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2021/01/29 - Walter's Blog: Looking Forward to 2021

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

 

January 29, 2021

I previously looked back at 2020 and today we look forward to 2021. Here is a summary of issues and projects that will command our attention this year:

COVID-19: As vaccines are administered throughout the country, there is light to see the end of the pandemic. Most of our first responders have received the vaccine, and we are preparing for our community to reopen. Look for announcements on events and promotions to re-energize our local economy.

Municipal Elections: Municipal elections are on April 6, and seats are open for the following positions: Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and seven seats on the City Council. Two City Council seats are contested, while the others are unopposed. We will have at least two new aldermen and as many as three. While it is exciting to have new ideas and perspectives on the City Council, we will have to work hard to get the new aldermen up to speed on current issues and establishing new priorities.

Budget: COVID-19 caused considerable budget challenges, and we anticipate this to continue in 2021. Hotel/Motel Tax and Food/Beverage Tax revenues plummeted during the pandemic and will make a slow recovery.

Economic Development: Despite the pandemic, economic development continued in O’Fallon:

  • Rieder Road development: The I-64 interchange at Rieder Road opened in 2017, which will provide a new economic development corridor just outside the gates of Scott Air Force Base. Plans are underway to extend a sewer line down to the interchange and commercial construction should begin in 2021.
  • Shops at Richland Creek: Construction is underway on this commercial development that will include restaurants, retails, and office buildings.
  • Seven Hills Road Senior Living: An assisted senior living complex should begin construction in 2021. The center will include memory care, assisted living, and independent living units.
  • Southview Plaza: The City Council is reviewing a new development plan for the property at Lincoln and Hwy. 50. Hopefully, there will be some new construction soon.
  • Downtown Redevelopment: In addition to O’Fallon Station, downtown O’Fallon continues to thrive with new stores. The City’s new Façade Improvement Program resulted in some nicer storefronts in 2020.

Public Infrastructure: 2021 will be another busy year for construction. Here are some highlights:

  • Pavement Management Program: $1.7 million will be 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 improvements: Construction has already begun on West Madison and road, water, sewer, and stormwater improvements will occur on both the east and west sides of Lincoln. This is funded through the voter-approved Proposition S ½-cent sales tax.
  • Venita Drive reconstruction: This is the last phase of improvements surrounding the Family Sports Park. The project will include turn lanes in and out of the park.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade: Sewer improvements are somewhat invisible but are essential for community development. The project consists of $10 million in improvements.

Census: The 2020 Census results will be announced in the next few months and O’Fallon will have a new population (probably around 31,000 people). The Census also means that we will adjust the City Council Ward boundaries. The seven wards will be balanced so that all have an equivalent number of residents.

We live in an attractive and safe community with great neighborhoods, schools, and parks. We are hopeful that 2021 will see an end to the pandemic and residents will be able to enjoy the many community amenities in O’Fallon. We will continue to work hard to provide exceptional services and to maintain O’Fallon’s superior quality of life.