Government Watch

The city has given a notice of dissolution to the Belmont-San Carlos Fire JPA and has received one proposal for fire service from Cal Fire.

The analysis assignment would include review and compare responses and participate in contract negotiations if the city goes with a neighboring jurisdiction like Redwood City or San Mateo. The assignment might also include advice and help with the dissolution of the JPA and re-establishing a standalone city fire department.

The council will also hold a hearing on proposed rate increases for solid waste and sewer. The proposed solid waste rates would be 11.86 percent for single family accounts and 10.32 percent for commercial and multi-family rates. Sewer rates are proposed to increase seven percent for fiscal year 2010-11. The increase is needed for preventative maintenance required in part by a lawsuit with San Francisco Baykeeper.

The City Council meets 7 p.m. Monday, April 26 at City Hall, 600 Elm St., San Carlos.

• The city of San Mateo is planning its third community workshop on high-speed rail 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13 at the Main Library, Oak Room, 55 W. Third Ave. in San Mateo. The city’s goal is to provide detailed information on the alignment options and right-of-way requirements, to evaluate alternatives and collect public input on preferences. For more information call the Department of Public Works at 522-7300.

• The Redwood City Council will accept a scoping study on replacing the Veterans Memorial Senior Center. The circa 1956 building needs work on its roof, theater, flooring and plumbing so the goal is to replace the facility. If the report is accepted, the next steps are looking at site alternatives, cost estimates and the life expectancy of the existing building.

The scoping study cost $35,750 from the Capital Improvement Program. The site analysis process is estimated to cost $160,000. The City Council meets 7 p.m. Monday, April 26 at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City.