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Arcadia public works services director announces retirement
Arcadia Weekly Oct 01, 2021
| Photo courtesy of City of Arcadia
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Arcadia’s Public Work Services Director Tom Tait has announced his retirement from a 38-year career in public service. Tait has been director of Public Works Services since 2010.
“It’s been my greatest honor to serve as the director of Public Works Services,” Tait said. “I’ve enjoyed helping shape the built environment for this community and supporting its development over the past 20 years. I want to thank the Arcadia City Council, City Manager [Dominic] Lazzaretto, the entire Public Works Services Department, and my colleagues and friends for their support.”
Tait began his career with the City of Alhambra Water and Sewer Department. He has held several positions with the East Pasadena Water Company, City of Downey, and Santa Clarita Water Company prior to his arrival in Arcadia in 2001 as field services manager. For the past 15 years, Tait has served as an advisory member on the Main San Gabriel Valley Watermaster Administrative Committee.
“Tait’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field of water utility management and environmental safety have been instrumental to not only Arcadia but to regional water utilities throughout the San Gabriel Valley,” the city said in a statement.
“On behalf of the City of Arcadia, I want to congratulate Tom on his retirement,” said Mayor Sho Tay. “For the past 11 years, Tom has led the Public Works Services Department with passion and integrity. He has helped support Arcadia’s exceptional quality of life and his impact on the Arcadia community is immeasurable.”
During his tenure, Tait helped implement a wide range of improvements to the city’s built infrastructure, including the Eisenhower Park Renovation, establishing the city’s first Citywide Lighting District, and the construction of a 4-million-gallon-per-day treatment system for the Live Oak Well along with the construction of two additional drinking water wells, ensuring the city’s
water production capacity for future generations. Under Tait’s direction, the City of Arcadia has also achieved the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership Gold Level status for the city’s commitment to completing numerous energy efficiency projects.
“Tom’s presence in Arcadia will be missed,” said Lazzaretto. “He’s been a steady hand at the helm of a very complex department that is instrumental to this community. I wish Tom the very best that retirement has to offer. He’s definitely earned it,” he added.
Tait’s last day is Nov. 8, 2021. An announcement on his replacement is expected soon.
