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Council Preview
Hartford City Council Meeting

Monday, September 22, 2008

Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000

The Council meeting will begin at 7 P.M. at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers. There are 68 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  

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

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.

Rules for Considering Vetoes From the Mayor – The Council will consider a resolution, previously tabled, that clarifies the process after a veto by the Mayor. The resolution states that City Council Rules will be updated to indicate that any vetoed resolution or ordinance shall be automatically placed, by the Town Clerk, on the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting agenda. The Legislative Affairs Committee has recommended approval. (Item #10)

Shot-Spotter – The Council will receive a report from its Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee, asking for postponement, for further discussion, of a resolution requesting that the Mayor acquire a Shot-Spotter. This is new technology that can identify the location of a gunshot within five seconds of firing, which would assist in apprehending individuals firing guns in Hartford. The resolution also asks that state, federal, and other funding options be explored in order to acquire the Shot-Spotter as soon as possible. (Item #32)

Medical Premiums for Retirees – The Council will consider a resolution, previously postponed, reaffirming its intention that the Mayor submit to the City Council, for final approval before implementation, any plan which might impact medical premiums for retirees. (Item #44)

Richard Weaver-Bey – The Council will take action on a resolution stipulating that, in recognition of Richard Weaver-Bey’s outstanding leadership and contributions to the city, the name “Richard Weaver-Bey Way” be super imposed on Garden Street between Albany Avenue and Mather Street. Richard Weaver-Bey died in May. He was one of the most influential African-American businessmen in Hartford and was also a community leader who was well known in political, celebrity, and civic circles. The Public Building Dedication Committee recommends approval. (Item #35)

Freedom of Information – The Council will consider a resolution that commits the Council to reviewing the question of whether the City should further appeal a Freedom of Information ruling. (Item #45)

New Agenda Items

HEDCo Business Resource Center – The Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with HEDCo (Hartford Economic Development Corporation) to operate its Business Resource Center. The Center provides entrepreneurs and small businesses with critical training and technical assistance, with a focus on assisting small and minority owned contractors to obtain contracts on major projects in Hartford. Funding in the amount of $138,000 for the Business Resource Center has been allocated to HEDCo in the 2008-2009 General Fund Budget. (Item #2)

Sex Offender Monitoring – The Council will consider a resolution approving acceptance of a $164,977 grant from the US Department of Justice to establish a one-year intensive program to track and monitor registered sex offenders in Hartford and to apprehend violators of the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act. (Item #4)

Keney Park Pond House and Pope Park Phase III - The Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the reprogramming of $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Unspecified Local Option (ULO) funds - to the Department of Public Works for renovation and accessibility improvements to the Keney Park Pond House ($400,000) and accessible walkways and other outdoor improvements to Pope Park ($700,000), as contained in Phase III of the Pope Park Plan. (Item #5)

Quality of Life Initiative Program – The Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for and accept funds for the 2008 Quality of Life Initiative Program in the amount of $100,000 from the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management. The funding will be used to enhance the police department’s response to quality of life crimes. Response teams dedicated to the handling of quality of life complaints will be deployed throughout the city. (Item #7)

Recommendations of the Living Wage Task Force – The Council will receive recommendations from the Living Wage Task Force. In summary, they include: Increase the living wage from 100% to 120% of the federal poverty level; Expand the scope of living wage requirements in several ways such as including all workers (not just service positions) and all city contracts; Increase the wage differential for those with no health benefits to an amount that makes it beneficial for the employer to pay the higher rate; Require the school bus company to provide health care; Increase enforcement efforts; and Ensure ongoing assessment. (Item #9)

LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS

Item #

1. Parkville Business Association. Allocation of $35,000 to the Parkville Business Association for staff and operating costs.
2. HEDCo. Approval to enter into a contract with the Hartford Economic Development Corporation’s Business Resource Center for $138,000 allocated in the General Fund Budget.
3. Justice Assistance Grant. Approval to accept $105,431 from the US Department of Justice to be used to concentrate Police services on criminal hotspots in the city.
4. Sex Offender Monitoring. Approval to accept $164,977 from the US Department of Justice for a one-year intensive program for tracking, monitoring, and apprehending (where necessary) registered sex offenders in Hartford.
5. Keney and Pope Parks. Approval to allocate $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for renovation and accessibility improvements to Keney Park Pond House ($400,000) and accessible walkways and other outdoor improvements to Pope Park as planned in Phase III of the Pope Park Master Plan ($700,000).
6. Weed and Seed. Approval to accept $150,000 from the US Department of Justice to continue the Weed and Seed program in Clay Arsenal and Upper Albany neighborhoods which addresses crime through prevention, intervention, and treatment.
7. Quality of Life Crimes. Approval to accept $100,000 from the CT Office of Policy & Management to be used by the Police Department to enhance its response to quality of life crimes occurring throughout the city.
8. Executive Session. Request for the Council to go into Executive Session to discuss the legal matter of Daniel Albert v. City of Hartford, et al.
9. Living Wage. Report from the Living Wage Task Force making recommendations concerning wage levels, benefits, and job opportunities.
10. Mayoral Vetoes. Recommendation by the Legislative Affairs Committee to change the Council Rules to state that any item passed by Council and vetoed by the Mayor must be placed on the next Council agenda.
11. Scapegoat: Report from Operations, Management, and Budget Committee recommending approval of a grant of $5,000 to Debbie Goffe and her dance company, Scapegoat Garden.
12. Latin-American Basketball. Report from Operations, Management & Budget Committee giving no recommendation on a grant of $3,500 to the Juan Castillo Latin-American Basketball League, due to lack of available funds.
13. HARC. Report from Health & Human Services Committee forwarding request for grant of $7,500 to HARC for recreational programs for children with mental disabilities. No recommendation due to lack of quorum.
14. OPUS. Report from Health & Human Services Committee forwarding request for grant of $5,000 to OPUS, Inc. for artistic programs for children. No recommendation due to lack of quorum.
15. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver and street closings for CT Special Olympics Corporate 5K held on August 14, 2008.
16. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver and street closings for Marshall House Block Party held on September 5, 2008.
17. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for “Walk in Our Footsteps” sponsored by CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence to be held on October 3, 2008.
18. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver and street closings for "Christian Parade" sponsored by the Church of God Pentecost held on August 30, 2008
19. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Latino Fest sponsored by Hacemos Scholarship Foundation held on September 6, 2008 in Bushnell Park.
20. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for "Take Back the Park" held by Hartford City Mission in Keney Park on July 31 and August 1, 2008.
21. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for "Community Garden Picnic" held by Broad Park Development and Hartford Public Library on August 22, 2008.
22. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for a summer outing held by Liberty Christian Center on August 17, 2008.
23. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for the "Evangelical Campaign Outreaching for the Vision of Christ 2008" at South Green Park by Ebenezer Pentecostal Church on August 30, 31, 2008.
24. Monument. Approval to erect a monument to Marcus Garvey at the intersection of Granby and Cornwall Streets (Marcus Garvey Triangle).
25. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for "Community Street Fest" held by Liberty Christian Center on August 30, 31, 2008.
26. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for a fundraiser held by The Barrio Riders and the Pit Stop held on August 30, 2008.
27. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for "Grilling for Green" to be held by Knox Parks Foundation on October 2, 2008 at Elizabeth Park.
28. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Sigourney Square Family Festival held by LifeTime Solutions on August 30, 31, 2008.
29. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for a series of summer religious services held by Bibleway Temple Nation.
30. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for a series of religious services held by La Iglesia de Dios in August and September 2008.
31. Emergency Preparedness. Approval to enter into agreement with the State for services and funding for emergency preparedness in the region. Will be withdrawn as Council took action in July.
32. ShotSpotter. Report by Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee postponing action on request to Mayor to acquire technology that identifies the location of a gunshot within five seconds of the shot. Further discussions with Police will be held by committee.
33. Riverfront North. Recommendation by Legislative Affairs Committee to approve appropriation of $324,697 for walkway along Connecticut River. (see #38)
34. Victor Jarm. Report by the Public Building Dedication Committee recommending approval of request to name the playground at Forster Heights Park "Victor Jarm Playground".
35. Richard Weaver-Bey. Report by the Public Building Dedication Committee recommending approval of request to name the corner of Garden Street between Albany Avenue and Mather Street "Richard Weaver-Bey Way".
36. Monument in Bushnell Park: Authorization to install monument to workers killed on the job.
37. School-Community Partnerships: Report by Council’s Education Committee postponing action on funding for the Partnership.
38. Riverwalk North. Appropriation of $324,697 in the Capital Improvement Fund for construction, inspection, and maintenance of a lighted walkway along the Connecticut River from Bulkeley Bridge to Riverside Park. All funds will be provided by the State of CT and Riverfront Recapture. (also see #33)
39. Appointments. Approval to appoint Robin Kimberly Hussain and Linda R. Nelson to the Hartford Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandparents.
40. Appointment. Approval to appoint Sean P. Arena and Rafael Lopez-Hernandez to the Hartford Redevelopment Agency.
41. Appointment. Approval to appoint Craig Mergins to the Advisory Commission on the Environment.
42. Reappointment. Approval to reappoint Melvin L. Crockett to the Civilian Police Review Board.
43. Reappointment. Approval to reappoint Melvin D. Pettigrew and Jesse J. Smith to the Greater Hartford Transit District.
44. Premiums. Request to the Mayor that he submit to Council any plans that might impact medical insurance premiums for retirees.
45. FOI. Request to Council to review the question of further appeals versus settlement of Freedom of Information Commission decision.
46. Bulkeley School. Appropriation of $790,000 for construction of student bathrooms at Bulkeley High School and approval of issuance of $190,000 to pay for the City’s share of the costs.
47. Two Schools. Appropriation of $92.5 million for construction/renovations of the Journalism and New Media High School ($40 million) and the International Baccalaureate School ($58 million) and approval of issuance of $31 million in bonds to pay for the City’s share of the cost.
48. Transfer Center. Appropriation of $1.1 million for construction and renovation of the bulky waste drop-off station at the Hartford Landfill into the Hartford Bulky Waste and Recycling Transfer Center.
49. Procurement Ordinance. A new procurement ordinance will be submitted to Council at the Monday meeting.
50. Appointment. Approval of appointment of Mark A. Reaves to the Fair Rent Commission.
51. Appointment. Approval of appointment of Imani Zito to the Advisory Commission on Food Policy.
52. Appointment. Approval of appointment of Constance Belton Green to the Hartford Public Library Board of Directors.
53. Appointment. Appointment to the Ethics Commission of person not specified.
54. Soccer Task Force. Appointment of fourteen individuals to a soccer task force.
55. Financial Report. Fourth Quarter (April – June, 2008) Financial Report will be submitted to Council at the Monday meeting.
56. Procurement Regulations. New procurement regulations to be submitted to Council at the Monday meeting.
57. Cemeteries. Request to the Mayor to identify $100,000 for the purpose of addressing the deterioration of Hartford’s five public cemeteries through fencing, signage, and landscaping.
58. West End Community Center. Request to the Mayor to identify $35,000 to be granted to the West End Community Center for repairs and renovations to its building.
59. Fee Waiver. Request for a fee waiver for the Columbus Day Parade and celebration to be held on October 10-12, 2008.
60. Sheff Movement. Request for $5,000 to match funds provided by various foundations and organizations to carry out activities and strategies that support full implementation of Sheff v. O’Neill decisions.
61. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Rochambeau Day to be sponsored by the Governor’s Foot Guard on September 20, 2008.
62. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for Adventist Youth Program to be held at Elizabeth Park on September 13, 2008.
63. Fee Waiver. Request for fee waiver for "Veterans Salute" sponsored by the VFW on September 25-29, 2008 at Brainard Airport.
64. Soccer. Approval of a $7,500 grant for the Hartford Jaycee’s Soccer Program.
65. Blue Hills Civic Association. Approval of a $10,000 grant to the Blue Hills Civic Association for a homeownership counseling program.
66. Minority Contracting. Request that the Mayor identify up to $80,000 for workforce empowerment efforts by the Minority Contract Council.
67. HOPE. Request that the Mayor identify up to $5,000 for outreach activities of Hartford Organizing for Power & Equality (HOPE).
68. Ebony Horsewomen. Request that the Mayor identify up to $10,000 for the Ebony Horsewomen for youth programming.
    
    

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, 509-3710. The Council Preview/Review is a joint project of the Hartford 2000, and the Hartford Public Library.