O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Winter 2014–15 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday O’Fallon again makes Money magazine’s list of America’s Best Places to Live For the fifth consecutive time, O’Fallon, Missouri, has been named one of the nation’s “Best Places to Live” by Money magazine for cities with a population of 50,000–300,000. O’Fallon is the only Missouri city included on Money magazine’s 2014 list. In addition to Money’s rankings in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014, in the past year O’Fallon also has been named “one of the best cities in Missouri to live and find a job” (nerdwallet.com), rated one of the 20 “safest cities in America” (CQ Press) and the “safest large City in Missouri” (SafeWise Report for cities of 50,000+).
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t is truly a wonderful time to live in O’Fallon. There’s so much going on and our City glows with holiday lights shining from house to house and Christmas trees lighting up windows all over town. The holidays are here in O’Fallon. This year, we have even more to celebrate. I’m thrilled that O’Fallon has again been named as one of “America’s Best Places to Live” by Money magazine. This year’s ranking means that our City has been recognized as one of America’s best for nearly a decade. No other city in Missouri can make this claim. This holiday season, you can help keep O’Fallon as one of the best places to live by supporting our many great retailers and restaurants when you shop and dine “in the O.” When you support our local businesses, your tax dollars fund the essential City services and amenities that we all count on. O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department plans family-friendly events that make the most of each season, and this winter is no exception. The Celebration of Lights is open in Fort Zumwalt Park through December 30, except for Christmas Day. When you go, tune your radio to 90.3 FM to hear music synced to the displays. For details, just turn to page 3. After New Year’s, we can look forward to Cabin Fever Daze on January 24–25. Admission is free, and there are so many free, exciting and fun activities that you’ll have to see the list for yourself on page 5. I hope to see you there! In the past couple of years, O’Fallon has had significant snowfall, and based on early indications, that may again be the case this winter. Page 8 of this newsletter is dedicated to explaining what to do when snow begins to accumulate. Take a look to see how you can help our snow crews keep traffic on the move. In closing, thank you for another great year in O’Fallon! From our families to yours, the O’Fallon City Council, City staff and I wish you a very merry Christmas, a blessed holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
In this issue 3
Celebration of Lights
5
Cabin Fever Daze
6
Upcoming Events
8
Snow Control
9
Roscoe’s Den
11 Veterans Affairs Office
Mayor to deliver “State of the City” address, live O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual “State of the City” address at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2015, in the City Council chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). The public is invited to attend the event. The address also will be broadcast live on O’FallonTV (Charter Cable channel 991 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99) and on the City’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us.
See reverse for the Winter Parks & Rec Guide
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
O’Fallon’s recognitions just keep on coming! O’Fallon was recently ranked by a financial website as number two in America for job growth among cities with a population of under 100,000. In an article posted on WalletHub.com, “2014’s Fastest Growing Cities,” by financial writer Richie Bernardo, O’Fallon ranked second out of 210 small cities (population under 100,000) that were considered for “highest job growth.” O’Fallon was the only Midwestern city included on the list.
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 636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Helpful Numbers
O’Fallon named 2nd in the nation among small cities for job growth
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
Grants and Assistance O’Fallon launches disabled transportation program Legally disabled residents have a new option for getting around town to medical appointments and necessary shopping, the free Disabled Transportation Program. The service provides rides to the disabled for essential living needs such as medical appointments, banking, grocery and personal care shopping. The program will be funded by $5,000 from the City’s Community Development Block Grant, and it will be offered as long as funding allows. To qualify, residents must have legal proof of disability, photo identification and proof of O’Fallon residency (such as an O’Fallon address on their photo ID or Social Security information). To obtain a ride, please contact ZipCare Transportation at least 48 hours in advance by calling 314-292-7302, ext. 380, or submit a request to the company’s website, www. zipcaretransportation.com. Wheelchair access is available on request. For more information, visit O’Fallon’s Grants & Assistance webpage at www.ofallon. mo.us/grants-assistance, or contact the Public Assistance Specialist at 636-379-5411 or jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
Are you a low-income homeowner having trouble affording home repairs? The City of O’Fallon is looking for low-income homeowners in need of home repairs to apply for a no-interest, five-year forgivable loan of up to $5,000. The loans, which will be available as long as funds last, will be provided to low-income and moderate-income O’Fallon homeowners who meet the qualifications. The loans can only be used for home repairs and to address code violations. Eligible home improvements include the repair or replacement of furnace units, water heaters, sump pumps, windows, siding and roofs. Get more information about the loans online at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants or by calling 636-379-5411.
Senior Corner Disabled residents and seniors, save your 2014 utility receipts for tax rebates Filing for O’Fallon’s utility tax rebate is right around the corner, 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, and have 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 qualify for the City’s tax rebates on utility bills, you will be able to file for the rebates at City Hall on weekdays beginning Wednesday, April 1, through Thursday, May 30. Watch for more information in the Spring newsletter!
Cool Winter Entertainment www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Stay busy with these exciting, family-friendly events
23rd Annual Celebration of Lights Nightly through December 30 (Closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Drive Enjoy an enchanted evening with your loved ones and add a dash of wintertime magic to your holidays at O’Fallon’s dazzling Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park. Enjoy more than a million sparkling holiday lights and eye-popping holiday displays as you drive through the one-mile route. If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy this year’s display, register for one of our special Segway tours or an oldfashioned horse-drawn carriage. Segway and carriage rides must be reserved two weeks in advance.
Drive-through times, admission:
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Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday (except December 9), 6–9 p.m.
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Tuesday Night Special: $7 for all non-commercial vehicles
Friday and Saturday, 6–10 p.m.
Directions to Celebration of Lights:
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From I-70: Take Exit 216 at Bryan Road. Turn south on Bryan Road, then left at the first stoplight onto Veterans Memorial Parkway. Continue 1.5 miles to the entrance to Fort Zumwalt Park, on the right.
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From I-64: Take the WingHaven Blvd. exit north. Go north (as WingHaven becomes Bryan Road) for about 6 miles to Veterans Memorial Parkway. Turn right on Veterans Memorial Parkway and drive east about 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right.
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From Route 364: Take the Bryan Road exit north. Go north for about 3 miles to Veterans Memorial Parkway. Turn right on Veterans Memorial Parkway and drive east about 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right.
Admission: $9 cars, $15 commercial vans, $1 per person in tour buses ($25 minimum) Bring a food pantry donation for $1 off admission (except Tuesdays)
Make reservations for: Segway rides – Rides are $30 per person. Call Glide St. Louis at 314-868-7386 for reservations. Horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides – Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at info@cfcarriage. com or 636-390-4403 for reservations. Rides last approximately 30 minutes and must be reserved in advance.
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Private carriages are $75 for 4–6 passengers
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Children ages four and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap
Private wagons are $150 for up to 12 passengers Community wagons are $10 per passenger; passengers will be seated with other parties; limit 12 passengers
Celebration of Lights is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon with participation by local businesses and civic organizations. A percentage of the proceeds goes to charity. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2014–15
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Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
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Tuesday, December 9 6–9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Admission is $2 for ages 3 and older; free parking Give the gift of one-on-one time with your family as you walk through the gorgeous Celebration of Lights. Enjoy fireworks over the lake (7:25 p.m.), holiday scenes, caroling and choir music, a visit with Santa and shopping at vendors’ booths for holiday crafts, unique gifts, cookies, hot chocolate and more. Renewal by Andersen will provide a station for kids to write letters to St. Nick. Watch for signs to parking and complimentary shuttle service near the park. For more information, call 636-379-5614 or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
Free Christmas tree drop off in Civic Park and Sports Park O’Fallon residents can drop off live evergreen Christmas trees, free, between December 26 and January 11 at parking lots in Civic Park and O’Fallon Sports Park. The sites will be open dawn to dusk. Only live trees with no decorations will be accepted. Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, string or wire. No artificial trees, wreaths, shrubs, plastic bags or yard waste should be dropped off.
Curbside Christmas tree pickup For a fee of $10 per tree, O’Fallon trash customers can have their holiday trees picked up from their curb by calling 636272-0477. The cost will be added to the next bill. Only live trees will be picked up, and trees must have all decorations removed. Do not place trees in plastic bags. Trees will be picked up on Wednesdays from December 31, 2014, through January 28, 2015.
Free recycling offered for old holiday light strands From December 26 through January 11, O’Fallon residents are encouraged to recycle unwanted holiday light strands free of charge. Simply remove them from trees and drop them off at any of four locations: Sports Park and Civic Park parking lots, the Renaud Spirit Center and City Hall. Miniature and LED light strands can simply be dropped into recycling receptacles “as is”. To avoid injury from bulb breakage, larger light bulbs from C-7 and C-9 strands should be removed and discarded in the trash, before the wire strands are discarded in the recycling container. There’s no need to tie or bag light strands; just drop loose strands into the receptacle.
City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!
@cityofofallon
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Cabin Fever Daze 2015
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Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sports Park Get out of the house and beat the winter blahs with games, zany competitions and live entertainment at O’Fallon’s popular Cabin Fever Daze celebration. Vendors will be on hand with delicious food and beverages for sale, and a heat retreat tent will be available. Admission, parking and activities are free.
Free Activities Mini Golf – Play a fun 9 holes of mini golf right on the Cabin Fever Daze festival grounds. Clash of the Climates – Participate in this fun twist on tug-ofwar! Pick a side, “Summer” or “Winter,” and battle to see which season wins. Snowplow Backseat Driver – You’ll need a buddy for this event – one to be the driver and one to be a brave passenger in a wheelbarrow pushed through the course. The passenger must be good at directions, though, because the driver will be wearing snow-covered goggles! Human Foosball – Fun to play and fun to watch! Teams of three or more will compete in a life-sized version of foosball. Teams may only move from side-to-side in coordination with their teammates. Human Sphere – Find out how much fun it is to be a hamster by rolling around in a giant, inflatable, see-through ball. Snow Spike Volleyball – Play the popular summertime game of volleyball with wacky wintertime rules! Arctic Arcade – Play fun arcade games including a ski simulator, a skate simulator and penguin bowling. Freeze Your Buns Trivia Run – Up to four players at a time can test their knowledge of winter trivia! Be ready to move because points go to the quickest player who can physically deliver the answer.
Field Broomball – Play this fun, hockey-esque game with some friends, a ball and some brooms to get your blood pumping and your feet moving. Snowshoe Obstacle Course – How easy is it to walk in showshoes? Find out while trekking up, down, sideways and all around on the wacky Snowshoe Obstacle Course! Fruit Cake Chuckin’ – Load a sling shot with fruit cake and fire! Snowflake Toss – Test your quarterbacking skills by tossing a football through giant snowflakes.
Free Entertainment Gateway Sled Dog Club race and demonstrations – Learn about dogsled racing and visit with the experts to learn about getting involved in Nordic activities with your pet. Palm Trio – Warm up in the heat retreat tent with live Caribbean pop and steel drum music performed from noon to 3 p.m. each day. The Hockey Circus Show – This funny, one-of-a-kind tribute to hockey includes acrobatics performed on hockey skates, juggling and a post-event meet-and-greet. More fun – Free martial arts and ice carving demonstrations.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2014–15
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events Celebration of Lights
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month Blood Drive
Nightly through December 30 (Closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park
Friday, January 23 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Bundle up your family and enjoy the magic of lights, music, whimsical holiday scenes and inspiring Christmas themes at O’Fallon’s annual Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park. See page 3 for details.
During winter, the need for blood donations becomes increasingly critical. Schedule a donation of whole blood to help as many as three people survive a life-threatening trauma or health condition. Appointments are encouraged to speed the process and ensure adequate staffing; walk-ins also are welcome. Donors must be at least 17, healthy, and show a photo ID. For more information or to schedule a convenient time, call 636-3795417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. To inquire about the benefits of blood donation or for eligibility questions, contact Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 1-800-747-5401 or visit their website www.bloodcenter.org.
O’FallonTheatreWorks’ open auditions for Bill W. and Dr. Bob Sunday, January 11, 2015 1 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Open auditions will be held for the O’FallonTheatreWorks spring drama, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, which will be performed on March 20–21 and 27–29. The cast calls for adults ranging in age from 18–45. Crew members also are needed. For more information, call 636-474-2732 or 636-474-8150. Or email dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us.
King Day of Service
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Monday, January 19 10 a.m. – noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on this annual holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The King Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. United We Serve asks Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions for our nation’s most pressing problems. Volunteers of all ages are invited to register in advance to participate in fun community service projects. To register for the King Day of Service, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
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indicates opportunities for volunteers. Please call 636-379-5417.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
13th Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Missouri Saturday, February 7 12 p.m., Lake Sainte Louise Can you take the Plunge? Team O’Fallon invites everyone to join them in participating in the 2015 Plunge. Last year, Team O’Fallon raised $8,345 for Special Olympics, adding to the $100,000 raised overall by the 2014 Lake St. Louis Polar Plunge. Earn prizes for fundraising and join hundreds of others jumping into Lake Sainte Louise. The event and post-jump Plunge Party will be held at the Lake Saint Louis Community Association Clubhouse. For more information or to register, visit Missouri’s Special Olympics website, www.somo.org and look for the 2015 Polar Plunge, then select the “Lake Saint Louis” event. Team O’Fallon at the 2014 Polar Plunge
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O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Bill W. and Dr. Bob Friday – Sunday, March 20–22 and 27–29 V+ 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 would go on to found Al Anon. During the “Roaring Twenties,” New York stockbroker Bill Wilson was riding high on money, fame and booze. In 1929, when the market crashed, he became a seemingly hopeless drunk. Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon in Akron, Ohio, and a pillar of the community, was a secret drunk for 30 years, often going into the operating room with a hangover. His family tried everything, to no avail. Then, through an astonishing series of events, Bill and Bob met on Mother’s Day in 1935. The two men formed a relationship which led to their sobriety. Fired up, they sought out others to see if their program would work for them. Richly textured with the ragtime and jazz of the era, the play tells a magnificent American success story. Discounted tickets may be purchased in advance at the Renaud Spirit Center, or by calling staff at 636-474-2732. The discounted tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students 6–17 and seniors age 55 and older. Tickets will cost an additional $2 each if purchased at the Box Office, which opens an hour before each show. Concessions also will be available for purchase.
Garden Expo & Kite Flying Event – Save the date! V+ Saturday, April 11 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Admission is free Welcome Spring at this fantastic event for all ages! Get kitemaking and flying tips from the Gateway Kite Club, enjoy shopping for live plants and home and garden décor, and take home a free sapling (while supplies last). For vendor or other information, please call 636-379-5606 or email jhoisington@ ofallon.mo.us. Heald Home tours will be available for $2.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2014–15
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Snow Control www.ofallon.mo.us/snow
W
hen it snows, 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 snow is in the forecast. Keeping vehicles off the streets allows City snow plows free access to clearing 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. 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 by making room for snow discharged by plows. Simply clear falling snow from the end of your driveway and along your curb, especially to the left of your driveway (as you face the street). 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, 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 privatelyowned streets or lots. 4. Clear the roads: 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 owners’ expense.
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 is responsible, including Mexico, Feise and Bryan roads, and WingHaven Boulevard. When snow begins to accumulate, snow removal crews are dispatched to residential areas. 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, and sections of Veterans Memorial Parkway. The City of O’Fallon cannot clear
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
these areas. If you have questions or concerns about these roads, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888275-6636).
I live on a cul-de-sac. How will the City deal with the snow on my street? During light snow events (typically, less than 2–3” of snow): Crews will clear a 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, 3” or more): With the substantial amount of snow that can build up in cul-de-sacs during heavy snowfalls, additional snow removal efforts have been put into place. When heavy snow hits, plows initially 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 the cul-de-sac to move snow into available green space. With this new policy in place, crews will be able to focus on clearing O’Fallon’s streets as quickly and efficiently as possible without inadvertently causing large snow windrows on cul-de-sacs, which inconvenience homeowners.
Can I call to report an area that needs plowing? Yes, O’Fallon’s Snow and Ice Control Hotline is put into action when the forecast calls for five or more inches of snow and snow has begun to accumulate. At that time, you can call 636379-3826 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 snow control program is to provide safe access, not 100% clear pavement. For questions at other times, please call the City’s Streets Division at 636-379-3808.
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 636-379-3808, the City’s Streets Division, 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 basketball goals and other obstructions in the City’s public right-of-way (mid-street to about 10 feet behind the curb), and the City will not pay for damage to those items. For more information on O’Fallon’s snow control process, please call the Streets Division at 636-379-3808 or visit www. ofallon.mo.us/snow.
Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements Trash and recycling holiday collection schedule For residents who are enrolled in the City’s trash and recycling program, here’s the holiday schedule for December 2014 – February 2015. Full schedules are provided on the City’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us/holiday-schedule.
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December 24, Christmas Eve – no change in service December 25, Christmas – service moves to the next day* January 1, New Year’s Day – service moves to the next day* January 19, MLK, Jr., Day – no change in service February 16, Presidents Day – no change in service
*When service moves to the next day, service on the remaining days of the week also moves forward one day.
Winter yard waste disposal options For residents enrolled in the City’s yard waste collection, weekly yard waste service for 2014 ends Friday, December 12, and it will resume the week of Monday, March 9, 2015. In the meantime, once-a-month yard waste collection will be available Wednesday, December 17, 2014, January 28, 2015, and February 25, 2015. It is free by request to residents currently enrolled in O’Fallon’s optional yard waste program. Just be sure to call 636-272-0477 in advance each month to have your address listed on the collection route. Residents who are not enrolled in the program have two options for disposing of yard waste: 1. Participate in the off-season pick-up for $2 per bag, bundle or can, with a minimum of $20 for the service. Call 636272-0477 to schedule yard waste pick-up. 2. Drop off yard waste at Hansen’s Environmental Wood Resources, which is offering a special rate for O’Fallon residents. Please call Hansen’s directly at 636-379-1830 to schedule a drop-off and check the costs. Be sure to bring payment and a photo ID with your O’Fallon address.
www.ofallon.mo.us
Free bi-monthly bulk waste drop-off in December and February O’Fallon trash customers are invited to bring acceptable items that are too large to fit into their trash containers, such as carpeting or furniture, to the City’s waste transfer station at 1572 Progress West Lane between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, and Saturday, February 28, 2015. The service is free to residents enrolled in O’Fallon’s City trash and recycling service. Loads are limited to one 10-foot trailer per address, and residents are responsible for unloading their own items. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us for a list of acceptable and unacceptable items. Or, contact staff at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477.
Beginning in February 2015, free electronics recycling events will be offered every other month Saturday, February 21 8 a.m. – noon, T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot Recycle just about any item with an electrical cord or a battery at O’Fallon’s free electronics recycling events. Acceptable items include household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves, kitchen appliances, computers, computer monitors, printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs, TVs (limit one CRT/tube-style per car), power tools and lawn and garden equipment (yard equipment must have gas and oil removed). Please do not bring: smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. This free service is provided by the City of O’Fallon in partnership with Midwest Recycling Center.
If you haven’t already, please enroll in O’Fallon’s yard waste program and get the convenience of home yard waste service. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477.
Recycle cans, bottles, boxes and papers, including greeting cards and wrapping paper. The City sells your recyclables to help keep our trash bills the lowest in the area.
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Police Bulletins O’Fallon Police Department Briefs
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
Citizens Police Academy
Police Alert: Lock your cars and garages!
Begins Tuesday, March 3, 2015 7–9:30 p.m.; Cost: $30
Stop thieves from helping themselves to your valuables! Both nationally and locally, thefts of money, holiday presents, electronics and high-dollar items from unlocked vehicles are on the rise. The O’Fallon Police Department is asking everyone to lock their car whenever they leave their vehicle.
Residents who are at least 18 years old 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 on a variety of topics including investigations, less-lethal weapon use, drug awareness, ID theft and more. Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information and an enrollment application, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD. The deadline to apply for the program is February 17. Email tbateman@ofallon.mo.us for more information.
Also, when parking your car or truck:
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Never leave vehicle doors unlocked even for a short period of time.
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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.
Free CERT disaster response training
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Friday – Sunday, March 6–8 Public Works Building, 1089 Public Works Drive
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!
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Lastly, during the winter, please do not leave your car running in the driveway to “warm it up.” An unoccupied, running vehicle is an easy target.
Don’t miss an outstanding opportunity to learn basic disaster response skills through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which is free. The O’Fallon Police Department will conduct the 20-hour course over a weekend:
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6–10 p.m., Friday, March 6 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 7 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, March 8
Join O’Fallon’s Police Explorer Post 2943
Get more information and register online at www.ofallon. mo.us/PD/CERT. Questions? Call 636-379-5686, or email astowers@ofallon.mo.us.
Lost a pet? If you’ve lost a pet or found a stray, the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control/Park Patrol Division has options that may help.
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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.
Young men and women ages 14–20 who are interested in law enforcement are invited to join the O’Fallon Police Explorers. Police Explorers learn various aspects of police work, participate in role-playing related to their training, get involved in some of the Police Department’s daily operations, and attend conferences and training academies where they compete against other posts for recognition. Explorers’ community service includes assisting with City events such as the Heritage & Freedom Fest, Fall Fest and O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD, email dpollard@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-240-3200.
To find information about reclaiming an impounded pet and City animal control ordinances, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ “Like” the O’Fallon Police on Facebook! PD/animal-control-park-patrol. Or, visit the O’Fallon Police Department website, www.ofallon.mo.us/PD and click on the Divisions/Sections button, then Communications Director • Tom Drabelle • tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us select “Animal Control/Park Patrol” from the dropStaff Writer • Peggy Whetzel • pwhetzel@ofallon.mo.us down menu.
Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek • bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
O’FALLON OFFERS FREE ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS OF ALL AGES
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t the O’Fallon Veterans Affairs office, an allvolunteer staff is ready to serve those who have proudly served our nation. Staff members, many of whom are veterans themselves, are available daily to help veterans and their family members get the benefits they earned through military service. “Veterans’ benefits were put there for a purpose, and no one should feel reticent about taking advantage of them, whether you’ve been in the military for two, four or 20 years,” said Lewis Detz, a retired Navy commander and office volunteer. The office, which is located on the third floor in O’Fallon City Hall, is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Veterans are encouraged to contact the office at 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us for an appointment, but walk-ins are always welcome. O’Fallon Veterans Affairs volunteers will help track down and identify available benefits, identify the agency or department responsible for providing the benefits and coach applicants on the necessary forms to be filed. Additionally, the staff can assist veterans’ widows and dependants in getting copies of military records, medals and even benefits that they may be entitled to. Although staff is happy to coach applicants on the necessary forms to be filed and offer advice on completing paperwork, each veteran must file for his or her own benefits. Some people say, “I don’t know where to begin; here’s my problem,” said Detz. “Whatever the problem is, we’re here to help them get things done or connect them to the proper offices.” Jim David, who chartered the opening of O’Fallon’s office more than 10 years ago, credits the City’s concern for veterans with the office’s success. “The City is very veteran-friendly; it does everything for us,” said David. “The City provides space, furniture, computers and phone, so we can focus on helping people. Veterans can call and ask any questions. If we don’t have the answers, we’ll find them.”
The office serves an average of 25 people a month and staff would like to see the number grow. At the same time, the office is making a name for itself and getting calls from all around the country. Some are from veterans seeking help; others are seeking information about how to put together a local office like O’Fallon’s. “We’re probably the only City in the state that does what we do as well as we do,” said Sheldon Hartsfield, a Vietnam War veteran. “We’re a template for other municipalities. We get calls from cities as far away as California, Florida and New York. They want to know how to make it happen.” Asked why they help, volunteers said they enjoyed their time in the military and want to continue serving their country by helping other veterans. To them, the military is like family. “A lot of times, in the military, your buddies are closer than your family,” said Jim David. “We want to stay involved and help the other guys and their families.”
Mayor Bill Hennessy presented O’Fallon Veteran Jim David with the 2014 O’Fallon Ambassador of the Year award for his work in the Veterans Affairs office. David received the award at an October City Council meeting.
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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
December
24 Cabin Fever Daze, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sports Park, free
1–26 Abi Creech art exhibit, RSC
25
1–30 Celebration of Lights Fort Zumwalt Park (closed Dec. 25 for Christmas)
26 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Cabin Fever Daze, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
February
9
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6–9 p.m. Fort Zumwalt Park
10
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
1–20 O’Fallon Photo Club exhibit, RSC
11
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
3
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
13
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Waste transfer station, 1572 Progress Lane
4
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
15
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
5
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
7
Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance, 6:30 p.m.
17
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
9
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
10
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
11
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
16
City Hall CLOSED for Presidents Day
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
17
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
18
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
24-25 City Hall CLOSED for Christmas
January 1
City Hall CLOSED for New Year’s Day
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, noon – 5 p.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
6
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
7
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
21
Free Electronics Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot
8
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
23
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
9
Mayor’s “State of the City” Address, 10 a.m.
26
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
O’Fallon Photo Club exhibit through February 20, RSC
28
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
12
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
13
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
14
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
15
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
March 1–31 Oak Leaf Artist Guild exhibit, RSC 3
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
Citizens Police Academy begins, 7 p.m.
4
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
5
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
21
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
6–8 CERT disaster response training Public Works Building, free
Public Works, 7 p.m.
9
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
22
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
10
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month Blood Drive 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., City Hall
11
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop, 5:30 p.m.
19
King Day of Service, 10 a.m. – noon
City Hall CLOSED for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Visit the City of O’Fallon’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us, for the latest news and meeting agendas. Most meetings are broadcast live and on demand at www.ofallon.mo.us/OFallonTV.