Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
January 8, 2010
Last week, I looked back at the Best of 2009, and today we look forward to 2010. Here is a summary of issues and projects that will command our attention this year:
Budget: Shortfalls will continue to be the rule for 2010. Tax revenues continue to trend in the wrong direction. There are several economic development possibilities on the horizon, but none of them will impact next year’s budget. We expect to make more budget cuts to the 2010-11 annual budget, which begins May 1.
Economic Development: In the wake of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, we are being more aggressive to stimulate our local economy. In the past, the economy was such that businesses located to O’Fallon without much effort from the City. No longer. We need to create destinations that will attract further business investment. Two Tax Increment Financing Districts are proposed that are intended to bring high-paying professional jobs to O’Fallon. These job centers will provide a stimulus for other area businesses, stores, and restaurants. And perhaps most importantly, the office campuses will provide good jobs for our bright O’Fallon graduates to come home for.
In addition, we are preparing for the construction of the Rieder Road interchange at Exit 21. Interstate interchanges are economic engines, and we expect development there when it opens in 2011-12. Water lines were extended along Rieder Road and Shiloh Valley Township Road last year to provide utilities to the area. Master planning will occur this year of the 1,200 acres between Rieder Road and Scott-Troy Road.
Family Sports Park: While the Family Sports Park has expanded field space and activities for O’Fallon residents, the park also is an economic development project. Known as “recreational tourism,” the park functions as a destination for sports teams to travel to O’Fallon, stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores. The next phase to expand the Family Sports Park will begin in 2010, including four more ball fields, two competition soccer fields, walking trail expansion, new playground, and additional parking. More fields will provide more opportunities for O’Fallon residents and will allow us to bring larger tournaments to the city for greater economic impact. The $8 million expansion is possible due to the refinancing of bonds that paid for through hotel/motel and telecommuncations
taxes.
Library Master Planning: When Library Board member Vernon Ohlendorf unexpectedly passed away in 2008, he bequested $1.8 million to the library. The Library Board is in the process of evaluating how to best honor his memory. A Master Plan was completed in 2009 to evaluate the future space needs for the library. In 2010, there should be an announcement on how the board plans to use the bequest to improve the library.
Street construction: 2009 was a light year for road construction, but 2010 will be a lot busier. Due to a coincidence of the state grant funding cycle, we will have three major road projects in 2010. Old Collinsville Road reconstruction (from the railroad tracks to the Milburn School Road) is a holdover from 2009 and will finally be done this year. The project is funded through a state grant and the City of Fairview Heights. In addition, Milburn School Road reconstruction and the Porter/Simmons roundabout are on the schedule for construction. They are all 75%-funded by state grants and the 25% match is from Motor Fuel Tax revenue.
Sewer construction: Two major sewer projects will occur in 2010. The Ann/Alma/Orchard sewer reconstruction project has been on the “to do” list since I became City Administrator in 2002. With last year’s sewer rate increase, we finally have the money to do the $500,000 project. The sewers in that area are deteriorated and are in dire need of replacement. Many of the sewer lines are in side-yards and backyards, so it will be a messy project. In addition, the City will be spending around $500,000 for sewer manhole lining and main lining.
The City received federal stimulus money for install sewer lines in the Carson and Behrens neighborhood east of the PET Dairy. This area is currently in the city limits and does not have any sewers – many of the septic systems are failing and it is a public health hazard. In partnership with O’Fallon Township, sewer lines will constructed in the area for an estimated $140,000. Despite all of the media attention given to the federal stimulus program, this is the only stimulus money we have received (although we have applied for several other road, water, and sewer stimulus grants).
This will undoubtedly be a difficult year financially, but we will continue to focus on proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars and to provide high quality services to O’Fallon residents. We live in an attractive and safe community with great neighborhoods, schools, and parks. And regardless of our budget situation, we will continue to work hard to provide exceptional services to our residents and to maintain O’Fallon’s superior quality of life.
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