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2022/02/02 - Walter's Blog: Highlights

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

Highlights

 

I previously looked back at 2021 and today we look forward to 2022. Here is a summary of issues and projects that will command our attention this year: 

COVID-19: The pandemic continues. We are hopeful that infections and hospitalizations decline. We are planning for a full year of activities, festivals, and sporting events. 

2040 Master Plan: City Council and Staff spent over a year developing a long-range plan for the future of O’Fallon. Now that the Plan is approved, we will develop strategies to implement the vision and goals. 

Strategic Plan: While the Master Plan casts a vision for the next 20 years, the Strategic Plan identifies specific actions that should be taken in the next 3-5 years to implement the Master Plan. Action steps in the Strategic Plan will be included in the FY22-23 Annual Budget for implementation. 

Property Tax Relief: In December 2021, the City Council reduced property taxes by 5% to provide relief for O’Fallon taxpayers in 2022. The sales tax was increased by ½% to make up for the revenue, but more than 60% of sales taxes are paid by non-residents so there should not be any increase in total taxes paid by O’Fallon residents. 

Build O’Fallon Trust Fund: A portion of the new ½% sales tax will go into a special fund to implement the Master Plan and Strategic Plan. The Build O’Fallon Trust Fund is an investment in the future and will grow over time to address City Council priorities. In 2022, there will be about $1 million to spend. 

Auffenberg Auto Mall: The five car dealerships at the Auffenberg Auto Mall will relocate this summer to their new location on Frank Scott Parkway in Shiloh. As a result, the City of O’Fallon will lose more than $1 million in sales tax revenue. We are working with the property owners to bring new businesses to the site, but this will be a significant hit our annual budget. 

Economic Development: We are looking forward to more exciting projects: 

  • Central Park Drive mixed used development: This will be a large 29-acre development featuring 384 apartment units, a hotel, and restaurant/retail space. 
  • Dogwood Social Club: This is a new restaurant and entertainment center at the old Gold’s Gym building on Central Park Drive that will feature food, drinks, and assorted games (axe throwing, bowling, video games, etc.) 
  • Hi-Pointe Drive In: This popular St. Louis burger joint will open this spring on Hwy. 50 next to Dollar General. 
  • Edley’s BBQ: A new barbeque restaurant will open this summer on Hwy. 50 across from Walgreens. 
  • Scooter’s Coffee: The drive-thru kiosk will open this summer on Hwy. 50 between IHOP and Motomart. 
  • Downtown Redevelopment: The Downtown District continues to thrive with new stores and the resumption of festivals and special events. A new restaurant is planned at First and Cherry Streets. 
  • Vine Street Market: The farmer’s market at O’Fallon Station will return this summer bigger and better, with an expansion down First Street in front of the Chamber of Commerce/Depot building. 
  • Southview Plaza: I know this has been on my economic development list for several years, but we are hopeful that a new development plan will be presented this year. 

Public Infrastructure: 2022 will be another busy year for construction. Here are some highlights: 

  • Family Sports Park turf replacement and lights: Eight baseball fields will receive artificial turf infields this spring to allow for all-weather competition. In addition, Fields 9 & 10 will receive badly needed lighting for evening games. 
  • Central Park/Hartman Lane intersection: Additional turn lanes will relieve congestion at this busy intersection. 
  • Cambridge Blvd. Drainage: Flooding has been a problem at the Cambridge/Hwy. 50 intersection, and these improvements will be completed simultaneously with the Edley’s BBQ construction. 
  • 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. 
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade: Sewer improvements are somewhat invisible but are essential for community development. The project consists of $10 million in improvements. 

We live in an attractive and safe community with great neighborhoods, schools, and parks. We are hopeful that 2022 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.