The City Council took the first step toward placing a bond issue of up to $8 million on the ballot for the November 2 election. The bond is needed for building a new police station.
City Council has directed staff to Begin the process of placing a General Obligation Bond Issue on the Nov. 2, 1999 ballot. If approved, the bond issue will be used to partially fund construction of a new police station.
Since the bond for an $8 million police facility passed last month, City Council has clashed over whether to set a $16 million spending cap for a new police headquarters.
Arcadia registered voters received the second in a series of mailings last week, urging them to vote in the $27.9 million bond election on April 20th. A similar bond measure failed by less than 1% in an election on September 15, 1992.
The City Council approved a $3.4 million new fire station project bid by Merco Construction Engineers in Camarillo. The building will cost 20% more than originally estimated.
City Council approved a 12% pay increase for City Clerk June Alford. The raise comes just as city voters are considering changing the city clerk's office from an elected one to an employee position.
Citizens Organized for Police Station (COPS) was formed to educate residents and gain their support for the bond issue needed to finance a new police station. Santa Anita Park has donated $30,000 to the newly formed organization.
City Council recently approved a five-year $34.6 million capital improvement program that will include some refurbishing of City Hall and library facilities, along with a new fire department and preparations for a new police facility.
The City Council has unanimously opposed 2 police proposals for 3 12-hour shifts per week and a 1.5% increase for overtime, pay for being on call, and for equipment. The contract which gave officers a 25.3% pay increase over the past 3 years expired Sept. 30th.
Arcadia School Board members unanimously approved the funds to prepare and file the necessary legal documents to hold a bond election on September 15 that could raise nearly $28 million to renovate the district's classrooms.
The City Council has unanimously opposed the Arcadia Police Relief Association's proposals for a work week make up of 3 8-hour days, a 1.5% pay increase, and payment for time spent on-call.
An application for state funds to help build a commuter or light rail station in the city has been approved by the City Council. The grant would pay 50% of construction costs, excluding the money needed to buy land.
Canadian industrialist Frank Stronach bought Santa Anita Park for $126 million in cash Friday, and said he will share plans with the city later this month to spend roughly half that amount on improvements.