O’Fallon chief urges people not to panic about Coronavirus, introduces new officer
Businesses can apply for raffle licenses now that the O’Fallon City Council updated the code of ordinances March 2 with new language that reflects a change in the state statute on raffles and poker runs that went into effect July 1.
The council previously changed the reporting requirements for raffle license holders so they would have the same wording as the new state law.
The council had passed reducing the number of times per year someone must apply and receive approval to hold raffles, thus making it only one time per calendar year they must submit for a raffle license. If it is a different raffle, not the same, then each application would be separate.
Because of new Grant Accountability and Transparency Act requirements, the council OK’d a resolution changing Motor Fuel Tax requests to the fiscal year for ease of reporting, as requested by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The general maintenance had run during the calendar year. IDOT requires the council support the use of MFT for in-house maintenance of streets and highways by resolution.
This year, streetlight electric bills have been added to city street maintenance budget.
O’Fallon receives local MFT funds that will cover the $458,912 cost in the FY2021 budget.
In other action, the council approved an annexation agreement with Nicole F. & Jacob M. Miller for 6 acres at 10550 Rieder Road, and a residential water tap. A public hearing was also held, with no one speaking about the property. The property will be re-zoned rural residential district instead of agricultural.
OPD chief discusses Coronavirus
Concerns about the Coronavirus were discussed by Police Chief Eric Van Hook and Dr. David McCarthy, retired O’Fallon physician.
Van Hook said the Emergency Medical Services team is on top of the situation, and they are in close communication with regional hospital St. Elizabeth’s.
Van Hook urged people do not panic and seek facts and updates through reputable sources, such as the Center for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health and the St. Clair County Health Department.
“I encourage people to follow up with them. They have good information on their websites,” he said.
Washing hands, eliminating handshakes and being up-to-date on facts is important, he said. McCarthy recommended people take more Vitamin D to boost their immune systems.
New police officer introduced, Martinez approved
Van Hook also introduced new police officer Adam Heuser, a lateral entry hire. He served as a police officer in Madison.
“We’re excited to have someone of Adam’s caliber on our police force,” Van Hook said.
He said Heuser prevented a copper theft of thousands of dollars at a local railyard by being proactive in police work.
Currently, he is in the field training program and will be out on solo patrol in about three months.
The council approved mayoral appointment Edward Martinez to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a three-year term expiring March 2, 2023. He fills the position vacated by Robert McCoskey, whose term has ended.
The commission is tasked with appointing, promoting and removing full-time police and fire officials, except for the chiefs. They also submit an annual report to the council every May 1.
Martinez, commander of O’Fallon VFW Post 805, has a master’s degree in education leadership, and has much experience in business and civic plans.
Van Hook said he would get “baptism by fire” as the commission was meeting Wednesday, March 18, and they had two openings to fill.
O’Fallon safe city to live, Roach honors volunteers
Roach said for the second year in a row, O’Fallon has ranked in the top 5 percent of the safest cities in Illinois.
As part of Mayor Herb Roach’s ongoing recognition of volunteers who serve on the city’s boards and organizations, the O’Fallon Planning Commission members were honored.
Justin Randall, Assistant Community Development director, introduced members and explained what they do. Current members present were chairman Larry Sewell, Debbie Arell-Martinez, Joe Rogers, Patricia Cavins, Bob Dunn, Bob Kueker, Casey Scharven and Ryan Russell Kemper. Not present were Randy Ellis, secretary Al Keeler and vice chairman Ray Rohr.
The 11-member planning commission recommends developments to the city council, and also works on amending or adjusting proposals. They meet once or twice a month, depending on the agenda. Randall said they are paid $0 for their efforts.
Roach said these volunteers are invaluable as part of the town’s big picture.
“They help set the tone for how we move forward in the way we want to see the city move forward,” he said.
Other tidbits from council meeting
Roach said his trip to Japan has been moved to September. He is the only mayor to represent Southwestern Illinois on this economic development trip.
The mayor congratulated state champion O’Fallon Township High School senior Mary Orf on her IHSA Individual Bowling Title.
He also announced his Saturday hours are from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14, and evening hours are from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18.
Alderman Mark Morton, finance committee chair, said the committee would be discussing the new budget at its March 23 meeting, which the public is invited to attend. It will be held at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.