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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - May 2025 |
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 Elected officials to take Oath of Office on May 5
Following the May 5, 2025, City Council Meeting, officials elected in the April 1 Consolidated Election will be administered the Oath of Office. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with the final actions of the outgoing Council at the Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles, followed by the swearing-in of the newly elected and re-elected officials inside Fire Station No. 1 (across the street), 112 N. Riverside Avenue. After all oaths are taken, the newly seated City Council will conduct its first meeting at about 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Meet your newly elected and re-elected officials:
- Mayor-Elect Clint Hull
- Ward 1 Alderperson Ronald Silkaitis
- Ward 2 Alderperson Ryan S. Bongard
- Ward 3 Alderperson-Elect Vicki Spellman
- Ward 3 Alderperson (unexpired 2-year term) Robert W. “Bob” Gehm
- Ward 4 Alderperson Bryan Wirball
- Ward 5 Alderperson Steve Weber
- Clerk-Elect Susan Hanson
- Treasurer John R. Harrill
PLEASE NOTE: This event will attract a large crowd. The parking lots near the Municipal Building are expected to fill up fast. Plan ahead and find nearby parking with the interactive parking map on our website.
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Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony set for Monday, May 26
Join the City of St. Charles as we honor those who have served our country at the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 6th and Main Streets, proceeding to Riverside Avenue. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:45 a.m. at the Freedom Shrine, located along the river just west of the former St. Charles Police Department at 211 N. Riverside Ave.
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Budget for the new fiscal year
Utility rates set
The City's budget for the new fiscal year beginning May 1, 2025, is just over $221 million. This includes all operational costs to provide essential services (many of them 24/7) for 33,000 residents and more than 2,000 businesses, including:
- Police and fire protection
- Streets and public works services
- Utility services for electric, water, and sewer
Essential infrastructure improvements: Roads, water, and sewer
Also included in the budget is more than $49 million in capital projects to improve infrastructure. This year, the City will complete more than 13 miles of road improvements. Almost $20 million is for the water and sewer utilities to increase water well capacity and treatment, make improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, and replace infrastructure.
Water and sewer rates
The costs to provide water and sewer services has increased significantly over the last several years. This is mainly due to an aging infrastructure that needs repair and replacement and investments in additional infrastructure to support a growing community. Water and sewer rates will be adjusted by 5% for the upcoming year to address this. The increase will be effective for utility bills issued after June 1, 2025.
Electric rate
Although costs associated with the City’s electric utility also have increased, the City is not adjusting electric rates for the sixth consecutive year.
The City budget is on our website. For questions regarding the City budget or to better understand how City finances work, contact Bill Hannah, Director of Finance at bhannah@stcharlesil.gov.
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Recognizing the people behind the services you rely on
Public Service Recognition Week is May 4 through 10. It's a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who keep the city of St. Charles running smoothly every day. It’s also a chance for the City to reflect on our commitment to you as residents and businesses-owners. Whether it’s flipping a switch and having the lights go on, turning the faucet for clean water, or calling 911 to receive a quick emergency response, these everyday actions are powered by the work of public service professionals. Knowing that essential services are there when you need them is a sign that public service providers are fulfilling their mission to deliver reliable services and maintain safe, welcoming spaces that make St. Charles a great place to live and work.
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Upcoming meetings, office closures in May
All City offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. As always, police, fire, and emergency services will remain available 24/7.
Refuse collection will be delayed by one day due to the holiday.
The May meetings schedule:
 >> All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions on YouTube afterward. To join a meeting on Zoom, visit the Meetings page on the City website and click on the meeting you want to attend. Follow the instructions for joining the meeting and submitting public comments.
 >>The Fox River Dam Joint Task Force meeting scheduled for May 1 is canceled. The task force will be transitioning some new appointments following the recent election.
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Quick Code Check
Wheel smart: Skate and Bike the right way downtown
With warmer weather and summer break approaching, keep in mind city regulations for roller-skating, or riding skateboards and bicycles in the downtown area.
According to City Ordinance 10.11.2370, riding a skateboard or bicycle on sidewalks or other City property is not allowed in the downtown business district — generally defined as the area bounded by 5th Avenue (east), 5th Street (west), Prairie Street (south) and the railroad tracks/bridge (north). This includes the 1st Street Plaza. Bicyclists are also reminded to follow all applicable rules of the road, just as drivers do.
Roller skates, including in-line skates, are allowed on sidewalks, crosswalks, and riverwalks, and should yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.
Lawn and order: Stay within the 8-inch limit
As new buds and shoots sprout all over town, remember to keep your lawn and landscaping well-groomed. According to City Ordinance 8.28.020, grass must be kept at a height of 8 inches or less.
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Whole Foods Market one step closer to opening
 >>Whole Foods Market — located at the site of the former Blue Goose grocery store at 300 S. Second Street in downtown St. Charles — has announced it is hiring for a variety of positions (one step closer to opening)! The company will share more details about its grand opening soon.
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Welcome to St. Charles new businesses!
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Full court support: Police departments to play for a purpose
 >>Cheer on the St. Charles Police Department as they take on Addison Police Department during a friendly basketball game for a great cause at 6 p.m. May 14 at Thompson Middle School, 705 W. Main St., St. Charles. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Cop on a Rooftop returns to Dunkin' Donuts locations May 16
 >>St. Charles Police Officers will be stationed on the rooftops of Dunkin’ Donuts locations at 1566 E. Main St. and 1711 W. Main St. from 5 a.m. to noon Friday, May 16, as part of the 22nd annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser supporting Special Olympics Illinois. Stop by to show your support for a great cause.
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Recent fire incident reports in St. Charles
Looking for information about recent fire activity in St. Charles? Below are brief summaries from official press releases regarding recent incidents around town, including a kitchen fire on April 16 and a structure fire reported on April 19.
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Public Works honored for work on Project Daffodil
 >>On April 23 at Mount St. Mary Park, the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles recognized the City of St. Charles Public Works Department with the 2024 Golden Turtle award for being a consistent collaborating partner with the foundation and providing support on a wide range of events and initiatives, including Project Daffodil. The event also celebrated the planting of more than 25,000 daffodils in Mount St. Mary Park.
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2025 Street Rehabilitation Project underway
The City of St. Charles has officially kicked off the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project, which will improve nearly 13.8 miles of roadway across town. In addition to repaving, the project includes minor utility and concrete repairs. Residents affected by the improvements will receive a letter with project details. Weekly updates will be provided on the City's website. Check back early next week for the full list of streets that will be part of this project.
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Permits needed for work in floodplain
All development within the 100-year floodplain (Special Flood Hazard Area) — including filling, excavation, fences and building repairs — requires a permit. Applications must be made prior to beginning any work in a SFHA. For more information or to report illegal development activities, contact the Public Works Engineering Division at 630-377-4405.
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Final weeks of hydrant flushing underway
The City of St. Charles will wrap up its spring hydrant flushing program on Friday, May 9. Flushing will take place from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., focusing on the northeast and southeast areas of the city during the final weeks.
Hydrant Flushing Schedule:
Reminder: Flushing may cause temporary water discoloration, even in areas not currently being flushed. This is due to minerals being stirred up in the water mains.
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May Brush Collection
The Brush Pickup program runs through November.
East Side: May 19
West Side: May 26 (Refuse and brush collection will be delayed one day due to the Memorial Day Holiday)
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Pedal toward a better commute during Bike to Work Week
City's IS Director shares how to find work-life balance on two wheels
>>In recognition of National Bike to Work Week from May 12-18, we are spotlighting one of our own: Information Systems Director Larry Gunderson, a dedicated cyclist who enjoys the personal wellness and broader community benefits of regularly biking to work. Read on for tips and inspiration you can use to start your own bike-to-work routine — whether it’s once a week or every day.
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Tag Us When You Pedal Instead
Bike to Work Week is May 12–18
>>Cycling is a feasible way to get to work, especially for trips less than two miles. If you live or work in St. Charles and bike to work during Bike to Work Week, please tag the City of St. Charles in your social media post or email the photo to ksilva@stcharlesil.gov so that we can share it on our social media channels. Thank you!
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Ward 2 residents invited to 'Connect with Council' on May 8
 >>St. Charles Alderpersons Ryan Bongard and Jayme Muenz invite Ward 2 residents to a Connect with Council session for a quarterly update at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Municipal Building (council chambers - second floor), 2 E. Main St., in St. Charles.
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Arbor Day marked 27 years of Tree City USA recognition
City receives Growth Award for third consecutive year
 >>St. Charles has once again been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, marking 27 consecutive years of this honor. Further highlighting the City's ongoing commitment to urban forestry and tree care, it has also earned the Growth Award for the third year in a row. Kudos goes to the Natural Resources Commission and Public Works/Public Services forestry team for their hard work in keeping St. Charles green, healthy and growing.
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REEL City Moments videos
This video series brings you the vibrant spirit of our community through short, engaging social media reels. Discover local events, hidden gems, and the incredible people that make our city special.
Igniting careers: Fire Department partners with D303 program
The St. Charles Fire Department partnered with Compass Academy, a D303 High School program that introduces students to nontraditional career paths, to teach nine classes in March and April. Firefighters led lessons on fire science, fire behavior, report writing, and interview skills. Since the Fire Department’s involvement in the program, several students have gone on to pursue careers as first responders.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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Spring blooms brighten up St. Charles
Thanks to the incredible Public Works team, St. Charles is bursting with color this spring. They planted around 6,000 Pinkster™ tulips and 5,000 Fortune LS & Sunshine Boys™ daffodils across town — and now we all get to enjoy the beautiful results. Check out the seasonal displays around town.
>>Watch on YouTube.
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From the Equity and Inclusion Commission
The Equity & Inclusion Commission makes recommendations to City Council to ensure the community is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or abilities.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Join us this month in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the tremendous contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the great accomplishments of the U.S.
The significance in choosing May as AANHPI Heritage month is due in part to two meaningful dates in AANHPI history: The arrival of the first known Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was made possible in large part by the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants.
To learn more, read about the origins of establishing this heritage month on the Federal Asian Pacific American Council's website, or check out the St. Charles Public Library's Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage reading list.
For ways to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month throughout Illinois in May, visit Illinois.gov.
Mental Health Awareness month
Mental Health Awareness month is honored during the entire month of May. The theme for 2025 is Community: “Connect, Support, Thrive.” In order for people to thrive who are experiencing mental health challenges they need to feel connected and supported. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. will experience some form of mental illness across their lifetime.
- 1 in 20 adults in the U.S. will experience serious mental illness.
- 17% of youth aged 6 to 17 years old will experience a mental health disorder prior to becoming an adult.
If you are experiencing a mental illness, you are not alone. If you or a loved one is facing mental health challenges, help is available. Here are some resources that can support you. Visit our website for mental health resources.
Phone numbers to remember
These numbers are answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
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Call 988 for mental health support, including thoughts of suicide.
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Call 211 for referrals to local mental health support and other community services.
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Call 911 for medical emergencies, police and fire services.
Mental health resources
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Make Mother's Day special in St. Charles
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day? The St. Charles Business Alliance has rounded up a fabulous list of local events, specials and promotions happening all around town. From brunch spots to unique gifts, there’s something every mom will love — check it out and treat her to something special!
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From the St. Charles Arts Council:
 Paint the Town in a Banner Way returns this summer
The St. Charles Arts Council is bringing back its popular Paint the Town in a Banner Way community art project. This summer, 150 hand-painted banners will be created by local artists of all ages and displayed in Mt. St. Mary Park from July 17 to Sept. 28.
Registration is open now at stcharlesartscouncil.org, with banner pickup beginning May 24 at the Arts Council gallery, 121 N. 2nd Street, Suite H. For more information, contact Kathryn Hill at info@stcharlesartscouncil.org.
 (Photo from the St. Charles Arts Council website)
Paint the Riverside event May 10
Bring the whole family and join the fun on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at the intersection of Walnut and Riverside Avenues for a hands-on community art project. All are welcome to take part in transforming the street into a colorful work of art.
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Community Garage Sale – May 2 & 3
The St. Charles Community Garage Sale is from 8 a.m .to 4 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. This city-wide event is open to all St. Charles Park District residents and any household with a St. Charles address.
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From the Natural Resources Commission:
 Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with NRC's local bird walks
Join the St. Charles Natural Resources Commission (NRC) for a series of free bird walks leading up to World Migratory Bird Day on May 10. These guided walks are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the birds returning to the area during the warmer months. Upcoming events are as follows:
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May 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. – Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, led by naturalist Joshua Libman
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May 10 at 7 a.m. – World Migratory Bird Day Walk, meet at the pedestrian bridge on the west side of the Fox River, led by NRC members
All walks are free and open to all ages. Bring a pair of binoculars.
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Summer Concerts kick off this month
Summer Concerts kick off this month! Enjoy free live music by local bands every Thursday evening at the Lincoln Park Gazebo, located in downtown St. Charles on Main Street between 4th and 5th streets. The series kicks off Wednesday, May 21, with the Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert at the Lincoln Park gazebo. Don’t forget blankets and chairs.
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 St. Charles Fine Art Show returns Memorial Day Weekend
The 27th annual St. Charles Fine Art Show, featuring over 110 juried artists selected for their exceptional talent and distinctive styles will take place Memorial Day Weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 24, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 25. Explore and purchase artwork across a variety of media, including ceramics, digital art, drawing, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. The show is free to attend, and will take place rain or shine.
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Important Links
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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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