The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri
Autumn 2020 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Back to school in a new way O’Day Lodge and Krekel Civic Center offer great options for events and parties Looking for a beautiful location to host a wedding or an anniversary, birthday or retirement party? No matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, Krekel Civic Center in Civic Park and O’Day Lodge in O’Day Park offer beautiful facilities for most any sized gathering. To find out more about these facilities or to see the other rental offerings throughout O’Fallon’s parks, check out page 4 of the Parks & Rec Guide included with this newsletter.
A
s we near fall and what will be a school year unlike any other, parents throughout O’Fallon are dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and trying to do what’s best for their children and their families. Whether your children will be returning in person or taking classes virtually, our fantastic schools are here to support you. I am confident that our friends at the Fort Zumwalt, Wentzville and Francis Howell school districts, as well as the great private schools that serve our area, will provide you and your family with the support you need to ensure your children receive the best possible experience this fall. We know it will be a challenge for everyone, but we will get through it. Of course, here at the City, we also have been trying to navigate through everything and still provide our residents and businesses with the support you deserve. This summer we continued with socially-distanced versions of our Jammin’ concerts, and even though we were forced to cancel Heritage & Freedom Fest, we will continue to offer fun, safe, family-friendly options for you and your families this fall. Whether it’s a Halloween-themed party, taking your dog for a swim at Alligator’s Creek or a fun night of dancing, we have events for all ages and interests. Plus, you can be sure we will make every effort to put on these events in a safe way! Check out all of the fun options on pages 7–9 of this newsletter. As we all know, this pandemic has been extremely challenging for our local businesses, and they truly need your support. O’Fallon is open for business, and I encourage you to continue to safely shop and dine in our retailers and restaurants. Please do your part by wearing a mask anytime you go out! It’s a small gesture that can go a long way to help get us through this. Sincerely,
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
In this issue 3
Roscoe’s Den
4–5 Shape of Community Sculpture Series 6
Upcoming Events
9
Police Bulletins
Stay Updated • Stay Informed • Stay Safe The City of O’Fallon is committed to the health and safety of our community. As we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 virus, we remain proactive in adjusting our city programming. Please note that certain events and festivals listed within this newsletter may be postponed or canceled in the future. For the latest updates, visit our City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us and follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/OFallonMO.
10 Renew O’Fallon 12 Calendar
Check out O’Fallon’s new sculpture series on pages 4–5
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
Lisa Thompson
636-379-5591 lthompson@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Dale Kling
636-379-5586 dkling@ofallon.mo.us
SmartAsset.com names O’Fallon as one of the top 10 best small cities in America The website SmartAsset.com crunched the numbers to find the most livable small cities in America, and the site listed O’Fallon at #4 on their list of all cities with a population under 100,000. The site recognized O’Fallon as an affordable place to live with low housing costs, great entertainment establishments, restaurants and bars, access to quality health care and low average commute times.
O’Fallon recognized as one of the most ‘budget friendly’ cities The website LendEDU.com named the City of O’Fallon as one of America’s best places to live and one of the country’s most budget-friendly cities. The site named O’Fallon as one of only three large Missouri cities (population 50,000+) to make the list and recognized the City for its low annual rent/ mortgage payments and high median income.
Emergency notifications keep you up-to-date in an emergency Get texts, emails or phone calls about emergencies, law enforcement alerts and more with the City’s emergency notification system. The service is free to all O’Fallon residents. For the system to be fully effective, all residents are asked to register and/or check their personal information to make sure it is up to date. Just visit www.ofallon.mo.us and click the “Emergency Notificiation” icon on the front page of the website. The process takes just five minutes.
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
Katie Gatewood
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5584 kgatewood@ofallon.mo.us
Citizens First Center 636-379-5553
Veterans Report VA Homeless Veterans Initiative The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a hotline to assist veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Calls are free and confidential, and you can call for yourself or on behalf of a veteran you know. The trained VA responders will provide access to counselors and help veterans and their families by connecting them with federal, state and local programs, partners, agencies and community services that can help end and prevent homelessness. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at 1-877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
Missouri Veteran Awards program The Veterans Award Program through The Missouri National Guard provides a medal, medallion and certificate to veterans who served in the following conflicts: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. WWII veterans who participated in the Normandy invasion in France are also eligible to receive a replica of the Jubilee of Liberty medal. Veterans, spouses of veterans or the eldest living survivor of veterans who meet the requirements can apply. Visit www.moguard.com/veteran-awards for eligibility details and the application.
City Hall
VA Online Disability Claim Tool
Police (Non-emergency)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is transforming the way veterans learn about and apply for the benefits they’ve earned. The Disability Compensation Benefits Claim tool was released in 2019, providing veterans with more control over their submissions and representing an innovative leap forward in VA services. The tool also lessens the administrative and paperwork burden for veterans and shortens the claims processing time. Tutorial videos on how to use the new tool are available at www.youtube.com/user/DeptVetAffairsOIT. The disability claim tool can be found directly at www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim.
636-240-2000 636-240-3200
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
Roscoe’s Den Trash, recycling and yard waste announcements Environmental Services offers free “Shred-It” Day Saturday, September 26 8 a.m. – noon, Environmental Services building O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department is offering a “Shred-It” Day where residents can bring in boxes of paper to be shredded in a secure environment. The event takes 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 drop them off to be shredded. 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. 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 this free service. All of the material will be shredded, including the boxes if they are not wanted back. The event is indoors, so it will be rain or shine. 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.
Declutter the house at O’Fallon’s environmental services free disposal events To help residents dispose of unwanted household items, O’Fallon’s Environmental Services Department is sponsoring two events in October, the Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event and the Bulk Waste Drop-off.
Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event
The drop-off is available to everyone. There is no cost except for the following items: • LED/LCD/plasma televisions = $20 • CRT monitors = $5 • CRT TVs 26” or less = $30 • CRT TVs 27” or greater = $50 • Wood console and true big screen/projection TVs = $50 • Any freon containing unit = $10 Please, do NOT bring smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries.
Bulk Waste Drop-off All O’Fallon residents enrolled in the City’s trash collection service may bring items too large to fit into residents’ curbside trash containers to the O’Fallon waste transfer station from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. The waste transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane. Visit www.ofallon. mo.us/bulk-waste for directions. To use the drop-off, customers need a current photo ID with their O’Fallon address and must unload their own items. Please note: The service is limited to one car, pickup or small trailer (10 feet or less) load per address for each scheduled dropoff day. Commercial vehicles, rental vehicles, box trucks and trailers larger than 10 feet are not allowed and will be turned away. Residents must unload their own items. To request curbside pick-up of these items, call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477. (Weight and size limits may apply.) The fee will be added to the customer’s bimonthly trash bill. For questions, contact Environmental Services at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477.
Drop off unwanted appliances and electronics for recycling in the west parking lot at CarShield Field on Saturday, October 3, from 8 a.m. to noon. In general, items with an electric cord or which take a battery can be dropped off: household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves, computer monitors (including CRTs), printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCR and DVD players, DVDs, power tools, lawn and garden equipment (must have gas and oil removed), and LED/LCD TVs.
3 5
CIVIC PARK
DAMES PARK
MAIN STREET
HW
AY 7 9
INTERSTATE 70
HIG
Sculptor: Coral Penelope Lambert
SKY DIAMOND
O’FALLON
Sculptor: David Lobdell
BLUE RAIL
HIGHWAY P
Sculptor: Jeremy Colbert
SOLITUDE OF THE JOURNEY
Sculptor: Kurt Dyrhaug
SENSOR DEVICE II
T.R. HUGHES BLVD.
OZZIE SMITH SPORTS COMPLEX
CARSHIELD FIELD
5
O’DAY PARK
FORT ZUMWALT PARK
CITY HALL
INTE
Sculptor: Michael Quintero
4
Sculptor: Mathew Eaton
HOUSE REFLECTED ON ENDLESS COLUMN
RSTA TE 6
Sculptor: Cat Chiu Phillips
KITES III
ROUTE 364
ZIG ZAG ZIGGURAT
www.ofallon.mo.us/shape-of-community
Get directions to the new installations and read commentary from the sculptors at
Sculptor: Kelly Ludeking
IN THE ROOM
Sculptor: Nick Hurst
PANGOLIN CURL
Sculptor: Chris Wubbena
VICTORIA
HIGHWAY K
SPORTS PARK
RENAUD CENTER
WESTHOFF PARK
Upcoming Events Please refer to www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-474-2732 for the most up-to-date information, including program and event details, registration and schedules. The activities and events listed on the following pages are accurate as of press time, but all activities are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
The Gym Floor is Lava!
Pumpkin Plunge
Friday, September 11 6 p.m. & 7:15 p.m., Renaud Center
Friday, October 16 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Renaud Center
We’re bringing all of the fun of Netflix’s hit game show “Floor is Lava!” to the Renaud Center. Kids will test their skills on the multilevel obstacle course while trying to avoid falling into the lava! Ages 6-12 will have a blast at this unique experience. The cost is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. You must register in advance at www.renaudcenter.com.
Join us for our 3rd annual Pumpkin Plunge! Your child (ages 3–12) will get to plunge for their perfect pumpkin in our patch and then decorate it. We will also have games and crafts for them to do. The cost is $14 for residents and $19 for non-residents. You must register in advance at www.renaudcenter.com.
Pool Paws Dog Swim Saturday, September 12 9:30 a.m., Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center Let your pup splash into Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center at our annual dog swim! Your furry friend is guaranteed to have a good time with a morning full of swimming that benefits the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (ages 18 and over) and have written proof of rabies vaccinations. The cost is $12 for you and your dog and $5 for each additional person.
Become a volunteer! Call 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
Follow City of O’Fallon festivals & events!
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@visit_ofallon @visitofallon
6
O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Food Truck Fright Friday, October 16 6–8:30 p.m., Dames Park Head to Dames Park for the fall version of Food Truck Frenzy! In addition to food truck fare, enjoy music and seasonal fun, including s’mores and hayrides. See additional details and a list of the participating food trucks at www.ofallon.mo.us/foodtruck-frenzy.
Follow City of O’Fallon festivals and events on Instagram
@visit_ofallon
Mom-ster Mash Friday, October 23 6:30 p.m., Krekel Civic Center Kids, grab your costumes and your “Mummy,” and come out to the Krekel Civic Center for a smashing good time at Mom-ster Mash. This is a dance party for kids and the special lady in their life. The Mom-ster Mash will include a DJ, snacks and drink. The cost is $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. You must register in advance at www.renaudcenter.com. Pricing is per couple. Add $10/$12 per each additional child.
Kidsgiving Friday, November 13 11 a.m., Krekel Civic Center This event puts the “thanks” in Thanksgiving! Join us at the Krekel Civic Center for themed crafts and activities to express our gratitude and get in the Thanksgiving mood. The cost is $20 per child. You must register in advance at www.renaudcenter.com.
Tree Lighting Ceremony Wednesday, November 18 6–8 p.m., O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Ring in the holiday season with this O’Fallon favorite! Gather your family and join Mayor Bill Hennessy in counting down to the lighting of the great tree inside City Hall, officially welcoming Santa to O’Fallon. With plenty of children’s activities and a chance to meet Santa, the whole family will have a great time. In the spirit of giving, please bring donations of canned and boxed food and personal care items to share with O’Fallon residents in need through our local food pantries.
Winter Wonderland Social Saturday, November 21 6 p.m., O’Day Lodge
Celebration of Lights November 27 – December 30 Nightly, Fort Zumwalt Park Celebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 10,000 vehicles each year and benefits local not-for-profit organizations.
Drive-through, no reservations needed: • Tuesday – Sunday • $12 per vehicle • Please note: Celebration of Lights is closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
Specialty rides See the lights from a horse-drawn carriage, sleigh or the City train! These special rides tend to fill quickly. Reservations are required. See www.ofallon.mo.us/celebration-of-lights for more details, including pre-purchase information.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll Monday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 8 6–8:30 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Visitors will walk along the illuminated route, enjoy holiday music, visit with Santa and watch a fireworks show over Lake Whetsel. Holiday gifts and food will be on sale from O’Fallonbased non-profit organizations. Fireworks start at 7:25 p.m. Avoid the lines! From November 12 – December 4, Holiday Stroll wristbands may be purchased in advance at the Renaud Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle. • Admission: $3 per person in advance, November 12 – December 4; $5 per person on day of event (cash only); ages 2 and under are always free • Parking with free shuttle service to the Holiday Stroll: First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway; O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. • Pedestrians are welcome to bring strollers, wagons, walkers and wheelchairs, but no pets or dogs (except service dogs), motorized hoverboards, kids’ scooters, bikes or skateboards • Specialty rides will not be available this night. • The Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll is held rain or shine!
Adults and seniors, come dance to all of your favorite songs and socialize with friends at our Winter Wonderland Social at O’Day Lodge. Snacks and beverages will be provided! Admission is $10 per person for residents and $12 per person for nonresidents. Individuals, couples and groups are welcome. Register in advance at www.renaudcenter.com.
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Volunteer Events National Day of Service and Remembrance Join Volunteer O’Fallon as we remember the heroic acts of first responders on September 11, 2001, and honor the first responders who continue to be heroes for us today.
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 three lives locally. Schedule a convenient time online at www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer, via phone at 636-379-5507 or email at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
O’Fallon’s 20th Annual Make A Difference Day Saturday, October 24 9–11 a.m. Families, organizations and individuals can make a difference in the community by volunteering at roadside cleanups and in O’Fallon’s parks. Help O’Fallon maintain a clean environment where nature can thrive. To register, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ volunteer or call 636-379-5417.
Cornucopia of Care Food Drive Monday, November 2 – Friday, December 11 You and your family are invited to help spread holiday cheer in our community and support local families in need with donations of non-perishable food and personal care items for area food pantries. For more information on needed items or how to collect within your organization/neighborhood, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-3795417. Please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/cornucopia-of-care to view an updated list of collection sites.
19th Annual National Family Volunteer Day Saturday, November 21 9–11 a.m. Bring joy to others this holiday season through volunteering! Families are invited to spend the morning working together to help strengthen our community by sorting, boxing and delivering food and personal care items donated through the Cornucopia of Care Food Drive. To register for this event or for more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer or call 636-379-5417.
Patriotic Events Patriot Day Ceremony Wednesday, 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.
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony Friday, September 18 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
Follow Volunteer O’Fallon on social media! @VolunteerOFallon @Vol_OFallon
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 to return home.
Veterans Day Ceremony Wednesday, November 11 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk Join in a ceremony honoring and thanking our veterans for keeping our country safe.
8
O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Police Bulletins Observant. Professional. Dedicated Golf cart pop-up patrols continue community outreach efforts As part of the O’Fallon Police Department’s continuing outreach to O’Fallon’s neighborhoods, the Community Services Division launched “pop-up” patrols in City neighborhoods using golf carts to patrol the neighborhoods and engage with residents. The initiative, which launched in July, allows officers to interact with residents, hear concerns and get a feel for what’s happening in various subdivisions. There are no announcements of where they will be to ensure the interactions are spontaneous and natural. The Police Department also has partnered with Operation Juice Box, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, to share juice boxes with thirsty kids playing outside in the summer heat.
www.ofallon.mo.us/pd
Special needs emergency stickers available In the continuing effort to make sure residents of O’Fallon are as safe as possible, the O’Fallon Police Department has stickers (free of charge) that will alert first responders that an individual has special needs. These stickers are for homes or vehicles and are intended to aid first responders when interacting with those who may have difficulty with verbal communication. The stickers are available for residents who are deaf, have Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, diabetes, autism or other special needs. If you or a loved one is a resident and are interested in getting a sticker, please contact the O’Fallon Police Department at 636-240-3200.
Officers have reported that through the patrols, they have had great conversations with residents and learned new information that has helped the department better address issues throughout the City. The patrols also allowed officers to help educate residents on the new Citywide golf cart and fireworks ordinances.
Help prevent crime by registering your home camera or surveillance system When crime happens, the O’Fallon Police Department searches high and low for clues. The growing trend of homeowners adding home or doorbell cameras and surveillance systems has given police a new tool to help identify suspects or possible witnesses, even if the crime does not happen on your property. If you have a doorbell camera or surveillance system, sign up for our Residential Surveillance Program. All you have to do to participate is be a resident or business owner who wants to alert the Police Department about surveillance on your property. This only gives officers your contact information, not access to any cameras or video. The O’Fallon Police Department will only contact you in the event a crime occurs in the vicinity of your home or business. To register, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/pd.
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us Communications Specialist • Brett Figus bfigus@ofallon.mo.us
O’Fallon Police Department is on Twitter!
@ofallonpolice www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2020
9
Renew O’Fallon Your tax dollars at work!
www.ofallon.mo.us/projects
Bramblett Road reconstruction to begin soon
2020 Concrete program
The long-awaited reconstruction of Bramblett Road from Schnucks to Bramblett Hills is underway. This project will completely reconstruct the road and includes new concrete pavement with curbs and gutters, sidewalks and storm water improvements. Work began in August and will be completed by the end of the year. There will be several road closures with posted detours during the various stages of construction. Thank you for your patience during this important project.
The Annual Concrete Program started in June and will continue through November. The program focuses on replacing deficient concrete slabs in various roadways throughout the City. Streets are chosen based on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating. You can visit www.ofallon.mo.us/projects to find a list of the streets that will be included in this year’s program.
Guthrie Road Improvement Project
The Annual Crackseal Program is scheduled to begin in September and will continue through November. The program focuses on the cleaning and sealing of cracks and joints in various roadways throughout the City. You can visit www. ofallon.mo.us/projects to find a list of the streets that will be included in this year’s program.
This project includes improving Guthrie Road between Mexico and Bluff Brook Drive by reconstructing the road to ease the severity of the curve near Deer Brook Drive, improving the existing two lane road, providing an ADA-compliant sidewalk along the east side of Guthrie and the signalization of the intersection of Guthrie and Mexico. The traffic signal work has begun and is expected to be completed in September. The remaining improvements are under design with an expected construction date of 2022.
2020 Asphalt program The Annual Asphalt Program is set to begin in September. This year, the program involves the application of a modified quick-set aggregate mixture and pressure-injected crack sealing compound to overlay the street surface. Streets are chosen based on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating. You can visit www.ofallon.mo.us/projects to find a list of the streets that will be included in this year’s program.
Sign up for project update notifications at www.ofallon.mo.us/projects.
2020 Crackseal program
2020 Stormwater projects This group of projects involves stormwater infrastructure upgrades to five locations: Feise Forest Drive, Laura Drive, Sundance Drive, Sunset Acres and Tahoe Court. The general scope of work for these locations involves installation of storm sewer infrastructure, site grading and site restoration.
Stormwater Management Storm drain maintenance on private property You can help prevent pollution and clogging of the storm sewer system and protect your property. Keeping storm sewers free of pollution and clogs from leaves, sticks and more ensures the system can function as designed and helps minimize water buildup that may damage property. Storm drains are designed to capture stormwater runoff and are either located at the curb of the street or in backyards. The stormwater runoff is not treated or filtered, so whatever enters the system, exits the system somewhere else downstream into local steams or retention/detention basins. In order for the storm drains to work properly, they need to be kept clear of debris and other obstacles that may obstruct their openings. If the openings become clogged, this could increase the risk of localized flooding in yards, causing property damage.
How can you help?
10
O’Fallon Update
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
• You can help by keeping these openings clear. Clearing such debris from in front of storm sewers will help them function as intended.
• Do not plant landscape around the openings; stay at least three feet away from openings. • Do not deposit grass clippings, leaves or branches into storm sewers. Large accumulations can cause pipes to become clogged and back up and flood properties or streets. • Remove trees and bushes directly next to storm sewers when they are just starting to grow before they get large enough to cause potential damage to the storm sewer structures or block flow due to their size. If a larger concern arises, call the Stormwater Maintenance Division at 636-379-7632.
Water and Sewer Protect your home and sewer system by keeping “FOG” out of the sewer! Take action this fall to protect your home and sewer by properly disposing of fats, oils and grease (FOG) used in cooking, instead of disposing them down the drain. FOG can look harmless when it begins as a liquid. When they cool, however, FOG becomes thick and sticky, adhering to the pipes of our sewer system and potentially causing clogs, basement backups and sewer overflows. FOG also can cause issues in the pipes of your home, producing clogs or backups. Fats, oils and grease are a byproduct of cooking and are mostly found in the following: • Meats • Cooking oil
Public Assistance For low-income residents and others who qualify, the City of O’Fallon offers assistance that includes down payment support for new homebuyers and funds to help low-income O’Fallon residents with bills and utilities. More information and applications for each program is located at www.ofallon. mo.us/grants.
Emergency Homeless Prevention The City of O’Fallon has contracted with Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service to administer the Emergency Homeless Prevention Program. The program helps low- to moderate-income O’Fallon residents on the verge of homelessness remain in their homes through financial assistance with mortgage, rent and utilities. For more information, please contact Saints Joachim & Ann Care Service at 636-441-1302.
O’Fallon’s Down Payment Assistance Program Do you have a friend or family member who wants to move to O’Fallon? The Down Payment Assistance program (DPA) for low-income, first-time homebuyers provides zero interest forgivable $10,000 loans towards the down payment on purchasing a home in O’Fallon. Pre-purchase housing counseling is required for eligibility.
You can help a local charity when you pay O’Fallon utility bills
• “Hidden oils” (salad dressings, syrup, batter, cheese and whipping cream, etc.)
Residents can easily assist local charities by donating $1, $3 or $5 per billing cycle when they pay their City water, sewer and trash collection bills. Each year, the O’Fallon City Council designates a charity to receive the funds, and for 2020 it is Meals on Wheels. The nonprofit depends on voluntary donations for the hot, nutritious food delivered to homebound seniors who can’t easily make a meal.
You can do your part to help sewer systems work properly by using the disposal methods provided below:
To register for the donation program, simply call 636-379-5566 or email kpieper@ofallon. mo.us.
• Lard or shortening • Butter or margarine • Mayonnaise • Food scraps
• Wipe visible FOG and food scraps from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash for disposal. • Never pour FOG down your sink drain, garbage disposal or the sewer system • Cool it, can it and trash it. Pour cooled FOG into a container such as empty pet food, vegetable or coffee cans. Allow the material to cool and solidify. Secure the lid and place it in the trash when full.
Have a question or concern for City of O’Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us.
Please do not post signs on public property 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.
www.ofallon.mo.us Autumn 2020
11
Calendar September
The meetings and events below are subject to change due to the COVID-19 situation. Please go to www.ofallon.mo.us for the most up-to-date calendar of events.
24
O’Fallon’s 20th Annual Make A Difference Day, 9 a.m.
26
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
8
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
28
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
9
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center
10
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop, 5:30 p.m.
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
11
Patriot Day Ceremony, 8:30 a.m., 9-11 Memorial at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre
Patriot Blood Drive, 9 a.m.
The Gym Floor is Lava!, 6 p.m. & 7:15 p.m., Renaud Center
12
Pool Paws Dog Swim, 9:30 a.m., Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Ctr.
14
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
15
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
16
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
18
POW/MIA Remembrance Day Ceremony, 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
21
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
O’Fallon Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
23
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center
24
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop 5:30 p.m.
26
Shred-It Day, 8 a.m., Environmental Services Building
28
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
October
November 2
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
Cornucopia of Care Food Drive begins
4
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
5
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
10
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
11
Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Walk
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
12
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop, 5:30 p.m.
13
Kidsgiving, 11 a.m., Krekel Civic Center
16
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
O’Fallon Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
17
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
18
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Court Payment Docket, 1:30 p.m., Justice Center
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 p.m.
1
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
3
Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m., CarShield Field parking lot
21
19th Annual National Family Volunteer Day, 9 a.m.
Winter Wonderland Social, 6 p.m., O’Day Lodge
5
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
26 City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop, 5:30 p.m.
7
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
27
8
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Celebration of Lights opens
December
10
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m., Environmental Services Building
13
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
14
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
2
Municipal Court, 9 a.m., Justice Center
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m.
16
Food Truck Fright, 6 p.m., Dames Park
3
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
Pumpkin Plunge, 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Renaud Center
5
Electronics & Appliance Recycling Event, 8 a.m., CarShield Field
19
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
7
Municipal Court, 5 p.m., Justice Center
O’Fallon Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
20 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
8
Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll, 6 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
21
Public Works Advisory Committee, 7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m.
22
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop, 5:30 p.m.
9
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
23
Mom-ster Mash, 6:30 p.m., Krekel Civic Center
10
City Council, 7:30 p.m.; Workshop 5:30 p.m.
12
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.
