The Arcadia Police Dept. will receive $1,227,823 of a total of $12 million for its part in the largest drug bust in history at a Sylmar warehouse last September. The money will be used to step up drug enforcement, as well as for community programs in drug prevention and awareness. The undercover work was by officer Dean Caputo.
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.
City Council approved a $12 million general fund budget. The budget represents an increase of 13 percent over the 1980-81 budget and includes 9 percent pay raises for all employees (except police who have not completed negotiations).
Although Arcadia students slipped in their 1983-84 California Assessment Program scores compared to their own performance last year, they still scored well above the average compared to schools statewide. According to figures released by the Arcadia School District and the State Department of Education, Arcadia students in grades 3, 6, 8 and 12 did well above average in all areas tested.
The Board of Education reviewed results of the California Assessment Test. Arcadia students in grades 3, 6 and 12 scored well above the statewide average of 50.
Battle lines seem to be drawn between the residents of the area, who want 0-2 dwelling units per acre as the general plan calls for, and owner Lowery McCaslin, who would like 0-4.
East Pasadena Water Company has positive development to report. Company has commitment from State Dept. of Water Resources for a $1.5 million low-interest loan, funded from state bonds.
Arcadia Board of Education has been given some preliminary information to consider as it works on 1984-85 budget. Governor's proposed budget refers to 3% cost-of-living adjustment increase because of declining enrollment adjustments.
The Arcadia City Council will receive a recommendation from City Manager George Watts to require an independent audit of Best Disposal's books to justify a proposed rate increase for rubbish collection services. Best is seeking the increase of offset a 100% increase charged them by landfill owners.
Arcadia teachers learned that their stalled contract negotiations with the district will advance to a stage called fact-finding (meaning an impartial panel paid by the state will judge disputes between the teachers and the district).
With the tax base increase having been approved by the voters on April 15, both Unions representing teachers in Arcadia presented new contract terms to the School Board.
The police department has been authorized to employ four new officers which will increase sworn personnel to 73. The department is purchasing three vehicles for parking control. Also authorized was the purchase of two narcotic sniffing dogs trained for the full range of police dog work.
The Arcadia Board of Education ratified a new contract with the district's teachers by a 4-1 vote, but with some reservations about a binding arbitration provision (which would have district-teachers disputes resolved by a 3rd party). The contract includes a 10% salary increase for 1984/85 and an increase from a 177-day a year student school year to 180 days, along with lengthier instructional time per day.
Although two of Arcadia's 14 water wells have been contaminated by industrial solvents for years, a purification system installed by the city last December is reportedly working well, allowing the water from these wills to be used.