O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Winter 2013–14 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Honoring our past; Building our future City of O’Fallon survey results are in If you were among the 1,229 O’Fallon residents who took the time to complete a survey about City services this summer, the City of O’Fallon thanks you for your participation! The survey was designed to gauge residents’ satisfaction with City services, safety, infrastructure, traffic, parks and more. The results were extremely positive with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Police Department, Communications, Environmental Services and City maintenance all receiving high marks. Nearly all residents were satisfied with their safety, their quality of life, and with O’Fallon as a place to live, work and raise children. You can read the full report, including areas that residents would most like the City to address, online at www.ofallon.mo.us/ public-relations.
In this issue 3
Celebration of Lights
5
Cabin Fever Daze
6 – 7 Upcoming Events 7
Senior Corner
8
Snow Removal
9
Roscoe’s Den
10 Police Bulletins 11 Building Our Future: New Facility Plans 12 City Calendar
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s the year comes to an end, I am amazed by how far O’Fallon has come. Together with our residents and businesses, we have seen our small town build on more than 150 years of history and grow into one of the largest cities in Missouri and one of America’s best places to live. Over the summer, we surveyed our residents on what they thought of their hometown. I was ecstatic to see how positive the results were. Our Parks and Recreation Department and our Police Department scored exceptionally high in the survey, and most impressively, O’Fallon residents told us that they agree that O’Fallon is a great place to live and raise a family. But we’re not resting on our laurels. The City Council and I have been working with residents and staff to ask “What does this City need to continue to be a great place to live for the next 50 years?” Just like in the survey results, Parks and Recreation and Police were the focal points. We identified three key facility needs that will help O’Fallon remain an excellent place to live, work and play: a new park, a renovated Civic Park with a new Civic Hall and expanded Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center, and a new Justice Center for our Police Department and Municipal Court. Turn to Page 11 to read more about these priority projects and how you can help make them a reality. This holiday season, please take time to step back and appreciate how blessed we are to live in O’Fallon. I know how fortunate I am to live and work with all of you, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. From our families to yours, the O’Fallon City Council and I wish you the merriest of Christmases, a blessed holiday season and a wonderful 2014!
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
O’Fallon Police Dept. creates identity theft webpage Imagine someone posing as you and taking over your bank account, using your credit cards, going on vacation and sticking you with the bills. An estimated 10 million Americans became identity theft victims this past year. To combat the crime and put information and tools at residents’ disposal as quickly as possible, the Department created a new webpage that can help you prevent identity theft, report the crime should it happen to you, and minimize the damage. Learn more about identity theft by visiting www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/identity-theft.
See reverse for Winter Parks & Rec Guide
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Bill Gardner 636-379-5581 bgardner@ofallon.mo.us
Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2 Councilmembers Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Jim Pepper 636-379-5583 jpepper@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Richard “Rick” Battelle 636-379-5586 rbattelle@ofallon.mo.us
John Haman, Jr. 636-379-5585 jhaman@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 4 Councilmembers Bob Howell 636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us
Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmember Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Citizens First Center
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5553
City Hall
Mayor Bill Hennessy 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 10, 2014, 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.
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- to moderate-income O’Fallon homeowners who meet income and other 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. More information about the loans is available at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants, or by calling 636-379-5411.
NOTICE OF ELECTION AND OF THE OPENING AND CLOSING FOR FILING DECLARATIONS OF CANDIDACY FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES IN THE CITY OF O’FALLON, MISSOURI, FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD APRIL 8, 2014. Pursuant to Section 3.2, Article 8 and Section 14.5 of the Charter of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, an election will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, for the purpose of electing one (1) Member of the O’Fallon City Council from each of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a term of three (3) years and (1) member to fill an open seat to represent Ward 5 for a two (2) year term. Pursuant to Section 115.347 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri, and the O’Fallon City Charter no candidate’s name shall be printed on any official ballot unless his/her written, signed and sworn Declaration of Candidacy, including, address, age, length of residency, and the office for which he or she is running, has been filed in the office of the City Clerk within the time allowed by law. You are hereby advised that the first day for filing a Declaration of Candidacy for the April 8, 2014, election is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2013. Filing will close on the last day for filing for this election at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. A filing fee of $25.00 shall accompany each Declaration of Candidacy filed with the City Clerk. Candidates will appear on the ballot in the order they have filed. If you are the first candidate to file for a given position you will be the first candidate on the ballot for that position. The candidate or a person at least 18 years of age designated by the candidate may sit in line in the West City Hall entrance area prior to the opening of filing. At 8:00 a.m. on December 17th applications will be accepted in this location. After December 17th, filing will be in the City Clerk’s office. The candidate must be the person in position at 8:00 a.m. on December 17th. All candidates must file in person; no one else can file for you.
636-240-2000
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
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O’Fallon Senior Center
Pamela L. Clement, MRCC
636-272-4180
City Clerk
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
For more information regarding the Declaration of Candidacy, please contact O’Fallon’s City Clerk, Pam Clement, at 636-379-5555 or pclement@ofallon.mo.us.
Winter Cheer in O’Fallon Stay active with these fun, family-friendly activities
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
22nd Annual Celebration of Lights Nightly through December 30 (Closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Drive Treat your friends and loved ones to a magical tour through O’Fallon’s annual Celebration of Lights. Visitors will find the woods, picnic areas and playgrounds in Fort Zumwalt Park magically transformed by more than one million twinkling lights and holiday scenes into a winter wonderland offering surprises around every corner. There are several ways to see the sights.
Drive-through (no reservations needed):
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6 – 9 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday (except Tuesday, December 10).
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6 – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
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Tuesday Night Special – $7 for all non-commercial vehicles.
Directions to the Celebration of Lights:
Wednesday through Sunday, bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per vehicle.
From I-70, take Exit 216 at Bryan Road in O’Fallon. Turn south on Bryan Road, then left at the first light onto Veterans Memorial Parkway. Continue east on Veterans Memorial Parkway for about 1.5 miles to the entrance to Fort Zumwalt Park, on the right.
Admission: $9 for cars, $15 for commercial vans, and $1 per person on tour buses ($25 minimum).
Make reservations for: Segway Rides provided by Glide St. Louis 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 are approximately 30 minutes.
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Private carriages are $75 for 4– 6 passengers.
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Children age 4 and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap.
The Celebration of Lights is sponsored by the City of O’Fallon with participation by local businesses and civic organizations. A portion of the admission money goes to local charities. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL or call 636-379-5614.
From I-64/Highway 40-61, take the WingHaven Blvd. exit north; continue north (as WingHaven becomes Bryan Road) for about 6 miles to Veterans Memorial Parkway (stoplight); turn right on Veterans Memorial Parkway and drive east about 1.5 miles to the Fort Zumwalt Park entrance on the right.
Private wagons are $150 for up to 12 passengers. Community wagons are $10 per passenger; passengers will be seated with other parties; limit 12.
Receive updates: @VisitOFallon
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2013-14
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Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
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Tuesday, December 10 6 – 9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Cost: $2 for ages 3 and older; younger children are free. Stroll through the Celebration of Lights display with your family and enjoy fireworks (starting at 7:25 p.m.), a visit with Santa – don’t forget your camera! – kids’ activities, holiday caroling, and vendors selling festival food and beverages. Warm up in the historic Heald Home and shop for holiday crafts, holiday décor and unique gifts. Then step across the street to see the St. Charles Model Railroad Club’s elaborate display at no additional charge. No vehicles, carriage rides, pets, bikes or skateboards will be allowed in the park on this special night. Watch for signs to free parking and shuttle service from First Baptist Church, 8570 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
Free Christmas tree drop-off in Civic Park and O’Fallon Sports Park O’Fallon residents can drop off live evergreen Christmas trees, free, between December 26 and January 13 at parking lots in Civic Park and O’Fallon Sports Park. The sites will be open dawn to dusk. Only live or natural 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 $10 fee per tree, O’Fallon trash customers can have their Christmas trees picked up from their curb by calling 636-2720477. The cost will be added to the next bill. Only live or natural 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 26, 2013, through January 30, 2014.
Recycle unwanted holiday light strands
“Like” O'Fallon events on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/VisitOFallon
V+ indicates opportunities for volunteers. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
O’Fallon trash customers are encouraged to drop off unwanted holiday light strands for recycling. Starting December 26 through January 13, light strands can be dropped off along with Christmas trees at O’Fallon Sports Park and Civic Park parking lots. Lights must be removed from the trees. Light strands also can be dropped off at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) and the Renaud Spirit Center. Larger light bulbs from C-7 and C-9 strands should be removed and discarded in the trash prior to recycling the wires. Miniature light strands can remain intact. No string, wire, bags or packaging should be used to tie or contain the light strands. Simply drop the loose strands into the receptacle.
Cabin Fever Daze
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Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, January 26, Noon to 6 p.m. O’Fallon Sports Park Free admission, parking and many activities O’Fallon’s newest festival will turn O’Fallon Sports Park into a winter playground! Enter zany competitions, watch awesome ice carving, go skating, play broomball, and warm up with tasty festival food and beverages. New for 2014: live music, strolling entertainers and more competitions.
Skating on artificial ice Cost: $5 per 45-minute skating session. Bring your own skates or rent skates for $1.
Human dogsled competition Enter for only $25 per team of six, and race to win prizes. Register at www.ofallon.mo.us/cabinfever.
Free activities and entertainment
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Broomball (open play)
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Snowshoe obstacle course
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Snowflake toss – Test your throwing skills by tossing a football through the middle of giant snowflakes.
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“Freeze Your Buns” trivia run – Run to designated stations and select the correct answer in this winter-themed trivia game.
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Snowball relay – Create snowballs with shaved ice and race your opponent through the course to the finish line!
Ice sculpting – Watch as blocks of ice are sculpted into fanciful shapes.
Fruit cake chuckin’ – Load the fruitcake catapult and fire away!
Get the latest event details: www.ofallon.mo.us/cabinfever
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events Celebration of Lights Nightly, through December 30 (Closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park 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. For specialty rides and details, see page 3 of the newsletter.
O’FallonTheatreWorks’ open auditions for Twelve Angry Jurors Sunday, January 12, 2014 Noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Open auditions will be held for O’FallonTheatreWorks’ spring drama, Twelve Angry Jurors, which will be performed March 21 – 23 and 28 – 30. The cast of 15 calls for a mix of both males and females ranging in age from 18 to 70. Crew members also are needed. For more information, call 636-474-2732 or 636-4748150. Or email dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us.
King Day of Service
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Monday, January 20 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, which calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national 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 636-3795417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
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Become a volunteer! Call 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
O’Fallon’s National Volunteer Donor Month V+ Blood Drive Friday, January 24 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) 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.
12th Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Missouri Saturday, February 1 12 p.m., Lake Sainte Louise Can you take the Plunge? This year, Team O’Fallon invites everyone to join them in participating in the 2014 Plunge and support Team O’Fallon. The perks are great! You can earn prizes for fundraising and join the party at the clubhouse along with hundreds of others jumping into Lake Sainte Louise. The event and post-jump party will be held at the Lake Saint Louis Community Association Clubhouse. In 2013, more than 360 people took the plunge, including 14 members of Team O’Fallon. The event netted just under $100,000 for Special Olympics Missouri athletes, with the Team O’Fallon Plunge Squad raising more than $8,000. For more information, please email jcook@ofallon.mo.us. Or, visit Missouri’s Special Olympics website, www.somo.org, and look for the Lake Saint Louis Plunge event. To register, please enter the phrase “O’Fallon Police.”
Senior Corner
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Twelve Angry Jurors V+ Friday – Sunday, March 21–23 and 28–30 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays On the stage at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Disabled residents and seniors (65+), save your 2013 utility receipts for tax rebates
Come see some of O’Fallon’s best actors perform the story of 12 jurors who are charged with determining the future of a 19-year-old on trial for the murder of his father. The tensionfilled play takes the audience behind the door of the jury room, where one juror begins to question the facts of what seems to be an open-and-shut case. As the electrifying final scene unfolds, patrons are sure to be sitting on the edges of their seats. Starting Monday, February 17, 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.
Filing for O’Fallon’s utility tax rebate is right around the corner, so be sure to save copies of your 2013 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 $38,750 for a single head-of-household, or $44,300 for a married (twoperson) 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 Monday, April 1, through Friday, May 30. Watch for more information in the Spring newsletter!
Media Center Access the latest O’FallonTV videos easily from Facebook Did you know that more than 650 O’FallonTV-produced videos are available on YouTube? Now, many of those videos can also 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:
Garden Expo & Kite Flying Event – Save the date! Saturday, April 12 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Admission is free; Heald Home tours are $2 Welcome Spring at this fun, friendly event for all ages! Get kite-making 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.
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O’Fallon Police Department O’Fallon Volunteer Services Renaud Spirit Center / O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Visit O’Fallon
Coming in 2014: O’Fallon’s first mobile app This still-under-development app will be available for download, free, on Apple-, Android- and Windows-supported devices in the first half of 2014. Look in the Spring newsletter for more details.
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us. Use the tools to view our frequently asked questions, ask a question, make a service request or login to follow the status of your request.
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Snow Removal 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 to never park on the street whenever snow is in the forecast. Keeping the streets clear of vehicles allows 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: There is no perfect solution to prevent plowed snow from blocking mailboxes and driveways, but the problem can be minimized by making room for snow discharged by plows. Simply clear 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 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 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 push snow to the middle of the cul-de-sac, forming a pile in the center, allowing for a clear route around the cul-desac and easy access to driveways. During heavier snow events (typically, 3” or more): NEW THIS WINTER! After last year’s heavy snowfall, the City’s Public Works team met with numerous residents who live on cul-de-sacs to make improvements that better serve the residents. Due to the substantial amount of snow that can build up in cul-de-sacs during heavy snowfalls, these streets require additional snow removal efforts. When heavy snow hits, plows initially will create a passable lane through the cul-desac so residents can drive in/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 Removal Center 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 636-379-3826 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for snow or ice removal questions or concerns. Note that the purpose of the City’s snow removal program is to provide safe access not 100% clear pavement. The process to achieve this goal and the final outcome may look different each winter event depending on the specifics of that weather event. 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/citiens-first-center. 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 removal process, please call the Streets Division at 636-379-3808 or visit www. ofallon.mo.us/snow.
Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements Winter yard waste disposal options For residents enrolled in the City’s yard waste collection, weekly yard waste service for 2013 ends Friday, December 13, and it will resume the week of Monday, March 10, 2014. In the meantime, once-a-month yard waste collection will be available Wednesday, December 18, 2013, January 22, 2014, and February 26, 2014. 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 Environmental Services at 636-272-0477 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. If you haven’t already, please enroll in O’Fallon’s yard waste program and reap the convenience of weekly service from March through December, and quarterly service December through February. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477. Please note, it’s illegal to dump yard waste into storm drains, or to mix yard waste with trash or recyclables.
Just a reminder – you can recycle all holiday gift wrap, cards and boxes.
www.ofallon.mo.us
Christmas and New Year’s trash and recycling collection moves to the next day For O’Fallon trash customers, there will be no change in service on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, 2013. However, on Christmas, December 25, 2013, and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2014 (which both fall on a Wednesday), trash and recycling collection will move to Thursday, Thursday’s service will move to Friday, and Friday’s service will move to Saturday.
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 21, and Saturday, February 22. The service is free to O’Fallon trash customers. Loads are limited to one 10-foot 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 636272-0477.
2014 Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule January 1, New Year’s Day
January 20, MLK, Jr. Day
Service moves to next day*
No change in service
February 17, Presidents’ Day
No change in service
May 26, Memorial Day
No change in service
July 4, Independence Day
Service moves to next day*
September 1, Labor Day
No change in service
November 11, Veterans Day
No change in service
Nov. 27, Thanksgiving Day
Service moves to next day*
Nov. 28, day after Thanksgiving Service moves to next day* December 24, Christmas Eve
No change in service
December 25, Christmas Day
Service moves to next day*
*When service moves to the next day, service on the remaining days of the week also moves forward one day.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2013-14
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Police Bulletins O'Fallon Police Department Briefs
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
Police Alert: Lock your cars and garages!
Free CERT disaster response training
Stop thieves from helping themselves to your valuables! Both nationally and locally, thefts of money, 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, wherever they are.
Friday – Sunday, March 7 – 9 Public Works Building, 1089 Public Works Drive
Also, when parking your car or truck, remember to:
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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.
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Never leave unsecured tools, bicycles or anything of value in your truck bed.
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Be sure to close your garage door when you are not using the garage, and take your garage door opener in the house if your car is parked outside.
Join O’Fallon’s Police Explorer Post 2943 Young men and women ages 14–20 who are interested in law enforcement are invited to join O’Fallon Police Explorer Post 2943. 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 O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest, the Fall Fest, and O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts. In 2013, Explorer Post 2943 earned the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award for 4,703 hours of community service. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD. Or contact Officer Joseph Fomera at joefomera@ofallon.mo.us or 636-242-1155, or Officer Dave Pollard at dpollard@ofallon. mo.us or 314-575-9718.
Get updates: @OFallonPolice
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
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 7 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 8 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, March 9
Get more information and register online at www.ofallon. mo.us/PD/CERT. Questions? Contact call 636-379-5686, or email astowers@ofallon.mo.us.
Citizens Police Academy Begins Tuesday, March 4 7 - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $30 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. Questions? Contact tbateman@ ofallon.mo.us.
Lost a pet? Whether you’ve lost a pet, found a stray, or have a wildlife concern, the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division offers several options that can help. Check www.facebook.com/ofallonanimalcontrol for updated information on topics related to animals in our area. Leave a voice message describing the problem by calling 636-240-3200; press 1 for Animal Control/Dispatch. Find information about reclaiming an impounded pet and City animal control ordinances and procedures at www. ofallon.mo.us/PD.
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
Building O’Fallon’s Future: New Facility Plans
F
or the past three years, the City Council and City staff have been researching O’Fallon’s facility needs. This process, which has involved numerous public meetings, various presentations to the City Council and significant input from residents, has resulted in three projects being chosen as the top priorities for the City as we continue to grow, address the goals of our taxpayers and improve our service to residents. These three projects, a new Justice Center, improvements to Civic Park, including a new Civic Hall and expanded Alligator’s Creek, and the construction of a brand new park off of Highway DD called O’Day Park, will help ensure that O’Fallon residents will continue to enjoy the high quality of life and safe environment that they have come to expect for generations to come. The costs of these new projects total approximately $52 million, and the City would need to issue bonds to pay for the construction of these facilities. Those bonds must be approved by the voters of O’Fallon and will be tied to a small property tax increase (see chart) that would be in place for 20 years. If the City Council approves these bond questions, these projects will be on the April 2014 election for voters to consider.
Civic Park Improvements – $8.45 million As the oldest park in O’Fallon and a key component of O’Fallon’s downtown area, Civic Park serves as an historical icon and as a center point of the City’s future. Home to Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center, countless O’Fallon children and families have spent their summers enjoying all that Civic Park has to offer. Unfortunately, in 2012 another Civic Park building – Civic Hall – had to be demolished due to an aging infrastructure. The loss of Civic Hall means the City is in great need for meeting and recreational space. The Civic Park improvements that voters will consider include a new Civic Hall that both honors the past glory of the building and meets the needs of future generations and an expanded Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center with new water features and a splash pad.
O’Day Park – $10.6 million In 2001, a local family donated 55 acres of land off of Highway DD, just southwest of the movie theater, to the City for the purpose of building a park on the City’s south side. The land, now dubbed O’Day Park, offers the City the potential for a beautiful passive park with nature trails and walking paths, a playground, an amphitheater, a lodge for meetings and banquets, and even a zip line. The natural beauty and rolling terrain of the land means the new O’Day Park would provide a unique park experience allowing residents to get away from it all and experience nature while still being close to home here in O’Fallon. If all of these projects are approved by O’Fallon’s voters, there will be an increase in the City’s property taxes. Based on the value of your home, the following chart shows the anticipated property tax increase if the City levies the maximum of $52 million (beginning in 2015).
Home value
$100,000
Levy increase per year $29
$200,000
$58
$300,000
$88
For more information on these projects, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5508.
Justice Center – $33.68 million When the O’Fallon Police Station opened as part of the current Municipal Centre complex in 1999, the City of O’Fallon was approximately one quarter of the size that it is today. Even the most optimistic projections called for the City’s population to grow to around 60,000 residents by 2015. Today, however, O’Fallon’s population exceeds 81,000, and it is only expected to increase over the next 40 years. This growth means that the O’Fallon Police Department has had to expand at a much faster pace than was anticipated. The Department has outgrown its current home and needs more space to meet the needs of the community both now and in the future. The new facility also would provide a permanent home for the City’s Municipal Court, which presently meets in a temporary setting in a meeting room. City staff is researching possible locations for the new Justice Center so we can quickly begin building the new facility if voters approve the bond. The project overviews on this page are intended only to help inform residents about what issues they may find on their ballot and not to advocate for or against the issues or persuade anyone how he or she should vote. Whatever you decide, we hope you will fully inform yourself and go to the polls in April to join your neighbors in this important community process.
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 1-30 Celebration of Lights Fort Zumwalt Park (closed Dec. 25 for Christmas) 1-30 Grant Kniffen art exhibit Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free 10
Old Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6 – 9 p.m. Fort Zumwalt Park
11
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
16
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
17
First day of filing for the municipal election, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
18
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
21
Bulk waste drop off, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. O’Fallon waste transfer station, free to City trash customers
24
City Hall CLOSED;
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
25
City Hall, RSC CLOSED for Christmas
Celebration of Lights CLOSED
January
22
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
23
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
24
Volunteer Donor Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. City Hall
25-26 Cabin Fever Daze O’Fallon Sports Park 27 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
February 1
Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance, 6:30 p.m.
1-21 O’Fallon Photo Club Exhibit 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.
11
Parks 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
City Hall CLOSED for Presidents’ Day
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
1
City Hall CLOSED for New Year’s Day
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN noon – 5 p.m. Free admission all day
18
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
19
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
2
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
7
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
8
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
24
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
27
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
9
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
10
Mayor’s “State of the City” address 10 a.m.
O’Fallon Photo Club Exhibit Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free, through February 21
12
Auditions, Twelve Angry Jurors, noon City Hall
4
Citizens Police Academy begins, 7 p.m.
13
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
14
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
5
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
15
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
Public Works, 7 p.m.
6
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
20
City Hall CLOSED, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
King Day of Service, 10 a.m. – noon
7-9 CERT disaster response training Public Works Building, free
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
10
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
21
Last day to file for municipal election, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
11
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
12
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
13
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
22 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
12
March 1-31 Oak Leaf Artist Guild exhibit, “Treasures of Oak Leaf” Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free
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.