Four public hearings are scheduled for the next Thousand Oaks City Council meeting Tues., Sept. 22.

An ordinance to increase water rates and related fees will be considered. Letters went out to the city’s water customers about this discussion of rate increases.

Those interested in learning more about their water rate increases can contact Nancy Arrieta, public works department, at (805) 449-2459.

Applicant John Walsh is asking the council to appeal the planning commission’s denial of the building of retaining walls without permits at 5433 N. Lakeview Canyon Road.

The retaining walls and decks were built in a restricted-use area, according to a city report. The walls are over 6 feet high. Walsh is also seeking approval of the 25 percent gradient of the natural slope and the encroachment into the protected zones of oak trees at the existing single-family detached dwelling.

For more information about this public hearing, call Joey Lin at the community development department at (805) 449-2327.

An evaluation of community development block grant recipients for fiscal year 2008-09 will also be heard. The report describes the city’s expenditure of $673,288 in federal funds between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.

For more information about the block grants, call the community development department at (805) 449-2331.

The adjustment of the wastewater connection and special interceptor fees is also on the agenda to be decided by City Council.

Those who would like to know more about an increase in those fees can call (805) 449-2400.

—Nancy Needham