Arcadia has received a domestic water permit from the State. In 1973 the California State Health Department inspected Arcadia's system along with 240 other systems in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and only 15 systems received permits.
A summary report of the Water Department operation for 1974 shows that the Department made a "profit" of $300,000. Water usage was 4.56 billion gallons. Also describes Arcadia's three natural underground water basins.
John Grivich, head of the Arcadia Water Department for the past 26 years retired June 7. He is proud of the quality of Arcadia's water, its low rates, good equipment and the stable number of Department employees.
Water rates in Arcadia will be lowered by $.04 per 100 cu Ft effective July 1, 1979. The burden of the water tax, now split 50% each by the city and property owners, will fall 100% on property owners. However, the increased property tax is tax deductible.
Because of California's intense two year drought, water rates will need to go up to cover the costs of getting outside water. Also, pumping costs are greater due to soaring energy costs.
The Arcadia City Council reaffirmed its decision to barricade Hillcrest Blvd. near Valencia Way. The reasoning is that motorists would then be forced to disperse traffic rather than concentrate usage on one street.
If the School Board approves, 1976-77 will be the 9th year that Arcadia has participated in Title I funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Primary usage for these federal funds is on those youngsters who fall below the 50th percentile in achievement tests.
Robert Berlien, who has been head of the Glendora Municipal Water Department for 9 years, has been named Water Manager for Arcadia, replacing John Grivich, who retired in June.
Arcadia City Council must decide how to pay the Metropolitan Water District taxes for 1979-80. Currently the city pays 50% and the property owners pay 50%.
Describes a new telemetering system that permits the most efficient service to customers while keeping costly personnel at a minimum, especially on weekends. It is a sophisticated complex - a centralized watchdog over Arcadia's water system.
The first reading of a water conservation ordinance was undertaken at the City Council meeting June 8. Five phases of the measure are given. Water rates will increase $.06 per 100 cubic feet as of August 1.
Robert Berlien, the new Water Department Manager, is a native if Indiana. He says that the assumption of his duties has been fairly easy because of the fine job done by retrying manager John Grivich. One of the problems facing ALL Water Departments is the availability of electrical power to run the pumps.
Marquee West, a teen "night club" that opened in December 1977, had its use permit revoked by the Planning Commission on March 28, 1978. They may appeal.
Beginning October 1, Arcadians will pay more for their water. The increase will be in two steps. The first will be an increase of 6% per 100 cubic feet. The second will be dependent on possible increases in the Edison rates for pumping.
A brief dedication ceremony for the new chamber building at City Hall was held on April 15, 1977. Total cost, including the remodeling of old quarters for new uses, was $903,000.