The Vision - January/February 2020 by Mo Wentzville

The Vision January/February 2020

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Wentzville Receives 2019 Green Cities Challenge Award

The St. Louis Green Business Challenge is a Missouri Botanical Garden program that works to advance sustainability as a business solution. At an awards celebration on Friday, Dec. 6, 61 businesses, nonprofits and local government entities were recognized for their work to integrate sustainable policies and practices into daily business operations. Nine municipalities were recognized with “Awards of Achievement” for their work in the Green Cities Challenge component of this program – including the City of Wentzville. Each Green Cities participant selects measures to best advance their business goals and fit within the company culture. "The City of Wentzville is committed to the mission of the Green Cities Challenge. City staff, with coordination from the City's Green Team, works to reduce our environmental impact, to implement and enhance green initiatives, and to make sustainability a top priority. By participating in the Green Cities Challenge, the City of Wentzville further solidifies its commitment to incorporating sustainability measures into our everyday operational practices," said Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione. The St. Louis Green Business Challenge supports companies and local government entities’ voluntary efforts to conserve energy and water, reduce waste through recycling and other practices, enhance biodiversity on company property, and educate and engage constituents around sustainable thinking and practices. Program services support each participant in evaluating and acting on sustainability options in ways that optimize costeffectiveness and efficiency in conjunction with environmental outcomes. Since the Challenge launched in 2010, 233 companies, nonprofits and municipalities have participated in engaging more than 155,000 employees and nearly 470,000 residents across the region. “The Green Business Challenge is a successful and innovative example of how we can use competition and collaboration to improve both the economic and environmental health of our region,” said Bob Woodruff, CFO of the Missouri Botanical Garden. “As delivered by our sustainability division, the EarthWays Center, the Garden is proud to lead this challenge to embrace sustainable practices for our business and civic community.”

Daddy's Little Sweetheart Dance

Bring your sweetheart to this special event and make memories that will last a lifetime. This three-hour event, for ages 3-12, will be held on Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1. The event includes dinner, dancing, games, a craft and more. Each couple will receive a photo to remember this special night. Dates for the girls may be dad, grandpa, uncle, adult older brother, or a special friend of the family. The per-couple cost is $52 for residents and $62 for nonresidents; $25 for each additional guest — child or adult. Please register early to reserve your spot by calling Wentzville Parks and Recreation at (636) 332-9236.

Awards and Recognition Wentzville Serves as Stormwater Leader

The City of Wentzville’s Stormwater Management Program was recognized during a ceremony at East-West Gateway Council of Government’s 54th annual meeting on Nov. 13. Each year, East-West Gateway presents its Outstanding Local Government Achievement (OLGA) awards, which recognize the extraordinary work of municipal, county, special purpose and school district officials in the St. Louis region. To learn more about the OLGA awards and see the City’s video, please visit wentzvillemo.org/OLGA. The City’s Stormwater program received a 2019 OLGA award for an “Exemplary Accomplishment by a Local Government Jurisdiction, Agency or Individual.” This particular category recognizes unique achievements in the creation and implementation of exemplary government programs or projects and exceptional public-sector contributions. "The City of Wentzville is committed to serving as a leader in the municipal arena. We are grateful for awards such as the OLGA, which provide an opportunity to remind our residents and business owners of the behind-the-scenes work that happens in our community every day. I commend our staff for this well-deserved award," said City Administrator David Gipson. The City's Stormwater team provides public education and outreach, promotes community involvement, and encourages collaborative partnerships and projects as a part of its proactive approach to stormwater management. The public education piece is a key factor in the program’s success. "You can't care about something if you don't know about it. When you care about something, it only increases its value. When something is valuable, you want to protect it and cultivate it," said Stormwater Engineering Technician Kelly Dunlap. The Stormwater Management Program heavily depends on community involvement and collaborative partnerships. Staff members

work with volunteers on events such as Mission: Clean Stream, Stream Team monitoring, outreach and education in local schools, and more. “The residents, volunteers and elected officials have truly created a community of neighbors working together to build a better future," said Stormwater Management Coordinator Jamie Paige.

Wentzville Receives POWMIA CitySM Designation

The City of Wentzville was officially recognized as a POW-MIA City℠ during a Board of Aldermen meeting on Nov. 20. The POW-MIA City℠ designation is awarded by the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum in St. Louis. The designation is presented to cities that honor and recognize individuals who have served the United States in any branch of the country’s military and who were captured by enemies of the United States or who are missing in action from any year and any conflict. “We are excited and humbled to receive this designation that aligns with Wentzville’s longstanding commitment to honoring veterans in our community,” said Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione. The purpose of the designation is to help

Mammography Unit at City Hall

raise POW-MIA awareness, ensuring that the promise No One Left Behind … No One Forgotten is kept. The City of Wentzville upholds its commitment to this promise by promoting awareness in a variety of ways. Wentzville is home to the nation’s first Vietnam Veterans War Memorial and is a U.S. Vietnam War Commemorative Partner. Wentzville takes extreme pride in being home to the first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the United States. Originally dedicated on Dec. 2, 1967, the site was initially established as a tree of lights by local residents to raise funds to send Christmas gifts to community servicemen stationed in Vietnam. The memorial received extensive renovations and was rededicated on Veterans Day in 2017. Additionally, Wentzville has served as a stop on the Run for the Wall route since 1989. Run for the Wall works to promote healing among all veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support military personnel all over the world. Wentzville is proud to receive the POW-MIA City ℠ designation and will continue to maintain its commitment to veterans and to increasing POW-MIA awareness.

The St. Luke’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be at Wentzville City Hall (which is located at 1001 Schroeder Creek Blvd.) on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Both 2D and 3D mammograms will be available to women age 40 and over. The fee will be billed to you or your insurance. To make an appointment or for more information, call (314) 205-6267. Please note: appointments will be filled first-come, first-served. Women who are uninsured or under-insured may be eligible for free mammograms.

Save the Date!

Join us on April 4 for several fun-filled Easter events!

Easter EGGstravaganza

Hippity hop, Easter’s on its way! The Easter EGGstravaganza will take place on Saturday, April 4 at 8:30 a.m.* The Easter Bunny has been filling thousands of eggs with candy and prizes for the annual Easter EGGstravaganza. Some eggs will contain a slip of paper for prizes. Don’t forget your basket to collect all your goodies. Children will be grouped according to their age. Children may move to older age groups, but not down to a younger age group. Come early and enjoy fun activities before the hunt and have your picture taken with the bunny. Registration is $5 in advance per child and $6 the day of the event. You must have your ticket on the day of the event to hunt. Don’t miss this EGGciting event! Please arrive early to allow time for parking. *Ages 1-2, 7-8, 9-10 will hunt at 10:15 a.m., ages 3-4 and 5-6 will hunt at 9:30 a.m. Teen Talent Search! We are searching for local teen talent who want to take the stage to perform from 8:30-9:30 a.m. We are on the search for a variety of local talent (including teen singers, dancers, comedians, etc.) to perform at various events — including the Easter EGGstravaganza. Selected performers will take the stage for up to 15 minutes and share their talent, skill or ability with the community. Judges will score each performance based on a number of categories. Select winners will receive a cash prize. All participants must complete an application and could be called upon to display their skills via an interview. Applications can be found at Progress Park Recreation Center. For other questions, please call (636) 639-2088 or email fun@wentzvillemo.org.

Bunny Run 5K, 10K and One-Mile Fun Run

Start the season off with our annual 5K and newly added 10K Bunny Run or One-Mile Fun Run! Whether you want to take on the 5K, challenge yourself with a 10K, or walk/run with friends and family on the One-Mile Fun Run, it’s time to put on your speed enhancing shoes and tie up your laces as you race around beautiful Heartland Park before the Easter EGGstravaganza! The event will be held on Saturday, April 4 beginning at 5:30 a.m.* These fun family events feature a beautiful course that you are sure to enjoy. All registered participants will receive a custom race shirt, on-course water stations and post race drinks and snacks. To guarantee shirt sizes, please register by March 1. The race will be professionally timed for all 5K and 10K participants. *Packet pickup and same-day registration starts at 5:30 a.m.; race starts at 7 a.m. The 10K course is a second lap of the 5K course. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female winners for the 5K and 10K. Age group awards will be given to the male and female winners of the 5K/10K run in each of the following age groups; 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60- 69, 70 and older. Overall winners will not be awarded for winning their age group. Participants can pick up packets early at Progress Park Recreation Center on April 2 or April 3. The 5K is $30 before March 1 ($34 after); the 10K is $35 before March 1 ($40 after); and the One-Mile Fun Run is $20 by March 1 ($25 after). Please note: day-of registration will cost $5 more.

Bone Hunt

Your dog will bark for bones when all kinds of dog treats, bones and toys are hidden for your furry friends. Join us at noon on Saturday, April 4 for our annual Bone Hunt. Your dog will be allowed to try to find as many goodies as possible. Dogs must remain on leashes at all times. Don’t forget to bring a basket to put your treats in! Before the hunting ends, each dog will receive a “doggie bag” to take home. We will also draw for door prizes. Dogs and their owners may roam around in the park after the event and take advantage of our trail, which is a little over a mile in length and loops around the lake. The Bone Hunt is $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents, per dog in advance or $15 for day-of registration. You must turn in proof of vaccinations when registering your pet. Please call (636) 332-9236 or stop by the front desk at Progress Park Recreation Center to register. Please be on time for this event because it doesn’t take long for the dogs to gather all the bones.

5K, 10K and FUN RUN

To learn more, please call (636) 332-9236 or visit www.wentzvillemo.org/parksandrec.

City News

Five Below 1247 W. Pearce Blvd.

Mark's Jewelry Company 504 W. Pearce Blvd.

Aloum (Skincare) 24 W. Main St., Suite 318

Ulta 1279 W. Pearce Blvd.

Livin' Sublime Wellness (Yoga) 1023 Main Plaza Dr.

Circle K 2200 Granville Rd,

Three Arrows Photography by Sara 7 Tiffany Lynn Ct.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree Curbside collection of real Christmas trees is available for Wentzville residents with trash collection service. Trees, which must be free of decorations, lights, etc., may be placed at the curb on your regular collection day between Jan. 2 and Jan 17. For questions, please call (636) 327-5102. Residents may drop off natural trees to one of the three City parks below, between Jan. 2* and Jan. 18 (during regular park hours). Trees must be free of decorations, stands, coverings, lights, etc. • Progress Park, 968 Meyer Rd. • Heartland Park, 100 William Dierberg Dr. • Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer Rd. (*Jan. 4-18)

Candidate Filing Closes Jan. 21

Candidates may continue filing for the elected municipal offices that will appear on the April 2020 ballot until Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. Candidates must file in person at City Hall, located at 1001 Schroeder Creek Blvd. Positions open for filing include one Alderman from each of the three Wards and the Mayor. There is a $25 fee, due when filing. Additional information is below. If you have further questions, please call the City Clerk’s office at (636) 327-5101. • Alderman: City ordinances state that candidates running for Alderman must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen and an inhabitant and resident of the City for at least one year prior to the election. Candidates running for Alderman must also be a resident, at the time he/she files and during the time he/she serves, of the Ward from which he/she is elected. • Mayor: City ordinances state that candidates running for Mayor must be at least 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the City at the time of and for at least one year preceding the election.

Mayor’s Winter Energy-Saving Tips

These strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy will help you save energy, save money and stay comfortable this winter. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the winter. • Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. • Cover Drafty Windows. Use a heavyduty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration. Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing. • Adjust the Temperature. When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. A smart or programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

•

If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps. Find and Seal Leaks. Seal the air around utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cabinets and closets. Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows. Maintain Your Heating System. Always schedule a yearly service for your heating system. Replace your filter once a month in your furnace or heat pump. For woodand pellet-burning heaters, make sure to clean the flue vent regularly. Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to escape up the chimney. Consider installing tempered-glass doors and heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room. Add caulking around the fireplace hearth. Purchase grates made of C-shaped

Message

Mayor Nick Guccione metal tubes to draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. • Lower Your Water Heating Costs. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding hands. For more energy-saving tips, please visit www.energy.gov/energysaver.

Community Impact 100,000 Pounds of E-Waste Diverted Since 2018

More than 500 participants attended the Nov. 23 Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event at Holt High School, which was sponsored by the City of Wentzville. Approximately 21,000 pounds of electronic waste (e-waste) was collected and more than 21,000 pounds of personal documents were

shredded as part of this recurring community event. This successful event was coordinated by the City with support from Midwest Recycling Center, Shred-it and the Wentzville School District. “We are so glad we can offer this service to the community. We want to extend a big ‘thank you’ to those who participated and to our hardworking volunteers!” said Mayor Nick Guccione.

All in all, during 2019, the City of Wentzville has helped to divert more than 48,000 pounds of e-waste from the landfill. Since the City began hosting these events in January of 2018, almost 100,000 pounds of e-waste has been collected. The City plans to continue these events to help the community dispose of electronic waste properly. Stay tuned for 2020 dates to be announced soon!

Winter Reminders Snow-Removal Tips

With snow and ice season upon us, Wentzville Public Works is gearing up to keep City roads clear and safe. To submit a snow concern, please email snowconcern@wentzvillemo.org. Below are a few tips from the Public Works Department. Have a question? Call Public Works at (636) 327-5102. Fire Hydrants: Residents should clear fire hydrants of snow buildup to ensure fire fighters can quickly find the fire hydrant in the event of a fire. Observe Winter Parking Restrictions: It is always a good idea to remove parked cars from the roadway during a snow event greater than two inches. Parking is prohibited on City streets when a snowfall forecast of five or more

inches results in a declaration of a City Snow Emergency. Mailboxes: Occasionally, mailboxes are bumped by snow removal equipment or snow dropping off of the face of the plow. When notified of the problem, the City will erect a temporary mailbox until weather conditions allow for repairs. If replacement is needed, the City will reimburse $50 for a new mailbox, which meets the minimum requirements of the USPS. Landscaping: The City permits low bushes, ground cover and flowers to be planted in the right-of-way, but does not compensate residents for private plantings in the right-of-way that are damaged due to snow-removal operations. If sod is damaged, the City will restore that area at the earliest availability of sod material.

Mail Delivery/Trash Pickup: Snow fighters clear snow as close to the curb line as practical to provide access to the mailboxes and trash collection. Final clearing is the responsibility of each resident in order to receive trash collection service and delivery of mail by the USPS.

Store Snow to the Right of Your Driveway: As you stand facing the street, it's necessary for snow to be stored to the right side of your driveway. For best results, remove snow from the street in front of and to the left of your driveway. Snow remaining on the street in front of and to the left of your driveway, drops in front of your driveway when the City snow plow comes by.

Snow Plowing in Wentzville

Did you know Wentzville has approximately 368 lane miles of streets? This means it takes about 18 hours to plow the whole City during a snow event. Thanks for your patience as crews work, often on 12-hour shifts, to make Wentzville's roads safe for our residents and visitors. When snow and ice hit, please remember that some roads within Wentzville's city limits are cleared by the Missouri Department of Transportation or St. Charles County, rather than by the City of Wentzville Streets Department. These roads include: • • • •

Interstate 70 Interstate 70 Service Roads Highway 40/61 Highway 64

• • •

Highways A, Z and N Wilmer Road Hepperman Road

From the Board

Protect Your Pets During Cold Weather

While we all understand the importance of keeping ourselves warm and dry during varying weather conditions, it's equally important to make sure our four-footed family members are also safe and warm. Wentzville residents, according to Ord. No. 2012-3207, are required to provide adequate care, shelter and control of their animals. Among other requirements, owners must provide an environment for their pets that has both shelter and temperature suitable for that species and/or breed. This includes environments that are inside and outside. Owners must also provide animals with access to clean, unfrozen water in a tipproof bowl as well as nutritious food at least once daily. The Humane Society of the United States provides some simple guidelines to help protect our furry friends. 1. Whenever possible, keep pets indoors. Just as wind chill affects us humans, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to extreme cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. 2. Give your pets plenty of food and (unfrozen) water. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. 3. Protect their paws from salt. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. 4. Avoid antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze out of reach. 5. Speak out if you see a pet left out in the cold. Politely let the owner know, or call our non-emergency Police line at (636) 327-5105.

Census 2020: What You Need to Know

You have probably heard about the upcoming 2020 United States Census. While it is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, states and counties — including St. Charles County and the City of Wentzville — play an important role in its success. First conducted in 1790, Census results are used to determine state seats in the House of Representatives and boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts. Additionally, it helps allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and other support to states, counties and communities for schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs. Citizens can complete the Census by mail or phone, and — for the first time in 2020 — will have the option of completing it online. Why is the Census so important? These reminders from the Census Bureau help explain the importance of the 2020 Census. 1. Everyone counts: The Census counts every person living in the United States once, only once, and in the right place. 2. It's about fair representation: Every 10 years, the results of the Census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets. 3. It's in the Constitution: The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first Census was in 1790. 4. It's about $675 billion. The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities (like the City of Wentzville) are based on Census data. That money

Wentzville Board of Aldermen (from left to right): Michael Hays (Ward 3), Brittany Gillett (Ward 2), Robert Hussey (Ward 1), Bryan Harr (Ward 1), Mayor Nick Guccione, Jeff Ottenlips (Ward 2), and Matt Swanson (Ward 3)

is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs. It's about redistricting. After each decade's Census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts. Taking part is your civic duty. Completing the Census is mandatory. It's a way to participate in our democracy and say "I Count!" Census data are being used all around you. Local governments use the Census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Residents use the Census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life and consumer advocacy. Businesses use Census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, which create jobs. Your privacy is protected. It's against the law for the Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household. By law, your responses cannot be used against you and can only be used to produce statistics. This year it will be easier than ever. In 2020, you can respond to the Census online.

counts #WENTZVILLE

— U .S. CENSUS 2020 —

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID St. Louis, MO Permit #495

1001 Schroeder Creek Blvd. Wentzville, MO 63385

ECRWSS Postal Customer

January and February Holidays

Neither the MLK or Presidents' Day holidays will affect the trash/recycling collection schedule. City Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Day) and Monday, Feb. 17 (Presidents' Day). Progress Park Recreation Center will be open regular hours on both holidays. To view Wentzville Ice Arena hours, learn about special events and more, please visit www.wentzvilleicearena.com. Please note: Progress Park Recreation Center will close at 3 p.m. on Feb. 2 (Superbowl Sunday).

Snow Emergencies

Please remember, when a City Snow Emergency is issued, residents must move cars off of public streets. Snow Emergencies, which are issued when a heavy snowfall is predicted, will be publicized on the City's social media channels and will be posted on our website at www.wentzvillemo.org. Thank you for your help to improve our efficiency and effectiveness during these winter-weather events.

Trash-Related Holidays in 2020

Trash/recycling and yard-waste collection observes six major holidays per year. The holidays are only observed, however, when they fall Monday through Friday. When these holidays fall on a weekday, collection will occur one day later than normal. If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the schedule will not be affected. For example, Memorial Day falls on a Monday; so, Citywide trash/ recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day. This means that residents with normal pickup scheduled on Monday, will have their pickup moved to Tuesday; Tuesday's pickup will move to Wednesday, and so on. Residents who have a normal Friday pickup, will then have their collection moved to Saturday. The six trash/recycling and yard-waste holidays are as follows: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Happy New Year!

Upcoming Meetings: Save the Date Planning and Zoning 6 P.M. | JAN. 2 AND FEB. 4

Board of Aldermen 6 P.M. | JAN. 8 & 22 AND FEB. 12 & 26

Parks and Rec Board Tree Committee* 5 P.M. | JAN. 16 AND FEB. 20

Friends of the Wentzville Parks 5:30 P.M. | JAN. 9 AND FEB. 6

Board of Adjustment 6 P.M. | JAN. 9 AND FEB. 13

Downtown Committee 6 P.M. | JAN. 28 AND FEB. 25

Parks and Recreation Board 6:30 P.M. | JAN. 6 AND FEB. 3

Parks and Rec Board Art/Program Committee* 4 P.M. | JAN. 14 AND FEB. 11

Stormwater Committee 6 P.M. | FEB. 27