July/August Vision Newsletter

The Vision

Wentzville Missouri – USA

The Crossroads Of The Nation

Your Source for City of Wentzville News

Scholarships Awarded

In May, the Water Division of the Wentzville Public Works Department awarded $3,000 worth of scholarships to two Wentzville School District students. Christina Richardson (top left), a senior at Holt High School, and Erin Higgins (bottom right), a senior at Timberland High School, each received a scholarship worth $1,500 for their artistic fire hydrants.

This is the 19th year for the contest, which is held annually in conjunction with National Drinking Water Week.

Each year, Wentzville students are asked to creatively interpret a theme for their painted hydrants. This year, seniors from each high school submitted “national monument” designs for consideration. The Art Department at each school selected the finalists, and these students were provided with a “blank” hydrant. City judges then selected the two firstplace winners.

First-place winner Christina Richardson, a senior at Wentzville’s Holt High School, pictured with Aldermen Michael Rhoades (left) and Mayor Nick Guccione (right).

July/August 2015

2014 Consumer Confidence Report

The Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report or CCR) is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made to provide safe drinking water to Wentzville residents. For 2014, there were no violations.

For a copy of the complete 2014 CCR visit the “direct delivery” URL: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/ ccr/MO6010849.pdf.

If computer access isn’t available, a hard copy can be requested and mailed to you by calling the City of Wentzville’s Water Division at (636) 639-2062, ext. 4.

4th OF JULY EVENT SCHEDULE Parade: 10 a.m.

(down Pearce Boulevard)

After the Parade, attend these free events at Progress Park, located at 968 Meyer Rd. Free Swim: Noon-5 p.m. (only at Progress Pool)

First-place winner Erin Higgins, a senior at Wentzville’s Timberland High School.

Follow the City on:

Inflatables & Face Painting: 5-8:45 p.m.

Live Music: 6-9 p.m. & Fireworks: 9:05 p.m.

INSIDE: Economic Development Update, Wentzville War Memorials and More!

Economic DEVELOPMENT Wentzville Bluffs Welcomes Steakhouse

The City of Wentzville is pleased to announce the approval of a new steakhouse coming to the Wentzville Bluffs development. The Wentzville Bluffs is located at the intersection of Highway Z and Interstate 70.

The steakhouse was approved by the Wentzville Board of Aldermen, during a meeting on Wednesday, May 13. The restaurant is to be approximately 8,500 square feet, and will be located on a two-acre parcel adjacent to the existing Hotshots Sports Bar & Grill. The project developer is Capdev LLC and the project engineer is Cochran Engineering & Surveying.

This new development is a direct result of the Board of Aldermen and Mayor’s combined desire to provide residents with more dining options in our community. The restaurant is estimated to open by the end of the year.

Large Industrial Project in Wentzville Receives Final Approval

The City of Wentzville has approved bringing a substantial industrial development project to the community. During its strategic planning session in the summer of 2014, the Board of Aldermen named economic development as one of its top six Board priorities. Now, with the support of the Mayor and members of the Board of Aldermen, the Wentzville Logistics Center will become a reality.

The 132-acre tract, originally located in unincorporated St. Charles County, has been annexed into the City.

The Wentzville Logistics Center will be a 1.3 million-square-foot facility located on 73 acres of the tract, near the intersection of Highway A and Westgate Business Court, near Highway 40/61.

The project will be constructed by NorthPoint Development, a Kansas City-based developer. The facility is expected to serve as a sub-assembly operation and to provide warehousing space for the nearby General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center.

Due to its forward-thinking approach, the City will also realize more than $5 million in public roadway improvements.

This project will receive a 34% tax abatement over 10 years, through the issuance of Chapter 100 bonds. This abatement will help to offset the cost of the public infrastructure improvements necessary to move this project forward. Taxing jurisdictions, including the Wentzville School District, will realize more than $5.7 million in new tax revenue, with development of the project over the 10-year abatement period.

In a cooperative public-private partnership, the St. Charles County Road Board, in conjunction with the City and NorthPoint Development, will participate in the funding of more than $5.8 million in roadway improvements. The County will contribute a 50% match to help offset the cost of these roadway infrastructure improvements. The improvements will benefit both the project and motorists presently using Highway A and Interstate 70.

Total investment in the project is expected to exceed $40 million.

Groundbreaking for the project is expected this summer, with completion of the building by January 2016. When complete, the project will represent a significant economic impact to the City of Wentzville and to the region.

This type of economic development both lessens the tax burden on residents and provides employment opportunities. The building will be the second largest in St. Charles County. The largest building in the County is the General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center, at more than four million square feet.

@ Rotary Park •July 28 - Aug. 1*

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Don’t miss out on the fun when the St. Charles County Fair returns to Wentzville’s beautiful Rotary Park (located at 2577 W. Meyer Rd.). There will be carnival rides, a butterfly house, live entertainment, races, a demolition derby and lots more! For hours, events, entertainment schedules and ticket prices, visit the St. Charles County Fair’s website at www.stcharlescofair.org. *Information obtained from http://stcharlescofair.org as of May 12, 2015.

Mayor’s MESSAGE

A Salute to Our Veterans

I’d like to take a moment to honor the men and women who have proudly served our country. It’s important that we take time to say “thank you” to those who have served and who have sacrificed. These outstanding citizens have put their lives on the line for our freedom — both in the United States and abroad. I hope the residents of Wentzville will join me in gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of honoring our military, whether those currently enlisted or veterans who served in the past.

I encourage you to take time to visit with local veterans — those who are your neighbors and your friends — to show gratitude and respect to these admirable citizens. Or, perhaps, plan a visit to one of our three war memorials and pause for a moment of silence to remember all the veterans who have served and sacrificed.

(Learn more about Wentzville’s war memorials below.)

This time of the year — on the cusp of Independence Day — we’re given a Mayor special opportunity to recognize the individuals whose contributions helped preserve Nickolas Guccione America’s freedom. We should all be humbled by the courage and sacrifice these men and women have made (and continue to make) to maintain our freedom. They deserve recognition every day of the year. If you see a veteran, shake his or her hand and proudly say “thank you!”

“It’s important that we take time to say ‘thank you’ to those who have served and who have sacrificed.”

~ Mayor Guccione

Wentzville War Memorials

Did you know that Wentzville has three standing war memorials? Take in a bit of our community’s history by visiting these sites.

The Civil War Memorial, is located at Bicentennial Park at 22 W. Pearce Blvd.

Wentzville was also once home to a World War II Memorial. The memorial was on the grounds of the original Community Club building, at Pearce Boulevard and North Elm Street.

The photo below was taken at the dedication ceremony on Nov. 22, 1944. It’s believed that the memorial stayed up until the Community Club moved to its new building in 1963.*

The Afghanistan/Iraq War Memorial is located near the Community Club at 500 W. Main St. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the first one in the nation, is located near the fire station at 209 W. Pearce Blvd.

Civil War Memorial

World War II Memorial, c. 1944

*World War II memorial history and photo courtesy of the Wentzville Historical Society.

Afghanistan and Iraq War Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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Upcoming EVENTS Sunday

Monday

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Friday

Saturday

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Aldermen Town Hall, 6:30 p.m.*

City offices closed

Parade down Pearce at 10 a.m. followed by activities at Progress Park! See pg. 1.

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Park Board Meeting, 7 p.m.*

Coffee Talk with the Mayor, 12:30 p.m.*

Planning and Zoning, 6 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Downtown Committee, 6 p.m.*

Sunday

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Monday

Tuesday

Board of Adjustment, 6:30 p.m.*

Wednesday

Thursday

July

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Friday

Saturday

1

August

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Park Board Meeting, 7 p.m.*

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Planning and Zoning, 6 p.m.*

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Aldermen Town Hall, 6:30 p.m.*

Rod Run, 6 p.m. on Pearce Boulevard

National Night Out

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Coffee Talk with the Mayor, 12:30 p.m.*

Downtown Committee, 6 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Board of Aldermen, 6 p.m.*

Board of Adjustment, 6:30 p.m.*

Stormwater Committee, 6 p.m.*

These events will be held at City Hall (310 W. Pearce Blvd.). All meetings are subject to change. Please check the Calendar of Events at www.wentzvillemo.org for the most up-to-date information.

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From the BOARD The Value of Partnerships

In the last 12 years, the City has synergized with General Motors and Earth Force, a national nonprofit, to support young people through GM GREEN. The GM Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN) builds students’ civic decision-making skills and environmental literacy, both important for community resiliency.

This past year, sixth graders at Wentzville Middle School engaged in science and social studies as they actively improved habitat and addressed water-quality issues around town. Their efforts were celebrated at the Heartland Park Ribbon Cutting, a summit event Board of Aldermen: Michael Rhoades (Ward 2), Sonya Shryock (Ward 2), showcasing the power of young environmental stewards.

Mayor Nick Guccione, Linda Wright (Ward 3), Robert Hussey (Ward 1), At the beginning of the year, the students said, “Young Cheryl Kross (Ward 1) and Matt Swanson (Ward 3). people can make a difference because we have more time. We don’t have the same worries as adults, like work.”

But they were aware they may not have the knowledge or resources needed. That’s where partnerships come in.

“Every partner has a piece of the puzzle to make this program work,” Kim Eckelkamp reflected on the value of partnerships in her classroom. GM donated money for buses and project supplies. City staff supported teachers and trained GM mentors and the Master Naturalists to help students test water quality in streams and collect data using GIS technology on a community walkabout. Students channeled findings into sustainable action plans. As a result of their efforts, businesses donated or discounted materials for rain gardens and bird houses. The City created a Toss 10 on Tuesday Challenge to encourage community-wide litter pickup. The Board of Alderman proposed and was awarded a $1,250 Earth Day Action Grant to create solutions to deter plastic bag litter and promote reusable shopping bags.

“As a teacher, you have a curriculum and expected outcomes. When you set the project parameters for them, you limit their possibilities,” Eckelkamp said. “GM GREEN helped kids reach beyond their expectations and mine. It provided better learning and deeper understanding than lecturing to the classroom.”

Since 2008, the City has involved 13,769 young people in projects that improve the health of our watersheds with the help of 9,227 community volunteers. The GM GREEN program is a testament to how partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and even young people can inspire each other, cultivate leaders and connect our Wentzville community. “[This] has taught me that even the smallest things can have the biggest impact,” said Wentzville Middle School student A.J. Loaiza.

Wentzville’s Slab Replacement Program

We are pleased to announce the start of the City’s annual concrete slab replacement program for 2015, offering better looking streets with improved ride quality for residents. During 2012 to 2014 the Board of Aldermen authorized expenditure of $4.4 million to replace 4,400 concrete slabs across the community. This year, the Board approved additional funding to replace 1,500 slabs with $1.9 million authorized from the 2015 budget. Subdivisions and streets scheduled for slab replacements this year include White Fence, Somerset Manor, Autumn Valley Lakes, The Fountains at Bear Creek, Bear Creek, Archway, Main Plaza Drive and Stone Meadows.

In addition to the expanded slab replacement program, this summer a center turn lane is being added to Wentzville Parkway from William Dierberg Drive to Schroeder Creek Boulevard. Corporate Parkway will also be replaced in its entirety from Veterans Memorial Parkway to South Callahan Road. The work on Corporate Parkway includes widened driving lanes and a new sidewalk. It is scheduled to begin construction late summer, and will be completed by late spring in 2016. Please expect delays and plan extra time to travel these sections of the road while they are under construction and consider alternate routes of travel during this time.

The Board of Aldermen is also proud to announce the City will receive federal funding to replace South Linn Street from Main Street to West 4th Street in 2017, with design occurring in 2016. The project will be a continuation of improvements to Wentzville’s Village Center.

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Wentzville PARKS & REC Cardboard Boat Race

On Sunday, Aug. 18, you can enter your own cardboard creation in the Cardboard Boat Race at Progress Pool. The event starts at 7 p.m. and it’s only $15 to enter.

Build your boat from only corrugated cardboard and duct tape, decorate it, and hope it survives the race. Two people must be in the boat during the race.

All boats must be human-powered (no motors). You must haul away your boat after the event (in a nearby dumpster). Fun awards will be given in a variety of categories: Fastest Boat, Best Decorated, Sinking Ship and Lifeguard’s Choice. Life jackets will be available for use and must be worn while racing your boat. To register, please call (636) 332-9236.

Hill of Thrills Soapbox Race

The Hill of Thrills Soapbox Race is a community event, which features cars donated by businesses and organizations. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 13 at noon at Progress Park. If you register by Aug. 23, the cost is only $5 (residents) and $8 (nonresidents).

Racers are randomly placed in the cars. This race isn’t fueled by gas or electronics ― it’s just simple gravity as the racers compete against the clock. Racers must be between 4 and 5 feet tall, weigh between 55 and 120 pounds, and fit comfortably in the car (height and weight restrictions are due to the construction of the car).

A maximum of 200 racers are accepted, so register early!

The child must be present at the time of registration, no mail-in registrations accepted. The races take place on Meyer Road in front of Progress Park. After Aug. 23, the cost will be $10/13. (The rainout date is Sept. 20.)

Don’t Miss the Pooch Plunge! On Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. bring your pooch to Splash Station for a

reprieve from the summer heat. The cost is just $8 for residents and $11 for nonresidents. Each dog will receive a snack and door prizes will be given away. All dogs must be on-leash while out of the water. You must show proof of vaccination at the time of registration. Please note: on the event day, the cost will be $15/dog and a snack is not guaranteed.

~ COOL OFF THIS SUMMER AT THE POOL ~ Progress Pool Daily Admission Resident

Nonresident

13 & Under

$3

$4.50

14 & Older

$4.50

$6

$2

$3

Senior 60 & Older

Splash Station Daily Admission

6

Resident

Nonresident

13 & Under

$5

$7

14 & Older

$6

$8

Senior 60 & Older

$5

$7

Progress Pool is located at 968 Meyer Rd. and Splash Station is located at 1141 Peine Rd. Both pools are open daily through Aug. 12. For hours, please visit www.wentzvillemo.org or call (636) 332-9236.

From Aug. 15 - Sept. 7, the pools will only be open on weekends and Labor Day.

Did You KNOW? Business Spotlight This new section will feature a new or established business in Wentzville. Have a suggestion for a business to profile? Please email the City’s Economic Development Director at Dan.Lang@wentzvillemo.org.

Business name & location: Thieman’s Carpet Company Inc., located at 201 E. Pearce Blvd.

Business owners: Tony & Sandy Thieman What year did you open? 1977 What influenced you to locate your business in Wentzville?

When I graduated from Wentzville High School I decided that I wanted to stay in Wentzville and grow the business.

Tony and his wife, Sandy, at their store on E. Pearce Boulevard.

What products/services does your business offer? Thieman’s Carpet Company sells residential and commercial flooring, wall coverings and window coverings.

What’s your favorite thing about Wentzville? The community spirit displayed by the residents. I am very active in the Wentzville community. I belong to the Wentzville Rotary Club, the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce, and I serve on the boards of both the Downtown Business Association and the Wentzville Historical Society.

What’s next for your business? Remaining active in Wentzville and growing the business with the community.

What’s next for Wentzville/What do you hope Wentzville will be or evolve into five years from now? I hope that we continue to have a good management team and leadership in place, while maintaining controlled growth.

Any other comments, advice, or news that you would like to share? It is my opinion that downtown will remain a viable part of Wentzville and that the City should remain pro-growth. The General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center is a real asset to Wentzville. I currently see new businesses coming into the downtown area, and I would like to see that trend continue.

New Businesses

Don’t

Reco Industries

117 Avalon Industrial Pkwy.

Zarvos Motors

12594 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.

Strain Your Drain

Castlewood Contracting H&J Construction 2266 East Pitman Ave.

Wolves’ Den Training Center 1098 Crosswinds Ct.

Fats, oils and grease aren’t just bad for your health, they’re bad for our sewers too! Sewer backups and overflows are typically the result of grease buildup, which can cause health hazards, damage home interiors and create environmental problems.

Fats, oils and grease typically enter the sewers from household drains and food service establishments. Most grease is the byproduct of cooking and is found in such things as: food scraps, meat fats, lard, cooking oil, butter and margarine, baking goods, sauces and dairy products. So, what can you do to help?

The easiest way to help is by keeping fats, oils and grease out of the sewer in the first place.

By doing the following, you can help prevent costly sewer spills and reduce environmental impacts associated with spills: • Never pour fats, oils or grease down the sink drains or into toilets.

Instead, collect fats, oils and grease in a container and dispose of the container in your trash.

• Use a paper towel to wipe greasy leftovers from pots and pans before washing.

• Do not use the sewer as a means of disposing of food scraps. Instead, place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with your trash.

• Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about the problem of fats, oils and grease in the sewer system and 7 how to keep it out.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Wentzville, MO Permit #14

Wentzville Missouri – USA

The Crossroads Of The Nation

310 W. Pearce Blvd.

Wentzville, MO 63385

Holiday Hours & More

City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Monday, Sept. 7, to enable our employees to spend the Independence Day and Labor Day holidays with their families.

Parks and Recreation Progress Park Center will be open regular hours on Friday, July 3; however, it will be closed on Saturday, July 4. On July 4, both Progress Pool and Splash Station will be open.

Progress Pool will include a free swim from noon to 5 p.m., and Splash Station will be open with regular admission costs from noon to 6:30 p.m.

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, the Parks office ― including the recreation center at Progress Park ― will be open from noon to 7 p.m. NOTE: the indoor facilities at Progress Park will be closed Sept. 8-13 for facility maintenance.

Trash Pickup Schedule Please note, the Independence Day holiday will not affect your trash pickup schedule this year.

Trash collection for the Labor Day holiday, the week of Sept. 7, will run a day late. Monday’s collection will move to Tuesday, Tuesday’s collection will move to Wednesday, and so forth, with Friday’s collection taking place on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Questions? Please call Public Works at (636) 639-2049.

New Wentzville Park

On May 15 a ribbon-cutting event officially opened Heartland Park, located at 100 William Dierberg Dr. The ceremony dodged most of the rain, however those in attendance received an oversized Heartland Park umbrella. After all, two of the fields are still playable even in rainy conditions. Heartland Park is home to two synthetic turf soccer/football fields, two natural turf fields, a lake, boardwalk and walking trails.

The GM Green Celebration also honored students from Wentzville Middle School who partnered with the City and General Motors to complete projects that improved habitat. Some of the projects included a “Toss Ten on Tuesday” campaign to help reverse litter; installation of purple martin houses, butterfly and native plant gardens; placing minnows in the lake to begin creating a healthy lake for fish habitat; and more. All of these new additions were installed in the backyard of Wentzville Middle School at Heartland Park.

National Night Out

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, as part of the National Night Out event, residents from roughly 15,000 communities nationwide will join together to send a message to criminals that they are organized and fighting back against crime. That night, residents are invited to turn on their porch lights, go outside and join with their neighbors in block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks and other activities. Making a point to meet and get to know your neighbors, can take a big step in combating crime.

For information on National Night Out in Wentzville, visit bit.ly/ wentzvillenightout, or visit the Police Department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WentzvillePD. Residents can also call the Police Department at (636) 639-2103 for information. Get ideas for your own neighborhood National Night Out activity at www.natw.org.

Boardwalk at Heartland Park

FIREWORKS UPDATE: Wentzville will be more closely monitoring fireworks this year in compliance with City ordinances. For the latest as to what is legal and illegal, please visit the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Wentzville or visit the City’s website at www.wentzvillemo.org.