Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
November 15, 2007
It is hard for me to believe, but this week marks my fifth anniversary with the City of O’Fallon. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the City Administrator in this wonderful community and I hope to be here for years to come.
In fact, the Management Team held our annual retreat yesterday (more on that in a later blog) and we remarked how well positioned O’Fallon is:
- O’Fallon has a strong, stable, and progressive Mayor and City Council.
- The Mayor and City Council has a strong and supportive relationship with City staff.
- O’Fallon has committed residents who consistently volunteer to improve the community.
- O’Fallon is growing community with many opportunities to improve residents’ quality of life.
From conversations I have had with some of my colleagues around the country, I can assure you this is not always the case and should not be taken for granted. O’Fallon is a special community and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to serve the community.
While I would not dare to take credit for everything, here is a list of some of the things that have been accomplished in the last five years. It is an impressive list and I think we are poised for even greater things.
- Public Safety Facility
- Regency Conference Center
- Family Sports Park
- Thoman Park
- Rotary Nature Center
- Three new playgrounds
- 100+ new recreation programs
- Commercial development along Central Park Drive and Green Mount Road
- North Lincoln reconstruction
- Seven Hills Road reconstruction
- Simmons Road reconstruction
- Old Collinsville Road reconstruction
- Asphalt paving program
- Home rule designation
- Property tax rates reduced every year
- New Comprehensive Plan
- New Subdivision Control Ordinance including Park Dedication requirement
- New Zoning Ordinance
- Northwest Quadrant Transportation Plan
- Bike Trail Master Plan
- Fire Department Master Plan
- Capital Improvement Plan
- Stormwater Master Plan
- Visual Preference Study
- Two Citizen Surveys
- Automated water meter reading and monthly billing
- Automated building inspections
- Expanded IT and wireless functions, including WiFi in City parks
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Web site overhaul
- Cable Channel 10 expansion
- O’Fallon Sesquicentennial Celebration
There are many people to attribute to O’Fallon’s success, including the Mayor, City Council, Management Team, and O’Fallon residents. In addition, I am fortunate to have great employees who work very hard to make O’Fallon a better place. So happy anniversary and I hope to have more in this great city.
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