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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 26 items on the agenda: one additional item was walked in at the meeting. The next Council meeting will be Monday, November 8, 2004 at 7 P.M. at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers. The meeting will be preceded by an open-agenda public hearing that will begin at 6:30 P.M.
Historic Preservation: The Council meeting was preceded by a public hearing 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.
Section 8 Certificates for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Council passed a resolution authorizing the Mayor to transfer unused Section 8 certificates for use by grandparents raising grandchildren.
Downtown Circulator Project and Bradley Airport Shuttle Service: The Council passed 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.
Three Year Cap on CDBG Funds: The Council passed a resolution removing the 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. The three-year cap is now lifted completely.
Consultant to Support Hartford Police Department: The Council passed 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.
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.
Free Speech and Conduct in Retail Establishments: Council referred to the Labor and Workforce Development an ordinance on free speech and conduct. The original ordinance was amended by the Corporation Council as presently written
The ordinance will guarantee that every person, group, or organization will have access to the non-business areas of retail establishments on city owned property for the purpose of non-commercial speech and conduct. This would include distributing literature and soliciting signatures on forms or petitions.
The ordinance allows for some regulation of such activities. Groups or organizations wishing to engage in non-commercial speech and conduct on non-business areas of retail establishments shall notify the police in writing 24 hours prior to the activity and “shall comply with regulations imposed by management, and the requirements of the Chief of Police”.
Support for a Connecticut Horse Park and Exhibition Center in Keney Park: The Council referred to the Management and Budget Committee and to the Public Works, Parks, and Environment Committee 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.
Quality of Life (QOL) Policy Task Force: The Council passed an ordinance to convene a QOL Task Force by November 15, 2004 for a period of up to 90 days. The QOL task force will develop and implement recommendations for enhancing City ordinances, policies, and procedures related to increasing the quality of life in Hartford. The task force will focus on blighted properties, zoning issues, speeding, noise, litter and other nuisances.
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. |
