O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Spring 2017 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Investing in our City’s future
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s roads, pipes and sidewalks age, they begin to crack, leak and need more repairs than before. Additionally, the continued growth of our City has put even more stress on our infrastructure. This leads to more street damage, water main breaks and other costly repairs. This year, O’Fallon is beginning a multiyear effort to “renew” the City’s aging infrastructure and bring it up-to-date with an unprecedented level of investment. With more than $30 million budgeted for infrastructure upgrades and improvements, nearly every area of the City will see significant work. Pavement improvements in subdivisions, the restructuring of the I-70 corridor, trail and path improvements along Highway K and the replacement of the aging water main in North O’Fallon are just some of the significant projects that will begin in 2017, with many more planned for the next 5–7 years. It’s all part of our campaign to “Renew O’Fallon.” So look for the Renew O’Fallon logo that will soon be popping up on a project near you and see how your tax dollars are rebuilding O’Fallon’s infrastructure!
In this issue 2 5 6 9 10
Municipal Election Renew O’Fallon Upcoming Events Roscoe’s Den Police Bulletins
he past year in O’Fallon has truly been one for the ages. O’Fallon has again been rated as one of America’s “best places to live;" construction of our new Justice Center is moving along at a rapid pace; we are close to breaking ground on both our expanded Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center and the new 55-acre O’Day Park; our unemployment rate is well below the average for the County, State and nation; and our City’s revenues are at historic levels. This is all due to you, our residents and businesses. Your commitment to your hometown makes O’Fallon the wonderful City it is. As your Mayor, I am humbled and honored to work with such a dedicated staff and great group of citizens and business owners. You invest in our City, support our local businesses and guide our City to keep improving and moving forward, so we can keep this City as one of the best. Your support is awe-inspiring and you drive all of us who work for you to keep improving. This spring, you will start to see the new “Renew O’Fallon” logo (pictured on this page) all over the City. Thanks to your continued support, we are embarking on a multi-year initiative to reinvest in our City’s infrastructure and rebuild the City’s aging roads. This year alone, we will be investing nearly $22 million in street and road improvements, with many of those focused on your subdivision streets. So when you see the “Renew O’Fallon” logo in your neighborhood, remember it’s there because your tax dollars are at work, making our City better for everyone! Also this spring, our park activities pick up full steam with special Easter egg hunts for both kids and adults, the annual Founders’ Day & Garden Expo, our popular Food Truck Frenzy events, Jammin’ concerts and, of course, Heritage & Freedom Fest. I hope you and your family take the time to enjoy all of these great events. And, while you’re out and about this spring, please continue to support our local businesses. “Keep it in the ‘O” by shopping and dining at our great local retailers and restaurants. Your support is what makes our City what it is today!
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
O’Fallon again named one of nation’s “Top 10 Cities” For its safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, good schools and child-friendliness, the City of O’Fallon was given an A+ rating and named one of the country’s “Top 10 Cities for Families 2017.” The annual list is compiled by ApartmentList.com, which assessed 500 cities nationwide, ranking O’Fallon as 8th best overall. O’Fallon is the only Missouri city on the Top 10 list. ApartmentList.com is the second website to recently list O’Fallon as one of America’s Top 10 Cities, joining 247WallStreet.com.
Survey: Your opinion matters! 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
You can help a local charity when you pay utility bills The O’Fallon City Council is continuing its program to assist local charities by encouraging residents to choose donations of $1, $3 or $5 per billing cycle for City water, sewer and trash collection bills. Each year, the Council designates which charity will receive the funds. For 2017, the designated charity is Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors who can’t easily make a meal. The charity depends on voluntary donations. To register for the donation program, fill out the form at www.ofallon.mo.us/finance and include it with your mailed payment. The amount will automatically be added to your bimonthly bill. For more information, please call 636-379-5566 or email kpieper@ofallon.mo.us.
Ward 2 Councilmembers
Please remember to vote!
Tom "Duke" Herweck
On Tuesday, April 4, registered O’Fallon voters will get a chance to cast their vote in the general municipal election for their choice of Mayor to serve a four-year term, and for one City Council member to serve a three-year term representing the ward in which they live. The polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. For more information about voting, visit the St. Charles County Election Authority website, www.sccmo.org/410/Election-Authority. Or call 636-949-7550, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The candidates for the offices of O’Fallon Mayor and City Council are as follows (candidates listed in the order they will appear on the ballot):
636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us
Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@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
Mayor
Ward 3
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Bob Howell William “Bill” Hennessy
Stacey Decker Reid Cranmer John J. Haman, Jr.
Ward 1
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Dave Hinman Arnie C. AC Dienoff Jimmy Loveless
Ward 4
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Jeff Kuehn Dave Goewert
Ward 2
Ward 5
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Rose Mack
Mike Pheney
Debbie Cook 636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us
Candidates’ Forum to be held at O’Fallon City Hall
Mike Pheney
The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council is hosting a pre-election Candidates’ Forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, for all candidates running in the City’s municipal election on April 4. The public is welcome to attend the forum, which will be held in the City Council chambers at O’Fallon City Hall. The forum also will be broadcast live on O’FallonTV via Charter cable channel 991 and AT&T U-verse channel 99, and both live and on-demand on the City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us.
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 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
This document was prepared and paid for by the City of O’Fallon, Bill Hennessy, Mayor; 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 solely to educate and inform residents about questions that may be presented at the polls. It is NOT intended to advocate, support or oppose the passage or defeat of any measure or candidate. Each voter should vote based on his or her own judgment.
Spring is in the Air Step outside with these O’Fallon events
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Founders’ Day & Garden Expo
RSC Challenge Run & Movie in the Park
Saturday, May 6 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Friday, May 12 Race starts at 7 p.m., movie at 8 p.m., Renaud Spirit Center
Enjoy a great spring day with something for everyone: live music, heritage demonstrations, gardening experts and clubs, an Arbor Day ceremony at 10 a.m., a free tree seedling giveaway (while supplies last), historic Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort self-guided tours ($5 package for ages 11+), and the St. Charles Model Railroad Club Open House. Vendors will sell hand-made items and live plants. Food will be available for purchase from Sorelle (gyros, pulled pork, hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy) along with shaved ice from Kona Ice. This year’s entertainment and educational highlights include:
Sign up to run this obstacle course race with your family, or cheer the runners on from the sidelines. Then stay for the free outdoor party and movie, Disney’s Moana. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating and purchase tasty food and beverages from concessionaires. See page 8 of the Parks & Rec Guide for Challenge Run registration information.
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George Portz & the Friends of Bluegrass
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Hands-on activities including a petting farm, soap carving, cornhusk doll-making, cow milking, cattle roping, archery, giant checkers and more
Gather around the bandstand on Tuesday evenings this summer as the free O’Fallon Jammin’ concert series brings the sounds of rock, pop, country, R&B, soul and Motown to Civic Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating and purchase gourmet food and beverages from food trucks and concessionaires. The ADA-compliant area around the bandstand has restrooms, paved paths and a nearby playground. For concert and food truck updates, check www. ofallon.mo.us/jammin.
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Historic and preservation organizations: Daughters of the American Revolution, O’Fallon Historical Society, O’Fallon Preservation Commission, Three Rivers Beekeepers
Professor Farquar’s “Great American Medicine Show” The Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps Demonstrations of basket weaving, sheep-to-shawl spinning and more
O’Fallon’s Public Works Fair Wednesday, May 24 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ozzie Smith Sports Complex parking lot O'Fallon's Public Works Fair allows kids a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of some of the working equipment the City uses to provide City services. Some of the trucks and machinery to be displayed include a grout truck, service truck, easement machine, snow plow, paint striper, street sweeper, recycling truck and many others. Activites include:
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Safety awareness games and activities for kids Free rides on the City train for all ages Giveaways A hotdog lunch with chips and water Emergency preparedness and other information for adults
Indicates opportunities for volunteers.
O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts in Civic Park Tuesdays, June 6 – August 22 (no concert July 4) 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand, Civic Park
2017 O’Fallon Jammin’ concert calendar
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June 6 – My Friend Mike, Top 40 hits
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August 8 – Power Play, rock ‘n roll, R&B, Motown
June 13 – Borderline, country June 20 – Baywolfe, ‘80s cover band June 27 – TBD July 4 – No concert; go to Heritage & Freedom Fest tonight! July 11 – Dance Floor Riot, variety of dance music July 18 – Elevation, U2 tribute band July 25 – Souvenir, classic rock August 1 – Fat Pocket, Riverfront Times “2016 Cover Band of the Year” August 15 – Whiskey Dixon, contemporary country August 22 – Pop & Rocket, Top 40 hits
For weather updates, call 636-379-5614. All pets must be leashed and no glass containers are allowed in the park. Please note that bands are subject to change without notice.
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Tour Our Historic Sites Historic Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort tours May 28 through September 24 on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (Closed May 14 for Mother's Day) This spring and summer, come see O'Fallon's historic treasures! Find out about O’Fallon’s role in the making of America from the Daniel Boone era to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.
Historic Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort interpretive center 12–3 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Admission is $5 per person to see both attractions, and children 10 and under are free. For private and/or group tours of 10 or more, please provide at least two weeks’ notice. For more information, please call 636-379-5614. The Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort interpretive center (pictured) will also be open on Saturday, May 6, for Founders' Day & Garden Expo.
O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum
Don’t miss the excitement of the River City Rascals and the 1st St. Louis Legends Game For a great night out with your family or friends, come on out to CarShield Field and cheer for O’Fallon’s own River City Rascals. The Rascals are one of the top teams in the Frontier League, and you can catch the action as they contend for the championship. CarShield Field offers a great view of the game wherever you are seated. Suites are available for parties and an assortment of great food and beverages will be available for purchase. And, the kids will love the playground and a chance to run the bases after every game. This year you’ll have an opportunity to see the first, ever, St. Louis Legends Game! Featuring former Cardinals players and numerous local celebrities, the seven-inning game gets underway on Saturday, August 19 at 1 p.m. The current lineup includes Jim Edmonds, Rick Ankiel, Skip Schumaker and Fernando Tatis, with additional players to be announced in the weeks to come. There’s a promotion nearly every night of the season, including Superheroes and Princesses, Mizzou Football KickOff, Mega-Candy Drop, Super Splash Day, Girl’s Night Out, exclusive bobbleheads, and more! For details and season, group or individual tickets, call 636-240-BATS (2287) or visit www.rivercityrascals.com. Keep current with the Rascals on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
12–3 p.m., Civic Park
Please, do not post signs on public property
Come chat with the folks who know O’Fallon’s history best and see vintage O’Fallon photos, business items, furnishings and curiosities from bygone years. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The museum also is open during special events in the park. Private and school tours are available by appointment; contact info@ofallonmohistory.org.
Please remember that the City of O’Fallon has ordinances prohibiting the placement of private signs, even temporary ones, on public property or infrastructure. This includes signs for missing pets and garage sales. In addition to being illegal, posting signs can cause unsightly damage to sign posts and lamp posts from tape residue and peeling paint.
Indicates opportunities for volunteers. Please contact 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us for details.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
Renew O’Fallon Your Tax Dollars at Work
www.ofallon.mo.us/snow Justice Center construction remains on schedule for fall opening, Bryan Road widening
Major construction projects starting this spring With major infrastructure projects slated to begin this spring, drivers can expect to see work at these locations:
Main Street Water Main Replacement Project One of our City’s most important projects, replacing the water main beneath Main Street in North O’Fallon, is set to begin at the end of March, weather permitting, with completion in late fall. Throughout construction, contractors plan to keep at least one lane in each direction open on Main Street. Construction will begin at Pitman and Main Streets and proceed to the railroad tracks at Civic Park Drive. In July, work will move north from Civic Park Drive (at the Municipal Centre entrance) to Tom Ginnever Avenue.
The favorable winter weather has allowed construction of the City’s new Justice Center to move along at a rapid pace. The building is fully enclosed, and currently, construction is focused on power system installation and final work on plumbing, electrical installation and interior masonry. The installation of fixtures and office furnishings is not far away, and the grand opening is scheduled for early fall. Work is also set to begin on a three-month project, widening Bryan Road to add a turn lane for the Justice Center. When it’s done, the 89,000 square-foot Justice Center will contain 750,000 pounds of steel, 2,950 cubic yards of concrete and 180,000 bricks. It will also have an indoor firing range with an advanced firearms training simulator (FATS), 205 specialized duty lockers and a security and surveillance system throughout the complex.
Concrete slab removal and replacement throughout the City With a budget of $3.9 million for this annual City program, residents will see significant street upgrades throughout O’Fallon's subdivisions from March through November.
Highway K shared use path from Feise Road to Technology Drive Construction to unite the segments of this pedestrian/bike path is expected to begin with work occurring primarily along the west side of Highway K between Feise Road and Technology Drive.
Lake St. Louis Boulevard Extension Work will get underway with the installation of a new traffic signal at Highway N and Lake St. Louis Boulevard, followed by construction of the two-lane Lake St. Louis Blvd. extension to Paul Renaud Boulevard.
Protect your back yard by keeping leaves and grass clippings away from creeks and streams It is illegal to dump leaves, grass, pet waste, oil, paint, pool water or any other items in O’Fallon storm sewers. Furthermore, dumping yard waste along or in a creek today can lead to significant erosion issues for your yard down the road. Also, decaying yard waste pollutes clean water and sickens fish. Protect your property! And keep our waterways safe for fishing, swimming and drinking by keeping storm sewers and waterways in our City safe and clean.
You can keep up-to-date, view maps and keep posted on City of O'Fallon projects at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events
Attend Patriotic Ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Walk
Food Truck Frenzy & Rascals Fan Fest Friday, April 28 5:30–8:30 p.m., CarShield Field Get set to enjoy a great season of Rascals baseball with a fun night out. The rally features free admission, free activities including a speed pitch booth, an inflatable for the kids, live music by the Original Boneheads trombone quartet, and food trucks with delicious food for sale: Doughboys Wood Fired Pizza, Russo’s Trucktoria, Cruzin Fusion, Wingnut LLC and Sarah’s Cake Stop. Check out www.ofallon.mo.us/food-truckfrenzy for more details.
With the great seals of all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, a reflecting pool, an eternal flame and a unique platoon of bronze boots on the march, O’Fallon’s Veterans Memorial Walk is a distinctive site for honoring our soldiers, veterans and those who have given their lives in the service of our country. The Walk is located just south of I-70 at Belleau Creek Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. All are welcome.
Founders’ Day & Garden Expo
Saturday, May 20 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 6 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Celebrate O’Fallon’s history and its future at one fantastic spring celebration! Turn to page 3 for details.
O’Fallon’s Project HOME Golf Tournament Friday, May 12 Doors open at 10 a.m.; shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. The Falls Golf Club, 1170 Turtle Creek Drive Register early to secure your team’s place in this popular benefit tournament and enjoy a day on the links supporting a good cause. Participants will receive an 18-hole round of golf, snacks and beverages along the course, and lunch and dinner. Registration is $100 per golfer, with 100% of the proceeds going to assist eligible, low-income O'Fallon homeowners in resolving code violations and much-needed home repairs. To register for the tournament, be a sponsor, or to donate funds and supplies for Project HOME, please call 636-379-5411 or email ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center opens for the summer over Memorial Day weekend Saturday – Monday, May 27–29 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday; noon – 7 p.m. Sunday; noon – 6 p.m. Monday, Civic Park Kids can slide the water slides, float the lazy river and splash to their heart’s content on the water playground while you relax, work on your tan and take a few laps across the pool. After Memorial Day, Alligator’s Creek will be open daily through August 13. Concessions will be available for sale. Find more information on pages 10–11 of the Parks & Rec Guide.
Armed Forces Day Ceremony
“A Tribute to Women in the Military,” with keynote speaker Lori Stock, Retired, USAF, and Master of Ceremonies Stevie Riley, Retired, USAF.
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 29 11 a.m. Come support our troops and their families at this ceremony honoring our fallen service members.
Food Truck Frenzy at Sports Park Friday, June 2 5:30–8:30 p.m., Sports Park on Highway K Join us for activities for all ages! Listen to country, rock and top 40 music by Biscuits & Gravy and purchase great food truck fare Doughboys Wood Fired Pizza, Wingnut LLC, Wayno’s International Cuisine, Thai Jasmine, Kona Ice, Sarah’s Cake Stop and Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar, and more. Additional fun includes:
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O’Fallon Police K-9 demo and meet-and-greet An inflatable for kids to play on Ruffy, the River City Rascals’ mascot Step Right Up Fun Fair by Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West hospitals, an interactive “fairgrounds” for all ages with skee-ball, Zoltar fortune teller, a prize wheel, giveaways, a scavenger hunt, games, trivia, coloring contests, photo ops, sunscreen and hand sanitizer stations.
Family Fishing Day Sunday, June 11 8 a.m. – noon, Fort Zumwalt Park Come out and enjoy O’Fallon’s annual Family Fishing Day at Lake Whetsel. The Department of Conservation and the Missouri Stream Team will be in attendance and we’ll have plenty of free activities. Please help us by registering before this free event by calling 636-474-2732.
O'FallonTheatreWorks Youth Theatre presents Shrek the Musical, Jr. and Once Upon a Storytime Performances are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
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Once Upon a Storytime will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 8–10, with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. The show is for all ages, even the very young. Shrek the Musical, Jr. will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 15–17.
For audition information and ticket prices for these shows, turn to page 32 in the Parks & Rec Guide on the reverse side.
O’Fallon’s 2017 Heritage & Freedom Fest brings patriotic fun, fireworks and headline entertainers Sunday, July 2, 4–10 p.m., Family Night, carnival and midway Monday, July 3, 4–11 p.m., country music, fireworks Tuesday, July 4, Noon – 10 p.m., rock music, fireworks Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard Free admission! Later this spring, check www. heritageandfreedomfest.com for the announcement of this year’s great musical acts. Vendors: space is filling up for this year’s festival. Please visit www.heritageandfreedomfest.com/vendor-application today to apply.
Build a float for O’Fallon’s 2017 Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade Tuesday, July 4 9:30 a.m., Main Street in downtown O’Fallon Get your group involved in building an attention-grabbing, patriotic parade entry for the Fourth of July! Open to clubs, churches, businesses, scout troops, civic organizations, and families. Parade applications, FAQs and pointers to help you create your parade entry are available at www. heritageandfreedomfest.com/parade. Entry forms also can be picked up at the Renaud Spirit Center, City Hall or the Parks and Recreation Administration Office. Applications must be submitted or postmarked no later than noon on Friday, May 19. For additional parade information, please contact cphelps@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5574.
Spring Volunteering Get the most out of spring as a community volunteer! Volunteer online at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer or call 636-379-5417. Alternative Spring Break Monday, March 13 – Friday, March 24 Get outdoors and enjoy the company of other volunteers. Students, faculty and families are invited to volunteer over spring break to help beautify our City parks. Activities include mulching trees, planting decorative grasses and clearing trails. Times and locations vary by assignment.
Mission: Clean Stream Saturday, April 1 9 a.m. – noon Families, individuals and organizations will join in collecting litter from local creeks and streams before it has a chance to move downstream, clog waterways, or harm vegetation and wildlife. To volunteer, pre-register by March 24.
O’Fallon Earth Day Saturday, April 22 9–11 a.m. Your help is needed! Lend a hand with major projects that help maintain a clean environment where nature can thrive! Families, individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate in roadside, creek, park and military appreciation projects. Be sure to pre-register by Friday, April 14.
“Festival District Declared” O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest July 2, 3 & 4, 2017, at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Residents in subdivisions adjacent to the festival grounds may view road closures and restrictions by logging onto the city’s website www.ofallon.mo.us go to the City Government menu, click on Municipal Code, then search for Ordinance No. 3902. Copies of the ordinance may also be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 636-379-5555.
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Grants and Assistance The City of O’Fallon has several programs in place to provide assistance to those who need it most. Here are brief descriptions of some of the programs offered through the City. More information is available online at www.ofallon.mo.us/ grants-assistance.
Home Improvement Loan Program The Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) provides a nointerest, forgivable loan of up to $5,000 to eligible residents to make repairs and improvements to owner-occupied property. For eligibility and income limits, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ grants-assistance.
Down Payment Assistance Program The Down Payment Assistance Program is for low-to-moderate income first-time buyers. Funded through the St. Louis County HOME Consortium, the O'Fallon 1st HOME program provides zero-interest down payment loans of $5,000 to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers in O'Fallon. Pre-purchase housing counseling is required for eligibility.
Disabled Transportation Program ZipCare Transportation provides transportation for eligible O’Fallon residents with disabilities. The following essential living appointments may be provided: medical appointments, grocery and personal care shopping, and banking. Wheelchairaccessible vehicles are available upon request. Riders must schedule transportation 48 hours in advance. To schedule a ride, please call ZipCare at 314-292-7302, ext. 102, or go to www.zipcaretransportation.com, click on "Schedule A Ride" and submit the request form. Due to funding constraints, rides are limited to two per month.
O’FallonTV’s “O’Fallon Matters” monthly newsmagazine informs viewers about local issues. Watch at youtube.com/OFallonTV
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle
tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us
Staff Writer • Peggy Bradbury • pbradbury@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek
bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Seniors Corner Residents 65+ or disabled may qualify for utility tax rebates If you are a resident age 65+ or have a disability and you’d like to recoup some of your phone and City utility taxes, you may be able to file for O’Fallon’s utility tax rebates this spring. To qualify, you must be (1) an O’Fallon resident who is 65+, or (2) have been determined totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. And, (3) you must have an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $39,400 for a single head-of-household or $45,000 for a married (two-person) household. Social Security income is not counted. If you qualify, you will be able to file for the rebates at City Hall on weekdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. starting Monday, April 3, 2017, through Wednesday, May 31. Be sure to bring a photo ID and copies of your 2016 gas, electric and phone bills, including your cell phone bill.
Veterans Report O’Fallon’s Veterans Office is dedicated to assisting veterans and their families Open: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays) Contact: 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us. Longtime Missouri Veterans Commission Service Officer Dan “Mac” McFarland was recently reassigned to the St. Louis VA Regional Office. His replacement, David Taylor, has assumed “Mac’s” duties at the St. Charles County Administration Building, Suite 203, where he can be reached by calling 636340-7900, ext. 7213. However, “Mac” will still be available at O’Fallon’s Veterans Office in City Hall on the 2nd Friday of every month from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call him at 314-253-4450 for an appointment.
Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements O’Fallon’s weekly yard waste disposal resumes this week
O’Fallon’s bi-monthly Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling events
With Spring’s official arrival this month, lawns and shrubs are greening up and growing. If you already have yard waste service, which resumes on Monday, March 13, you know what a convenience it is to be able to neatly dispose of limbs, yard trimmings and grass clippings at the curb each week. If you’re not yet enrolled in yard waste collection, you can sign up at any time. The cost is $5.62 per month, or $11.25 per bi-monthly trash bill. A one-year commitment is required. To sign up or for more information, please contact staff at 636272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
You can bring outdated or broken electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling events from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 1, and also on June 10. The drop-off will be held in the west parking lot at CarShield Field, located at the corner of Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard. There’s no charge except for CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions and computer monitors. The fees for CRT drop-offs are:
Free twice-a-year yard waste collection Two times a year, residents enrolled in the City’s trash and recycling service, but who do not have year-round yard waste service, may request free yard waste collection for up to 10 units. A unit is one yard waste bag, or one yard waste container or one bundle of sticks and limbs. See www.ofallon.mo.us/ environmental-services for more information. And, if you are currently enrolled in year-round yard waste service, twice a year you may request collection for up to two times the number of allowed units, up to 20 units (bags, yard waste receptacles or bundles) instead of ten.
There will be no change to the City’s trash and recycling pick-up Memorial Day week (May 29 – June 2.)
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CRT Monitors, $5 CRT TVs 26” or less, $30 CRT TVs 27” or greater, $50 Wood Console and True Big Screen/Projection TVs, $50
For a detailed list of items that can be recycled and future event dates, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/electronics-recycling. Or, call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.
Free bi-monthly bulk waste drop-off If you’re an O’Fallon trash customer, you can drop off certain items that are too large to fit in your trash container, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. The service is free. This spring’s bulk-waste drop-offs are scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 and June 17. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane, O’Fallon 63366. For a list of acceptable items, please visit www.ofallon. mo.us/bulk-waste.
Secure trash and keep O’Fallon clean Recently, there has been an increase in the amount of trash around O’Fallon’s streets and sidewalks, especially in many of the industrial areas. A review of these areas showed the cause of this increase is likely dumpsters and trash containers that are not properly closed and secured. O’Fallon’s Municipal Code requires dumpsters and trash containers to be properly closed and secured in an enclosure. If you see trash along O’Fallon’s streets and sidewalks, or if you see trash containers or dumpsters that are left open or unsecured, please contact O’Fallon’s Citizens First Center at 636-379-5553 to alert our Code Enforcement officers.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2017
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Police Bulletins Police Department Briefs O’Fallon Safety Town teaches young children how to stay and play safe Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 On April 1 at 8 a.m., a link will be posted on www.ofallon. mo.us/PD/ofallon-safety-town that will direct you to the online registration system. Or, parents and legal guardians may register children at the RSC starting at 8 a.m. on April 1. O’Fallon Safety Town is a nationally-accredited program that teaches children ages 4½ through 6½ how to play safe and stay safe. The course, held at Progress West Elementary, is presented in a kid-sized, simulated city layout and classroom and includes an off-campus field trip. Under the guidance of police officers, a certified teacher, paramedics, firefighters, railroad police and trained volunteer staff, children can experience “real life” situations and they will be taught to evaluate “safe from unsafe” and how to react safely. O’Fallon’s Safety Town course provides the only time in a child’s life that kids can attend a program devoted exclusively to teaching safety. Space is limited, so early enrollment is encouraged. The cost for the two-week session is $60 per child; each additional child from the same family is $40. Fees must be paid in full when children are enrolled.
2017 O’Fallon Safety Town schedule For your preferred session date, choose either morning (9–11:30 a.m.) or afternoon (12:30–3 p.m.) classes by selecting the appropriate course code. Session I: June 5–16
• 141412-A (morning) • 141412-B (afternoon) Session II: June 19–30
• 141412-C (morning) • 141412-D (afternoon) Session III: July 10–21
• 141412-E (morning) • 141412-F (afternoon)
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD Lost a pet or found a stray? If your pet is missing or you’ve found a stray, contact the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division by calling 636-240-3200 and then press 1 to leave a message describing the problem (lost pet, animal complaint, animal welfare issue, etc.) If your pet has been picked up it will be housed at the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center, 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters 63376. Contact the Adoption Center at 636949-PETS (7387) or visit the website at www.sccmo.org/824/ Pet-Adoption-Center. If you lose a pet, you should be sure to post your pet’s information on www.facebook.com/ofallonanimalcontrol. To reclaim your impounded animal, please make sure to follow the procedures listed on www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/ animal-control.
Special Needs Locator Program Do you have a family member with dementia or other cognitive disorder? Do you fear your loved one could get lost, disoriented or be unable to communicate effectively? If so, you can notify the O’Fallon Police Department by registering your family member. Registration is free, voluntary and confidential and includes background information and a current photograph. To register your loved one or find out more about the program, contact Lt. Pat Hossenlopp at 636240-3200, ext. 5662.
Safely dispose of old prescription medications with O’Fallon’s Drug Take-Back program In an effort to keep unused prescription medications out of the hands of those who should not have them, the O'Fallon Police Department offers a drug take-back box that makes it easy and convenient for you to dispose of unwanted prescription meds. As required by state law, simply bring your medications to the Police Department in the original containers from the pharmacy. Follow the posted instructions for proper disposal. The prescription drop box is located in the lobby of the O'Fallon Police Department (in the O’Fallon Municipal Centre), where it is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Get updates: @OFallonPolice
Communications Survey We want to know how best to share City news, event information and more with you! Please help us improve our communications efforts by answering this survey. You can complete the survey online at www.ofallon.mo.us. Or, complete the survey by hand and mail it to: Attn: Communications Director, City of O’Fallon, 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366.
1.
Which of the following do you use to get information about the City of O’Fallon? Select all that apply. {{ O’Fallon Update quarterly newsletter and Parks & Rec Guide {{ City’s webpages: • • • • •
www.ofallon.mo.us www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec www.ofallon.mo.us/PD www.renaudspiritcenter.com www.heritageandfreedomfest.com
{{ O’Fallon Update e-newsletter {{ Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or other social media {{ City’s cable television channel (Charter Channel 991/U-Verse Channel 99/ on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us)
3.
How often do you visit www. ofallon.mo.us or other City websites (www.ofallon.mo.us/ parks&rec, www.ofallon.mo.us/ PD, www.renaudspiritcenter.com)?
___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
{{ Monthy
___________________________________________________
{{ Less than once a month
___________________________________________________
{{ 3–4 times per year {{ Never
7.
4.
Please rate our current City website on the following criteria, where 5 is excellent and 1 is poor.
{{ St. Louis Post-Dispatch/stltoday.com
5 4 3 2 1
{{ Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
Quality of information:
{{ City-sponsored Twitter feeds (@cityofallon, @ofallonpolice, @ofallonparksrec, etc.)
___________________________________________________
{{ Weekly
Finding what you need:
{{ Local television (KSDK Channel 5, KMOV Channel 4, KTVI Channel 2, KPLR Channel 11, KDNL Channel 30) {{ Local radio (KMOX Channel AM 1120, KTRS Channel AM 550, KFAV Channel FM 99.9, etc.) {{ City-sponsored Facebook pages (Visit O’Fallon, O’Fallon Police Dept., etc.)
What else would you like to see on the City's website?
{{ Daily
{{ Attending or watching public meetings
{{ Community News
6.
5 4 3 2 1 Visual appeal:
What social media platforms are you currently active on? {{ Facebook {{ Instagram {{ Pinterest {{ Snapchat {{ Twitter {{ YouTube {{ Other (please specify)
5 4 3 2 1
_____________________________________________
Ease of use:
_____________________________________________
5 4 3 2 1 Overall experience: 5 4 3 2 1 If you answered 1 (Poor), tell us why your experience was less than satisfactory. _____________________________________________________
Complete this survey online at www.ofallon.mo.us.
_____________________________________________________
{{ Social media accounts that are not associated with the City (please specify) ________________________________________ {{ Other(s) (please specify) ________________________________________ ________________________________________
2.
From the list above, please rank your top THREE sources of information regarding the City. 1st: _______________________________________
5.
In reference to the City's website’s www.ofallon.mo.us, www.ofallon. mo.us/parks&rec, www.ofallon.mo.us/PD, www.renaudspiritcenter.com), what do you use the site for most often? {{ Pay my bill {{ Find a contact number {{ See what's new {{ Check the events calendar {{ Find a form {{ Look up/register for Parks and Recreation programs {{ View or download a meeting agenda/minutes
2nd: _______________________________________
{{ Watch a City meeting live or on-demand
3rd: _______________________________________
{{ Other (please specify) ______________________________________________________________________
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Calendar March 9 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 13 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 13–24 Alternative Spring Break 14 Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m. 15 Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m. Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m. 16 Parks & Recreation Job Fair, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Renaud Spirit Center 20 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 21 Candidates Forum, 7 p.m. 22 Municipal Court 9 a.m. O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m. 23 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 27 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
April 1 Safety Town registration opens, 8 a.m. Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – Noon, CarShield Field west parking lot Mission: Clean Stream, 9 a.m. 3 Utility Tax rebate filing begins, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 4 Municipal election, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m. 5 Municipal Court, 9 a.m. 6 Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m. 8 Bulk Waste Drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 10 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 11 Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m. 12 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. 13 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 17 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 17–28 Global Youth Service Days 18 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. 19 Municipal Court, 9 a.m. Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m. Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m. 22 O’Fallon Earth Day, 9–11 a.m. 24 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 27 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 28 Food Truck Frenzy & Rascals’ Fan Fest, 5:30–8:30 p.m. CarShield Field
May 1
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
2
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
4
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
6
National Join Hands Day, 9–11 a.m.
Founders’ Day & Garden Expo, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
9
Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
10 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
11 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 12 RSC Challenge Run and Movie in the Park, 7 p.m. 15 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
16 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m. 17 Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m. Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m. 20 Armed Forces Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. 24 Public Works Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex parking lot
Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
25 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m. 27–29 Alligator's Creek Aquatic Center opens for the season 29 Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m.
City Hall CLOSED for Memorial Day
June 1
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
2
Food Truck Frenzy, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Sports Park
6
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
O’Fallon Jammin’ concert, 6:30–9 p.m.
7
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
8
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
10 Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling, 8 a.m. – Noon 12 Municipal Court, 6 p.m. 13 O’Fallon Jammin’ concert, 6:30–9 p.m. Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m. 14 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m. 19 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m. 20 O’Fallon Jammin’ concert, 6:30–9 p.m. 20
Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
21 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
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All events, public meetings and Municipal Court proceedings are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, unless otherwise noted. Meeting times and dates are subject to change; for the most current information, check www.ofallon.mo.us/events.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 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.