The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri
Winter 2021-22 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Experience holiday magic in O’Fallon Explore O’Fallon’s new developments The City of O’Fallon has developed and implemented a new Active Developments Map, an interactive tool that allows residents and interested parties to easily locate and view developments across the City. The Active Developments Map can found online at www.ofallon.mo.us/maps. The map will be updated on a regular basis as items are reviewed and approved. Projects are discoverable by searching across O’Fallon, and are identified and color-coded based on their stage of development.
In this issue 2
Municipal News
3
Celebration of Lights
4
Upcoming Events
5
Volunteer Opportunities Grants & Assistance
6
Winter Weather
7
Water & Sewer Veterans Report
8
Renew O’Fallon
9
Police Bulletins
W
hat do you love most about celebrating the holidays in O’Fallon? To me, the holidays mean gathering with family and friends and enjoying our beloved Christmas traditions that make this time of year feel so special. Now more than ever, it’s important to spend time with those we love. One of my favorite traditions is O’Fallon’s spectacular Celebration of Lights, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! There’s something truly magical about bundling up the family and heading over to Fort Zumwalt Park for a leisurely drive under millions of twinkling lights. Something eye-catching is around every corner, and the park is open nightly through December 30, except on Christmas. Want to experience the Celebration of Lights up close? The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 6 and 7 is a wonderful way to take in the lights, and don’t miss the free fireworks display over Lake Whetsel. Or, reserve a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or book a hayride for your family and start a new holiday tradition! You can learn all about Celebration of Lights on page 3. Besides the anticipation of presents, what kids love most about the holidays is a little well-earned break from school. Keep them busy with our Holiday Break Camp, which is designed for ages 5–12 and lets kids have fun and make new friends without the worry of being home alone. The camps are listed on page 24 of the Parks & Rec Guide. If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for your loves ones, you’ll find it right here in O’Fallon. Remember to keep it in the “O” when shopping, and you’ll ensure our local businesses thrive and help preserve our City’s vibrant economy. As 2021 draws to a close and we move into a new year, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you — the residents of O’Fallon — for making our City one of the best cities in America. O’Fallon residents are nationally-renowned for their neighborly courtesy and strong sense of community, and I am truly blessed to call O’Fallon home. From the O’Fallon City Council and my family to yours, we wish you a very safe and happy holiday season and a very merry Christmas! Sincerely,
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
Brendan’s Playground turns 10! O’Fallon’s all-inclusive playground has been a place for visitors of all ages and abilities to play together for a decade now! Plan a trip to Westhoff Park to celebrate 10 years of play.
10 Roscoe’s Den 12 Calendar
Looking for holiday festivals & family fun? Turn to page 4!
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman
636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us
State of the City Address on January 7 On Friday, January 7, 2022, Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual State of the City Address at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). The public is welcome to attend this yearly update. The address also will stream live and be available on-demand after the event at www.ofallon.mo.us.
Deana Smith
Interested in running for O’Fallon City Council?
Ward 2 Councilmembers
If you are 21 or older, reside in O’Fallon and would like to serve on the O’Fallon City Council, you can file as a candidate for the April 5, 2022, election beginning Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Five City Council seats will be up for election for three-year terms, one each in wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Candidates can only file for a seat for the ward in which they live.
636-379-5582 dsmith@ofallon.mo.us
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
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
CITY OF O’FALLON
100 North Main Street • O’Fallon, Missouri 63366 NOTICE OF ELECTION AND OF THE OPENING AND CLOSING FOR FILING DECLARATIONS OF CANDIDACY FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES IN THE CITY OF O’FALLON, MISSOURI, FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD APRIL 5, 2022. Pursuant to Section 3.2, Article 8 and Section 14.5 of the Charter of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, an election will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, for the purpose of electing one (1) Member of the O’Fallon City Council from each of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a term of three (3) years at the general municipal election in April, 2022; and Pursuant to Section 115.347 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri and the O’Fallon City Charter no candidate’s name shall be printed on any official ballot unless his/her written, signed and sworn Declaration of Candidacy, including address, age, length of residency and the office for which he or she is running has been filed in the office of the City Clerk within the time allowed by law. You are hereby advised that the first day for filing a Declaration of Candidacy for the April 5, 2022, election is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
Filing will close on the last day for filing for this election at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. A filing fee of $25.00 shall accompany each Declaration of Candidacy filed with the City Clerk. At 8:00 a.m. on December 7, applicants will deliver to the City Clerk their Acceptance of Nomination form and provide identification for their eligibility for candidacy. Random drawing is conducted on the first day of filing for each office, on each ballot shall be listed in ascending order of the numbers drawn. City Clerk shall provide random drawing and shall be conducted so that each candidate may draw a number at random, at the time of delivery of the acceptance of nomination. All candidates must file in person; no one else can file a Declaration of Candidacy for you. After December 7, candidates will be in order on the ballot as received by the City Clerk in her office.
For information contact Deborah Ryan, MPCC City Clerk at 636-379-5555
Celebration of Lights Celebrating 30 years of holiday lights in Fort Zumwalt Park! Experience the magic of Celebration of Lights at Fort Zumwalt Park! Nightly through December 30 (except December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park Now in its 30th season, enjoy the tradition, beauty and elegance of O’Fallon’s spectacular Celebration of Lights holiday light display at Fort Zumwalt Park. With more than a million twinkling lights and sparkling holiday scenes designed and funded by local organizations, the one-mile route will put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Drive-Through – Advance tickets required Drive through the park in your own vehicle and experience the display with your family. Celebration of Lights is open from 6 – 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and Friday and Saturday from 6 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $12 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance online at www.ofallon.mo.us/COL, via phone at 636-474-2732 or in person at the Renaud Center. Bus and limo tickets also are available for an additional charge. Celebration of Lights is closed on December 25 and closed to vehicles for the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 6 and 7.
Specialty Rides – Reservations required Make your Celebration of Lights experience unique with a memorable carriage ride or hayride through the display. Horse-drawn carriage rides – Snuggle up under a blanket with some hot cocoa and experience Celebration of Lights in a spectacular horse-drawn carriage. Carriage rides are available nightly, except December 6, 7 and 25, but rides must be reserved in advance. • 12-passenger carriage – $145 • 6-passenger carriage – $65 • Children ages 2 and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap Riders are encouraged to bring blankets for extra warmth. Prices do not include gratuity for your driver. To schedule a ride, please contact Brookdale Farms at 636-938-1005.
Become a volunteer! Call 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
Hayrides – Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Bring the whole family for a delightful hayride underneath the lights. Hayrides run hourly at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The cost is $150 for groups of up to 20. Riders may bring blankets for extra warmth. For reservations, call 636-474-2732.
The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
Advance tickets required Monday, December 6, and Tuesday, December 7 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park The lights are most beautiful when you can take your time and soak them in, and O’Fallon’s Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll lets you experience this winter wonderland at your own pace. You’ll see whimsical holiday scenes, visit with Santa (safely) and experience beautiful fireworks over the lake at 7 and 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person (ages 2 and under are free) and must be purchased in advance at www.ofallon.mo.us/COL, via phone at 636-474-2732 or in person at the Renaud Center. The Holiday Stroll is held rain or shine. Pedestrians are welcome to bring strollers, wagons, walkers and wheelchairs, but no pets or dogs (except service dogs), motorized hoverboards, scooters, bikes or skateboards will be allowed. Parking with free shuttle service is available at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.
www.ofallon.mo.us/COL
Celebration of Lights is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon with participation by local businesses and civic organizations.
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/calendar Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
The Wedding Expo at O’Day
Sunday, December 5 1 p.m., Krekel Civic Center
Sunday, February 20 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., O’Day Lodge
Join the O’Fallon Veterans Commission in memory of the victims and survivors of the bombing of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Get started planning your fairytale wedding at O’Day Lodge! Brides and grooms are invited to come chat with wedding planners, florists, DJs, rental companies, caterers, photographers and everyone else who can help make your special day unforgettable. Plus, enjoy giveaways, food samplings, music and more — all in O’Fallon’s most beautiful wedding venue.
State of the City Address Friday, January 7 10 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre Watch it live or on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us/watch.
Daddy-Daughter Dance • Ages 2–12 Saturday, February 12 6:30 p.m., O’Day Lodge Purchase your tickets early for this popular event for young ladies and their dads, uncles, grandpas, or special escort. Treat your special girl to a lovely evening filled with fun, music, dinner and dancing. Formal dress is required at this popular event, and a professional photographer will capture these special moments for an additional fee. No admission at the door; register today at www.renaudcenter.com.
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents The Addams Family — A New Musical Comedy Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 22–24 and 29–May 1 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday O’FallonTheatreWorks is proud to bring a new musical comedy to the main stage in O’Fallon City Hall. In this original romp, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family — a man her parents have never met. Now worlds will collide and everything will change as the Addams family hosts a dinner party for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents! Auditions for O’FallonTheatreWorks’ production of The Addams Family will be held on Saturday, January 22. Look for tickets to go on sale in the spring!
Save the date for these spring events! Underwater Egg Hunt • April 8 RENAUD CENTER • REGISTER BY APRIL 4
Kids’ Spring Fling • April 9 KREKEL CIVIC CENTER • DJ, BUBBLE BUS & MORE!
Founders' Day • May 7 FORT ZUMWALT PARK • ARTISANS AND PERFORMERS WANTED
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Volunteer Events Cornucopia of Care Food Drive Through Friday, December 10 You and your family are invited to help spread holiday cheer in our community and support families in need with donations of non-perishable food and personal care items for local area food pantries. Please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/cornucopia-of-care to view an updated list of collection sites.
Cornucopia of Care Sort & Deliver Saturday, December 11 9–11 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Support families in need by sorting, boxing and delivering donated non-perishable items to area food pantries. Preregistration is required. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-3795417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us for more information.
Winter Blood Drive Presented by ImpactLife
Last chance to improve your house with grants of up to $10,000 to replace damaged siding Siding is one of the most important parts of your house’s exterior, insulating your home from the elements and boosting your curb appeal. However, as siding ages and deteriorates, fixing the issue can involve hefty repair bills, and replacing siding can be too expensive to consider for some homeowners. However, our Public Assistance department has a program to help low- to moderate-income families! O’Fallon’s Siding Program provides grants of up to $10,000 for eligible participants to assist with the replacement of aging siding. If you have old masonite or asbestos siding or severely defective aluminum or vinyl siding, apply today to help protect your investment in your home. This program is being discontinued in 2022, but there’s still time to apply and benefit from O’Fallon’s Siding Program. If you need assistance with your siding, you must apply by the December 30 deadline. More information and a printable application can be found at www.ofallon.mo.us/siding, and you can also find a handy checklist to help ensure your application is completed correctly by the deadline.
Friday, January 7 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. Make a lifesaving appointment via the City’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer, or contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon. mo.us or 636-379-5417. All inquiries regarding blood donation eligibility and the blood donation process should be directed to ImpactLife at www.bloodcenter.org or 800-747-5401.
MLK Day of Service Projects
Before
After
Monday, January 17 10 a.m. – noon, Krekel Civic Center The Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service builds on Dr. King’s life and teachings with service projects that create a sense of community and shared responsibility. Join us for an act of kindness that brings the O’Fallon community together. Pre-registration is required. For more information, email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5417.
Alternative Spring Break Wednesday, March 23 9–11 a.m. & 1–3 p.m. Need a nature break or a stay-cation with impact? 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 volunteers of all ages help prevent erosion in one of O’Fallon’s many parks. During our afternoon session, volunteers ages 15+ will work to prepare seedlings for planting. Register by March 10.
O’Fallon’s Public Assistance department offers multiple programs to help families throughout O’Fallon. From resources to assist residents impacted by COVID-19, programs that help residents make much-needed repairs to their homes and initiatives that help seniors and disabled residents secure transportation to essential living destinations, this department is here to help. Explore available forgivable-loan and grant programs at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2021-22
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Winter Weather How you can help keep O’Fallon roads clear this winter When winter weather hits, O’Fallon’s crews work 24/7 to clear more than 700 “lane miles” of pavement and get traffic moving. As a resident, the number one thing you can do to assist snow crews is never park on the street when winter weather is in the forecast. Keeping vehicles off the streets allows City snow plows free access to clear the roads safely and efficiently. Please remember to always stay clear of plows. Residents also can help protect their property and keep streets clear by following these guidelines: 1. Don’t park on City streets By City ordinance, no street parking is allowed during winter weather events. No service will be provided if the crews feel they cannot safely plow your street because of parked cars or other obstructions. Violators may be towed at the owners’ expense. 2.
Don’t push snow into the street Placing snow in a public street is against City ordinance and may result in a fine. Plus, it makes clearing the streets more time-consuming for crews.
3.
Clear your own sidewalks, mailbox, driveway or parking lot Residents and business owners are required to keep their own driveways, sidewalks, mailboxes and private streets clear of ice and snow. The City cannot plow privately-owned streets or lots.
4. Keep your mailbox and driveway clear Although there’s no perfect solution to prevent plowed snow from blocking mailboxes and driveways, the problem can be minimized with room for snow discharged by plows. You can make space by clearing snow from the end of your driveway and along your curb, preferably 10 feet to the left of your driveway (as you face the street).
Frequently Asked Questions Can I call to report an area that needs plowing? Yes, O’Fallon’s Winter Weather Control Hotline is put into action when the forecast calls for eight or more inches of snow and snow has begun to accumulate. At that time, you can call 636-379-3826 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for snow or ice removal questions or concerns. Please note that the purpose of the City’s winter weather control program is to provide safe access, not 100% clear pavement. For questions at other times, please call the City’s Streets Division at 636-379-3807. Which roads are cleared by O’Fallon’s crews? The City of O’Fallon is responsible for clearing most streets within O’Fallon City limits, but not all. To keep traffic moving, the City emphasizes first clearing major thoroughfares for which it has responsibility, including Mexico, Feise and Bryan roads and WingHaven Boulevard. Snow removal crews also are dispatched to residential areas when snow begins to accumulate. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for clearing the following federal and state roads: I-70, I-64, highways 364, K, N, 79, DD, South 364 Outer Road, Technology Dr., East and West Terra lanes, Drennan Parkway and sections of Veterans Memorial Parkway. The City of O’Fallon cannot clear these areas. If you have questions or concerns about these roads, contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASKMoDOT (1-888-275-6636). I live on a cul-de-sac. How will the City deal with the snow on my street? During light snow events (typically 4” or less): Crews will clear a 20’ path around the perimeter of the cul-de-sac with the blade of the plow angled toward the middle. This will allow easy access to driveways. During heavier snowfalls (typically, more than 4”): Because a substantial amount of snow can build up in cul-de-sacs during heavy snowfalls, additional snow removal efforts will be put into place when heavy snow hits. Initially, plows will create a passable lane through the cul-de-sac so residents can drive in and out of the street. Then, as other snow removal efforts wind down, crews will return to move snow into available green space. This allows crews to focus on clearing O’Fallon’s streets as quickly and efficiently as possible and avoid inadvertently creating large snow windrows in cul-de-sacs.
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Is the City responsible for damage to my mailbox, decorative landscaping or basketball hoop? If your mailbox or landscaping is damaged by a City-operated snow plow, please call the City’s Streets Division at 636-3793807 to request repairs or replacements. Or visit www.ofallon. mo.us/citizens-first-center. Landscape replacement is not fully guaranteed; however, staff will work with you to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Please note, O’Fallon’s municipal code prohibits putting basketball hoops and other obstructions in the City’s public right-of-way (mid-street to about 10 feet behind the curb). The City will not pay for damage to those items. Can I get a ticket if I park on the street? Yes. According to City ordinance, during any winter weather event when there has been accumulation of snow, ice or other frozen precipitation, a parking prohibition goes into effect on all City streets to allow safer and more efficient travel for residents, the public, snow plows and emergency response vehicles. Tickets may be issued to vehicles in violation. For more information on O’Fallon’s winter weather control program, please call the Streets Division at 636-379-3807 or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/snow.
Water and Sewer Protect your home and sewer system by keeping “FOG” out of the sewer! The City of O’Fallon is urging the community to take action this holiday season by properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) used in cooking, instead of putting them down the drain. FOG can look harmless as liquids, and many people dispose of these substances down their drains. When they cool, however, FOG becomes thick and sticky, adhering to the pipes of our 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.
Veterans Report O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except holidays) 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us 1st floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) 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.
GI Bill users soon will be required to contact the VA each month to receive payment Starting this December, all post-9/11 GI Bill users will be required to verify their school attendance with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) each month before receiving any payments. In addition, beginning immediately GI Bill users who are attending a technical school, also known as a “non-college degree” or NCD school, must verify their school attendance with the VA each month in order to receive their Monthly Housing Allowance. For most students, this verification will be done via text message. After enrolling in courses, students will receive a text message from the VA inviting them to enroll in text message verification. They can reply “Yes” to opt in. At the end of each month, students will receive a text from the VA asking whether they are still enrolled in classes. If they respond affirmatively, their Monthly Housing Allowance will be sent to their bank at the beginning of the following month. If students don’t receive the text message, don’t opt into the service or don’t have a mobile phone, they will be required to contact the VA by calling the GI Bill hotline at 888-442-4551 to receive payment. Those who fail to verify their attendance with the VA for two months in a row will have their housing allowance payments withheld until they do so.
Fats, oils and grease are a by-product of cooking and are mostly found in the following: Meats • Cooking oil • Lard or shortening • Butter or margarine Mayonnaise • Food scraps • “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.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2021-22
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Renew O’Fallon Your tax dollars at work!
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
Projects and new developments continue across O’Fallon
I-70 Corridor Improvements Project continues to expand highway access for O’Fallon
The end of the year doesn’t mean the end of developments in O’Fallon! City Staff continue to work on improvement projects throughout our community, and motorists will soon see the benefits of these important infrastructure upgrades.
Over the past 10 years, traffic along the I-70 and Highway K/Main Street corridors in O’Fallon had been increasing at a dramatic rate. To address our City’s growth and plan for the future, the City of O’Fallon and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) developed a two-phase improvements project that would alleviate traffic concerns and provide for future expansion.
• Caledonia Parkway Improvements Construction of Caledonia Parkway and Dalriada Drive is wrapping up, and these roadways are substantially complete. New houses are being built in the area, and the City’s contractor is putting the finishing touches on the area.
• Highway DD Improvements In cooperation with MoDOT, the Highway DD Improvements project will help meet the growing needs of the area. Work has begun on several improvements to the area near I-64. These include the installation of a new traffic signal, a roundabout, road widening measures, lane additions and more. Motorists should be aware of changing traffic conditions as work continues in the area. This project will be completed by the end of 2022.
• Mexico Road Improvements Construction for Mexico Road Phase III (Highway K to Bryan Road) is slated to begin before the end of 2021. Improvements include resurfacing Mexico Road with a new asphalt surface, removing and replacing deficient concrete sidewalk panels and reconstructing entrances and crosswalks to ensure ADA compliance. Work is expected to be complete by summer 2022.
• WingHaven Boulevard Resurfacing Improvements continue on WingHaven Boulevard, and crews will be resurfacing the roadway and adding stormwater drainage improvements between Highway N and Hammack Drive. Throughout the project, ADAaccessible features will be added along this important roadway, as will bike and pedestrian improvements. Construction will begin soon and will conclude in mid-2022.
Learn more about O’Fallon projects at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
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O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
After the successful conclusion of the first phase of the I-70 Corridor Improvements Project, work will soon begin 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. “Our work along Highway K and M already has had a big impact on traffic at the north end of O’Fallon,” said Chris Clercx, Senior Project Manager for the City of O’Fallon. “When Phase 2 is complete, motorists throughout St. Charles County will enjoy expanded access to this critical thoroughfare.” This phase, once completed, will further relieve congestion, help traffic flow more efficiently from T.R. Hughes Boulevard through Woodlawn Avenue and allow alternate routes to access the interstate. Additionally, reduced congestion will increase safety for the tens of thousands of motorists traveling throughout the corridor. Construction is on target for a 2022 completion date. Look for more information about the I-70 Corridor Improvements Project online at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
Police Bulletins Observant. Professional. Dedicated
www.ofallon.mo.us/pd
Join Team O’Fallon for the Polar Plunge
Socializing with your O’Fallon Police Department
Saturday, February 6 10 a.m. (plunge at noon), 100 Cognac Court, Lake Ste. Louise
Did you know you can connect with the O’Fallon Police Department on social media? Follow us on one of the platforms below, and you’ll get a taste of the police work that goes on throughout our community. You might laugh a little; you will learn a lot. More importantly, it can keep you informed about important situations in real time and provide reminders for general safety.
The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser is fun to watch as costumewearing teams plunge bravely, if briefly, into the frigid waters of Lake Saint Louis while onlookers cheer them on. The Polar Plunge is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and proceeds benefit Special Olympics Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information, including how to support O’Fallon’s team, visit www.somo.org.
Register for the Citizens Police Academy March 1– April 7 7–9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road Residents who are age 18+ are invited to apply for the O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy. The six-week program offers hands-on training and a chance to ride along on patrol, plus discussions of police investigations, less-lethal weapon use, drug awareness and more. Applications will be available after January 1 at www.ofallon.mo.us/citizens-police-academy, or they can be picked up at the O’Fallon Justice Center.
Facebook: @ofallonpolice
Instagram: @ofallon_police
Twitter: @ofallonpolice
LinkedIn: O’Fallon Police Department
Nextdoor: O’Fallon Police Department
Help prevent crime by registering your home camera or surveillance system When crime happens, the O’Fallon Police Department searches high and low for clues. The growing trend of homeowners adding home or doorbell cameras and surveillance systems has given police a new tool to help identify suspects or possible witnesses, even if the crime does not happen on your property. If you have a doorbell camera or surveillance system, consider registering for our Residential Surveillance Program. All you have to do to participate is be a resident or business owner who wants to alert the Police Department about surveillance on your property. This only gives officers your contact information, not access to any cameras or video. The O’Fallon Police Department will only contact you in the event a crime occurs in the vicinity of your home or business. To register, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/camera.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2021-22
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Roscoe’s Den Trash, recycling and yard waste announcements Winter yard waste pick-up schedule
Winter Trash and recycling holiday schedule
Weekly yard waste collection stops December 10 and resumes March 14, 2022. There will be monthly yard waste pick-up throughout the winter. For residents who have yard waste service on their account, yard waste will be picked up on your regular yard waste day during the weeks of:
• Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 No change in service
Dec. 14–17 • Jan. 18–21 • Feb. 15–18
• Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25 No change in service • New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1 No change in service
Residents who do not have yard waste service on their account can call to schedule a free yard waste pick up, which is offered twice per calendar year. Call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477 to schedule a pick-up.
• Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Monday, January 17 No change in service
O’Fallon’s bi-monthly free electronics & appliance recycling events
After the holidays, recycle your evergreen tree
Saturday, December 4 and February 5 8 a.m. – noon, parking lot southwest of CarShield Field
O’Fallon residents can drop off live Christmas trees, free, between December 26 and January 21 at parking lots in Ozzie Smith Sports Complex (890 T.R. Hughes Boulevard) and Sports Park (3589 Highway K).
You can bring outdated or broken electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event from 8 a.m. to noon. The drop-off 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 drop-off is free except for the following items and fees:
• Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 21 No change in service
Free drop-off options
• LED/LCD/Plasma televisions = $20
The parks will be open dawn to dusk. Only live evergreen trees without decorations can be dropped off, so please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, string and wire. No artificial trees, wreaths, shrubs, plastic bags or yard waste is allowed at the drop-off.
• CRT Monitors = $5
Curbside Christmas tree pick-up option
• CRT TV’s 26” or less = $30 • CRT TV’s 27” or greater = $50 • Wood console and true 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.
For a fee of $10 per tree, O’Fallon trash customers can have their live holiday trees picked up at the curb. Schedule your pick-up by calling 636-272-0477. The cost will be added to your next bill. Trees will be scheduled for pick up on Thursdays, starting December 30 through January 13. Only live evergreen trees will be picked up, and all decorations must be removed before setting the tree at the curb. Please do not place trees in plastic bags.
Free bulk waste drop-off Saturday, December 11 and February 12 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Environmental Services Transfer Station During this event, 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. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste for a list of rules and acceptable items.
10
O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Recycle unwanted light strands If you have light strands that don’t work anymore, you can recycle them free of charge through January 21. Simply remove the lights from the trees and drop them off at one of four locations: Sports Park and Ozzie Smith Sports Complex parking lots, the Renaud Center and the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). Miniature and LED light strands can be dropped into recycling receptacles “as is.” To avoid injury from bulb breakage, remove larger light bulbs from C-7 and C-9 strands before dropping off the light strands. Please do not tie or bag the light strands; simply drop the loose strands into the receptacle.
Environmental Services offers handy 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.
10
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 • 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.
Drop-off recyclables 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.
30
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) • O’Fallon Justice Center (1019 Bryan Road) • Renaud Center (2650 Tri Sports Circle) Acceptable paper products include: • • • • • •
Newspapers, inserts and magazines Telephone books Paperback & hardcover books 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. To learn more about our recycling program, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/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.
See rates and rental options online at www.ofallon.mo.us/roll-off
11
Calendar December
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.
19
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center
1-30 Celebration of Lights (CLOSED 12/25)
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
1-11 Cornucopia of Care Food Drive
24
Code Enforcement Docket, 4:30 p.m., Justice Center
2
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
4
Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot
26
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
Snaps with Santa, 10 a.m., O’Day Lodge
27
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Paws & Claus, 1 p.m., O’Day Lodge
31
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
5
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony, 1 p.m., Krekel Civic Center
February
6-7 Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
2
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
9
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
3
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
11
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m., Environmental Services Building
Cornucopia of Care Sort & Deliver, 9 a.m., City Hall
5
Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot
Candy Cane Hunt, 9 a.m. & 10 a.m., Krekel Civic Center
6
Polar Plunge, 10 a.m., Lake Ste. Louise
Santa’s Painting Workshop, 11 a.m., Krekel Civic Center
7
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
14
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
8
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
17
Snowball Blizzard Blitz, 6 p.m., Renaud Center
9
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
20
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
10
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
21
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
12
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m., Environmental Services Building
24
Christmas Eve, City Hall CLOSED
Daddy-Daughter Dance, 6:30 p.m., O’Day Lodge
25
Christmas, Celebration of Lights CLOSED
15
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
27
City Hall CLOSED
16
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
20
The Wedding Expo at O’Day, 10 a.m., O’Day Lodge Presidents’ Day, City Hall CLOSED
8
January 1
New Year’s Day, City Hall CLOSED
21
4
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
5
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
24
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
6
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
28
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
7
State of the City Address, 10 a.m., City Hall
Winter Blood Drive, 11 a.m., City Hall
Nerf Warz, 6 p.m. & 7:15 p.m., Renaud Center
10
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
11
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
12
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 9:00 a.m.
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
13
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
17
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall CLOSED
MLK Day of Service Projects
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
18
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
12
March 1
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
2
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
3
Planning & Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
7
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
8
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
9
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
10
City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
11
Y2K Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Krekel Civic Center
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.
