City Council Preview

At tonight’s city council meeting, a public hearing will be held regarding the 17 percent cost increase on solid waste rates in 2011. The City of Burlingame entered into a contract with Recology of San Mateo County for waste and recycling beginning in January 2011. The increased rate for these services will be effective Feb. 1, 2011, according to a staff report by Burlingame Finance Director, Jesus Nava.

The rates were determined by the South Bayside Waste Management Authority Joint Powers Agreement (SBWMA), of which Burlingame is a member, after a financial review completed by HF&H Consultants, LLC and SBWMA staff members.

According to the staff report, 11 percent of the increase would cover actual waste and disposal costs. 1.4 percent covers revenue loss resulting from residents using smaller waste containers, since recycling will now be collected weekly. 4.6 percent of the fee will cover the last of Burlingame’s contract costs with Allied Waste, a total of $721,000.

Rates also include SBWMA, Burlingame and San Mateo County fees, as well as land fill charges.

Other SBWMA cities can expect higher increases, such as 25 percent in Hillsborough and 23.3 percent in San Mateo.

Also to be discussed at tonight’s meeting:

• The council will revisit possible litigation concerning high speed rail during a closed session.
• The council will discuss the city’s Sustainable Communities Strategy and the administration of regional housing needs allocation as part of the strategy.
• The council will consider the case of Maurissa Hefferan, who wishes to have her residential property at 1125 Jackling Dr. be annexed into Hillsborough. Her street address is in Hillsborough, but her house sits across the Easton Creek in Burlingame. She is concerned with the confusion this causes police in the case of emergency.

Click here for a full agenda with links to staff reports.