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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 50 items on the agenda; two more were walked in during the meeting. The Council meeting will begin at 8 P.M. at Hartford City Hall in Council Chambers and will be preceded by an open agenda public hearing at 7:30. The Council meeting was held on Tuesday rather than Monday due to the Columbus Day holiday. The next Council meeting will be Monday, October 27, at 8 P.M.
“Friends of” Parks Contract Monitoring – The Council referred to the Public Works and Parks Committee, a resolution that would charge the Health and Human Services Committee with making recommendations for monitoring of contracts that various “Friends of” groups have with vendors and other organizations to provide park services. Several of the “Friends of” groups representing various parks have contractual relationships with vendors some of which have also been signed by the City. The resolution provides for the Health and Human Services Committee to hold hearings on how to best monitor and audit those contractual relationships.
Historic Preservation Ordinance – The council passed a resolution creating a task force to draw up an ordinance to preserve Hartford's historic past. The resolution argues that part of Hartford's charm and unique appearance comes from its large number of Victorian structures. Cities with effective preservation laws have utilized them to promote economic recovery and thereby increased property values. The resolution calls for the ordinance to be presented to the Council in 90 days.
City Affordability Rental Standard – The Council referred to the Housing Committee a resolution directing the City Manager, working through the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Corporation Counsel, to implement a policy establishing a City affordability rental standard. The standard will be 20% lower than the lowest rent ceiling established by HUD's HOME Program as adjusted annually. The existing HUD rent ceiling is unaffordable for many Hartford households. The standard will also mandate that not less than 20% of all rental units in City assisted developments of more than 5 units adhere to the standard.
No Freeze Policy – The Council referred to the Health and Human Services Committee a resolution authorizing the City Manager to implement a No Freeze Policy during the upcoming winter season. The No Freeze Policy will seek to guarantee that no one spend a night in subzero cold and will implement recommendations from a recent report by the Commission on Homelessness. The resolution asks the City Manager to direct the directors of Public Works and Health and Human Services to identify, within 30 days, housing options in support of the No Freeze Policy. In addition, the resolution also requests the assistance of the Governor, the Capitol Region Council of Governments, and the Capitol Region Conference of Churches.
Sage Allen Site – The Council referred to the Planning Economic Development and Zoning Committee and to public hearing, November 17, a resolution authorizing the sale and title transfer of properties at 884 – 902 Main Street (formerly known as the Sage Allen site) to 18 Temple Street, LLC, for development into apartment housing, student/intern housing, retail use, and a parking garage. The proposed development has already been reviewed by the Court of Common Council and has received various approvals.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month – The Council passed a resolution recognizing October 2003, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and supporting all federal, state, and local initiatives that advocate for battered families. The resolution urges Hartford residents to take positive action in protecting communities and families from the devastating effects of domestic violence.
Council Appropriation for Librarians - The Council passed a resolution appropriating $302,357 for non-union library employees. According to the attached letter, the appropriation will provide parity for non-union employees after negotiated increases for union employees. Union leaders argued that after union wage concessions to the city – made because of the city's budget difficulties – that any excess in budgetary funds ought to be given back to the union. The chief librarian argued that non-union employees had not received general wage increases since 1994.
Tours of the Park River - The Council passed a resolution directing City Manager Lee Erdmann to work out a contract with John Kulick to allow supervised tours of the portion of the Park River that flows under the city of Hartford. Several council members expressed concerns about the safety of the tours and the City's liability associated with the tours.
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. |
