O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Spring 2014 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Please vote to help shape our future O’Fallon’s new Disc Golf Course to open in April Don’t miss the grand opening of “The Fort,” O’Fallon’s new 18-hole disc golf course in Fort Zumwalt Park. At noon on Saturday, April 12, Mayor Bill Hennessy will lead a ribbon-cutting ceremony and officially throw out the first disc. A commemorative disc will be given to the first 100 people who attend. Golf pros with Gateway Disc Golf will demonstrate techniques, offer tips and sell game merchandise. All ages will be invited to try out “The Fort.” There is never a charge for open play.
In this issue 2
Senior Tax Rebates
3
Propositions J & P
4
Roscoe’s Den
5
Public Works
6
Upcoming Events
10 Volunteer O’Fallon, Media Center
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s we close the books on one of the coldest winters we’ve had in a long time, we’ll start spring off with our annual municipal election on April 8th. This year, O’Fallon’s voters will elect more than half of our City Council members and will consider two propositions that I believe will help shape the future of our great City, Proposition J and Proposition P. Proposition J allows for the construction of a new Justice Center. Here in O’Fallon, we are extremely proud of our ranking as one of the safest cities in America, and we want to keep it that way. As our City grows, the need for more police officers also grows. This year, we will be hiring six new officers. Right now, when we hire these new officers, we will literally have to put their lockers in a basement hallway. The current Police Department already has outgrown our station, and that problem will only worsen in the future. With your support, we can build a Justice Center that addresses this need. Proposition P provides for the construction of two significant new parks projects: a new park off Highway DD and a major renovation of Civic Park to add a new Civic Hall and double the capacity of the Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center. Our residents have continuously cited the need for more park space, playgrounds, nature trails and meeting and program space as their top parks priorities. Proposition P will address all of these needs. Page 3 of this newsletter includes a detailed overview of both propositions. You also can find more information on our website at www.ofallon.mo.us. I am strongly in favor of these propositions, and believe they will make our City better. I encourage you to research them carefully, and I hope that you will consider supporting them in April. Thank you! And, please remember to check out all of the great activities going on around O’Fallon this spring, shop local and “Keep it in the O!”
Bill Hennessy, Mayor The information on this page is intended only to help inform residents about what issues they may find on their ballot and not to advocate for or against the issues or persuade anyone how he or she should vote on April 8.
City Council candidates to meet at MYAC Forum Hear the candidates running in the April 8 municipal election give their views on City issues at the annual Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) Candidate Forum, Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre. The public is invited to attend the event or watch it live or on demand on O’FallonTV (Charter Channel 991, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, or www.ofallon.mo.us).
11 Police Bulletins 12 City Calendar
See reverse for the Spring Parks & Rec Guide
Elected Officials
Mayor Bill Hennessy 636-379-5500 bhennessy@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 1 Councilmembers Bill Gardner 636-379-5581 bgardner@ofallon.mo.us
Rick Lucas 636-379-5582 rlucas@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 2 Councilmembers Rose Mack 636-379-5591 rmack@ofallon.mo.us
Jim Pepper 636-379-5583 jpepper@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 3 Councilmembers Richard “Rick” Battelle 636-379-5586 rbattelle@ofallon.mo.us
John Haman, Jr. 636-379-5585 jhaman@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 4 Councilmembers Bob Howell 636-379-5587 bhowell@ofallon.mo.us
Jeff Schwentker 636-379-5580 jschwentker@ofallon.mo.us
Ward 5 Councilmember Mike Pheney 636-379-5584 mpheney@ofallon.mo.us
Citizens First Center
Helpful Numbers
636-379-5553
City Hall 636-240-2000
Remember to vote in the April 8 Municipal Election If you’re a registered voter, please be sure to vote in the City’s general election on Tuesday, April 8. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Also be sure to bring your identification and polling information to your polling place. Voters in each of the City’s five wards can select one O’Fallon City Council member to serve a three-year term to represent the ward in which they live. Ward 5 voters also are asked to select a second representative to fill an open seat for a two-year term. The ballot also includes two Citywide propositions, Proposition J and Proposition P. For more information on these two ballot issues, please see page 3.
O’Fallon seniors and disabled residents can file for 2013 utility and phone tax rebates this spring Are you an O’Fallon resident who is age 65 or older or a City resident who has been determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration? If you meet the age or disability requirements and income limits, you may qualify for rebates on taxes paid on your 2013 gas, electric and phone bills. To qualify, residents must have an annual adjusted gross income that does not exceed:
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$38,750 for a single person $44,300 for a married (two-person) household Please note that Social Security income is not counted.
Utility tax rebate filing will begin on Tuesday, April 1, and continue through Friday, May 30, at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall). City staff will be on hand to assist residents during business hours, Monday through Friday. Residents seeking rebates must file in person and bring:
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A photo ID with your O’Fallon address (driver’s license, state ID or passport) Copies of 2013 bills for gas, electricity, and phone and cell phone service; bills must show an O’Fallon address A copy of your 2013 federal income tax return Proof of Social Security disability if you are disabled
You can help speed the filing process by picking up a rebate form at City Hall or online at www.ofallon.mo.us. For more information, contact the Citizens First Center at 636-379-5553 or citizensfirst@ofallon.mo.us.
Home Improvement Loan Program benefits low-income O’Fallon residents Could you use an extra $5,000 to help with home repairs? Projects like replacing an aging heating/cooling unit, repairing a roof or replacing windows are a few of the eligible repairs for O’Fallon’s Home Improvement Loan Program. The City has funds for five-year forgivable loans of up to $5,000 to help low-to-moderateincome O’Fallon homeowners who meet income and other guidelines. More information about the Home Improvement Loan Program is available at www.ofallon.mo.us. Or, contact 636-379-5411 or jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
Police (Non-emergency) 636-240-3200
O’Fallon Senior Center 636-272-4180
Trash and Recycling 636-272-0477
O’Fallon Water & Sewer 636-281-2858
Have a question or concern for City of O'Fallon staff? If so, visit the Citizens First Center at www.ofallon.mo.us. Use the tools to view our frequently asked questions, ask a question, make a service request or login to follow the status of your request.
Proposition J and Proposition P on O’Fallon’s municipal ballot
O’Day Park
O
n April 8, O’Fallon voters will have a chance to make their voices heard by voting in the City’s municipal election. As you join your neighbors in this important community process, you’ll be deciding on two ballot issues, Proposition J and Proposition P. Proposition J will allow the City to build a new, convenientlylocated Justice Center to house the City’s Police Department and Municipal Court. The current site at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre was designed to serve a population of approximately 60,000 people, but O’Fallon’s population is now approaching 82,000. The new center also would provide a permanent courtroom for the O’Fallon Municipal Court instead of the meeting room in which it is now held at City Hall. The projected cost of the Justice Center is $33.68 million.
Civic Park improvements
New Justice Center
This is what you will find on the ballot:
Proposition P would fund the development of a new 55-acre park named O’Day Park, and the construction of new facilities in Civic Park. The natural beauty of O’Day Park will create a passive “get-away-from-it-all” park with nature trails, walking paths, a playground, a zipline, a lodge for meetings and banquets and an amphitheater for educational programs. The projected cost of the park is $10.6 million. The Civic Park improvements would meet the City’s need for more meeting space and recreational features, with a new Civic Hall and an expanded Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center with new features that will double the capacity of the facility. These Civic Park improvements are projected to cost $8.45 million. For more information on these projects, please visit www. ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5508. For information on voting and polling places, visit http://election.sccmo.org/election. The project overviews on this page are intended only to help inform residents about what issues they may find on their ballot and not to advocate for or against the issues or persuade anyone how he or she should vote on April 8.
PROPOSITION J – Shall the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in an amount up to Thirty-Three Million Six Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($33,680,000) for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping a new justice center, including an updated police station with holding cells, police training facilities and a municipal courtroom? INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: If you are in favor of the Proposition, fill in the circle opposite the word “Yes”. If you are opposed to the Proposition, fill in the circle opposite the word “No”.
PROPOSITION P – Shall the City of O’Fallon, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in an amount up to Nineteen Million Fifty Thousand Dollars ($19,050,000) for the purpose of parks and recreation improvements consisting of constructing, furnishing and equipping a new civic hall community center, making improvements and expanding Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center and developing O’Day Park by constructing, furnishing and equipping a lodge, to provide new trails and other new recreational opportunities? INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: If you are in favor of the Proposition, fill in the circle opposite the word “Yes”. If you are opposed to the Proposition, fill in the circle opposite the word “No.”
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2014
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Roscoe’s Den Trash and Recycling Announcements Trash/recycling service will not change for Memorial Day week Trash and recycling collection for the week of May 26 will not change. Please put your trash and recycling at the curb on your regularly-scheduled day. For more information about O’Fallon’s trash/recycling program, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us or call 636-272-0477.
Now is the time to add the convenience of yard waste disposal to your trash service If you’re an O’Fallon resident, you’re eligible to sign up for the convenience of curbside yard waste service for lawn clippings, leaves, tree limbs and garden clean-up. The cost for weekly yard waste service is only $7.50 per month. Please remember that it is illegal to dump yard waste (or anything else!) into City storm sewers, and it is illegal to discard yard waste in the trash. You can enroll at any time by contacting the Environmental Services Department at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or 636-272-0477. Are you already enrolled? O’Fallon’s weekly yard waste collection resumes on Monday, March 10.
Free bulk-waste drop-off Cleaning house? City of O’Fallon trash customers are invited to bring items that are too large to fit inside trash containers to the City’s waste transfer station at 1572 Progress West Lane. The free service is provided on one Saturday every other month from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. The dates are April 12, June 21, August 16, October 18 and December 13. Be sure to bring a photo ID showing your O’Fallon address. Also, please note that you must unload your own items and some items cannot be legally accepted, such as yard waste. For a list of acceptable and unacceptable bulk waste items, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ES.
Roscoe says: Please remember, always bag your trash to prevent loose papers from littering the neighborhood!
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
www.ofallon.mo.us
Don’t use toilets or drains as trashcans You can help avoid expensive sewage backups in your home or sewer line by adopting one simple rule – never dispose of any manufactured product, except toilet paper, in your toilet. Even manufactured products marked “disposable” or “eco-friendly” are not toilet-friendly. Also, do not put natural products like hair or kitchen leftovers like oil, grease, coffee grounds or eggshells down the toilet or a household drain. When manufactured products other than toilet paper are flushed, the items do not decompose, and they can snag or clump together, forming pipe-clogging blockages, costly basement backups, and serious problems for wastewater treatment facilities. Here’s a more complete list of items to NEVER flush down a toilet or put down a drain:
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Baby wipes, diapers, facial tissues, sanitary napkins, tampons Rags and towels Syringes, cotton swabs Candy or other wrappers, fruit labels Clothing labels, underwear Cleaning sponges, disposable toilet brushes Toys or plastic items of any description Any rubber or latex item, such as latex gloves Aquarium gravel or kitty litter (kitty litter will eventually clog your drain) Cigarette butts Hair Oil, fat, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells Household chemicals (except toilet cleaners), paint thinners Medications of any kind
Public Works City Infrastructure Updates
www.ofallon.mo.us
Keep an eye out for upcoming City projects
Please report burnt-out City street lights
At any given time, a number of projects to construct, extend or maintain City streets and water and sewer service are underway throughout the City. Some major projects to watch for this spring are:
For safety’s sake, City streets and neighborhoods should be well-lit. You can help by reporting any burnt-out street lights in your area. To file a brief report, note the exact street address where the light is located.
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The westward extension of Crusher Drive, which currently ends near Auto Mall Drive. When the work is finished, Crusher will be reconnected near Tee Kay Drive.
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The reconstruction of Laura Hill Road from Highway K to the fire station (about one block).
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The construction of a two million gallon ground storage tank at the City’s water treatment plant to boost capacity.
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Repainting the exterior of Water Tower #6. The installation of a turbo blower for treating wastewater at the City’s wastewater treatment facility.
To see maps of project locations as well as follow the progress of projects, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/city-projects.
1. Copy the pole number, which is typically located a little above head height and beginning with either “OF” or “L” followed by numbers. 2. Visit the City’s homepage at www.ofallon.mo.us and select the “Citizens First Center” button. 3. Select “Make a request/Report a problem.” 4. Scroll down to the words, “Report Street Light Outage,” and click “Select.” You will get an online form to fill in. The City of O’Fallon does not own or maintain City street lights, but City staff will report lights that need maintenance to the utility companies.
What’s your responsibility related to water and sewer laterals? As a homeowner, you are responsible for certain parts of the water and sewer lines that connect to your house. O’Fallon’s Sewer Lateral Insurance Program may provide financial assistance to help homeowners with the cost of qualified sewer line repairs.
Typical Residential Water and Sewer Connections
*See www.ofallon. mo.us/sewer-lateralinsurance-program for complete program details.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2014
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Upcoming Events www.ofallon.mo.us/events V+ O’FallonTheatreWorks presents Twelve Angry Jurors Fridays and Saturdays, March 21–22 and 28–29, 8 p.m. Sundays, March 23 and 30, 2 p.m. O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) Come see some of O’Fallon’s best actors perform the famed story of 12 jurors who are charged with determining the future of a 19-year-old on trial for the murder of his father. The tension-filled drama takes the audience behind the door of the jury room where one juror begins to question the facts of what seems to be an open-and-shut case. As the electrifying final scene unfolds, patrons are sure to be sitting on the edges of their seats. Get a discount by purchasing tickets in advance at the Renaud Spirit Center, or by calling staff at 636-474-2732. The discounted tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students 6–17 and seniors age 55 and older. Tickets will cost an additional $2 each if purchased at the box office, which opens an hour before each show. Concessions will be available for purchase.
O’Fallon Garden Expo & Kite Event
Disc Golf Course Grand Opening
NEW!
Saturday, April 12 Noon – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy will preside over the grand opening of “The Fort,” a new, 18-hole disc golf course built through the woods in Fort Zumwalt Park. The ceremony includes a ribbon-cutting at the first hole and the first official toss of the golf disc by Mayor Hennessy. The first 100 attendees will receive a commemorative disc. Disc golf pros with Gateway Disc Sports will demonstrate throwing techniques and provide tips for playing the game, and guests will be encouraged to try the course. For more information, call 636379-5574 or email ecooper@ofallon.mo.us.
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Saturday, April 12 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Get growing this spring with live plants and yard and garden accessories for sale at the Garden Expo & Kite Event. Talk with lawn, landscape, gardening and beekeeping experts. Highlights include St. Louis Master Gardener Anne Kirkpatrick, who will provide tips on cultivating hydrangeas, Gateway Kite Club kiting demonstrations and free kite-making for kids! Free Norway spruce saplings will be given away to the first 50 people (one per family), an Arbor Day ceremony will be held and the historic Heald Home will be open for tours ($2 per person). Event admission is free and concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, please contact jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5614.
Auditions for Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids Saturday, April 12 and 19 Noon, O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall) auditorium Kids ages 8 – 16 are invited to audition for The Jungle Book Kids, which is based on Disney’s full-length cartoon feature. With colorful characters and a toe-tapping musical score, The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a lot of fun for the cast, chorus and audience, too. Volunteers also are needed to help build a set and stage the production. For more information, call 636474-8150 or email dgranaas@ofallon.mo.us.
“Like” Visit O’Fallon on Facebook
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Become a volunteer! Call 636-379-5417 or email volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
Get the most out of summer at River City Rascals baseball games Take the whole family out to the ballgame this summer and cheer for our home team, the River City Rascals. Amenities include great seats, between-inning games and activities, special promotions, party suites, giveaways, great food and affordable prices. To kick off the 2014 season, the River City Rascals will face the Wichita WingNuts on Friday, May 9. For tickets, promotions and other information, check out the Rascals’ homepage, www.rivercityrascals.com.
2014 Rascals’ Home Schedule Home game times: Monday – Saturday, 7:05 p.m. and Sundays 5:05 p.m., except as noted. May 9 May 11 May 23–25 May 27–29 May 30 – June 1 June 10–12 June 13–15 June 20–22 June 24–26 July 8–10 July 11–13 July 24–26 July 27–29 July 30 – August 1 August 6–8 August 12–14 August 15–17 August 26–28 August 29–31
Wichita Wingnuts, 11:05 a.m. – season opener Frontier Greys, 3:05 p.m. Gateway Grizzlies Frontier Greys Schaumburg Boomers Rockford Aviators Traverse City Beach Bums Gateway Grizzlies Joliet Slammers Schaumburg Boomers Windy City Thunderbolts Frontier Greys Normal CornBelters Evansville Otters Florence Freedom Frontier Greys Southern Illinois Miners Washington Wild Things Lake Erie Crushers
Directions From I-70, take Exit 219 at T.R. Hughes Blvd., turn north on T. R. Hughes and drive for approximately one mile to the ballpark.
Parking All general parking is free. The lot is located at the southwest corner of T.R. Hughes Blvd. and Tom Ginnever Ave. Disabled and VIP parking are available near the ballpark entrance.
O’Fallon Founders’ Day
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Saturday, May 3 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Learn how everyday items like cloth and baskets were made, what kind of games were played and which chores would have awaited you in the days when O’Fallon was a rural community. Activities include cow milking, spinning wool into cloth, indigo dying, beekeeping, making corn husk dolls, basket weaving, rope making, broom-making and more. Professor Farquar and Polecat Annie will provide entertainment. The St. Charles Model Railroad Club exhibit will be open, free (donations are welcome). Historic Heald Home tours will be available at $2 per person. Concessions will include gourmet hotdogs for sale. For more information, contact the Tourism and Festivals Division at 636-379-5614 or jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us.
O’Fallon Historical Society’s Log Cabin Museum Open May – September, 2nd and 4th Sundays 12–3 p.m., Civic Park Explore O’Fallon’s history and chat with the people who know it best! Tours also are available by appointment; email your request to info@ofallonmohistory.org.
Project HOME Golf Tournament fundraiser Friday, May 9 Doors open at 10 a.m., shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. The Falls Golf Club, 1170 Turtle Creek Drive, O’Fallon 63366 Sign your team up early to be sure of getting a place in this popular benefit tournament. O’Fallon’s annual Project HOME Golf Tournament offers an 18-hole round of golf, lunch and dinner, snacks and beverages, contests, games, raffles, prizes and a silent auction. Registration is $100 per golfer, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to assist eligible, low-income homeowners in resolving code violations. To register for the tournament, be a sponsor or donate funds and supplies for Project HOME, please call 636-379-5411 or email jhawkins@ofallon.mo.us.
MYAC O’Fest
NEW!
Saturday, May 10 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Civic Park Hear the best local youth bands perform at the first Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) O’Fest music celebration. Stay tuned to www.ofallon.mo.us for band information, schedules and more.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2014
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Patriotic Ceremonies Armed Forces Day Ceremony Saturday, May 17 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk Everyone is invited to attend this patriotic ceremony honoring women in the military.
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 26 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk Please join in honoring the memory of the U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines and pilots who gave their lives to preserve our freedom.
V+ NEW! Ready. Set. Glow! 5K Challenge Run and Family Night Friday, May 16 7 p.m., Renaud Spirit Center (Despicable Me 2 movie starts at 8 p.m.) Register for our first nighttime 5K run. The obstacle course will be fun but challenging, with a glow bracelet given for each station successfully completed. Prizes will be awarded for navigating all of the obstacles. But you don’t have to run to enjoy the evening’s fun, which includes a free outdoor movie, live entertainment and kids’ games. Food trucks will be available for concessions. Race registration is $15 for ages 14 and under, and $20 for ages 16+. As an added bonus, the RSC will offer 10% off new annual memberships the entire weekend.
O’Fallon’s Public Works Fair
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Wednesday, May 21 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., T.R. Hughes Ballpark parking lot (west side) Free! Kids love this family-oriented fair where the focus is on big equipment — and they get to sit in the driver’s seat! See snow plows, a paint striper, backhoes, a radar trailer, street sweeper, water main break service truck and more. Admission is free and activities include:
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Free rides on the City train for all ages. Giveaways A hotdog with chips and water Safety awareness games and activities for kids and educational material for adults.
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O’Fallon Update City of O’Fallon Newsletter
Alligator’s Creek opens Memorial Day weekend with new features May 24 – May 26 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, noon – 7 p.m. Sunday, and noon – 6 p.m. Monday Whether you purchase a season pass or come for the day, Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center will be more fun than ever with new features opening in time for summer. In addition to the spring diving board, two pools, two water slides, lazy river, vortex, interactive water playground and zero-depth entry pool, the complex will now feature tipping buckets over the lazy river and a new drop slide. The buckets are designed to fill and spill water when they reach the tipping point. The new drop slide will provide a short, fast ride with a drop that shoots guests into the pool. For more information about Alligator’s Creek hours, passes and admission, see page 19 of the Parks & Rec Guide.
O’Fallon Jammin’ outdoor concerts
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Tuesdays, June 3 – August 19; no concert July 1 6:30 – 9 p.m., Civic Park Bandstand June 3 – Contagious, rock ‘n’ roll June 10 – NashVegas, new country music and all-time hits June 17 – Silver Bullet STL, Bob Seger tribute band June 24 – O’Fallon Community Concert Band and Jazz Band Free! This summer, sit back and relax or get up and dance to the music on Tuesday evenings in Civic Park. Each outdoor concert brings a different band and different brand of music to the stage, including country, rock ‘n’ roll, R & B, Motown, oldies, pop, swing, big band and jazz. New this year, food trucks will provide gourmet food and beverages for sale. There’s no charge for admission and parking, and a playground is located near the bandstand. Bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. Check www.ofallon.mo.us/ jammin for concert updates, weather-related information and the complete band schedule, or call 636-379-5614.
Family Fishing Day at Lake Whetsel
O’Fallon’s Independence Day Parade
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Sunday, June 8 8 a.m. – noon, Fort Zumwalt Park Free! On Sunday, June 8, kids ages 5 – 12 are invited to try their hand at catch-and-release fishing at Lake Whetsel. Activities include worm races, a casting contest, a reel race, and more, courtesy of O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Department. Be sure to bring your own bait and tackle to participate. No fishing license is required for ages 15 and under or 65 and older.
Food Truck Frenzy Saturdays on June 14, July 19 and August 16 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park Once a month this summer, bring your appetite to the Food Truck Frenzy in scenic Fort Zumwalt Park. Listen to live music while you picnic on your favorite gourmet food and beverages purchased from a variety of food trucks. Admission is free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. The historic Heald Home will be open for tours at $2 per person. For up-to-date information about the event, please visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ food-truck-frenzy, email jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us or call 636-379-5614.
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Don’t miss O’Fallon’s rousing, patriotic Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4, in downtown O’Fallon. Join your friends and neighbors along the parade route (Main Street north to Tom Ginnever, then east to the festival grounds) and cheer for the entries. You or your organization also are invited to build an entry and be in the parade. Prizes of $200 for first place and $100 for second place will be awarded to the “Best Musical Float” and “Most Patriotic Float,” with plaques for “Best Color Guard.” “Best Overall” entries will be awarded $500, $400 or $300 for first, second and third place. Originality, music and mechanical movement earn extra points. A complete set of guidelines are listed on the applications, which will be posted in April on the festival website, www.heritageandfreedomfest. com or available at the Renaud Spirit Center, City Hall or the Parks and Recreation Office. Mailed parade applications must be submitted or postmarked by noon on Friday, May 23. For questions, please email mseymour@ofallon.mo.us.
Celebrate O’Fallon Parks and Recreation!
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$10 tickets to “O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Night” at T.R. Hughes Ballpark Sunday, July 27 4:05 p.m. (Game at 5:05 p.m.), T.R. Hughes Ballpark
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest 2014
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Wednesday, July 2, 5–10 p.m., family night Thursday, July 3, 5–11 p.m., country music Friday, July 4, noon – 10 p.m., rock ‘n roll Ozzie Smith Sports Complex The whole family will have a blast at O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest, the City’s biggest festival of the year! Celebrate America’s freedom with thrilling carnival rides and a midway July 2–4. On July 3–4, enjoy professional fireworks displays, nationally-known bands performing on the Main Stage, family-friendly entertainment and free kids’ activities. Festival admission and parking are free. Fees are charged for carnival rides, midway games, festival concessions and vendors’ merchandise. Visit www.heritageandfreedomfest. com for updates or call 636-379-5614.
Join us in celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. Cheer for our own River City Rascals as they take on the Normal CornBelters. The gates will open one hour before the game officially starts. Be sure to bring your camera! Festivities include a pre-game parade, vendor booths, kids’ games, face painting, and more. You might even get a chance to throw out the first pitch or participate in on-field games between innings! Besides admission to the game, the ticket price includes pre-game and game-time activities and a food voucher for a hotdog, chips and a drink. Seats are located along the third base line behind the visitor’s dugout. Admission is free for children two and under. Reserve your tickets today with Courtney Oakley at 636-240-2287, ext. 242, and pick them up at the Rascals’ box office.
V+ indicates opportunities for volunteers. Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2014
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Volunteer O’Fallon
Senior Corner
Springtime is a great time to volunteer! Sign up to beautify City parks, clean up creeks, roadsides and streams, or help with City events. Contact O’Fallon’s Volunteer Services at volunteer@ofallon.mo.us or 636-379-5417. Or visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.
Alternative Spring Break V+ March 10 – 28 Students, faculty and families are invited to spend spring break beautifying our City parks. Activities include mulching trees, planting decorative grasses and clearing trails.
Saturday, April 5 9 a.m. – noon, Civic Park Spruce up this popular family park by mulching trees and landscaped beds and tidying the park and creek.
National Volunteer Week April 6 – 16 Join O’Fallon in celebrating City volunteers all week long!
Global Youth Service Days V+ Weekdays, April 7 – 17 Enjoy the outdoors! Volunteers are needed to plant flowers and mulch trees and flower beds.
Mission: Clean Stream V+ Saturday, April 12 9 a.m. – noon Join in collecting litter and trash from local creeks and streams, or mulch trees and landscaped beds in a City park.
O’Fallon Earth Day V+
Help give O’Fallon a spring cleaning! Get your family, friends, scout troop or church involved in collecting trash along creeks and roads, or planting flowers and mulching trees and landscaped beds in City parks.
National Join Hands Day V+ Saturday, May 3 9–11 a.m. It’s fun to make O’Fallon shine by helping with park projects and Clean Stream activities.
City of O’Fallon Newsletter
City of O’Fallon’s new Citizens First Mobile App to launch soon O’Fallon’s Citizens First Center offers residents the quickest, easiest way to get in touch with City staff or notify the City of issues, and it’s about to get even easier. This spring, O’Fallon will become the first city in St. Charles County to launch a mobile app which will allow residents to get in touch with the City using their mobile device. The new Citizens First Mobile App will be available free of charge for Apple-, Android- and Windows-supported devices. With this app, residents will be able to ask a question on the go or even snap a picture of a pothole and report it to City staff with just a few clicks. And, the App will include our new mobile business map and directory, making it easy to find a restaurant or retailer in O’Fallon. Stay tuned to O’Fallon’s e-newsletter for the launch date and then go to your App Store to download the App.
Keep up-to-date with the electronic version of the O’Fallon Update
Saturday, April 26 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
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Volunteer drivers are needed to help support the Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program. This program provides transportation to senior residents living in O’Fallon who need rides to medical services within St. Louis and St. Charles counties, including hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical facilities. Please call Sarah Stout at 636-978-3306 if you are interested in volunteering.
Media Center
Park Partners Day V+
O’Fallon Update
Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program accepting volunteers
Are you getting the latest news on your hometown? Register today for O’Fallon’s electronic version of the O’Fallon Update. The newsletter offers the latest news on City events and news and provides a link to the weekly City Administrator’s report, where you will find a detailed breakdown of City projects and insight on many of the issues under consideration by the City Council. The Update also is used to help keep residents informed in emergency situations, such as severe storms, snow events, etc. To receive the O’Fallon Update, go to www.ofallon.mo.us and follow the link on the front page. You also may register by emailing tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us.
Communications Director • Tom Drabelle • tdrabelle@ofallon.mo.us Staff Writer • Peggy Whetzel • pwhetzel@ofallon.mo.us Web and Design Administrator • Bryan Wieczorek • bwieczorek@ofallon.mo.us
Police Bulletins O’Fallon Police Department Briefs Free gun locks can help keep your family safe O’Fallon gun owners are invited to take advantage of the O’Fallon Police Department’s free Gun Lock Program. The gun locks are available from the O’Fallon Police Department’s Records Division, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 636-379-5428 for more details.
Attend free Senior Citizens Police Academy classes at the O’Fallon Senior Center Seniors wanting up-to-date information about protecting themselves or with an interest in law enforcement are invited to attend free Senior Citizen Police Academy classes at the O’Fallon Senior Center, 106 North Main Street. The Senior Center is on the east side of the O’Fallon Municipal Centre parking lot. Classes will be held from 1–2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March. Taught by the O’Fallon Police Department, the topics and activities are geared to seniors’ interests, including fraud, scams and identity theft, elder abuse and neglect, EMS response, home safety and emergency preparedness, social media, police dispatch, K-9 team and SWAT demos, and more. Seniors do not need to register for the academy, nor do they have to attend every class to complete the program. For more information, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/seniorcitizens-police-academy. If you have questions, please email Police Officer Kevin DeHart at kdehart@ofallon.mo.us. If email is not possible, contact the O’Fallon Police Department at 636-240-3200.
www.ofallon.mo.us/PD
Parents can select morning or afternoon classes.
Session I: June 9–20 40634 M-F 9:00-11:30A 40637 M-F 12:30-3:00P
Morning class Afternoon class
Session II: June 23 – July 3 40635 M-F 9:00-11:30A 40638 M-F 12:30-3:00P
Morning class Afternoon class
Session III: July 7–18 40636 M-F 9:00-11:30A 40639 M-F 12:30-3:00P
Morning class Afternoon class
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To register in person, come to the Renaud Spirit Center during normal business hours, and pay with cash, check or a credit card.
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To register online, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/parks&rec and click on “Register Online.” Enter the 5-digit course code listed above for the class of your choice.
For additional information about Safety Town, visit www. ofallon.mo.us/PD/ofallon-safety-town.
Kids have fun learning to play safe in O’Fallon Safety Town Protect young children by enrolling them in a first-class safety program, O’Fallon’s 28th Annual Safety Town. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, at the Renaud Spirit Center. Only parents or legal guardians may enroll children. O’Fallon Safety Town is a nationally-accredited program designed to teach children ages 4½ through 6½ how to play safe and stay safe. The program is presented by law enforcement professionals, teachers and volunteers in a kidsized, simulated town layout at Progress South Elementary School, 201 Knaust Road, St. Peters 63376. Space is limited, so early enrollment is encouraged. The cost for the two-week session is $60 per child; each additional child from the same family is $40. Fees must be paid in full when children are enrolled.
Get updates: @OFallonPolice
www.ofallon.mo.us Spring 2014
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Calendar
All events, public meetings and Municipal Court proceedings are held at O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, unless otherwise noted.
www.ofallon.mo.us/events
March 1-31 Oak Leaf Artist Guild exhibit, “Treasures of Oak Leaf” 13
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
17
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
18
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Candidate Forum, 7 p.m.
19
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 1 p.m.
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
19
Auditions for Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids, noon
21
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
23
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
24
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
26
O’Fallon Earth Day, 9 a.m. – noon
28
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
May 1-31 Rosalie Wheeler exhibit, RSC
21-23 Twelve Angry Jurors, 8 p.m. Fri – Sat, 2 p.m. Sunday
1
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
24
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
3
National Join Hands Day, 9–11 a.m.
27
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Founders’ Day, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, free
6
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
7
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
8
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
28-30 Twelve Angry Jurors, 8 p.m. Fri – Sat, 2 p.m. Sunday
April 1
Utility tax rebate filing opens, 8 a.m., City Hall, through May 30
9
Project HOME Golf Tournament, 11:30 a.m.
Safety Town registration opens, 8 a.m. Renaud Spirit Center
10
MYAC O’Fest, 11 a.m., Civic Park
12
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
13
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
2
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
14
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
Advisory Green Council, 5:30 p.m.
3
Planning and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Ready. Set. Glow! 5K Challenge Run, 7 p.m. Movie (Despicable Me 2) 8 p.m., RSC
5
Park Partners Day, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Civic Park
17
Armed Forces Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk
8
Municipal Election, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
19
Veterans Commission, 7 p.m.
Parks Board, 7 p.m.
20
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
9
Board of Adjustment, 5:30 p.m.
21
Public Works Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
10
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
Senior Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
11-30 Rosalie Wheeler exhibit, Cultural Arts Gallery in the RSC, free
Public Works Commission, 7 p.m.
22
City Council, 7:30 p.m., workshop, 5:30 p.m.
12
26
Memorial Day, RSC and City Hall CLOSED
Alligator’s Creek opens for the season, noon – 6 p.m.
Bulk waste drop-off, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Waste transfer station, 1572 Progress Lane
Mission: Clean Stream, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Garden Expo & Kite Event, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park, free
Grand opening of Disc Golf Course, noon – 2 p.m., Fort Zumwalt Park
Auditions for Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids, noon
14
Municipal Court, 6 p.m.
3
Jammin’ concert, 6:30–9 p.m., Civic Park bandstand
15
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission, 7 p.m.
16
Senior Advisory Committee, 2:30 p.m.
4
Municipal Court, 9 a.m.
12
Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., O’Fallon Veterans Memorial Walk
28
O’Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 3 p.m.
June
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.