O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Winter 2015–16 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas FEMA to change flood insurance maps across the region
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing new Flood Insurance Rate Maps that all municipalities, including O’Fallon, must adopt. These new maps become effective on January 20, 2016, and some O’Fallon homes may be impacted. Please review the information on page 5 and on our website at www.ofallon.mo.us to see if your home is included in these changes.
In this issue
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love the excitement of the holidays – the cooking, planning and celebrating Christmas, and even the hustle and bustle of shopping for presents. As a parent and grandparent, I especially look forward to getting together with my family for holiday traditions. If we’ve got out-of-town guests, we like to bundle everyone up for a tour of the Celebration of Lights display in Fort Zumwalt Park. There’s something eye-popping around every corner. The park is open nightly through December 30th, except on Christmas. And if you haven’t tried it, a Segway tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park will add to the fun and make the event even more memorable. Of course ’tis the season to go shopping. If you’re looking for that perfect gift, you’ll find it in O’Fallon. Please shop your hometown. By keeping it in the “O’” you help grow jobs in our City and preserve our City’s vibrant economy. Besides the anticipation of presents, what kids love most about the holidays is the time off from school. You can keep your kids busy this season with our Holiday Break Camp, which is designed for ages 5–12 and keeps kids having fun and making friends without the worry of being home alone. The camps are listed on page 25 of the Parks & Rec Guide. As for snow, there’s no predicting the weather, but O’Fallon’s snow-removal program is geared to keeping traffic moving. For the convenience of our residents, page 9 of the newsletter explains what you can expect when the winter weather hits. After the holidays, break out of the winter blahs with family fun and exercise at Cabin Fever Daze on January 30th and 31st in Sports Park. Get all the details on page 4. Thank you for making 2015 another great one in O’Fallon. I look forward to serving you again in 2016. From my family to yours, may you have a safe, blessed and very merry Christmas season!
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
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Candidate Filing
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Celebration of Lights
Mayor Hennessy to give “State of the City” address
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Public Works
O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual “State of the City” address at 10
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Upcoming Events
a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016, in the City Council chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal
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Roscoe's Den
Centre (City Hall). The public is invited to attend the event. The address also will be
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Snow and Ice Control
10 Police Bulletins
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.
11 Public Assistance 12 City Calendar
Discover resident assistance programs on page 11.
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman 636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us
Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2 Councilmembers Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Jim Pepper 636-379-5583 jpepper@ofallon.mo.us
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
Candidate filing to open for City Council seats If you are an O’Fallon resident interested in serving on the O’Fallon City Council, you can start the process by filing a Declaration of Candidacy for the April 5, 2016, municipal election. On election day, registered voters in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 will select a City Council representative to serve a three-year term. The first day of filing a Declaration of Candidacy will be Tuesday, December 15, 2015, beginning at 8 a.m. As a candidate, you will submit to the City Clerk a filing fee of $25 and a written Declaration of Candidacy with your name, age, address, length of residency and the office for which you are filing. The final day to file for office will be January 19, 2016.
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 5, 2016. 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 5, 2016, 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. 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 5, 2016, election is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Filing will close on the last day for filing for this election at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. 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 15th applications will be accepted in this location. After December 15th filing will be in the City Clerk’s office. The candidate must be the person in position at 8:00 a.m. on December 15th. All candidates must file in person; no one else can file for you.
636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook
Pamela L. Clement, CMC/MRCC - C City Clerk
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)
Veterans assistance available at City Hall If you are a U.S. veteran, the Veterans Assistance team at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) is here for you. The volunteer team can provide benefits information, answer many questions and help you solve many issues, free of charge. The O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office is located in Room 313 on the third floor of O’Fallon City Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. But if you can’t make regular hours, please contact the office to see about setting up an alternative office visit. Appointments are not required but are available. To contact the office, call 636-379-5577 or email veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us.
636-240-3200
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
Winter Entertainment Celebrate the Holidays in O'Fallon
Celebration of Lights is the gateway to holiday magic Nightly through December 30 (Closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park Add magic to your family’s Christmas traditions with O’Fallon’s dazzling Celebration of Lights display in Fort Zumwalt Park. The enchantment begins as you drive beneath a lighted archway and cruise a one-mile route lit by multicolored lights twinkling in the trees. Holiday music, scenes inspired by holiday favorites and beautiful displays make the Celebration of Lights a must-do holiday tradition. Drive-through; no reservations are needed:
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6–9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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Tuesday night special: $7 for all non-commercial vehicles
6–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Admission: $10 cars, $15 commercial vans, $1 per person in tour buses ($25 minimum) Bring a food pantry donation for $1 off admission (except Tuesdays)
For a touch of romance and pure fun, reserve a Segway or a seat on an old-fashioned horse-drawn surrey or wagonette. Horse-drawn rides and Segways must be reserved at least two weeks in advance, so hurry and register for your special evening to get the date you want. To make reservations for:
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www.ofallon.mo.us/COL
Private carriages cost $75 for 2–4 passengers Private wagonettes cost $150 for up to 12 passengers Community wagonettes cost $10 per passenger; passengers will be seated with other parties; limit 12 passengers
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.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
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Tuesday, December 8 6–9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park As you and your family stroll through the Celebration of Lights on this special night, Fort Zumwalt Park will sparkle with holiday magic, the voices of carolers will fill the air, vendors will sell hot chocolate, cookies and holiday gifts and Santa will be ready to hear what young visitors want for Christmas. And, at 7:25 p.m., fireworks will burst over Lake Whetsel. Admission is $3; children under three are free. Watch for signs to free parking and shuttle service at the First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.
Segway rides – Call Glide St. Louis at 314-868-7386. Segway tours will be available for $30 per person. Horse-drawn carriage and wagonette rides – Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at info@cfcarriage.com or 636-3904403 to reserve a 30-minute ride. Rides last approximately 30 minutes. Children four and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2015–16
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Cabin Fever Daze
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Saturday and Sunday, January 30 and 31 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days O’Fallon's Sports Park on Highway K Have a blast of winter fun playing games at O’Fallon’s frozen festival, Cabin Fever Daze. Vendors will offer delicious food and beverages and a heat retreat tent will be available for warding off chills. Parking is free. Stay-and-Play All Day – Enjoy all of the winter fun with a $5 all-you-can-play wristband. Activities include:
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Mini Golf – Play a casual 18 holes of mini golf right on the Cabin Fever Daze festival grounds
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Human Foosball – Teams of three or more will compete in a life-sized version of foosball. It's fun to play or just watch!
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Human Sphere – Find out how much fun it is to be a hamster by rolling around in a giant, inflatable, seethrough ball.
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Laser Tag Arena
Free Activities
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Clash of the Climates – Join in this fun twist on tug-ofwar! Pick a side, “Spring” or “Fall,” and battle to see which season wins.
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Snow Spike Volleyball – Play this popular summertime game with wacky wintertime rules!
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Field Broomball – Grab some friends for this hockey-style game played with brooms.
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Snowflake Toss – Test your quarterbacking skills by throwing a football through giant snowflakes.
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Snowball Blitz – Pick a side and fire away at the opposing team in this capture the flag-type game.
More Fun
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Gateway Sled Dog Club Race and Demonstrations – Learn about dogsled racing and how you can get involved in Nordic activities with your pet (Sunday, only).
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Palm Duo – Warm up in the heat retreat tent with live Caribbean pop and steel drum music performed from noon to 3 p.m. each day!
Like “Visit O’Fallon” on Facebook for event and weather-related updates.
www.facebook.com/VisitOFallon
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Dispose of your live holiday tree after the holidays Free Christmas tree drop off in Civic Park and Sports Park O’Fallon residents can drop off live evergreen Christmas trees, free, between December 26 and January 10 at parking lots in Civic Park and Sports Park. The parks will be open dawn to dusk. Only live trees with no decorations will be accepted. Please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, string or wire. No artificial trees, wreaths, shrubs, plastic bags or yard waste should be dropped off.
Free recycling offered for old holiday light strands If you have light strands that don’t work anymore, you can recycle them from December 26 through January 10, free of charge. Simply remove the lights from the trees and drop them off at any of four locations: Sports Park and Civic Park parking lots, the Renaud Spirit Center and City Hall. Miniature and LED light strands can be dropped into recycling receptacles “as is.” To avoid injury from bulb breakage, larger light bulbs from C-7 and C-9 strands should be removed and discarded in the trash, before discarding wire strands in the recycling container. Please do not tie or bag light strands; simply drop loose strands into the receptacle.
Curbside Christmas tree pickup For a fee of $10 per tree, O’Fallon trash customers can have their holiday trees picked up at the curb by calling 636-2720477. The cost will be added to the next bill. Only live trees will be picked up, and trees must have all decorations removed. Do not place trees in plastic bags. Trees will be picked up on Wednesdays beginning December 30, 2015, through January 27, 2016.
Public Works Key Information for Residents
City Projects Thanks to dry fall weather, many 2015 City projects are wrapping up. Typically, work slows down in the winter, with projects getting underway again in the spring. Here's an update on recent and upcoming projects:
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The construction of the new Ozzie Smith Sports Complex plaza and concession stand, which began this summer, is currently on schedule and due to be completed by year’s end.
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O’Fallon’s crack seal, asphalt and concrete slab replacement programs are winding down for the winter season. This annual program will begin again in spring.
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The repaving of Woodlawn Avenue and Civic Park Drive will be completed in December. The painting of the railroad trestle over Woodlawn is planned for April or May.
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Elaine Drive is open to two-way traffic and the City’s improvements have been completed. Please note: Norfolk Southern railroad will be making improvements to the railroad crossing, possibly this spring.
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Work continues at the intersection of Sommers Road and Highway N, including the installation of new turn lanes and sidewalks with pedestrian facilities; construction should be completed next spring.
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LED street ID signs were installed and are operating along Bryan Road at the intersections of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Feise Road.
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Slab repair on Homefield Boulevard and Presidents Landing is scheduled to take place this winter. Construction for pavement replacement and sidewalk repair along Knaust Road, Woodlawn Avenue, Homefield Boulevard and Presidents Landing Drive has been scheduled for 2016. Plans also call for resurfacing Mexico Road from Barrington Drive to Belleau Creek Road to start next spring.
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Phase 2 of the Lake St. Louis Boulevard Extension to extend Lake St. Louis Boulevard from Haycastle Drive to Paul Renaud Boulevard is on schedule to begin in 2016. The project includes a traffic signal at the intersection of Lake St. Louis Boulevard and Highway N and a roundabout at the intersection of Lake St. Louis and Paul Renaud boulevards.
www.ofallon.mo.us/public-works
Flood Insurance Update New FEMA floodplain rules may impact some residents The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing new Flood Insurance Rate Maps that will become effective on January 20, 2016. The City of O’Fallon, as well as all communities in St. Charles County, will be required by FEMA to adopt the new enhanced Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These maps must be adopted by the City prior to January 20 or the City will not be eligible for disaster assistance and the residents of the City will lose the ability to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. The new maps have been updated based on scientific studies of the streams in our area. The changes in these maps may affect your need to purchase flood insurance or the premium rate that may be available to you when you purchase flood insurance. The City of O’Fallon is providing you this notice so that you are aware of any changes that may affect you.
What does this mean to you? Some homes may have been placed in the floodplain, some were removed from the floodplain, and some have been restored to the floodplain after being formerly removed from the floodplain by a FEMA Letter of Map Change. You can view or print out information on your property and its relation to the floodplain on the City of O’Fallon webpage www.ofallon.mo.us. Then, please check with your insurance agent. You may not have been required to have flood insurance prior to the new map, but you may need to obtain flood insurance now. Have your insurance agent check about grandfathering within FEMA rules, which may save you money on flood insurance premiums. If it appears that the map change will have a negative impact on your property, it is important that you contact your insurance agent before the new maps have been adopted. You may be able to get a temporarily reduced premium prior to the adoption of the new maps. If you have any further questions, please contact Jeannie Greenlee, Plan Reviewer/Floodplain Administrator, at 636379-5557 or jgreenlee@ofallon.mo.us.
For road construction updates, visit the City Projects webpage at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2015–16
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events Celebration of Lights
Please give at O’Fallon’s National Volunteer Blood Donor Month Blood Drive V+
Nightly through December 30 (Closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park
Friday, January 22 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)
Make your family’s holiday even more magical and memorable by taking them to O’Fallon’s dazzling and delightful Celebration of Lights display. For details, see page 3 of the newsletter or go to www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll
If you are a healthy adult, please take a few minutes to donate blood. Winter weather can mean fewer donors, with blood shortages becoming critical. Your donation can help as many as three people survive a life-threatening trauma or health condition. To make an appointment, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Walkins also are welcome!
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Tuesday, December 8 6–9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Join the fun on this special walk-through night! Fort Zumwalt Park will be dressed for the holidays, Santa will be receiving young visitors, carolers will be singing, vendors will be selling hot chocolate, cookies and holiday gifts, and, at 7:25 p.m., fireworks will light up the night sky over Lake Whetsel. Admission is $3 for ages 3 and older. Free parking and shuttle service will be available at the First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.
Polar Bear Plunge benefits Missouri’s Special Olympics athletes Saturday, February 6 12 p.m., Lake Saint Louis Community Association Clubhouse
O’FallonTheatreWorks holding auditions for Noises Off Sunday, December 13 2 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Open auditions will be held for the comedy, Noises Off, which will be performed on March 4–6 and 11–13. Crew members also are needed. Contact dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us for more information.
Sign up for O’Fallon’s King Day of Service projects Monday, January 18 10 a.m. – noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Each year, Americans come together on this national day of service to help their neighbors and communities. In O’Fallon, volunteers of all ages are invited to register in advance for a morning of fun community service projects. To participate, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ ofallon.mo.us.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
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Join hundreds of people in cheering for teams plunging bravely into the frigid waters of Lake Ste. Louise for the annual Polar Bear Plunge fundraiser. A project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Plunge is hosted by the O’Fallon Police Department, Lake St. Louis Police Department, Wentzville Police Department and the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Proceeds go to Special Olympic Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Team O’Fallon invites everyone to join them in participating in the 2016 Polar Plunge. Top fundraisers are eligible for prizes. Last year, Team O’Fallon raised $9,012 for Special Olympics, adding to the $120,000 raised overall by the 2015 Lake St. Louis Polar Plunge. For more information or to register to join O’Fallon’s team, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD.
O’FallonTheatreWorks presents the comedy, Noises Off V+
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Friday – Sunday, March 4–6 and 11–13 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays On the stage at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Winner of a Tony Award for Best Play, Noises Off is a hilarious play within a play. Taking its title from a theatrical term for sounds coming from off-stage, Noises Off opens on a dress rehearsal for Nothing’s On, a disastrous play with a lot of door slamming, baffled performers who miss entrances, exits and their lines, and props with a mind of their own. During the second act, the audience watches Nothing’s On from backstage, where pure pandemonium reigns as the actors’ relationships deteriorate. By act three, the play is at the end of its run and the actors are at the ends of their tethers, undermining fellow actors’ performances to the point that the plot falls completely apart, and the actors must ad lib their way to a riotous conclusion. For the best price, purchase tickets in advance at the Renaud Spirit Center, or call staff at 636-474-2732. Discounted tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors age 55 and older and $8 for students 6–17. Tickets purchased at the Box Office cost an additional $2 each; the Box Office opens an hour before each show. Concessions also will be available for purchase.
Save the date! Founders’ Day and Garden Expo
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Saturday, May 7 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Enjoy two great events on one day! Founders' Day – Featuring demonstrations of heritage skills, hands-on kids’ activities, historic Heald Home tours and visits to the new Zumwalt’s Fort interpretive center, a rebuilt War of 1812 family fort which will be open to the public. Garden Expo – Shop for garden décor and live plants, chat with yard and gardening experts, attend an Arbor Day ceremony and more. See the Spring issue of the newsletter for details. Attention vendors: to participate in these events, please email mseymour@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5614.
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indicates opportunities for volunteers. Please call 636-379-5417.
Saturday, January 30 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, January 31 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sports Park • O’Fallon, MO Admission and parking are free!
FREE GAMES, ACTIVITIES Clash of the Climates Snow Spike Volleyball Snowflake Toss • Snowball Blitz Field Broomball
STAY-N-PLAY, ALL DAY • $5 18-Hole Mini-Golf • Laser Tag Human Foosball • Human Sphere
Live Music • Festival Food Dogsled Demonstrations & More! www.ofallon.mo.us/CabinFever
www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2015–16
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Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling
Free bulk-waste drop-off on Saturday, December 19
Saturday, December 12 8 a.m. – noon, T.R. Hughes Ballpark west parking lot (off Tom Ginnever Avenue)
7 a.m. – 3 p.m., waste transfer station at 1572 Progress West Lane, O’Fallon 63366
Everyone is welcome to bring just about any item with an electric cord or that uses a battery to this free recycling event. Acceptable items for the drop-off include household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves, kitchen appliances, computers, computer monitors (including CRT monitors), printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs, power tools, lawn and garden equipment (which must have gas and oil removed) and LED/LCD TVs. One CRT-TV (cathode ray tube) per vehicle can be dropped off at no charge. Please do not bring smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. This service is provided by the City of O’Fallon in partnership with Midwest Recycling Center. For questions, contact the Environmental Services Department at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477.
Nearly all holiday wrapping paper and boxes are recyclable. Keep it out of the landfill—recycle!
If you have items to dispose of that are too large to fit into your trash container, you may be able to bring them to the City’s waste transfer station. For a list of acceptable/unacceptable bulk waste items and directions to the drop-off site, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste. Be sure to bring a photo ID showing your O’Fallon address and be prepared to unload your own items.
Holiday trash, recycling and yard waste collection When there’s no change in service, please put your trash, recycling and yard waste out on your regularly-scheduled day. For this quarter, the holiday collection schedule will be:
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Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 – No change in service
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Christmas Day, Friday, December 25 – Service moves to Saturday
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New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1 – Service moves to Saturday
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Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Monday, January 18 – No change in service
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Presidents Day, Monday, February 15 – No change in service
For more information about O’Fallon’s trash and recycling program visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ES or call 636-272-0477.
Off-season yard waste collection schedule For those enrolled in the City’s yard waste collection, weekly service is ending for the season on Friday, December 11, and it will resume on March 15, 2016. Meanwhile, monthly yard waste collection will be available by request on the fourth Wednesday of the month: December 23, January 27 and February 24. To arrange for your yard waste to be picked up, be sure to contact Environmental Services in advance by calling 636-272-0477 or email ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.
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Keep your neighborhood tidy! To prevent loose papers from blowing through your neighborhood, please bag both trash and recyclables. Otherwise, windy weather can whisk papers away when containers are being emptied.
Snow and Ice Control Keep O’Fallon Roads Clear this Winter When it snows, O’Fallon’s crews work 24/7 to clear nearly 700 “lane miles” of pavement to get traffic moving. As a resident, the number one thing you can do to assist snow crews is never park on the street when snow is in the forecast. Keeping vehicles off the streets allows City snow plows free access to clear 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. 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 the owners’ expense. 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. Keep your mailbox and driveway clear Although there’s no perfect solution to prevent plowed snow from blocking mailboxes and driveways, the problem can be minimized by making room for snow discharged by plows. You can make space by clearing snow from the end of your driveway and along your curb, preferably to the left of your driveway (as you face the street).
Frequently Asked Questions Can I call to report an area that needs plowing? Yes, O’Fallon’s Snow and Ice Control Hotline is put into action when the forecast calls for eight 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. Please note that the purpose of the City’s snow control program is to provide safe access, not 100% clear pavement. For questions at other times, please call the City’s Streets Division at 636-379-3807 or 636-379-3808.
www.ofallon.mo.us/snow
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 has responsibility, including Mexico, Feise and Bryan roads and WingHaven Boulevard. Snow removal crews also are dispatched to residential areas when snow begins to accumulate. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for clearing the following federal and state roads: I-70, I-64, highways 364, K, N, 79, DD, South 364 Outer Road, Technology Dr., East and West Terra lanes, and sections of Veterans Memorial Parkway. The City of O’Fallon cannot clear 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 4” or less): Crews will clear a 20’ path around the perimeter of the cul-de-sac with the blade of the plow angled toward the middle. This will allow easy access to driveways. During heavier snowfalls (typically, more than 4”): Because a substantial amount of snow can build up in cul-de-sacs during heavy snowfalls, additional snow removal efforts will be put into place when heavy snow hits. Initially, plows will create a passable lane through the cul-de-sac so residents can drive in and out of the street. Then, as other snow removal efforts wind down, crews will return to move snow into available green space. This allows crews to focus on clearing O’Fallon’s streets as quickly and efficiently as possible and avoid inadvertently creating large snow windrows in cul-de-sacs. 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 the City’s Streets Division at 636-3793807 or 636-379-3808 to request repairs or replacements. Or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/citizens-first-center. Landscape replacement is not fully guaranteed; however, staff will work with you to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Please note, O’Fallon’s municipal code prohibits putting basketball hoops and other obstructions in the City’s public right-of-way (mid-street to about 10 feet behind the curb). The City will not pay for damage to those items. For more information on O’Fallon’s snow control program, please call the Streets Division at 636-379-3807 or 636-3793808 or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/snow.
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Watch O’FallonTV’s local programming 24-7
Begins Tuesday, February 23 7–9:30 p.m., Cost: $30
Whether it is watching City government in action, keeping up with local happenings or learning what’s unique in our City, O’FallonTV provides a window on what’s going on in and around O’Fallon. Our award-winning Communications team creates original programming, commercials, specials and public service announcements that showcase why O'Fallon is a great place to live. O’FallonTV also shows every governmental meeting and workshop live, and replays them in their entirety. You can watch O'FallonTV on Charter Communications Channel 991, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, YouTube and live and on-demand at www.ofallon.mo.us. If it matters to O’Fallon, you can find it on O’FallonTV.
Residents who are at least 18 years old are invited to apply for the O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy. The six-week program, which will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 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. Registration opens Tuesday, January 4, and closes on Friday, February 12. Applications will be available online or they can be picked up at the O’Fallon Police Department. For more information please email tbateman@ofallon.mo.us.
Stay safe and keep your family safe with winter preparedness The O’Fallon Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to take these basic steps to prepare for winter weather.
• • •
Create a family winter emergency plan and an emergency kit
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Protect yourself against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing appropriate clothing
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Stay current on winter weather forecasts
Assemble a separate vehicle emergency kit Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog
Understand the dangers that come with using alternate heating and lighting during power outages
For more detailed information and tips on implementing these winter weather preparedness strategies, go to: www. ready.gov/winter-weather.
Free CERT disaster response training Friday – Sunday, March 4–6 Public Works Building, 1089 Public Works Drive Don’t miss an outstanding opportunity to learn basic disaster response skills, free, through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The O’Fallon Police Department will conduct the 20-hour course over a weekend:
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Senior Corner Seniors and residents with disabilities, save your 2015 utility receipts for tax rebates If you are age 65 or older or a resident with disabilities and you’d like to recoup some of your City phone and utilities taxes, be sure to save copies of your 2015 gas, electric and phone bills, including your cell phone. With those in hand, you may be able to file for O’Fallon’s utility tax rebates in 2016. To qualify for the utility tax rebate, you must be (1) an O’Fallon resident who is 65 or older, or (2) you 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-ofhousehold or $44,000 for a married (two-person) household. Social Security income is not counted. If you qualify for the City’s tax rebates on utility bills, you will be able to file for the rebates at City Hall on weekdays beginning Friday, April 1, 2016, through Tuesday, May 31. Watch for more information in the Spring newsletter! To inquire about the utility tax rebate program now, please contact Jennifer Finnegan in the City's Finance Department at jfinnegan@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5525.
6–10 p.m., Friday, March 4 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 5
City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!
8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, March 6
Get more information and register online at www.ofallon. mo.us/PD/CERT. Questions? Call 636-379 3816 or email Officer Pat Helton at phelton@ofallon.mo.us.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
@cityofofallon
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
Special Feature
O’Fallon’s Public Assistance Office offers a variety of programs for residents
O
Down Payment Assistance Program
O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program Offers assistance for needed home repairs
• Better Family Life • Beyond Housing • Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC)
’Fallon’s Public Assistance Department administers programs designed to assist home owners with needed repairs, expand affordable housing and economic opportunities and improve community facilities and services. The programs principally benefit low-to-moderate income residents and are funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
If you own a home and need help with home repairs, you may qualify for the Home Improvement Loan Program. These onetime, no-interest forgivable loans of up to $5,000 can be used to address code violations and make needed repairs. Common repairs include replacing a water heater, HVAC repairs/ replacement, roofing repairs, new windows or siding, adding handicapped accessibility or addressing wiring and plumbing issues. In order to be considered for the Home Improvement Loan Program, the applicant must own the property, have lived in it for at least one year prior to application, and be current on all taxes, mortgage payments and have no pending bankruptcies or outstanding tax liens. The applicant also must meet all income requirements. The total gross income of all members of the household over the age of 18 must not exceed the following HUD limits: One-Person Household $39,400 Two persons ................... $45,000 Three persons ......... $50,650 Four persons $56,250
Five persons Six persons Seven persons Eight persons
$60,750 $65,250 $69,750 $74,250
To see the full guidelines and begin the application process, go to www.ofallon.mo.us/grants for more information and to obtain an application package.
Emergency Homeless Prevention Residents in danger of losing their homes or being evicted can get help from O’Fallon’s Emergency Homeless Prevention Program, which is administered by Saints Joachim and Ann Care Services. The program helps residents on the verge of homelessness remain in their homes through financial assistance with mortgage, rent and utilities. For more information about this program, please contact Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service at 636-441-1302.
O’Fallon’s Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $5,000 to qualified, first-time home buyers for a down payment on a home in O’Fallon. The program is funded through the St. Louis County HOME Consortium. If you or someone you know is interested in this program, please contact one of our partner organizations for application information: 314-367-1843 314-533-0600 800-748-7636
O’Fallon’s Disabled Transportation Program ZipCare Transportation provides free transportation for eligible residents with a disability for medical appointments, grocery and personal care shopping and banking. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon request. To schedule a ride at least 48 hours in advance, please call 314-292-7302, ext. 380, or go to www.zipcaretransportation.com and click on "Schedule a Ride."
Senior Transportation and Rides O’Fallon, in partnership with Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA), provides the Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program. The program provides transportation for eligible seniors to necessary medical services. To apply for the program or schedule a ride, please call Megan Ryan at 636978-3306. For more information about these programs, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/grants. If you have any questions or are interested in applying for any of these programs, please contact O’Fallon’s Public Assistance Specialist Alexis Jaegers at 636-379-5411 or ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.
The programs offered utilizing CDBG funds are:
• • • • •
Home Improvement Loan Program Emergency Homeless Prevention Senior Transportation and Rides Transportation for Residents with Disabilities Down Payment Assistance (offered in conjunction with the St. Louis County Home Consortium)
11
Calendar December 1–30 Celebration of Lights, nightly Fort Zumwalt Park (closed Dec. 25 for Christmas)
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.
30 Cabin Fever Daze, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. O’Fallon Sports Park 31
Cabin Fever Daze, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
February
8
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6–9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
9
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
10
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop 5:30 p.m.
1-19 O’Fallon Photo Club Exhibit
12
Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon. T.R. Hughes west parking lot; free
2
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
3
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
13
Auditions for Noises Off
4
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
15
Candidate filing opens, 8 a.m.
6
Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance, 6:30 p.m.
16
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
8
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
9
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
19
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., transfer station; free
10
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) Job Fair, 9 a.m.
11
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
24-25 City Hall CLOSED for Christmas
15
City Hall CLOSED for Presidents’ Day
25
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
16
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
17
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
25
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
26
Oak Leaf Artist Guild exhibit, “Treasures of Oak Leaf” Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free; through April 8
Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) Job Fair, 9 a.m.
29
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Renaud Spirit Center CLOSED
January 1
City Hall CLOSED for New Year’s Day
1
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, noon – 5 p.m.
5
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
6
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
7
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
8
Mayor’s “State of the City” Address 10 a.m.
O’Fallon Photo Club Exhibit Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free, through Feb. 19
11
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
12
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
1-31 Oak Leaf Artist Guild exhibit
13
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
1
Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.
14
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
3
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
18
City Hall CLOSED Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Renaud Spirit Center OPEN 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.
4-5
OTW presents Noises Off, 8 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Center (City Hall)
King Day of Service, 10 a.m. – noon
6
Noises Off, 2 p.m.
19
Candidate filing closes, 5 p.m.
4-6 CERT disaster response training
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
March
Public Works Building, free
20 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
8
Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m.
Senior Resident Commission, 2:30 p.m.
9
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
22
Volunteer Donor Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. City Hall
10
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
25 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
11-12 OTW presents Noises Off, 8 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Center (City Hall)
27
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
13
Noises Off, 2 p.m.
28
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.
14
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
12
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.