Council Review
Hartford City Council Meeting

Monday, December 13, 2010

Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000

There were 57 items on the original agenda. Two previously tabled items were added to the agenda. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, January 10, 2010 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers in Hartford City Hall, preceded at 6:00 by a public comment period. The next public hearing will be Monday, December 20, 2010 at 7 PM. There will not be a second Council meeting in December.

This Review consists of two sections: Items of Special Interest and Action on All Agenda Items. The City’s official listing of 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.

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

Moratorium – The Council postponed action on a resolution that would recommend, to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Economic Development Department, a one-year moratorium on granting permission for tax exemptions on property in Hartford while a review of zoning restrictions, policies, and procedures is undertaken with regard to property tax-exemptions. Exceptions to the moratorium during the one-year period could be granted for projects that enhance the value of the grand list and meet a critical human service need. The Council’s Planning & Economic Development Committee recommends postponement. (Winch) (Item #14)

Tree Ordinances – The Council considered two ordinances regulating trees. The purpose of the first ordinance is to maintain and grow Hartford’s urban forest, maintain trees in a healthy condition, protect existing trees, and mitigate loss and damage to Hartford’s trees. The Council referred this ordinance back to the Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee for further deliberation. A second, companion ordinance which provides that 5% of investment income from the Parks Trust Fund may be used to implement the Tree Ordinance was passed by the Council. (Boucher, Cotto) (Items #17, 23, 29, 30)

Elderly Tax Relief Program – The Council received a report from its Operations, Management & Budget Committee supporting a proposed ordinance amending Section 32-18(j) of the Municipal Code extending the Elderly Tax Relief Program to elderly Hartford homeowners for taxes due on the Grand List of October 1, 2010. A vote on the ordinance will be taken at the next Council meeting. To qualify for this tax relief residents must have been 65 years of age or older by December 31, 2009. They must also be the owner/occupant of a 1, 2, or 3 family residence and must qualify for the following income limits: $41,600 for a married couple and $35,400 for a married individual. The recommended maximum benefit is $500. A public hearing was held on November 15, 2010. (Segarra) (Item #18)

I-84 Viaduct Study – The Council approved a resolution endorsing the “I-84 Viaduct Study: Options for Replacing the I-84 Viaduct in Downtown Hartford.” The Study evaluated several options for replacement of the existing viaduct which is reaching the end of its useful life. The viaduct is a ¾ mile long section of elevated highway that extends from the Sisson Avenue interchange to the Asylum and Capitol interchanges of Interstate 84. The Council’s Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommends approval. (Segarra) (Item #20)

Limiting Police Department’s Domestic Surveillance and Immigration Enforcement Activities – The Council tabled a proposed amendment to Chapter 29 of the Hartford Municipal Code creating a new article with the purpose of maintaining the focus of the Hartford Police Department (HPD) on their core public mission by limiting their domestic surveillance and immigration enforcement activities. This is a re-introduction of an earlier ordinance introduced on August 16, 2010. The initial ordinance brought forth some objections from Police Chief Roberts and Corporation Counsel. Under the proposed amendments, HPD would retain the operational flexibility to engage in surveillance based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity (a less demanding standard than probable cause), while also remaining subject to the original bill’s reporting requirements and the limits on collaboration with federal departments. The Council’s Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommends tabling this item. (Cotto) (Item #27 and 28)

Novelty Lighter Regulation – The Council postponed action on a proposed ordinance that would regulate novelty lighters - those which are designed to be attractive to children by incorporating flashing lights, musical sounds, or a toy-like appearance. The ordinance would prohibit the sale, gift, or distribution of such lighters within the city of Hartford. The Council’s Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee has recommended postponement of this item pending additional review by Corporation Counsel. (Torres) (Item #32)

Parks & Recreation – The Council postponed action on two proposed ordinances which, together, would change the way the City’s parks and recreation functions are organized. The first ordinance would remove the Parks Maintenance Division from the Department of Public Works and would remove the Division of Recreation and Youth Services from the Department of Health and Human Services. The second ordinance would create a separate Department of Parks and Recreation which would consist of three divisions: Administration, Parks, and Recreation & Youth Services. The changes would be effective 90 days after passage of the ordinances. A public hearing on this matter was held on June 21, 2010. The item has been postponed several times. (Cotto) (Items #33 and 34)

Campaign Contributions – The Council postponed action on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit campaign contributions by City contractors to candidates running for Mayor, Council, Board of Education, Treasurer, and Registrar of Voters. City contractors include individuals, business entities, and nonprofit organizations that have agreements or contracts with the City of Hartford, Hartford Parking Authority, Hartford Housing Authority, or the Board of Education, as well as those who have submitted bids or proposals for the purpose of obtaining an agreement or contract. Contributions would be prohibited to candidates, exploratory committees, and political and party committees. A public hearing was held on this item on July 19. The item has been postponed several times. (Cotto) (Item #35)

Raising of Retirement Age – The Council adopted a resolution requesting assistance from the Mayor’s Office for proposing and amending ordinances to raise the age at which newly hired non-unionized employees can collect pensions. The City’s recently empanelled Fiscal Analysis Task Force recommended the retirement age be raised to make the City’s retirement program more comparable with that offered by the State. (Ritter) (Also see items 41 through 45 on the same topic) (Item #37)

Changes to Non-Union Retirement Plans – The Council referred, to its Operations, Management & Budget and Labor & Workforce Development Committees and to Public Hearing, five ordinances that modify the retirement plans of non-union Police, Fire, and General Government employees who are hired on or after January 1, 2011. Employees in this group will be eligible for normal retirement at 55 years old with 20 years of employment or at 62 years old with at least 5 years of employment. Pension payments will be calculated at 1.75% of final average pay instead of 2.5%. (Segarra, Kennedy) (Items #41-45)

Restrictions on the Sale of Drug Distribution Equipment – The Council referred, to its Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee and to Public Hearing, a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the Hartford Municipal Code, Restrictions on the sale of drug distribution equipment. Such equipment includes, among others, scales or balances used to weigh or measure illegal drugs, dilutants and adulterants used in cutting unlawful drugs, and capsules, envelopes, or bags used in packaging illegal drugs. If approved, the amended ordinance will impose a fine of $99 per piece of drug equipment per day. (Cotto) (Item #46)

LIST OF ALL AGENDA ITEMS

Item #

1. Parking Authority. Confirmation of reappointment of Patricia LeShane to the Hartford Parking Authority. (Segarra) Postponed
2. Historic Properties Commission. Confirmation of reappointment of Lynn Ferrari and Gregory Secord and appointment of Raphael Podolsky to the Historic Properties Commission. (Segarra) Postponed
3. Donated Vehicles. Acceptance of a pick-up truck and an SUV donated to the City by the Glastonbury Police Department. (Segarra) Passed
4. North Front Street. Approval to change the name of North Front Street to Market Street Extension. (Segarra) Referred to Public Building Dedication Committee and Public Hearing on Dec. 20, 2010
5. DUI Enforcement Grant. Approval to accept $151,075 in grant funds from the State Department of Transportation to be used to pay for overtime costs associated with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) enforcement activities. (Segarra) Passed
6. 90 Earle Street. Authorization of a six-month license agreement between the City and Residential Rehabilitation, LLC for use of a garage located on City-owned property at 90 Earle Street. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
7. Commission on Food Policy. Confirmation of reappointment of Gloria McAdam and appointments of Dawn Crayco, Jennifer Chapin, Katie Martin, Michael McGarry, Michael Reid, and Evelyn Richardson to the Commission on Food Policy. (Segarra) Postponed
8. Executive Session. Request to enter into Executive Session to discuss the settlement of Davis v. City of Hartford. (Segarra) Executive Session
9. North Hartford Senior Center. Authorization to enter into a contract with Blue Hills Civic Association for operation of the North Hartford Senior Center. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
10. Sale of Surplus Vehicles. Authorization to sell 38 surplus vehicles for $22,304.50 to Leveille’s Auto Recyclers. (Segarra) Passed
11. Retirement Incentive. Authorization to offer a retirement incentive package to three unions (the Municipal Lawyers’ Association, the Hartford Municipal Employees Association, and the City of Hartford Professional Employees Association) and a separation incentive package to Local 1716, AFSCME. (Segarra) Passed
12. School Financing Strategies. Report from the Education Committee describing discussions held on October 27, 2010 about financing Hartford public schools in a time of fiscal constraints. Received
13. H&HS Issues. Report by the Health & Human Services Committee on several issues including the closing of St. Francis’ OB/GYN clinic at Burgdorf, the teen pregnancy prevention grant, school based health clinics, health benefits, and the no freeze shelter. Received
14. Moratorium. Proposal to establish a one-year moratorium on location of new tax-exempt property in Hartford. (Winch) Postponed
15. Monetary Settlements. Report from Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommending authorization for the Corporation Counsel to settle claims for up to $25,000 without approval by Mayor or Council and to settle claims between $25,000 and $50,000 with approval of the Mayor. (Segarra) Received
16. Late Fee Amnesty. Report by Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommending passage of an ordinance authorizing a one-time amnesty on payment of late fees for certain food establishments who renewed their licenses late. Received
17. Tree Fund. Report by Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommending authorization for the Mayor to spend annually up to 5% of the investment income from the Hartford Parks Trust Fund for purposes that implement or promote the Tree Ordinance. (see also #29) Received
18. Elderly Tax Relief. Report by Operations, Management & Budget Committee recommending extension for another year the program to provide $500 tax benefits to elderly homeowners with lower incomes. Received
19. Lease at 960 Main Street. Approval to extend and amend the City’s lease of space at 960 Main Street occupied by the Board of Education. (Segarra) Passed
20. I-84 Viaduct Study. Endorsement of the study of replacement options for the I-84 viaduct. (Segarra) Passed
21. Shelter Services. Resolution that there be regular and sufficient funding for shelter services for women and families during the winter. (Deutsch) Passed
22. No-Freeze Shelter. Designation of the Salvation Army’s Marshall House as the “no freeze” shelter for women and families and allocation of funding for the shelter. (Deutsch) Passed
23. Tree Ordinance. Report from the Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee recommending approval of an ordinance governing the planting, removal, altering, or damaging of trees in Hartford for the purpose of maintaining and growing Hartford’s urban forest. (also see #30) Received
24. Quality of Life Enforcement. Request that the Mayor provide, by January 31, 2011, a plan of what additional Public Works staff would be needed to enforce existing quality of life ordinances. (Boucher, Winch,Kennedy,Torres, Ritter, Aponte) Passed
25. Avon Rowing. Authorization to enter into a new contract with the Avon High School Rowing Team for use of Batterson Park for crew practice. (Segarra) Passed
26. Permission. Permission for the Keney Park Pond House to serve alcohol at a Young Professionals Social on December 9, 2010. (Cotto) Withdrawn
27. Intelligence Collection. Report by the Quality of Life & Public Safety Committee recommending tabling of an ordinance limiting certain intelligence collection and profiling activities by the Police Department unless directly related to criminal activity. (also see #28) Received
28. Intelligence Collection. Ordinance limiting certain intelligence collection and profiling activities by the Police Department unless directly related to criminal activity. (Cotto) (also see #27) Tabled
29. Tree Fund. Authorization for the Mayor to spend annually up to 5% of the investment income from the Hartford Parks Trust Fund for purposes that implement or promote the Tree Ordinance.(Boucher, Cotto) (also see #17) Passed
30. Tree Ordinance. Ordinance governing the planting, removal, altering, or damaging of trees in Hartford for the purpose of maintaining and growing Hartford’s urban forest. (Boucher, Cotto) (also see #23) Referred to Public Works, Parks & Environment Committee
31. Commission on Disability Issues. Ordinance specifying the composition of the Commission on Disability Issues to include people with disabilities, representatives of organizations serving those with disabilities, and relatives of or those who are active with the issues of people with disabilities. (Segarra) Postponed
32. Novelty Lighters. Proposed ordinance prohibiting the sale, gift or distribution, in Hartford, of lighters that are designed to be attractive to children. (Torres) Postponed
33. Organizational Changes. Ordinance removing the division of Parks Maintenance from the Public Works Department and removing the division of Recreation & Youth Services from the Department of Health & Human Services. (Cotto) Postponed
34. Parks & Recreation. Ordinance creating a Department of Parks & Recreation to include Parks Maintenance and Recreation and Youth Services. (Cotto) Postponed
35. Campaign Contributions. Proposed ordinance prohibiting individuals and entities who have contracts with the City of Hartford from making contributions to candidates for Mayor, Council, Registrar of Voters, Treasurer, or Board of Education. (Cotto) Postponed
36. Board of Education Budget. Request to the Board of Education to provide the Council with adopted line-item budgets for the past two fiscal years and year-to-date figures for the current fiscal year. (Deutsch, Segarra) Postponed
37. Retirement Age. Resolution requesting assistance from the Mayor’s Office in preparing a proposal for raising the age of retirement for newly hired non-union City employees. (Ritter) (also see #41-15) Passed
38. School Bus Contracts. Request that the Administration investigate school bus contracts to determine if there are willful or unintentional violations of the Living Wage Ordinance. (Winch, Airey-Wilson) Postponed
39. Internal Audit Commission. Appointment of Hans Jung, CFA, to the Internal Audit Commission. (Kennedy) Passed
40. Coltsville. Approval of an appropriation and bond ordinance implementing the $849,656 grant previously approved by Council for the design of streetscape improvements for the Coltsville Corridor project. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
41. Change in Retirement Benefits. Creation of a new retirement program for non-union Police & Fire employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee, Labor & Workforce Development Committee, and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
42. Change in Retirement Benefits. Creation of a new retirement program for non-union General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee, Labor & Workforce Development Committee, and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
43. Change in Retirement Benefits. Elimination of the ability to exchange accumulated sick time for years of service for purposes of retirement benefits for non-union Police, Fire, and General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee, Labor & Workforce Development Committee, and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
44. Change in Retirement Benefits. Increase in retirement age and decrease of pension amounts of non-union Police and Fire employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee, Labor & Workforce Development Committee, and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
45. Change in Retirement Benefits. Increase in retirement age and decrease of pension amounts of non-union General Government employees hired on or after January 1, 2011.. (Segarra) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee, Labor & Workforce Development Committee, and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
46. Drug Distribution Equipment. Ordinance prohibiting the sale of materials and equipment used in the manufacture and sale of illegal drugs. (Cotto) Referred to Quality of Life Committee and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
47. Affirmative Action. Ordinance including gender identity as a protected class in the City’s affirmative action laws. (Cotto) Referred to Labor & Workforce Development Committee and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
48. Non-Discrimination. Ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in employment and housing. (Cotto) Referred to Labor & Workforce Development Committee and Public Hearing on December 20, 2010
49. Mi Casa. Allocation of $15,000 to Mi Casa Family Service and Educational Center. (Winch, Boucher, Aponte, Torres) Amended to add additional allocations and Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
50. Literacy Volunteers. Allocation of $2,500 to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford. (Winch, Boucher, Cotto) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
51. Workforce Task Force. Establishment of a 90 day Workforce Task Force for the purpose of examining employment opportunities in the city of Hartford. (Winch) Passed
52. Permission. Authorization for the Hartford Public Library to serve alcohol at the ArtWalk Reception on December 16, 2010. (Cotto) Passed
53. MDC. Appointment of Daniel Kinch, Rupert Daniels, and Lee Hunt as Commissioners to the Metropolitan District Commission (Deutsch) Postponed
54. Picketing. Statement that SEIU 1199 striking employees be permitted to picket on the street as well as the sidewalk on Greenwood Street. (Cotto, Deutsch) Withdrawn
55. Allocations. Allocations of $17,000 to Guakia, $1,400 to Artists Collective, $5,000 to Blue Hills Civic Association, $1,000 to Mi Casa, $4,000 to Hartbeat Ensemble, and $600 to San Juan Center. (Deutsch) Referred to Operations, Management & Budget Committee
56. Progressive Taxes. Resolution asking Hartford’s State Legislative Delegation to support progressive taxes. (Deutsch, Cotto) Referred to Legislative Affairs Committee
57. Public Safety Curriculum. Request that the Board of Education include a public safety curriculum in the Law & Government Academy at Hartford High School. (Torres, Segarra) Passed
58. Rental Foreclosures. Request that the Mayor provide information on how it will address foreclosures on approximately 3,000 rental housing units owned by the Marks, Alphabet and Surrey Groups. (Boucher) Tabled
59. Anti-Blight. Request that the Mayor provide an assessment of what additional staff capacity would be needed to enforce the Anti-Blight ordinance. (Boucher) Table

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, 547-1663 X21. The Council Preview/Review is a joint project of Hartford 2000 and the Hartford Public Library.