Council Review
Hartford City Council Meeting

Monday, September 9, 2002

Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network, Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000

There were 114 items on the regular agenda: three were added during the meeting.    The Council was preceded by a public hearing in which eight residents spoke in favor of Council support for the Boys and Girls Club. The next Council meeting will be September 23, 2002. The next public hearing will be September 16^th at 8:00 P.M. in Council chambers.

Batterson Park Property – The Council passed a resolution that will allow the City to enter into negotiations with the City of Farmington to discuss the sale of Burnt Hill, a portion of the Batterson Park properties. The Burnt Hill section of Batterson Park is not connected to the other parcels. The Batterson Park Task Force recommended in March 2000 that the property be sold because it is not part of the watershed drainage of Batterson Park pond. According to the resolution, Farmington wants to use the parcel as green space. The Public Works and Parks Committee recommended passage of the resolution. (Batterson Park is located in Farmington, but is owned by the City of Hartford.)

Park Hours Changes – On the recommendation of Council member Robert Painter, the Council sent to public hearing September 16^th, and to the Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee an ordinance which would change the rules concerning Hartford’s Park hours of operation. If passed, the ordinance would change Hartford Park hours from their present 6 A.M. through 10 P.M. to a dawn to dusk schedule. Allowances would be made so that the Pond Houses could stay open past dusk.

Funds for Community Building – The Council voted to accept $25,000 from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to support efforts for a Community Building Task Force in the Clay Arsenal neighborhood. The funds will be used by the Hartford Human Services Department for community building events like block parties and family outreach.

Charter Revision – The Council voted on two items related to Charter Revision. They passed a resolution directing the Town Clerk, Daniel Carey, to prepare explanatory texts for the Charter Revision referendum items, which will be included on the November ballot. They also received a communication from the Town Clerk notifying the Council that petitions to include an additional referendum item (election of Council members by district) had too few signatures and would not be included on the November ballot.

Farmington Avenue Plan – The Council referred to the Planning, Economic Development, and Zoning Committee a resolution that would endorse a plan entitled “A New Farmington Avenue”. The plan calls for short and long term steps that would improve safety, business, recreation, and “create a unique sense of space.” The plan calls for improvements to the street like new lighting and traffic control that could cost $12,000,000.

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.