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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There are 26 items on the agenda. The Council meeting will begin at 7 P.M. at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers. The meeting will be preceded by a public hearing that will begin at 6 P.M. The next Council meeting will be Monday, November 8, 2004 at 7 P.M.
Historic Preservation: The Council meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 6 P.M. to discuss 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.
Also on the agenda at the public hearing is 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.
Section 8 Certificates for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to transfer unused Section 8 certificates for use by grandparents raising grandchildren. (Item #1)
Downtown Circulator Project and Bradley Airport Shuttle Service: The Council will vote on a resolution giving permission to the Greater Hartford Transit District to file a grant on behalf of the City with the Federal Transit Administration for operating funds for the Downtown Circulator Project and the Bradley Airport Shuttle Service Project. $1,475,518 has been earmarked by Congress for the City of Hartford for this purpose. (Item #2)
Three Year Cap on CDBG Funds: The Council will consider a resolution which would remove the present policy of a three year cap on CDBG funds. In 2003 the Council adopted a policy limiting the period that an agency/organization could receive funds to three consecutive years. These agencies/organizations would then not be considered for additional funds for two years. If passed, the resolution would change that policy so that there is no time limitation on CDBG funds. (Item #4)
Consultant to Support Hartford Police Department: The Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a proposal from the Gordon Wasserman Group, LLC, to provide consulting services to the Hartford Police Department (HPD) for an amount not to exceed $120,000. The consultants will assist the HPD in implementing information-led community policing programs and in continuing the overhaul of the organization, policies, and procedures of the Department. This resolution is being recommended for passage by the Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee. (Item #15)
Bridge and Roadway Improvements Near Adriaen’s Landing: The Council will consider 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. (Item # 18)
Free Speech in Large Retail Establishments: The Council will vote 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. This item was postponed at the Council’s last meeting. (Item #17)
Support for a Connecticut Horse Park and Exhibition Center in Keney Park: The Council will vote on a resolution which would express its support for a re-evaluation of the feasibility of the establishing a horse park and exhibition center in Keney Park. According to the resolution there is support from a number of organizations for the project. (Item #7)
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. |
