The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri
Spring 2022 • www.ofallon.mo.us
The more things change... Make your home more comfortable with grants for new HVAC systems Looking to replace your aging heating, cooling and ventilation systems in your home? O'Fallon's Home Improvement Loan Program makes it easy to upgrade your home's HVAC system with one-time, no-interest forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to eligible residents. To qualify, applicants must have owned and lived in their home for at least a year, be current on their mortgage and real estate taxes and meet household income limits and other criteria to qualify. Following the work, the loan will be entirely forgiven if you remain in your home for at least five years. More information and a full list of eligibility requirements and income limits can be found online at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants, and you can also learn more about other grant programs for eligible low- to moderate-income O'Fallon families.
In this issue 2
Municipal News
3
Spring Highlights
4
Upcoming Events
5
Volunteer Opportunities Patriotic Ceremonies
6
Roscoe’s Den
8
Renew O’Fallon
9
Water & Sewer
10 Police Bulletins 11
M
ore so than any other season, spring represents a celebration of change and growth — and few cities in Missouri have grown like O’Fallon has! According to the latest U.S. Census, O’Fallon has officially crested 91,000 residents, and our municipal services have grown as well, ensuring you receive the service you deserve and expect from your City Hall. Five years ago we unveiled our “Renew O’Fallon” initiative, a multi-year plan to reinvest in our City’s infrastructure and rebuild our City’s aging roads. Since that time, we’ve invested tens of millions of dollars into street and road improvements. And now, thanks to the use tax passed by our generous voters in 2020, our investment has grown even larger. I’m proud to see the “Renew O’Fallon” logo out in our neighborhoods, because I know it means your tax dollars are hard at work making our City better for everyone! This spring, Parks & Recreation is swinging into full gear. Beginning April 22, theater lovers can enjoy The Addams Family, a new musical comedy from our talented O'FallonTheatreWorks performers. Two brand-new events put the focus on the furrier members of your family starting with the Doggy Bone Hunt on April 9, followed by Whiskers & Wags, O'Fallon's first-ever pet expo and adoption drive, on May 14. But it’s not all change in O’Fallon, and I’m looking forward to plenty of returning traditions! Jammin’, our popular summer concert series, returns with a fresh lineup of artists. I’m also marking my calendar for the annual Founders’ Day celebration, Food Truck Frenzy events and, of course, Heritage & Freedom Fest. I hope you and your family get outside and enjoy these incredible festivals! One thing will never change, regardless of the season, and that’s the need to shop local and “Keep it in the O.” Shopping and dining at our great local retailers and restaurants is what makes O’Fallon such a great place to call home. Your support truly makes a difference. Sincerely,
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
Get your hometown delivered right to your inbox! Upcoming events, important updates and news about your community: they’re all inside O’Fallon’s weekly e-newsletter! Register in seconds at www.ofallon.mo.us/news, and stay up-to-date about everything happening around O’Fallon.
Special Feature
12 Calendar
Explore the history of Sage Chapel Cemetery on page 11.
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers
Please remember to vote on April 5! On Tuesday, April 5, registered O’Fallon voters will get a chance to cast their vote in the general municipal election for their choice of City Council member to serve a three-year term representing the ward in which they live. The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Dave Hinman
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. The final date to register to vote is March 9.
Deana Smith
The candidates for the offices of City Council are as follows (candidates listed in the order they will appear on the ballot):
636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us 636-379-5582 dsmith@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2 Councilmembers
Ward 1
Ward 4
Tom “Duke” Herweck
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Lisa Thompson
Ward 2
636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us
636-379-5591 lthompson@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Nathan Bibb
636-379-5585 nbibb@ofallon.mo.us
Vacant
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
Ron Connell
rconnell@ofallon.mo.us
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Deana Smith Arnie C. AC Dienoff
Ward 5
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Debbie Cook
Tom “Duke” Herweck
Ward 3
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Jim Ottomeyer
Steve E. Koskela Michael Sinclair
April 5
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 Monday, March 14, for all candidates running in the City’s municipal election on April 5. 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 will be available live and on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us.
Veterans Report O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except holidays) 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us 1st floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Helpful Numbers
The Veterans Assistance Office is staffed by veterans who are dedicated to helping all U.S. military veterans and their families regarding eligibility or entitlement to VA benefits.
Citizens First Center 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
Public Assistance O’Fallon’s grants and assistance programs can help eligible residents with home maintenance, transportation and other needs For low-income residents and others who qualify for help, the City of O’Fallon offers a variety of programs such as zero-interest loans for home maintenance, down payment support for new homeowners, emergency homeless prevention programs and transportation to essential living destinations. All programs are subject to funding availability. Check your eligibility and learn more about available programs at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.
Spring is in the air Enjoy family time outdoors in O’Fallon all season long! Kids’ Spring Fling • Ages 2–12
Free Jammin’ Concerts in Civic Park
Saturday, April 9 6–8 p.m., Krekel Civic Center
Tuesdays, May 31 – August 9 (no concert July 5) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand, Civic Park
Spring is here and we are ready to get outside and celebrate! Join us for our second-annual Kids’ Spring Fling at Civic Park. This fun-packed evening will feature tons of dancing, a DJ, a glowing egg hunt, the Bubble Bus and so much more spring fun! This is an event that you won’t want to miss; register by April 4.
Take a break for summer fun with rock, country, R&B, soul and Motown as some of the region’s best bands perform live at free, weekly Jammin’ concerts! Every Tuesday, the Civic Park Bandstand will be rockin' and rollin' with performances by new favorites and returning artists.
Founders’ Day
A variety of food trucks and concessionaires will sell favorite foods, cold treats and adult beverages. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating at this weekly family-friendly event.
Saturday, May 7 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Come out and experience our 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 lineup of fun activities, experiences and performances for kids and adults. Admission and parking are free! Plus, tour the historic Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort early during the event. Get all the details at www.ofallon.mo.us/founders-day.
Whiskers & Wags Saturday, May 14 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Civic Park Show off your passion for pets at O’Fallon’s first-ever pet-focused expo and adoption drive! Adopt a new best friend from local agencies, shop vendor booths with incredible pet products, grab a bite to eat (and share it with your furry pals), and enjoy more great pet-themed events and activities.
2022 Jammin’ concert calendar May 31: Dr. Zhivegas – Dance rock hits June 7: Silver Bullet – Tribute to Bob Seger June 14: Fine To Drive – Original country jams June 21: FEEL – Original rock & alternative June 28: High Velocity – Party chart-toppers July 5: no concert July 12: Trixie Delight – Legendary STL cover band July 19: The Big Rigs – Country & Americana July 26: Brushville – High-energy country tunes August 2: Fat Pocket – Hits from the ‘60s–’80s August 9: Butch Wax & The Hollywoods – Classics from the ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s For concert and food truck details, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/jammin. For weather updates, visit O'Fallon Parks & Recreation's rainout line at www.ofallon. mo.us/parks&rec, or call 636-333-9900. All pets must be leashed and no glass containers are allowed in the park. Please note that band and food truck lineups may change without notice.
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/calendar Doggy Bone Hunt Saturday, April 9 1:30–3 p.m., Krekel Civic Center Everyone loves Easter egg hunts, but why should humans have all the fun? Bond with your pup and let them use their brains and noses to hunt for bones at our first-ever Doggy Bone Hunt. This event will really get tails wagging, and your dog will love hanging out with their best friend!
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents The Addams Family — A New Musical Comedy
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center opens Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 28 Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center 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 24–25 of the Parks & Rec Guide for hours, admission information, summer passes and special events.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 22–24 & April 29 – May 1 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), East Entrance Enjoy a fresh musical comedy from our talented O'FallonTheatreWorks performers! See page 22 in the Parks & Rec Guide for more information.
O’Fallon Public Works Fair Wednesday, May 18 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Bring the kids to see the big trucks and the vehicles used to provide City services, such as street sweepers, snow plows, a paint striper, a recycling truck and more. The event is free, and demonstrations include working models of the City’s water treatment plant and the enviroscape water pollution model. Enjoy free rides on the City train, safety awareness games for kids, giveaways, booths and the chance to talk to City staff. A free hot dog lunch with chips and water will be available.
Food Truck Frenzy Friday, June 3 5:30–8:30 p.m., Sports Park 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. Please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/foodtruck-frenzy for the most up-to-date listing of food trucks.
Heritage and Freedom Fest to rock O’Fallon July 1, 4 – 10 p.m. • Carnival only July 2, 4 – 10 p.m. • Family Night July 3, 4 – 11 p.m. • Country Night July 4, Noon – 10 p.m. • Rock Night
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Save the date for the best Independence Day celebration in St. Charles County, featuring expanded hours and more fun! Enjoy the thrilling carnival and midway, jam out to free musical performances by national rock and country bands and settle in for the most dazzling fireworks display in the region. For more information and for the announcements of this year’s opening acts, keep an eye on www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.
Join the fun at O’Fallon’s 2022 Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade Monday, July 4 9:30 a.m., downtown O’Fallon Get your group together and join the parade by creating an attention-grabbing, patriotic parade entry for the Fourth of July! The Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade is open to clubs, churches, businesses, scout troops, civic organizations, and families.
Volunteer Opportunities Alternative Spring Break Spend your spring break participating in volunteer activities that benefit O’Fallon’s parks and Municipal Centre, and the thousands of visitors who spend time in them! Assist with painting projects at O’Fallon City Hall, help prevent erosion in one of O’Fallon’s many parks and work to prepare seedlings for future planting. Please register by March 10. March 21–22, 24–25 – Painting Project (Ages 15+) 9–11 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) March 23 – Dames Park Project (All Ages) 9–11 a.m., Dames Park March 23 – Greenhouse Project (Ages 15+) 1–3 p.m., Westhoff Park
Mission: Clean Stream Saturday, April 2 9–11 a.m. Parade applications, FAQs and pointers are available at www. heritageandfreedomfest.com/parade. Entry forms also can be picked up at the Renaud Center and City Hall. Applications must be submitted or postmarked by noon on June 3.
Historic Site Tours Historic Heald Home & Zumwalt’s Fort tours Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays May 22 – September 25; 12–3 p.m. 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 22 – September 25; 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.
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. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up by March 26.
Earth Day Saturday, April 23 9 a.m. – 12 p.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. Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 8.
Patriotic Ceremonies Vietnam War Remembrance Day Ceremony Sunday, March 27 1 p.m., St. Charles County Veterans Museum
Armed Forces Day Ceremony Saturday, May 21 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 30 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 9 and June 18 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 9 and June 18. 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 14 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 14 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Environmental Services building at 1550 Progress West Lane.
Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events Saturday, April 16 and June 25 8 a.m. – noon, 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 16 and June 25. 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
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CRT Monitors = $5
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CRT TV’s 26” or less = $30
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CRT TV’s 27” or greater = $50
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Wood console and big screen/projection TVs = $50
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Any freon containing unit = $10
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.
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
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Aluminum cans
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Tin cans
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Plastic containers (clear or colored) with a recycle symbol on them. Please, no #4 or #6 or black plastics.
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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.
Make spring cleaning or home renovations a breeze with roll-off container rental 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.
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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: •
City Hall Overflow Parking Lot (101 Sonderen Street, 63366)
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O’Fallon Justice Center (1019 Bryan Road, 63366)
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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
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Corrugated boxes and small pieces of cardboard
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Pressed fiber (such as cereal boxes, shoe boxes & tissue boxes)
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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 2022
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Renew O’Fallon Your tax dollars at work!
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
Projects and ongoing developments continue across O’Fallon
Remember to drive safely around O'Fallon work crews
Change is happening across O'Fallon as we work to improve your roads and streets. City Staff continue to work on improvement projects throughout our community, and motorists will soon see the benefits of these important infrastructure upgrades.
In 2022, O'Fallon is making a big investment in our City's infrastructure, and motorists can expect to see our road crews hard at work all across town. While they're busy improving our City's roads, motorists can do their part by driving safely through road construction zones. When entering a work zone:
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Slow down: Over a third of work zone accidents occur because the driver was traveling too fast. Even when workers aren't visible, obey the posted speed limit.
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Stay focused: Keep your full attention on the road. Never multitask when passing through a work area.
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Be prepared: Traffic could unexpectedly slow or stop, traffic lanes can merge and workers or equipment could enter the roadway.
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Obey signs and flaggers: Flags and warning signs are there to help you move safely through work zones and detours.
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Keep back: Maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead of you can help keep you safe. Rear-end colisions account for 30% of work zone accidents.
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Highway DD Improvements This rapidly-expanding region of the City has seen extensive reworking of the critical Highway DD corridor. Vehicle traffic is now making use of the new pavement, and can make use of the new intersection at Dalriada Blvd. Work continues on the northbound lanes and the eastbound and westbound exit ramps from I-64, and we’re expecting to wrap up this project in the summer months. Asphalt & Crack Sealing This year, crews are preparing to mill and overlay 27,000 square yards of asphalt pavement, and the project will include upgrades to curb ramps throughout the City. Meanwhile, our crack sealing teams will be sealing joints and cracks on roughly 67 lane miles of roadway throughout our neighborhoods and subdivisions. I-70 Improvements Project Following the successful completion of the first phase of the I-70 Corridor Improvements Project, work has begun on the second phase of this important renovation project. City Staff are entering into a construction agreement approval with a contractor, and work is anticipated to begin soon. 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. Construction will begin soon and will conclude in mid-2023.
O’Fallon’s use tax by the numbers This year, nearly every neighborhood road and street in O’Fallon will see dramatic improvements thanks to a use tax passed by voters in 2020. Funds raised will allow the City to remove and replace 54,000 square yards of pavement. We’ll also be adding hundreds of square yards of curb ramps and sidewalks to make our City more ADA-accessible. All that concrete, laid end-to-end, adds up to 7.27 lane miles of improvement. That’s enough to reach the top of Mt. Everest — and continue for nearly two more miles past the peak!
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.
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Meats
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Cooking oil
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Lard or shortening
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Butter or margarine
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Mayonnaise
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.
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Food scraps
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“Hidden oils” (salad dressings, syrup, batter, cheese and whipping cream, etc.)
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? •
•
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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.
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.
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Never pour FOG down your sink drain, garbage disposal or the sewer system
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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 2022 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 2022
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Police Bulletins www.ofallon.mo.us/pd O’Fallon Safety Town teaches young children how to stay and play safe O’Fallon Safety Town is a nationally-accredited program to teach children ages 4½ through 6½ how to play safe and stay safe. The course is presented in a kid-sized, simulated city layout and classroom and includes an off-campus field trip. Under the guidance of police officers, a certified teacher, paramedics, firefighters, railroad police and trained volunteer staff, children can experience “real life” situations and they will be taught to evaluate “safe from unsafe” and how to react safely. O’Fallon’s Safety Town course is devoted exclusively to teaching safety.
Explore a career in law enforcement The O’Fallon Police Exploring Post #2943 is a hands-on program open to young men and women, 14½ through 20 years old, interested in a career in law enforcement or criminal justice. The program offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. The program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism. Exploring is a unique career exploration program. The program provides students with an opportunity to learn about and network with professionals already working in the Law Enforcement Field. You get hands-on experience to determine whether or not the Law Enforcement field is right for you. You develop valuable networking contacts with professionals working in the Law Enforcement Field, and you get to know other youth with your same interests and aspirations. Exploring is the first step in identifying career possibilities while having fun in an exciting and informal environment. Some of the benefits of the Exploring Program include:
Registration for the program opens Monday, April 1, when parents or legal guardians can register in person at the Renaud Center or online at www.ofallon.mo.us/safety-town. Space is limited, so early enrollment is encouraged. The cost for the two-week session is $60 per child; each additional child from the same family is $40. Fees must be paid in full when children are enrolled.
Morning (9–11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (12:30–3 p.m.) Saftey Town classes will be offered during the following 2-week sessions at Progress South Elementary School: • June 6–17 • June 20 – July 1 • July 11–22
• • • • • • • • • •
Strong personal values and character development Build self-worth and self-confidence Leadership skills training and development Social development Unique career experiences, networking and internships Personal growth Volunteer opportunities Group collaboration and teamwork Scholarships available only to Explorers Add Exploring to your college, job and scholarship applications
To learn more about becoming a Police Explorer or to register, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/police-explorers.
Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation. No agenda, just a chance to get the know the officers serving your neighborhood! Check our Facebook page for upcoming events.
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Sage Chapel
CEMETERY Fresh-cut flowers, old photographs and personal effects: these are the items you’d expect to see adorning grave markers and tombstones dotted across a well-manicured grounds. But, for many years, all that greeted a visitor to one of O’Fallon’s oldest cemeteries was tangled brush and overgrown grass, shrouding the final resting places of our community’s ancestors.
Tucked away on a quiet, shady plot of land along Veterans Memorial Parkway and marked by a proud wooden sign, Sage Chapel Cemetery stands as a testament to the Black community who have long called this area home. Glance at the names on the well-worn markers, and see a veritable who’s-who of long-time O’Fallon families: Dierker, Morris, White, Edwards, Hayden. The cemetery is home to them and many more waiting to be identified. But, while the peaceful grounds stand today as their final resting place, so too does Sage Chapel Cemetery remind us of a darker period in O’Fallon’s history. Black men and women have been an important part of our community’s heritage since before O’Fallon even existed as an incorporated city, working jobs, raising families, going to church and, it must be stated, toiling as slaves. In the early 1800s, Samuel Keithly and his family settled in the region, bringing along their workforce of slaves. They purchased hundreds of acres of farmland adjacent to Arnold Krekel—brother of O’Fallon’s founder Nicolas—and by the 1840s were one of the largest slave-holding families in St. Charles County. Burials had long been taking place on the Keithly plantation when Samuel’s daughter Mahala Keithly-Castlio
inherited the land, and she and her husband deeded an acre in 1881 to the St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church so that former slaves and their descendants could continue to be buried where their forebears had lain in peace for decades. That same deed also awarded another half-acre of land (and the small church building that sat upon it) to the St. John’s A.M.E. The cemetery, and the chapel that shared its name, were officially born. The cemetery’s earliest burials were men and women born into slavery, like Pricella Ball (1812–1900) and Rufus White (1852– 1919). As O’Fallon grew, Sage Chapel Cemetery continued to faithfully serve the Black community, and members of Cravens Methodist and Wishwell Baptist were interred in the cemetery as well. In the 1940s, Black residents began moving away from O’Fallon in search of new economic opportunities. Facing shrinking congregations, the churches serving the dwindling community closed as well, their buildings sold off and razed throughout the intervening years. Records of burials and ownership of the land itself were lost, and Sage Chapel Cemetery soon fell into disrepair. TOP RIGHT: Simon White (left), b. 1881, is one of many long-time O’Fallon residents buried at Sage Chapel. TOP: Families like the Edwards have multiple generations buried within the one-acre site. LEFT: Pricella Ball’s gravestone reveals one of the oldest marked burial sites in Sage Chapel Cemetery.
As decades passed, Sage Chapel Cemetery was cared for by family members of those buried within, but true preservation was too tall a task for volunteers. In the early 2000s, the City of O’Fallon took over the maintenance of the site, and the City’s Historical Preservation Commission took a special interest in the legacy of Sage Chapel. In 2018, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and just this year the City of O'Fallon was officially deeded ownership of the cemetery and named it a protected historical site. All across America, cities are realizing the importance of protecting Black cemeteries, a critical and often untold part of their heritage. While Sage Chapel has been an active cemetery for generations, many gravesites cannot be precisely located. As a result, no further burials will be allowed to prevent potential desecration. Currently, 37 marked plots have been identified, but at least 117 burials are known to be located on this one-acre plot.
Calendar March 7
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
8
Weekly yard waste collection resumes
18
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
10
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
14
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center Mayors’ Youth Advisory Council Candidates Forum, 6:30 p.m.
15
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
16
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
20
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Court Payment Docket, 1.30 p.m., Justice Center Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
22-24 O’FallonTheatreWorks presents The Addams Family, 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m., O'Fallon Municipal Centre 23
Earth Day, 9 a.m.
25
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
28
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
29-30 O’FallonTheatreWorks presents The Addams Family, 7:30 p.m., O'Fallon Municipal Centre
21-25 Alternative Spring Break 23
O'Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m. 24
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
27
Vietnam War Remembrance Day Ceremony, 1 p.m., St. Charles Veterans Museum
28
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
April 2
Mission: Clean Stream, 9 a.m.
4
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
5
Municipal Elections (Remember to vote!)
6
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
7
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
8
Jr. Underwater Egg Hunt, 11 a.m., Renaud Center Underwater Egg Hunt, 5:30-6:30 p.m. & 7-8 p.m., Renaud Center
9
May
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Court Payment Docket, 1.30 p.m., Justice Center
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m., Environmental Services Building
1
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents The Addams Family, 2 p.m.
2
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
4
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
5
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
7
Founders’ Day, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
9
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
10
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
11
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
14
Whiskers & Wags, 10 a.m., Civic Park Free Shred-It Day, 8 a.m., Environmental Services Bldg.
16
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
17 18
Doggy Bone Hunt, 1:30 p.m., Krekel Civic Center
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center Public Works Fair, 10 a.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex
Kids' Spring Fling, 6 p.m., Krekel Civic Center 11
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
19
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m. 9
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. Meeting times and dates are subject to change; for the most current information, please refer to www.ofallon.mo.us/calendar.
Court Payment Docket, 1.30 p.m., Justice Center
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center
21
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
25
O'Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
12
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
26
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
13
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.
28
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center opens for the season
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
30
Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
14
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
16
Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m.,
Armed Forces Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
City Hall, Records and Courts offices CLOSED 31
Jammin’ Outdoor Concert Series, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park
CarShield Field parking lot
12
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/watch.
