June/July 2007

The City’s water conservation ordinance is in effect May 1 to August 31 and establishes automatic and sprinkler watering schedules. Hand held and soaker hoses can be used at any time.

Even-numbered addresses may sprinkle on even-numbered days, 12-9 a.m. and 6-10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses may sprinkle on odd-numbered days. There is a $50.00 fine for violating this ordinance.

Please visit www.stcharlesil.gov/PW/WaterAndSewer/ or call the Public Works Office at (630) 377-4405 with questions or for more information.

Brush Pickup

Brush pickup (branches 3’ long and less than 12” in diameter) is available for residents who pay an additional monthly fee on their utility bill (please review your bill or call Utility Billing at 377-4426 to confirm eligibility; businesses are not eligible). Brush that does not conform with the following requirements, or with vehicles parked in front of them, will not be collected:

• Pile brush on the parkway (not in the street), cut end facing the street, before 7 a.m. on Mon. (see table for dates). Once the crew passes an area, they will not come back until the next scheduled pickup date.
• Do not bundle brush with twine.
• Pile brush no higher than 4’.
• Please do not place metal, lumber, grass, leaves, dirt, roots or poison ivy/oak in the pile.
• Branches larger than 12’ long and 12” in diameter will need to be split or cut prior to collection.
• Twigs, trimmings and leaves should be placed in paper yardwaste bags (purchase bags with the City logo on them or use generic bags and place one refuse sticker on each bag) and left for collection on the normal refuse pickup day.
• Free mulch is available at the City’s facility on Rte. 38/Lincoln Hwy., west of Peck Road. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.- 3 p.m., Sat. 7-11 a.m. Please bring a shovel and containers. The City does not deliver or load.

Outdoor Fire Pits

As a reminder, the City’s Fire Prevention Code (www.stcharlesil.org/code/ in Chapter 15.28) allows the responsible use of outdoor fireplaces without a permit. The unit should be at least 25 ft. from any structure and in an open lawn area. Use clean, well-seasoned wood (no leaves, compost, brush, waste, etc.). The fire should not burn for more than 2 hours and must be constantly attended until extinguished. Some type of extinguisher must be available. Be alert to wind speed/direction and courteous to neighbors with respiratory difficulties. The City may order the extinguishment of open burning that creates a hazardous or objectionable situation. A “good neighbor” policy is recommended.

Posting Signs

Posting signs on electric poles, traffic signal poles, parkways, and other public property is prohibited. Signs in parkways can block the vision of drivers and damage underground utility wires. Staples, nails and other things used to attach signs can snag the gear of electric workers, possibly resulting in falls, shock or injury. Signs left on traffic signal poles distract drivers at intersections and detract from the beauty of our community. Everyone’s cooperation is needed to help St. Charles remain the safe, beautiful community it is.

Shelter from Lightning

Several people were injured or killed by lightning strikes during surprise storms last summer. These tragedies underscore the need to know what to do if lightning shows up during your next round of golf, hiking trip, or backyard barbeque. If you are planning to be outdoors:
• Check the weather forecast before you go and plan around the weather to avoid lightning.
• Stay close to a safe shelter.
• Use the “30-30 Rule” to decide when to run for cover: When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If you count 30 seconds or fewer, get indoors right away. Stay inside for at least half an hour after the thunder stops.
• Thick, dark clouds or heavy rain are clues that lightning could be on the way. Find shelter before you see the first flash.

These tips were brought to you by the St. Charles Municipal Electric Utility. Call 630.377.4407 for more information.

Building Permit Season

The Building Division offers the following tips to help residents know when a permit is needed for home projects. All permit information packets are available online at www.stcharlesil.org/forms/.

• A permit is needed for most construction projects (addition, inside/outside remodeling, reroofing, deck, garage, siding, swimming pool, fence, RPZ (backflow device) for lawn sprinkler system, furnace/air, water/sewer service, and repair).
• Information packets include an application, codes, and inspections. Permits are needed before work begins.
• Work done by homeowners must be in accordance with building codes. Roofing contractors must be licensed with the State. The owner/contractor must call for inspections and JULIE (800-892-0123) to locate under-ground utilities. Damage as a result of not calling JULIE is the owner’s responsibility.
• An Illinois licensed plumber bonded with the State must do plumbing work. An owner/occupant of a single family home may do his/her own plumbing.
• Do not pay for a project before the work is complete, an inspection conducted, and certificate of occupancy issued.

Call the Building Division with questions, Mon., 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Tues.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 630.377.4406.

Mosquitoes

Details on this year’s mosquito abatement program, conducted by Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, Inc., are available online at www.stcharlesil.gov/news. Residents may also call Clarke’s Mosquito Hotline at 800-942-2555 to report standing water, mosquito annoyances, or for additional information about treatments, schedules, etc. Please call the Building & Zoning office at 630.377.4406 with questions about the City’s abatement program.

RV Parking and Storage

The City’s Code on the storage and parking of recreational vehicles (RVs) in one- and two-family residential zoning districts was recently revised The new provisions are as follows:

An RV parked or stored outdoors in the One- and Two-Family Residential Zoning Districts shall not be located within the required front yard or required exterior side yard (corner yard facing the street) from October 15 to April 15. RVs may be parked in the front yard for loading and unloading from October 15 to April 15, but no longer than 48 hours.

RVs may be stored outside all year in Residential Districts per the following regulations:

• There is not more than one RV.
• The RV is stored or parked on a hard surface.
• The RV is stored/parked inside, in the rear yard, or interior side yard.

Full enforcement of these parking restrictions will start in fall 2007. Please contact the Building & Zoning Office at 630.377.4406 with questions

2007 Road Maintenance

The Engineering Division scheduled annual road maintenance activities for city streets listed below. The streets scheduled for a grind and overlay will begin July 30 and be completed September 1. The streets scheduled for a heat scarification process will begin September 4 and be completed October 15. Whitetopping of 4th St. (Horne to McKinley) and Indiana Ave. (3rd to 4th St.) will occur after Labor Day. Residents affected by these activities will receive a flyer with details. Please call 630.377.4486 with questions or for more information.

City Auction

The 2007 annual City Auction is scheduled for October 20 at the Public Works garage. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m. The auction will begin at 9 a.m. Call 630.762.7070 for information or visit the City Auction page at www.stcharlesil.gov/fi.

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