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Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 26 items on the original agenda. Two more items were submitted during the meeting. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, December 11, 2006 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers in Hartford City Hall. The next public hearing will be Monday, December 18, 2006.
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 passed an ordinance regulating the 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 Public Works, Parks, and Environment Committee recommended approval. (Items #10 & 13)
Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Asylum Street – The Council passed a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut to use $1,346,100 in federal funds for the reconstruction of Asylum Street from Main Street to Trumbull Street. The work will include street pavement reconstruction, new decorative sidewalks and lighting, improved turning radius, and other amenities. The Planning and Economic Development Committee recommended approval. (Item #12)
Property Tax Assessment Reform and Relief Package – The Council approved an ordinance regarding property tax relief for residential property. The ordinance will limit increases in taxes that result from revaluation to 3.5% per year over five years. It will also phase out the current property tax surcharge. A public hearing was held on Monday, November 20, 2006. The Finance and Revenue Committee recommended approval. (Items #9 and #17)
Wastewater Treatment – The Council referred, to its Health and Human Services Committee, a resolution, recommended by the Advisory Commission on the Environment, that encourages the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) to cease using chlorine gas as a disinfectant at the wastewater treatment plant in Hartford and to adopt safer alternatives. The resolution also asks that the MDC adopt a timetable for phasing out their use of chlorine gas and participate with Hartford Emergency Response personnel in training on responding to chlorine gas releases. (Item #1)
Plaza Mayor – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, two resolutions regarding the Plaza Mayor project. The first resolution authorizes the Finance Director to make necessary fund transfers in order to provide $4.6 million in financial assistance to the project. The second resolution grants initial approval of a disposition agreement with the developer, Plaza Mayor LLC. The Plaza Mayor project is a mixed-use development on 2.25 acres of vacant land at the corner of Park and Main Streets. The proposal calls for 30 townhouse style condominiums to be constructed atop ground level retail that will surround a public plaza. The proposal will also include a banquet venue and a combination of covered and uncovered parking. (Items #2 & #3)
Lead Prevention and Remediation – The Council referred, to its Health and Human Services Committee, a resolution authorizing the Director of Health and Human Services to implement lead prevention and remediation programs funded by two grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: a $3 million Lead Hazard Control grant, and a grant for $3.4 million for a Lead Demonstration Program. Both grants are for three-year programs. The grants will be used to remediate lead in 621 low income, non-public housing units, provide lead education to 432 property owners, provide lead awareness to 900 pregnant and parenting women, support annual workshops for early childhood professionals, and reach out to 1200 individuals to establish a Lead Prevention Network. (Item #4)
Quarterly Budget Hearings – The Council debated a resolution calling upon the Office of the Mayor to, beginning in January 2007, present quarterly hearings to the Council to comprehensively address the status of the city operating budget. The purpose of the hearings is to keep the Council fully informed so that it can carry out its responsibilities regarding City budget matters. The Council first amended the resolution to delete the requirement for hearings and, instead, require reports. The Council then approved the resolution as amended. (Item #23)
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. |
