O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Autumn 2014 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Taking pride and staying safe in our hometown O’Fallon named one of the Safest Cities in Missouri The City of O’Fallon was named one of the “Safest Cities in Missouri” by the SafeWise Report in its recently released “50 Safest Cities in Missouri” report. To compile this report, SafeWise used the most recent FBI crime data from 2012 to analyze and rank Missouri cities with a minimum population of 4,000 people. O’Fallon, which ranked 17th overall, was listed as the safest large city (population 75,000+) in the State and was one of only two large cities to make the list. The SafeWise Report utilized data from the FBI Unified Crime Report (UCR) reported crime statistics, which includes violent crimes (aggravated assault, forcible rape, murder, and robbery) as well as property crimes (arson, burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft). From there, SafeWise calculated the chances of these crimes happening out of 1,000 in order to level the playing field for cities of varying populations.
In this issue
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nce again, O’Fallon has been honored as the safest large city in the State of Missouri. It is a tremendous honor and one that we will never take lightly. This honor is a testament to the brave men and women of the O’Fallon Police Department, the various fire districts that cover our City and the St. Charles County Ambulance District. These first responders put their lives on the line every day in order to serve us, and we all enjoy the feeling of safety and security we have in our homes and neighborhoods because of them. But they can’t do it alone. As residents of O’Fallon, we are the ones who really make this City a safe – and great – place to live. As I drive through the City, I am constantly impressed at the time and effort our residents put into taking care of their homes, keeping up their landscaping, taking extra time to trim and decorate nearby common ground or even just picking up some scraps of paper that may have blown down the street. These seemingly little, everyday actions help create the safe and healthy environment that we all enjoy. And, when neighbors go out of their way to check in on a neighbor they haven’t seen, remind someone to close an open garage door or notify the O’Fallon Police Department because they see something in their neighborhood that “just doesn’t look right,” they are making the extra effort that is required to help ensure that our City remains a safe haven to live, work and play. Of course, our City Staff is always on the lookout to make O’Fallon even better, and this fall there’s so much going on for you and your family. Whether it’s the Fall Fest Street Dance and Run (pages 2–3), the RSC Art & Family Festival (page 6) or any of the soccer leagues, cultural arts events or unique kids’ activities provided by our City, there’s always something to do here in O’Fallon. I invite you to bring your family out and enjoy all we have to offer. Together, we can all continue to make O’Fallon a great place to call home! Sincerely,
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
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O’Fallon’s Fall Fest & Street Dance
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Fall Fest Run
O’Fallon named AMVETS National Employer of the Year
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Public Works
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Upcoming Events
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Roscoe’s Den
On Friday, August 15, the City of O’Fallon was named AMVETS National Employer of the Year for all government entities at the AMVETS 70th National Convention in Memphis, Tennessee. Vietnam veteran Sheldon Hartsfield, Missouri’s AMVETS representative and a member of the O’Fallon Veterans Commission, accepted the award on behalf of the City. The award recognizes O’Fallon’s efforts in hiring veterans.
10 Police Bulletins 11 10 Years at the RSC 12 City Calendar
See reverse for the Autumn 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 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
O’Fallon’s Fall Fest & Street Dance Welcome Fall with a night of dancing under the autumn moon, then wake up to a festive day of shopping, live entertainment and fun Street Dance: Friday, October 10, 7–10 p.m., Civic Park Drive Fall Fest: Saturday, October 11, 10–5 p.m., Civic Park
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’Fallon’s annual Fall Fest will kick off on Friday evening with a rocking night of music and fun at the free Street Dance on Civic Park Drive. The event features rock ‘n roll from the 70s and 80s through today by Trixie Delight. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Then, on Saturday, enjoy a little bit of country in the city at O’Fallon’s 30th annual Fall Fest in Civic Park. Admission is free! Try your hand at free family-friendly pumpkin games, shop at an open air market for unique items, listen to live acoustic music, take a break with free family-friendly entertainment, purchase delicious food and beverages and more. Shopping is a favorite Fall Fest activity, and this year’s lineup of hand-crafted, chíc and unique items includes jewelry and accessories, distinctive yard and garden art, floral décor, holiday gifts, children’s clothing, wooden ware, specialty furniture and fall flowers. Festival patrons can park, free, at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) and at the corner of Woodlawn Avenue and Civic Park Drive. For Fall Fest updates, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/FallFest or call O’Fallon’s event hotline 636-379-5614.
Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook 636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Mike Pheney
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Citizens First Center 636-379-5553
City Hall 636-240-2000
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
Trash and Recycling
Make a scarecrow, win a prize in the Scarecrow Decorating Contest
636-272-0477
Join in decorating downtown O’Fallon with scarecrows for a chance at winning a cash prize. For an application, a list of rules, deadlines and suggestions for creating your scarecrow, go to www.ofallon.mo.us/FallFest#contest.
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
NEW!
Annual Fall Fest Run adds more fun with 10K V+ and Scarecrow Costume Contest
NEW!
Saturday, October 11 7 a.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Trixie Delight
Friday, October 10 Street Dance 7 – 10 p.m.
Trixie Delight Rock ‘n roll music
Saturday, October 11 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Musical Entertainment 10 a.m. – Noon
Bobby Cage & Friends Country music
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Original Boneheads Doowop, swing and variety music
3 – 5 p.m.
Gary and Carol Bibb & Friends Country tunes and Texas swing
Shows 10 a.m., 12:15, 1:30, 3:30 p.m.
On a crisp October morning, get your day off to a running start with O’Fallon’s 12th annual Fall Fest Run. This year, a 10K race has been added to the traditional 5K race, and the new Scarecrow Costume Contest is open to all runners (or walkers), free. The 3.1-mile and 6.2-mile races get underway outside O’Fallon’s Municipal Centre (City Hall), with runners setting their own pace as they follow a marked circuit through the surrounding neighborhoods. Both races return to the start/ finish line at City Hall. Fleet Feet Sports will provide digital timing for the event. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served after the race, with the awards ceremony beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Awards of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be given to race participants for the “Best Scarecrow Costume” worn throughout the race. Awards also will be presented to the top three male and female runners overall, and the top three male/female runners in each division. This year’s Fall Fest Run offers divisions for: 14-and-under, 15–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+, the Baby Stroller Division (5K only), Athena (for females weighing 150 lbs. or more), and Clydesdale (for males weighing 205 lbs. or more). In honor of O’Fallon’s 30th annual Fall Fest, the street will be decorated with scarecrows and runners are encouraged to join the fun by dressing as scarecrows for the race. The Scarecrow Costume Contest is open to all race participants at no extra charge! Registration is available through October 9 ($18 per person for the 5K and $23 per person for the 10K) online at www. ofallon.mo.us/FallFest#run or in person at O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Office, 400 Civic Park Drive; hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Race day registration also is available at $20 per person for the 5K and $25 for the 10K. To be a part of the race as a volunteer, please contact volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417.
Robinson Carving Company Chainsaw artists
11 a.m., 1 p.m., Todd Charles, the Moogician Cow-themed variety show 3 p.m. Noon, 2:30 p.m.
Swords & Roses Wild West Show All-female stunt show
Noon, 2:30 p.m. Excel Performing Arts Dance Show
Free Activities • All day Home Depot Kids’ Workshop • Make-and-take crafts Renewal by Andersen • Photo booth Face painting • Pumpkin painting • Pumpkin games
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Public Works City Infrastructure Updates
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
City projects keep O’Fallon on the move
Drive from O’Fallon to I-270 on Hwy. 364 this fall
This fall, expect to see several construction projects geared to maintaining and improving City streets.
Drivers will soon be able to use Highway 364 as a new eastwest route between St. Charles County and St. Louis County. The final nine-mile leg of 364, from Mid Rivers Mall Drive to I-64 in Lake St. Louis, will be opening in October. The new highway will not only provide O’Fallon-area drivers with a new route for travel and daily commuting, it will bring more visitors to O’Fallon’s businesses and attractions, and offer a corridor of new opportunities for businesses in O’Fallon.
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Elaine Drive is being reconstructed from West Terra Lane to North Central. Improvements will include new center turn lanes, sidewalks and enclosed storm sewer drainage. During construction, there is one-lane traffic heading north, with southbound traffic detoured to North Central. The project is mainly funded by the St. Charles County Road Board.
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Bryan Road is being repaired between Veterans Memorial Parkway and Mexico Road. The project includes replacing damaged road slabs, repairing cracked curbs, installing ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, and a new sidewalk.
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Crusher Drive is being extended and a new sidewalk will be installed. When the work is finished, Crusher will be reconnected near Tee Kay Drive.
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The 2014 Concrete Program to replace damaged concrete slabs is ongoing in neighborhoods throughout the City.
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The 2014 Crack Seal Program to clean and seal cracks and joints on asphalt and concrete streets is getting underway this month.
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Finally, the Post Meadows subdivision creek stabilization project will continue through the fall as the creek’s banks are stabilized where erosion has taken place.
To see maps of project locations as well as follow the progress of these and other City projects, visit www.ofallon. mo.us/projects.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
“Flushable” wipes are clogging City sewer pipes If you are in the habit of tossing baby wipes, personal wipes or anything at all except toilet paper into the toilet, please don’t! With a drastic increase in pipe blockages and expensive equipment repairs caused by personal wipes, the City’s Sewer Department is asking for help. Please do not dispose of wipes in the toilet. Even if something is marketed as “disposable” or “flushable,” it does not mean that it won’t get stuck and create problems that taxpayers or homeowners must pay to fix. The sizable increase in blockages caused by wipes is clogging pumps at O’Fallon’s lift stations and even at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The problem is not confined to wipes. None of the everyday convenience products that we use, except for toilet paper, should ever be flushed down the toilet. Only toilet paper disintegrates quickly. But baby wipes, sanitizing wipes, makeup removers, diapers, Q-Tips, even paper towels don’t readily break down and disperse. Even if the package claims the products are “flushable,” the items can accumulate in low-flow areas or snag in the bends of a manhole, eventually causing a blockage that could cause sewage to overflow or back up into homes. On private property, wipes and other products can snag on tree roots infiltrating a homeowner’s lateral sewer pipes. The first warning that there is a problem could be backed-up sewage in the home. Remember, the property-owner must pay the high costs of cleaning and repairing pipes. Please join in participating in our “No Wipes in the Pipes” campaign. When you do, you will help prevent sewer line blockages. When in doubt, toss it in the trash can. Just remember, “No Wipes in the Pipes!”
Grants and Assistance
Keep your property’s storm drains working properly If you are a homeowner with a storm drain located on your property, the City needs your help in keeping it working properly. Typically, storm drains are located at the curb or in privately-owned back yards. They’re designed to help prevent flooding by allowing excess rain and snow melt to drain into the City’s storm sewer system. If the drain inlets are blocked, they won’t work properly. With hundreds of storm water inlets, box culverts and miles of storm sewer lines for City staff to inspect and maintain, the City needs property owners to perform basic maintenance around “their” storm drains. Doing so helps prevent your yard and neighboring yards from flooding. To keep your storm drain working properly, simply keep the openings free of obstructions.
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Clear away trash, debris, sticks and twigs.
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Keep landscaped plantings away from storm drain inlets.
Remove brush and weeds that have grown up in and around the drain. Removal will be easier if the plants are just starting to grow and can be pulled up instead of cut to prevent regrowth. Tip: If the area is dry, use a hose to briefly soak the soil, which will make it easier to pull weeds up, roots and all. Never dump leaves or grass clippings, oil or anything else into the storm drain. Storm drains do not flow into the City’s treatment plant; they empty directly into local streams and the river. To keep our waterways healthy for wildlife and recreation, please keep our City’s storm drains free of pollution.
Finally, if a larger concern arises regarding maintenance, please contact the City for assistance. You can reach the Stormwater Maintenance Division at 636-379-3808.
O’Fallon homeowners can apply for help in keeping their families warm this winter with the City’s Home Improvement Loan Program If you are an O’Fallon homeowner with an unreliable or aging furnace, consider applying for O’Fallon’s no-interest Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP). With winter just ahead, this program can help keep your family safe and comfortable, especially if you have young children or seniors at home. The HILP is designed for lowto-moderate income O’Fallon homeowners who need major help with home maintenance. The funds can be used to repair or replace air conditioning and furnace units, water heaters, sump pumps, windows, siding and roof repairs. The loans can not be used for new construction, appliances or alarm systems. Loans of up to $5,000 may be made to qualified applicants who are accepted, and they will be made on a first come, first-served basis until all loans are filled. Space is limited, so don’t miss this opportunity! To qualify for a loan, applicants must have a low–to-moderate income and meet the following guidelines:
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Have owned and occupied the house to be improved for at least one year.
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Be U.S. citizens or legal aliens (but not newly-legalized). Be current on mortgage payments and real estate taxes, with no pending bankruptcies or outstanding federal, state or city tax liens.
Income limits for the loans are based on gross incomes of: $37,600 for a one-person household, $43,000 for a twoperson household, $48,350 for a household of three, $53,700 for a household of four, $58,000 for a five-person household, $62,300 for a six-person household, $66,600 for a seven-person household, and $70,900 for an eight-person household. More information about applying for the loans can be found at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants, or by contacting Ms. Hawkins in the Public Relations Department at 636-379-5411 or jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, please visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!
@cityofofallon www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2014
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Patriotic Ceremonies
O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum Open September 14 and 28 (2nd, 4th Sundays) 12–3 p.m., Civic Park
Patriot Day Ceremony Thursday, September 11 8:30 a.m., 9–11 Memorial: A Tribute to First Responders (outside of O’Fallon Municipal Centre)
Explore O’Fallon’s history and chat with the people who know it best! Tours also are available by appointment; email your request to info@ofallonmohistory.org.
Please join in this moving ceremony honoring First Responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
RSC Art & Family Festival V+
National Days of Service and Remembrance
V+
Saturday, September 27 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., open house at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., RSC Art & Family Festival
Thursday – Saturday, September 11–13 O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
See page 8 in the Parks & Rec Guide for more information.
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Fort Zumwalt Park closing to traffic; disc golf course closing temporarily
Patriot Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday, September 12 Citizens United in Service, Saturday, September 13, 9–11 a.m. (Projects supporting first responders and military personnel)
Monday, October 13, through late January 2015
Friday, September 19 7 p.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk
In preparation for the City’s annual Celebration of Lights, Fort Zumwalt Park will close to vehicles. The park’s disc golf course, “The Fort,” also will be closed during this time. Pedestrians are welcome to continue using the walking path along the drive during daylight hours, and everyone is invited to see the Celebration of Lights, which will open at 6 p.m., Friday, November 28.
Please come to this candlelight ceremony dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil.
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged, revised) V+
To participate, just contact Volunteer Services at 636-3795417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
POW/MIA Remembrance Day
Veterans Day Ceremony Tuesday, November 11 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk Join in thanking veterans for our liberty and our country’s freedom. City Hall will be closed in observance of the day.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony Sunday, December 7 2 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) All are welcome to attend this ceremony marking the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
October 17–19, and 24–26 Friday and Saturday (8 p.m.), Sunday (2 p.m.) O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) For more details, please see page 33 in the Parks & Rec Guide.
National Make A Difference Day
You’re invited to join in a morning of making a difference in our community by helping with projects in O’Fallon’s parks, memorials, creeks and roads. A picnic follows the event. Preregistration is required at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
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Saturday, October 25 9–11 a.m., throughout O’Fallon
indicates opportunities for volunteers. Please call 636-379-5417.
Cornucopia of Care Food Drive
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Monday, November 3 – Saturday, December 13 Drop off canned and boxed food and personal care items for local food pantries. For more information, call 636-379-5507. Drop-off locations include:
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O’Fallon Municipal Centre, 100 North Main Street Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle Lindell Bank O’Fallon, 4521 Highway K Fox’s Pizza Den, 1120 Technology Drive, Ste. 119
Tree Lighting Ceremony V+ Wednesday, November 19 6–8 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Enjoy an evening of holiday magic at City Hall! You can help ring in the official start of the season by counting down to the lighting of a huge tree in the City Hall Rotunda. The evening’s fun includes hugs from holiday characters, live choral music, visits with Santa (be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment), holiday games and crafts, face painting and rides on the City Train (weather permitting). Vendors’ booths will be stocked with holiday decorations, hand-made gifts and concessions for sale. Admission and parking are free, but in the spirit of the season, please bring donations of canned or boxed goods and personal care items for local food pantries. For more information, call 636-379-5614.
Decorate O’Fallon’s “Giving Trees” with new hats, scarves, mittens, socks Wednesday, November 19 – Friday, December 12 O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), Renaud Spirit Center Hang brand-new mittens and gloves, hats, scarves, and socks of all sizes and for all ages on these special trees, and give a gift of warmth that’s sure to be appreciated all winter long. The “ornaments” will be distributed by the local Salvation Army.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
V+
Tuesday, December 9 6 – 9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Admission is $2 for ages 3 and older; free parking Walk through the Celebration of Lights with your family, and enjoy sparkling holiday scenes throughout the park, holiday caroling and choir music, a visit with Santa and shopping at vendors’ booths for holiday crafts, unique gifts, cookies, hot chocolate and more. Fireworks over the lake begin at 7:25 p.m. New this year, 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. No vehicles or carriage rides will be allowed on this special night. For more information, call 636379-5614 or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
Celebration of Lights November 28 – December 30 (Closed December 25) Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Drive Bundle up your family for a tour of O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights. Fort Zumwalt Park will be magically transformed with twinkling lights, holiday scenes and surprises around every corner. You can cruise through the park in your vehicle (except on Mondays, or during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 9.) Or, book a train ride, Segway ride or sleigh hayride at least two weeks in advance. No reservations are needed for the drive-through. Drive-through times, admission (no reservations needed):
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6–9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday (except Tuesday, December 9).
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6–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
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Tuesday night special: $7 for all non-commercial vehicles.
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).
Segway rides – Glide St. Louis will provide tours at $30 per person; reservations are required. Call 314-868-7386. Horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides – Rides must be reserved in advance. Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at info@cfcarriage.com or 636-390-4403. Rides last approximately 30 minutes.
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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.
City train – Available on Mondays in December, only. Rides must be reserved in advance; call 636-379-5502 or email mseymour@ofallon.mo.us. The cost is $7 per person for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 1–11, and free for infants 0–11 months. Rides leave every half hour. Sleigh-hayrides – Tuesdays (except Dec. 9), Wednesdays, and Thursdays; the cost is $100 per group of 25 people including children on laps. Advance reservations are required; call 636379-5606. The Celebration of Lights is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon with participation by local businesses and civic organizations. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2014
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Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements If you are a City of O’Fallon trash and recycling customer, here are some helpful tips:
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If you have too much recycling to fit into your recycling cart, you are welcome to use the City’s recycling drop-off container located at the entrance to the waste transfer station, 1572 Progress West Lane.
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To prevent papers and other trash from littering your yard and neighborhood, please be sure to bag your trash before putting it into the trash cart.
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Help our drivers finish their routes efficiently! Please be sure to allow at least four feet of space on either side of your trash and recycling carts. That will leave the automatic arm enough room to pick up and empty your receptacles.
Veterans Day and winter holiday residential trash collection schedules • •
Service for Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, will move to the next day for the remainder of the week, with Tuesday’s service moving to Wednesday, etc. Service for Thanksgiving Day, November 27, will move to Friday, November 28, and service for Friday customers will move to Saturday, November 29.
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There will be NO CHANGE in service on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24.
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Service for Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, will move to Friday, December 26, and Friday’s service will move to Saturday.
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Service scheduled for New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, will move to Friday, January 2, 2015, and Friday’s service will move to Saturday.
For more information, see www.ofallon.mo.us/holidayschedule or call 636-272-0477.
ROSCOE’s Tip: America Recycles Day is November 15. Learn more about the value of recycling at americarecyclesday.org.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
www.ofallon.mo.us/ES
Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event Saturday, December 6 8 a.m. – noon, T.R. Ballpark parking lot Don’t miss this great opportunity to recycle your unwanted appliances, electronics and other items, free, right here in the City. The collection will be held at the T.R. Hughes Ballpark parking lot (off Tom Ginnever Avenue), 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard (63366). The event is open to everyone, including schools, churches and businesses. Basically, just about any item with an electrical cord or that takes a battery is acceptable; however, 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. For questions, contact O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477.
Free bi-monthly bulk waste drop-off Saturday, October 18 and December 13 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Waste transfer station 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. The bi-monthly service is free to O’Fallon trash customers. Loads are limited to one 10foot trailer per address, and residents are responsible for unloading their own items. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ES for a list of acceptable and unacceptable items. Or, contact staff at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477.
Weekly yard waste collection goes monthly in December Weekly yard waste collection for 2014 will end on Friday, December 12, and will resume again on March 9, 2015. In the meantime, once-a-month yard waste collection will be available on the fourth Wednesday of December, January and February. The service is free by request to residents currently enrolled in the City’s yard waste program. To get your address listed on the collection route, be sure to call 636-272-0477 in advance.
Senior Corner
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
St. Charles County Senior Fair Saturday, October 4 9 a.m. – noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) It’s O’Fallon’s turn to host this annual fair for seniors and family members. The event is brought to you by the O’Fallon Senior Resident Advisory Committee and the St. Peters Senior Advisory Committee. Admission is free. At the fair, you can attend home and personal safety presentations for seniors, visit with vendors offering specialty services geared to seniors (home health care, veterans’ benefits, senior living, non-emergency medical transportation and elder law), get free health screenings and enjoy refreshments, raffles and prizes. Flu vaccinations will be available; seniors should bring their health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards. The Prescription Drug Take-back Drop Box will be available for the safe disposal of unwanted or expired prescription medications.
Over 60? Get active and involved at the O’Fallon Senior Center If you are age 60 or older, check out the O’Fallon’s Senior Center. A welcoming atmosphere awaits O’Fallon’s active senior population. Socialize over Bingo, crafts, billiards, dice, card games like pinochle and bridge, Wii games, and other activities. Or, try out the great computer and fitness classes held during the week. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch for a donation of $3.25 per meal (reservations required), or just pop in to spend a day with new friends! Operated by Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA), O’Fallon’s Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The building is located at 106 North Main Street, directly behind the O’Fallon Muncipal Centre (City Hall). The menu and activities change daily. For more details, visit www. ofallon.mo.us/information-for-seniors.
Use the tools to ask a question, make a service request or login to follow the status of a request.
Media Center Access the latest O’FallonTV videos easily from YouTube or Facebook Did you know that nearly 1,000 O’FallonTV-produced videos are available on our O’FallonTV YouTube channel, www. youtube.com/OFallonTV? And, many of those videos also can be viewed from Facebook pages you already “like.” Simply click the “Videos – O’FallonTV” button on one of the City-supported Facebook pages. Pages with the new video gallery include:
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O’Fallon Police Department O’Fallon Volunteer Services Renaud Spirit Center / O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Visit O’Fallon
Get in touch with O’Fallon using our free mobile app Did you know you can notify the City of issues, such as a pothole or streetlight outage, ask a question of City staff or find a new local restaurant or retailer right on your smartphone? The free Citizens First Mobile App allows you to communicate with City staff using your iPhone, iPad, iPod or Android mobile device. It’s free and easy to use. Just visit the Google Play store or the Apple App Store and search for “O’Fallon.” Download the app and put the City of O’Fallon at your fingertips!
O’Fallon Senior Center
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Police Bulletins O’Fallon Police Department Briefs
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
Keep your valuables safe... Lock ‘em up!
O’Fallon’s Animal Control
You and your family could be at risk for theft or burglary from your car or home if you aren’t in the habit of stashing valuables out of sight and locking up behind you. The O’Fallon Police Department encourages everyone to take just a moment to put purses and electronics out of sight, always lock your car, close your garage door and lock your house. The majority of home and vehicle thefts are “crimes of opportunity.” An open garage door or unlocked house or car is an invitation to steal your property. Don’t be a victim! Get into the habit of protecting yourself, your family and your valuables by locking up.
If you’ve lost a pet or found a stray, the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division offers several options that can help:
Get free training and have fun learning to prepare for disasters September 26–28 Friday 6–10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Would you know what to do if a major earthquake, snowstorm or tornado struck the City and emergency services were stretched? Learn 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 cope if a disaster should strike. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself, your family, your neighborhood and your home. A free manual is included. CERT topics include:
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Disaster preparedness and kits
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Fire safety
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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 and procedures at www. ofallon.mo.us/PD.
“Like” the O’Fallon Police Department on Facebook!
How does shopping locally keep sales tax dollars in the City of O’Fallon?
Quality of Life
How to prepare for a tornado, snowstorm, earthquake, flood, chemical spill or fire Disaster medical operations; assessing and treating injuries Light search and rescue
Supports Business
IT’S
ALL IN THE
Public Safety
Team organization Disaster psychology Terrorism
For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/CERT. To register, download the application, fill it out and send or bring it to the Police Department.
Parks and Recreation Locate an O’Fallon business at www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map. Or, download the Citizens First Mobile App. See page 9.
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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
RSC Celebrates 10 Years of Service to O’Fallon This October, O’Fallon’s Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) will celebrate 10 years of offering high quality fitness, recreational and aquatics programs to O’Fallon residents. The RSC opened on October 17, 2004, with only 73 memberships. Today, the facility hosts more than 2,200 memberships and hundreds of single day guests. Our 10th anniversary celebration begins with the annual RSC Art & Family Festival on Saturday, September 27, and continues through the month of October with special events for members, a gala honoring those who helped build the RSC and more. “The entire O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Department staff is incredibly proud to come together with our members and celebrate 10 years of service to our residents and members,” said Cindy Springer, Parks and Recreation Director. “The RSC not only offers a fantastic state-ofthe-art facility for our members to work out, swim or just get out for the day, it has become a hub for the City’s recreation programs. You can find Parks and Recreation staff in every O’Fallon park running recreational and fitness programs for our residents.” For more information on the RSC, its programming and facilities, including both day rates and membership fees, please visit www. renaudspiritcenter.com, stop in for a tour or call 636-474-2REC (2732).
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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
September 1-30 Sherry Salant exhibit, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cultural Arts Center Gallery at the RSC
15
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Council budget meeting, 6–7:30 p.m.
17-19 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 8 p.m. Fri – Sat., 2 p.m. Sundays, Municipal Centre
8
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
9
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
18
Bulk-waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. O’Fallon transfer station
10
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
20
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
11
Patriot Day Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre 9-11 Memorial
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
21
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
12
Patriot Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre
15
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
17
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
24-31 Abi Creech photo exhibit, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cultural Arts Center Gallery at the RSC
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
24-26 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
19
POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, 7 p.m. Veterans Memorial Walk
25
25
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
20-23 National Make Your Mark Week 22
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
Council budget meeting, 6–7:30 p.m.
23
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.
National Make a Difference Day, 9 a.m.
November
26-28 CERT disaster response training, free 27
RSC Art & Family Festival, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renaud Spirit Center, free
1-30 Abi Creech photo exhibit at the RSC 3
Cornucopia of Care Food Drive through December 13
29
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
4
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
5
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
6
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
10
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
October 1-17 Sherry Salant exhibit at the RSC 1
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
11
Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. Veterans Memorial Walk
2
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
Veterans Day; City Hall CLOSED
4
Senior Fair, 9 a.m. – noon, City Hall
12
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
6
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
13 City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
7
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
17
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
8
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
18
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
10
Fall Fest Street Dance, 7– 10 p.m. Civic Park Drive, free
19
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
11
12th Annual Fall Fest Run (5K, 10K), City Hall, 7–8:30 a.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
30th Annual Fall Fest, Civic Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6–8 p.m., City Hall, free
13
Fort Zumwalt Park closes to vehicles; open to pedestrians
22
National Family Volunteer Day
Council budget meeting, 6–7:30 p.m.
24
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
14
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
27
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
15
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
12
27-28 Thanksgiving, City Hall CLOSED 28-30 Celebration of Lights opens Fort Zumwalt Park
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.