O'Fallon Update newsletter - Summer 2020 by City of O'Fallon

The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri

Summer 2020 • www.ofallon.mo.us

Thank you for being #TogetherOFallon O’Fallon lauded as one of the Country’s “best values” The City of O’Fallon has been recognized by the website LendEDU as one of the most budget-friendly cities in the country for homeowners. LendEDU ranked each city according to its percentage of houses where the mortgage costs 30% or more of the household income. O’Fallon had a total of 21,414 houses with a mortgage, and only 3,961 of those houses had a mortgage that costs 30% or more of the household income, making O’Fallon one of the Country’s best values for potential homeowners.

s we head into summer, I want to begin by thanking all of you for your support and cooperation over the past few months. We have all been through unprecedented times, and there are likely more challenges ahead. But as we’ve shown, our community is extremely strong, and we can get through this together. Whether it is social distancing, wearing masks when shopping or just checking in on neighbors and loved ones, we can all do our part to keep our community safe and healthy. Here at the City, our staff is looking forward to serving you while still protecting everyone’s health. Our facilities have reopened with new accommodations and guidelines; our staff continues to be available to serve you; and our website allows you the freedom to conduct most City business from your home. We also are bringing back our City events for the summer and fall. Although we had to cancel this year’s Heritage and Freedom Fest due to the COVID-19 situation, we still will have a bunch of fun events around town. Our Jammin’ concerts will return with some very special performances. Check out page 4 for details on this year’s schedule! On July 16th, our O’Day Park Performance in the Park will feature the music of Queen as Somebody to Love rocks the amphitheater. I also want to remind all of you that you can still celebrate Independence Day, especially now that it is now legal to shoot fireworks off at home on July 3rd and 4th. Check out page 3 for more information on the new fireworks laws. It’s been a crazy year for all of us, but hopefully, we can all enjoy a safe and wonderful summer. However you choose to spend it, please remember to dine and shop safely at our O’Fallon restaurants and retailers. And whether you choose to be out and about, grab something from a curbside pickup or do home delivery, I ask you to make sure you’re using O’Fallon businesses. Our City needs them; and they need you now more than ever! Have a safe and wonderful summer! Sincerely,

In this issue 3

Fireworks now legal on July 3–4, noon – 11 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Veterans Report Public Assistance

Renew O’Fallon

Roscoe’s Den

Bill Hennessy, Mayor City facilities are now open; social distancing rules in place After being forced to close facilities due to the spread of COVID-19, the City of O’Fallon has reopened City buildings, including the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), the Renaud Center, Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center and the Justice Center. Each facility has modified procedures to protect the health and safety of residents and volunteers. For details on hours, procedures, etc., visit www.ofallon.mo.us and www.renaudcenter.com.

10 Police Bulletins 11 Shop Safely in O’Fallon! 12 Calendar

Celebrate safely at home! New fireworks guidelines on page 3.

Elected Officials

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

Ward 1 Councilmembers Dave Hinman

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

Deana Smith

636-379-5582 dsmith@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 Councilmembers Dale Kling

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

Nathan Bibb

636-379-5585 nbibb@ofallon.mo.us

Ward 4 Councilmembers Jeff Kuehn

636-379-5587 jkuehn@ofallon.mo.us

Jim Ottomeyer

636-379-5580 jottomeyer@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

Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477

O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858

Still time to complete your U.S. Census form Although much of the focus this spring has been on COVID-19, the City of O’Fallon – and the entire country – is in the midst of another extremely important campaign, the 2020 U.S. Census! The 2020 Census will determine O’Fallon’s congressional and City Council representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year and provide data that will impact our City, County and State for the next decade. To date, more than 80% of O’Fallon residents have submitted their Census forms, which is one of the highest rates in the State of Missouri. But, 100% participation is needed to ensure that our City is properly counted. If you have not submitted your Census form yet, you may do so online or via mail. It only takes five minutes to answer ten easy questions, but those five minutes will help shape the future of O’Fallon! For more information, please visit 2020Census.gov.

Backflow prevention devices require an annual inspection If you’re an O’Fallon resident with a sprinkler system installed in your lawn, or a business with a fire suppression system, chances are you received a letter in March from the City of O’Fallon reminding you that the City requires backflow device(s), such as in your sprinkler system, to be tested annually to make sure they work properly. Plumbing businesses with certified backflow inspectors can perform the tests. If you did not get a letter and have a sprinkler system or know that you have a backflow device, please contact Utility Billing at 636-379-5488. Backflow prevention devices in good working order are essential safeguards for public water supplies, because they are designed to stop contaminated or polluted water from flowing back into our City’s potable or drinking water supply. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources have rules and regulations for the certification of backflow device inspectors and the submission of backflow device inspections. To ensure compliance with these rules and to preserve the integrity of the City’s clean water system, O’Fallon has ordinances in place requiring yearly backflow device inspections. For more information, visit dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2158.htm.

Please do not post signs on public property Please remember that the City of O’Fallon has ordinances prohibiting the placement of private signs, even temporary ones, on public property or infrastructure. This includes signs for missing pets and garage sales. In addition to being illegal, posting signs can cause unsightly damage to sign posts and lamp posts from tape residue and peeling paint.

Municipal Court payment dropbox at Justice Center A payment dropbox has been added at the O’Fallon Justice Center, making it easier to pay tickets and fines. The box is located on the left side of the Court Payments vestibule, which is located just inside the main entrance of the O’Fallon Justice Center lobby (open 24/7). Only checks and money orders are accepted (no cash). Please ensure the appropriate name and citation number are listed on the payment.

for an O’Fallon tradition. te da w ne A New fireworks ordinance ar, join us to celebrate on ye is Th allows home fireworks

around Independence Day

For the first time in decades, O’Fallon residents will be allowed to legally celebrate our nation’s independence by shooting off fireworks at home. The City’s new fireworks ordinance will allow the discharge of fireworks on July 3rd and 4th from noon until 11 p.m. Residents will not need a permit to discharge fireworks during the allowed hours. However, anyone under the age of 16 must be in the presence of an adult age 21 or older in order to shoot fireworks. The allowed time frames for shooting fireworks will be strictly enforced. Additionally, residents are reminded to make sure to celebrate safely, respect neighbors and clean up any debris. The ordinance, which was passed by the City Council last winter, also allows for the sale of fireworks in the City limits from June 20 through July 6.

Per the new ordinance, it is now legal to BUY FIREWORKS IN O'FALLON

JUNE 20 – JULY 6

USE PLUSFIREWORKS IN O'FALLON

JULY 3–4, NOON–11PM

These time frames will be strictly enforced. Please enjoy responsibly and safely at home.

www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2020

Upcoming Events O’Fallon Performance in the Park The City of O’Fallon strives to provide a variety of fun, family-friendly events in locations around O’Fallon, including the activities listed below. Events are subject to change pending the COVID-19 situation, please confirm event details at www.ofallon.mo.us at the specific event pages listed below.

Free O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts this summer! Select Tuesdays throughout the summer 6:30–9 p.m., location varies by date Event details at www.ofallon.mo.us/jammin Despite a delayed start, Jammin’ concerts will kick off the 2020 season in mid-June! Take a break for summer fun with rock, country, R&B, soul and Motown by some of the region’s best bands performing live at the free O’Fallon Jammin’ concerts. For June 16 and June 30 concerts, rock out in your car drive-in style next to CarShield Field. Later in the summer concerts will return to the bandstand at Civic Park, where you can bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. Concerts at both locations will be family-friendly and social distancing-friendly events. A variety of food trucks and concessionaires will sell favorite foods, cold treats and adult beverages.

2020 O’Fallon Jammin’ concert calendar Jammin’ Drive-in at CarShield Field June 16: On the Fence – Rock hits June 30: Fresh Heir – Soul, funk & jazz with a twist of patriotism Jammin’ at Civic Park July 14: Queens Blvd – Party music from the ‘80s and ‘90s July 21: No Diggity – Hip hop, R&B, Pop from the ‘90s & ‘00s July 28: Power Play – New age, Motown, R&B, rock, funk August 4: Dirty Muggs – The best dance music August 11: Dogs of Society – Tribute to Elton John For concert and food truck details, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/jammin. For weather updates, call 636-379-5614 or follow Visit O’Fallon on Facebook. All pets must be leashed and no glass containers are allowed in the park. Please note that band and food truck lineups may change without notice.

Thursday, July 16 6:30-9 p.m., O’Day Park Amphitheater Start your weekend early by rocking out at O’Day Park with Somebody to Love – a Tribute to Queen. In addition to the live music, enjoy the selection of food trucks, beer and wine from local vendors that will be on site for purchase. Concert admission and parking are free. For the most current event details visit www.ofallon.mo.us/events-at-oday-park.

90’s Trivia Night Friday, July 31 Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Krekel Civic Center Break out the slap bracelets and fanny packs, it’s time to put your 90’s trivia to the test! Teams of up to 8 players are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. Don’t forget to dress up and bring fun memorabilia to decorate your table. Prizes will be given to the 1st place winner, best dressed, and most creative table. Register at www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec to reserve your table!

Nerf Warz Friday, August 21 6–7 p.m. (Ages 4–8) or 7–8 p.m. (Ages 8+), Renaud Center Join us for this family-friendly Nerf Warz event! Each session will consist of two 15-minute games on our inflatable Nerf Field. A shooting range and other fun activities will be available for use between games. Each player will be supplied with a pair of safety glasses and an armory of foam darts, but participants must bring their own Nerf gun capable of shooting 7.2 cm foam darts. No outside darts will be allowed. Players must register by Thursday, August 20. Visit www.renaudcenter.com to register ahead of the event. There will be no registration at the gate.

Food Truck Frenzy Friday, August 28 5:30-8:30 p.m., O’Day Park Amphitheater Celebrate the end of summer and the start of school with a food truck picnic! Purchase your favorite food-truck fare plus beer and wine from local vendors, all while enjoying a free concert at O’Day Park Amphitheater. Concert admission and parking are free. The most current listing of food trucks can be found at www.ofallon.mo.us/food-truck-frenzy.

Sunday, September 20 • O’Day Park 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ART EATS BEER WINE Hayrides at Fort Zumwalt Park $155/$165 for groups of 20 $205/$225 for groups of 40 Thursdays and Fridays, October 1–23 • 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, October 3–25 • 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Book an old-fashioned, tractor-pulled hayride through beautiful historic Fort Zumwalt Park and gather around a bonfire afterwards. Hayrides are scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis with at least two weeks’ notice required. Call Alex Grieshaber at 636-474-8113 or email at agrieshaber@ofallon.mo.us to make your reservation.

Food Truck Fright Friday, October 16 6–9 p.m., Dames Park Head to Dames Park for the fall version of Food Truck Frenzy. In addition to food truck fare enjoy the DJ, firepits, s’mores and hayrides! Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/food-truck-frenzy for the most up-to-date listing of food trucks.

Historic Site Tours All tours in May were closed due to the COVID-19 situation. Please call ahead at 636-379-5502 to confirm when tours will resume.

National Day of Service and Remembrance Join Volunteer O’Fallon as we remember the heroic acts of first responders on September 11, 2001, and as we honor the first responders who continue to be heroes for us today.

Support Our Troops Supply Drive August 11 – September 11 Collection canisters for personal care items, batteries and individual snack packages will be located at City Hall, the Renaud Center and the Justice Center. A list of most-requested items and additional collection sites will be posted at www.ofallon.mo.us/supply-drive. All items collected are packaged and shipped to those currently serving overseas. Donations of $20 per box are needed to cover mailing costs. “Stamp of Support” monetary donations can be dropped off at City Hall with checks made payable to “H.E.R.O.E.S. Care.”

Patriot Blood Drive Friday, September 11 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Donate at this annual drive in honor of the heroes who bravely rushed in to help save lives. Your donation could save as many as 3 lives locally. Walk-ins are welcome, or schedule a convenient time at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer or contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

Citizens United in Service Friday, September 11 6–8 p.m. Create cards of appreciation for local first responders and military currently serving overseas, and help sort and package items collected through the Support Our Troops Supply Drive. Pre-registration is required. Complete an application at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer, or contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us for more information.

Become a volunteer! Call 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

Historic Heald Home & Zumwalt’s Fort tours This summer, come see O’Fallon’s historic treasures at Fort Zumwalt Park! Admission is $5 per person to see both attractions, and children 10 and under are admitted free. For private and/or group tours of 10 or more, please call 636-379-5502. Open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays Through September 27; 12–3 p.m.

O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum in Civic Park Open the 2nd and 4th Sundays Through September 27; 12–3 p.m., Free

Follow City of O’Fallon festivals & events! Instagram: Facebook:

@visit_ofallon @visitofallon

www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2020

Upcoming Events Patriotic Ceremonies Patriot Day Ceremony Friday, September 11 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre Please join us in honoring our first responders and remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Ceremonies at O’Fallon’s Veterans Memorial Walk With a reflecting pool flanked by white marble monoliths bearing the great seals of all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, an eternal flame and a unique platoon of bronze boots on the march, O’Fallon’s Veterans Memorial Walk is a distinctive site for honoring our soldiers, veterans and those who have given their lives in the service of our country. The Walk is located just south of I-70 at Belleau Creek Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. All are welcome.

POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony

Public Assistance O’Fallon expands Emergency Homeless Prevention programs to help residents in need With COVID-19 impacting jobs in all sectors, many residents are beginning summer with lower or no incomes, financial hardships and other challenges. In response, the City is expanding its Emergency Homeless Prevention program to assist residents in need and help keep them in their homes. If any resident is in need of assistance with utility bills, mortgage or rent, please contact the City’s partner Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service who administers the program for the City of O’Fallon at 636-441-1302 to speak to a case worker.

Additional resources for low- to moderateincome homeowners Home Improvement Loan Program helps with home repairs

Wednesday, November 11 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk

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 Loan 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.

Join in a ceremony honoring and thanking our veterans for keeping our country safe.

Protect your home with O’Fallon’s Siding Program

Friday, September 18 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk This candle-lighting ceremony is dedicated to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain missing in action or imprisoned on foreign soil, and the families who are waiting to welcome them home again.

Veterans Day Ceremony

Veterans Report O’Fallon Veterans Assistance Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays) 636-379-5577 or veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us 3rd floor, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) While volunteers will not be present at City Hall during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are still available to serve O’Fallon’s military retirees/surviving spouses, veterans and their families. Veterans Assistance Office volunteers will continue to read and respond to any e-mails sent to the Veterans Office at veteransaffairs@ofallon.mo.us. Voicemails left at 636-379-5577 will be routinely checked and a Veterans Office volunteer will contact you to assist you.

If you’re a qualified resident homeowner, the Siding Program provides grants of up to $10,000 for siding repairs or replacement. Funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. For more information about the program visit www.ofallon.mo.us/grants.

Have a question or concern for City of O’Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us. The City of O’Fallon is on Twitter!

@cityofofallon

Stormwater Runoff, Pollutants and Failing Creeks

Renew O’Fallon Below are updates for some of the major projects going on around O’Fallon. Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/projects to see a comprehensive list of projects near you.

West Elm Intersection Realignment This project will realign the intersection of West Elm St. and Main St.to allow for improved traffic flow. As part of this project, pavement in the area will be resurfaced and sidewalks will be updated to improve ADA access for pedestrians.

Bramblett Road Reconstruction This project will reconstruct Bramblett Road, including new pavement and the addition of pedestrian infrastructure along the roadway.

Guthrie Road A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Guthrie Road and Mexico Road. Guthrie Road will be realigned, widening and easing the existing curve and improving safety for vehicles.

Caledonia Parkway This project will construct a new roadway connecting the the I-64 South Outer Road and Highway DD, including pedestrian infrastructure. This new connector road will improve current and future traffic flow in the area.

Why is it important to care about stormwater runoff and what ends up in our creeks and storm drains? Stormwater runoff is not treated, and what goes into runoff and storm drains eventually ends up in a creek. Creeks are vital life sources for our natural environment including wildlife and our ground water resources. Locally, our creeks feed the Mississippi River which means that anything that leaves our City via the creeks has the potential to do harm further down river and eventually the ocean. The more polluted these natural water sources become, the more we increase water pollution overall. That means the waterways are less fishable and swimmable. In many areas, including much of O’Fallon, water from the rivers is used for drinking water and the more polluted the waterways become, the more expensive it is to clean, meaning your water bill increases.

Here are some suggestions on what you can do to keep our waterways as clean as possible: • Trash: Discard trash in the proper place, especially cigarette butts. The nicotine acts as a dangerous pesticide to some aquatic wildlife. • Recycle • Animal Waste: Dispose of it properly, not in the storm sewer, creek or stream. • Vehicles: Fix leaking vehicles. The fluids they leak on the ground end up in the storm sewer when it rains or gets hosed off. Don’t deposit unwanted oil, antifreeze or other automotive liquids into storm drains. Wash them in a commercial car wash to prevent harmful detergent chemicals from washing into the drain or use environmentally-friendly detergent which is lower in phosphorus. • Lawn & Yard Waste: Dispose of yard waste properly with O’Fallon’s yard waste service. Do not deposit it in storm drains, creeks or streams. Yard waste can damage the natural state of the creek banks by choking out viable vegetation with deeper root structure, which can help to stabilize the banks naturally and prevent them from eroding and failing. • Pesticides & Fertilizers: Use as directed. More does not necessarily mean better. The overflow just ends up washing down the storm sewer. • Pools: Make sure the pH is between 6.5 and 7.0 and no chemicals are present before draining the pool or discarding filter backwash. For further information, questions or comments, please contact Michele Gremminger, Stormwater Management Coordinator at 636-379-7632 or micheleg@ofallon.mo.us.

www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2020

Roscoe’s Den Trash, recycling and yard waste announcements More people home leads to challenges for recycling program Recently, the City’s recycling program has experienced issues with residents dropping non-recyclable items into their recycling carts. This has caused several loads of recyclable items to be contaminated and forced staff to take these loads to the landfill rather than having those items recycled. Unacceptable items found in recycle carts have included trash, plastic bags, plastic wrap, wood, cabinets, old toilets and numerous paper items.

Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Events Saturday, June 6 and August 1 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., parking lot southwest of CarShield Field You can bring outdated or broken electronics and appliances to O’Fallon’s Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 6 and August 1. The drop-off will be held in the parking lot at the southwest corner of T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Tom Ginnever Avenue, adjacent to CarShield Field. The drop-off is free except for the following items and fees:

With more people at home right now, trash loads may be larger than normal. Residents are reminded, however, to not put ineligible items in the recycle cart. If you are seeing an increase in trash and need more space, you may request an additional trash cart for $5/month for a 64-gallon cart or $8/month for a 96-gallon cart. A six-month commitment is required.

• LED/LCD/Plasma televisions = $20

Please keep recycling carts for only acceptable recyclable items, which are glass, plastic and aluminum/tin containers only! No black plastic allowed. When contaminants get into the recycle carts, the load might be forced to a landfill. Additionally, if this continues, the City’s recycling partners may stop accepting our items, which could greatly increase residents’ costs. For more information please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/recycling.

• Any freon containing unit = $10

• CRT Monitors = $5 • CRT TV’s 26” or less = $30 • CRT TV’s 27” or greater = $50 • Wood console and true big screen/projection TVs = $50 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.

www.ofallon.mo.us/environmental-services

Curbside recyclables

Drop-off recyclables

The following items can be placed directly into your curbside recycling bin. All materials must be empty, clean and dry or they cannot be recycled. • Glass bottles and jars

Paper and cardboard are not accepted in the curbside bins, but both materials can be dropped of at one of the City’s three drop-off locations. Each location includes a separate receptacle for paper and cardboard.

• Aluminum cans • Tin cans • Plastic containers (clear or colored) with a recycle symbol on them Please, no black plastic of any kind. Please do not bag your recyclables as bags are not acceptable in our program. You may place the recyclable items listed above directly into the curbside bin.

Acceptable paper products include: • Newspapers, inserts and magazines • Telephone books • Books - paperback and hardcover books are acceptable! • Computer paper • Junk mail • Brown grocery bags

Acceptable cardboard products include:

• Corrugated boxes and small pieces of cardboard • Pressed fiber (such as cereal boxes, shoe boxes & tissue boxes) Please ensure all cardboard is broken down flat. Styrofoam pieces and plastic wrap are not acceptable and must be removed from boxes.

Recycling Drop-off Locations O’Fallon City Hall (100 North Main Street, 63366) O’Fallon Justice Center (1019 Bryan Road, 63366) Renaud Center (2650 Tri Sports Circle, 63368)

O’Fallon Update

City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Cardboard

Free Bulk Waste Drop-off Events Saturday, June 13 and August 8 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Environmental Services Transfer Station Drop of your bulk-waste from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 and August 8. During this event, O’Fallon trash customers can drop off certain items that are too large to fit in trash containers, such as carpeting or furniture, at the City’s waste transfer station. There is no charge for trash customers. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane.

Protect your property and help your Environmental Services driver, too O’Fallon’s Environmental Services trucks have automated container collection to keep our drivers from having to routinely exit their vehicle. Here are tips to help you get the most from our City’s service and help our drivers, too. • Please have your trash, recycling or yard waste container(s) at the curb no later than 6:30 a.m. • When placing your cans at the curb on pick-up days, please don’t block access to your cart with your car or other obstructions. Keep the area around your cart clear. • If you have multiple carts, do not set the carts too close together. Please leave adequate space between your cans. • Do not set carts next to the mailbox, basketball rims or other objects. • Do not set large items outside of trash containers. Items that can not fit in the trash or recycling carts may be disposed of at one of the free bulk waste drop-off days or curbside for an additional fee. To schedule a pick up, please call 636-272-0477.

Free Shred-It Day for O’Fallon residents Saturday, September 26 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Environmental Services Building O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department offers a “Shred-It Day” where anyone can bring in boxes of paper to be shredded in a secure environment. The event will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Environmental Services building at 1550 Progress West Lane. To participate, simply place the documents in cardboard bankers’ boxes, or cardboard boxes of a similar size, and drive up to the facility and drop them off. Please make sure the boxes are not too heavy to lift or filled to overflowing. The service is free for residents for up to five bankers’-sized boxes. Additional boxes will be accepted for a cost of $5 per box for any over the limit. Additionally, non-residents can drop off their paper for shredding for a cost of $5 per box. Residents must bring photo identification showing O’Fallon residency and all trash customers must have their account in good standing in order to receive the free services. All of the material will be shredded including the boxes. Please do not bring computer discs or hanging file rods. If you can tear it, then you can shred it with this complimentary service. It is okay for documents to have staples or paper clips.

Stay active outdoors at City parks Visiting O’Fallon parks is a great way to stay active while social distancing. Within the parks, which are listed on page 28 of the Parks & Rec Guide, the following facilities have reopened for public use: tennis and pickle ball courts, roller hockey, skate park, basketball courts, playgrounds and water play features. Restrooms are open; however, water fountains will remain closed. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines while at these locations.

Communications Director • Tom Drabelle tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us Communications Specialist • Susan Etchason setchason@ofallon.mo.us

www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2020

Police Bulletins Police Department Briefs O’Fallon Police keep the community connected The O’Fallon Police Department did its part to keep staff and citizens as healthy as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department instituted physical health checks for each employee as they arrive for a shift, provided masks for officers to wear on calls, and began meeting citizens outside instead of going into their homes as they respond to non-emergent calls. Additionally, the Department’s use of social media has been spreading positivity and healthy messages throughout the community and beyond. During the first week of school closures, Public Information Officer Tony Michalka noticed parents trying to balance working from home while trying to educate and engage their children at home. The Department invited area families to have their kids send in police-themed drawings to be posted on their Facebook page with the hashtag #KeepThemBusy. “We are simply trying to do our part to help parents during this stressful time” he told KSDK. “If we can provide just 20 minutes of relief and fun for the child, then we’ve done our part.” In addition to local news coverage, the story was featured on national platforms including CNN and Fox and Friends. The number of submissions to #KeepThemBusy grew quickly, and some drawings are still coming in. Visit Facebook.com/ofallonpolice to see all the young artists’ work that was shared. The creativity did not stop with police drawings. As local news outlets shared in March, the #TogetherOFallon movement spread its message of hope across area sidewalks and driveways. The hashtag reminds us that we are in this together.

www.ofallon.mo.us/PD While creativity is a great outlet to help some cope during these unique times, physical activity is another way many are finding a sense of normalcy and improving their overall well-being. The Police Department recognized this and teamed up with the Renaud Center to stream “Workout with a Cop” sessions twice a week via Facebook Live. Police officers, six-feet away from fitness specialist Ty Joyce from the Renaud Center, demonstrate workouts that can be done from home with little to no equipment. The workouts are less than 30-minutes each and air Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Previously posted workouts can be viewed at Facebook.com/ofallonpolice, including some friendly banter between officers and the news team at KSDK. As students finished up the school year with online learning and virtual meetings with teachers and classmates, O’Fallon Police DARE officers adapted to new ways of teaching as well. They provided online videos of their remaining DARE lessons for area fifth graders, helping them write essays and earn their DARE graduation certificates.

Get emergency notices from O’Fallon’s emergency notification system Get texts, emails or phone calls about emergencies, law enforcement alerts and more with City’s emergency notification system. The service is free to all O’Fallon residents. If you are not already registered, submit your information on the City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us. The process takes just five minutes or less. In addition to emergency and other notifications such as boil advisories and road closures, the system allows residents to sign up for weather alerts and other customized information and alerts.

Socializing with your O’Fallon Police Department Did you know you can connect with the O’Fallon Police Department on social media? Follow us on one of the platforms below, and you’ll get a taste of the police work that goes on throughout our community. You might laugh a little; you will learn a lot. More importantly, it can keep you informed about important situations in real time and provide reminders for general safety.

O’Fallon Update

City of O’Fallon Newsletter

Facebook: @ofallonpolice

Instagram: @ofallon_police

Twitter: @ofallonpolice

LinkedIn: O’Fallon Police Department

Nextdoor: O’Fallon Police Department

Dine and shop safely in O'Fallon! Find the O'Fallon Business Map and Directory at www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map. www.ofallon.mo.us Summer 2020

Calendar June

The meetings and events below are subject to change due to the COVID-19 situation. Please check our website at www.ofallon.mo.us for the most up-to-date calendar of events.

August

Free Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Renaud Center

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

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

Free Bulk Waste Drop-off Event, 7 a.m.

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

Support Our Troops Supply Drive starts, donate through Sep. 11

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., CarShield Field

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center

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

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., CarShield Field

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

Nerf Warz, 6 p.m., Renaud Center

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

July

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

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

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

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Renaud Center

Food Truck Frenzy, 5:30 p.m., O’Day Park

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

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

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

Performance in the Park (concert), 6:30 p.m., O’Day Park

September 2

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Renaud Center

Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

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

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

National Day of Service and Remembrance Events

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park

Patriot Day Ceremony, 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial

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

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.

O’Fallon Jammin’, 6:30 p.m., Civic Park

POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony, 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Fall into the Arts, 10 a.m., O’Day Park

Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center

Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center

90’s Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m., Krekel Civic Center

Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.

Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center

Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center

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

Free Shred-it Day, 8 a.m.

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. 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.

O'Fallon Update newsletter - Summer 2020

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