O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Spring 2015 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Working together to preserve our safety “I feel safe in my home and neighborhood!”
Councilmembers to host forums throughout the City This spring, O’Fallon’s City Council will host a series of community forums to discuss issues with residents and allow residents to ask questions of both their elected officials and City staff. Councilmembers from each ward will host a session focusing on their ward, but residents are welcome to attend any of the sessions if it is more convenient. The forums will be: March 18 at 1 p.m. Ward 2 Forum RSC Multi-purpose room March 23 at 7 p.m. Ward 4 Forum City Hall Gymnasium March 25 at 7 p.m. Ward 5 Forum City Hall Gymnasium March 30 at 7 p.m. Ward 1 Forum City Hall Gymnasium April 1 at 7 p.m. Ward 3 Forum Cuivre River Electric Offices, 8757 Highway N
In this issue 3
Proposition 1
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O’Fallon Jammin’
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Police Bulletins
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Upcoming Events
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Public Works
11 Roscoe’s Den
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sk nearly every O’Fallon resident why they live in this City, and the odds are that feeling safe is one of the top reasons. As residents of O’Fallon, we know that we can jog through our neighborhood on a beautiful spring evening or allow our kids to walk to their friend’s house. It is a great feeling, and it is one that we should never take lightly. O’Fallon has developed a well-earned national reputation as one of the safest cities in America. Whether it is a resident calling to report a suspicious person in their neighborhood, a neighbor simply reminding the person next door to close the garage door at night or a business owner installing a new light in the storefront, we all contribute to keeping this area safe. Furthermore, the partnership between our Police Department and our residents and businesses is truly a model for how a community can work with their officers to provide a safe environment. It’s truly a special relationship, and it helps to foster the sense of caring in our City. For much of the past two years, we have been analyzing our needs to determine how we can protect this great City. From this process, we identified the need for a new home for our Police Department as top priority. It is a significant undertaking and investment. But, we believe it truly is a necessity in order to ensure that we have a Police Department that can continue to grow with this City. When you go to vote on April 7th, you will be asked to consider Proposition 1. This ballot issue asks voters to consider allowing the City to issue bonds for construction of a new Police Station and Municipal Court building. The cost for the average O’Fallon homeowner would be about $17 per year. That is less than the cost of four cups of coffee at your local coffee shop! Please take a few minutes to review the Proposition 1 information on page 3 of this newsletter. You also can find more information online at www.ofallon.mo.us/prop1. I am strongly in favor of this proposition, and I encourage you to research it thoroughly and consider supporting it when you come out to vote this April. On behalf of all of us here at the City, thank you for doing your part in keeping our City safe. You have helped build this wonderful City into what it is today, and together, we can make sure O’Fallon remains one of this country’s great cities for generations to come! Sincerely,
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
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 Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Jim Pepper 636-379-5583 jpepper@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Richard “Rick” Battelle 636-379-5586 rbattelle@ofallon.mo.us
John Haman, Jr. 636-379-5585 jhaman@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 4 Councilmembers Bob Howell 636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us
Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook
If you’re a registered voter, please be sure to vote in the City’s general election on Tuesday, April 7. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Don’t forget your identification.
Proposition 1 Ballot Language For the purpose of acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping a new police station that will be more centrally located within the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, and provide holding cells, training and support facilities with a secure municipal courtroom, shall the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount up to twenty-eight million six hundred eighty thousand ($28,680,000).
Grants and Assistance Do you qualify for O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program for low-income O’Fallon homeowners? If you’re an O’Fallon homeowner with concerns about your air conditioning making it through the summer, consider applying for O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program for a no-interest forgivable loan of up to $5,000. Upon remaining in your home for five years, the loan is completely forgiven! In addition to replacing your heating and/or cooling unit, it can be used to replace your old windows with new, energy-efficient windows that can cut your energy bill. Many other important home repairs are eligible as well, including the repair or replacement of water heaters, sump pumps, siding and roofs. The loans will be available as long as funds last to O’Fallon homeowners who meet income guidelines and other qualifications. Funds can only be used for home repairs and to address code violations. For more information and an application for O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program, visit www. ofallon.mo.us/grants or call 636-379-5411.
Fun is par for the course at O’Fallon’s Project HOME Golf Tournament fundraiser on Friday, May 8
636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Doors open at 10 a.m.; shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. The Falls Golf Club, 1170 Turtle Creek Drive, O’Fallon 63366
Mike Pheney
For an enjoyable day on the golf links and to help a good cause, register your team early to be sure of getting a place in this popular benefit tournament. Perks include an 18-hole round of golf, lunch and dinner, snacks and beverages and great contests, games, raffles and prizes. Each golfer also gets one mulligan and entry into the skins game. Registration is $100 per golfer, with 100% of the proceeds going to assist eligible, lowincome homeowners in resolving code violations and much-needed home repairs. To register for the tournament, be a sponsor or to donate funds and supplies for Project HOME, please call 636-379-5411 or email jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Helpful Numbers
Please remember to vote in the April 7th election
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
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us. Use the available tools to ask a question, make a service request or login to follow the status of an active request.
New O’Fallon Police Station and Municipal Court building On April 7th, O’Fallon’s voters will be asked to consider Proposition 1, which will allow O'Fallon to issue bonds for the construction of a new Police Station and Municipal Court building.
What is Proposition 1? The new Police Station and Municipal Court building will provide the City with a 21st Century police and court facility that will address the Department’s significant overcrowding issues and allow room for growth in the future. When the O’Fallon Police Station opened as part of the current Municipal Centre (City Hall) complex in 1999, the City of O’Fallon was approximately one quarter of the size that it is today. At that time, even the most optimistic projections called for the City’s population to grow to around 60,000 residents by 2015. Today, however, O’Fallon’s population exceeds 82,000, and it is only expected to increase over the next 40 years. This growth means that the O’Fallon Police Department has had to expand at a much faster pace than was anticipated. The Department has outgrown its current home and needs more space to meet the needs of the community both now and in the future. Because of the Department’s growth, officers face numerous challenges in the current facility. The Department’s evidence room is overflowing, office space is completely filled and new officers are using lockers in a basement hallway because there is no room left in the locker rooms. As the City continues to grow, the Department must grow with it. With the current facility already exceeding its capacity, there is no room to handle this growth and the current issues will only worsen. The new facility also would provide a permanent home for the City’s Municipal Court, which presently meets in a temporary setting in a City Hall meeting room. The cost of this project is approximately $28 million, and the City would need to issue bonds to pay for the construction of the facility. The bonds must be approved by the voters and tied to a small property tax increase (see chart below) that would be in place for 20 years. A majority of voters must vote in favor of this project in order for the City to proceed. The City is in the process of purchasing land near the intersection of Bryan Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. Although the purchase is not yet finalized, it is likely that this will be the home of the new facility.
The impact on residents If this project is approved by O’Fallon’s voters, there will be an increase in the City’s property taxes. Based on the value of your home, the following chart on this page shows the anticipated property tax increase if the City levies the maximum of approximately $28 million (beginning in 2016). It is estimated that the bonds would be paid off in a maximum of 20 years.
Estimated Home Value Annual Property Tax Levy $100,000 ............................................ $ 8.50 $200,000 ............................................ $17.00 $300,000 ............................................ $25.50 This document was prepared and paid for by the City of O’Fallon solely to educate and inform residents about a question that will be presented at the polls. It is NOT intended to advocate, support or oppose the passage or defeat of the measure. Each voter should vote for or against the question based on his or her own judgment.
(From top to bottom): The tight confines of the men’s locker room; four dispatchers answer emergency calls; officers complete paperwork after a shift change.
www.ofallon.mo.us/prop1 Spring 2015
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Jump into Spring! www.ofallon.mo.us/events Listen to the music, free, at O’Fallon Jammin’ outdoor concerts V+
Founders’ Day showcases fun, entertainment and history V+
Tuesdays, June 2 – August 18 (no concert June 30) 6:30 – 9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand, Civic Park
Saturday, May 2 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Once a week, treat yourself and meet your family, friends and coworkers for an evening of great music at the O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts. Admission and parking are free, and gourmet food and beverages will be sold by food trucks. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. The area is ADA compliant and includes restrooms, a paved walking path and a playground near the Bandstand. Check www.ofallon.mo.us/ jammin for band and food truck updates. Call 636-379-5614 for weather updates.
Celebrate the “good old days” of the late 1800s and bask in O’Fallon’s rich heritage at the City’s annual Founders’ Day. Demonstrations and skills such as basket weaving, ropemaking, beekeeping and blacksmithing are a main feature of the day. Free hands-on kids’ activities and games include cow milking and cow roping (both simulated), cornhusk dollmaking and playing checkers. Don Collop’s “Cowboy’s Way of Life Chuck Wagon,” and Professor Farquar and Polecat Annie’s “Great American Medicine Show” will provide entertainment and educational fun, and a trio of acoustic musicians will play old-time music. Historic Heald Home tours will be available for only $2. Event admission and parking are free, and concessions and handmade goods will be available for purchase. A highlight of Founders’ Day will be the 11 a.m. dedication of Zumwalt’s Fort, a rebuilt War of 1812 family fort which will be open to the public as an interpretive site. Watch for details closer to the event.
2015 O’Fallon Jammin’ concert lineup • • • • • • • • • • •
June 2 – Trixie Delight, rock ’n roll June 9 – Surf’s Up, Beach Boys tribute band June 16 – NashVegas, contemporary country June 23 – O’Fallon Community Concert and Jazz bands July 7 – Joe Dirt & The Dirty Boys Band, rock July 14 – Trilogy, 60s and 70s rock July 21 – El Scorcho, pop and modern hits July 28 – O’Fallon Community Concert & Jazz bands August 4 – Shameless, Garth Brooks tribute band August 11 – Stray Bullet, rock and roll August 18 – Butch Wax and The Hollywoods featuring Theo Peoples (lead singer of Four Tops and The Temptations), Motown and rock
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday at O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest V+ Thursday, July 2, 5–10 p.m., family night Friday, July 3, Noon–11 p.m., country music Saturday, July 4, Noon – 10 p.m., rock ‘n roll Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Celebrate America’s freedom with three days of patriotic fun, including thrilling carnival rides, two nights of spectacular fireworks, outstanding concerts by nationally-known rock and country performers, family-friendly entertainment, free kids’ activities and the biggest, best, most patriotic Independence Day parade in St. Charles County. Festival admission and parking are free. Be sure to visit www. heritageandfreedomfest.com for details and updates. On July 4th, join in cheering for the annual O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade! Stepping off from the corner of Main and Third streets at 9:30 a.m., the parade will head north on Main through downtown O’Fallon, then turn east on Tom Ginnever Avenue and finish at T. R. Hughes Ballpark near the festival grounds. Be a part of the fun! Vendor and Parade applications are available at www.heritageandfreedomfest.com or they can be picked up at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive.
Police Bulletins O’Fallon Police Department Briefs O’Fallon Safety Town teaches young children to “play safe” Protect young children by enrolling them in a first-class safety program, O’Fallon’s 29th Annual Safety Town. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at the Renaud Spirit Center. Only parents or legal guardians may enroll children. O’Fallon Safety Town is a nationally-accredited program designed to teach children ages 4½ through 6½ how to play safe and stay safe. The program is presented by law enforcement and firefighting professionals, teachers and volunteers in a kid-sized, simulated town layout at Progress South Elementary School, 201 Knaust Road, St. Peters 63376. The course also includes a field trip. 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. For additional program information, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/ofallonsafety-town.
2015 O’Fallon Safety Town schedule Children attend Safety Town for two weeks, Monday through Friday. Parents can enroll kids in either morning (9–11:30 a.m.) or afternoon (12:30–3 p.m.) classes. Course registration numbers are listed beside session times. Online registration may be accessed through the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation, and Renaud Spirit Center websites.*
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Session I: June 8–19 (AM: 44065, PM: 44068) Session II: June 22 – July 3 (AM: 44066, PM: 44069)
Police alert: Lock your cars, homes and garages! Don’t make it easy for someone to help themselves to your valuables! The O’Fallon Police Department is asking everyone to lock all doors and keep valuables out of sight. Both nationally and locally, thefts of money, electronics and other high-dollar items from unlocked vehicles and homes are on the rise.
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Never leave vehicle doors unlocked even for a short period of time. (Be sure to pocket your keys before setting the locks.)
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Keep windows rolled up and sun roofs closed, even if the car is parked at home.
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Never leave purses, electronics, keys or any valuables in plain sight. Bring them inside when you park the car.
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Never leave unsecured tools, bicycles or anything of value in your truck bed.
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Be sure to close your garage door when you are not using the garage, and take your garage door opener in the house if your car is parked outside.
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Always lock your house. An unlocked door is an invitation to thieves!
Lost a pet? If you have lost a pet or found a stray, the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division has options that may be able to help.
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Leave a voice message describing the problem (lost pet, animal complaint, etc.) by calling 636-240-3200; press 1 for Animal Control/Dispatch.
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Check www.facebook.com/ofallonanimalcontrol for animals that have been picked up without identification.
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To reclaim an impounded animal, follow the procedures listed on www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/animal-control.
Session III: July 6–17 (AM: 44067, PM: 44070)
*Please obtain a PIN/Barcode from the City of O’Fallon prior to using online registration. To register, select a desired session and class for your child(ren) and login using the PIN/Barcode provided to you; pay by credit card.
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
“Like” the O’Fallon Police on Facebook!
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2015
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Patriotic Ceremonies Armed Forces Day Ceremony Saturday, May 16 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk
Get your garden growing with the Garden Expo
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Saturday, April 11 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Honor the living and remember the fallen at this ceremony honoring the U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines and pilots who gave their lives to preserve our freedom.
Shop for garden décor and live plants, take home a free shrub or tree sapling while supplies last (one per family), chat with yard and gardening experts, get motivated by the O’Fallon Garden Club’s presentation, “Grow It: A Family-Friendly Presentation on Beginning Gardening,” let kids create a craft from recycled materials, and find out all about bees and honey from local beekeepers. Admission and parking are free! An Arbor Day ceremony begins promptly at 9:15 a.m. Historic Heald Home tours will be available for $2, and Giardina’s Gourmet Dogs & More and Jo-Jo’z Frozen Yogurt will have food and treats for purchasing. For vendor and other information, please email ecooper@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5574.
O’FallonTheatreWorks’ upcoming productions
Tour the O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum
Celebrate our country’s heroes and the contributions of women in the military at O’Fallon’s U.S. Armed Forces Day Ceremony.
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk
Bill W. and Dr. Bob V+ Friday – Sunday, March 20–22 and 27–29 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays On the stage at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) This critically acclaimed, award-winning drama tells the story of the two men who pioneered Alcoholics Anonymous and their wives, who founded Al Anon. See page 35 in the Parks & Rec Guide for more details on the play, and ticket information.
Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Jr. auditions Saturday, April 4 and 11 Noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) auditorium Open auditions for the O’FallonTheatreWorks’ summer production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Jr., calls for a cast of more than 30, both children and adults, including male and female starring roles, which require singing and dancing ability, and a large chorus. Crew members also are needed. Performances will be held June 19–20 and 26–27. For more information, contact Darren at dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us.
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indicates opportunities for volunteers.
May – September, 2nd and 4th Sundays (closed May 10) 12–3 p.m., Civic Park Explore O’Fallon’s history and chat with the people who know it best. For photos and information about O’Fallon’s history, visit the society’s website at www.ofallonmohistory.org.
Victorian Festival celebrates 19th Century culture Saturday, April 25 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Celebrating an era when Britain’s Queen Victoria reigned and men wore top hats and women wore bustles, this new festival features free activities and presentations, including a Victorian Hat Contest, a Mustache Contest, historic Heald Home tours, a Victorian skit presented by O’FallonTheatreWorks and a special presentation by Baue Funeral Home on the death of President Lincoln, who died on April 15, 1865. The festival will conclude with the reenactment of a funeral procession. Admission and parking are free, and food trucks will have gourmet fare for purchase.
Like “Visit O’Fallon” on Facebook for event and weather-related updates.
www.facebook.com/VisitOFallon
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
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Take the RSC 5K Challenge Run, then watch the free Movie in the Park, Big Hero 6 V+ Friday, May 15 Race at 7 p.m., movie at 8:30 p.m., Renaud Spirit Center Sign up for this family-friendly 5K obstacle course race for ages eight to adult. Some obstacles will be fun, some challenging and others will require athletic ability to complete. Look for kids’ games and other entertainment after the race, and enjoy a free showing of Disney’s animated film Big Hero 6 (rated PG) at approximately 8:30 p.m. See page 8 in the Parks & Rec Guide for race registration information.
Monthly, May through August Free admission and parking, with a new location each month Starting May 1 with the Rascals Pep Rally, O’Fallon’s popular Food Truck Frenzy will take on a new look this summer. Each month, Food Truck Frenzy will hit a new location in the City with a unique entertainment option. Purchase the food and beverages you want and enjoy many free activities. For event updates and details, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/food-truckfrenzy. This summer’s events are:
Rascals Pep Rally V+ Friday, May 1 6–10 p.m., T.R. Hughes Ballpark
O’FEST 2015 Saturday, May 16 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand Sponsored by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and Mozingo Music in O’Fallon, the O’FEST features local youth bands competing for prizes. Admission is free to the public. A food and refreshment vendor will be on site. For more information and an application for your band, email myac@ofallon.mo.us.
O’Fallon’s Public Works Fair is a family affair
Bring your appetite to the Food Truck Frenzy
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Wednesday, May 20 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot Kids love to get up close to big equipment and even sit in the driver’s seat at this family-oriented event featuring snow plows, a paint striper, backhoes, a radar trailer, a street sweeper, water main break service truck and more. Admission and activities are free, including: • Safety awareness games and activities for kids and educational material for adults • Rides on the City train for all ages • Giveaways • A hotdog, chips and water
Alligator’s Creek opens Memorial Day weekend Saturday – Monday, May 23–25 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, noon – 7 p.m. Sunday, and noon – 6 p.m. Monday Come on in, the water’s fun! For more information about Alligator’s Creek hours, season passes, admission and birthday parties, see page 29 of the Parks & Rec Guide.
Enjoy a summer of great baseball with tickets to River City Rascals games To kick off the 2015 season, the River City Rascals will face the Frontier Greys at 11:05 a.m. on Friday, May 8. For tickets, a full season schedule, promotions and other information, check out the Rascals’ homepage, www.rivercityrascals.com.
Cheer for O’Fallon’s own River City Rascals, enjoy free activities and listen to a variety of cover tunes by Sunset Amusement. No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed.
Food Truck Frenzy at O’Fallon’s Sports Park V+ Saturday, June 13, 5–8 p.m. Enjoy today’s music by Big Rain, free.
Slide the City (a waterslide experience) V+ Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26 Mexico Road (exact site TBA) Go slip-sliding awaaaaaaay on a 1,000-foot waterslide at this exciting new event! Beginning March 20, register at www. slidethecity.com. Save 10% on the cost by entering promo code “ofallon15.” Watch the City website and the O’Fallon Update e-newsletter for additional details.
Food Truck Frenzy at Fort Zumwalt Park V+ Saturday, August 15, 5–8 p.m. Listen to 60s and 70s music by Roger & Bill, free.
Public Works www.ofallon.mo.us/projects O’Fallon is working to get “connected”
Tracking the City’s 2015 priority projects
O’Fallon’s Highway K–Main Street–Highway M corridor is the primary north-south route through the City. However, because sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use paths along the corridor are inconsistent, walkers and bike riders struggle throughout the area. The “O’Fallon Connected” corridor study is looking to address this issue with a three-phased study designed to enhance bike and pedestrian transportation along Highway K, Main Street and Highway M. The first component of the study, which began this winter, focuses on the Main Street Corridor with a view to preserving the City’s historic core and enhancing O’Fallon’s Main Street as a destination and economic driver. The next phase getting underway, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement Plan, aims to determine what’s needed to make highways K and M safer, more accessible, more efficient and more attractive to pedestrians and bike riders. The study is expected to be completed this year. The resulting plan will assist the City with filling in gaps in the existing sidewalk and trail network and improving connections to neighborhoods, parks, schools and other important destinations. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ connected.
At any given time, the City of O’Fallon has 40 or more projects in the planning, design or construction stage. The work includes building, improving and maintaining the City’s roads, parks, water supply infrastructure, sanitary sewers and stormwater management projects such as creek bank stabilizations. Residents can easily keep tabs on the progress of each by visiting the City Projects webpage at www.ofallon. mo.us/projects. Here are a few of the major projects occurring this spring:
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O’Fallon’s annual crack seal asphalt and concrete slab replacement programs provide more than $2 million in maintenance to repair or replace damaged street surfaces.
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Drivers can expect to see pavement repairs to Bryan Road between Mexico Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. The work includes the removal and replacement of damaged road slabs, curbs, ramp upgrades and other enhancements for pedestrian safety.
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Elaine Drive improvements are continuing with the installation of new center turn lanes, sidewalks and enclosed drainage. Drivers can expect to see road paving in the next few weeks and the project should be completed this summer.
Explore O’Fallon with information posted on the “Bikeable/Walkable Community” webpage
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Improvements to the intersection of Sommers Road and Highway N will be getting underway in late spring with the addition of turn lanes, sidewalks and pedestrian facilities.
If you enjoy walking and riding a bike, be sure to visit O’Fallon’s Bikeable/Walkable Community webpage for comprehensive information on getting around without a car: www.ofallon. mo.us/parks&rec/bike-paths-trails. The page features an interactive map showing pedestrian and bicycle paths and connections throughout the City. You can use the menu on the right-hand side of the page to customize your route and find the safest and fastest course to bike or walk to your next destination. The site also includes important safety information, an explanation of bike route markings and a summary of Missouri’s biking laws.
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The construction of the new Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Plaza and Concession Stand will begin in July. The project includes new restrooms as well.
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What every O’Fallon homeowner needs to know about the City’s sewer lateral insurance program One of your home’s most important features is an underground pipe called a sewer lateral that connects plumbing in your home to the sewer system. Your home’s sewer lateral is considered your private property. Sometimes laterals fail to function properly, and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to resolve the problem. These repairs can be very expensive, but homeowners who qualify may be eligible for assistance from the City’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program. Please be aware that some situations could disqualify certain sewer lateral repairs for the insurance coverage, such as damage to the lateral from the installation of a swimming pool or sprinkler system. If you think you have a problem with your sewer lateral, which can be indicated by sewage backing up into your home, you should contact the City’s water and sewer staff to have a video inspection of your lateral sewer line. You will need to submit an application and a $300 application fee. The fee will be refunded if the inspection shows that the problem is not due to homeowner action. If the inspection shows that the City is not responsible for the problem with your sewer lateral, a DVD of the inspection will be turned over to you to help you resolve the problem, and the balance of your application fee will be refunded. For more information about the Sewer Lateral Insurance Program, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/sewer-lateralinsurance-program. Or, call 636-240-2000.
Get outside, have fun, make friends through O’Fallon Volunteering V+ Springtime is a great time to volunteer! Sign up to beautify City parks, clean up creeks, streams and roadsides or help with City events. Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417. Or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer.
Alternative Spring Break V+ Weekdays, March 10 – April 3 Students, faculty and families are invited to spend spring break beautifying our City parks. Activities include mulching trees, planting decorative grasses and clearing trails.
Mission: Clean Stream V+ Saturday, April 11 9 a.m. – noon Join in collecting litter and trash from local creeks and streams, or mulch trees and landscaped beds in a City park.
National Volunteer Week V+ April 12–18 O’Fallon will be celebrating City volunteers all week long!
Global Youth Service Days V+ Weekdays, April 16–30
Avoid damaging automatic water meters with a lawn mower
Enjoy the outdoors! Volunteers are needed to plant flowers and mulch trees and flower beds.
The City of O’Fallon cautions residents against hitting water meters with a lawnmower or other device. Typically installed in the lawn near the curb or in sidewalks, the City’s automatic water meters are equipped with a radio transmitter that is durable and weatherproof, but they can be damaged by repeated strikes from lawnmowers. Instead of mowing, keep your meter safe by using a weed eater to maintain the lawn around your meter. Residents also are asked to avoid removing or tampering with the water meter lid. If you have questions or concerns about the water meter system, please call the City’s Water Division at 636-281-2858.
O’Fallon Earth Day V+
The City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!
@cityofofallon
Saturday, April 18 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Help give O’Fallon a spring cleaning! Get your family, friends, scout troop or church involved in collecting trash along creeks and roads, or planting flowers and mulching trees and landscaped beds in City parks.
Park Partners Day V+ Saturday, April 25 9 a.m. – noon, Civic Park Spruce up this popular family park by mulching trees and landscaped beds and tidying the park and creek.
National Join Hands Day V+ Saturday, May 2 9–11 a.m. Make O’Fallon shine by helping with park projects and Clean Stream activities.
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Senior Corner If you’re a disabled resident or senior (65+), you can file for 2014 utility tax rebates Filing for O’Fallon’s utility tax rebate is beginning soon, so be sure to save copies of your 2014 gas, electric and phone bills. To qualify for the utility tax rebate, you must be an O’Fallon resident who is 65 or older, or determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, with an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $37,600 for a single head-of-household, or $43,000 for a married (two-person) household. Social Security income is not counted. If you meet those guidelines, you will be able to file for the City’s tax rebates on utility bills at City Hall on weekdays beginning Wednesday, April 1, through Thursday, May 30. City staff will be on hand to assist residents with the filing from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents seeking rebates must file in person and bring: • A photo ID with your O’Fallon address (driver’s license, state ID or passport) • Copies of 2014 bills for gas, electricity, and phone and cell phone service (bills must show an O’Fallon address) • A copy of your 2014 federal income tax return • Proof of Social Security disability if you are disabled You can help speed the filing process by picking up a rebate form at City Hall or online at www.ofallon.mo.us. For more information, contact the Citizens First Center at 636-379-5553 or citizensfirst@ofallon.mo.us.
Media Center Explore O’Fallon and get news on O’FallonTV
Get the O’Fallon Update e-newsletter for the latest City news and information Sign up today for free weekly updates with the latest news, events and important information from the City of O’Fallon. Just visit www.ofallon.mo.us/e-newsletter and add your name to the subscription list.
Veterans Affairs O’Fallon’s Veterans Affairs Office is open weekdays Do you have a question about veterans’ benefits or services for yourself or your family? Come talk to the volunteers at the O’Fallon Veterans Affairs Office located in the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). The office is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays when City Hall is closed. To contact the office, call 636-379-5577 or email veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us. The office’s primary purpose is to provide information to veterans and their widows and family members. Clients are encouraged to make an appointment, but walk-ins, phone calls and email questions are always welcome. Many questions can be answered easily. But if questions require research or must be answered by a subject-matter expert, O’Fallon’s VA office volunteers are willing to help. The office also can provide various VA forms as needed. Free booklets and brochures with veterans’ benefits and other information are available in the Veterans Affairs Office and also in the magazine kiosk located on the first floor in the Food Court. On the second Friday of the month, a Missouri Veterans Commission Service Officer will be available to assist with VA problems. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins will be welcome. To book an appointment with the service officer, call 636-949-7900, ext. 7210.
Stay informed! Watch O’FallonTV for local programs, news about City events and features about local businesses and people. You can also watch City meetings either live, online or on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us. You can find O’FallonTV on Charter Communications Channel 991 and on AT&T U-verse Channel 99. Additionally, select programming is available on the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/OFallonTV.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle • tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us Staff Writer • Peggy Whetzel • pwhetzel@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek • bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements
www.ofallon.mo.us
Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event goes bi-monthly in 2015
Dispose of lawn clippings, tree limbs and garden cleanup with City yard waste service
Saturdays on April 18, June 20, August 22, October 17 and December 12 8 a.m. – noon, T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot (off Tom Ginnever Avenue)
If you’re an O’Fallon resident, you can trim the time it takes to complete yard and garden chores with the convenience of curbside yard waste collection. Sign up at any time for only $5.62 per month ($11.25 per bi-monthly bill). Just contact the Environmental Services Department at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us. For more details about the service, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/yard-waste. If you’re a resident who’s already enrolled, weekly yard waste collection resumes the week of Monday, March 9, and continues through Friday, December 12. Please remember that it is illegal to dump yard waste (or anything else!) into City storm sewers. It is also illegal to discard yard waste in the trash.
Recycle just about any item with an electrical cord or that takes a battery, including household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves, kitchen appliances, computers, computer monitors (including CRTs), printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs, power tools, lawn and garden equipment (yard equipment must have gas and oil removed) and LED/ LCD TVs. A fee will be charged for each CRT (cathode ray tube) TV set; the cost is $20 per set that is 27 inches or less, and $40 per 28-inch or larger set, wooden console set or rear projection set. Please do not bring: smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. This free, bi-monthly service is provided by the City of O’Fallon in partnership with Midwest Recycling Center. For questions, contact the Environmental Services Department at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477.
No change in trash and recycling services Memorial Day week For residents who are enrolled in the City’s trash and recycling program, collection for the week of Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), will not change. Please put your trash, recycling and yard waste at the curb on your regularlyscheduled day. For more information about O’Fallon’s trash and recycling program, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ environmental-services or call 636-272-0477.
ROSCOE, what does O’Fallon do with the recyclables it collects? The City sells them as commodities to manufacturing suppliers, which provides revenue and also eliminates the expense of sending recyclables to the landfill as trash. Savings are passed along to residents as lower fees for refuse collection. So please don’t discard your recyclables in the trash; recycle and give them a new shelf life!
Free bi-monthly bulk waste drop-off If you’re an O’Fallon trash customer, you’re eligible to drop off certain items that are too large to fit in your trash container, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. The next bulk-waste drop-offs will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 and June 27. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane. The service is free to residents enrolled in O’Fallon’s City trash and recycling service. For a list of acceptable items, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste. Or, contact staff at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
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Calendar
All events, public meetings and Municipal Court proceedings are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, unless otherwise noted.
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
March
May
10
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
11
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
1
Food Truck Frenzy and Rascals Pep Rally, 6–10 p.m. T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot, free
12
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
2
National Join Hands Day, 9 a.m.
16
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
17
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
O’Fallon Founders’ Day, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fort Zumwalt Park, free
18
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
5
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
6
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
7
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
11
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
12
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
13
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
14
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
18
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
19
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
20
Public Works Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot, free
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
20-21 OTW presents Bill W. and Dr. Bob, 8 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) 22
Bill W. and Dr. Bob, 2 p.m.
23
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
26
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
27-28 OTW presents Bill W. and Dr. Bob, 8 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) 29
Bill W. and Dr. Bob, 2 p.m.
April
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
1
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
25
City Hall CLOSED for Memorial Day
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
27
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
2
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
28
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
6
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
7
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
8
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
11
Garden Expo, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fort Zumwalt Park, free
14
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
15
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
18
June 2
O’Fallon Jammin’ concert, 6:30 – 9 p.m., free
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
3
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
4
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
8
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
9
O’Fallon Jammin’ concert, 6:30 – 9 p.m., free
Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon, T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
10
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
20
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
11
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
13
Food Truck Frenzy, Sports Park, free
21
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
15
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
23
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
16
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
25
Bulk-waste drop off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
O’Fallon Jammin’ concert, 6:30 – 9 p.m., free
Victorian Festival, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fort Zumwalt Park, free
17
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
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/OFallonTV.