Arcadia is one city among at least 18 cities in the San Gabriel Valley that have met or exceeded the state of California's goal to recycle 50 percent of its waste. Arcadia is recycling 63 percent of its waste.
The Arcadia City Council has approved an ordinance to upgrade the recycling efforts of commercial haulers in the city. The ordinance decreases the number of permitted commercial haulers in the city to 3. The ordinance adds language to clarify how recycling diversion is calculated, and requires free recycling containers and public education.
Arcadia City Council will discuss whether a measure to end term limits should be placed on a future citywide ballot. The City Charter requires council members that have served two consecutive four-year terms to take a two-year break before they can serve another term. The charter can only be amended by a voter approved measure.
Arcadia City Council approved the first of a projected series of ten annual 5% increases in the city water rate. Sewer and trash rates will also increase.
Arcadia voters have approved ballot Measure A with 2091 people voting yes and 643 voting no. The measure protects the city's right to collect taxes on cell phone use. Measure A will not raise taxes.
Arcadia City Council has decided to leave in place a city policy that imposes term limits for serving on City Council, restricting residents from running for more than two consecutive council terms. Had council voted to remove the restrictions, local voters would have had a chance to vote on term limits as a local ballot measure. Arcadia's city charter requires council members who have served two consecutive 4-year terms to take a 2-year break before they can run again for another term.
City okays $15,000 contract for coyote trapping, euthanization with Animal Pest Management Services. The City Council vote was 4 to 1 to approve the contract.
The Arcadia City Council has approved a design review process for the upcoming addition to the Santa Anita Park race track. The procedure adopted requires review by the Planning Commission and the City Council of all preliminary site plans, floor plans, exterior architectural improvements, and new construction.
Stephen Deitsch, Arcadia's City Attorney, wants residents to know he has not taken a position on ballot Measure N or Measure P. Westfield Group has published campaign materials that might lead residents to believe Deitsch has taken a stance.
Arcadia will join a coalition of 39 other cities in suing the federal and state governments over a new program regulating storm water runoff from local streets. The federal and state program requires cities to reduce trash runoff by 10 percent a year, until it reaches zero, or pay a fine.
After a two-year suspension, the Arcadia City Council will reinstate a coyote trapping program, after residents complained that the animals are attacking pets and showing aggressive behavior. The city has contracted with Animal Pest Management of Chino, California, to trap coyotes and euthanize them.
A petition signed by over 1000 Arcadia residents urges the City of Arcadia to "stop killing coyotes." The City has hired Chino-based Animal Pest Management to trap coyotes. Since August, the City has spent $12,500 to trap 20 coyotes, that are later euthanized. City Council will re-examine the controversial coyote trapping program that was reinstated last year after residents said their pets were attacked.
The Arcadia City Council debated the issue of more parking on the west side of Baldwin Avenue, next to the Hub Center, between Duarte Road and Naomi Avenue. The Council approved the revision to the adult business ordinance, adopted an anti-loitering measure for gang members, and more.
Proposed logistics center in Arcadia could impact traffic and El Monte residents. A former gravel mine (quarry) may soon become a 1.6 million square foot logistics center and industrial park on an 81-acre site on the southeastern end of Arcadia. Property owner is John Edwards, Jr. El Monte City Manager Jesus Gomez is working with Arcadia and the developer to protect El Monte residents. With enough mitigation measures, if approved by Arcadia City Council, construction could begin after the reclamation is complete, as early as 2017.
The Arcadia City Council approved an owner participation agreement with American Senior Living for a 54-unit affordable senior housing project at 150 W. Las Tunas Drive. The City will put in $1.8 million for the $8.5 million project. Residents will be selected by lottery.
The City Council approved three members for the Planning Commission. They are attorney Craig Lucas, architect Frank Hsu, and manager-consultant S. H. Wen.