Municipal Council

General presentations

• 1903545 – Working group, Krýsuvík, future use

  The chairman of the working group on the future use of Krýsuvík, Skarphéðinn Orri Björnsson, will attend the meeting and present the working group's findings.

  The Town Council thanks for the presentation and agrees to continue working in accordance with the working group's proposals for the future use of the Krýsuvík area. The Town Council instructs the Mayor to initiate and prepare further work based on the proposals on hand, and to present it to the Town Council. Emphasis is placed on ensuring good consultation with residents through detailed information throughout the process.

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List submit the following statement:
  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List point out that during the working group's time in operation, there have been seismic disturbances in the Reykjanes peninsula which may have an impact and should be borne in mind. The undersigned also emphasise the caveats set out in section 4 of the report, namely that no development works will proceed without a prior, detailed presentation and a referendum.

• 2105176 – Operating figures 2021

  Operating figures for January-September 2021 were presented. Rósa Steingrímsdóttir, Head of the Finance Department, will attend the meeting.

• 2001456 – Budget of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and its enterprises 2021 and 2022-2024

  Point 1 from the minutes of the Environment and Operations Committee meeting of 3 November.
  Annex IV to the 2021 budget was presented.

  The Environment and Operations Committee approves the proposed addendum and refers it to the Council.

  Item 1 from the minutes of the Education Committee meeting of 3 November.
  An addendum concerning Lækjarskóli, Víðistaðaskóli and Setbergsskóli is presented for approval.

  The Education Committee approved the proposed addendum and referred it to the Town Council.

  Item 3 from the minutes of the Family Council meeting of 5 November.
  An addendum to the 2021 budget is presented. Experts from the finance department attend the meeting.

  Amendment presented. The Family Council approves the amendment and refers it to the Town Council.

  Annex IV presented and referred to the Town Council for final disposal.

• 2111335 – Strætó bs, borrowing authorisation

  A submission from the Managing Director of Strætó bs., dated 15 November, requesting a decision to provide a simple guarantee and a pledge of income as security, and to authorise the Mayor to sign the loan agreement for the loan from the Municipal Loan Fund.

  The Town Council agrees to propose to the Borough Council that it grant a simple guarantee and pledge its revenues as security for the guarantee in proportion to its shareholding, pursuant to the authority in Article 68(2) and 2. subsection 2 of Article 69 of the Municipal Act No. 138/2011, to secure a loan for the company from the Municipal Loan Fund in an amount of up to kr. 400,000,000 with a final maturity date of 15. August 2029, in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement presented at the meeting, which the council has reviewed. The approval of the municipal council also constitutes the signing of the loan agreement and the municipality's acceptance of the obligations set out therein. The council has also familiarised itself with the current Green Framework of the Municipalities' Loan Fund and agrees that the use of the loan is in accordance with it. The loan is taken for investment in electric vehicles to renew the Strætó bs fleet with the aim of lowering Strætó's carbon footprint, which constitutes a project of general economic significance, pursuant to Article 3. Article 3 of the Act on the establishment of a public limited company for the Municipalities' Loan Fund, No. 150/2006.
  Furthermore, Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, personal number 291165-3899, is hereby granted full and unrestricted power of attorney on behalf of the municipality to sign a loan agreement with the Municipal Loan Fund, etc. The above, as well as to receive, sign and issue, and deliver any and all documents, instructions and notices relating to this loan, including a request for the disbursement of the loan.

• 2111005 – Council Tax percentage for the 2022 levy

  The following proposal was put forward:
  The Town Council proposes to the Borough Council that the business rates percentage for the 2022 assessment be 14.481%.

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List are tabling an amendment in line with a proposal put forward during the previous debate on the budget, which is also on the agenda for this meeting.
  The proposal from the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List is that the council tax rate for the 2022 assessment be 14.521%.

  Explanatory note:
  Work on the budget shows that the council's core operations in 2022 will be under strain. The statutory duties of local authorities are numerous, and the tasks they must undertake are constantly increasing. Council Tax is the most significant source of revenue for local authorities, and it is important that it is used to strengthen the position of the council's finances. Maximum utilisation does not have a significant impact on each resident on a monthly basis (around 200-400 kr. on average earnings), but the funds in question will certainly make a difference to the town's finances (estimated at 55-60 m.kr.).

  The representative of the Social Democratic Alliance votes in favour of the motion. The majority representatives, along with the representative of the Progressive Party, vote against the motion. The motion is rejected.

  The Town Council proposes to the Municipal Council that the business rates percentage for the 2022 assessment year remains at 14.481%.

  The representatives of the majority and Viðreisnar vote in favour of the motion. The representative of Samfylkingin votes against the motion, citing the submitted explanatory memorandum for the amendment. The motion is carried.

  The majority representatives record the following:
  One of the priorities of the current majority has been to keep taxes and charges on the town's residents to a minimum. The recent months of the global pandemic have tested all pillars of society: the operation of the state, local authorities and households. Households will benefit from the unchanged property tax rate as proposed here.

• 2105289 – Budget of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and its enterprises 2022 and 2023-2025

  Item 2 from the minutes of the Family Council meeting of 5th November.
  The following proposals were presented at the Family Council meeting on 18/10/2021 and are now put forward for consideration.

  1. Change to the basic income-related threshold
  The basic income-related threshold will be raised from 322,000 kr. to 351,000 kr. This means that more people on low incomes will qualify for the higher discount rate on home care services.
  The threshold for the leisure grant increases in line with this rise, meaning more people can benefit from it than before.

  The Family Council approves this proposal. The proposal will not result in any additional costs next year, fits within the plan that has been discussed, and is referred to the Town Council.

  2. Increase in payments to foster families
  The following change to the tariff schedule is proposed:
  – Care category 1 to increase from 30,926 kr. to 37,961 kr.
  – Care category 2 to increase from 24,009 kr. to 29,376 kr.
  – Care category 3 to increase from 22,419 kr. to 24,878 kr.
  The benchmark is the price list in Mosfellsbær, which is the second highest when the municipalities in the capital region are compared.
  The estimated cost increase is 5.5 million per year.

  The Family Council approves this proposal and refers it to the budget discussion in the Town Council.

  3. Recruitment of a project manager for the homeless. Collaborative project.
  Hafnarfjörður is participating in a collaboration between municipalities in the capital region, excluding Reykjavík, to appoint a project manager for homelessness. The project manager's role is then to coordinate actions in the capital region and propose solutions.
  The annual cost is 12,500,000 kr., and Hafnarfjörður's share is then just over 3,600,000 kr. next year.

  After a meeting at SSH, it was discussed that a project manager would be hired for six months, at a cost to Hafnarfjörður of 1,800,000 kr. The Family Council agrees that a project manager will be hired for six months.
  The Family Council approves this proposal. The proposal will not result in any additional costs next year, is within the budget that has been discussed, and is referred to the Town Council.

  Item 12 from the municipal council's minutes of 10 November; see the resolution below.

  Proposals for the first reading of the 2022 budget

  Proposals from the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List:

  Proposal 1 – Municipal revenue sources: income tax rate
  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List propose that the council tax rate for the 2022 assessment be 14.521%.

  Explanatory note:
  Work on the budget shows that the council's core operations in 2022 will be under strain. The statutory duties of local authorities are numerous, and the tasks they must undertake are constantly increasing. Council Tax is the most significant source of revenue for local authorities, and it is important that it is used to strengthen the position of the council's finances. Maximum utilisation does not have a significant impact on each resident on a monthly basis (around 200-400 kr. on average earnings), but the funds in question will certainly make a difference to the town's finances (estimated at 55-60 m.kr.).

  Proposed course of action: The proposal is referred to the town council for further consideration.

  Reference is made to the previous decision.

  The Social Democratic Party's proposals:

  Proposal 3 – Assessment of population decline in Hafnarfjörður

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Party propose that an assessment be made of the population decline that has taken place in Hafnarfjörður over the past few quarters. This involves mapping which groups are particularly moving out of the town, what kind of housing is needed, and where there are opportunities for development on Hafnarfjörður's land. Based on the assessment, an initiative will be launched to boost the construction of residential housing in Hafnarfjörður.

  Explanatory statement
  Figures from the National Register show that the population has decreased since 1 December. 2019 to 1 September 2021 by 312. This is the first time in 80 years that the population of Hafnarfjörður has decreased, whereas during the same period the populations of the neighbouring municipalities increased by 1.1-3.4%. According to the master plan, the population is projected to increase by a minimum of 1.2% (335-445 inhabitants) per year until 2040. Clearly, a monumental effort is needed to reverse this trend and make up for the aforementioned decline.

  Proposed course of action: The proposal is referred to the town council for further consideration.

  Deferred to the next meeting.

  Proposal 4 – Transport agreements

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Party are reintroducing a proposal for the City of Hafnarfjörður to offer its staff transport agreements.

  Explanatory note:
  Following a proposal from Social Democratic Party representatives for transport allowances, which was put forward in the town council in the summer of 2018, a pilot project was launched by the City of Hafnarfjörður which has not been pursued further. However, transport agreements have been introduced in numerous companies and institutions, including the City of Reykjavík, with good results. A focus on public health should be a priority, and it is important that the 'Healthy City' of Hafnarfjörður sets a good example by offering its staff transport agreements, thereby encouraging more environmentally friendly modes of travel.

  Proposed course of action: The proposal is referred to the town council for further consideration.

  The matter was deferred to the next meeting.

  Then Sigurður Þ. Ragnarsson takes the floor and puts forward the following proposals to the budget:

  The Miðflokkur's town councillor puts forward the following proposals for the budget process.

  1)

  The Centre Party proposes that the City of Hafnarfjörður takes the initiative to approach the owners of private health clinics with the aim of establishing such a clinic in the town. The waiting time for an appointment with a GP in Hafnarfjörður is far too long. Waiting times at private health clinics are much shorter and the referral pathways are more targeted. It may be necessary for the town to facilitate this by providing premises or offering a discount on property tax to begin with. The reality is that many residents of Hafnarfjörður are now seeking healthcare services outside the municipality. It is proposed that the motion be referred to the town council for substantive discussion.

  The Town Council supports the aims of the proposal and specifically notes that a dedicated plot has already been set aside for healthcare and related services in Hafnarfjörður's new development area, Hamranes. The Town Council instructs the Mayor to continue active dialogue with the government regarding this.

  The representative of the Centre Party records the following:
  There is a crisis in access to GPs in Hafnarfjörður. Thousands of residents do not have a registered GP. It is not uncommon to wait 2-4 weeks for an appointment with a GP. This is intolerable.
  The government is dragging its feet on this endlessly, and now the situation is unacceptable. Therefore, the City of Hafnarfjörður must take the initiative to bring a private healthcare service to the town, similar to that in Kópavogur. If incentives, such as a discount on property taxes for the first year, are needed, then so be it. This situation can no longer be tolerated.

  Then Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir takes the floor and puts forward the following proposals to the budget:

  Proposal 2 – The position of the multicultural officer will be increased.

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List propose that the position of the multicultural officer be increased from 50% to 100%.

  The Town Council requests a report from the Department for Family and Child Affairs.

  Explanatory note:
  At the Family Council meeting on 5 November, the same proposal was put forward but rejected by representatives of the Independence Party and the Progressive Party and Independents. Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Civic List, however, consider it urgent that the town council takes a position on the matter, as not all parties have the right to vote at Family Council meetings.
  It is necessary to enhance the multicultural officer's role beyond its current scope in order to support the important work they perform. During the preparation of the last budget, the Multicultural Council requested that the multicultural officer's job share be increased from 50% to 100%, but the majority rejected that proposal. We believe it is important to strengthen this service within the council and are therefore putting the proposal forward to the council for the 2022 budget, asking that the council takes a position on it.

  Then Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson takes the floor and puts forward the following proposals to the budget:

  Proposal 8 – Subsidisation of bus passes

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Party are reintroducing a proposal for a subsidy on bus passes for children up to the age of 18.

  Explanatory note:
  It is important to level out and facilitate young people's access to leisure activities. Subsidised bus passes also encourage increased use of public transport, thereby supporting environmental considerations. A cost-benefit analysis has previously been carried out, and the representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance
  so that it can be updated and the proposal taken back for discussion.

  Proposal for action: The proposal be referred to the Environment and Operations Committee and the Town Council for further consideration.

  The Town Council requests a report from the Department of Environment and Planning.

  Proposal 10 – Development of affordable housing

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Party propose that the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður seeks ways to enter into further and greater cooperation with non-profit housing associations on the development of affordable housing in the municipality.

  Explanatory note:
  In light of the difficult situation on the housing market and the population decline in the town in recent years, representatives of the Social Democratic Party propose that the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður enter into further cooperation with non-profit housing associations to develop affordable rental flats. This would increase the number of affordable homes on the market, and the municipality could also increase its own social housing stock through this measure.

  Proposed course of action: The proposal is referred to the town council for further consideration.

  The majority wishes to make the following motion:
  Over the past few terms, work has been underway to ensure that the town's residents and future residents have a diverse range of housing options and a good mix of housing in Hafnarfjörður. This can be seen, for example, in the development of 150 homes by the Bjarg Housing Society in Hamranes and the contractual objectives approved for Hraun Vestur, Gjótur, by the City Council on 17 January 2019. The following objectives are set out there, among others:
  A mixed-tenure development must be ensured, with 15-20% of homes for buyers/renters, with a focus on smaller and more affordable properties.
  -Landowners commit to seeking partnerships with organisations that specialise in special housing and rental properties.
  A certain proportion of flats will be for rent with an option to buy, targeting those on the rental market who cannot pass a mortgage affordability assessment.

  A representative of the Social Democratic Party requests that the following be recorded:
  The development of Bjarg Housing Society's flats in Hamranes is a welcome development, and it is important that this project is finally being implemented. The contractual objectives for Hraun West, the gorges, give good cause for optimism for a diverse development in the area.
  The proposal put forward by the Social Democratic Party representatives in the town council is an urging that avenues for further cooperation with non-profit housing associations on the development of affordable housing in the municipality are always sought, and even more so.

• 2111059 – Fee schedule for the Hafnarfjörður Music School 2022

  Item 3 from the minutes of the Education Committee meeting of 3 November.
  A proposal for a change to the fee schedule of the Hafnarfjörður Music School was presented.

  Eiríkur Stephensen, Headteacher of the Hafnarfjörður Music School, attended the meeting under this item.

  The Education Committee submits the music school's fee schedule to the Town Council for further approval.

  The Town Council approves the proposed amendment to the fee schedule of the Hafnarfjörður Music School.

• 2111187 – Town Council Grants 2021, second allocation

  An overview of applications for council grants, second allocation 2021, was presented.

  Submitted.

• 2111077 – Development area, population, enquiry

  A question was put forward by the Social Democratic Party's representative on the town council.
  A representative of the Social Democratic Party requests an overview of the areas within the municipality that are defined as development areas, and the projected population for those areas.
  Answers to the question were presented.

  4. Development area – question
  A representative of the Social Democratic Party requests an overview of the areas within the municipality that are defined as development areas, and the projected population for those areas.

  Answer:

  The following are the areas defined as development areas within the current Regional Plan for the Capital Region to 2040.

  The population estimate is based on 2.5 inhabitants per dwelling. If all the following areas are taken together, the estimated number of future residents in the development areas is around 19-20 thousand people.

  Hamranes:
  The contracts for 148 flats have been awarded and construction has begun on the development plots.
  In addition, the Bjarg Housing Association has started construction on 148 flats in blocks of flats.
  Over the last two years, development plots in Hamranes have been allocated to eighteen parties who are working on the detailed planning for their plots. In total, this involves 1,332 flats in blocks of flats.

  Based on an average of 2.5 inhabitants per flat, the population of Hamranes can be estimated at 4,070.

  Skarðshlíð:
  All plots in the development have been allocated, and construction is either beginning or has started on 251 homes, comprising 203 flats, 22 detached houses, 8 townhouses and 18 semi-detached houses.

  Based on an average of 2.5 residents per flat, there are approximately 628 residents in these flats in Skarðshlíð.

  Hraun West (the 5-minute neighbourhood):
  A development plan has been approved for the first site in Hraun-West, with 490 flats, and construction can begin on that site.
  In addition, proposals have already been put forward for another development plan for the area, which provides for 262 homes.

  In total, some 2,300-2,600 homes are expected in Hraun-vestur. The total population of the neighbourhood, based on an average of 2.5 residents per home, is 5,750-6,500.

  Hjallabraut:
  Construction has begun on a plot for 7 terraced houses and 3 detached houses.

  Assuming 2.5 residents per flat, these flats can be expected to accommodate 25 residents.

  Ásvellir:
  A plot for 100-110 flats is being created. Allocations will be made shortly.

  Based on an average of 2.5 residents per flat, the population of Ásvellir can be estimated at 250-275.

  Ásland 4:
  Åsland 4 and 5 are being combined and detailed planning work has begun. In total, around 500 homes are planned for Åsland 4.

  Based on an average of 2.5 inhabitants per dwelling, Asaland 4 can be expected to have 1,250 inhabitants.

  Estuary area:
  The master plan is nearing completion and about to be published, after which a detailed plan will be drawn up, providing for 500-700 homes.

  Based on an average of 2.5 inhabitants per flat, the population of the Óseyrar area can be estimated at 1,250-1,750.

  The slipway area:
  Same situation as in the Óseyrarsvæði area, 150-200 dwellings are planned.

  Based on an average of 2.5 inhabitants per flat, the population of the Slippsvæðið area can be estimated at 375-500.

  Selhraun south:
  A commercial area is being converted into residential accommodation, with up to 200 flats in a block of flats. A major planning amendment is before the Planning Authority.

  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, 500 inhabitants can be expected.

  Various sealing fields:
  Construction of 13 flats in four terraced houses in Setberg has begun.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, 32 inhabitants can be expected.

  Plots for detached houses on Hverfisgata and Suðurgata have been allocated.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, 5 inhabitants can be expected.

  Construction has begun on 5 flats at Hrauntunga and 19-23 flats in a block of flats at Lækjargata/Suðurgata.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, this corresponds to 60-70 residents.

  Planning permission granted for 12-15 flats in a block of flats on Suðurgata.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, this corresponds to 30-37 inhabitants.

  Two detached houses under construction on Hellubraut and a semi-detached house on Hamarsbraut.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, 5 inhabitants can be expected.

  A planning application has been finalised for up to 30 flats in a block of flats on Strandgata.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, 75 inhabitants can be expected.

  The detailed plan for the plots on Strandgata and Linnetsstíg is complete, for a total of around 20-25 flats in a block of flats.
  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, this corresponds to 50-63 residents.

  Plots are being created for two detached houses and four semi-detached flats, which will be allocated during the year on Hlíðarbraut.
  Assuming 2.5 inhabitants per flat, then 15 inhabitants can be expected.

  Future planning area:
  Vatnshlíð 1 and 2, a total of 840 flats.

  Based on 2.5 inhabitants per flat, an estimated 2,100 inhabitants can be expected.

  The representative of the Social Democratic Party thanks for the answers provided. It is important to get this overview of the development planned for the municipality in the short and long term. As the submitted summary was not available to the meeting before it began, I reserve the right to respond to it further at a later date.

• 2111306 – Language policy of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður

  The Town Council proposes that preparations be commenced for the development of a language policy for the Borough of Hafnarfjörður in consultation with the Icelandic Language Committee, in accordance with section 130 of the Local Government Act.

  The Town Council agrees to begin preparations for the development of a policy.

• 2110597 – Stekkjarkinn 5, renewal of lease agreement

  Renewal of lease agreement

  The Town Council approves the attached lease agreement.

• 2111308 – Judicial proceedings, A, B and C v. the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður

  Presented for information.

• 2111313 – Skerseyrarvegur 3, renewal of lease agreement

  Renewal of the lease agreement.

  The Town Council approves the attached lease agreement.

• 2003453 – Remote meetings of the local council, boards and committees

  Email from the Ministry of Transport and Local Government, remote meetings, temporary authorisation.

Minutes

• 2110030F – Harbour Board - 1609

  The minutes of the Harbour Board meeting of 3 November were presented.

• 2111007F – Cultural and Tourism Committee - 379

  The minutes of the Culture and Tourism Committee meeting of 11 November were presented.

• 2101080 – SORPA bs, minutes 2021

  The minutes of the SORPU bs. board meeting of 15th October were presented.

• 2101084 – Strætó bs, minutes 2021

  The minutes of the Strætó bs. board meeting of 29 October were presented.