O'Fallon Update newsletter – Winter 2018-19

O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Winter 2018–19 • www.ofallon.mo.us

New logo to better reflect the mission of the Renaud Center O'Fallon’s indoor recreation complex is now called the Renaud Center. The facility has a new name and logo that better reflects the mission of the Center to provide O’Fallon residents with the area’s best fitness and aquatics facility with a family-friendly focus.

The facility was previously known as the Renaud Spirit Center.

If you already are a member of the Renaud Center, thank you for your continued membership! Our staff will continue to provide you with the great equipment and facilities that you are used to. If you are not yet a member, check out pages 4–6 of the Parks & Rec Guide portion to see all the benefits of membership.

In this issue 3

Celebration of Lights

4

Snow Control

5

Renew O’Fallon

6

Upcoming Events

8

Roscoe’s Den

Happy holidays and thank you for your continued recycling efforts

O

ur subdivisions are filled with holiday decorations and sparkling lights and our stores are bursting with families stocking up on gifts for under the tree. It truly is the most wonderful time of year here in O’Fallon.

Here at the City, we have plenty of options to help your family get in the Christmas spirit. Our biggest holiday event, Celebration of Lights has opened in Fort Zumwalt Park, and this year’s display is our most spectacular yet. You and your family can drive through the display, enjoy the sights and help our local non-profits as well. Or, check out one of the specialty ride options on page 3.

As you all know by now, we recently had to make some changes to our recycling program. These changes have made paper and cardboard recycling more challenging, and we are very grateful to all of you for your continued efforts to recycle. These were not changes we wanted to make, but changes in the global recycling market forced our hand. But, there is good news to announce! Just in time for the holidays, we are adding 24-hour drop-off sites for paper and cardboard to new locations around the City. You can bring your paper and cardboard to the drop-off locations at the O’Fallon Municipal Center (City Hall) and the O’Fallon Justice Center. We also will be adding another location in south O'Fallon soon. For additional recycling information, please see pages 8 and 9. Again, thank you for continuing to recycle!

As 2018 comes to a close, I would just like to thank all of you for making it yet another amazing year in O’Fallon. I am so fortunate to work alongside all of you in helping to keep O’Fallon as one of our country’s great cities. Please remember that as you do your holiday shopping this year that by supporting your local O’Fallon businesses, you are investing in our City’s future.

On behalf of the City Council, City staff and my family, please have a Merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season and blessed New Year!

Bill Hennessy, Mayor

Mayor Bill Hennessy to deliver the “State of the City” O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will deliver his annual State of the City address at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019. 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 at www.ofallon.mo.us.

10 Police Bulletins 11 Senior Corner 12 Calendar

New paper/cardboard recycling locations, p. 8

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 Tom “Duke” Herweck 636-379-5583 therweck@ofallon.mo.us

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

Ward 3 Councilmember Dale Kling 636-379-5586 dkling@ofallon.mo.us

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

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

Are you interested in running for public office?

If you are an adult residing in O’Fallon and would like to serve on the O’Fallon City Council, you can file as a candidate for the April 2, 2019, election. Five Council seats will be up for election to three-year terms, one each in wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Candidates can only file for a seat for the ward in which they live.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted in-person at City Hall. Filing will continue through Tuesday, January 15, 2019, during regular business hours, which are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact City Clerk Pam Clement at 636-379-5555 or pclement@ofallon.mo.us.

Bramblett Road Improvements Project open house meetings Two open house meetings to explain improvements planned for Bramblett Road are coming up in December. An open house meeting for Bramblett Road Improvements Phase 1 is set for Tuesday, December 11. Phase 1 includes the reconstruction of Bramblett Road between Bramblett Hills Drive and just south of the entrance to Schnucks.

An open house meeting for Bramblett Road Improvements Phase 2 will be held on Tuesday, December 18. Phase 2 includes a concept study to extend Bramblett Road to the new I-70 South Outer Road.

Both open houses will be held at O’Fallon’s Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street. The open houses will be set up in the Multi-purpose Room on the first floor, and the public is invited to attend anytime from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. to discuss the projects with staff, ask questions, leave comments and view maps and plans.

CITY OF O’FALLON 100 North Main Street • O’Fallon, Missouri 63366 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 2, 2019.

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 2, 2019, for the purpose of electing one (1) Member of the O’Fallon City Council from each of Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a term of three (3) years, and filling a vacancy in Ward 3, for the remaining one (1) year of a three-year term at the general municipal election in April, 2019; and 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 2, 2019, election is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Filing will close on the last day for filing for this election at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. 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 11th applications will be accepted in this location. After December 11th filing will be in the City Clerk’s office. The candidate must be the person in position at 8:00 a.m. on December 11th, 2018. All candidates must file in person; no one else can file for you.

For information, please contact Pamela L. Clement, CMC/MRCC – C, City Clerk, at 636-379-5555.

Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477

O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858

Get experience helping with City events as a volunteer!

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

Celebration of Lights A Spectacular 1-Mile Light Display Celebration of Lights transforms Fort Zumwalt Park into a holiday getaway Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and bundle up your family for a tour of O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park. Open at 6 p.m. nightly till December 30 (except Christmas), the park’s winter landscape will be fully loaded with the fun and magic of the holidays.

Starting with the shining Tunnel of Lights, the park’s onemile drive will sparkle with holiday scenes and settings with storybook and movie characters. New this year, watch for a castle with Beauty & the Beast characters and a Christmas Vacation scene.

Plus, with a variety of options for seeing the park, you can choose your favorite. (Please note that specialty rides typically require reservations made two weeks in advance.)

Drive through the park in your own vehicle from 6–9 p.m. on Sundays and on Tuesdays (except December 11 and 25), Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $10/car, $15/commercial vans and limousines, and $1/person on tour buses ($25 minimum).

Get a discounted price of $7 on Tuesday nights. Bring a food pantry donation on Wednesday through Sunday nights and get $1 off admission.

City train rides will be available for reservations on Monday, December 17. The cost is $10 per person for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 1–11. To reserve your space with a credit card, call 636-379-5606. For more information, email estoll@ofallon.mo.us.

Sleigh rides can be booked on Tuesdays (except December 11 and 25), Wednesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $100 for groups of 20, including children seated on laps. Rides can be booked with a credit card by calling 636-379-5606. For more information, email estoll@ofallon.mo.us.

www.ofallon.mo.us/COL

Horse-drawn rides must be reserved in advance and can be booked for any evening except for Mondays or on December 11 and 25. The cost varies; for details and reservations contact Brookdale Farms at www.brookdalefarmsinc.com/ celebration-of-lights or 636-938-1005.

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/celebration-of-lights.

The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll Monday and Tuesday, December 10–11 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park As you and your family walk through the Celebration of Lights’ winter wonderland on these two special nights, you’ll see whimsical holiday scenes and beautiful nativities, listen to caroling, visit Santa and his reindeer, see model trains in action at the St. Charles Model Railroad display and, at 7:25 p.m., watch fireworks over the lake. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Admission is $5 at the gate for ages 3+ and free for ages 2 and under. You are welcome to bring strollers, wagons, walkers and wheelchairs, but no pets or dogs except service dogs.

Motorized hoverboards, kids’ scooters, remote-controlled vehicles, bikes and skateboards are not allowed.

Free parking with heated shuttle service will be available at First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway (63366), and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway (63366).

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www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2018–19

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Snow 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. Don't park on City streets

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.

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

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.

Renew O’Fallon

Grants and Assistance

Forest Park subdivision’s water main replacement continues

Home Improvement Loan Program helps with home repairs

The City is in the process of replacing Forest Park subdivision’s aging water mains with new, modern water mains. Weather permitting, over the next two months water main replacement is set for St. Margaret Lane and St. Joseph Avenue. In 2019, water main replacement will occur on Prince David Drive, St. Christopher Drive, Prince Rupert Drive, St. John Drive, St. Patrick Drive, Roland Avenue and Ronnie Drive between Eggering Drive and St. Patrick. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/city-projects.

Keeping your home safe and in good repair is every homeowner’s responsibility. 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 one year and be current on mortgage payments and real estate taxes. You can download an application at www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.

Drivers will see I-70 Corridor improvements continue Work crews made outstanding progress on much-needed road and highway construction for the City’s I-70 Corridor Improvement projects.

East Terra, the north outer road, is now open one-way west from T.R. Hughes east to Main Street, with new on/off ramps to I-70. The new south outer road, Drennen Parkway, will be one-way from Highway K east to Belleau Creek Road and will open later this winter.

Sign up for project update notifications at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.

O’Day Park opening this spring Watch for the opening of O’Fallon’s newest park in early 2019.

The 57-acre park will include natural areas and paths, an activity/conference center, an amphitheater, a campground, a unique playground with a nature theme and a water play area.

Protect your home with O’Fallon’s Siding Program If you’re a low-income resident homeowner, the Siding Program provides grants of up to $10,000 disbursed on a firstcome, first-served basis to qualified applicants. For more information about the program visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ grants.

O’Fallon’s Down Payment Assistance Program Have a friend or family member who wants to move to O'Fallon? The Down Payment Assistance Program is for lowto-moderate income first-time homebuyers. Funded through the St. Louis County HOME Consortium, the Down Payment Assistance Program provides zero-interest, forgivable down payment loans of $5,000 to income-eligible, first-time buyers in O'Fallon. Pre-purchase housing counseling is required for eligibility. To apply, please visit www.ofallon. mo.us/grants. Questions? Call 636-379-5411 or email ajaegers@ofallon.mo.us.

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

Watch at youtube.com/OFallonTV

An artistic rendering of O’Day Lodge, the activity and conference center at the heart of O’Day Park. The 320-seat facility features an indoor/ outdoor fireplace, caterer’s kitchen and a scenic view of the new outdoor ampitheater. O’Day Lodge will be available for rentals in spring 2019. See page 9 in the Parks & Rec Guide for pricing and availability.

www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2018–19

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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events O’Fallon’s Celebration of Lights Through December 30 (closed December 25) Open at 6 p.m. nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park Get into the spirit of the holidays with O’Fallon’s dazzling, unique Celebration of Lights. No reservations are needed for the drive-through, but City train, sleigh rides and horse-drawn rides require reservations in advance. To get the date you want, book soon! See page 3 for admission and ride details, drivethrough days, times and costs.

O’FallonTheatreWorks presents, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 1–3 and 8–10 O’Fallon Municipal Center (City Hall), East Entrance Curtain times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays This charming musical comedy by Rachel Sheinkin with a vibrant musical score by William Finn is a fast-paced and wildly funny look at the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of six adolescents vying for the championship of a lifetime.

Purchase tickets online at www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec or call 636-474-2732. Reserved tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors (ages 55+) and $8 for students 6–17.

Tickets at the Box Office cost an additional $2 each. The Box Office opens an hour before each show. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Meals on Wheels Dance

NEW!

Saturday, March 30 6–10 p.m. at the Krekel Civic Center (in Civic Park)

See Santa and live reindeer at the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll Monday and Tuesday, December 10–11 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Treat your family to a magical evening filled with the excitement of the holidays on this special Celebration of Lights walk-through. Enjoy caroling, whimsical holiday scenes, nativities, visit Santa and his reindeer, tour the St. Charles Model Railroad display and, at 7:25 p.m., watch fireworks over the lake. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Admission is $5 at the gate for ages 3+ and free for ages 2 and under. Sorry, no dogs except service dogs will be allowed.

Also not permitted are motorized hoverboards, kids’ scooters, remote-controlled vehicles, bikes and skateboards. You're welcome to bring strollers, wagons, walkers and wheelchairs.

Free parking with shuttle service will be available at First Baptist Church, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway (63366), and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway (63366).

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Put your dancing shoes on for an evening of dance music, prizes and more fun benefitting Meals on Wheels. A free dance lesson will be provided from 6:15–7 p.m. See page 11 for details.

O’Fallon Founders’ Day Saturday, May 4 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Free! Celebrate O’Fallon’s history with heritage skills, tours of the historic Heald Home and Zumwalt’s Fort, and more.

Attention period artisans and performers: to participate in Founders’ Day, please email epeoples@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5574.

indicates opportunities for volunteers.

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

Volunteer Events Hometown Heroes Community Blood Drive presented by New Country 92.3 and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Saturday, January 5 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. This year, the City of O’Fallon has partnered with New Country 92.3, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and first responders to encourage everyone to donate blood in honor of our local badged heroes. Throughout the drive, New Country 92.3 will broadcast live onsite, offering games, concert tickets, music and more in a show of support and appreciation to all donors.

Each volunteer donor can help as many as four people survive a life-threatening trauma or health condition. So, after the first responders do their part, donors are actually part of the lifesaving team!

Make an appointment via the City’s website, www. ofallon.mo.us/volunteer, or contact Volunteer O’Fallon at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417. Walk-ins are also welcome. All inquiries regarding blood donation eligibility and processes should be directed to Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at www.bloodcenter.org or 800-747-5401.

Serve your community through MLK Day of Service projects Monday, January 21 10 a.m. – noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) The MLK Day of Service builds on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and teachings for service projects that create a sense of community and shared responsibility. Join us as we make 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.

Alternative Spring Break Monday, March 11 – Friday, March 15 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.

Mission: Clean Stream Saturday, April 6 9 a.m. – noon Spend the morning jumping in creeks with Volunteer O’Fallon!

Help maintain a clean water system by clearing litter and debris from local creeks before it has a chance to move downstream, clog waterways and have a negative impact on native plants and wildlife. To join the fun, please pre-register

by March 30.

www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2018–19

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Roscoe’s Den Trash, Recycling and Yard Waste Announcements Residents can now recycle paper and cardboard 24/7 at new locations As promised, the City of O’Fallon is providing new, additional locations for residents to recycle paper and cardboard, which can no longer be set out for curbside recycling.

Residents will be able to drop off recyclable paper and cardboard 24/7 at O’Fallon City Hall and the O’Fallon Justice Center beginning this week. We also will be adding an additional location in south O’Fallon in the coming weeks. The sites come just in time for the holidays, bringing more paper and cardboard that can be recycled.

At the recycling stations, papers and cardboard must each be sorted into dedicated containers:

•

Paper includes newspapers (with inserts), magazines, telephone books, computer paper, junk mail and brown grocery bags.

•

Cardboard includes broken-down corrugated cardboard and pressed fiber (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes, soda cartons, etc.).

Please note, it is illegal to place anything into the containers but papers and cardboard. If in doubt, throw it away.

The sites will be video-monitored and illegal dumping will be prosecuted. Should repeated contamination occur, these new recycling locations may be discontinued.

Winter trash and recycling holiday schedule •

Christmas Eve (observed), Monday, December 24 No change in service

•

Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 Next day service through the week

•

New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1 Next day service through the week

•

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Monday, January 21 No change in service

•

Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 18 No change in service

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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Winter yard waste update The final day for weekly yard waste service this year is Friday, December 14. However, if you are enrolled in the City’s yard waste service, you can call ahead for once-a-month collection that will be available on the following Wednesdays: December 26, January 23 and February 27. Be sure to call 636-272-0477 in advance to notify staff that you will be setting out yard waste for collection.

O’Fallon’s Electronics & Appliance Recycling event Saturday, December 8 8 a.m. – noon, CarShield Field parking lot Open to all, bring outdated or broken electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s free Electronics & Appliance Recycling events. The drop-off will be held in the west parking lot at CarShield Field, located at the corner of Tom Ginnever Avenue and T.R. Hughes Boulevard. The drop-off is free except for the following items and fees:

• • • • • •

LED/LCD/Plasma televisions – $20 CRT monitors – $5 CRT TVs 26” or less – $30.00 CRT TVs 27” or greater – $50.00 Wood console and true big screen/projection TVs – $50.00 Appliances or units that contain Freon – $10

For a detailed list of items that can be recycled and future event dates, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/electronics-recycling.

Or, call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.

Free bulk waste drop-off Saturday, December 15 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., O’Fallon Waste Transfer Station, 1572 Progress West Lane (63366) O’Fallon trash customers can drop off certain items that are too large to fit in City trash containers, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. For a list of acceptable items and directions to the waste transfer station, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/bulk-waste.

After the holidays, recycle your evergreen tree Free drop-off option O’Fallon residents can drop off live Christmas trees, 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. Only live evergreen trees without decorations can be dropped off, so please remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, string and wire. No artificial trees, wreaths, shrubs, plastic bags or yard waste is allowed at the drop-off.

Curbside Christmas tree pick up option For a fee of $10 per tree, O’Fallon trash customers can have their live holiday trees picked up at the curb by calling 636-272-0477. The cost will be added to the next bill. Trees will be scheduled for pick up on Wednesdays, starting December 26 through January 30. Only live evergreen trees will be picked up, and all decorations must be removed before setting the tree at the curb. Please do not place trees in plastic bags.

Fort Zumwalt South students get real-world eventplanning experience through joining the City of O’Fallon in cleaning local creeks The City of O’Fallon teamed up with the Fort Zumwalt South High School leadership class to clean out three extensions of Belleau Creek and one extension of Dardenne Creek.

Under the leadership of their teacher, Jeff Bequette, and O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services team, the students planned the event, designed logos and T-shirts for participants, created a promotional campaign, managed the budget and recruited fellow students and members of the general public to help out.

Although the City had previously worked with students on creek clean-ups, this was the first time the event was turned over to student management. City staff visited the classroom to guide the students through the various phases of event planning, including writing a press release, developing a promotional PSA, and writing and delivering safety guidelines.

The students embraced the opportunity to make this event their own. The event was held on November 3rd and boasted a total of 187 volunteers who collectively donated 474 hours of time to remove more than one ton of trash from the creeks.

Belleau Creek is a tributary of Dardenne Creek, which drains into the Missouri River. The approach to this innovative program focused on students dedicating their time and newlylearned skills to protect the environment. By tackling this issue early, the students and volunteers removed debris before it had an opportunity to contaminate one of the nation’s major waterways and the source of drinking water in O’Fallon.

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 Center and City Hall. Miniature and LED light strands can be dropped into recycling receptacles “as is.” To avoid injury from bulb breakage, remove larger light bulbs from C-7 and C-9 strands before dropping off the light strands. Please do not tie or bag the light strands; simply drop the loose strands into the receptacle.

ROSCOE says, Thank you for following our new recycling rules!

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Police Bulletins www.ofallon.mo.us/PD Join Team O’Fallon for the Polar Plunge Saturday, February 2 10 a.m. – noon, 100 Cognac Court, Lake Saint Louis The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser is fun to watch as costumewearing teams plunge bravely, if briefly, into the frigid waters of Lake Ste. Louise as hundreds of onlookers cheer them on. A project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, proceeds benefit Special Olympic Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities but lots of heart. For more information, including how to join O’Fallon’s team, visit www.somo.org.

O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy Starting February 26 7–9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays Residents who are age 18+ are invited to apply for the O’Fallon Citizens Police Academy. The six-week program offers hands-on training, a chance to ride along on patrol, plus discussions of police investigations, less-lethal weapon use, drug awareness and more. Applications will be available after January 1 at www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/citizens-policeacademy 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 Community Emergency Response Team Friday – Sunday, March 1–3 Streets Department Building, 1089 Public Works Drive Attend this free, hands-on workshop on disaster preparedness!

People from all walks of life are invited to learn basic disaster response skills through O’Fallon’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The O’Fallon Police Department’s 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/CERT to get more information and to register. For questions, call 636-379-3816 or email Officer Pat Helton at phelton@ofallon.mo.us.

10

O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Free gun locks are available at the O’Fallon Police Department Are you a gun owner? If so please keep your family safe!

The City of O’Fallon Police Department has free gun locks available. Stop by the O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to get them.

Safely dispose of old prescription medications 24/7 with O’Fallon’s Drug Take-Back program To help keep unused prescription medications out of the hands of those who should not have them, the O'Fallon Police Department has a drug take-back receptacle for easily disposing of unwanted prescription meds. The receptacle is located inside the O'Fallon Justice Center foyer where it is available for use 24/7. Tips for the drop-off:

•

Keep your medications in the original pharmaceutical containers until you arrive at the Justice Center.

•

When you arrive, empty the medications into the disposable plastic bags provided, drop them in the slot, and then throw away the empty pill bottles.

•

If you have liquid prescriptions to drop off, please keep them in their containers with lids securely tightened, put them in a plastic bag and then dispose of them in the dropoff slot.

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.

Like “O’Fallon Missouri Police Department” on Facebook.

Senior Corner Meals on Wheels Dance

NEW!

Saturday, March 30 6–10 p.m. at the Krekel Civic Center (in Civic Park) Dance the night away at the new Krekel Civic Center and help Meals on Wheels, too. Admission is $10 per person for ages 64 and under, $8 for 65–79 with ID and free for age 80+ with ID. The fun includes music and a DJ donated by Gateway Bop and Boogie, a 50/50 drawing, door prize drawings and a free dance lesson from 6:15–7 p.m. Snacks will be available for purchase.

Sorry, no alcohol or carry-ins allowed. The event is sponsored by the O’Fallon Senior Center with support from the O’Fallon Senior Resident Advisory Committee. Look for information on purchasing tickets this spring.

Residents 65+ or disabled, save your 2018 utility receipts to file for tax rebates in 2019 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 2018 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 2019.

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 gross adjusted gross income that meets Federal guidelines. The new guidelines will be issued before the end of January. Check out www.ofallon. mo.us/seniors for the income limits when they become available. Watch for more information on the rebate period in the spring newsletter.

Veterans Report O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays) 3rd Floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Contact: 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us

Space Available Travel The Air Mobility Command (AMC) at Scott Air Force Base provides Space Available Travel (also known as Space-A or military hops) to U.S. service members, military retirees, and their families. Under the program, unused seats on U.S. military and military-contracted aircraft are made available to non-duty passengers on a space-available basis once space-required (official duty) passengers and cargo have been accommodated.

To sign-up for Space-A travel, fill out AMC Form 140, www.spacea.net/images/amc140_form_fillable.pdf (Space Available Travel Request) and email it to scott.spacea@us.af. mil.

Most AMC terminals have a Facebook page where you can post your questions, which will be answered within 24 hours.

For Scott AFB see Facebook Page: Scott Passenger Terminal or contact: 618-256-3017. Their hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email scott.spacea@us.af.mil.

Please be aware, Space-A travelers must be prepared to cover commercial travel expenses if flight schedules are changed or become unavailable for Space-A travel. The DOD is not obligated to continue an individual's travel or return the individual to the point of origin or any other point.

The City of O’Fallon utilizes social media to share news, photos and announcements. Follow us!

Facebook: Search for “City of O’Fallon – Government” Twitter: @cityofofallon YouTube: youtube.com/OFallonTV

Communications Director • Tom Drabelle

tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us

Staff Writer • Peggy Bradbury • pbradbury@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek

bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us

www.ofallon.mo.us Winter 2018–19

11

Calendar December

Unless otherwise noted, public meetings are held at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street. Municipal Court is held at the O’Fallon Justice Center, 1019 Bryan Road. 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 (closed December 25)

4

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

8

Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m. – noon

5

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

10 Municipal Court, 5 p.m.

6

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

10,11 Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, Fort Zumwalt Park,

6–8:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.

11 Declarations of Candidacy, 8 a.m.

7

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

11

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

12

Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

13

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

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

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

15 Bulk waste drop-off, transfer station, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

17 Municipal Court, 5 p.m.

18 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

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

19 Municipal Court, 9 a.m.

24 Christmas Eve, City Hall CLOSED 25 Christmas, City Hall, Renaud Center, Celebration of

Lights CLOSED

January

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

18

Presidents’ Day, City Hall CLOSED Renaud Center open, 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.

19

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

20

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

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

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

March

1

New Year’s Day, City Hall CLOSED

2

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.

3

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

4

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

1–3 CERT disaster response training

5

Hometown Heroes Community Blood Drive presented by New Country 92.3, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

3

OTW presents Putnam County Spelling Bee, 2 p.m.

4

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

7

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

5

Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m.

8

Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

6

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

9

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

7

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

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

1–2 OTW presents Putnam County Spelling Bee, 8 p.m.

8–9 OTW presents Putnam County Spelling Bee, 8 p.m.

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

10 OTW presents Putnam County Spelling Bee, 2 p.m.

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

11–15 Alternative Spring Break

16 Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

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

21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall CLOSED

12 Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

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

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

MLK Day of Service, 10 a.m. – noon

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

Fort Zumwalt Park reopens to vehicle traffic

18 Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12

Public Works Advisory Committee, 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.