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2016/12/29 - Walter's Blog: Best of 2016

Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton

December 29, 2016

As we come to the end of another year, it is common to see “Best of” lists in newspapers, magazines, and web sites. I am not too proud to jump on the bandwagon, so here is my “Best of the City of O’Fallon 2016” (not necessarily ranked in priority order).

Quality of Life

O’Fallon is a great place to live. I am biased, of course, but there are many others who agree. O’Fallon has regularly been rated by objective observers as a top place to live for families and active/retired military.

In addition, O’Fallon residents corroborated these ratings in a Citizen Survey conducted over the summer. In general, the survey concluded that O’Fallon residents enjoy a high quality of life and believe O’Fallon is a good place to live and raise a family. O’Fallon residents value and appreciate a high level of safety and support the overall direction of O’Fallon.

In particular, here are survey results in some of the major categories:

  • 81% are satisfied with the overall quality of City services.
  • 91% are satisfied with the overall quality of life.
  • 95% are satisfied with O’Fallon as a place to live.
  • 94% would recommend living in O’Fallon to someone who asks.
  • 96% believe O’Fallon is a good place to raise children.
  • 94% are pleased with the Police Department.
  • 96% are pleased with EMS.
  • 98% are pleased with the Fire Department.
  • 93% are pleased with the Parks and Recreation Department.
  • 86% are pleased with the O’Fallon Public Library.

Economic Development

In the wake of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, we have been 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.

The biggest Economic Development story in 2016 was the City Council’s approval of Destination O’Fallon. Destination O’Fallon is a comprehensive economic development initiative that includes a number of projects and community-wide investments that will continue to make O’Fallon a national destination for businesses, families, and visitors. Two of the largest projects will include a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex in the O’Fallon Family Sports Park and a new multi-purpose community plaza in the heart of historic Downtown O’Fallon. In addition, Destination O’Fallon will feature focused strategies to recruit new businesses to O’Fallon.

Economic development is important for two reasons: it contributes to residents’ quality of life and because the City of O’Fallon receives almost half of our revenue from sales tax. By funding City services through sales tax, we do not have to rely on property taxes. The following commercial projects were underway or complete in 2016:

  • CarMax: The used car dealership on Central Park Drive opened in the spring.
  • Plocher Office Building: The five-story building (nicknamed “The Blade”) opened in 2016 with Class A offices and the 1818 Chophouse Restaurant.
  • McKendree Metro Rec-Plex: The ice rink, aquatic center, and fitness center is scheduled to open in January 2017.
  • Tim Horton’s/Reliance Bank: Located on Regency Park Drive in front of the Regency Conference Center, this unique project is a combined bakery/coffee shop and branch bank.
  • Academy Sports: The sporting goods store opened in November and is a good addition to the community following the recent closure of Sports Authority.
  • Downtown redevelopment: The biggest downtown news is the approval of Destination O’Fallon that will build a Downtown Plaza with an event space and additional parking. Also notable was the sale of the Old City Hall to be converted into a commercial use.
  • St. Elizabeth’s Medical Campus: Construction continues on the hospital and medical office building and should open in November 2017.
  • Memorial Hospital East: Although this is not in O’Fallon, the new hospital opened in 2016 and has proven to be a significant benefit for O’Fallon residents

Public Infrastructure

2016 was a busy year for Public Works construction. Here are some highlights:

  • Milburn/Simmons roundabout: The project greatly improved traffic flow at this busy intersection. We received a state grant for this project.
  • West Hwy. 50 right turn lane and intersection improvements: This project extended a right turn lane from the I-64 interchange to Wal-Mart and improved intersections through the corridor. We received a state grant for this project.
  • O’Fallon Public Library renovation: The newly remodeled Library includes a teen center, improved children’s center, and media marketplace.
  • Presidential Streets stormwater improvements: Phase 1 included drainage improvements through the older part of town. This was funded through the voter-approved Proposition S ½-cent sales tax.
  • 2nd Street Reconstruction: The deteriorated concrete was replaced between Cherry and Lincoln. This was funded through the voter-approved Proposition S ½-cent sales tax.
  • Rebecca Lane stormwater improvements: Drainage infrastructure in the Southview subdivision is aging and we have been systematically improving culverts and storm drains over the years throughout the neighborhood. This was funded through the voter-approved Proposition S ½-cent sales tax.

Recognition

Finally, long-serving aldermen Jerry Mouser and Michael Bennett resigned from the City Council this year when they moved out of their respective wards. Both served on the City Council for more than 20 years each, with Mouser a long-time Chairman of the Community Development Committee and Bennett a long-time Chairman of the Finance and Administration Committee. They are thoughtful public servants who love O’Fallon and devoted many hours to making O’Fallon the special community it is today. I am thankful for their service and O’Fallon is better because of them.