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News & Highlights from the City of St. Charles, Ill.  -  May 2026

City Spotlight

>> Public Service Recognition Week, observed May 3-9, is an opportunity to celebrate the dedicated professionals who keep St. Charles running smoothly 24/7. From 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 essential services depend on the people working behind the scenes to provide the services you rely on. Their efforts help ensure St. Charles remains a safe, dependable, and welcoming community to live, work and visit.

Public invited to FREE State of the City, May 6, at Arcada Theatre

June utility bills to reflect new rates

Utility rate adjustments for City of St. Charles water, wastewater and electric utility customers will begin appearing on utility bills issued in June 2026. Customers should be aware that a portion of May usage will also be included in the June 2026 bill.

As part of these adjustments, the City is implementing a 5% decrease in electric rates, while water and wastewater rates will increase annually over the next four years to support long-term infrastructure needs, and an accelerated unfunded state mandate for lead service line replacement.

The initial overall impact of the rate adjustments for a typical residential customer beginning with bills issued in June 2026 is estimated to be about a 17% total increase, the actual bill change will vary from customer to customer based on actual usage. The portion of the water rate increases implemented to fund lead service line replacements is planned to be temporary until the project is complete after ten years. 

Additional details, including an example four-year rate change schedule for typical residential customers, are available on the City’s website.

City's annual Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony set for May 25

Join us Monday, May 25, for the City's annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony honoring and remembering members of the U.S. military who died while serving in the armed forces. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 6th and Main Streets and continue to Riverside Avenue. A memorial service will follow at 10:45 a.m. at the Freedom Shrine along the river, west of the former St. Charles Police Department (211 N. Riverside Ave.). In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Fire Station No. 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. The ceremony, led by Event Coordinator Lt. Colonel Mark Powell (Ret.), will include the Annual Proclamation, a keynote address and “Taps.”

The City of St. Charles held a Phase 2 public workshop and online survey on April 8 to gather input on the future of the former Police Station site. Residents, business owners, and community members provided feedback on leading development concepts for the riverfront property, building on input from a prior survey and February open house. The engagement focused on refining ideas for open space, amenities, programming, and potential reuse of the existing building.

Thank you to all who came out and contributed thoughtful ideas to help shape the next phase of planning!

City Notes

Upcoming meetings, office closures in May

All City offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. As always, police, fire and emergency services will remain available 24/7.

Meeting information and agendas are available here. Agendas are posted 48 hours prior to the meeting. This month's schedule is as follows:

»All are welcome to attend meetings in person, join via Zoom, or watch the recorded session on YouTube afterward.

Stay up to date with the City’s 'Meeting Minutes Archive'

Stay informed by viewing minutes from past City Council, Commission, and other official meetings using the City's Meeting Minutes Archive. You can search by meeting type, date, or keyword to review discussions, decisions and updates at your convenience.

Ward 3 Alderpersons present Spirit Awards on April 6

During the April 6 St. Charles City Council meeting, Alderpersons Bob Gehm and Vicki Spellman proudly presented Spirit of St. Charles awards to two Ward 3 recipients who have made a meaningful impact in the community.

• Mark Weiss makes a difference one story at a time. The St. Charles resident founded Comic Books for Kids nine years ago, bringing comic books and pop culture items to children in hospitals and cancer centers — offering a much-needed escape through stories of heroes who reflect their own strength. Today, the program reaches more than 200 hospitals across all 50 states, Canada and the U.K. He also launched Comic Books for Troops, supporting all branches of the military.
• Brown Butter Baked Goods and Cafe, 311 N. 2nd St., St Charles, was recognized for creating a warm, welcoming space where people can gather and feel at home. Since opening in 2022, owner and baker Dawn Phillips has turned her dream into reality — serving up delicious gluten-free treats in what’s become a true local gem. Celebrated as one of St. Charles’ hidden treasures, the bakery reflects hard work, heart, and a deep appreciation for the community and the dedicated team behind it all.

About the Awards
The Spirit of St. Charles awards celebrate students, individuals, businesses and organizations that help make St. Charles a vibrant place to live. Awards are presented monthly at City Council meetings through June 2026.

City approves program in partnership with Lazarus House

The City of St. Charles is partnering with Lazarus House to launch a new initiative providing long-term housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable residents. The program focuses on chronically homeless and disabled individuals, offering stable housing paired with ongoing support through Lazarus House, which serves individuals and families across Kane County.

Business

New business alert!

• Taco Dale
  3821 E. Main St., St. Charles
  Fast casual Mexican restaurant
  
  
• fire + wine (Grand Opening - May 5)
  200 N. Kirk Road, St. Charles (Fox Haven Square)
  Upscale casual dining

Public Safety

The morning of May 15, St. Charles Police Department officers will be perched on top of two local Dunkin' locations from 5 a.m. to noon for the 23rd annual Cop on a Rooftop in support of Special Olympics Illinois. Participating St. Charles locations include:

• 1566 E. Main Street (East Side)
• 1711 W. Main Street (West Side)

Customers who donate will be given a coupon for a free donut. Donors giving $10 or more will receive a coupon for a free coffee, and a Law Enforcement Torch Run travel mug (while supplies last). There also will be raffle tickets and Special Olympics merch for sale. For more information, visit soill.org.

May is Bike Month!

>>As e-bikes, e-motos, scooters and other micromobility devices grow in popularity, St. Charles City Council in October 2025 adopted a new Bike Policy Ordinance aimed at improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians while reinforcing St. Charles’ commitment to being a bike-friendly community. The new ordinance aligns with state law and incorporates recommendations from Ride Illinois.

Learn more about where and who can ride, best practices, and potential penalties at stcharlesil.gov, keyword “Bike Policy.”

Safety Tips from the St. Charles Fire Department:

Enjoy outdoor fires safely by following these local guidelines and fire prevention tips.

Public Works Briefs

Permits needed for work in floodplain

All development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA or 1% floodplain) including filling, excavation, fences, building repairs, etc. 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.

Brush Collection Schedule in May

The Brush Pick Up program takes place on the East Side on May 18 and on the West Side on May 26 (one day delay due to Memorial Day Holiday on May 25).

Branches at least 3 feet long and less than 12 inches in diameter should be put out before 7 a.m. on Monday of the scheduled pickup week. Do not tie bundles of brush with rope or wire and do not pile higher than 4 feet. Please note, it can take the entire week for pick up to be completed.

Spring blooms abound in St. Charles

Special Mentions

From the Natural Resources Commission:

Easy Plants to Attract Pollinators By Meagan Provencher, City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commissioner It’s easy to attract pollinators to your garden by adding just a few plants. Often it’s as simple as “if you build it, they will come.” While native plants are always a great choice, it’s perfectly fine to include non-natives too – many are just as attractive to pollinators. The key is choosing plants that haven’t been overly modified from their original form. Read on for a list of plants to mix into almost any garden.

Flood preparedness: What to do before and after a storm

After recent storms, now is a good time to assess your home’s flood risk. Here are simple steps to help protect your property:

Plan Ahead (permits may be required):

• Elevate or relocate furnace and water heater
• Improve drainage around your home (consult City Engineer)
• Install GFCI outlets in wet areas
• Repair foundation cracks
• Add a backup sump pump, flood vents, or sewer backflow valve
• Consider a backup generator

Before a Storm:

• Monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service
• Clear drains, gutters, and yard debris
• Test sump pump and backup
• Secure or move outdoor items that could float away
• Turn off power to flood-prone exterior outlets

After a Flood:

• Wear protective gear during cleanup
• Remove wet materials quickly to prevent mold
• Replace submerged appliances (per manufacturer guidance)
• Some electrical equipment may be saved with proper inspection

Questions about permits? Contact the City of St. Charles at 630.377.4406.

Emergency prep resources: Ready.gov

Homeowners keep history alive, one property at a time

>>May is Historic Preservation Month! The home pictured once belonged to St. Charles’ first mayor, Mayor James Lewis, and is both landmarked and part of a local historic district. St. Charles is home to three historic districts and 72 landmarked properties, featuring diverse architecture styles like Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival. Through the City's Historic Preservation ordinance, the City helps protect the exterior character of these properties — and the City is grateful to the owners who work hard to preserve the beauty and history of their homes!

Quick Code Check: 'Paws' and reflect on pet leash requirements

Pet owners are reminded to keep animals, including cats, properly restrained for their safety and the safety of others.  >>Learn more about Restraint of Animals Required ordinance.

Mayor on the Move

Ride-along with the St. Charles Fire Department

>>Mayor Clint Hull joined the Fire Department for a ride-along last month, getting a firsthand look at the skills and training required on the job. During his time with the duty crew, firefighters led him through several hands-on scenarios, including climbing the 100-foot aerial ladder, using Hurst tools in a simulated vehicle extrication, and accessing and walking a roof as part of ventilation operations. 

Resident runs every street in city!

>>Mayor Hull (left) congratulates St. Charles resident Chris Ricketts on April 10 at City Hall after Ricketts successfully completed a personal challenge to run on all 514 streets in St. Charles.

'Reel' fun for State of the City

>>Mayor Hull joined Arcada Theatre's Ron Onesti at the Arcada Theatre last week for a fun promotional video for the upcoming State of the City event at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the historic downtown theater. No tickets required -- all are invited to attend!

Share your St. Charles Fourth of July family photos with us!

By May 15, submit your Fourth of July photos featuring friends and family from past celebrations in St. Charles. Older photos are especially encouraged, but recent memories and “now and then” comparisons are welcome, too. You do not need to be a St. Charles resident to participate — anyone who has celebrated the Fourth of July in St. Charles may submit. Please email photos to info@stcharlesil.gov and include your name and town of residence. Selected images may be featured as part of the City’s communitywide celebration of America’s 250th birthday. >>Watch the Video Invitation with Mayor Clint Hull.

Community Events

From the St. Charles Public Library:

Invite a Judge with Mayor Clint Hull on May 5

Join the St. Charles Public Library from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, for an hour of knowledge and insights presented by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford and St. Charles Mayor Clint Hull. 

From the St. Charles Arts Council:

Paint the Riverside set for May 9

From the St. Charles Business Alliance:

St. Charles Fine Art Show set for May 23 and 24

The 28th annual St. Charles Fine Art Show on Saturday, May 23 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.), and Sunday, May 24 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) features more than 110 fine artists, each hand-selected by a jury for their exceptional talent and unique style. Artists work with a range of mediums, including Clay/Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawing/Illustration, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Wood, all available for purchase during the show.This year’s show is expected to be bigger and better than ever before, and will take place over  Memorial Day weekend, rain or shine. Admission is free to the public!

From the St. Charles Park District:

Summer Concerts in the Park kick off this month!

Come out for some fun and music every Thursday at 7 p.m. beginning May 28 at the Lincoln Park Gazebo downtown on Main Street between 4th and 5th streets. Enjoy music from local bands all summer long. Bring your blanket and chairs. 

From the Equity and Inclusion Commission:

Second annual St. Charles Pride Fest set for June 7 in new location

Celebrate pride and community during the second annual St. Charles PrideFest event, sponsored by the City of St. Charles Equity and Inclusion Commission.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at Mt. St. Mary Park (Prairie Street, east of Route 31) in St. Charles. The free celebration is open to all ages, and everyone is welcome to attend. The event will feature resource tables from local businesses and nonprofits, pride-themed giveaways, crafts and activities, live music, karaoke, food trucks and more.

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the LGBTQIA+ community.

Community Clean Up 

June 6 for east side and June 13 for west side

The City of St. Charles Community Clean Up program is back for 2026, giving residents a convenient way to clear out unwanted items. 

Collection will take place:

• June 6 – East side of the river

• June 13 – West side of the river

This service is available to residents within St. Charles city limits only.

LRS (Lakeshore Recycling) will collect items placed at the curb — not in the street — by 7 a.m. on your scheduled date. Please note that crews will not return once they’ve passed through an area, and items should not be set out more than 48 hours in advance.

For a list of items that will NOT be picked up, visit stcharlesil.gov.

For more information about Community Clean Up, contact the Public Works Department at
630.377.4405 or pw@stcharlesil.gov.

Resources

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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!