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The Den

The Den newsletter

What is GIS and How Do You Benefit from It?

If you have ever been assisted by a St. Charles police officer or firefighter, watched snow plows run through your neighborhood, or seen a customized map developed by the City, then you have benefited from the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a division of our Informations Systems Department.

Many routine City operations are tied to a location and therefore rely on a mapping service. Maps play a vital role in locating water, sewer and electric lines, or in helping emergency crews calculate the best route with the lowest response time.

Discourage Coyotes from Making Your Neighborhood their Home

We can expect an increase in coyote sightings between now and February as young coyotes leave their parents in search of mates and territories to call their own. And, with the onset of winter, coyotes are more willing to venture out of their rural or wooded habitats and into residential areas in search of food and shelter.

While coyotes are unlikely to attack humans, they can become more aggressive if they find an area that suits their needs and they want to defend it. Tips for keeping coyotes from settling in your neighborhood:

Be Sure to Enroll in the CodeRED Emergency Notification System

Kane County offers the CodeRED® Emergency Telephone Notification System. The system allows County officials to telephone targeted areas or the entire County if an emergency requires immediate action such as a boil water order, missing child alert or evacuation notice. CodeRED® is capable of dialing 50,000 phone numbers per hour and delivers a recorded message.

Stop for a Passing School Bus

Know When to Stop

Drivers, please remember to watch out for children standing at bus stops, or walking or riding a bike to school--especially during morning rush hour. This helpful graphic from the Village of Antioch Police Department reminds drivers about stopping for a school bus with lights flashing and stop arm extended. Also remember it is illegal to text while driving or talk on a hand-held cell phone.

Police Bike Patrol Unit Patrols Where Cars Can’t

When the weather warms up, the St. Charles Police Department Bike Patrol Unit gets rolling. The bicycle patrol unit is an “as needed” volunteer unit that was started in 1993. The bicycle patrol is prominently used during the summer at highly populated city events that can be navigated easier by bike. The patrol provides an additional level of support for areas where cars are unable to go. Each bike is equipped with a small pack that contains a first aid kit, flashlights, and reflective vest in the event traffic assistance is needed.

Assisted Listening Devices Now Available in City Council Chambers

Your City government relies on the input and participation of everyone. That’s why we’re proud to announce the new assisted listening system in the City Council chamber.

An audience member can pick up one of four audio receivers and either ear buds or a neck loop that is designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone switch. 

When the audio system is turned on, the digital transmitter automatically sends a signal to the receivers. Volume controls on the receiver allow individuals to adjust the volume to their needs. 

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