Spring Clean Up Dates - City of St. Charles, Illinois

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April 2018

www.stcharlesil.gov

News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles

Spring Clean Up Dates

Upcoming Meetings

Saturday, April 28 for East Side & Saturday, May 5 for West Side

To see a complete list of meetings go to

www.stcharlesil.gov/meetings Youth Commission 4.2.18.................................. 6:00 pm City Council 4.2.18..................................7:00 pm Government Operations 4.2.18................................7:05 pm Corridor Improvement Commission 4.4.18................................7:00 pm Historic Preservation Commission 4.4.18................................7:00 pm Housing Commission 4.12.18................................ 7:00 pm Natural Resource Commission 4.12.18................................ 7:00 pm Liquor Control Commission

4.16.18................................4:30 pm

City Council 4.16.18................................7:00 pm

The Spring Clean Up program is back this year. Offered every two years, Spring Clean Up allows residents to place unwanted items at the curb for pick up. Collection is April 28 for residents on the East Side of the river and May 5 for those on the West Side of the river. This is a service for residents within St. Charles city limits only. Advanced Disposal will pick up items which must be placed on the curb (not in the street) before 7 a.m. to ensure pickup. Once collection crews have passed through an area they will not come back. Also, please do not place items out more than 48 hours before the collection. Loose material should be put in containers when possible. However, don’t use your recycling cart as a spring clean up container. An item must weigh no more than 50 lbs. Rugs and carpet should be rolled, taped/tied and cut into segments no longer than 5 feet in length and weighing no more than 50 lbs. If you want to keep the containers used to hold items, mark them “Do not throw can away.” They cannot be retrieved once collected. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 630.377.4405 or [email protected].

Prohibited from Spring Clean Up–These Items Won’t be Collected:

Government Operations 4.16.18................................7:05 pm

• Any items weighing more than 50 Lbs.

Plan Commission 4.17.18................................ 7:00 pm

• Electronics

Historic Preservation Commission 4.18.18................................7:00 pm

• Batteries

Government Services 4.23.18................................ 7:00 pm

Connect with Us Connect with the city right from your mobile device. Download our S t. Charles Connect app at www.stcharlesil.gov/connect

• Any carpet rolls larger than 5 feet in length • Home appliances • Household hazardous waste (paints, solvents, auto fluids, pesticides, etc.) • Devices with mercury (thermostats, thermometers, etc.) • Fluorescent bulbs • Liquids and gases (no propane tanks, fire extinguishers) • Contractor construction debris (doors, windows, large amounts of lumber, masonry products, drywall, siding, roofing) • Tires • Yard waste (grass, leaves, brush, garden waste, rocks) • Household refuse normally collected each week For more information on how to properly dispose of unacceptable items visit the Kane County Recycles website www.countyofkane.org/recycling.

Heritage. Community. Service. Opportunity.

Public Hearing on the Annual Budget April 2, 2018, at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers

Keep Up on the Issues Being Discussed at Public Meetings

Thinking of Remodeling? 1

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Want to know what issues are being discussed at which meetings? The schedule of all upcoming meetings, agendas and minutes of past meetings are on our website at www.stcharlesil.gov/meetings. Agendas are posted 48 hours before a meeting.

Coming Soon:

New Utility Bill Payment System We’re introducing an easier way to pay your utility bill. The City is partnering with Paymentus Payment Solutions to launch a new online utility payment system. The new system will be easier to use, can accept payments from multiple electronic devices and offers more payment options– with no transaction fees. • Pay online, by phone or with autopay. • Pay by text or email pdf. • Use credit/debit cards or eCheck • “Pay Now” option–no online profile needed. • Automated phone payment with 24/7 payment and account information. • Create an online profile to view and pay multiple accounts at once, or review usage data, online payment history and billing statements. • Save payment information for quick transactions. • Sign up for paperless billing and email reminders. For more information, visit the Utility Payment page of our website and watch for a Frequently Asked Questions section. Also, if you need your current payment history, print it out now or contact Utility Billing at 630.377.4426.

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If you’ re planning a home remodeling project, a building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Your home is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with adopted codes, the value of your investment could be reduced. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to remove the alteration/addition, leave it unoccupied or perform costly repairs. A permit helps protect your family and future occupants by making sure the job is done correctly and that it meets minimum standards of safety. A permit is needed for: → New buildings (homes, business, industrial) → Additions to either residential, business, or industrial → Business or commercial remodeling or alteration → Residential work including remodeling inside your home, kitchen, bathroom, or basement → Installation of new, repair or replacement of decks, fences, sheds, detached and attached garages → Installation of a lawn sprinkler system → Re-roofing → Replacing the windows, doors, or siding → Installing an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool or hot tub → Installing a hot water heater, water softener, furnace, or air conditioner → Electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Building and Code Enforcement Division at 630.377.4406.

BUSINESS REPORT

The City Welcomes these Business! Check out more than 1750 businesses listed on our website at www.stcharlesil.gov/business/listings to see all you can choose from right here in St. Charles. Remember to Think St. Charles when you shop!

DOWNTOWN

EAST GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL

O’Flaherty Law Office

Anthem Off-Road

Revive Consignment

Dirtbags Baseball

Riverstone Wealth Partners

WEST GATEWAY

210 S. 5th St., Ste 107 630.324.6666 Legal Services

219 W. Main St. 773.899.1594 Clothing Consignment Shop 606 Riverside Ave 630.513.7126 Financial Advisors

*Opening Soon - Ghoulish Mortals 228 W. Main St. Ghoulish Retail

First Street Update

620 Stetson Ave, Ste 116 888.459.4335 Wheels & Accessories 1820 Production Dr., Ste D 847.922.4507 Baseball Training Facility

Jennifer Rhoades Insurance Agency, Inc.

Taco Madre St. Charles Inc. 902 S. Randall Rd., Ste A 630.518.5402 Mexican Restaurant

DK Outlet

3N545 17th St., Ste D 331.330.2265 Online Retail

Marquee Youth Stage

*New Home 619 W. Main St. 630.762.0354 Youth Theater

2315 Dean St., Ste 300 630.587.8722 Farmers Insurance Agency

Work is progressing on Building #3 – a 5 story bank/office and residential condominium building on the northeast corner of Illinois and First streets. When it is completed this summer, Sterling Bank will occupy the main lobby space on Illinois Street. Sterling currently has offices at 360 S. 1st Street. More information on the First Street project is at www.stcharlesil.gov/projects/first-street-project

Preliminary Plans for the riverwalk and streetscape improvements adjacent to Building #3 were reviewed by the Plan Commission on March 6, 2018, and the Planning & Development Committee on March 12, 2018. The plans are being finalized for final approval by City Council.


PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE April is

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Resolve to be Ready

The American Red Cross encourages you and your family to establish a plan for what to do if a disaster occurs. Whether the disaster is a home fire or tornado, families need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen where they live, learn, work and play. The Red Cross is here to help you! More than 40,000 people were killed on our nation’s roadways last year, and distracted driving is a major contributor. Each death attributed to distracted driving is 100% preventable. From cell phones to dashboard systems, all are distractions. Please keep your attention on the road.

A Note from Police Chief Jim Keegan about Identity Theft

The St. Charles Police Department recently has received several calls from residents notifying us that they have been the victim of identity theft. As we’re in the heart of tax preparation season, please be extra vigilant. Identity theft can come in many forms: such as stealing someone’s name, address, date of birth, social security number and/or mother’s maiden name to impersonate them. Having this information enables the thief to commit numerous forms of fraud, which can include taking over your financial accounts or opening new bank accounts; purchasing automobiles; applying for loans, credit cards, and social security benefits; renting apartments; or establishing utility and phone services. There are many things you can do to help prevent becoming a victim of identity theft. The Police Department has put together some information on our website and in a brochure that outlines prevention tactics and steps to take if you suspect your identity information has been compromised. For more information, contact the Police Department at 630.377.4435. 4 | www.stcharlesil.gov

Get Ready: Resolve to Prepare for Emergencies this Year 1. Get a kit. If you’ve ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to be unprepared. Use a checklist to help get your emergency preparedness kit ready. 2. Make a plan. Talk with household members about what to do in an emergency. Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet. Don’t forget your pets. If you must evacuate, make arrangements for your animals. 3. Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play. Emergencies like fires and blackouts can happen anywhere, so everyone should be prepared for them. 4. Download Red Cross apps. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App at redcross.org/apps to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of a disaster, as well as locations of shelters. The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois serves 9.5 million people in 21 counties in Northern Illinois. To learn more and access resources, visit www.redcross.org/local/ illinois/chicago-northern-illinois

Lawn & Landscaping Maintenance Requirements

It’s springtime and as new buds and shoots begin to sprout, remember to keep your lawn and landscaping well groomed. Here is the official ordinance as a guide: It is unlawful for anyone to permit any weeds, grass or plants, other than trees, bushes, flowers or other ornamental plants, to grow to a height exceeding 8 inches anywhere in the City including parkways.

PUBLIC WORKS NOTES

Celebrate Arbor Day 2018

20 Years as a Tree City USA Community! On behalf of the City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission, we invite you to celebrate Arbor Day 2018 on Friday, April 27 at 4 p.m. in Lincoln Park, on Main Street between 4th & 5th streets. This annual event features art, music, a tree raffle, free perennial giveaways, tree care demonstrations, educational materials for homeowners and special tree related programs. This year is the City’s 20th year as a Tree City USA community! The Natural Resources Commission also invites everyone to celebrate the 20th anniversary with artwork, music, sculpture, dance or whatever you choose to express your appreciation of our Tree City USA milestone. Have fun and be creative. All entries will be on display at the St. Charles Municipal Building at 2 East Main Street in April and displayed at the Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 27 at Lincoln Park. All ages are welcome to participate, and participants will receive special recognition at the Arbor Day festivities. Drop off or mail your creative work by April 9, 2018, to City of St. Charles, Attn: Arbor Day 2018 - Public Works, 2 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. Please include your name, address and telephone number with your entry. The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission recognizes that trees, plants and clean environments enhance our community for everyone to enjoy. For more information, contact Public Works at 630.377.4405 or [email protected]. See you on Arbor Day!

Storms Can Cause Power Outages Be Prepared Severe storms can take down power lines, creating dangerous situations. How long it takes to get your power restored depends on the extent of the storm’s destruction. To help you get through, have a storm kit prepared. Keep it in a cool, dry place and inform everyone in your household of its location. City of St. Charles residents can use the Electric Outage Line at 866-444-0016 to report the outage and get updates on restoration times. 5 | www.stcharlesil.gov

Brush Collection 2018 EAST SIDE OF RIVER

April 16 May 14 June 18 July 16 Aug 20 Sept 17 Oct 15 Nov 19

WEST SIDE OF RIVER

April 23 May 21 June 25 July 23 Aug 27 Sept 24 Oct 22 Nov 26

BRUSH COLLECTION REMINDERS • Put brush out before 7 a.m. on Monday of the scheduled pick up. Note: it can take the entire week for pick up to be completed. • Place cut ends facing the street. Branches must be at least 3 feet in length and less than 12 inches in diameter. • Do not tie bundles of brush with rope or wire and do not pile higher than 4 ft.

Storm Safety Kit • Drinking water & non-perishable food • Blankets, pillows & clothing • Basic first-aid supplies • Prescriptions • Basic toiletries • Flashlights • Battery-operated radio • Extra supply of batteries • Phone • Cash & credit cards • Emergency numbers • Baby supplies • Pet supplies

• Branches must be put on the parkway, in front of your house or along the frontage where refuse/ recycling is collected. • Please make every attempt not to park in front of the piles; crews won’t be able to pick up the brush. • For more information visit the City’s website at www.stcharlesil.gov YARD WASTE Yard waste collection will resume April 2-3 on your regular refuse days. STREET SWEEPING With the onset of spring, the City will resume street sweeping

PUBLIC WORKS NOTES 2018 Spring Hydrant Flushing Schedule As part of the regular maintenance to the City’s water distribution system, the Public Works Water Division performs spring and fall hydrant flushing. By simply flushing hydrants to allow water to flow rapidly through them in a controlled manner, water quality is improved and mineral build-up in the water mains is minimized. Hydrant flushing also ensures that hydrants are ready for emergency use. St. Charles is divided into quadrants for hydrant flushing: Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast. Main Street (Illinois Route 64) divides the north/south quadrants, and the Fox River divides the east/west quadrants. The spring 2018 hydrant flushing schedule: • Southeast – Monday April 2 - Friday April 6 • Northeast (West of Dunham Road) – Monday April 9 - Friday April 13 • Northeast (East of Dunham Road) – Monday April 16 -Friday April 20

You also can view the schedule on the Hydrant Flushing Map. Signs announcing hydrant flushing will be posted by the Water Division. Flushing may start as early at 5 a.m. and continue through 4 p.m. Please note water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing, however, residents may temporarily experience rustcolored water. Tips: • Limit water use, if possible. • If you notice rusty water, wait until flushing is complete then run the cold water tap in your bathtub or utility sink until it runs clear (or for 10 minutes). • Remember rust-colored water is safe, but it may stain laundry. If this happens, keep clothes wet and treat them with stain remover. The City offers free stain remover for residents to pick up Mon-Fri between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at: • Public Works, 1405 South 7th Avenue • City Hall, Reception Desk, 2 East Main Street • Police Department, 211 North Riverside Avenue For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 630.377.4405 or [email protected]. 6 | www.stcharlesil.gov

Spring Trees Arriving Soon

With the promise of warmer days approaching, the Public Services arbor team is busy preparing to plant new and replacement parkway trees in the City rights-of-way. Weather permitting, spring planting will begin in early April with approximately 115 new trees to be planted! New trees are planted in several phases. A few reminders: • Be aware of J.U.L.I.E. markings and flags in or around parkways and public areas. These markings are necessary to identify any underground utilities where new trees will be planted. Also, any white markings on the curb help planting crews identify new tree locations. • Depending on conditions in your area, trees may be delivered and planted in phases. Please be patient as the planting team works to plant all of the trees in a timely and efficient manner. • Restoration of the parkway will be completed a few days after planting. The planting team will restore the planting sites by adding top soil, grass seed, and finally mulch around newly planted trees. At that time, watering needs will be addressed and, if necessary, gator bags will be provided for further watering. Please remember to fill the gator bag when it is empty by simply inserting a garden hose into the slot on the top and filling the bag with water. • The City’s urban forest is a valuable asset to our community and we work diligently to maintain its diversity. Diversification is important to keep a vibrant and healthy cross section of trees in our City parkways and to help moderate the effects of diseases and pests. This ensures the health of our urban forest for future generations. • All new trees are covered by a one-year warranty. If you have any questions about spring planting, contact the Public Services Division at 630.377.4405 or pw@ stcharlesil.gov.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Mayor Rogina, City Administrator Mark Koenen and Electric Services Manager Tom Bruhl were in Washington, D.C. last week for the American Public Power Association Legislative Rally. Their attendance at the Rally is one of the benefits of the City’s membership in the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency. They were able to meet with congressmen about issues affecting St. Charles and our electric utility. The legislators were interested in hearing about the solar test site in the Legacy Business Center by the East Side Sports Complex.

Happy 200 Illinois!

Illinois turns 200 this year and is celebrating its birthday all year long (which is how everyone should celebrate a birthday!) Here in St. Charles, we kicked off Illinois’ Bicentennial Year by raising the official Bicentennial Flag outside the Municipal Building and Mayor Rogina read a special proclamation at a recent City Council meeting. More about Illinois’ Bicentennial is at https://illinois200.com/.

Employees Enjoy Giving Back

Recently, 21 City employees and their families and friends spent time volunteering at Northern Illinois Food Bank, helping to pack 5,234 meals for those in need across Northern Illinois! We’re always proud to pitch in to lend a helping hand to our communities.


SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Training Keeps City Employees Ready and Able to Do their Jobs

By Jennifer McMahon, Director of Human Resources This is an excerpt from an article originally published in the City’s Inside St. Charles blog

E-government Helps the City Work E-fficiently By City Administrator Mark Koenen, originally published in the City’s Inside St. Charles blog When a governmental organization starts feeling financial strains one of the first places they look to cut costs is training and professional development. While a common mantra is to “run government more like a business,” that notion seems to be invalidated when it comes to professional development. Business has long understood that investing in their employees’ development is vital to their success. It’s no different in local government. Since we are using taxpayer dollars and are required to comply with transparency laws and expectations, communities like St. Charles carefully scrutinize training opportunities and identify ways to save money on such endeavors. Local governments tend to run lean in terms of staffing because they are publicly funded. Employees are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of areas. Because of this, it is imperative that City employees receive regular training in skill development and education to enhance their knowledge in their areas of responsibility. In addition, local government employees must stay abreast of changing federal, state, and local law that will impact how they do their job. For example, police officers are legally required to do a minimum of 40 hours of training per year just to maintain their certification. Congress’ new tax law will impact how the City administers its payroll, W2s, and health insurance. Finance and HR staffs need to be trained on that implementation. Read the complete blog article.

Here at the City, we always strive to provide professional, reliable, cost-effective services to our residents and businesses. We have embraced technology with e-government tools that help us increase productivity, operate more efficiently and be more environmentally friendly. • Accounts Payable & Records Management – The City completely eliminated paper invoices and reduced invoice processing time by 80%. Implemented in 2015, the Laserfiche Enterprise Content Management System stores records and data in a virtual archive, which has streamlined our Freedom of Information Act request process as well. • Job Application Process – With up to 400 applicants for some positions, just last month the City unveiled a new online job application system that streamlines the application process for both job candidates and our Human Resources staff. The system’s NeoGov software shares City job openings in the national governmentjobs.com database. • Snow Plow Resource Management – The City’s snowplow resources are tracked in real time for efficient snow removal operations using the Snow Fox Management System. Our award-winning Geographic Information Systems Division developed the system using Esri mapping software. • Utility Bill Payment – We’re getting ready to launch a revamped Utility Payment System that offers paperless billing, as well as the latest payment features, such as pay online, by phone or text. The new system is offered through Paymentus and is easy to use from any electronic device. As technology continues to evolve, we will continue to explore how we can further improve the quality, efficiency and costeffectiveness of the services we provide.


SPECIAL RECOGNITION The City Earns Stormwater Award

The Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management awarded the City of St. Charles the Stormwater Management Award for outstanding work throughout the community. The City was selected for our efforts to advance the Community Rating System, floodplain mapping and mitigation, and watershed planning and stormwater master plans. It also recognizes our proactive approach to helping the quality of life for our impacted residents and stakeholders. This is an honor for the City to be selected for this award and be viewed as a community that is doing the right things for stormwater management.

Civil Engineer II Ken Jay, Mapping Project Coordinator Brian Herrmann and Asst. Director Public Works Engineering Karen Young accepted the award.

COMMUNITY NEWS Cruise Nites are Back!

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 9-13 As we gear up for street construction season in our area, please be extra careful when driving through work zones. Pay attention to signs and expect delays or take another route, if possible. As always, please avoid distractions when driving. Our street maintenance workers and contractors thank you for your patience and for helping keep them safe this construction season.

Earth Day is April 22

Ride a bike, hop on a bus or take a walk and reduce your carbon footprint to observe the day. 9 | www.stcharlesil.gov

COMMUNITY NEWS March in the Memorial Day Parade Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, veterans groups or those with military vehicles interested in participating in the Memorial Day Parade can download an entry form here. For more information, contact Lieutenant Colonel Mark F. Powell (Retired) at mpowell@ onpathfinancial.com or call 630.329.6444. The St. Charles Memorial Day Parade is May 28 at 10 a.m. It steps off at 6th St. and Main St. and continues to Riverside Ave. A memorial service follows at the Freedom Shrine behind the Police Station, 211 N. Riverside Ave. After, there is a VFW/American Legion Open House for all service veterans, their families, and active/inactive club members, at 311 North 2nd Street.

Helpful Information for Local Seniors is on Our Website

If you’re looking for local resources for seniors, visit the City website www.stcharlesil.gov/residents/ resources-seniors. There you will find a helpful list of activities, services, safety and assistance programs, transportation options, and much more. Also on that page is a link to our Senior Citizens Resources Guide. The Guide is packed with phone numbers, contacts and general information about services throughout St. Charles that are important to seniors. The Guide is free and can be downloaded from our website or pick up a copy in the lobby of the Municipal Building.

City of St. Charles Directory Building & Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4406

Mayor Raymond P. Rogina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4444

City Administrator Mark Koenen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4422

Police Administration/Investigation/ Crime Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4435

Community & Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . 377.4443 Electric Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4407 Emergency Management Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4416 Flood Protection Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4486 Finance/Accounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 762.7002 Fire Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4458

Public Works: Water/Sewer/Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4405 Refuse Pickup Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587.8282 TDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.526.0844 Utility Billing: Electric/Water/Sewer. . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4426 Electric Outage Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866.444.0016

Fire Prevention Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4457 Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377.4446 The Den is produced by The City of St. Charles, 2 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174 Questions? Please contact Lisa Garhan, Editor at [email protected] 630.443.3744