The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri
Spring 2021 • www.ofallon.mo.us
The promise of spring and a new year Emergency funding available for residents impacted by COVID-19 It goes without saying that this has been a challenging time for families across the country. Nearly every family in O’Fallon has been affected in some way by COVID-19, and the City is now offering a new program to help those most impacted. Any resident who is behind on their mortgage, rent or utility bills can apply for assistance through O’Fallon’s CDBG Emergency Homeless Prevention Assistance Program. Residents impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $6,000 in assistance to help catch up on bills and remain in their homes. To get started, dial 2-1-1 to reach our assistance partners and wait to hear your language options. Enter your 5-digit zip code, then press 3. Leave a message, and a case manager will return your call within 72 hours.
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s I wrote this column for the 2020 spring newsletter, I talked about what an incredibly busy and eventful year it would be for our community—and it was, just not how we all expected. COVID-19 was uncharted territory for all of us, but your resilience and compassion ensured O’Fallon continues to be a leader in St. Charles County. You’ve kept it “in the O” at businesses and restaurants all across the City, and you’ve protected your families and your community by wearing masks and practicing good social distancing. I know it has been difficult, but I’m grateful for your help as we work together to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19. Thanks to your efforts, our world-class parks and recreation facilities are once again offering a full spring lineup of your favorite events. They might look a little different this year, as we ensure they remain safe and socially distanced, but they’re just as fun as ever. We’re even offering new events this spring, like the Kids’ Spring Fling and the Duckie Dive. I’m sure they are going to become instant favorites for O’Fallon families. You can get a sneak peek at some of our upcoming events on page 3. On April 6, O’Fallon voters will go to the polls, and one of the issues they’ll decide is Proposition W. This proposition would establish a new Water Line Insurance Program, which would cover the cost of repairs to homeowners’ connecting water service lines (up to the program’s limits). This would join our popular Sewer Lateral Insurance Program in helping to protect homeowners from costly repair bills. Turn the page to learn more about this important proposition. Finally, I wanted to thank you for everything you do to keep this City one of America’s best places to live, work and play. I hope you enjoy everything your hometown has to offer this spring, and please continue to shop and dine locally at our great retailers and restaurants. Thank you! Sincerely,
In this issue 2
Municipal News
3
Spring Highlights
4
Upcoming Events
5
Volunteer Opportunities
Veterans Report
6-7 Roscoe’s Den 8-9 Renew O’Fallon 10 Police Bulletin 11 Boards & Commissions 12 Calendar
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
Heritage & Freedom Fest to rock O’Fallon Save the date for the best Independence Day celebration in St. Charles County, featuring exciting family-friendly activities and electrifying musical performances! This year’s Heritage & Freedom Fest features rock headliner Styx performing on the main stage on July 4th, and country music star Dylan Scott will take the stage on July 3rd. For more information and announcements of this year’s opening acts, keep an eye on our festival website at www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.
Spring is here! Get your first look at family fun on page 3.
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman
636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us
Deana Smith
636-379-5582 dsmith@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2 Councilmembers Tom “Duke” Herweck 636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us
Lisa Thompson
636-379-5591 lthompson@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Dale Kling
636-379-5586 dkling@ofallon.mo.us
Nathan Bibb
636-379-5585 nbibb@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 4 Councilmembers Jeff Kuehn
636-379-5587 jkuehn@ofallon.mo.us
Jim Ottomeyer
636-379-5580 jottomeyer@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook
636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Katie Gatewood
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5584 kgatewood@ofallon.mo.us
Remember to vote on April 6! On Tuesday, April 6, registered O’Fallon voters will get a chance to cast their vote in the general municipal election for their choice of Mayor to serve a four-year term. Voters also will decide on Proposition W (see below). The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. For more information about voting, visit the St. Charles County Election Authority website at www.sccmo.org/410/Election-Authority or call 636-949-7550.
2021 Mayoral Candidates (candidates listed in the order they will appear on the ballot):
• Paul C. Carlson • William “Bill” Hennessy • Debbie Cook • Mike Pheney • Arnie C. AC Dienoff
Candidates’ Forum to be held at O’Fallon City Hall The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council is hosting a pre-election Candidates’ Forum at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, for all candidates running in the City’s mayoral election on April 6. The public is welcome to attend the forum, which will be held in the City Council chambers at O’Fallon City Hall. The forum will be broadcast live on O’FallonTV via Charter cable channel 991 and AT&T U-verse channel 99 and will be available live and on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us.
Get informed about Proposition W When water is brought to homes, it travels from the primary water main in the middle of the street through a connecting water service line that generally travels under the front yard. Because this service line is under the homeowners’ property, the connecting line from the primary water main to the house is the responsibility of the homeowner, meaning if the line breaks, the homeowner is financially responsible. These repairs can be expensive. For example, the average cost of these repairs in the City of St. Charles was $2,800. This April, O’Fallon voters will have the option to vote on Proposition W, which would add a new Water Line Insurance Program to help protect homeowners from costly repairs. The program would be funded by a fee of up to $12 per year that will be paid as part of the homeowners’ annual property tax bill. Like the City’s popular Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, which voters passed in 2012, this proposition will cover all O’Fallon homeowners, regardless of their water company. If voters pass the proposition, covered expenses (up to program limits) will include: • Repairs to private water service lines that run between the water curb stop/exterior meter box and 1 foot outside of the exterior foundation wall • Required street, sidewalk and driveway pavement replacement • Seed and straw for yard repairs • Administrative costs To be eligible for the program, the property owner must have paid the previous year’s assessed fee and taxes for the property.
Citizens First Center
Water curb stop/ Exterior meter
636-379-5553
City Hall
636-240-2000
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
Water main
City pays replacement cost
Covered by Proposition W
Interior meter
This material was prepared and paid for by the City of O’Fallon, Bill Hennessy, Mayor, 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 solely to educate and inform residents about questions that may be presented at the polls. It is NOT intended to advocate, support or oppose the passage or defeat of any measure or candidate. Each voter should vote based on his or her own best judgment.
Bring on Spring! Sign up for family-friendly events at www.ofallon.mo.us/register Family Camping Night
Founders’ Day
Friday, March 19 – Saturday, March 20
Saturday, May 1 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Welcome spring and enjoy the great outdoors with an overnighter at O’Day Park! This weekend camping trip is perfect for beginners, and you’ll have a blast gathering around the campfire for a potluck cook-out! Then, wake up to a delicious breakfast on Saturday morning. Be sure to register by March 12.
Kids’ Spring Fling • Ages 2–12 Saturday, March 20 6–8 p.m., Dames Park Spring is here and we are ready to get outside and celebrate! Come out for a fun-packed evening with an egg hunt, food trucks, a DJ, activities and more! Registered participants will be able to search for and collect 6 glowing eggs and redeem them for prizes. This is an event that you won’t want to miss!
Underwater Egg Hunt • Ages 4–12 Friday, March 26 5:30–6:30 p.m. & 7–8 p.m., Renaud Center Natatorium What’s better than an egg hunt? An egg hunt in the Renaud Center’s indoor pool! Search high and low for eggs scattered all throughout the Natatorium, and keep an eye out for golden eggs that can be redeemed for a special prize! While you’re searching, the Easter Bunny may hop on by. New this year, we’re offering two time slots for egg-hunters, and eggs will be hidden in all parts of the pool to accommodate all age groups. Non-participant parents and siblings can join in the fun at a reduced rate.
Come out and experience O’Fallon’s history like you’ve never seen it before! This annual tradition has always been a celebration of the community’s heritage, and this year, Founders’ Day has a brand-new lineup of fun activities, experiences and performances for kids and adults. Admission and parking are free! Get all the details about this reimagined event at www.ofallon.mo.us/founders-day.
Free Jammin’ Concerts in Civic Park Tuesdays, June 1 – August 10 (no concert July 6) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand, Civic Park Take a break for summer fun with rock, country, R&B, soul and Motown by some of the region’s best bands performing live at free, weekly O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts! A variety of food trucks and concessionaires will sell tasty foods, cold treats and adult beverages. The ADA-compliant area around the bandstand has restrooms, paved paths and playgrounds.
2021 O’Fallon Jammin’ concert calendar June 1: That 80’s Band – Hits from the ‘80s June 8: On The Fence – Rock hits June 15: Dawson Hollow – Indie-folk rock June 22: Wildfire – Country hits June 29: FanFare – R&B, classic rock, disco & pop July 6: no concert July 13: Power Play – New age, Motown, R&B, rock & funk July 20: Trixie Delight – Hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s & now July 27: Big Rain – Current hits, pop, rock & alternative August 3: Butchwax & The Hollywoods – ‘60s & ‘70s hits August 10: Whiskey Morning – Danceable country jams For concert and food truck details, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/jammin. For weather updates, follow Visit O’Fallon on Facebook or visit our webpage. All pets must be leashed and no glass containers are allowed in the park. Band and food truck lineups may change without notice.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2021
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Upcoming Events Please refer to www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-474-2732 for the most up-to-date information, including program and event details, registration and schedules. The activities and events listed on the following pages are accurate as of press time, but all activities are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Puffs
Food Truck Frenzy featuring Steve Ewing
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 16-18 and 23-25
Friday, June 4 5:30–8:30 p.m., Sports Park
7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), East Entrance
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center opens Memorial Day weekend
Start the summer off with a food truck picnic, a free concert and free kids’ activities, too! Bring some chairs or a blanket and purchase food from some of the area’s best food trucks while you enjoy live music from Steve Ewing. Please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/food-truck-frenzy for the most up-todate listing of food trucks.
Saturday, May 29 – Monday, September 6 Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center
O’Fallon Performance in the Park
See page 34 in the Parks & Rec Guide for more information.
Get the most out of summer with a day at O’Fallon’s outdoor aquatic complex. Slide your choice of three water slides, float along the lazy river and watch the kids play on the water playground and the splash pad. Season passes are now available! See pages 12–13 of the Parks & Rec Guide for hours, admission information, summer passes and special events.
Thursday, June 24 6:30–8:30 p.m., O’Day Park Amphitheater Kick off your weekend early by rocking out at the O’Day Park Amphitheater with a pow wow featuring Beyond the Circle Dancers. In addition, enjoy delicious food truck fare, as well as beer and wine from local vendors that will be on site for purchase. Concert admission and parking are free. For the most current event details visit www.ofallon.mo.us/calendar.
Historic Site Tours Historic Heald Home & Zumwalt’s Fort tours Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays May 23 – September 26; 12–3 p.m.
Duckie Dive • Ages 3–12 Friday, June 4 6:30–8 p.m., Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center Help us celebrate the beginning of summer with our first-ever Duckie Dive! Participants will have a blast searching for and collecting rubber ducks in the pool. Golden ducks will also be hidden for an extra special prize! After all the ducks have been collected, participants will enjoy an evening of swimming.
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
This summer, come see O’Fallon’s historic treasures at Fort Zumwalt Park! Admission is $5 per person to see both attractions, and children 10 and under are admitted free. For private and/or group tours of 10 or more, please call 636-379-5502.
O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum in Civic Park Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays May 23 – September 26; 12–3 p.m., Free Meet and chat with the people who know O’Fallon’s history best as you tour the Log Cabin Museum. Tours are also available by appointment and during special events. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Volunteer Opportunities
Veterans Report
Alternative Spring Break
O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office
Wednesday, March 31 9–11 a.m. & 1–3 p.m.
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (except holidays) 636-978-3351 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us 1st floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Need a nature break or a stay-cation with impact? Then spend your spring break participating in environmental activities that benefit O’Fallon’s parks and the thousands of visitors who spend time in them! The morning session will see all-ages volunteers help prevent erosion in one of O'Fallon's many parks, and during our afternoon session volunteers ages 15+ will work to prepare seedlings for planting. Register by March 19.
Mission: Clean Stream Saturday, April 10 9–11 a.m. Spend the morning jumping in and cleaning out creeks with Volunteer O’Fallon! Help maintain a clean water system by clearing litter and debris from local creeks before it has a chance to move downstream, clog waterways and have a negative impact on native plants and wildlife. Families, groups and organizations with 10 or more members are encouraged to sign up by March 26.
Earth Day Saturday, April 24 9–11 a.m. Your help is needed at O’Fallon’s annual Earth Day celebration! Become a major participant in the community by volunteering for projects at roadsides and parks and help maintain a clean environment where nature can thrive. Families and organizations of 10 or more are encouraged to join in the fun. Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 9.
National Volunteer Month April 2021 Through service, citizens are empowered to create meaningful change and have a positive impact on others. Their support of City departments, boards and commissions, environmental and beautification projects, recreation activities and public events help to build a stronger community. Recognize the thousands of volunteers who contribute their time and effort to make O'Fallon a better place for all by sending them kind words of appreciation!
Join these events! Call 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
The Veterans Assistance Office is staffed by U.S. military veterans who are dedicated to helping all U.S. military veterans and their families regarding eligibility or entitlement to VA benefits. Any veteran or family member in need of information regarding military benefits is welcome. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Veterans Assistance Office is requesting walk-ins make an appointment until further notice. There are volunteers staffing the office to respond to emails and calls requesting assistance or information. Please contact us if you need help. Be sure to leave your name, rank, telephone number, email address and a brief description of the issue you need help with.
Patriotic Ceremonies Throughout the year, O’Fallon offers commorative, patriotic ceremonies to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of our nation’s armed forces. All are welcome at these ceremonies, many of which are held at the Veterans Memorial Walk, O’Fallon’s unique memorial honoring all five branches of the United States military.
Vietnam War Anniversary Ceremony Sunday, March 28 1 p.m., St. Charles County Veterans Museum
Armed Forces Day Ceremony Saturday, May 15 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 31 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
Roscoe’s Den Trash, recycling and yard waste announcements Weekly yard waste disposal resumes March 8
Free Bulk Waste Drop-off Events
With lawns already greening up, it’s time to get mowing! Our weekly yard waste service resumes the week of March 8. As a reminder, your yard waste pickup day is the same as your recycling day.
Saturday, April 10 and June 12 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Environmental Services Transfer Station
If you’re not yet enrolled in yard waste collection, you can sign up at any time. The cost is $5.62 per month ($11.25 per bi-monthly trash bill). A one-year commitment is required. To sign up or for more information contact staff at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
Drop of your bulk-waste from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 and June 12. During these events, O’Fallon trash customers can drop off certain items that are too large to fit in trash containers, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. There is no charge for trash customers. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane. For a full list of eligible items and event rules, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste.
Free Shred-It Day for O’Fallon residents Saturday, May 15 8 a.m. – noon, Environmental Services building O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department offers a “Shred-It Day” where anyone can bring in boxes of paper to be shredded in a secure environment. The event will take place on Saturday, May 15 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Environmental Services building at 1550 Progress West Lane.
Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events Saturday, April 3 and June 19 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., parking lot southwest of CarShield Field You can bring outdated or broken electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 3 and June 19. The drop-off events will be held in the parking lot at the southwest corner of T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Tom Ginnever Avenue, adjacent to CarShield Field. The events are free except for the following: • LED/LCD/Plasma televisions = $20
To participate, place the documents in cardboard bankers’ boxes, or cardboard boxes of a similar size, and drive up to the facility and drop them off. Please make sure the boxes are not too heavy to lift or overfilled. The service is free for residents for up to five bankers-sized boxes. Additional boxes will be accepted for a cost of $5 per box. Additionally, non-residents can drop off their paper for shredding for a cost of $5 per box. Residents must bring photo identification showing O’Fallon residency and all trash customers must have their account in good standing in order to receive the free services. Please do not bring computer discs or hanging file rods. If you can tear it, then you can shred it with this complimentary service. It is okay for documents to have staples or paper clips.
• CRT Monitors = $5 • CRT TV’s 26” or less = $30 • CRT TV’s 27” or greater = $50 • Wood console and big screen/projection TVs = $50 • Any freon containing unit = $10 For a detailed list of items that can be recycled and future event dates, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/electronics-recycling. Or, call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
9
Recycling reminders Thank you for your continued support of the recycling program in O’Fallon! Below are some helpful guidelines that ensure our program works effectively and efficiently, and that we are able to recycle as much material as possible.
Curbside recyclables The following items can be placed directly into your curbside recycling bin. All materials must be empty, clean and dry or they cannot be recycled. • Glass bottles and jars
Environmental Services launches new roll-off container service Have a major renovation project coming up? Need to clean out the basement or garage? A large roll-off trash container can make these big jobs much easier. Now you can get a roll-off container delivered right to your driveway! Roll-off containers may be used for most trash, excluding tires, appliances, liquids, car batteries and hazardous waste. In addition, roll-off containers may be used for yard waste projects, but yard waste may not be combined with other trash. Container sizes vary with 10–, 20– and 30–yard containers currently available. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/roll-off or call 636-272-0477 to reserve a roll-off container.
• Aluminum cans • Tin cans • Plastic containers (clear or colored) with a recycle symbol on them. Please, no #4 or #6 or black plastics. • Please do not bag your recyclables as bags are not acceptable in our program. You may place the recyclable items listed above directly into the curbside bin.
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Drop-off recyclables Paper and cardboard are not accepted in the curbside bins, but both materials can be dropped of at one of the City’s three dropoff locations: • O’Fallon City Hall (100 North Main Street, 63366) • O’Fallon Justice Center (1019 Bryan Road, 63366) • Renaud Center (2650 Tri Sports Circle, 63368) Acceptable paper products include: • • • • • •
Newspapers, inserts and magazines Telephone books Books - paperback and hardcover books are acceptable! Computer paper Junk mail Brown grocery bags
Acceptable cardboard products include:
Cardboard
• Corrugated boxes and small pieces of cardboard • Pressed fiber (such as cereal boxes, shoe boxes & tissue boxes) • Please ensure all cardboard is broken down flat. Styrofoam pieces are not acceptable and should be thrown away.
10-yard Roll-off Container (14’ L x 8’ W x 3’10” H) Perfect for: heavy materials, concrete and bricks, dirt and stones, small remodeling projects.
20 20-yard Roll-off Container (23’ L x 8’ W x 4’7” H) Perfect for: house and yard cleanouts, roofing projects, small remodeling projects.
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To learn more about our recycling program, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/recycling.
ROSCOE says: Thank you for recycling!
30-yard Roll-off Container (23’ L x 8’ W x 6’ H) Perfect for: mid-sized remodeling projects, mid-sized house and yard cleanouts, light demolition.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2021
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Renew O’Fallon Your tax dollars at work!
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
I-70 Improvements continue with phase 2
2021 Concrete Program to expand
After the successful conclusion of the first phase of the I-70 Corridor Improvements Project, work has begun on the second phase of this important renovation project. Phase 2 will see the completion of the Texas U-Turn on the west side of Highway K, as well as improvements to the outer road system between Woodlawn Avenue and Highway K.
Each year, the Annual Concrete Program replaces deficient concrete slabs in various roadways throughout the City. Streets are chosen based on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating. You can visit www.ofallon.mo.us/projects to find a list of the streets that will be included in this year’s program.
Highway DD Improvements to begin soon If you have driven south of WingHaven in the past few years, you’ve no doubt seen how much growth is occuring in southern O’Fallon. In cooperation with MoDOT, the Highway DD Improvements project will help meet the growing needs of the area. This project includes improvements to the Highway DD corridor near the I-64/DD interchange, and will include the addition of traffic lights and a roundabout, widening the roadway and adding traffic lanes. Construction is expected to begin in late spring.
Thanks to residents passing a “use tax” in 2020, O’Fallon will expand the investment in the 2021 Concrete Program from $500,000 to $2.5 million, a five-fold increase that will make an immediate impact on our neighborhood roads and streets.
Mexico Road improvements continue This multi-year project involves the resurfacing of Mexico Road from Highway K to Bryan Road. Included in this renovation are ADA upgrades at public street intersections and the installation of a new pedestrian bridge on the south side of Mexico Road at the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue. Look for construction to begin in the summer.
WingHaven Blvd. resurfacing underway From Highway N to Technology Road, WingHaven Boulevard will be resurfaced and stormwater improvements will be added to help with existing drainage issues. Construction is expected to begin in early summer.
2021 Stormwater projects begin this spring This group of projects involves stormwater infrastructure upgrades to locations throughout O’Fallon, including Great Warrior Meadows, Laura Hills Drive, Keevan Lake and Sunset Acres. The general scope of work for these locations involves installation of infrastructure, site grading and site restoration.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion underway To meet changing Missouri Department of Natural Resources guidelines, O’Fallon launched a large-scale expansion of the City’s wastewater treatment plant. In additional to general upgrades, construction is currently underway on a new biologic nutrient removal tank and cascade aerator. Plant upgrades are expected to be completed in 2022.
Cannonball Lane water tower to be repaired
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
As part of our regular maintenance cycle, the 500,000 gallon elevated storage water tank located on Cannonball Lane, just north of East Terra Lane, is undergoing repairs, repainting and the installation of a new mixing system. Construction started in February and is expected to wrap up in May.
Please do not post signs on public property The City of O’Fallon has ordinances prohibiting the placement of private signs, even temporary ones, on public property or infrastructure. This includes signs for missing pets and garage sales. In addition to being illegal, posting signs can cause unsightly damage to sign posts and lamp posts from tape residue and peeling paint.
Stormwater Management Storm drain maintenance on private property
Water and Sewer Protect your home and sewer system by keeping “FOG” out of the sewer! Take action to protect your home and sewer by properly disposing of fats, oils and grease (FOG) used in cooking instead of disposing them down the drain. FOG can look harmless when it begins as a liquid. When it cools, however, FOG becomes thick and sticky, adhering to the pipes in sewer system and potentially causing clogs, basement backups and sewer overflows. FOG also can cause issues in the pipes of your home, producing clogs or backups. Fats, oils and grease are a byproduct of cooking and are mostly found in the following:
You can help prevent pollution and clogging of the storm sewer system and protect your property. Keeping storm sewers free of pollution and clogs from leaves, sticks and more ensures the system can function as designed and helps minimize water buildup that may damage houses or yards.
• Meats
Storm drains are designed to capture stormwater runoff and are either located at the curb of the street or in backyards. The stormwater runoff is not treated or filtered, so whatever enters the system, exits the system somewhere else downstream into local steams or retention/detention basins.
• Food scraps
In order for the storm drains to work properly, they need to be kept clear of debris and other obstacles that may obstruct their openings. If the openings become clogged, this could increase the risk of localized flooding in yards, causing property damage.
How can you help? • You can help by keeping these openings clear. Clearing such debris from in front of storm sewers will help them function as intended. Do not plant landscape around the openings; stay at least three feet away from openings. • Do not deposit grass clippings, leaves or branches into storm sewers. Large accumulations can cause pipes to become clogged and back up and flood properties or streets. • Remove trees and bushes directly next to storm sewers when they are just starting to grow before they get large enough to cause potential damage to the storm sewer structures or block flow due to their size. If a larger concern arises, call the Stormwater Maintenance Division at 636-379-7632.
• Cooking oil • Lard or shortening • Butter or margarine • Mayonnaise • “Hidden oils” (salad dressings, syrup, batter, cheese and whipping cream, etc.) You can do your part to help sewer systems work properly by using the disposal methods provided below: • Wipe visible FOG and food scraps from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash for disposal. • Never pour FOG down your sink drain, garbage disposal or the sewer system • Cool it, can it and trash it. Pour cooled FOG into a container such as empty pet food, vegetable or coffee cans. Allow the material to cool and solidify. Secure the lid and place it in the trash when full.
You can help a local charity when you pay O’Fallon utility bills Residents can easily assist local charities by donating $1, $3 or $5 per billing cycle when they pay their City water, sewer and trash collection bills. Each year, the O’Fallon City Council designates a charity to receive the funds, and for 2021 your voluntary donation can help Meals on Wheels. The nonprofit depends on voluntary donations for the hot, nutritious food delivered to homebound seniors who can’t easily make a meal. To register for the donation program, please call 636-379-5566 or email kpieper@ofallon.mo.us.
Have a question or concern for City of O’Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2021
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Police Bulletins Observant. Professional. Dedicated.
www.ofallon.mo.us/pd
New “dangerous animal” ordinance O’Fallon’s City Council has recently updated the ordinances affecting and regulating dangerous animals. Following recommendations from O’Fallon’s Animal Control section, the ordinance allows dangerous animals to be kept within the owner’s home after a bite or severe injury event, as long as certain conditions are met. Those conditions are: • The animal must be registered with the O’Fallon Police Department, and the O’Fallon Police Department must be notified within 24 hours of death or change in ownership.
O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team Friday – Sunday, March 12–14 Streets Department Building, 1089 Public Works Drive Attend this free, hands-on workshop on disaster preparedness! People from all walks of life are invited to learn basic disaster response skills through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The O’Fallon Police Department’s course will cover disaster preparation and survival, disaster psychology, basic medical treatment, terrorism, fire safety and light search and rescue. Classes meet from 6–10 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Participants completing the course will be able to keep valuable training materials for reference and participate in additional free training each month. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/CERT to get more information and to register. For questions, call 636-949-7900 x4642 or email Officer Gene Delaney at gdelaney@ofallon.mo.us.
Help prevent crime by registering your home camera or surveillance system If you have a doorbell camera or surveillance system, consider signing up for our Residential Surveillance Program, which would allow O’Fallon Police to contact you and request footage if a crime occurs in your area. This only gives officers your contact information, not access to any cameras or video. The O’Fallon Police Department will only use this information to investigate crimes in the vicinity of your home or business. To register, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/pd.
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
• The animal must be impounded for quarantine following any subsequent bite or severe injury event. • The animal must wear an orange identifying collar at all times with a “dangerous animal” tag. • The animal shall be confined indoors, or outside in a suitable kennel or enclosure. • The animal must be leashed and muzzled when off the owner’s property, such as during a walk. • Loose or unconfined animals must be reported to the O’Fallon Police Department immediately. • The owner must maintain signage on their property alerting the fact that a “dangerous animal” is present. • The owner must maintain minimum liability insurance in the amount of $200,000. With the understanding that each case of animal bite or severe injury is different, these new regulations will allow more flexibility in enforcing reasonable standards of care, and allow the courts greater flexibility in adopting remedies best suited to the circumstances of each case. Please note: An animal can only be deemed “dangerous” by a judge following a trial. Any violations of the above conditions will result in the removal of the dangerous animal from the City.
Free gun locks are available at the Justice Center Gun locks are an important part of responsible firearm safety, and can be critical in protecting children and teens from firearm tragedies. That’s why the O’Fallon Police Department is proud to offer free gun locks to our community. There’s no need to call, just stop by the O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to pick up your complimentary gun lock.
Join a Board or Commission The City of O’Fallon has ten boards, commissions and committees whose members play an instrumental role in guiding civic governance. If you’d like to become active in local government, provide direction to meet the needs of residents (your neighbors), preserve the community’s history, ensure a clean, healthy environment or have skills you’d like to share, please consider applying for one of the following openings:
Board of Adjustment Alternate member – one open position The Board of Adjustment’s responsibility is to consider variances — permission to modify the regulations of Title IV: Land Use of the Municipal Code — on a case-by-case basis. The board meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall).
your e k a M : n o ti lu o s Re alth e h l a t n e m d n a l physica 21 a priority in 20
Cultural Arts Commission Ward 3 representative – one open position The Cultural Arts Commission’s purpose is to foster art, culture and art education in the City of O’Fallon by recommending suitable art to be commissioned and/or acquired (permanently or temporarily), find and recommend suitable sites for the public display of artwork and raise funds to support the City’s public art initiative. The commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Renaud Center.
We are devoted to maintaining a safe and clean environment for our Members & O’Fallon residents
NEW NORMAL
Historic Preservation Commission Ward 4 representative – one open position Non-voting member – two open positions
SOCIAL DISTANCING IS PRACTICED IN ALL AREAS
The mission of the O’Fallon Historic Preservation Commission is to provide a means to promote the cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of structures and areas of historic and cultural interest within the City of O’Fallon. The commission meets every other month on the first Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall).
Staying safe doesn’t mean giving up on your fitness goals. At the Renaud Center, we’ve THE ENTIRE FACILITY IS DEEP-CLEANED DAILYtop to rethought all of our programs from bottom — so the only thing you need to think about is your next workout.
NEW YOU
RENAUD CENTER STAFF IS MASKED AT ALL TIMES
Senior Resident Advisory Committee Member at large – two open positions The Senior Resident Advisory Committee advises the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator regarding issues affecting O’Fallon’s senior citizens. The committee studies, assesses and renders advice on plans and City programs related to seniors, and brings forth issues and concerns to the City’s elected officials in order to better serve senior residents. The committee meets quarterly at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall).
Apply to join a board online! Go to www.ofallon.mo.us/city-clerk
MASKED-UP
Staff & Trainers
SOCIALLY-DISTANCED Programs & Classes
DEEP-CLEANED Every Day
No enrollment fees, hidden fees
Plus noorenrollment annual fees,fees, ever!hidden fees or anual fees... EVER!
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WWW.RENAUDCENTER.COM www.ofallon.mo.us www.renaudcenter.com Autumn 2020
Calendar March
The meetings and events below are subject to change due to the COVID-19 situation. Please go to www.ofallon.mo.us for the most up-to-date calendar of events.
20
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
21
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
9
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
Court Payment Docket, 1.30 p.m., Justice Center
10
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
11
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
22
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
12-14 Community Emergency Response Team training
23-25 O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Puffs, 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
15
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center
24
Earth Day, 9-11 a.m.
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
26
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Mayors’ Youth Advisory Council Candidates Forum, 6:30 p.m.
17
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
19-20 Family Camping Night, O’Day Park 20
Kids’ Spring Fling, 6-8 p.m., Dames Park
24
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Court Payment Docket, 1.30 p.m., Justice Center
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
25
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
26
Jr. Underwater Egg Hunt, 11 a.m., Renaud Center
Underwater Egg Hunt, 5:30-6:30 p.m. & 7-8 p.m., Renaud Center
28
Vietnam War Anniversary Ceremony, St. Charles Veterans Museum
29
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
31
Alternative Spring Break, 9-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
April
May 1
Founders’ Day, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
4
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
5
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Renaud Center
6
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
10
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
11
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
12
Free Shred-It Day, 8 a.m., Environmental Services Bldg.
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
17
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
18
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
19
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Court Payment Docket, 1.30 p.m., Justice Center
1
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
3
Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m., CarShield Field parking lot
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
27
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
6
Municipal Elections (Remember to vote!)
29
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center opens for the season
6
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
31
Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
7
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
City Hall, Records and Courts offices CLOSED
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Renaud Center
8
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
10
Bulk Waste Drop-Off, 7 a.m., Environmental Services Bldg.
Mission: Clean Stream, 9-11 a.m.
12
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
13
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
14
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
16-18 O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Puffs, 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. 18-24 National Volunteer Week 19
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
12
June
1
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
Jammin’ Outdoor Concert Series, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park
2
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Renaud Center
3
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
4
Duckie Dive, 6:30 p.m., Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center
Food Truck Frenzy, 5:30 p.m., Sports Park
7
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
8
Jammin’ Outdoor Concert Series, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, public meetings are held at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street. Municipal Court is held at the O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road. Visit the City of O’Fallon’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us, for the latest news and meeting agendas. Most meetings are broadcast live and on demand at www.ofallon.mo.us/OFallonTV.
