February/March 2008

Following is a list of items that can be mixed in the orange recycling bins: aluminum/steel/tin cans, aluminum foil/tins, aerosol/paint cans (empty), glass bottles/jars (all colors), plastic containers (#1-5 & 7), plastic six-pack rings, and coated paper cartons (milk/juice).

Newspapers should be placed in a paper grocery bag and left on top or next to the recycling bin. Mixed papers (phone books, magazines, catalogs, chipboard boxes, envelopes) should be placed in a separate paper grocery bag. Cardboard should be flattened and cut to 36” x 36”.

Visit Veolia's web site (http://www.onyxwasteservices.com/st-charles-il-waste-collection-services.htm) for complete details on the refuse and recycling programs or call the Public Works office at (630) 377-4405 or Veolia at (630) 587-8282 with questions or for more information.

The Tree Corner - Cherished Tree Memories

Trees are among the most beautiful additions to our community, and St. Charles is honoring that fact this year by celebrating its 10th anniversary as a Tree City, USA. The Tree City USA® program is offered by the Arbor Day Foundation and helps communities protect and enhance their forestry programs.

In recognition of Arbor Day 2008 and to celebrate our beautiful trees, the St. Charles Tree Commission is asking residents to write a short essay about their most cherished tree memory. The essay could be about a favorite tree, a memorial tree, memories of children playing under an old tree, or enjoying the shade from the outstretched limbs of a wise, old Shagbark Hickory from your porch or deck. Please share your most cherished tree memories with us. Five entries will be selected and read at the Arbor Day ceremony on April 25, 4 p.m., at Lincoln Park. The selected authors will receive a container grown tree to plant or donate to the cause of their choice.

Please send your cherished tree memory, in 300 words or less, by email to isoderlind@stcharlesil.gov (Subject: Tree Story Contest), or by mail to Attn. Tree Story Contest/Isabel Soderlind, City of St. Charles, 2 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. Photos are welcome but not required. Call 630.377.4405 with questions.

Summer Jobs

The City will accept applications for summer work 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 valid 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 online at www.stcharlesil.gov/jobs or at City Hall.

Don't Crank Up the Heat

You’ve added insulation, cleaned the furnace filters, and told the kids not to leave the front door open – but you’re still cold. Consider these alternatives to turning up the heat:

• Invest in an electric blanket and use it on your bed or on your lap while relaxing.
• Wear an extra layer of clothes.
• Stop cold air from creeping in under exterior doors by covering the cracks with rolled-up towels or area rugs. Use weatherstrips for a permanent solution.
• Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
• Cover windows that do not have storm windows with plastic sheeting, available at most hardware stores.
• Close crawl space vents and cover attic fans so cold air can’t get in and warm air can’t escape.

A lot of simple things add up to big savings. Call the St. Charles Electric Utility at 630.377.4407 with questions or for more energy saving tips.

Safety Town 2008

Registration for the 2008 Safety Town program will be at the St. Charles Police Department, 10 State Ave., on March 15, 9 to 11 a.m. Parents may enroll their children, ages five to six, in one of eight sessions offered in June and July. Enrollment is on a first come basis. A parent or legal guardian must enroll their child in person and sign a waiver. Bring proof of residency in School District 303 or the St. Charles Fire District (a driver’s license or itemized tax bill is sufficient). A three-hour review session is offered for graduates of last year’s program.

The curriculum is designed to develop confidence and decision-making skills. Topics include fire safety, stranger awareness, transportation safety, animal care, water safety, bicycle and pedestrian safety, poison awareness, and gun safety. Graduation is on the last day of the sesison at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Crime Prevention Officer Tim Beam at 630.443.3730/tbeam@stcharlesil.gov or visit www.stcharlesil.gov/pd. for more details.

New Bike Law

The State of Illinois passed a new law on August 16, 2007, requiring motorists to leave a minimum of three feet when passing a bike on the road. The new law will provide a safe distance for hand signals and authorized right turns. Visit www.bikelib.org for more information.

Outdoor Warning Sirens

The City’s monthly tests of the outdoor warning sirens (10 a.m. on the first Tuesday) include one minute each of the Alert Warning Signal (steady tone), silence, and the Attack Warning Signal (wavering tone). The Alert Warning Signal is used for peacetime emergencies (tornadoes, severe weather). The Attack Warning Signal is used for an attack or national emergency. The sirens will sound for three to five minutes during an actual emergency, warning residents to go indoors and turn on the radio or television for information. All-clear signals are no longer used.

A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for March 4. Sirens will sound for three to five minutes. Visit the Illinois Emergency Management Agency at www.state.il.us/iema/ for details.

Citizen Police Academy

The St. Charles Police Department is pleased to announce the 2008 Citizen Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is designed to give members a better understanding of how the department operates. Areas covered include criminal and narcotics investigations, arrest and court procedures, traffic stops, the Tactical Response Team, crime scene processing, the K-9 unit, domestic violence, and the Firearms Training Simulator (F.A.T.S.). The curriculum incorporates classroom instruction and, when possible, demonstrations so participants can try an activity being demonstrated, such as shooting on the F.A.T.S. machine.

The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., March 4 to April 24, at the Police Department. Applications are available at the Police Department (630.377.4435) or online at www.stcharlesil.gov/pd (click on Forms) and are subject to approval.

The class is free and open to residents, property/business owners, employees, and approved St. Charles high school juniors and seniors. Contact Crime Prevention Officer Tim Beam at 630.443.3730/tbeam@stcharlesil.gov or visit www.stcharlesil.gov/pd for more information.

Remember to shop local and visit www.stcharlesill.gov/edd for a complete, searchable 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/.