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2019/12/20 - Walter's Blog: Best of 2019

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

December 20, 2019

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 2019” (not necessarily ranked in priority order).

Elections: The April 2 municipal elections brought seven new aldermen to the City Council. It is exciting to have new ideas and perspectives on the City Council, and we have engaged in several orientation and goal-setting sessions to get the new aldermen up to speed on current issues and to establish new priorities.

Recreational Cannabis: The biggest issue to come out of the state legislature this year was the legalization of recreational cannabis. The new law allows the possession and consumption of adult recreational cannabis but permits municipalities to determine whether to allow the sale of cannabis. The O’Fallon City Council held several meetings to discuss the topic and ultimately decided to place an advisory question on the March 17 election ballot to see how residents feel about the issue.

Economic Development: One of the City Council’s top priorities is economic development.

Creating destinations:

  • O’Fallon Station: The downtown pavilion was a certified hit this year. The Vine Street Market exceeded all expectations and many downtown businesses recorded double-digit sales growth. More events are planned for 2020 that will maintain the momentum.
  • Family Sports Park Expansion: This was the first full year of the all-weather baseball and softball fields. Nine major soccer tournaments and 27 baseball and softball tournaments were held this year. Tournament participants spend more than $100 per day while they are here, which contributes to the local economy.

Attracting Businesses:

  • Downtown Redevelopment: In addition to O’Fallon Station, downtown O’Fallon continued to revitalize itself with the opening of new businesses. We are especially proud to be awarded an Outstanding Local Government Award by the East/West Gateway Council of Governments for our partnership with the Downtown District and O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce.
  • Marriott Town Place Suites: This new hotel opened last spring on Regency Park Drive across from the Hilton Garden Inn and Regency Conference Center.
  • Hampton Inn: This new hotel is under construction and should be complete in early January 2020.
  • Fairfield Inn: This new hotel is under construction on Central Park Drive and should open in summer 2020.
  • The Drake Restaurant: A new bar and grill is under construction next to the Fairfield Inn on Central Park Drive.
  • Serra Honda Dealerships: Two auto dealerships were approved on Central Park Drive – one pre-owned dealership and one new car dealership.
  • Shops at Richland Creek: This is a 17-acre mixed-use development at Green Mount Road and Central Park Drive that will include retail, restaurants, and office buildings.
  • Hi-Pointe commercial project: This is a three-acre commercial development at Hwy. 50 and Cambridge Blvd. that will include a Hi-Pointe Drive In and other retail.
  • Keystone Place Senior Living Project: A large senior living complex is under construction on Frank Scott Parkway near Green Mount Road.
  • Seven Hills Road Senior Living Project: A large senior living complex was approved that will include memory care, assisted living, and independent villas.
  • McKendree MetroRecPlex: The St. Elizabeth’s Hospital rehabilitation center opened in 2019.
  • St. Elizabeth’s Hospital medical campus: A new cancer treatment center is under construction on Regency Park Drive and will open in early 2020.
  • Insight Professional Park: This office park is under construction behind the Harley-Davidson dealership and will feature 54,000 sq. ft. of office space.
  • Rieder Road development: The City Council approved a development plan with Tri-Star for the development of 200 acres along Rieder Road. Construction should begin in spring 2020.

Public Infrastructure: 2019 was another busy year for construction. Here are some highlights:

  • Pavement Management Program: $1.7 million was spent to repave and repair O’Fallon streets. This is a multi-year project that will address the maintenance of all city streets.
  • Presidential Street stormwater improvements: Phase 4 was completed that includes drainage and road improvements through the older part of town. This is funded through the voter-approved Proposition S ½-cent sales tax.
  • Simmons Road reconstruction: The road was widened with curbs and sidewalks from Porter Road to Fairwood Hills.
  • State Street water/sewer replacement: Water and sewer mains were replaced on State Street from Obernuefemann to the railroad tracks.

Budget: The state’s new minimum wage law will impact many City positions for next year’s budget. In addition, there have been reports among national economists that a recession may be coming soon, so we must prepare back-up plans in case revenues decline.

We live in an attractive and safe community with great neighborhoods, schools, and parks. The best of O’Fallon is yet to come, and we will continue to work hard to provide exceptional services to our residents and to maintain O’Fallon’s superior quality of life.