|
News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill. - December 2025 |
|
 A look back at a big year in St. Charles
St. Charles continues to be a vibrant city where residents love to live and businesses thrive. The City had a standout year filled with big development wins, major infrastructure improvements, enhanced public safety, and new tools that make interacting with the City easier than ever. Read the full article for a closer look at the year’s highlights and how they’re shaping the future of St. Charles.
|
|
Important Notice:
Curbside Leaf Collection temporarily suspended
The City’s curbside leaf collection program has been temporarily suspended after nine inches of snow accumulated over the weekend. In addition, more snow and freezing temperatures are forecast throughout the week.
We understand the situation is frustrating and appreciate your patience as we manage the impacts of the weather on leaf collection operations.
We know how much residents value this service. The City, and its contractor, Kramer Tree Specialists, are closely monitoring the forecast for more favorable weather conditions that would allow the opportunity to resume the program.
The program was in the third and final collection cycle when the snow storm hit. Curbside leaf collection relies on vacuum equipment to pick up the leaf piles. Snow, freezing temperatures, and ice make it difficult to spot leaf piles and can cause significant equipment issues.
Updates will be posted on the City’s website here as soon as more information is available.
|
|
Holiday hours and December meeting dates
Offices are closed Dec. 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, and New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2026. The December meetings schedule is as follows:
 >> 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.
|
|
 Ward 5 'Spirit' awards presented during City Council meeting
Ward 5 Alderpersons Ed Bessner and Steve Weber presented “Spirit of St. Charles” awards at the Nov. 3 City Council meeting. The recipients included Boy Scout Troop 13 for civic engagement and community pride; Derek Swann for compassion and inclusive service at Beardsley's Barbershop; and Parent Petroleum/The Pride Stores for 40 years of leadership and generous community giving.
The ward-focused awards recognize students, individuals and businesses or organizations who contribute to making St. Charles a vibrant community.
|
|
Wasco third-graders visit City Hall
Students fill Council Chambers, share heartfelt 'Thank-Yous'
 Third graders from Wasco Elementary School visited Council Chambers on Nov. 6 to get a first-hand look at how local government works — with a little help from Mayor Clint Hull! During a fun mock meeting, roughly 80 students cast ballots on whether they’d prefer crafts or board games. Mayor Hull lobbied hard for board games, but crafts won. (Sorry Mayor, but the people...or kids have spoken!)
 After touring City Hall, students followed up the old-fashioned way — sending the Mayor hand-written "thank you" letters! Here are snippets of what a few students had to say:
- "I liked asking questions about stuff — what I didn't like was you saying you could not ban HOMEWORK." — Charlotte
- "...I learned a bucket load of interesting facts that are true," Your Friend, Lincoln.
- "One question I still have is do you have free time? Thank you for being a good Mayor." — Joey
|
|
Community Resources Event recording now available on Zoom
 >>From Left: Mayor Clint Hull, and Equity and Inclusion (E&I) Commission Members Lisa Macaione and Cris Anderson, City Administrator Heather McGuire, E&I Commission Member Susan Sanders, and E&I Commission liaison Alderperson Bob Gehm.
If you missed the Nov. 6 Community Resources Event, you can still learn about the programs and services offered by the City, Park District, Library, Township, and School District 303 by watching the recorded presentation on Zoom (click button below). NOTE: To access the presentation, use the Passcode: fHpDa0*J
The event was sponsored by the City of St. Charles Equity and Inclusion Commission.
|
|
|
 City launches enhanced webpage detailing redevelopment of mall
Wondering what challenges are shaping the future of the Charlestowne Mall site and where to find updates? The City’s newly enhanced Charlestowne Mall Redevelopment webpage serves as a central hub for information about the project. It provides background on the mall’s history, current ownership, and the City’s ongoing efforts to attract redevelopment that supports community goals and market conditions. You’ll also find additional resources, including a one-page project summary (PDF), comparative data and a podcast episode featuring an in-depth discussion on the topic with City leaders.
|
|
-
Chipko Market
(Sustainable lifestyle shop)
902 S. Randall Road, Suite E
|
|
Snow removal operations, parking reminders
Safe, clear streets is the goal of the City’s snow removal operations. Plowing usually begins when 1.5 inches of snow has fallen, and 2 inches or more has been forecast. Residents should remove vehicles parked on streets before plows begin clearing.
During snowstorms, parking on the parkway is allowed only when off-street parking is unavailable. Once plowing is complete, vehicles must return to the street. 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.
Navigating street parking during a snowfall
Snow Route parking ban
The Snow Route Parking Ban is activated by the Police Department when 2 inches of snow accumulates, and more is expected. Snow routes are marked with blue signs. Residents and visitors can resume parking along the snow routes once they have been cleared of snow.
Citywide parking ban
If 3 inches or more of snow accumulates and full plowing begins, a citywide parking ban may be implemented. Cars could be towed to cleared streets or designated lots.
Does your homeowner insurance cover flooding?
 Most homeowner insurance does not cover flooding, leaving residents vulnerable to costly repairs. Anyone can purchase flood insurance, even if they are not in a high-risk flood zone. About 1 in 5 flood claims come from properties outside the high-risk flood zone.
Don’t wait for the snow to begin melting – there is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance coverage to begin. If you are a resident within incorporated St. Charles, the City has worked to exceed the minimum flood protection standards, reducing flood insurance premiums by 25% through voluntary participation in the FEMA Community Rating System program.
This winter, protect what matters and talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance, contact the Public Works Engineering Division at 630-377-4405, or visit floodsmart.gov.
|
|
Free Holiday tree pickup: Collection first two weeks of January
Lakeshore Recycling Systems will collect Christmas trees during the first two weeks of January on your regular refuse day. No refuse sticker is required during this period. Make sure trees are free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, and decorations, and are not bagged. After the two-week period, trees will require a refuse sticker.
Note: Wreaths and garland are not accepted.
|
|
|
Winter Fire Safety from the St. Charles Fire Department
Fire Department partners with local agencies for EV Training
Last month, the St. Charles Fire Department partnered with several local agencies to host its first-ever on-site Electric Vehicle (EV) Training at Fire Station 1 in downtown St. Charles.
As EVs become more common on the roads, specialized fire training is essential. EV fires involve many more steps than traditional car fires — and they require a larger team due to the high-strength steel protecting the battery, which makes extinguishment more challenging.
Fire crews also train to manage the risk of hydrogen gas release, which can make EV fires more explosive. And unlike standard vehicle fires, an EV can reignite hours or even days later, so firefighters take additional steps to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and monitored.
|
|
Community gathers for 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony
The St. Charles community came together Nov. 11 to honor our national heroes during the Veterans Day Ceremony at the downtown St. Charles Fire Station.
The ceremony featured Taps, a gun salute, and a special “Happy Birthday” for WWII Veteran Duane Stevenson (pictured, on left) — who celebrated 102 years that day!
|
From the Natural Resources Commission:
Another smashing success at making Halloween 'green'
The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission and the City's Public Works Department hosted another successful Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 8. Commissioners, student members and volunteers collected more than 1,525 pumpkins--or 7.55 tons (as much as an adult elephant!)!
Roughly 250 vehicles, a tractor and wagon from several towns, including St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, South Elgin, West Chicago and Campton Hills rolled in for the smash.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped keep pumpkins out of landfills!
|
Recycle your old holiday lights through Jan. 16, 2026
 The St. Charles Natural Resources Commission is collecting holiday lights (working or not) through Jan. 16. Accepted items include traditional, LED, Italian mini, and rope lights, as well as extension cords (NO garland, wreaths, trees, or lawn décor).
You can conveniently drop off lights at the St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St., along with these additional locations:
-
STC Public Works (M–F, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
-
STC Public Library
-
Pottawatomie Community Center
-
Hickory Knolls Nature Center
-
Wasco Nursery & Garden Center (Campton Hills)
|
|
From the St. Charles Equity and Inclusion Commission:
 December in St. Charles means twinkling lights adorning the trees, lining the streets, and on parade. It is a season of great rejoicing for many cultures and religions. Here are some year-end holidays the people of our city will observe:
- Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish “festival of lights” during which time one candle on a menorah is lit nightly, fried foods are eaten, games are played, and prayers are recited. In 2025, Hanukkah will take place from Dec. 14 through 22. Learn more at the Chabad Jewish Center of Elgin.
- Christmas is a Christian holiday which honors the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25. Churches will hold special worship services, and for many, the date coincides with the arrival of Santa Claus who brings gifts overnight on Christmas Eve. This year, the St. Charles Business Alliance will bring Santa Claus to 1st Street Plaza on Saturdays and Sundays where you can visit him in his brand new cottage or drop off a letter!
- Kwanzaa is an African American celebration which begins on Dec. 26 and runs through Jan. 1. It is a period of reflection, ritual, and shared meals. On Dec. 2, the St. Charles Public Library will hold an online program called “Discover Kwanzaa,” which will explore its roots, significance, and traditions.
The St. Charles Equity and Inclusion Commission wishes everyone a peaceful and happy holiday season!
About the Equity and 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.
|
|
Group gets surprise meet-and-greet with Mayor
 >>In November, Kane County residents from Fox Valley Special Recreation Association’s (FVSRA) adult day program, Day Break, had a wonderful time exploring the historic St. Charles Municipal Building tower — and (bonus!) got to enjoy an impromptu meet-and-greet with Mayor Clint Hull!
|
|
Donate your car, support STC North auto students!
Have a running vehicle you no longer need? Donate it to St. Charles North High School’s Automotive Program to give students hands-on experience in repairs and maintenance.
Interested? Contact the Auto Program at 331-228-4400 for donation details.
|
|
|
Find relief at local Warming Centers this winter
Warming centers offer vital support during the cold winter months. St. Charles locations include:
- St. Charles Park District - Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave.
- St. Charles Police Department, 1515 W. Main St. (pictured)
- St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.
|
|
|
New EV rebates available for Kane County residents
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering rebates of up to $4,000 for Kane County residents who buy a new or used electric vehicle. Apply by Jan. 31 or until $14 million in statewide funds run out.
|
|
Visit Santa's House!
|
Santa’s House will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21 on 1st Street Plaza (29 S. 1st Street). Families (including friendly dogs!) can meet Santa, share wish lists, and snap holiday photos in Santa's new cottage, featuring a walk-in room, warm fireplace, and more — free of charge! Visitors can also drop off wish lists in Santa's mailbox on the side of his house.
For more information, visit the St. Charles Business Alliance's website.
|
|
 |
2026: Winter/Spring save the dates!
|
|
Important Links
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
