Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) finds “no evidence of intent to conceal information” by Arcadia Councilmember Tom Beck. He was alleged to have committed campaign violations related to timely reporting of contributor information in Arcadia’s municipal election.
Arcadia City Council voted unanimously to partially reconsider their moratorium on a citywide revamp of commercial, industrial zoning regulations. Former city councilmember Mickey Segal threatens winter recall campaign if council doesn't find resolution to Highlands lawsuit.
Arcadia City Council makes changes to Historic Preservation Ordinance. Council member Tom Beck speaks about saving Clara Baldwin Stocker's home, which is facing possible destruction. See hard copy in VF City Council (2010-2019).
Arcadia City Council members to submit nominees for John Wuo's vacant seat at next meeting October 20. Mayor Gary Kovacic and Councilman Tom Beck recommended former mayor Mickey Segal. Councilman Roger Chandler and Sho Tay wanted to take time to think of a few more nominees.
Arcadia City Council declines to further consider moratorium on residential construction. Opponents of temporary development freeze turn out in force. State law requires a five-member municipal panel have at least four votes to approve a moratorium on real estate development. The Council could not muster majority support.
John Wuo resigns from Arcadia City Council, "due to personal and health reasons." City and residents settle "Save the Arcadia Highlands" lawsuit, which highlighted the issue of mansionization. City Attorney Stephen Deitsch announced the terms of the settlement, which include these key highlights: 1) Bowden Development must submit a revised design for the 1600 Highland Oaks Drive home that will not exceed 5800 sq. ft. and is a single-story house. 2) The revised plan for 29 E. Orange Grove Avenue from Mur-Sol Construction must not exceed 5775 sq. ft. with a single story that won't exceed 17 feet, 6 inches. 3) The council will approve or disapprove the revised plans. 4) The developers must pay Save the Highlands' attorney fees. 5) The council will vote on resuming the residential zoning update and the Highlands portion of the historical survey at its next public meeting.
Ballot measure aims to repeal Arcadia's utility tax. The current tax adds 7% to bills for water, electricity and natural gas and 5% for telecommunications for both residential and commercial customers. If approved, city services will be downgraded significantly. It would eliminate 12.5% of Arcadia's budget.
Basketball court returns to Arcadia's Eisenhower Park renovation plans. Arcadia City Council voted 3-to-2 to add one full basketball court. See also hard copy in VF Parks.
Arcadia City Council takes steps to increase public safety. On October 16, City Council discussed a recommendation to add a measure to the ballot containing a ¾-cent sales tax, which is needed to help Arcadia with its current financial woes. The Citizens Financial Advisory Committee reviewed the city’s expenditures and asked the council to declare a state of fiscal emergency as soon as possible and no later than June 2019. The vote to add the measure passed almost unanimously, with one council member recusing themself from the vote.
PETA and City of Arcadia reach deal over coyote plan. Group had sued after city planned to start trap-and-kill program. Arcadia will pay $15,000 to settle the lawsuit that contended the city council approved the contract without an environmental report mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 10, July 6, 2017.
Unanimous Arcadia City Council acts to place local funding measure, known as the “Arcadia Public Safety, City Services and Accountability Measure” on the June 2019 ballot to maintain public safety and other city services. City staff and the Citizen’s Financial Advisory Committee have indicated Arcadia has a multi-million dollar structural deficit.
Arcadia City Council announces goals for future. In addition to budget deficit, "community building" with the city's Asian population, to be primary focus.
Arcadia City Council approves $80,000 for street repainting and striping, El Nino flood prevention and preparedness and Youth Council (or Youth Committee).
Arcadia aims to increase tourism and makes breakthrough in residential burglaries. Recap of Arcadia City Council meeting. New Arcadia tourism video was presented to promote Arcadia, with the goal of bringing new business investment to the city. Arcadia Police Chief Bob Guthrie gave a report on crime in the city and has recently uncovered a ring of burglars in the county through the cracking of codes on a captured burglar’s cell phone and has a couple of those criminals in custody.
Is historic preservation important to Arcadia? Arcadia City Council recently met and considered the most recent historic preservation proposal. It did not pass but was not entirely dismissed. Several city council members agreed that the City should adopt some sort of historic preservation policy, but the citizens fear homeowner's rights will be infringed upon. See hard copy in VF City Council 2010-2019.
Arcadia Mayor's Breakfast / State of the City and Methodist Hospital update at Community Connections by Joan Schmidt. Mayor Peter Amundson was born and raised in Arcadia and spoke about what a great city it is to live, love, learn and leave a legacy. He spoke about the great Arcadia Public Library with its 42 high tech computers.