After months of negotiations, the Arcadia Police Relief Association has failed to find common ground with the City Council on a contract which expired Sept. 30th. Officers want to work 3 12-hour days, like the Pasadena Police Dept. does, as well as receive a 1.5% increase for overtime, pay for being on call, and for equipment. Officers have received a 25.3% pay increase over the last 3 years.
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.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1974 is being challenged in the Supreme Court. It would prohibit employees from accumulating overtime past a 40 hour week, and it would require state and local governments to pay time and a half for overtime.
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).
The Arcadia Police Department has decided against a strike at this time, but vowed to fight City Hall over a contract dispute. A 5% salary increase was approved, but not the extensive retirement benefits which were sought.
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.
California's minimum wage increase is going to force some restaurants to hike food prices, cut back on employee hours and reduce advertising. McGrath's Fish House in Arcadia may be forced to reduce employee hours. The minimum wage is now $7.50 per hour. Another 50 cent increase goes into effect January 1, 2008.
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.
The Arcadia and Monrovia police departments have been forced to increase overtime spending and reduce dayside patrol staffing because of the recent transfer of criminal cases from the Santa Anita Courthouse to Alhambra.
Article describes the California Home for the Aged Deaf. The facility can accommodate 24, but at present there are only 12 residents who pay $375 per month for their room and board.
The Arcadia Public Library is now offering a new 24-hour, 2 days a week email reference service and a live interactive chat reference service called "Ask the Librarian."
Arcadia City Council has approved a new contract with the Pasadena Humane Society (PHS) to provide animal services to Arcadia. The contract is for $69,838, a 3% increase over the current year's agreement. The city has contracted with PHS since 1994. PHS handles dog licensing, answers calls for service and offers low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Other items were approved, including a contract with Engineered Plumbing Inc. for water mains and valves, the purchase of Mobile Data Terminals for the Arcadia Fire Department from Nida Companies, and massage therapist permits.
The School Board approved an $18.8 million budget that represents a 2% increase over last years figures. The driver training program was not included in the budget.