O’Fallon Update The Official Quarterly Publication of the City of O’Fallon, Missouri Spring 2017 • www.ofallon.mo.us
Investing in our City’s future
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s roads, pipes and sidewalks age, they begin to crack, leak and need more repairs than before. Additionally, the continued growth of our City has put even more stress on our infrastructure. This leads to more street damage, water main breaks and other costly repairs. This year, O’Fallon is beginning a multiyear effort to “renew” the City’s aging infrastructure and bring it up-to-date with an unprecedented level of investment. With more than $30 million budgeted for infrastructure upgrades and improvements, nearly every area of the City will see significant work. Pavement improvements in subdivisions, the restructuring of the I-70 corridor, trail and path improvements along Highway K and the replacement of the aging water main in North O’Fallon are just some of the significant projects that will begin in 2017, with many more planned for the next 5–7 years. It’s all part of our campaign to “Renew O’Fallon.” So look for the Renew O’Fallon logo that will soon be popping up on a project near you and see how your tax dollars are rebuilding O’Fallon’s infrastructure!
In this issue 2 5 6 9 10
Municipal Election Renew O’Fallon Upcoming Events Roscoe’s Den Police Bulletins
he past year in O’Fallon has truly been one for the ages. O’Fallon has again been rated as one of America’s “best places to live;" construction of our new Justice Center is moving along at a rapid pace; we are close to breaking ground on both our expanded Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center and the new 55-acre O’Day Park; our unemployment rate is well below the average for the County, State and nation; and our City’s revenues are at historic levels. This is all due to you, our residents and businesses. Your commitment to your hometown makes O’Fallon the wonderful City it is. As your Mayor, I am humbled and honored to work with such a dedicated staff and great group of citizens and business owners. You invest in our City, support our local businesses and guide our City to keep improving and moving forward, so we can keep this City as one of the best. Your support is awe-inspiring and you drive all of us who work for you to keep improving. This spring, you will start to see the new “Renew O’Fallon” logo (pictured on this page) all over the City. Thanks to your continued support, we are embarking on a multi-year initiative to reinvest in our City’s infrastructure and rebuild the City’s aging roads. This year alone, we will be investing nearly $22 million in street and road improvements, with many of those focused on your subdivision streets. So when you see the “Renew O’Fallon” logo in your neighborhood, remember it’s there because your tax dollars are at work, making our City better for everyone! Also this spring, our park activities pick up full steam with special Easter egg hunts for both kids and adults, the annual Founders’ Day & Garden Expo, our popular Food Truck Frenzy events, Jammin’ concerts and, of course, Heritage & Freedom Fest. I hope you and your family take the time to enjoy all of these great events. And, while you’re out and about this spring, please continue to support our local businesses. “Keep it in the ‘O” by shopping and dining at our great local retailers and restaurants. Your support is what makes our City what it is today!
Bill Hennessy, Mayor
O’Fallon again named one of nation’s “Top 10 Cities” For its safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, good schools and child-friendliness, the City of O’Fallon was given an A+ rating and named one of the country’s “Top 10 Cities for Families 2017.” The annual list is compiled by ApartmentList.com, which assessed 500 cities nationwide, ranking O’Fallon as 8th best overall. O’Fallon is the only Missouri city on the Top 10 list. ApartmentList.com is the second website to recently list O’Fallon as one of America’s Top 10 Cities, joining 247WallStreet.com.
Survey: Your opinion matters! See page 11.