O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Summer 2018 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Parks are at the center of summertime fun The New Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center Now open daily, the New Alligator’s Creek outdoor swimming complex is bigger and better with new features, including a longer lazy river, a new spray ground, floating bridge, new interactive water playground, bathhouse and much more. Turn to pages 8 and 9 in the Parks & Rec Guide for details.
In this issue 2
Heritage & Freedom Fest, July 2–4
6
Upcoming Events
8
Police Bulletins
9
Roscoe’s Den
10 Public Assistance
S
ummertime is one of my favorite seasons because O’Fallon comes alive with great family-friendly events. On July 2–4, our City’s Heritage & Freedom Fest at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex will pack three days of fun into a celebration of America’s birthday, highlighted by free concerts on July 3 and 4 from superstar artists. And, the final concert each night will end with an awesome fireworks display. On July 4, Daughtry will rock the Main Stage with megahits that include the Grammy-nominated “It’s Not Over,” “Home,” “Over You” and “Waiting for Superman.” Opening for Daughtry will be St. Louis rockers Stir and Portrait. On July 3, come hear amazing country music from Jerrod Niemann, who will perform his platinum-selling hits “Lover, Lover” and “Drink to That all Night.” Brothers Walker and “The Voice” star Tarra Layne will open the concert. The festival begins on Monday, July 2, with Family Night featuring discounted carnival rides, a midway, sideshows and more. On all three dates, admission and parking will be free. Summer also brings the excitement of River City Rascals baseball to CarShield Field. And this year, the Frontier League’s best will come to O’Fallon for the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game on July 10 and 11, so be sure to get your tickets in advance! Swimming at Alligator’s Creek in Civic Park is an O’Fallon tradition, but this year it is a whole new experience! I would like to thank all of our enthusiastic O’Fallon voters who gave the thumbs up to the renovations which made our outdoor aquatic center bigger, more comfortable, more inclusive and more fun than ever. Also this summer, voters will have an opportunity to support our local retail businesses by voting in the August 7th election on whether to approve Proposition U. If passed, the measure will help our local retail businesses compete with out-of-state businesses and online vendors. With good times just ahead, I would like to join City Council members in wishing you and your family a safe and happy summer. And, on behalf of all of our local businesses, please remember to Keep it in the “O” this summer.
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
Prop U on the ballot August 7th On August 7, O’Fallon voters will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to approve Prop U, which would add a Use Tax on many out-of-state purchases. For more information about the issue and how it can affect the City of O’Fallon, turn to page 5.
11 Renew O’Fallon 12 Calendar
Learn more about Prop U. Turn to page 5.
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman 636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us
Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2 Councilmembers Tom “Duke” Herweck 636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us
Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Reid Cranmer 636-379-5585 rcranmer@ofallon.mo.us
Dale Kling
July 2–4 at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Concerts, fireworks, carnival rides, sideshows and a patriotic parade
O
Jeff Schwentker
’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest is just around the corner on July 2–4 at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex! Make plans with family and friends to join in the City’s patriotic celebration of our nation’s birthday, featuring free concerts by Daughtry on July 4th and Jerrod Niemann on July 3rd. Admission and parking are free, and the fun includes fantastic fireworks bursting over the fairground on July 3 and 4. And on all three dates, enjoy carnival rides, the midway, free family friendly sideshows, Knockerball, the Bungee Trampoline, and food, beverages, arts ‘n crafts and merchandise for sale. For festival FAQs and updates, visit www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.
636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Family Night • Monday, July 2
636-379-5586 dkling@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 4 Councilmembers Jeff Kuehn 636-379-5587 jkuehn@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook 636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Helpful Numbers
Celebrate America’s birthday in O’Fallon
The festival opens with Family Night on July 2 featuring discounted carnival rides, free sideshows and, as our Family Night exclusive, unlimited ride wristbands at $20 each. And, continuing all three days, enjoy the Major League Circus show, Knockerball ($5), the Bungee Trampoline ($7) and the midway. (No live music or fireworks on July 2.)
Thank you, 2018 Heritage & Freed
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
AFB International ★ Bank of Old Monroe ★ Culligan Water Madison’s Café ★ Pantera’s Pizza ★ Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar River City Rascals ★ Renewal by Andersen – Window & Door Company ★ Sno-Biz
Nationally-renowned acts, fireworks on July 3rd, 4th Awe-inspiring fireworks will light up the sky each night at the end of the final concert.
Country music • Tuesday, July 3 Bringing an evening of great country music to O’Fallon, Brothers Walker will open the show, followed by Tarra Layne, whose career was launched by NBC’s “The Voice.” To cap it off, platinum-selling star Jerrod Niemann will bring the audience to its feet with his hit songs, including “Lover, Lover,” “Drink to That All Night,” and his recent chart-climber, “I Got This.”
Monday, July 2 • Family Night Festival grounds open 4–10 p.m. Carnival, midway, attactions and vendors open. No fireworks display.
6, 8 p.m.
Major League Circus Show
Tuesday, July 3 Festival grounds open 4–11 p.m. 6, 8 p.m.
Major League Circus Show
4:45 p.m.
Brothers Walker
6:45 p.m.
Tarra Layne
8:45 p.m.
Jerrod Niemann
10:15 p.m.
Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular
Wednesday, July 4 Parade at 9:30 a.m. All-American rock party • Wednesday, July 4 On Independence Day, the festival will rock from open to close with the award-winning kids from School of Rock and a tribute by Portrait to Kansas’ hits of the ’70s and ’80s. Fans also will hear radio-friendly originals like “One Angel” and “Looking For” by St. Louis’ longtime favorite, Stir, followed by superstar Daughtry, live on the Main Stage. Giving the final performance of the festival, Daughtry’s powerhouse vocals will rock the night with megahits like “Over You,” “Waiting for Superman,” “Life After You” and “It’s Not Over.” Since rising to prominence on the fifth season of “American Idol,” Daughtry has released four albums, all of which reached the Billboard Top Ten and have combined sales over 8 million copies in the U.S. Their new single, “Backbone,” is out now.
Festival grounds open Noon – 10 p.m. 2:30, 5, 7 p.m.
Major League Circus Show
2:30 p.m.
School of Rock
4:00 p.m.
Parade awards
4:30 p.m.
Portrait: The Music of Kansas
6:30 p.m.
Stir
8:15 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular
dom Fest Sponsors!
3 I SPE R
I N T E R N E T
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Purchase discounted carnival ride tickets in advance Save time and money by purchasing carnival ride tickets at half-price ($.50 cents) Monday, June 11, through Thursday, June 28 (or while supplies last), at the Renaud Spirit Center and the Parks and Recreation Administration Office. The discounted ride tickets will be good for July 2–4, 2018. Ride tickets also will be available at the festival at full price. Please note that carnival ride tickets can only be used for rides; tickets cannot be used at midway booths, food, beverage, or merchandise booths, or for the Bungee Trampoline or Knockerball. Sorry, no refunds can be given on unused tickets.
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade
Get involved as a festival volunteer
Wednesday, July 4 9:30 a.m., Downtown O'Fallon
Join the fun as a festival or parade volunteer. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Learn more at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.
Dress in patriotic red, white and blue and bring your family to downtown O’Fallon and cheer for your favorite entries in the biggest Fourth of July parade in St. Charles County. O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of Main Street and Civic Park Drive, heads north on Main Street, turns east on Tom Ginnever Avenue and ends at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival entrance. Prizewinning entries will be announced on the Main Stage at 4 p.m.
Major League Circus Show Shows on July 2, 3 and 4 A grand slam tribute to the all-American pastime of baseball, the Major League Circus Show stars award-winning international circus artist Paz who fearlessly juggles flaming bats, effortlessly executes aerobatic flips and cracks up the crowd with improbable ball-handling stunts.
The whole family can enjoy the Free Kids’ Zone On July 3 and 4, parents can relax and watch while the kids jump and play on giant inflatables, join in free games, make a craft and get cool face-paintings, free. Diaper-changing facilities also will be available.
Parking at the Freedom Fest Premium Parking, July 3–4 – Available on a first-come basis at the CarShield Field west parking lot, prime parking spots near the festival entrance can be purchased for only $10 each. General parking, July 3–4 – Free parking and shuttles are available off Tom Ginnever Avenue at Fort Zumwalt North and Christian high schools. Air-conditioned buses will drop patrons off near the festival entrance. ADA-Accessible parking, July 2–4 – Free parking for the disabled will only be available at Westhoff Park via the entrance from St. Matthews. Shuttles will be provided from the lot to the festival entrance. A handicapped license plate or tag must be displayed for admission. No general parking will be allowed at this lot. No ADA-accessible parking will be available at other lots.
Festival District declared Residents who live near the festival grounds can get information about road closings and other restrictions at www. heritageandfreedomfest.com. Or call the City Clerk’s office at 636-379-5555.
The following items are NOT ALLOWED on festival grounds: • Fireworks: it is illegal to purchase, possess or light fireworks in O’Fallon • Pets or animals of any kind except for service animals
Temporary road closures for fireworks displays July 3, 4
• Bikes, skateboards, scooters, skates, rollerblades or motorized vehicles, motorized coolers
On Tuesday and Wednesday, approximately 30 minutes before fireworks are scheduled to begin, T.R. Hughes Boulevard and Cool Springs Industrial Drive will close temporarily and remain closed until 30 minutes after each show ends.
• Drones; the operation of radio-controlled motorized aircraft is strictly prohibited
34th Annual Firecracker Run
• Guns or weapons of any kind • Glass containers of any kind
Coolers and small backpacks are permitted but all coolers and bags are subject to inspection by police officers, park rangers and Parks personnel, including at the festival entrance.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Wednesday, July 4 CarShield Field, race-day registration opens at 6 a.m. 10K starts at 7 a.m., 5K starts at 7:10 a.m., 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. Support O’Fallon’s Chamber of Commerce & Industries with a great morning run. Get the details and register in advance for the best price at www.ofallonchamber.org/firecracker.html.
When you go to the polls on Tuesday, August 7, you will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition U, which would impose a Use Tax primarily on the purchase of goods by O’Fallon businesses from out-ofstate vendors. The funds generated would go to street repairs.
What is a Use Tax?
How will the Use Tax be used?
In the simplest terms, a Use Tax is a Sales Tax on the purchase of goods primarily by Missouri businesses from out-of-state vendors, including some online retailers. The amount of Use Tax due on a purchase is equal to the Sales Tax rate in effect at the point of delivery. When an out-of-state purchase is made and there is no Sales Tax applied, the Use Tax would be applied. This means the same amount of tax would be applied on both in-state and out-of-state purchases.
According to the Missouri Municipal League, passage of Proposition U could bring an estimated $2.98 million to the City of O’Fallon. The City Council has determined that additional funds from Prop U will go towards street and road improvements with a focus on upgrading our subdivision streets. To keep our roads in the condition our residents expect, O’Fallon estimates that the City needs an additional $4 million per year. Revenue received from the passage of Proposition U will be used to fill that gap.
How does a Use Tax work? Because the Use Tax rate mirrors the Sales Tax rate on retail purchases made within the City of O’Fallon, the Use Tax will always be equal to the Sales Tax rate. That means with a Use Tax in place, a business buying out of state will pay the same tax rate charged on products purchased locally. If the business buys locally, the Sales Tax applies. If the out-of-state purchase does not have sales tax applied, then the Use Tax applies; therefore a Use Tax is not a double tax.
Are Use Taxes common? More than 105 Missouri cities and 45 States already have a Use Tax, including the State of Missouri and Saint Charles County. O’Fallon currently does not have it. When making out-of-state purchases, O’Fallon businesses already pay a Use Tax to the State and Saint Charles County. The entity that does not receive the Use Tax is the City of O’Fallon. Currently, businesses can go out of state and not pay the 2% portion that would apply if O’Fallon had a Use Tax in place. With a Use Tax in place, the same amount of Sales Tax applied on local purchases would apply to out-of-state purchases.
This document 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 judgment.
Is this only a business tax? The Use Tax is primarily a business tax, but there are cases where it may apply to individuals. As a resident of Missouri, you already are responsible for reporting out-of-state purchases totaling more than $2,000 — not including personal property such as vehicles, boats, etc. — and paying those as part of your State of Missouri tax submissions due on April 15th each year. That revenue goes to the State and Saint Charles County through their Use Tax. As is the case with business purchases, the City of O’Fallon does not receive the 2% of taxes that would apply if Sales Tax had been applied. Passage of Proposition U would mean the City of O’Fallon also would collect the City’s portion of the Use Tax, which will equal the City Sales Tax rate, currently 2%.
www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2018
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events Rascals baseball featuring the 2018 Frontier League Home Run Derby and All-Star Game Tuesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 11 CarShield Field, 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard See the best Frontier League players in action at the 2018 Frontier League Home Run Derby and All-Star Game. Featuring Cardinals legends Jim Edmonds, Mark Whitten, Ray Lankford and Rick Ankiel, the Home Run Derby will begin at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, and the All-Star Game follows on Wednesday, July 11, at 7 p.m. (Gates open an hour prior to each event.) Fans and players from each of the 12 teams will travel to O’Fallon for the two-day event. Visit www.rivercityrascals. com for ticket information. And, at home games this summer, enjoy a great night out with your family and friends cheering for O’Fallon’s own River City Rascals. CarShield Field offers a great view of the game wherever you are seated. Party suites are available along with an assortment of great food and beverages for purchase. And, the kids will love the playground and a chance to run the bases after every game. For more information or to order tickets call 636-240-2287 or visit www.rivercityrascals.com. Follow them on Twitter @rcrascals and on Facebook and Instagram @RascalsBaseball.
Discover Historic O’Fallon Historic Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort tours Open on the 2nd & 4th Sundays through September 23 12–3 p.m. This summer, come see O'Fallon's historic treasures in Fort Zumwalt Park. Admission is $5 to see both attractions; children 10 and under are admitted free. For private and/or group tours of 10 or more, please call 636-379-5614.
O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum Open the 2nd and 4th Sundays through September 23 12–3 p.m., Civic Park Free! See vintage O’Fallon photos, business items, furnishings and curiosities from bygone years. Also open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, for the Fall Fest. Tours are available by appointment; please contact info@ofallonmohistory.org.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
The New Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center is open Open daily through August 12, then on weekends through Labor Day 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday – Thursday 405 Civic Park Drive (in Civic Park) Come splash and play! The New Alligator’s Creek outdoor swimming complex offers twice the water area and poolside play features. See pages 8–9 of the Parks & Rec Guide for more information.
O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts Tuesdays through August 21 (no concert July 3) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand, Civic Park Dine al fresco and groove to the sound of live rock, country, R&B, soul and Motown by some of the region’s best bands performing free at O’Fallon Jammin’. Each event also features food trucks and concessionaires selling favorite foods, cold treats and adult beverages. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating at this weekly family-friendly event. The ADAcompliant area around the bandstand has restrooms, paved paths and a playground nearby.
• • • • • • • • • • •
June 12 – Blackdog and the Rainmakers, classic mix of hits June 19 – Biscuits and Gravy, variety of hits June 26 – Ladies for Liberty, patriotic, Americana July 3 – No concert; head to Heritage & Freedom Fest July 10 – Whiskey Morning, country July 17 – Vynal Tap, 60s to 80s hits July 24 – NashVegas, country July 31 – Butch Wax & the Hollywoods, rock ‘n roll August 7 – Orr & Rolens, country August 14 – Platinum Rock Legends, tribute to rock bands August 21 – Accolade, contemporary, disco and funk
For concert and food truck details, check www.ofallon. mo.us/jammin. For weather updates close to the event, call 636-379-5614 or follow “Visit O’Fallon” on Facebook. All pets must be leashed and no glass containers are allowed in the park. Please note, bands are subject to change without notice.
Food Truck Frenzy Friday, August 3 5:30–8:30 p.m., Sports Park (3589 Highway K) With more than a dozen food trucks pulling up to the curb in O’Fallon’s Sports Park, you are sure to find your favorite foods and beverages for purchase at the final Food Truck Frenzy of the summer. While you’re dining, enjoy a free concert of Top 40 hits by Next. For more information, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/food-truck-frenzy.
Patriotic Events Support Our Troops Supply Drive August 7 – September 7 Collection canisters for personal care items, batteries and individual snack packages will be located at O’Fallon City Hall and the Renaud Spirit Center. A list of most-requested items and additional sites are posted at www.ofallon.mo.us/supplydrive. Donations of $17.35 per box are needed to cover mailing costs. “Stamp of Support” monetary donations can be dropped off at City Hall with checks made payable to H.E.R.O.E.S. Care.
National Day of Service and Remembrance Patriot Day Blood Drive Friday, September 7 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., O'Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Donate in honor of the heroes who bravely rushed in to help!
Remembrance Walk (one mile)
Auditions for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Sunday, August 5 1 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Center (City Hall), east entrance O’FallonTheatreWorks is looking to cast a diverse group of 12 men and women ages 20 and up for this hard-hitting, exciting drama by Dale Wasserman, based on the classic novel by Ken Kesey. Actors should come ready to deliver cold readings from the script. Callbacks will take place Sunday, August 5, at 5 p.m. Production dates for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest are November 2–4 and 9–11, 2018. For more information, please call Chris or Carole Lanham at 636-485-1359
O’Fallon’s Fall Fest Saturday, September 8 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Civic Park Celebrate the imminent arrival of autumn at the City’s annual fall festival featuring shopping at vendors’ booths, live music, free kids’ activities and Log Cabin Museum tours. Booths will be filled with upscale, hand-made items, fall and holiday decorations, trendy accessories and festival food. Admission, parking, entertainment and kids’ activities are free. For festival updates, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/fall-fest.
indicates opportunities for volunteers. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-3795417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
Saturday, September 8 8:30 a.m.; meet at the 9-11 Memorial outside the O'Fallon Municipal Centre’s east entrance
Citizens United in Service Saturday, September 8 9:30–11:30 a.m. To lend a helping hand to community projects, register by contacting 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
Patriot Day Ceremony Tuesday, September 11 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial at the O'Fallon Municipal Centre Please join us in honoring our first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony Friday, September 21 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk Tonight’s candle lighting is dedicated to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil, and the families who are waiting to welcome them home again.
Veterans Day Ceremony Sunday, November 11 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk Join in a ceremony honoring and thanking our veterans for keeping our country safe.
Police Bulletins www.ofallon.mo.us/PD Attend this free, hands-on workshop on disaster preparedness Friday – Sunday, September 21–23 Streets Department Building, 1089 Public Works Drive People from all walks of life are invited to learn basic disaster response skills, free, through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The O’Fallon Police Department’s 20-hour 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/PD to get more information and to register. For additional questions, call 636-379 3816 or email Officer Pat Helton at phelton@ofallon.mo.us.
Free Senior Citizens Police Academy presentations continue through June Seniors who are interested in law enforcement issues are invited to attend the free O’Fallon Police Department’s Senior Citizens Police Academy 2018. Classes will meet from 1–2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the month of June at the O’Fallon Senior Center, 106 North Main Street. No registration is necessary and all seniors are welcome. Attendance is encouraged at every session but not required for completing the program. Taught by the O’Fallon Police Department, the topics are geared to senior interests.
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June 12 – SWAT Team Demonstration June 14 – O’Fallon Police K9 Demo June 19 – Fraud, Scams, Identity Theft June 21 – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Response June 26 – Elder Abuse and Neglect June 28 – Home Safety and Emergency Preparedness; Graduation
For more information, email Officer Jill Bloomfield at jbloomfield@ofallon.mo.us. If email is not possible, please contact the O’Fallon Police Department at 636-240-3200.
SWIFT 9-1-1 emergency notification system Get texts, emails or phone calls about emergencies, law enforcement alerts and more with City’s emergency notification system, SWIFT 9-1-1. The service is free to all O’Fallon residents. For the system to be fully-effective, all residents are asked to check their personal information as soon as possible to make sure it is up-to-date, or to submit their information, by clicking on the link on the red bar on the front page of the City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us. The process takes just five minutes or less. In addition to emergency and other notifications such as boil advisories and road closures, the new system allows residents to sign up for weather alerts and other customized information and alerts. The system also offers residents their choice of phone, text, email or social media to receive these notifications.
Lost a pet or found a stray? If your pet is missing or you have found a stray, contact the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control/Park Ranger Division by calling 636-240-3200, and then press 1 to speak to a police dispatcher about a lost pet, animal complaint, animal welfare, or any issue involving animals. If you lose a pet, be sure to contact St. Charles County’s Pet Adoption Center at 636-949-PETS to find out if the animal has recently been turned in. To retrieve an impounded animal, you must first read and then follow the procedures listed on www. ofallon.mo.us/PD/animal-control.
Special Needs Locator Program Do you have a family member with dementia or other cognitive disorder? Do you fear your loved one could get lost, disoriented or be unable to communicate effectively? If so, you can notify the O’Fallon Police Department by registering your family member. Registration is free, voluntary and confidential and includes background information and a current photograph. To register your loved one or find out more about the program, contact Lt. Pat Hossenlopp at 636240-3200, ext. 5662.
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle
tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us
Staff Writer • Peggy Bradbury • pbradbury@ofallon.mo.us
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek
bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements Holiday schedule • After Independence Day, service moves to the next day for trash, recycling and yard waste collection.
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There’s no change in service for Labor Day week.
Protect your property and help your Environmental Services driver, too O’Fallon’s Environmental Services trucks have automated container collection to keep our drivers from having to routinely exit their vehicle. Here are tips to help you get the most from our City’s service and help our drivers, too.
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Please have your trash or recycling container at the curb no later than 6:30 a.m.
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When placing your cans at the curb on pick-up days, please don’t block access to your containers with your car or other obstructions. Keep the area around your container clear.
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Do not set your cans too close together. Please leave adequate space between your cans.
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Do not set containers next to the mailbox, basketball rims or other objects. Set containers a safe distance from objects in your yard or driveway.
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Do not set boxes outside of trash and recycling containers. Place boxes inside your recycling container and close the lid. To make more room in your container, break boxes down, first.
O’Fallon’s weekly yard waste service helps customers keep their yards tidy Get the convenience of neatly disposing of limbs, yard trimmings and grass clippings at the curb each week with O’Fallon’s yard waste service. If you’re not yet enrolled in yard waste collection, you can sign up at any time. The cost is $5.62 per month, or $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.
O’Fallon’s bi-monthly Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events 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, June 9 and Saturday, August 11. The drop-off will be held in the west parking lot at CarShield Field, located at the corner of Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard. The drop-off is free except for the following items and fees:
• • • • • •
LED/LCD/Plasma televisions – $20 CRT monitors – $5 CRT TVs 26” or less – $30 CRT TVs 27” or greater – $50 Wood console and true big screen/projection TVs – $50 Appliances or units that contain Freon – $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.
Free bi-monthly Bulk Waste Drop-off Summer bulk-waste drop-offs are scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 16 and Saturday, August 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. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane.
www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2018
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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 zerointerest loans for home maintenance, down payment support for new homeowners and transportation to essential living destinations.
Home Improvement Loan Program Resident homeowners who need to have an aging heating/ cooling unit replaced, a roof repaired or new windows installed are encouraged to check into O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program. A limited amount of funds are available each year to provide five-year forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to help with home maintenance and code violations. 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. Review income limits and download an application at www.ofallon.mo.us/home-improvement-loan-program.
Siding Program O’Fallon’s Siding Program helps low-income resident homeowners protect their homes through grants of up to $10,000 to assist with the replacement or repair of aging siding. Grants are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. Income limits and a printable application can be found at www.ofallon.mo.us/siding-program.
Down Payment Assistance Program Do you have a friend or family member who wants to move to O'Fallon? The Down Payment Assistance Program for low income, first-time homebuyers provides zero-interest forgivable $5,000 loans towards the down payment on purchasing a home in O'Fallon. Pre-purchase housing counseling is required for eligibility. For more details, go to www.ofallon.mo.us/down-payment-assistance-program.
Disabled Transportation Assistance Program OATS, Inc. provides transportation to essential living destinations for eligible O’Fallon residents with disabilities. Destinations can include medical appointments, banking, grocery and personal care shopping. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Due to funding constraints, transportation is limited to two round-trip rides per month. Get an eligibility overview and application at www.ofallon. mo.us/disabled-transportation-program.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Veterans Report O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays) 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us 3rd floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) The Veterans Assistance Office is staffed by US 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.
New Gulf War Medallion Program Missouri’s 97th General Assembly enacted Senate Bill Number 600 creating the Gulf War Medallion Program to recognize every veteran who honorably served on active duty in the U.S. military at any time from August 7, 1990, to December 15, 2011. Veterans and family members may apply for the Operation Deseret Shield/Operation Desert Storm Awards and the Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn Awards. The applications are posted online at www.moguard.com/ veteran-awards. Or, stop by the Veterans Assistance Office at O’Fallon City Hall. Please provide completed forms and supporting documentation so Veterans Assistance staff can consolidate submissions and schedule the presentation of the award. For questions or assistance please contact the Veterans Assistance Office at 636-379-5577.
Now Veterans I.D. cards are available The Veterans Administration has begun shipping requested ID cards to veterans. All honorably-discharged veterans can apply for the card online at www.va.gov.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, August 7 This is what you will find on the ballot.
PROPOSITION U Shall the City of O’Fallon impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate, currently two percent (2%), provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same action? A use tax return shall not be required to be filed by persons whose purchases from out-of-state vendors do not in total exceed two thousand dollars in any calendar year. Yes O
No O
Instructions To Voters: If you are in favor of the Proposition, fill in the circle opposite the word “Yes”. If you are opposed to the Proposition, fill in the circle opposite the word “No”.
Renew O’Fallon Your Tax Dollars at Work
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
2018 projects summer update
O’Day Park
Now that summer is here, crews are hard at work on new City projects and completing maintenance on roads and streets. As you drive, please be careful in work zones and watch for signs to help you navigate safely.
Construction has begun and when our City’s newest park is completed in early 2019, it will have natural areas and paths, an activity/conference center (pictured), an amphitheater, a campground, a playground with multiple age-appropriate playground components and a water play area. The new 57acre park is the City’s first park located south of I-64.
Bryan Road Pavement Repairs Phase 2 Currently underway, the project calls for replacement of damaged road slabs, curbs, ramp upgrades and additional improvements for pedestrians. The work is taking place along Bryan Road between Sunview Drive and Norwood Hills Drive.
Civic Park Now that the new Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center is complete, a new activity center, Krekel Civic Center, is under construction. When it is finished this September, it will bring Parks and Recreation classes and much-needed meeting and banquet space back to the City’s north side.
Highway K Shared Use Path Project When this project is completed the City will have a continuous shared-use path along Highway K from Feise Road to Technology Drive.
Wabash Avenue
I-70 Corridor Improvement Project
Please, do not post signs on public property
Construction of the I-70 Corridor Improvement Project from T.R. Hughes Boulevard to Woodlawn Avenue is underway. Designed to relieve traffic congestion and make local businesses more accessible to drivers along the I-70 corridor, project features include new interstate exits at Sonderen Street and Woodlawn Avenue, revised signage to assist drivers, the construction of a new south outer road, designating outer roads as one-way, designated U-turn lanes to keep traffic on the go and fewer traffic signals for drivers to navigate. For the latest on this project please visit www.ofallon.mo.us.
Please remember that 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.
The ongoing improvements to Wabash Avenue between Wabash Spur Drive and Edlen Lane will continue, with access to Wabash from Edlen closed, but access to Sonderen Street and East Terra Lane open for residents entering and exiting Country Life subdivision. Construction includes the replacement of the box culvert under Wabash at Edlen, replacement of the water main, and reconstruction of Wabash pavement. In July, once the culvert is replaced, Wabash from Edlen to Sonderen will become one-way until the project is completed. Message boards will keep drivers informed of closures, detours or delays due to construction. A detour route is marked with signs to aid motorists in navigating around the closure.
www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2018
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Calendar June
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/events.
25 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
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Jammin’ concert: Blackdog and the Rainmakers, 6:30–9 p.m.
Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
26 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 31 Jammin’ concert: Butch Wax & the Hollywoods, 6:30–9 p.m.
13 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
August
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
14 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 16 Free bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
1
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
18 Municipal Court, 5 p.m.
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
2
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
19 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
3
Food Truck Frenzy, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Sports Park
Jammin’ concert: Biscuits and Gravy, 6:30–9 p.m.
6
Municipal Court, 5 p.m.
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
7
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
25 Municipal Court, 5 p.m.
Jammin’ concert: Orr & Rolens, 6:30–9 p.m.
26 Jammin’ concert: Ladies for Liberty, 6:30–9 p.m.
8
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
27 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
28 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
11 Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
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14 Jammin’ concert: Platinum Rock Legends, 6:30–9 p.m.
July 2
Heritage & Freedom Fest Family Night, 4–10 p.m. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, free admission
Municipal Court, 5 p.m.
3
Heritage & Freedom Fest, 4–11 p.m.
4
Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, 9:30 a.m.
Heritage & Freedom Fest, noon – 10 p.m.
Alligator’s Creek OPEN, noon – 5 p.m.
City Hall and RSC CLOSED for the holiday
5
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
15
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
18 Bulk Waste Drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 20 Municipal Court, 5 p.m.
21 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
11 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Jammin’ concert: Accolade, 6:30–9 p.m.
23 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 27 Municipal Court, 5 p.m. 29 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
September
10 Jammin’ concert: Whiskey Morning, 6:30–9 p.m.
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
1–3 Alligator’s Creek OPEN, 11 a.m. 3
Labor Day, City Hall and RSC CLOSED
4
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
5
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
6
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
17 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
7
Patriot Blood Drive, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jammin’ concert: Vynal Tap, 6:30–9 p.m.
8
National Days of Service, Remembrance Walk 8:30 a.m.
18 Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
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Citizens United in Service projects, 9:30 a.m. O’Fallon Fall Fest, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Municipal Court, 9 a.m. Patriot Day Ceremony, 8:30 a.m.
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 16 Municipal Court, 5 p.m.
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
Public Works Advisory Commission, 7 p.m.
23 Municipal Court, 5 p.m. 24 Jammin’ concert: NashVegas, 6:30–9 p.m.
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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.