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Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 31 items on the original agenda. One more item (concerning homeland security grant funds) was submitted during the meeting. The next regular Council meeting will be Monday, November 13, 2006 at 7 P.M. Public comment will be accepted before the meeting, beginning at 6:30 PM. The next public hearing will be Monday, November 20, 2006.
The Council Review describes action on selected agenda items. Actions taken on all items on this agenda can be found online at http://www.hartford.gov/government/Town&CityClerk/Minutes/council_meeting_minutes.htm
Regulation of Newsracks – The Council heard comments on an ordinance for the regulation of installation, operation, and maintenance of newsracks within the public right-of-way. The objective is to assure that newsracks do not unduly obstruct sidewalks, create traffic congestion, damage municipal property or endanger the safety and welfare of individuals. The ordinance requires permits, regulates the location of newsracks, and provides standards for maintenance and installation. The item has also been referred to the Public Works, Parks, and Environment Committee. (Item #5)
Sale of City-Owned Land – The Council approved a resolution authorizing the sale, at no cost, of the rear parcel of 1450 Main Street to the SOC Group for the construction of 57 units of affordable rental housing. The resolution also authorizes the City to grant, to SOC, a one-year option to purchase the front parcel of 1450 Main Street for $150,000. SOC Group was selected as the developer through a Request for Proposal process. A public hearing on the matter was held on Monday, October 16, 2006 and the Council’s Planning and Development Committee recommended approval. (Item #13)
Capital College Preparatory Inter-District Magnet School – The Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to extend the lease between the City and Capital Community College for space on the 3rd and 6th floors of 950 Main Street for the operation of Capital College Preparatory Interdistrict Magnet School through June 30, 2008. The rent is $1.00 per year. A permanent site for the Magnet School is being sought but has not yet been secured. A hearing on the matter was held on October 16, 2006 and the Education Committee recommended approval. (Item #15)
Hartford Residency Survey – The Council adopted a resolution stating that a working committee of Council members and City Department representatives be convened to develop an implementation plan for recommendations that have been made to increase the number of Hartford residents employed in public service jobs for the City of Hartford, Hartford Public Schools, and in the non-profit sector. The City has set a voluntary goal of 50% of all such public service jobs being committed to Hartford residents. The recommendations were made as a result of Hartford Residency Surveys conducted over the past two years. The resolution also states that a 3rd Annual Hartford Residency Survey should be conducted. The Council’s Labor and Workforce Development Committee discussed the proposed resolution at its October 11 meeting, prepared a substitute resolution, and recommended it for approval. (Item #18)
Outdoor Signage – This item was withdrawn. It was a proposed ordinance amending the zoning code to allow outdoor advertising signs in the B-1 and B-2 zoning districts. Such signs are already permitted in zones I-1, I-2, and B-3. The amendment would have also reduced the amount of distance between such signs from 1000 to 500 feet on limited access highways and to 300 feet on non-limited access highways. (Item #23)
Guidelines for Renovations and Additions to Historic Buildings – A replacement resolution was submitted for the one originally on the agenda and was referred, by the Council, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee. The resolution would approve two documents: “Guidelines for Renovation and Additions to Historic Buildings” and “Historic Preservation Commission Rules of Procedure” (available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office). The guidelines and the rules of procedure will serve as the basis for implementing the Historic Preservation Ordinance adopted by Council on May 24, 2005. (Item #28)
Property Tax Assessment Reform and Relief Package – A proposed ordinance regarding property tax relief for residential property was submitted by the Mayor as a replacement for the resolution originally on the agenda. The proposed ordinance would limit increases in taxes that result from revaluation and would phase out the current property tax surcharge. The Council set the matter for a public hearing on Monday, November 20, 2006 and referred it to the Finance and Revenue Committee. (Item #29)
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. |
