John Kimmel

The City of Arcadia envisions itself as a safe, healthy, and attractive community that fosters business and income growth, remains a major county employment center, and plans for environmentally sustainable expansion. The mission statement outlines objectives such as fiscal responsibility, a safe environment for living and business, continued industrial growth, economic advancement, improvement of the central business district, expansion in line with community needs, advancements in public infrastructure and services, affordable housing, accommodation of environmental qualities, enhancement of visual qualities, adherence to an updated Comprehensive Plan, and adjustment to changing demographics.

The meeting included discussions on several topics. A presentation was given by a candidate for sheriff, focusing on drug enforcement and school safety. There was a discussion regarding a special events ordinance, with a proposal to table it for further work. The council discussed reallocating funds for an internal drainage project and reviewed information technology and geographic information services, proposing to move to a full-time position for a system database specialist. The future of the city recreation program was discussed, including winter programs and potential new facilities. An ambulance agreement extension was reviewed, and the proposed Fabulous Budget was discussed. The council also discussed and approved the Hilltopper recycling contract for 2018 and provided an update on a recycling referendum program.

The comprehensive plan focuses on Arcadia's vision to be a safe, healthy, and attractive community that fosters a positive environment for business and income growth. Key areas include accommodating development in a fiscally sound and environmentally sustainable manner, enhancing the central business district, improving public infrastructure, providing affordable housing, and protecting natural resources. The plan addresses issues such as traffic congestion, limited industrial growth space, and the need for improved community facilities, with an emphasis on intergovernmental cooperation and land use planning to guide future development.

The council discussed and took action on several key items. They reviewed and considered approval of meeting minutes from August 21, 2017, and August 28, 2017. The council also discussed Common Council Rules and Procedure. There was a public hearing regarding a liquor license for Arcadia Food Bank Inc. dba Randy's Neighborhood Market. An alternative plan for Oak Street was discussed, along with approving the Mayor to sign a Department of Transportation Disaster Damage Aid Petition and appointing Council Members to a Steering Committee for the Community Center/Library. They also discussed and considered action on operator licenses and an agent change for Arcadia Country Club.

The council meeting addressed concerns about the city's appearance, focusing on properties with unkempt yards and code violations. Discussions included amending the comprehensive plan to change land use from residential to commercial for a proposed solar farm, which led to questions about the annexation of the property and its potential impact. The council also reviewed a liquor license unit for Santa Fe Restaurant LLC.