O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Summer 2015 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Thank you for believing in O’Fallon! Cool off this summer with a slide down Mexico Road Beat the summer heat with a unique event, Slide the City – O’Fallon! This is your opportunity to slide down a 1,000-foot water slide right through the heart of the City on July 25 and 26. There will be food trucks, fantastic music and more, making Slide the City the coolest—and wettest—summer celebration in St. Charles County. Get discounted tickets using the promo code ofallon15 when you purchase tickets at www. ofallon.mo.us/slide. Check out page 6 for all the details on this exciting new event.
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his past April 7th, I joined with some friends and family to watch the election returns come in. I was hopeful our residents would support the construction of our new police station and municipal court building by voting for Proposition 1. As the votes were being counted, I couldn’t help but think back to the countless discussions I had leading up to the election. Nearly every resident I spoke with expressed their love of our City and how much they cared for the men and women who serve us in our Police Department. It was inspiring to hear this sentiment from so many of you. It’s what drives me each and every morning as I start my day, and it is what drives our entire team here in O’Fallon. You showed this once again by supporting Proposition 1 during that election. More than 60 percent of our residents voted yes to make our new justice center a reality, and I am truly grateful for your support. Thanks to you, we already have started the design process on this new facility, and I am proud to announce that in 2017, we will all gather to open this much needed facility on Bryan Road, just south of Veterans Memorial Parkway. I also am thrilled to announce two great summer events here in O’Fallon. First off, the Heritage & Freedom Fest returns to the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex July 2–4. We’ll have great national entertainment, fantastic rides and amazing fireworks! Check out page 3 for the details. Also, this summer, a new event, Slide the City – O’Fallon, will splash its way down Mexico Road, turning a 1,000 foot stretch of road into a giant water slide on July 25–26! This great new event should not be missed! See page 6 for details. And don’t forget to check out the weekly Jammin’ concert schedule on page 7. On behalf of all of us here at City Hall, have a great summer in O’Fallon! And thank you for your continued support!
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
In this issue 3
Heritage & Freedom Fest and Parade
Heritage & Freedom Fest to rock O’Fallon, July 2–4
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Upcoming Events
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Police Bulletins
9
Roscoe’s Den
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest will bring big name entertainment, great rides and three days of family-friendly fun to the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th. This year’s free concerts feature country stars Gloriana and LoCash on July 3 and rockers Smash Mouth and Toad the Wet Sprocket with special guest Tonic on July 4. Get all of the details on pages 3–5 or visit www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.
10 Project O’Fallon 11 Emerald Ash Borer 12 City Calendar
Insect likely to decimate ash trees. See page 11.
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
Emergency notification tool keeps citizens informed To receive alerts and stay informed in the event of emergencies and important information such as road closures, major traffic issues and more, be sure to sign up with the City of O’Fallon’s new resident and business notification system. If you are a resident or business who has not already done so, please immediately go to the City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us to register or confirm that up-to-date contact information is included so you can receive the messages. Please do not assume your phone number(s) or e-mail address is included. In addition, residents with an unlisted phone number, anyone who has changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cell phone or VoIP phone as their primary number should register. Additional phone numbers can be entered as well. Whether you would prefer to be notified by text message, e-mail or a phone call, the system will allow you to choose. If you don’t have Internet access, please call O’Fallon’s Citizens First Center at 636-3795553, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to provide your first and last name, street address (no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code and primary phone number.
Ward 3 Councilmembers
Zumwalt family visits O’Fallon for Fort dedication
Richard “Rick” Battelle
O’Fallon’s unique history was in the spotlight when the rebuilt Zumwalt’s Fort was dedicated on Saturday, May 2, as part of Founders’ Day. Drawing many Zumwalt descendants and relations, the dedication commemorated the rebuilding of Jacob Zumwalt’s War of 1812 family fort, or fortified home, which is said to have harbored as many as 10 families against Native American raids during the war. Rebuilt to life size, the fort is a gift to the City of O’Fallon from the O’Fallon Community Foundation.
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
Festival District declared for July 2, 3 and 4 Residents living near the festival grounds can find information about road closings and other restrictions on the festival website, www.heritageandfreedomfest.com. For more information, call the City Clerk at 636-379-5555.
636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Grants and Assistance
Mike Pheney
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Citizens First Center 636-379-5553
City Hall 636-240-2000
Home Improvement Program benefits low-income O’Fallon residents If you’re an O’Fallon homeowner who could use an extra $5,000 to help with home repairs like replacing an aging heating/cooling unit, repairing a roof or replacing windows, find out if you can take advantage of O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program. Funds are available through the City for five-year forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to assist with maintenance issues and code violations. Applicants must meet income and other guidelines. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/grants or contact 636-379-5411 or jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
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Get involved! This summer, get experience helping with Heritage & Freedom Fest and other City events as a volunteer! Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417.
Celebrate America Heritage & Freedom Fest 2015
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2–4 offers music, rides, fun and more!
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elebrate our nation’s independence with your family, friends and neighbors at the county’s biggest and best event, O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2–4 at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard. This year’s festival once again features concerts with nationally-known musicians, fantastic fireworks, carnival rides, free Kids’ Zone activities and sideshows, and great festival food and drinks. Plus, this year’s event features an expanded fairground, a new entrance on T.R. Hughes Blvd. and even more to see and do!
Headline entertainment live and free on July 3–4 You’ve heard them on the radio and downloaded their songs. Now see headline entertainers Gloriana, LoCash, Smash Mouth and Toad the Wet Sprocket with special guest Tonic performing live on the Main Stage in O’Fallon! To hear a selection of each band’s best-known songs, please visit www. heritageandfreedomfest.com.
Fireworks on July 3 and 4 Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial Round up the family, line up your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy one of the top fireworks displays in the area, the Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial on July 3rd and 4th. Named in memory of O’Fallon’s beloved Heritage & Freedom Fest coordinator, the show will light up the sky following the final concert of the night at 10:15 p.m. on July 3, and 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
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www.heritageandfreedomfest.com
Thursday, July 2 • Family Night Festival grounds open 5–10 p.m. Carnival and midway, only. No fireworks. 6–10 p.m.
Interactive DJ, audience choice
Friday, July 3 Festival grounds open Noon – 11 p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Well Hungarians
6:30 p.m.
LoCash
9:00 p.m.
Gloriana
10:15 p.m. Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial
Saturday, July 4 Parade at 9:30 a.m. Festival grounds open Noon – 10 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Superjam
4:50 p.m.
Parade awards
5:15 p.m.
Tonic
6:45 p.m.
Toad the Wet Sprocket
8:30 p.m.
Smash Mouth
9:30 p.m.
Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular presented by OneMain Financial
Please note: T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Cool Springs Industrial Drive will temporarily close for one hour before the fireworks shows.
Main Stage and Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular are presented by
heritageandfreedomfest.com Summer 2015
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Buy carnival ride tickets at half-price in advance Save time and money by purchasing carnival ride tickets at half-price now through July 1, at the RSC and the Parks and Recreation Administration Office. The discounted ride tickets will be good for July 2–4. Ride tickets will be available at full price at the festival. Please note: Carnival ride tickets can only be used for rides and will not be accepted at midway booths, concession stands, merchandise booths or the Krazy Kidz Jump. No refunds can be given on unused tickets.
Krazy Kidz Jump July 3, Noon – 9 p.m. July 4, Noon – 8:30 p.m. With harnesses and guidelines to keep them safe, kids will have a blast bungee jumping on trampoline-style stations. The cost is $5 per jump.
Family Night is July 2
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The party gets started on Thursday, July 2, from 5 – 10 p.m. with gravity-defying carnival rides for adults and older kids and exciting rides for younger kids, too. DJ Beezie Boyer, remix artist and entertainer, will be taking text requests for songs from 6–10 p.m. As a Family Night special, Unlimited Ride wristbands will be available on site at $20 each (valid July 2 only). Patrons can also test their game-playing skills on the midway.
O’Fallon’s “Monumental” Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade
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Get your Independence Day celebration off to a patriotic start by joining your neighbors along the 2.1 mile parade route from downtown O’Fallon to the festival grounds. Come early for a good seat, and cheer for your favorite entries as the parade passes by. This year’s theme is “Celebrate National Parks and Monuments.” Be sure to wear your red, white and blue! Getting underway at 9:30 a.m. on July 4 from North Main and Third streets, the parade will head north on Main Street, turn east on Tom Ginnever Avenue and continue to T.R. Hughes Ballpark.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Free concerts on the Main Stage Gloriana and LoCash headline Country Music Night on Friday, July 3 Gloriana – The critically-acclaimed country-pop trio of Tom Gossin, Rachel Reinert and Mike Gossin earned an American Music Award for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and the Academy of Country Music’s “Top New Vocal Group.” Their most popular songs include “(Kissed You) Goodnight,” “Wild at Heart,” “Can’t Shake You” and their current hit, “Trouble.” LoCash – With songs like “C.O.U.N.T.R.Y,” “Here Comes Summer” and “Best Seat in the House,” LoCash breaks the barrier between rock and country with high-energy performances. The group’s latest single, “I Love This Life,” is moving up the Billboard charts.
Smash Mouth and friends rock the Main Stage on Saturday, July 4 Smash Mouth – Recognized as one of the ultimate party bands, Smash Mouth has been producing hard-rocking hits for nearly two decades, including “All-Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “Then the Morning Comes,” and “I’m a Believer.” Their latest album Magic showcases the band at its traditional best on the singles “Flippin’ Out” and “Magic.” Toad the Wet Sprocket – Toad the Wet Sprocket’s singles, “All I Want,” “Walk on the Ocean” and “Fall Down” were staples of ’90s alternative rock radio. After taking a break from touring and recording, the original group is back with crowd-pleasing performances. Their most recent album, New Constellation, features the hit single, “California Wasted.” Tonic – With six Top 10 singles, platinum albums and two Grammy nominations, Tonic is an alternative rock powerhouse merging raw rock ‘n roll with bold melody for a unique highenergy sound. Their hits include: “If You Could Only See,” “You Wanted More” and “Mean to Me.”
Get updates: @visitofallon
Parking at the Freedom Fest on July 3–4
Tips for enjoying the Festival
General parking – Free parking is available off Tom Ginnever Avenue at Fort Zumwalt North and Christian high schools. Air conditioned buses will drop patrons off near the entrance.
Dress for comfort; stay hydrated; and use sunscreen. If you feel overheated, you can cool down and get a drink of water in the air-conditioned Heat Relief Tent. EMS will be stationed near the festival entrance. A free diaper-changing station will be available in the Kids’ Zone. The following items are not allowed at the festival:
Premium parking – Purchase a prime parking spot near the festival entrance for only $10. Available July 3 and 4 on a first-come, first-served basis at the T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot. ADA-accessible parking – Free parking for the disabled will only be available in the north lot just outside T.R. Hughes Ballpark. A handicapped license plate or tag must be displayed for admission. Please note:
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No fireworks; it is illegal to possess, purchase or light fireworks in O’Fallon No pets or animals of any kind, except service animals No bikes, skateboards, scooters, skates, rollerblades or any motorized vehicles including coolers
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No ADA-accessible parking will be available at any other parking lot.
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Because the new entrance to the fairgrounds is adjacent to the ADA-accessible parking, no shuttles will be provided from the lot to the festival entrance.
Coolers and small backpacks are permitted but all coolers and bags are subject to search by police officers, park rangers and parks personnel, including at the festival entrance.
Free sideshows and activities Kids’ Zone
No glass containers of any kind No guns or weapons of any kind
Thank you, Sponsors!
July 3, Noon – 9:45 p.m. July 4, Noon – 9 p.m. When they’re not jumping on giant inflatables or playing games, kids can get their face painted, create art at the coloring table and decorate a visor or star-shaped glasses to wear.
Axe Women Loggers of Maine July 3 shows at 3:15, 5:45, 8:15 p.m. July 4 shows at 2:30, 6, 8 p.m. Woodchips and sawdust will fly as the Axe Women Loggers of Maine show their skills in chopping through logs in just seconds, log rolling and more.
Chris Clark Bicycle Stunt Show July 3 shows at 2:30, 4:15, 7 p.m. July 4 shows at 2, 7 p.m. Professional stunt cyclist Chris Clark has competed around the world and entertained thousands. Each 30-minute show is a breathtaking exhibition of balance and agility as Chris maneuvers his bike over his custom ramps and obstacles.
Sign up for the O’Fallon Chamber’s 31st Annual Firecracker Run Saturday, July 4 6 a.m., T.R. Hughes Ballpark Get details and register at www.ofallonchamber.org/ firecracker for your choice of a 10K, 5K or 1-Mile Fun Run. The annual USATF-Certified Firecracker Run is the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s biggest event of the year. New award categories for 2015: ages 60–69, 70+, and a Stroller category.
ABRA Auto Body AFB International Arrowhead Landscaping Bank of Old Monroe Button Autobody Chick-fil-A Culligan Water Curtis Heinz, Garrett & O’Keefe Jimmy Johns Madison’s Café Marshall Ford O’Fallon Brewery Papa John’s Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar Pantera's Pizza Shop ’n Save River City Rascals Tom + Chee Sno-Biz
Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events
! % OFF 5 0 1 E V RECEI e: ofallon1 Cod Promo
Food Truck Frenzy
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O’Fallon’s popular food truck dining event is back in 2015! Each month through August, enjoy an evening of tasty food truck fare and relaxing to music at different locations throughout the City. Bring your appetite and a blanket or chairs for seating. For a list of trucks scheduled for each event, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/food-truck-frenzy.
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Saturday, June 13 5–8 p.m., Sports Park Listen to Big Rain playing modern hits. Free admission and parking.
The region’s coolest summer event, Slide the City, is coming to O’Fallon V+
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For the coolest street party of the summer, get tickets for Slide the City – O’Fallon and go slip-sliding away on a 1,000-foot inflatable water slide. Featuring a padded slip-and-slide the length of three football fields, Slide the City will be set up on Mexico Road at Fort Zumwalt West High School on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26. Food trucks, vendors, music and complimentary parking and shuttle service will make Slide the City – O’Fallon the county’s hottest summer street party. In order to slide, tickets must be purchased for each day of the event. In addition, kids must be at least 5 years old and 46 inches tall to slide. Ticket options include:
Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Slide the City – O’Fallon (Mexico Road in front of Fort Zumwalt High School)
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Saturday, August 15 5–8 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
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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.
Single Slider
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Unlimited Slider (VIP)
Triple Slider
Limited parking is available at Fort Zumwalt West High School on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional complimentary parking and shuttles to the water slide are available from 1:30–6:30 p.m. at three convenient locations:
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First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. O'Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.
Sliding starts at noon and continues through 5 p.m. However, VIP ticket-holders will be able to slide from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don't forget to use the promo code ofallon15 for 10% off!
Thank you to our sponsor!
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Enjoy 60s and 70s music by Roger & Bill. Free admission and parking.
Tour the O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum Open May – September, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month 12–3 p.m., Civic Park
O’FallonTheatreWorks Youth Theatre presents Beauty & the Beast, Jr.
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June 19–20 and 26–27 Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) The classic fairytale of an arrogant prince transformed into a Beast by a witch’s spell is based on Disney’s musical, Beauty and the Beast. Can the spell be broken before it’s too late for the Beast? With a palace full of singing and dancing cutlery, furniture, a motherly teapot and the beautiful, kind-hearted Belle, it’s a musical with the makings of a happy ending. See page 15 in the Parks & Rec Guide for ticket information.
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indicates opportunities for volunteers.
O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts
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Pirate Treasure Hunt • Ages 4–12
Tuesdays through August 18 (No concert June 30) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand
Saturday, September 19 12:30–4 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Once a week this summer, treat yourself to an evening of great music, free! Each outdoor concert brings a different band and different brand of music to the stage, including country, rock ‘n roll, R & B, Motown, oldies, pop, swing, big band and jazz. Walking paths, restrooms and a playground near the bandstand are ADA-compliant, and festival-style food will be available for purchase. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. Check www.ofallon.mo.us/jammin for concert updates. For weather updates, call 636-379-5614.
Here’s a pirate-themed treasure hunt for ages 4–12, only. To find the hidden treasure, follow the clues, complete the activities and earn puzzle pieces that will help you find the treasure. The cost is $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Parents need not pay, but must stay with their child. Be sure to sign up in advance; there’s no registration at the gate. Call 636474-2732 to register or for more information.
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June 9 – Surf’s Up, Beach Boys tribute band
Saturday, September 25 4–8 p.m., Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) 8 p.m., Movie in the Park: Jurassic Park (PG-13)
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July 7 – Joe Dirt & the Dirty Boys Band, rock ’n roll
June 16 – NashVegas, contemporary country June 23 – Community Concert Band, O’Fallon Jazz Band Pops, movie scores, jazz, big band, swing, standards July 14 – Trilogy, 60s and 70s rock July 21 – El Scorcho, pop and modern hits July 28 – Community Concert Band, O’Fallon Jazz Band August 4 – Shameless, Garth Brooks tribute band August 11 – Stray Bullet, rock ’n roll August 18 – Butch Wax and the Hollywoods with Theo Peoples (Four Tops and Temptations lead singer)
Labor Day Concert
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RSC Art & Family Festival and RSC open house
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Free admission, parking and activities! Try out the facilities at the Renaud spirit Center open house from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. From 4 – 8 p.m., enjoy free kids’ activities, local artists selling their work, giveaways and raffles, followed by an outdoor movie starting at about 8 p.m., free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for movie seating. Food trucks will have food and beverages for sale.
O’Fallon’s Fall Fest & Street Dance Street Dance: Friday, October 9, 7–10 p.m., Civic Park Drive Fall Fest: Saturday, October 10, 10–5 p.m., Civic Park
Patriot Day Ceremony
Welcome Fall with these back-to-back events! Kick off Friday evening with a rocking night of music, dancing and fun at the free Street Dance on Civic Park Drive. Vendors will have food and beverages available for purchase. Then, on Saturday, enjoy a little bit of country in the city at O’Fallon’s 31st annual Fall Fest in Civic Park. Admission is free! Shop vendor’s booths for upscale handcrafted items, listen to live acoustic music, sit down with the kids to watch a free, family-friendly show, and picnic on delicious food and beverages. Vendors are welcome to apply for booth space; visit www.ofallon.mo.us/fall-fest.
Friday, September 11 8:30 a.m., outside the O’Fallon Police Department
Fall Fest Run and Zombie Costume Contest
Monday, September 7 2 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand Pack some refreshments and lawn chairs and head to the Civic Park Bandstand for an afternoon of swing, standards, big band classics, pops and music from the movies. The free Labor Day Concert features performances by the O’Fallon Jazz Band at 2 p.m. and the O’Fallon Community Concert Band at 3 p.m.
Please join in this moving ceremony honoring our first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony Friday, September 18 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk Please come to this ceremony dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil.
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Saturday, October 10 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) On your mark, get ready for fun and exercise on a pretty October morning with O’Fallon’s Fall Fest 5K and 10K Run. The 3.1-mile and 6.2-mile races have divisions for all ages and a Zombie Costume Contest for race participants. Participants are asked to please dress appropriately for this family-friendly event. For registration and information, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/fall-fest.
www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2015
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It’s volunteer season!
Police Bulletins
With festivals, concerts and events of all sizes planned for O’Fallon, volunteers are needed to lend a hand behind the scenes. Contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services at volunteer@ ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417. Or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer.
32nd Annual KSHE95 Summer Blood Drive
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Friday, August 7, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) Help save lives this summer with KSHE95 and the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Everyone who attempts to donate blood will receive a commemorative KSHE95 T-shirt while supplies last. Both whole blood and platelet donations can be made. For more information, please visit www. bloodcenter.org.
National Days of Service and Remembrance
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Friday – Saturday, September 11–12 O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Sign up for projects honoring our everyday heroes and in memory of the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ ofallon.mo.us to inquire about the following:
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Support Our Troops Supply Drive, August 11 – September 11; collection sites include City Hall and the Renaud Spirit Center; additional sites are listed at www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer. Patriot Blood Drive, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday, September 11 Citizens United in Service, 9–11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, – Projects supporting first responders and military personnel
New O’Fallon justice center is coming soon! When O’Fallon voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1 in April, the City’s elected officials and staff immediately began the process of making the dream of a new justice center on Bryan Road a reality. The 80,000+ square foot justice center will include a new police station and municipal court and will provide O’Fallon with a 21st century facility designed to meet the needs of a modern police force. Each issue, the O’Fallon Update will keep you informed on the progress as we near the opening in 2017. Currently, the City is hiring an architectural firm to develop the final construction plans. Design work should be completed in early 2016.
Sign up for O’Fallon’s free disaster preparedness training Learning how to prepare for and survive a disaster, free! The O’Fallon Police Department’s popular, hands-on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training can help you, your neighbors, friends or organization learn how to take care of your home, family and yourself in an emergency. The free training will be held September 25–27, on Friday, 6–10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Topics include:
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Disaster preparedness and kits Fire safety Disaster medical operations; assessing and treating injuries Light search and rescue Team organization Disaster psychology Terrorism
For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/CERT. To register, download the application and send or bring it to the Police Department.
O’Fallon’s Animal Control In order to keep the City’s pet population under control and avoid the euthanization of unwanted dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, please spay or neuter your pet! If you’ve lost a pet, found a stray, or have a wildlife concern, the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division offers several options that can help:
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
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Check www.facebook.com/ofallonanimalcontrol for updated information on topics related to animals in our area.
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Leave a voice message describing the problem by calling 636-240-3200; press “1” for Animal Control/Dispatch.
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Find information about reclaiming an impounded pet and City animal control ordinances at www.ofallon.mo.us/PD.
Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements No change in summertime trash and recycling collection during holidays For residents who are enrolled in the City’s trash and recycling program, please note, there will be no change in service for: • Independence Day on Saturday, July 4 • Labor Day on Monday, September 7 Please put your trash, recycling and yard waste at the curb on your regularly-scheduled day. For more information about O’Fallon’s trash and recycling program, please visit www. ofallon.mo.us/ES or call 636-272-0477.
Free electronics and appliance recycling events Saturday, June 20, August 22, October 17 and December 12 8 a.m. – noon, T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot (off Tom Ginnever) Everyone is welcome to bring acceptable items to O’Fallon’s free electronics and appliance recycling events. 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.
Help keep O’Fallon tidy by bagging your trash and recycling. Loose papers and wrappers are the major reason for trash blowing through neighborhoods. For a list of what can be recycled, look online at www.ofallon.mo.us/ES.
Free bulk-waste drop-off Saturday, June 27, August 29, October 24 and December 19 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., waste transfer station, 1572 Progress West Lane If you are an O’Fallon trash customer with items for disposal that are too large to fit into your trash container, you may be able to bring the items to the City’s waste transfer station. (Not all items can be accepted. For a list of acceptable/ unacceptable bulk waste items, please visit www.ofallon. mo.us/ES.) The free drop-off service is held every other month. Be sure to bring a photo ID showing your O’Fallon address and be prepared to unload your own items.
Keep your yard and garden tidy with City yard waste service The City of O’Fallon offers residents two options when it comes to disposing of grass clippings, leaves and tree limbs. Residents can sign up for curbside yard waste collection at any time for only $5.62 per month ($11.25 per bi-monthly bill); the service requires a commitment of one year, and includes monthly wintertime yard waste collection. Residents who do not want to commit to a year can request one-time curbside collection for $20. To register for the year or a one-time pick up, just contact Environmental Services at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ ofallon.mo.us. For more details about the service, visit www. ofallon.mo.us/ES. 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.
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Project O’Fallon City Infrastructure Updates Be alert, obey signs in O’Fallon’s work zones Summer time is peak road construction time. For both drivers and workers, road construction sites can be dangerous places. With many active construction sites throughout O’Fallon, including MoDOT zones on Highway K near 364, drivers are asked to be attentive, obey the work zone signs and observe the speed limit when passing through work zones. Current and upcoming O’Fallon work zones to watch for this summer include:
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O’Fallon’s annual crack seal asphalt and concrete slab replacement programs will continue with maintenance to repair or replace damaged subdivision street surfaces.
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Elaine Drive improvements are continuing with the installation of new center turn lanes, sidewalks and enclosed drainage, which could lead to delays in passing through the area. The project is expected to be completed later this summer.
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The intersection of Sommers Road and Highway N is being improved with new turn lanes and sidewalks with pedestrian facilities.
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The construction of the new Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Plaza and Concession Stand will begin in July.
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Woodlawn Avenue and Civic Park Drive are scheduled to be repaved, which could cause delays to drivers passing through the area. In addition, a new sidewalk will be installed along Woodlawn and the Woodlawn railroad bridge will be painted. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Slab replacement and sidewalk repair will take place on Knaust Road from Mexico to Laura Hill, Bryan Road, Woodlawn Avenue from I-70 to Mexico Road, Homefield Boulevard between Pieper Road and T.R. Hughes, and Presidents Landing Drive from Mexico to Feise roads.
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Crews also will be resurfacing Mexico Road between Barrington Drive and Belleau Creek Road, with work slated to begin in August.
For more details and road construction updates, visit the City Projects webpage at www.ofallon.mo.us/city-projects.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
The City of O’Fallon’s Water Quality Report is available online The City of O’Fallon’s Annual Water Quality Report, also called the Consumer Confidence Report, is available online on the City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us/water-and-sewer. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates O’Fallon’s water system and requires the testing of the City’s water on a regular basis to ensure its safety. The test results are listed on the report, along with a glossary of terms and an explanation of findings. This information can also be found on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr. mo.gov/ccr/MO6010588.pdf.
Building and Codes Before you build, install or repair, find out if you need a building permit If you’re planning on improving your house by adding a room, building a deck or installing a pool, it’s important to know that before you or your contractor can begin work, City ordinances may require a building permit issued by O’Fallon’s Building and Code Enforcement Division. Getting a permit is the fastest, safest and least-expensive way to make sure that the construction or installation work will meet building codes and pass final inspection. City staff is available to guide you through the process. To find out if you need a building permit, please check www.ofallon.mo.us/building-permits, call City staff at 636379-5660 or come to City Hall (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), where staff will be glad to answer your questions.
For everyone’s safety, please move obstructions away from the curb Obstructions, including basketball hoops and hockey goals, are prohibited from being placed near the curb. These items make it difficult to safely navigate the street, attract children to traffic areas and interfere with mail delivery, trash pickup and snow removal. Injuries or damages caused by these obstructions could result in personal liability to the property owner. Please keep the roadways clear and move any basketball hoops or other equipment away from the curb. Failure to do so could result in a code enforcement citation.
O’Fallon residents should prepare for the Emerald Ash Borer and dying ash trees The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect that is spreading across the country and already has found its way into the O’Fallon community. The EAB is nearly unstoppable and eventually infests every ash tree in its path. The good news is the EAB only kills ash trees; the bad news is that will likely kill every ash tree in the region over the next decade. With an estimated 37,000 ash trees in the O’Fallon community, the impact on our community will be significant.
What is the City doing about its ash trees?
Impact on homeowners
Are there treatments available to stop the insect?
Ash trees are all over the City and most are on private property. Remember, if you have ash trees on your property, including the area between the sidewalk and the street, they are your responsibility as the property owner. Begin making plans accordingly. Residents are encouraged to plant trees in advance of the EAB devastation, even if the residents are not going to lose an ash tree. Trees are good for our community and every effort should be made to add trees and buffer the impact of the EAB. Because the impact of this insect will be so widespread, this situation may lend itself to subdivision-wide solutions and homeowners may want to work with their Homeowners Associations to help find ideas, such as budgeting for the removal of the ash trees and replacing them with another species or drafting and funding a five-year plan for the subdivision.
How can I tell if I have the EAB? What do I do? There is no need to actually diagnose EAB infestations. If you have an ash tree that is showing signs of distress, the tree either has or will soon have the EAB as the insect is especially attracted to vulnerable trees. There is no need to call the City or an expert to diagnose the problem. It is recommended that residents have ash trees removed when the trees are showing 50% death of the tree structure. The 50% criteria coincides with research that demonstrates when an ash tree is subjected to this amount of decline, the tree’s fate is irreversible. Ash trees that have died from an EAB infestation are particularly brittle. If dying trees are left standing and subjected to high winds or an ice storm, the result could be a catastrophic drop of limbs and in some cases entire trees. In other cities where the EAB has been, considerable damage has occurred to houses and vehicles beside the dying ash trees, and neighborhood power outages become common from ash limbs dropping onto electric lines. To help dispose of ash tree debris, the O’Fallon will continue to offer yard waste pickup for trash customers who choose it through the current program with O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department.
O’Fallon already is taking measures to proactively replace ash trees on City property beginning in 2015. Proactive tree replacement and planting in 2015 through 2019 will soften the transition of the expected ash tree loss. The City is planting replacement trees with the intention of having a net gain in the total number of trees after the last ash tree is removed in 2021.
Yes, but long-term success with treatments to control EAB remains a gamble. A good deal has been learned about treatments to save ash trees since EAB was first discovered in 2002, but the long-term effectiveness of these treatments is still unknown. There are do-it-yourself treatments and there are professional treatments available. Some of these have proven to hold off infestations, but they likely must be done for the entire life of the tree. Missing just one annual or bi-annual treatment likely will be enough to allow an infestation. This will be expensive over time and there are no guarantees. But, in certain circumstances, this approach may be preferable to removal. For more information on possible treatments and the EAB, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/EAB or visit the University of Missouri Extension website at http://extension.missouri.edu/ treepests/emeraldashborer.aspx.
Photo credits: The Ohio State University CFAES; US Department of Agriculture
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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
June 9
Jammin’ concert with Surf’s Up, 6:30–9 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
10
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
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City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
13
Food Truck Frenzy with music by Big Rain, 5–8 p.m. Sports Park
15
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Jammin’ concert with NashVegas, 6:30–9 p.m.
17
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
19
Beauty & the Beast, Jr., 7 p.m.
20
Free Electronics & Appliances Recycling, 8 a.m. – noon T.R. Hughes west parking lot
Beauty & the Beast, Jr., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
22
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
23
Jammin’ with O’Fallon Concert & Jazz bands, 6:30–9 p.m.
25
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
26
Beauty & the Beast, Jr., 7 p.m.
27
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Beauty & the Beast, Jr., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
July 1
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
2
Family Night, Heritage & Freedom Fest, 5–10 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, free admission
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
3
City Hall CLOSED
Heritage & Freedom Fest, noon – 11 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, free admission
4
Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, 9:30 a.m.
Heritage & Freedom Fest, noon – 10 p.m.
Alligator’s Creek OPEN, noon – 5 p.m.
RSC CLOSED
6
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
7
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
Jammin’ concert with Joe Dirt, 6:30 -9 p.m.
8
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
14
Jammin’ concert with Trilogy, 6:30 -9 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
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15 Municipal Court, 9 a.m. Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m. Public Works Commission, 7 p.m. 20 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 21 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. Jammin’ concert with El Scorcho, 6:30 -9 p.m. 22 O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m. 23 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 25-26 Slide the City & Food Truck Frenzy, noon – 5 p.m. 28 Jammin’ with O’Fallon Concert & Jazz bands, 6:30–9 p.m.
August 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 22 24 27 29
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m. Jammin’ concert with Shameless, 6:30–9 p.m. Municipal Court, 9 a.m. Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. Municipal Court, 6 p.m. Jammin’ concert with Stray Bullet, 6:30–9 p.m. Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m. Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. Food Truck Frenzy with music by Roger and Bill, 5–8 p.m. Fort Zumwalt Park Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. Jammin’ concert with Butch Wax, 6:30–9 p.m. Municipal Court, 9 a.m. Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m. Public Works Commission, 7 p.m. Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling, 8 a.m. - noon Municipal Court, 6 p.m. City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. Bulk-waste drop off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
September 1 3 7 8 9 10
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. City Hall CLOSED Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m. Municipal Court, 9 a.m. Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
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.