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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 40 items on the agenda. The next Council meeting will be Monday, October 25 at 7 P.M. at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers. It will begin with a public hearing on several ordinances.
Absentee Landlord Registration: The Council withdrew an ordinance that would have required property owners who do not reside at their property to register with the Town Clerk and provide contact information for the public. According to the attached letter, many residents have complained of difficulties contacting owners of rental properties who do not live in the city.
Pocket Bike Ban: The Council passed an ordinance banning pocket bikes and similar vehicles from city streets and public property. The ordinance has been amended to allow for the appropriate use of Segways and street legal mopeds.
Historic Preservation Commission: The Council referred to public hearing on Monday, October 25th and to the Planning and Economic Development Committee several ordinances aimed at protecting historic properties. If passed the ordinances would create an Historic Preservation Commission which would protect about 4,000 properties in Hartford. The ordinances would cover properties on the National Register of Historic Places, the State register of Historic Places, and historic districts. Restrictions on demolitions and changes to the exterior of properties would be utilized to prevent the corruption of the historic integrity of the properties. Any proposed exterior changes would have to conform to the historic design manual which will be provided by the Historic Preservation Commission. The ordinances also protect residents of historic properties by providing for a quick decision process. The ordinances will take effect 30 days after the creation of the historic manual.
Historic Preservation Fund: The Council referred to the Housing Committee and to the Planning and Economic Development Committee a resolution which would create an Historic Preservation Fund to provide resources to residents when making improvements to the exterior of historically significant homes. If passed, a fund of not less than $50,000 would be created to support historic housing. Residents would apply for the grant by submitting a proposal along with their building permit application to the City Planning Department. City Council and the Historic Preservation Commission would then approve or deny the grant request. Among other criteria that applicants must meet are: must be a resident of Hartford, reside in an historically significant home or historic district, improvement/repair/conversion/refurbishment costs to the exterior must exceed $2,500, and the changes must be consistent with the design manual provided by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Property Tax Payments: The Council passed a resolution that extends tax interest abatement opportunities to those taxpayers who demonstrate significant hardship. The resolution also encourages taxpayers to apply for consideration and relief to the Committee on Abatement of Taxes and Assessments.
Free Speech in Large Retail Establishments: The Council postponed action on an ordinance which would guarantee that every person will have access to the non-business areas of large retail establishments (75,000 or more square feet) on city owned property for the purpose of non-commercial speech. This would include distributing literature and soliciting signatures on forms or petitions. The ordinance allows for some regulation of such activities. However, the opportunity to engage in non-commercial speech cannot be denied as long as it is conducted in a manner that does not disrupt business.
Bridge and Roadway Improvements Near Adriaen’s Landing: The Council postponed action on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the State of Connecticut for bridge and roadway improvements on Columbus Boulevard, Prospect Street, Commerce Street, Arch Street, and Grove Street in concert with the Adriaen’s Landing project.
Riverwalk North Project: The Council referred to the Finance and Revenue Committee a proposed ordinance that would appropriate $3,199,438 in the Capital Improvement Fund to finance the construction, inspection, and maintenance of the Riverwalk North Project. The City will be fully reimbursed for all disbursements made under this appropriation: $1,799,438 will be reimbursed from the State, and the remainder of the funds will be reimbursed from Riverfront Recapture, Inc.
Capital Improvement Fund Projects: The Council passed an appropriation ordinance in the Capital Improvement Fund for $3,975,000 to finance seven Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) projects including: Police Headquarters HVAC Improvements and Roof Replacement ($1,350,000); Mark Twain Branch Library ($75,000); City Hall Department Reconfiguration and Canopy Roofs ($400,000); City Hall Fourth Floor Improvements ($400,000); Central Business District Street Light Replacement ($500,000); Street Resurfacing and Repairs ($1,000,000); and Colt and Keney Park Swimming Pool Renovations ($250,000).
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. |
