O'Fallon Update newsletter - Winter 2016-17

O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Winter 2016–17 • www.ofallon.mo.us

Thank you for another fantastic year O’Fallon named #8 in ‘America’s 50 Best Cities to Live’ ranking The financial website 247WallSt.com has ranked the City of O’Fallon 8th on its 2016 "Best Cities to Live” list, citing a multitude of factors such as low crime, affordable housing, employment, median income, recreational resources, student achievements and opportunities for higher education. Additionally, the consumer research website ValuePenguin.com and the home security website safewise.com both named O’Fallon as the safest large city in the State of Missouri.

In this issue 3 5 6 8 9 10 11

Celebration of Lights Snow and Ice Control Upcoming Events Grants & Assistance Roscoe’s Den Police Bulletins Special Feature: Your Property Taxes

W

hen it comes to good news, we’ve had a truly great year in O’Fallon. Nationally, we’ve been named the 8th “Best City to Live,” one of the “Best Places for Young Families,” a top 10 “Best City for the Buck,” and a “Best Place for Veterans.” In addition, O’Fallon has twice been named among Missouri’s safest cities. In fact, we are “the” safest large (population 50,000+) city in the state.

The credit for this goes to our residents, businesses, our exceptional Police Department, City staff, boards and commissions, dedicated volunteers, and elected officials, past and present. My family is truly blessed to call O’Fallon home, and I hope you take as much pride in these recognitions as we do.

With Christmas and New Year’s Day just around the corner, I invite you to check out the City’s holiday events listed in this newsletter and, on the flip side, the 44-page Parks & Rec Guide.

Coming up quickly is the annual Celebration of Lights’ “Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll” on December 12 and 13. Fort Zumwalt Park will be transformed into a holiday wonderland with glimmering lights, favorite movie and storybook characters, and beautiful nativities, too. The Celebration of Lights will be open through December 30 for drive-throughs, carriage, train and sleigh-hayrides. Check out page 3 for details.

With the holidays come school breaks and more fun. Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy O'Fallon's Winter Break Camps. And, teens and adults can fight off those holiday pounds at the Renaud Spirit Center.

And, as you go looking for Christmas gifts or post-holiday deals, please shop O’Fallon retailers and restaurants! By shopping in the “O,” you help keep our retail/ dining districts ready to serve you all year long.

Thank you for all you do to help make O’Fallon a great place to live! From my family to yours, we wish you a blessed, safe and Merry Christmas, happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!

Bill Hennessy, Mayor

“State of the City” address to be broadcast live O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual State of the City address at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017. Mayor Hennessy will speak from the City Council Chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall); the public is welcome to attend. The address also will be broadcast live on O’FallonTV (Charter Cable channel 991 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99 and www.ofallon.mo.us).

Property taxes explained. Turn to 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 through encouraging residents to choose donations of $1, $3 or $5 per billing cycle for City water and sewer or 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 available on www.ofallon.mo.us, 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.

‘Topping out’ ceremony held at O’Fallon Justice Center site

Ward 2 Councilmembers Tom "Duke" Herweck 636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us

Contractors and City of O'Fallon officials celebrated the placement of the final structural beam at O'Fallon's new Justice Center on Bryan Road on November 16, 2016. The project remains on schedule to be completed by late 2017.

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

Get experience helping with City events as a volunteer!

Contact volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417.

Ward 4 Councilmembers Bob Howell 636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us

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 4, 2017.

Jeff Schwentker

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 4, 2017, for the purpose of electing one Mayor for a four (4) year term and (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.

636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 5 Councilmembers Debbie Cook 636-379-5588 dcook@ofallon.mo.us

Mike Pheney

Helpful Numbers

636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us

Citizens First Center 636-379-5553

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 4, 2017, election is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. Filing will close on the last day for filing for this election at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. 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 13th applications will be accepted in this location. After December 13th filing will be in the City Clerk’s office. The candidate must be the person in position at 8:00 a.m. on December 13th. All candidates must file in person; no one else can file for you.

City Hall 636-240-2000

Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200

Pamela L. Clement, CMC/MRCC - S City Clerk

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.

Celebration of Lights O’Fallon’s 1-Mile Holiday Lights Display For a holiday tradition your kids will love, come see O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights display Through December 30 (closed December 25) Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park When it comes to the holidays, the best times are spent with family. And the Celebration of Lights is designed with families in mind.

Whether you drive your car or book a sleigh-hayride, City train or horse-drawn carriage ride, the trees will be glimmering with lights as you pass favorite characters like Snoopy and the Gang, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse, cheerful yellow Minions, the Elf on the Shelf, Smurfs, Star Wars characters and even the Polar Express. You’ll also see peaceful Nativities, merry scenes with Santa and his elves, giant candy canes galore and captivating polar bears and penguins. This year, look for new scenes with nutcracker soldiers and drums, superheroes and the Abominable Snowman.

No reservations are needed to drive through the lights display, but the specialty rides must be booked at least two weeks in advance. To get the date you want, book soon!

Drive-through times and costs

• •

6–9 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday – Thursday 6–10 p.m. Friday – Saturday

Add to the magic by tuning your radio to the music at 90.3 FM! Drive-through viewing is not available on December 5, 12, 13, 19 or 26.

Admission

• •

$10/car, $15/commercial van, $1/person on tour buses ($25 minimum). Bring a food pantry donation for a $1 discount.

Tuesday Night Special – $7 for all non-commercial vehicles (no other discounts apply)

www.ofallon.mo.us/COL

Specialty Rides Horse-drawn surrey or wagonette For a memorable evening with a nostalgic touch, contact Carousel Farms & Carriage Company at 636-390-4403 or info@ cfcarriage.com.

• • •

Private surreys (carriages) are $75 for 4–6 passengers.

•

Kids ages four and under are free if seated on a paying adult’s lap.

•

Private wagonettes are $150 for up to 12 passengers.

Community wagonettes are $10 per passenger, and passengers will be seated with other parties.

Rides last approximately 30 minutes.

City train Available on Mondays, only, except on December 12, train rides leave every half hour. The cost is $10 each for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 1–11, and free for infants under one. Reserve your ride at least two weeks in advance; call 636-379-5606 or email cdera@ofallon.mo.us.

Sleigh-hayride The cost is $100 per group of 25 people, including children on laps, and bookings are available on Tuesdays (except December 13), Wednesdays and Thursdays. Reserve your ride at least two weeks in advance; call 636-379-5606 or email cdera@ofallon.mo.us.

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 is given to locallybased charities. For more information, please visit www. ofallon.mo.us/COL.

“Like” Visit O’Fallon festivals and events on Facebook!

www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2016–17

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Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

NOW, TWO NIGHTS!

Monday and Tuesday, December 12–13 6–9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park For a magical journey, walk through a million twinkling lights at the Celebration of Lights Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll. Along the way you’ll see whimsical scenes with favorite storybook and movie characters celebrating the season, hear live choral music, stop at Santa Land to tell Santa your holiday wishes and, at 7:25 p.m., see fireworks bursting over the lake.

Vendors will have hot chocolate, snacks and gifts available for purchase. Admission is $3 for ages 3 and older.

Watch for signs to free parking and shuttle service at First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway, and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.

After the holidays, recycle your live evergreen tree If you are an O’Fallon resident, you can drop off your live Christmas tree, free, between December 26 and January 16 at parking lots in Civic Park and Sports Park. The parks will be open dawn to dusk.

Before bringing your tree, remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, string or wire. Only live evergreen trees without decorations can be dropped off. No artificial trees, wreaths, shrubs, plastic bags or yard waste should be dropped off.

Drop off old holiday light strands, free If you have light strands that don’t work anymore, you can recycle them through January 16, free of charge. Simply remove the lights from the trees and drop them off at one 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 bringing the strands to be recycled. Please do not tie or bag the light strands; simply drop loose strands into the receptacle.

Curbside Christmas tree pickup available

The City of O'Fallon utilizes social media to share news and event updates. Follow us!

Facebook: facebook.com/visitofallon Twitter: @cityofofallon YouTube: youtube.com/OFallonTV

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

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. Trees will be scheduled for pick up on Wednesdays, December 28, 2016, through January 25, 2017.

Only live evergreen trees will be picked up, and all decorations must be removed. Please do not place trees in plastic bags.

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 636379-3826 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for snow or ice removal questions or concerns. Please note that the purpose of the City’s snow control program is to provide safe access, not 100% clear pavement. For questions at other times, please call the City’s Streets Division at 636-379-3807.

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, contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636).

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 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 visit www. ofallon.mo.us/snow.

Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events Cornucopia of Care Food Drive brings the holidays home to those in need

Share the health; please donate blood at O’Fallon’s National Volunteer Blood Drive

Through Saturday, December 17

Friday, January 13 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall)

Here’s a great chance to help local families in need with your donations of non-perishable food and personal care items to help stock local food pantries. Drop-off locations include the O’Fallon Municipal Centre, 100 North Main Street, and the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle. See our website for a full list of drop-off locations, www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

NOW, TWO NIGHTS!

Monday and Tuesday, December 12–13 6–9 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park On these special walk-through nights at the Celebration of Lights, rediscover the sights and sounds of the holidays with whimsical scenes, nativities, live choral music and fireworks over the lake (7:25 p.m.) adding wonder and excitement to the night. And, stop along the way to visit Santa, shop for handmade gifts, and purchase hot cocoa and treats. Admission is $3 for ages 3 and older; parking is free.

Celebration of Lights Through December 30 (closed December 25) Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park Take a break from the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays to relax with this time-honored holiday tradition, a tour of O’Fallon’s nostalgic Celebration of Lights display.

Tune your radio to the music as you cruise through the park in your own vehicle. Or, bundle up your family for a City train ride, a sleigh-hayride or a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride.

Specialty rides must be reserved at least two weeks in advance, so book soon to get the date you want. See page 3 for pricing and other details.

Indicates opportunities for volunteers.

Please call 636-379-5417.

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

If you’re an adult (18+) in good health, please take a few minutes to donate blood. Fewer people donate in wintertime, but a reliable supply of blood is needed every day. Your donation can help as many as three people survive a lifethreatening trauma or health condition. To speed your donation, make an appointment by contacting Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Walkins are welcome, too!

Serve your community through King Day of Service projects Monday, January 16 10 a.m. – noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Volunteers of all ages are invited to join in completing enjoyable service projects. To participate, register in advance with Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ ofallon.mo.us.

Join Team O’Fallon for the Polar Plunge

Art exhibits at O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Gallery

Saturday, February 4 Noon, Lake Saint Louis Community Association Clubhouse

Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle (63368)

The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser is a lot of fun, as costumewearing teams plunge bravely, if briefly, into the frigid waters of Lake Ste. Louise and hundreds of onlookers cheer them on. A project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, proceeds go to Special Olympic Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities but lots of heart.

Team O’Fallon invites everyone to join them in participating in the 2017 Polar Plunge. Top fundraisers are eligible for prizes. Last year, Team O’Fallon raised $7,417 for Special Olympics, adding to the $106,406 raised overall by the 2016 Lake St. Louis Polar Plunge.

For more information or to register to join O’Fallon’s team, visit http://give.somo.org/plungestl.

Oh, Snap! Two Girls Photography December 19, 2016 – January 2, 2017

O’Fallon Photo Club’s Annual Exhibit January 6 – February 17

Oak Leaf Artists Guild Annual Exhibit, “Treasures of Oak Leaf” February 27 – April 7 Gallery admission is free and exhibits are available for viewing during regular business hours at the recreation complex: 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 5:15 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 636-474-2732 or visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com.

O’Fallon’s Founders’ Day and Garden Expo celebrate the City’s history and spring, too!

Saturday, May 6 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Attention vendors: to participate in these events, please email cphelps@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5574.

O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Peter and the Starcatcher

Everyone will enjoy these two great events held on one day.

Founders' Day features heritage skills, hands-on kids’ activities, tours of the historic Heald Home and the Zumwalt’s Fort interpretive center, and more. At the Garden Expo, shop for flowers, herbs, veggie plants and garden décor, chat with yard and gardening experts, and attend an Arbor Day ceremony with the Mayor. See the spring issue of the newsletter for details.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 24–26 and March 3–5 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Onstage at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) A prequel to the story of Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher is a fun-paced, Tony Award-winning play filled with adventure, humor, music and imaginative stagecraft all in one great show. Shipped from an English orphanage to a jungle island, Peter and his mates are befriended by Molly, a Starcatcherin-training who must protect a mysterious trunk filled with starstuff. The celestial substance is so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands, especially not evil King Zarboff or a greedy band of villainous pirates.

For the best price, purchase tickets in advance at the Renaud Spirit Center; for questions call staff at 636-474-2732.

Discounted tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors 55+ 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 will be available for purchase.

Free kids’ crafts are featured at Founders’ Day & the Garden Expo.

www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2016–17

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Veterans Report

Grants and Assistance

Veterans wanting a seat on free Honor Flights can get assistance at O’Fallon’s Veterans Affairs Office

The City of O’Fallon has several programs in place to provide assistance to those who may need it most.

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., except when City Hall is closed for holidays

Home Improvement Loan Program

The O’Fallon Veterans Affairs Office is staffed with volunteers who are ready to offer guidance to retirees and veterans of all branches of the armed forces and their families on a number of issues, including benefits and processes. Staff members come from all branches of the armed forces and include widows.

If you are a WWII veteran who would like to experience an Honor Flight, Greater St. Louis Honor Flights provides one-day, all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial. Veterans Affairs staff can answer questions about requesting a seat on a flight or to be a volunteer or flight guardian assisting veterans. Veterans of the Korean War and Vietnam War are also eligible for Honor Flights.

The office is located on the third floor of City Hall. Call 636379-5577 or email us at veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us. We look forward to helping you.

Seniors Corner Residents 65+ or disabled, save your 2016 utility receipts for tax rebates If you are a resident age 65+ or with disabilities and you’d like to recoup some of your phone and City utility taxes, be sure to save copies of your 2016 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 2017.

To qualify, you must be (1) an O’Fallon resident who is 65+, 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-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 starting Monday, April 3, 2017, through Wednesday, May 31. Watch for more information in the spring newsletter!

Communications Director • Tom Drabelle

tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us

Staff Writer • Peggy Whetzel • pwhetzel@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek

bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

The City of O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) provides a one-time, no-interest, 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.

Siding Installation/Repair Program This program assists low-to-moderate level income O'Fallon residents with siding installation and repair that they would not otherwise be able to afford. The program awards up to $10,000 in the form of a one-time grant to address siding issues.

Down Payment Assistance Program The City of O’Fallon’s Down Payment Assistance Program aims to assist 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.

Emergency Homeless Prevention The City of O’Fallon has contracted with Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service to administer the Emergency Homeless Prevention Program. The program assists O’Fallon residents on the verge of homelessness with remaining in their homes through financial assistance with mortgage, rent and utilities.

For more information, please contact Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service at 636-441-1302.

Transportation Program for Disabled The City of O'Fallon contracts with ZipCare Transportation to provide transportation for eligible O’Fallon residents with disabilities. The following essential living appointments may be provided: medical appointments (limited), grocery shopping, personal care shopping and banking. Wheelchair-accessible 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 for residents are limited to two per month.

Senior Transportation and Rides The City of O’Fallon partners with the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA) to administer the Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program, which provides transportation to limited medical services for residents age 62+ with no other means of transportation. To schedule an in-home eligibility assessment visit, please call 636-978-3306.

Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements O’Fallon’s 2016 winter holiday trash, recycling and yardwaste schedule With holidays coming up in December and January, residents enrolled in the City’s trash and recycling program will observe the following trash collection schedule: Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 No change in service.

Christmas, Sunday, December 25 No change in service this week (December 26–30) January 2, 2017 No change in service this week (January 2–6) For more information, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ES or call 636-272-0477

Free bulk waste drop-off Saturday, December 10, 2016, and February 11, 2017 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Waste Transfer Station, 1572 Progress West Lane, 63366 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. For a list of acceptable items visit www.ofallon. mo.us/ES. Be sure to bring a current photo ID with your O’Fallon address and be prepared to unload your own items. Only one load per household can be accepted and only cars, pickup trucks and small trailers 10 feet or less will be allowed.

For questions, please contact staff at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.

Winter season residential yard waste collection For those enrolled in the City’s yard waste collection, weekly service is ending for the season on Friday, December 9, and it will resume on March 13, 2017. Meanwhile, monthly yard waste collection will be available by request on the fourth Wednesday of the month: December 28, January 25 and February 22. To arrange for your yard waste to be picked up, be sure to contact Environmental Services in advance by calling 636-272-0477, or by email at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.

You can recycle holiday wrapping paper, gift boxes, light strands, live trees, bulk waste and yardwaste this month!

Keep e-waste out of our landfills with free recycling events Saturday, February 4, 2017 8 a.m. – noon, west parking lot, CarShield Field Keep electronics out of the landfill with this free recycling event for unwanted or broken electronics and appliances. Just about anything with an electric cord or that uses a battery can be dropped off free of charge except CRT televisions, which will be accepted with the following fees:

• • • •

$20 per 26-inch or less cathode ray tube (CRT) TV

•

No charge for LED/LCD TVs

$40 per 27-inch or larger CRT TV $50 per wooden console or true big screen/projection TV CRT computer monitors are $5, or free with a computer drop-off

Please do NOT bring smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries.

For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ES.

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Public Works

Police Bulletins

Road construction projects status report

Lost your pet or found a stray?

With several major road projects slated to begin in 2017, you can keep up-to-date, view maps and keep posted on City projects at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.

Right-of-way acquisition is underway and expected to continue through mid-2017, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2018. For a video overview of the project, maps and more complete information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/i70.

If your pet is missing or you’ve found a stray, contact the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control Division. Leave a voice message describing the problem (lost pet, animal complaint, animal welfare issue, etc.) by calling 636-240-3200; press 1 for Animal Control/Dispatch to leave a message.

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. To reclaim your impounded animal, please be sure to follow the procedures listed on www.ofallon. mo.us/PD/animal-control.

If you lose your pet, you can post information describring your pet on www.facebook.com/ofallonanimalcontrol.

Main Street Water Main replacement

O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy

Construction for the proposed Main Street Water Main Project from Pitman Street to Tom Ginnever Avenue is anticipated to begin in early 2017, with completion in late 2017 or early 2018. At least one lane will remain open on Main Street during construction.

February 28, 2017 7–9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays

Waterford Crossing Drive and Highway K Construction is winding down on the installation of two left-turn lanes, a shared/through right turn lane, a sidewalk extension and crossing signals at the intersection.

I-70 Corridor Improvement Project

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 in early-to-mid 2017, with roadwork occurring primarily along the west side of Highway K between Feise Road and Technology Drive. To view an interactive map of walkable/bikeable areas in O’Fallon, please browse to www. ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec/bike-paths-trails.

Residents who are age 18+ are invited to apply for the O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy. The six-week program offers handson training, a chance to ride along on patrol, plus discussions of police investigations, less-lethal weapon use, drug awareness, ID theft and more.

Registration closes on Friday, February 17. Applications will be available online at www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/citizenspolice-academy, or they can be picked up at the O’Fallon Police Department. For more information please email tbateman@ofallon.mo.us.

Prepare for a tornado, earthquake or disaster the easy way, with free training by experts Friday – Sunday, March 3–5 Public Works Building, 1089 Public Works Drive

The new home of the O’Fallon Police Department and Municipal Courts on Bryan Road takes shape.

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

In the event of an emergency, would you know how to shut off utilities and keep your family safe? In just one weekend, you can learn how to survive a catastrophic event, free, through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

The O’Fallon Police Department’s 20-hour course will cover disaster preparation and survival, disaster psychology, basic medical treatment, terrorism, fire safety and light search and rescue. Classes meet from 6–10 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m.

– 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Participants completing the course will be able to keep valuable training materials for reference and participate in additional free training each month.

Visit www.ofallon. mo.us/PD to get more information and to register. For additional questions, call 636-379 3816 or email Officer Pat Helton at phelton@ofallon.mo.us.

O'FALLON UPDATE SPECIAL FEATURE

YOUR PROPERTY TAXES EXPLAINED O

’Fallon’s primary revenue sources are sales taxes and property taxes. These taxes pay for most of the services City residents receive, including your police service, road repairs and snow removal, the construction and maintenance of our City parks, even the electricity to run your neighborhood street lights.

Every Fall, the St. Charles County Assessor’s office sends out the property tax bill to all County residents, which must be paid by the end of the year. This bill is based on the taxes assessed by all of the taxing jurisdictions in St.

Charles County. The City of O'Fallon’s share is actually a relatively small portion of the total due. In fact, O’Fallon’s portion makes up just 7.9% of your total property tax bill.

O’Fallon’s portion helps to fund the City’s general operating expenses. It also pays for the City’s debt on projects covered by bonds, such as the construction of the City’s new Justice Center, which was approved by voters in 2015, and the improvements to O’Day and Civic parks that were approved by voters in 2016.

City of O’Fallon (7.9%)

O'Fallon Fire Protection District (8.7%)*

State of Missouri (0.4%)

Fort Zumwalt School District (68.7%)**

St. Charles Co. Road & Bridge (2.6%)

St. Charles Co. Library District (2.9%)

St. Charles Co. Alarm & Dispatch (0.6%) St. Charles Co. Ambulance (3.4%)

St. Charles Co. Developmental Disability (1.9%)

St. Charles Co. Community College (2.9%)

*Fire Districts Here’s how your residential property tax bill is calculated: Fair market value of your home x .19 = Assessed value Assessed value / 100 x Property tax rate (7.6347*) = Your tax bill *The above chart uses the rates for the largest portion of O’Fallon’s residents who live in the Fort Zumwalt School District and are served by O’Fallon Fire Protection District. Because O’Fallon also is served by Francis Howell School District, Wenztville School District and five additional fire districts, you can use the corresponding charts to adjust this amount for your home.

Please note: Residential properties are reassessed every odd year, meaning the next reassessment will be in 2017.

Central County Fire & Rescue 0.8752 Cottleville FPD 0.9319 Lake Saint Louis FPD 0.7369 New Melle FPD 0.6780 O'Fallon FPD 0.6664 Wentzville FPD 0.8756

**School Districts Fort Zumwalt School District 5.2465 Francis Howell School District 5.0185 Wentzville School District 5.2117

Calendar December 1–30 Celebration of Lights 6 Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

7 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

8 City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.

10 Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

12 Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

12–13 Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6–9 p.m.

13 Candidate filing opens, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

14 Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

19 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

20 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.

21 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Senior Resident Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

23, 26 City Hall CLOSED 25 Celebration of Lights CLOSED for Christmas Day

January 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13

16

17

18

23 25 26

City Hall CLOSED in observance of New Year’s Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

Mayor’s “State of the City” Address, 10 a.m.

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.m.

Volunteer Donor Blood Drive, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

City Hall City Hall CLOSED Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.

King Day of Service, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Candidate filing closes, 5 p.m.

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Senior Resident Commission, 2:30 p.m.

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m.; workshop 5:30 p.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.

February 1

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

2

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

4

Free electronics and appliance recycling 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot west

6

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

7

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

8

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

9

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.

11

Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

14

Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

15

Senior Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

20

City Hall CLOSED for Presidents’ Day

Renaud Spirit Center OPEN, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Veterans Commission Workshop, 7 p.m.

21

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.

22

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

23

City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.

24–25 Peter and the Starcatcher, 8 p.m.

O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) 26

Peter and the Starcatcher, 2 p.m.

27

Municipal Court, 6 p.m.

28

Citizens Police Academy, 7 p.m.

March 2

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

3–4 OTW presents Peter and the Starcatcher, 8 p.m.

O’Fallon Municipal Centre 5

Peter and the Starcatcher, 2 p.m.

3–5 CERT disaster response training

Public Works Building, free 7

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

8

Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

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.

20

Veterans Commission, 7 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.