council’s Health & Human Services Committee supporting provision of grants of $77,377 to the Parkville Senior Center and $90,773 to the Hispanic Senior Center. (Segarra)
36. Healthy Start Grant. Approval for the City to accept a $320,000 grant from the CT Department of Social Services to be used for programs that prevent and reduce infant mortality. (Segarra)
37. McKinney Shelter. Authorization to enter into a contract with the Community Renewal Team for management and operation of the McKinney Emergency Shelter at a cost of $627,609 per year. (Segarra)
38. YSB Enhancement Grant. Approval to accept a grant of $10,000 from the CT Department of Education to be used for youth development and recreation services. (Segarra)
39. YSB Grant. Approval to accept a grant of $160,804 from the CT Department of Education through the Youth Services Bureau program. (Segarra)
40. HIV/AIDS Commission. Confirmation of the Mayor’s appointment of Mary Prince to the Commission on HIV/AIDS. (Segarra)
41. Lead Hazard Reduction. Approval for the City to extend its contracts with Rebuilding Together Hartford, Boston Lead, and TRC Environmental Corporation for services including education and outreach, assessment and remediation of lead hazards in homes, and training in lead safe work practices. (Segarra)
42. Parks & Recreation Commission. Confirmation of the Mayor’s reappointment of Craig Mergins to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. (Segarra)
43. Alcohol. Approval for the Amos Family to serve alcohol at an event in Keney Park on August 25, 2012. (Jennings)
44. COPS Hiring Grant. Approval for the City to accept a $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to fund the salaries of 12 police officers for three years. (Segarra)
45. Outdoor Music. Approval for the Jamaica Progressive League to use an outdoor sound system on August 25th from noon to 9 PM. (Anderson)
46. Jones Playground. Naming of the playground at 97 Chatham Street as “Roberta Jones Playground”. (Kennedy)
47. Abe Giles Way. Designation of the corner of Windsor and Main Streets as Abraham Giles Way. (Jennings)
48. Blighted Housing Special Assessment. Ordinance establishing a special assessment on blighted housing which will result in owners of blighted housing being liable for an additional tax. (Segarra)
49. Transfer of Capital Funds. Approval for the City to transfer an unused appropriation of $500,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund to a project to improve the City-owned building at 525 Main Street which is occupied by the Department of Public Works. (Segarra)
50. North Hartford Senior Center. Approval to transfer approximately $495,000 in balances from completed capital projects to the project for renovation of the North Hartford Senior Center. (Segarra) (see also #27)
51. Pension Benefits. Ordinance providing an opportunity for police officers and fire fighters who are promoted to non-union positions to choose to change the pension program in which they are enrolled. (Kennedy)
52. Nuisance Vehicle Towing Program. Ordinance creating a process whereby Health Inspectors notify the owner of nuisance vehicles to remove them, and, if they are not removed, the Inspector will notify the Police Department which will tow the vehicle at the owner’s expense. (Segarra)
53. Retirement Incentive. Ordinance creating an incentive for Assistant and Deputy Chiefs of Police and Assistant Fire Chiefs to retire during 2012. (Kennedy)
54. Dillon Stadium. Ordinance concerning the fee schedule for the use of Dillon Stadium. (Kennedy)
55. Health Insurance. Resolution stating that the Council will review lifetime health insurance benefits provided to some retirees. (Wooden)
56. LSNI. Resolution requesting a comprehensive review of activities, outcomes, and accounting of the Livable & Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative. (Wooden, Deutsch, Anderson, De Jesus, Jennings, MacDonald)
57. Fee Waiver. Waiver of fees for the use of a softball field in Colt Park by Our Lady of Sorrows Church on August 11, 2013. (De Jesus)
58. Management Accountability. Request that the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief of Staff appear before Council committees to respond to questions and concerns regarding management accountability. (Deutsch)
59. Fee Waiver. Waiver of $3,000 in fees associated with the Hartford Hurricanes Football League. (Kennedy, Anderson, Jennings)
60. Street Closure. Approval of the closure of Franklin Avenue between Preston and Brown Streets from October 5 through October 7, 2012 for the Columbus Day Parade and Celebration. (MacDonald)
61. Street Renaming. Renaming of Overlook Terrace to honor John D. Wardlaw, previous Executive Director of the Hartford Housing Authority. (MacDonald, Anderson, De Jesus, Deutsch, Kennedy)

If you have any questions about the agenda, please call Richard Frieder at the Hartford Public Library, 695-6365, or email Linda Bayer at lbayer@Hartford2000.org. The Council Preview/Review is a joint project of Hartford 2000 and the Hartford Public Library.