October 21 Programs Report by Teri Muse

City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto received a BA from Penn State and a Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State LA.  After college, Dominic worked for AC Lazzaretto and Associates specializing in redevelopment and economic development.  He then was the City Manager of La Palma before coming to the City of Arcadia.  Dominic oversees the more than $100m city budget.

Dominic dispelled the myth that city’s make their money off tickets and fines, showing us how only 1% of the overall budget is from that area.  Property taxes are the largest revenue source and 2nd is sales tax, which Dominic thanked Ramon and Westfield for bringing in all that revenue.  More than 50% of the general fund budget is for police and fire services however, Public Works has the overall largest budget due to the special funds and grants they receive from the state and federal government.

Arcadia has done a great job in building up the reserves due in a large part to the housing sales over the last few years.  Currently the city has $5.4m in reserves. Dominic pointed out that the cost of employee pension and benefits continue to rise.  Currently for every $1 paid to an employee, the city pays $.60 for pensions and benefits.  And this cost will continue to grow.

Recently, the City Council adopted new codes which will slow the growth of “mansionization” in Arcadia.  Other codes adopted address stray shopping carts, Air BNB’s, vacant home registration, internet sales, and more transit oriented development around the Gold Line. Dominic pointed out that Arcadia is currently conserving 28% of its water in large part due to the street median rehabilitation.  Look for all the medians to have drought tolerant plants and hardscape.  Other projects include the Peacock Fountain restoration, thanks to the Rotary Club’s donation and improved lighting in the parks.

Upcoming City events include the Zenyatta Celebration on Nov. 2, Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 2, Snow Fest on Dec. 3 and Holiday Market on Dec. 10.  Look for the changing in branding for different commercial districts in Arcadia to market the different flavors of different areas like Duarte Ave.