New Consolidated Fire Department Between Foster City, San Mateo, Belmont: Community Invited to Learn About Proposal

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo community is invited to participate in a community workshop about the proposed new San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department on October 5, 2017 at San Mateo Senior Center (2645 Alameda de las Pulgas). The joint powers agreement that is being considered would create the county’s newest emergency response agency by merging the Fire Departments of San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

Come give your input to help shape the new fire department. At this workshop, there will be a hands-on opportunity for you to explore the shared Fire services contracts between the Cities of San Mateo, Foster City and Belmont, including the plans and benefits of the proposed Joint Powers Authority (JPA), which will provide Fire-related services that include: emergency response operations, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness services to all three cities.

In November 2016, voters passed Measure L to amend the San Mateo City Charter, which has opened up the opportunity to enter into an agreement with other agencies to form a new consolidated fire agency. The City of San Mateo currently provides shared fire services with the Cities of Foster City and Belmont. This partnership began between San Mateo and Foster City in 2010, and was expanded to include Belmont in 2013. The current arrangement provides for the sharing of Fire Administration, Fire Prevention services, equipment, and staffing of a ladder truck at Station 23 in San Mateo. Cost savings and service level improvements that have been realized through the shared services agreements will be made permanent through the new consolidated fire agency. Other major improvements that will result include the establishment of a single set of operating principles, polices, procedures, employee relations agreements, and financial controls.

Bring your ideas, participate with fellow community members, and contribute to the discussion. Fire staff will be available provide you with information related to this exciting opportunity to establish a consolidated Fire department to better service Foster City, San Mateo and Belmont.

We hope to see you at the Oct. 5 Community Workshop at the San Mateo Senior Center (2645 Alameda de las Pulgas). The event begins at 7 p.m., with sign-in/registration beginning at 6:45 p.m. Drop in any time between 7-8:30 p.m.Light refreshments will be provided. To help ensure there is sufficient space, please confirm your attendance using Eventbrite. All interested community members are welcome to attend.

— SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: City of San Mateo / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone