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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - November 2024 |
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Honor veterans at annual St. Charles ceremony Nov. 11
The annual St. Charles Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Fire Station No. 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. This is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country.
The ceremony will feature the singing of the National Anthem, an invocation, remarks, a gun salute, and a performance of Taps.
For more information about the event, please contact LTC (Ret) Mark Powell, Event Coordinator, at 630.329.6444. We look forward to honoring our veterans together!
Did you know?
Did you know that nearly 10% of the City of St. Charles workforce are veterans! The City's commitment to supporting veteran employment has earned the city consistent recognition with a Gold Medallion in the U.S. Department of Labor's HIRE Vets program.
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Downtown St. Charles to dazzle for annual Holiday Homecoming!
 >> Don't miss St. Charles' annual Holiday Homecoming, one of the Midwest's premier seasonal events! The festivities start with the Lighting of the Lights Ceremony at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. On Saturday, Nov. 30, enjoy a free screening of The Grinch at 10 a.m. at the Arcada Theatre, followed by the St. Charles Shop Crawl supporting small local businesses and a chance for kids to visit Santa from 1 to 4 p.m. at Santa's House on the 1st Street Plaza. Cap off the day with the enchanting Electric Christmas Parade along Main Street, kicking off at 5:30 p.m. It’s a perfect way for families and friends to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
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It's Easy to Find Out What Ward You're In
St. Charles has an Aldermanic form of government, comprised of 10 Alderpersons and a Mayor who are elected to serve four-year terms. The City of St. Charles is divided into five wards. Two Alderpersons from each ward are elected to represent their ward on the City Council and serve staggered terms.
Us this easy Interactive Ward Map to find out which council members serve your ward.
Their contact information is available here.
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Small Business Saturday supports local economy
As we approach Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 30, following the Thanksgiving holiday, we encourage residents to shop local and support St. Charles’ robust small business districts.
The city is home to more than 2,000 businesses, many of which are cherished small enterprises that contribute to the unique character of St. Charles. From locally owned restaurants and boutique shops to independent service providers, these businesses play a vital role in our community. In St. Charles, supporting small businesses is crucial. According to the Small Business Administration, 68 cents of every dollar spent at these establishments stays within the local economy.
The dedication of small business owners to grow their ventures, create jobs, and drive innovation not only supports our economy but also contributes to the prosperity of our city.
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Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend!
>> Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
Offices are closed Nov. 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving.
This month's meetings schedule is as follows:
 >> All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions on YouTube afterward.
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Candidate pre-filing notice for the 2025 consolidated election
Candidates seeking local offices in the 2025 Consolidated Election must file completed election packets with the Office of City Clerk Nancy Garrison at the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, on these dates and times:
- Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, though Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Consolidated Election will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025, for the following local offices:
- Mayor – full 4-year term
- City Clerk – full 4-year term
- City Treasurer – full 4-year term
- Alderman, Ward 1 – full 4-year term
- Alderman, Ward 2 – full 4-year term
- Alderman, Ward 3 - 2-year term (unexpired)
- Alderman, Ward 3 – full 4-year term
- Alderman, Ward 4 – full 4-year term
- Alderman, Ward 5 – full 4-year term
Should a simultaneous filing lottery be necessary, it will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the City Clerk’s Office at the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 East Main Street., St. Charles, IL, 60174. For more information, contact Marzena Sheets, Deputy City Clerk at msheets@stcharlesil.gov.
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Around Town: Police and Fire
Police welcomed families to Trunk-or-Treat event on Halloween
>> Thanks to all who came out to the St. Charles Police Department's third annual Trunk-or-Treat event Oct. 31 at the police station!
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Firefighters spread Halloween cheer with Reverse Trick-or-Treating
>> The Fire Department brightened Halloween in several St. Charles neighborhoods by visiting local trick-or-treaters and handing out candy all over town!
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Police, elected officials, donors celebrate new Public Safety Training Center: A $1.24M hub serving 35 area police departments
Project funded completely by grants, private donations
The St. Charles Police Department hosted an open house and ribbon cutting dedication ceremony in October for the opening of its new Public Safety Training Center. State senators, City officials and staff, participating police departments, and project donors attended the event. The project was funded completely with grants and private donations and is used by 35 Chicago area police departments. The new facility, located near the City’s existing outdoor practice range, includes a virtual training simulator, space for physical training, storage space and a classroom, and will serve roughly 1,500 police officers annually. The $1.24 million project was funded with $1.2 million in grants secured by state senators Linda Holmes and Don DeWitte, as well as donations from the Kara Foundation and other private donors. FMG Architects designed the project and KWCC Construction acted as the general contractor.
>> Watch the 'Behind the Badge' video, featuring simulations, K-9 Unit and drone demos, on YouTube.
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Jeremy Mauthe sworn in as new Fire Chief on Oct. 28
 >>Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Mauthe was appointed Chief of the St. Charles Fire Department during a swearing in ceremony Oct. 28 at Fire Station No. 1 in downtown St. Charles. Mauthe has spent 20 years with the department, holding nearly every position and working through the ranks. As Fire Chief, Mauthe also will oversee the Tri-City Ambulance Service, represent St. Charles on the Tri-Com 911 Board of Directors, and work collaboratively with neighboring fire departments and other emergency services agencies.
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Six turkey fryer fire safety tips
Frying a turkey can lead to delicious results, but it also poses a significant risk of cooking fires. Here are some essential safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season:
1. Choose the Right Spot: Place your turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface at least 10 feet away from your home and under no eaves.
2. Avoid Overfilling: Prevent spills by testing oil levels with water first. Fill the fryer with water, then add the turkey to measure the oil needed.
3. Thaw Completely: Ensure your turkey is fully thawed and free of frost to avoid dangerous splattering when frying.
4. Monitor Oil Temperature: If your fryer doesn’t have a thermostat, use a kitchen thermometer to keep an eye on the oil temperature and prevent overheating.
5. Stay Safe: Always use protective oven mitts and keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fryer.
6. Consider Alternatives: For a safer option, think about using an electric air fryer instead!
Visit usfa.fema.gov for more free fire-safety resources.
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Brush Collection
The final collection dates in the City's Brush Pickup program are Nov. 18 on the east side and Nov. 25 on the west side. Please place your branches out by 7 a.m. on the Monday of your designated pickup week. Keep in mind that it may take the entire week to complete the pickup.
Leaf Collection
Leaf collection is currently underway on the east side of the river, and begins on the west side Nov. 5. Residents on both sides of the river will receive three leaf collections each through Dec. 5. A progress map will be updated daily, showing which neighborhoods have been serviced and what remains for the month. Additionally, Lakeshore Recycling Systems will offer free bagged leaf collection from Dec. 2 through Dec. 27 (with a one-day delay for the Christmas holiday) on regular refuse collection days.
Fall Hydrant Flushing continues
The City’s Public Works Water Division will continue fall hydrant flushing through Nov. 8. Signs announcing hydrant flushing will be posted in affected neighborhoods. Flushing may start as early as 5 a.m. and continue through 4 p.m. Discolored water is possible. Learn more at stcharlesil.gov. For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 630-377-4405 or pw@stcharlesil.gov.
Snow removal reminders
Safe, clear streets are the goal of the City’s snow removal operations. Here are some friendly reminders from the Public Works Department to support snow-removal crews:
- Please avoid shoveling, plowing, or dumping snow from your driveway or private sidewalk onto city streets or sidewalks.
- Kindly keep all refuse and recycling containers off the street to aid in snow removal.
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Tips to winterizing your water service to protect plumbing
As winter approaches, the Public Works Department frequently receives inquiries about how to properly “winterize” your water service. If your home will be vacant for an extended period —due to vacation, a move, a home sale, or renovations that require shutting off the water — it's essential to take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Here are some helpful tips to protect your plumbing:
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Drain Pipes: When turning off the water for an extended time, all pipes must be drained.
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Circulate Heated Air: Allow heated air to circulate around pipes and water meters. Insulate problem areas and keep cabinet doors open to maintain warmth.
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Maintain Temperature: In vacant homes, do not turn off the heat. Instead, lower your thermostat to maintain a minimum temperature that will help prevent freezing. Installing a programmable thermostat can help regulate the temperature efficiently.
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Let Faucets Drip: Allow a slow drip from faucets connected to pipes near exterior walls to help prevent freezing.
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Avoid Air Compressors: Do not use an air compressor to “blow out” a private water service. This can introduce dirt and contaminants into the water supply, posing a health risk to residents and others drinking City water.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Public Works Department at 630-377-4405. Stay warm and safe this winter!
Essential floodplain requirements for property owners
Did you know that there are specific requirements for buildings located in a floodplain? Under the National Flood Insurance Program, if the cost of improvements or repairs to a building exceeds 50% of its market value (excluding land value), the entire building must be brought up to current floodplain management standards. Improvements include exterior and interior remodeling, rehabilitation, additions, repairs, and reconstruction. It's important to note that the 50% threshold is cumulative; the costs of planned improvements will be added to any previous improvements to determine if they exceed this limit. For more details, contact the Public Works Engineering Division at 630-377-4405.
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From the Equity & Inclusion Commission
The Equity & Inclusion Commission makes recommendations to City Council to ensure the community is open, inclusive, and welcoming to all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or abilities.
November is National Native American Heritage Month
The month of November is recognized as National Native American Heritage Month. This observance commemorates the history, heritage, and culture of Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. It is during this month that we acknowledge the vast achievements of America's original Indigenous people especially St Charles’ deep-rooted history.
Did you know?
Exhibit information from the St. Charles History Museum
The St. Charles History Museum will be collaborating with Tribal Officials to update its gallery space in order to make the language more inclusive, history more accurate, and to highlight Indigenous perspectives of the present. Next summer, the Museum will unveil its temporary Exhibit on the History of Indigenous Settlement in the region.
The Museum also will be working towards obtaining funding to update the plaques at the base of the Ēkwabet statute. In light of comments by members of the Citizen and Pokagon Bands of the Potawatomi, and in order to reinforce the original intentions of the statue's creators, the Museum is hoping to have the plaques updated to reflect an authentic Indigenous perspective.
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Important reminder: Pet Leash Requirements
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 >> You can recycle Halloween lights, too!
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Pumpkin Smash | Nov. 9
 » The Pumpkin Smash event is Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Public Works parking lot,1405 South 7th Ave. The event is hosted by the City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission.
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Big Hearts Holiday Toy Drive
 » Drop off new unwrapped toys through Nov. 14 at the Municipal Building reception area, 2 E. Main St. For more information, visit bigheartsfv.org.
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To you and yours from the City of St. Charles...
 >> City offices are closed Nov. 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving. Have a safe and happy holiday!
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We're Hiring!
We’ve assembled a remarkable team of dependable service providers, skilled first responders, and innovative leaders who drive St. Charles to be its best. We invite you to become a part of our team!
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