Learning the ins and outs of public works

Wonder how faucets still turn on and the toilets still flush with underground pipes over 60 years old?

Thinking of replacing a toilet or clothes washer and are looking for a rebate? Interested in past construction projects and future plans to renew San Bruno’s aging infrastructure?

San Bruno is hosting a Public Works open house Friday to allow access to residents wanting to learn a bit more. An open house idea arose after residents came forward last week when there were questions regarding plans to increase water and sewer rates.

Held during National Public Works Week, city staff will be on hand to discuss all aspects of what makes public works work.

At city hall, residents can view maps, peruse construction drawings and pick up a variety of informational handouts. At the Operations and Maintenance Yard, visitors will be shown around large automotive equipment such as street sweepers and water vacuum trucks, and can view examples of the smaller tools and equipment used every day.

A bus tour of an active sewer construction site and a water storage tank where a demonstration of the water vacuum truck will take place will begin at 1 p.m. at the corporation yard, 225 Huntington Ave.

For Robert Howard, deputy public works director of operations and maintenance, the most important benefit of the open house will be the direct interaction between residents and staff.

"Even though the public infrastructure is all around us — water and sewer pipes, storm drains, streetlights, streets, etc. — many people may not recognize the effort it takes to keep everything up and running. Showing people how the equipment works, seeing what it takes to maintain over 100 miles of water pipe and 70 miles of sewer pipe is a real eye-opener,” he wrote in a prepared statement.

The City Council approved the first reading of increased rates last week.

Rate are estimated to increase 33 percent for sewer and 40 percent for water over the next three years as part of an aggressive plan to update aging infrastructure. Currently, average bimonthly sewer rates for a single-family home is $93.40. Under the proposal, the rates would increase to $102.88 in July 2009, $113.34 in July 2010 and $124.86 in July 2011. Currently, average bimonthly water rates for a single-family home is $92.50. Under the proposal, the rates would increase to $103.40 in July 2009, $115.58 in July 2010 and $129.20 in July 2011.

The council will revisit the rates Tuesday, May 26.

The San Bruno Public Works open house runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 22. Residents may drop in at City Hall or the Operations and Maintenance Yard during those hours.