December 2007/January 2008

• Parking is prohibited on any Snow Route when 2” or more of snow has fallen. Posted snow routes are in effect from Nov. 1 through Apr. 30.
• Parking is prohibited on any city street for 72 hours after 3” or more of snow has fallen, or until the streets are clear.
• Parking on the tree bank is authorized during a snow storm only, when no other off-street parking is available. When the snow stops and streets are clear, vehicles must be placed back on the street.
• The Police Department will begin enforcing these parking regulations when 2” and 3” accumulations are present. Violators will be ticketed and towed about 1 hr. from the time the accumulations are reached.
• Cars normally parked on streets overnight should be closely monitored and removed before plows need to get through. Many incidents occur at night, so keep informed on weather forecasts and respond accordingly.
• Parking on streets after a snowfall may resume when the snow has stopped and plows removed the snow to the curb.
  

Tree Collection

Christmas and holiday tree collection will be on the east side of the river the week of Jan. 7, and the west side the week of Jan. 14. For those celebrating Epiphany, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. Christmas and holiday trees should be placed at the parkway, on the designated Monday, cut end facing the street. Tree collection is independent of refuse pick up. Please remove all decorations, as they may damage equipment and personnel. The collection may be altered due to the weather.

Winter Reminders

• Drivers--remember to yield the right of way to any vehicle displaying flashing lights and engaged in construction, maintenance, snow plowing, or salting work.
• If you believe your mailbox was hit by a City plow during snow removal, contact Public Works at 630.377.4405, Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Clear snow to the right side of your driveway when looking into the street to minimize the snow pushed back into driveways by City plows.
• City Ordinance states, residents and contractors shall not plow driveway or parking lot snow onto roadways.
• Clean snow from sidewalks in front of your home as a “safety” gesture welcomed by everyone.
• To avoid frozen water pipes, allow heated air to circulate around pipes and meters. Latch basement windows and vents to prevent drafts on pipes.
• When remodeling, do not locate water pipes against exterior concrete walls. If pipes have frozen in the past, insulate problem areas.
• When snow is predicted on a refuse pickup day, set containers back a few feet from the curb. Bins left in the street inhibit clearing snow to the curb.
• Call Public Works at 630.377.4405 with any additional questions.

Summer Jobs

The City will accept applications for summer work December 15, 2007, through March 25, 2008. Clerical positions work 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. performing basic clerical tasks (answering phones, filing, typing). Non-clerical positions require an early start (6-7 a.m.) and the ability to work outside performing duties such as painting, mowing, shoveling dirt, blacktopping, and mixing concrete, with some overtime possible. Applicants must be at least 18 and have a driver’s license at the time of hire. Start dates will be announced in May or June 2008. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in school full-time for the fall. Employment is contingent on passing a drug screen and background check. Apply at www.stcharlesil.gov/jobs or at City Hall.

CPA (Citizen Police Academy)

The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) meets Tues. and Thurs., 7- 9 p.m., beginning Mar. 4. Graduation will be in May. Applications are available at the Police Dept., 630.377.4435 or online at www.stcharlesil.gov/pd/programs/ and are subject to approval. The program is open to residents and high school juniors/seniors, subject to approval from the liaison officer. For details, contact Ofcr. Jeff Finley, 630.443.3730/jfinley@stcharlesil.gov.

Tax Season is Coming

The best time to contact the Utility Billing office for a utility history is in January, when they can assure you will have the complete year’s history for tax returns prior to the deadline. Request your utility history by calling the Utility Billing office at 630.377.4426 or send an e-mail to utilitybilling@stcharlesil.gov. When requesting your history, please include your name, account number, service address, and if you would like the information by mail or fax.

Keep the Wreaths Red

The Fire Department wants everyone to have safe and joyous holidays! We will display wreaths with red lights during the holiday season. If a fire results from holiday activities, a white bulb will replace a red bulb in the wreath. Follow these safety tips and help us keep the wreaths red

• For live trees, cut off a short section of the trunk before putting it in a stand, and maintain water in the stand.
• Be sure tree decorations and lights are in good repair and have the UL seal.
• Keep candles and other heat/flame producing devices away from decorations, drapes, and furniture.
• With more cooking over the holidays, it is important to keep ovens and broilers clean to prevent stove fires. A festive atmosphere can be easily ruined by a smoke-filled home or stove fire.

Neighbors in Need

City of St. Charles utility customers may again make a donation in November and December to help residents in need pay part or all of their utility bill. Last year, this program received $2,400 in donations and helped 12 St. Charles families who were having difficulties. Our thanks to those who so generously donated to this fund. A message on the utility bills will, once again, seek donations for this year’s Neighbors in Need program. The Salvation Army will help determine which customers receive the assistance and coordinate with the City the transfer of funds to the appropriate utility account. Contact the Utility Billing office at 630.377.4426 with questions or to authorize a donation.

McGruff Volunteers

The St. Charles Police Department is looking for residents to become McGruff House volunteers, who can make emergency phone calls for children in trouble and watch out for them as they walk to and from school. Any household with a resident 18 or older is eligible. A completed application is required. All applicants are screened, including a background check. Applications are available at the Police Department, or contact Ofcr. Jeff Finley at 630.443.3730/jfinley@stcharlesil.gov. The application is also available online at www.stcharlesil.gov/pd/CrimePrevention/McGruffHouse.html.

Winter Water Vacation

Residents who leave town for the holidays may contact the City Meter Office at 630.377.4404 and request to have their water turned off at the water meter. This reduces the chances of water damage or a large water bill caused by a leak. Those who do opt to have the City turn the water off should be sure to set the temperature above freezing to prevent frozen water pipes.

Select the Perfect Tree

Many homeowners begin planning spring gardens during the winter. It’s a great time to relax and do some research to find the perfect tree or shrub for that bare spot in the yard.

Before purchasing a tree, define a purpose. Do you need summer shade? Is there an area in which the soil is eroding? Would a windbreak help, improve privacy, or reduce noise? Maybe you just want to improve aesthetics and add value to your home and neighborhood.

Another consideration is the environment. Different species require the right water, space, sunlight, and soil to thrive. Consider the height, spread, and root space. Trees under utility wires should not exceed 15 to 25 feet at maturity.

Finally, be sure to research the best time to plant. Evergreens should generally be planted in spring, and deciduous trees in late fall. This can vary, so be sure to ask before you buy.

The University of Illinois Extension Kane County Unit has information and will be happy to help with all of your tree questions. Call them at 630.584.6166.

Welcome New Businesses to St. Charles!

Remember to shop local and visit www.stcharlesil.gov/edd for a complete listing of local businesses.

Your advice, suggestions and questions are valued and encouraged by the Mayor and City Council. Click here to link to an online feedback form, or email the Mayor directly at cao@stcharlesil.gov/.