Arcadia Public Works Services Director Tom Tait’s goal is to provide every resident with enough water to shower, cook, and water their lawns – but in light of statewide water shortages and increasing water costs, the City could potentially assess a penalty in the form of higher rates for those who use exceed their normal allocation. Tait provided his comments as the guest speaker at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Affairs Forum July 3rd in the Chamber’s refurbished conference room sponsored by Foothill Credit Union.
- Tait covered the many vital services the Public Works department provides to the city and its residents, handling over 5,000 calls for service throughout the year. Most of the calls are water and utility related, with tree-related issues coming in second in terms of the types of service requested by residents. “We are in the trenches, plugging away,” noted Tait as he acknowledged praise by former Mayor Bob Harbicht and Government Affairs Forum chairperson Jack Orswell – both of whom highlighted that Public Works crews are often right there with Police and Fire first responders and that Public Works seldom gets attention unless things are not working. “Customer service is in our culture,” continued Tait as he walked attendees through his department’s responsibilities.
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- Tait provided a detailed analysis of Public Works’ $24MM annual budget, of which about $13.5MM is allocated to water. Water, the drought, and impending changes to rates were a large focus of this morning’s presentation. The city is going through a detailed analysis of water usage and rates in response to rising costs of replacement water (the cost the city must pay for each acre-foot it pumps) and the years-old drought California is in the midst of. “Our replacement water costs have gone up over 300%,” said Tait. “When I got here it was $200 per acre-foot, now it’s about $750 per acre-foot”. Tait shared that as the city reviews how to respond, his goal is to provide every resident with enough water to shower, cook, and water their lawns. Costs will go up for those who go above and beyond their normal allocation, whether from overwatering (the main offender) or otherwise not being water-wise. Finally, at the suggestion of Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem Gary Kovacic, Tait provided an overview a recent dispute between Sierra Madre and Arcadia – the central issue revolving around boundaries of underground water basins in the East Raymond Basin – by noting that much progress has been made and that the discussions are no longer contentious. A temporary resolution has been worked out while awaiting a detailed scientific analysis.
- Becky Cheng and Viola Van, representing Congresswoman Judy Chu, shared updates including the congresswoman’s DiverCities contest which highlights community leaders in the area of business, volunteerism, and activism amongst others. Cheng also responded to a question by Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick regarding the effect Congresswoman Chu’s San Gabriel National Recreation Area (NRA) proposal would have on the water rights and needs of foothill cities like Arcadia. She shared that Congresswoman Chu’s office will be working to dispel several “myths” about the negative impact the NRA as the proposal makes its way through the legislative process. (Click to download the DiverCities 2014 – Nomination Packet)
- Olivia Lee, representing Assemblyman Ed Chau, provided a highlight of upcoming events that the assemblyman is supporting and participating in. These included a pet adoption day at the Pasadena Humane Society on July 8, a workshop for Medical and Medicare beneficiaries on July 23rd from 9:30AM-11: 30AM hosted at LA Physician Senior Wellness Center in Alhambra, and finally a joint Assembly committee meeting on the use of drones at on August 8th at UCLA. (Click image below to open up Coordinated Care flyer)
- Mayor Pro Tem Gary Kovacic represented the City of Arcadia this morning. He thanked Tom Tait and the hard work of the Public Works department and highlighted their valiant efforts during the freak windstorms of December 2011. Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic shared that during Tuesday’s city council meeting the city council swore in several new commissioners and board members, including two new members of Arcadia’s city Planning Commission. “It’s good that folks in Arcadia are interested in serving,” Kovacic said. He added, “It’s nice to see that kind of energy among our residents.” Other updates from the city included the extension of the Chamber’s “service fee”, the announcement of the opening of the new Museum Education Center located next door to the Community Center, and a summary of the City Council’s action Tuesday in regards to the movement to repeal the Utility Use Tax (UUT). According to the City Manager the UUT represents 13% of the City’s budget and elimination of it could mean a dramatic reduction in City services, including police and fire. Noting that the City Attorney advised that the proposed measure is un-Constitutional, Kovacic said the Council voted to follow the recommendation not to put the measure on any future ballot. The City is aware the decision could trigger legal action by proponents of the measure, he said.
- Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic closed his report by announcing that a public service will be held to honor fallen Arcadia firefighter Mike Herdman, who tragically lost his life in the Los Padres National Forest. The service will be held at the Arcadia High School Performing Arts Center on July 9th at 11:00AM.
- Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick announced several upcoming events including the upcoming Taste of Arcadia (September 22nd), the annual Business Awards that will be held at the next Networking Breakfast on July 17th, and the ribbon-cutting that will be held on July 24th at 4:30PM for new Chamber member Shave It Santa Anita.
Next month’s speaker will be Arcadia Fire Department Chief Kurt Norwood at the Chamber on August 7th at 8AM. The public is invited on the first Thursday of each month to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government Affairs Forum led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting, and co-chairman Pete Ulrich, former Arcadia City Councilman. RSVPs to the Chamber of Commerce office are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.