O'Fallon Update newsletter – Winter 2017/18

O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Winter 2017–18 • www.ofallon.mo.us

We are truly blessed this holiday season O’Fallon’s new Justice Center is now open The City of O’Fallon’s new Justice Center has gone from groundbreaking in 2016 to grand opening this month. For details on the City’s modern, state-of-the art policing and Municipal Court facility located at 1019 Bryan Road, please turn to page 10.

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s we get ready to celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and the coming New Year, this is an exciting time for our City as well as for each of us.

Our hometown continues to be honored as one of the country’s “Best Places” for raising families, building a home, for veterans, for safety and quality of life.

And, thanks to O’Fallon voters, we have even more to celebrate this holiday season. Our Justice Center, the new professional home for the O’Fallon police officers who keep our City safe, is open. We also have broken ground on the Alligator’s Creek expansion in Civic Park. And the construction of O’Day Park at the southern edge of the City is set to begin in January.

The park will feature a unique playground for kids, walking trails and great natural areas. It will be a wonderful place to get away from it all right here in O’Fallon.

This month, we have all the excitement that the holidays bring. O’Fallon’s spectacular Celebration of Lights will be open every night through December 30, except on Christmas Day. Whether you see it on foot during the popular OldFashioned Holiday Stroll on December 11 and 12, in your car or on a horse-drawn carriage ride, the Celebration of Lights offers one of the best ways to bring your family closer together at this busy time of the year. Along with the holidays come school breaks. Keep your kids ages 5–12 active with Holiday Break Camp at the RSC. As we celebrate the holidays, I would like to thank you, our residents, for making this City what it is. Please continue to support our businesses when you are shopping for gifts for friends and loved ones, support O’Fallon’s restaurants, retailers and City services by shopping in our hometown and keeping it in the ‘O!” From the O’Fallon City Council and my family to yours, we wish you a very safe and happy holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

Bill Hennessy, Mayor

In this issue 3 5 6 8 9 10 11

Celebration of Lights Snow and Ice Control Upcoming Events Project O’Fallon Roscoe’s Den Police Bulletins Brick Paver Program

O’Fallon named among the best and safest cities When it comes to recognitions, 2017 has been a banner year for O’Fallon. Using FBI crime statistics, census reports and other data to compare cities, analysts for Money magazine, Military Times, financial websites including 247WallSt.com, and home security firms have determined that O’Fallon is one of the best places to live in the state and nation. O’Fallon also has been honored as one of the safest cities in the nation by the National Council of Home Safety and Security and safewise.com.

Give a Justice Center brick paver. Page 11.

Elected Officials

Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman

O’Fallon’s “State of the City” address will be broadcast live O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual State of the City address at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2018. Mayor Hennessy will speak from the City Council Chambers at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). 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).

636-379-5581 dhinman@ofallon.mo.us

Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 2 Councilmembers Tom “Duke” Herweck

Grants and Assistance The City of O’Fallon has several programs in place to provide assistance to those who need it most. Here are brief descriptions of some of the programs offered through the City. More information is available online at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.

636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us

Home Improvement Loan Program helps with home repairs

Rose Mack

If you need to replace an aging heating/cooling unit, repair a roof or replace windows, find out if you can take advantage of O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Program. Funds are available for five-year forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to assist with maintenance issues and code violations.

Applicants must meet certain requirements, including household income limits, owning and occupying the house for at least a year and be current on your mortgage real estate taxes.

636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 3 Councilmembers Reid Cranmer 636-379-5585 rcranmer@ofallon.mo.us

Protect your home with O’Fallon’s Siding Program

Dale Kling

If you are a low-income resident homeowner, the Siding Program provides grants of up to $10,000 disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants.

636-379-5586 dkling@ofallon.mo.us

O’Fallon’s Down Payment Assistance Program

Ward 4 Councilmembers Jeff Kuehn 636-379-5587 jkuehn@ofallon.mo.us

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

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

Do you have a friend or family member who wants to move to O'Fallon? The Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) is for low-to-moderate income, first-time homebuyers. The DPA provides zero-interest, forgivable down payment loans of $5,000 to eligible buyers in O'Fallon.

Pre-purchase housing counseling is required for eligibility.

Disabled Transportation Program Starting in January, OATS, Inc., will provide transportation to eligible O’Fallon residents with disabilities for essential living destinations, including medical appointments, grocery and personal care shopping and banking. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request. Due to funding constraints, rides are limited to two per month.

To apply for these programs, please contact Public Assistance Specialist Alexis Jaegers by calling 636-379-5411 or by email at ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.

Mike Pheney

Helpful Numbers

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

Citizens First Center 636-379-5553

City Hall 636-240-2000

Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200

Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477

O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858

Senior Corner Residents 65+ or disabled, save your 2017 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 2017 gas, electric and phone bills, including your cell phone. With those in hand, plus your completed tax return, you may be able to file for O’Fallon’s utility tax rebates in 2018.

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 (legal proof of disability required). And, (3) you must have an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $41,750 for a single headof-household or $47,700 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 April 2, 2018, through May 31, 2018. Watch for more information in the spring newsletter!

Celebration of Lights O’Fallon’s 1-Mile Holiday Lights Display

Catch the spirit of the holidays at the Celebration of Lights If you are looking for holiday cheer, O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights offers a shining mile-long avenue through Fort Zumwalt Park with unique, whimsical and inspiring holiday scenes.

New this year, see the reindeer flight school, the village of Whoville from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a waterwheel with a flowing stream of lights and a display inspired by a traditional Christmas song. Returning favorites include oversized nutcracker soldiers, the Polar Express and swans, penguins and polar bears.

No reservations are needed for the drive-through, but the specialty rides require reservations to be made at least two weeks in advance. Drive-through viewing is not available on December 11, 12 or 18.

www.ofallon.mo.us/COL

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

Rides last approximately 30 minutes.

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

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Kids age four and under ride 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 may be seated with other parties

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6–9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday (except 12/12)

Sleigh-hayride – The cost is $100 per group of 20 people, including children on laps. Bookings are available for 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays (except December 12), Wednesdays and Thursdays. Rides last approximately 20 minutes. To book a sleigh-hayride, call 636-379-5606 or email cdera@ofallon.mo.us.

6–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday

Cancellation policy for specialty rides

Add to the magic by tuning your radio to the music at 90.3 FM

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$10/ car, $15/ commercial van, $1/ person on tour buses ($25 minimum)

No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations made less than 7 days before the scheduled specialty ride

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

A $5 service fee or 10% (whichever is greater) will apply to refunds initiated by customers. See page 43 in the Park & Rec Guide for additional Refund Policy information

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Wednesday through Sunday – Bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per vehicle.

Drive-through times and costs

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 2017–18

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Celebration of Lights’ Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll

After the holidays, drop off your live evergreen tree

Monday and Tuesday, December 11 and 12 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, rain or shine Admission is $3 for ages 3 and older; free parking

If you are an O’Fallon resident, you can drop off your live Christmas tree, free, between December 26 and January 21 at parking lots in Ozzie Smith Sports Complex 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.

On this Celebration of Lights walk-through, you and your family can hear choir music and enjoy beautiful lights, unique holiday scenes, and stop at Santa Land for a chat with Santa.

At 7:25 p.m., fireworks will burst over Lake Whetsel, adding wonder and excitement to this magical walkthrough. Sorry, no pets are allowed.

Park free and ride a shuttle from the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway, or the O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Avoid the line at the Holiday Stroll by pre-purchasing admission wristbands for $3 (while supplies last) No reservations are needed for the Holiday Stroll, but you can avoid the line at the gate by pre-purchasing admission wristbands through Friday, December 8. Wristbands will be sold at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Civic Park Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wristbands are non-refundable.

Curbside Christmas tree pickup available 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, starting December 27 through January 24.

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

Recycle unwanted light strands If you have light strands that don’t work anymore, you can recycle them until January 21, free of charge. Simply remove the lights from the trees and drop them off at one of four locations: Sports Park and Ozzie Smith Sports Complex 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.

O’FallonTV’s “O’Fallon Matters” monthly newsmagazine informs viewers about local issues.

Watch at youtube.com/OFallonTV The City of O'Fallon utilizes social media to share news and event updates. Follow us!

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

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

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 Through December 15 Drop-off locations include:

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O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Renaud Spirit Center Additional locations: www.ofallon.mo.us/COC

Help local families in need with donations of nonperishable canned and boxed food and personal care items. Donations will be distributed through area food pantries. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

Celebration of Lights Through December 30 (closed December 25) Fort Zumwalt Park Come see an awesome sparkling light display with beautiful nativities and holiday scenes inspired by storybooks. You can drive through the mile-long Celebration of Lights display in your own vehicle or book a horse-drawn ride or a tractorpulled sleigh-hayride. No reservations are needed for the drive-through (which is not available on Mondays), but the specialty rides require reservations to be made at least two weeks in advance. See page 3 for details or visit www.ofallon. mo.us/COL.

Share the health: please donate blood at O’Fallon’s National Volunteer Blood Drive Friday, January 12 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Don’t let the cold keep you from making a life-saving donation!

Winter weather often deters people from getting out to donate, making this time of year especially critical as blood supplies drop but the need increases. Your donation can help as many as three people survive a life-threatening trauma or health condition. To speed the donation process, adults (ages 18+) can make an appointment by contacting Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Serve your community through King Day of Service projects Monday, January 15 10 a.m. – noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) The MLK Day of Service transforms Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and teachings into service projects that build a sense of community and shared responsibility. Join us as we create paper carnations and Valentine cards for O’Fallon’s senior care facility residents, and share in an act of kindness that brings the community together. Pre-registration is required. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us for more information.

The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll Monday and Tuesday, December 11 and 12 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, rain or shine Admission is $3 for ages 3 and older; free parking On these popular Celebration of Lights walk-through nights, you’ll hear music throughout the park as you and your family walk through an illuminated holiday wonderland filled with merry scenes and inspiring nativities. At 7:25 p.m. fireworks will burst over Lake Whetsel. Santa will be available for visits, as well!

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

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Art exhibits at O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Gallery

O’FallonTheatreWorks presents, The Great Gatsby

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

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 16–18 and 23–25 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday

In Plain Sight: Homelessness Exposed January 12 – February 23 A photo exhibit by 100 homeless photographers about their lives, presented by Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service.

Paintings by Sam White March 2 – April 13 Freelance illustrator Sam White’s artwork combines digital imagery with traditional elements to create a fictional alternate world reminiscent of the classic sci-fi and fantasy illustrations of the 1960s and ‘70s.

Gallery admission is free and exhibits are available for viewing during regular business hours at the RSC. For more information, call 636-474-2732 or visit www. renaudspiritcenter.com.

Alternative Spring Break Monday, March 12 – Friday, March 16 Need a nature break? Or, a stay-cation with impact? Anyone eager to get outdoors during their spring break is invited to participate in activities to benefit O'Fallon's parks and the thousands of visitors who spend time in them. Students, faculty and families are welcome, as well as scouts, church groups, school clubs, organizations and others who want to join in. Pre-registration is required. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us for more information.

Based on the classic American novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the O’FallonTheatreWorks’ production brings the breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age to life with an original soundtrack and award-winning set designers. Synopsis: In this Simon Levy adaptation of the novel, self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby passionately and obsessively pursues Daisy Buchanan, the wife of another wealthy man.

Ticket information

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$10 general admission

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Tickets are available in advance online at www.ofallon. mo.us/parks&rec or by calling Renaud Spirit Center (RSC) staff at 636-474-2732.

$8 seniors (ages 55+), children and students (ages 6–17) $2 children (ages 2–5) No charge for children under age 2 (and held on lap) Discount rate for groups of 10 or more $2 additional charge at the box office, which opens an hour before each show.

O’Fallon Founders’ Day & Garden Expo Saturday, May 5 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Attention vendors: to participate in these events, please email jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5605.

indicates opportunities for volunteers.

Contact Volunteer Services at 636-3795417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

Celebrate O’Fallon’s history and spring’s arrival with these two fun events on the same 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, and attend an Arbor Day ceremony with the Mayor.

www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2017–18

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Veterans Report O’Fallon’s Veterans Affairs Office Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except major holidays), third floor at O'Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall).

The office is staffed by volunteers who are U.S. military veterans and available to answer questions for veterans and their families, including guidance on VA Benefits eligibility.

As an example, staff can discuss the Veterans Administration's “Presumptive List” of more than 27 conditions that could qualify veterans for VA Disability.

Conditions can include mental illness, cancers and chemical exposure to Agent Orange defoliant. Veterans also can get information at www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/ vapresumptivelist.html.

In addition, staff can help veterans with accurate information about potential eligibility for VA Health Care.

Staff at O’Fallon’s Veterans Affairs Office can review some of the myths and rumors about eligibility that could discourage veterans from applying for VA Health Care, such as servicerelated injuries as a requirement (false), enrollment in private health care automatically disqualifying veterans for VA Health Care (false), income limitations (it depends), and other incorrect assumptions. An online article also offers guidance: www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/586/busting-myths-about-vahealth-care.

To learn more, just call or walk in anytime during office hours and staff will be glad to assist you.

Project O’Fallon Two major Parks projects underway When O’Fallon’s voters approved the bond issue supporting two major parks projects — O’Day Park and the rebuilding of Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center — City staff immediately began the process of making these major projects a reality.

Work already has begun on the expansion of the Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center, with the project expected to be complete in time for the Summer swim season in 2018. Next door, construction has begun on the new meeting and class facility that will bring many Parks and Recreation classes and muchneeded meeting and banquet space back to the City’s north side. This project should be completed by September 2018.

On the City’s south side, the planning for O’Day Park is almost complete and construction begins next month. The new 55-acre park, the first City park south of I-64, is scheduled to be completed in early 2019.

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

2017 project wrap up As the winter months bring much of the construction season to the end, the first year of our Renew O’Fallon campaign comes to an end. Here’s a recap of a few of the major projects that were completed in 2017:

Main Street Water Main The Main St. Water Main Project will be substantially completed by the end of the year. A few pieces of the project will extend into 2018, but these portions will largely be off of Main Street and will not have the substantial traffic impact that much of the project has had. On behalf of the City of O’Fallon and all of our contractors, thank you to all of the residents and businesses who use this busy corridor each day. This project was much needed, and the cooperation of everyone involved in driving safely and managing the traffic issues during construction helped make this project safely reach completion on time and on budget.

2017 Concrete Program The replacement of aging, damaged concrete pavement in various locations throughout the City has concluded for the year. Crews replaced more than 3,000 concrete slabs in neighborhoods throughout the City at a cost of approximately $3.9 million. This important part of the Renew O’Fallon campaign will continue next year with another 1,000 slabs scheduled to be replaced.

Hawk Ridge Trail and Route N Crews have completed the Improvements to this intersection including the addition of added turn lanes and the installation of sidewalks and pedestrian facilities.

Lake St. Louis Boulevard Extension Crews have completed the Lake St. Louis Boulevard extension project between Highway N and Paul Renaud Boulevard. This project included improvements to the intersection at Lake St. Louis Boulevard and Highway N, the extension of Lake St. Louis Boulevard from Highway N to Paul Renaud Boulevard and construction of a multi-use path on the east side of Lake St. Louis Boulevard.

I-70 Corridor Improvement Project to begin in February Construction of the I-70 Corridor Improvement Project from T.R. Hughes Boulevard to Woodlawn Avenue is slated to get underway in February 2018. The project is designed to relieve traffic congestion and make local businesses more accessible to drivers along the I-70 corridor.

In general, project features include new interstate exits at Sonderen Drive and Woodlawn Avenue, revised signage to assist drivers, the construction of a new south outer road, designating outer roads as one-way, designated U-turn lanes to keep traffic on the go and fewer traffic signals for drivers to navigate. For a video of the project, maps and more complete information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/i70.

Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements O’Fallon’s winter holiday trash collection schedule

Winter season yard waste updates

There is no change in service for these holidays:

For those enrolled in the City’s yard waste collection, weekly service ends for the season on Friday, December 8, and it will resume the week of March 5. Meanwhile, monthly yard waste collection will be available by request on the fourth Wednesday of the month: December 27, January 24 and February 28. 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.

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Christmas Eve (observed), Friday, December 22 Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 New Year’s Day, Monday, January, 1, 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 15 Presidents Day, Monday, February 19

Free bulk waste drop-off Saturday, December 16 and February 17 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Waste Transfer Station, 1572 Progress West Lane, 63366 If you are 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. 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. The service is free. For questions, contact staff at 636-272-0477 or ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us.

Got leaves?

With leaves continuing to fall through December, the City of O’Fallon continues to offer two free programs for disposal.

(Please note, it’s illegal to dispose of yard waste in City trash containers, by sweeping them down storm drains or dumping them in waterways.)

If you are enrolled in O’Fallon’s yard waste collection, the City offers monthly collection, December – February, on certain dates if you call in advance to request it. (See the “Winter season yard waste update.”)

O’Fallon also offers all residents currently enrolled in the City’s trash and refuse collection the option of requesting up to two free yard waste collections per year, even if you are not currently enrolled in yard waste collection.

For details, check out “Free Twice-A-Year Service” online at www.ofallon.mo.us/yard-waste. Or call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.

Remember, you can recycle holiday wrapping paper, cards and gift boxes!

Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling event Saturday, December 9, and February 10 8 a.m. – noon, west parking lot, CarShield Field If you have outdated or broken electronics and appliances — basically anything with an electric cord or which takes a battery — drop them off free of charge, except for CRT televisions which can be dropped off but with the following fees:

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No charge for LED/LCD TVs $20 per 26-inch or less cathode ray tube (CRT) TV $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.

Police Bulletins www.ofallon.mo.us/PD O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy

O’Fallon’s Justice Center and Municipal Court

Starting February 27 7–9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays

1019 Bryan Road, O’Fallon 63366 Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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.

Applications will be available after January 1 at www. ofallon.mo.us/PD/citizens-police-academy or they can be picked up at the O’Fallon Police Department. Registration closes Friday, February 16. For more information, please email tbateman@ofallon.mo.us.

O’Fallon’s determination to remain one of the nation’s safest cities just got a boost with the opening of the City’s new, stateof-the-art policing facility, the O’Fallon Justice Center. The $26.8M Justice Center’s location provides for a more efficient response time throughout the City. Its three-level structure has been built to be secure and provide outstanding on-site training for officers, more office space, meeting space and onsite parking. The Municipal Court incorporated into the facility offers a dedicated courtroom and an expanded court calendar.

Court fees can be paid during office hours or online at www. municipalonlinepayments.com/ofallonmoes.

Prepare for a tornado, earthquake or other disaster with CERT training Friday – Sunday, March 2–4 Streets Building, 1089 Public Works Drive 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.

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.

The new facility features a 7-stall firing range and an advanced firearms training simulator.

A 70-seat tiered training room provides lecture and presentation space.

Lost a pet or found a stray?

If your pet is missing or you have found a stray, contact the O’Fallon Police Department’s Animal Control/Park Ranger Division by calling 636-240-3200, and then press 1 to speak to a police dispatcher about a lost pet, animal complaint, animal welfare, or any issue involving animals.

If you lose a pet, be sure to contact St. Charles County’s Pet Adoption Center at 636-949-PETS to find out if the animal has recently been turned in. To retrieve an impounded animal, you must first read and then follow the procedures listed on www. ofallon.mo.us/PD/animal-control.

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Service windows for Records and Courts are easily accessed from the Justice Center's lobby.

Detach and return this page with your payment. Please complete a separate form for each brick ordered. A printable form is also available at www.ofallon.mo.us.

Give a gift that will last for generations and support the OPD with a personalized brick paver at O’Fallon’s new Justice Center The City of O’Fallon invites you to show your support for the O’Fallon Police Department with a personalized brick paver at the new Justice Center. Personalized bricks may be purchased for $50 each. Individual bricks are approximately 3 5/8” x 7 5/8” and may contain up to three lines of text. Each brick may have up to 15 characters per line (including blanks and punctuation). Donors may choose from one of the following options for the inscription: • The donor’s (and immediate family’s) name (“John A. and Mary Smith & Johnny and Sue”) • The donor’s family name (“The John Smith Family”) • The name of a donor business (“Acme Corporation”)

Personalized Brick Order Form

ATTN: Cash Receipts City of O’Fallon To place an order: Please complete the following information and 100 North Main Street return via mail with your tax deductible payment (checks only please) to: O’Fallon, MO 63366 NAME: _________________________________________ DAYTIME PHONE: _________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________

STATE: __________ ZIP CODE: __________________

EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________________________ To receive a receipt, an email address must be provided.

PLEASE PRINT ONLY ONE LETTER IN EACH BOX.

Brick Line 1:

Brick Line 2:

Brick Line 3

DON’T DELAY! ORDER FORMS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 31, 2017.

PLEASE NOTE: The City of O’Fallon is offering interested partners an opportunity to publicly memorialize their support for the City’s enhanced public safety program by sponsoring brick pavers at the new Justice Center facility. The purpose of this program is solely to recognize those donors wishing to be identified. No messages or inscriptions other than the legal names of persons (as required for a driver’s license) or businesses will be permitted. For questions or to obtain a complete list of program rules, please contact Tom Drabelle, City of O’Fallon Communications Director at 636-379-5508 or tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us.

Calendar December

Municipal Court is now held at the O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road. Unless otherwise noted, public meetings continue to be held at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street. Meeting times and dates are subject to change; for the most current information, please refer to www.ofallon.mo.us/events.

February

1–30 Celebration of Lights

1

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

7

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

5

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

9

Free Electronic & Appliance Recycling, 8 a.m. – noon CarShield Field parking lot west

6

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

7

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

11–12 Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6–8:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.

13 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

8

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

10 Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling, 8 a.m. – noon

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

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

12 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

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

13

18 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

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

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

17 Bulk Waste Drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

20 Public Works Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

19 City Hall closed for Presidents’ Day

22 City Hall closed for Christmas Eve (observed)

RSC open, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.

25 RSC, Celebration of Lights closed for Christmas Day

Veterans Commission Workshop, 7 p.m.

January 1

City Hall closed for New Year’s Day

2

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

3

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.

4

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

5

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

8

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

9

Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

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

21 Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

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

26 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center 27 Citizens’ Police Academy, 7 p.m.

28 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

March 1

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

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

2–4 CERT disaster response training

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

5

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

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

6

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

15 City Hall closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

7

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.

RSC open, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.

8

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

King Day of Service, 10 a.m. – noon

12–16 Alternative Spring Break

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

13 Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

17 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

14 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

22 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

16–17 OTW presents The Great Gatsby, 8 p.m.

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

18 OTW presents The Great Gatsby, 2 p.m.

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

19 Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

29

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

20

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

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

31 Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

21 Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

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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.