11/06/2026
The Roundabout
November 6, 2026
Another busy week in O’Fallon! This week’s Roundabout includes updates on new public safety technology, Police Department promotions, infrastructure improvements, Fire Department activities, upcoming community events, and the results of the public library advisory referendum.
Drone as a First Responder
The City of O’Fallon has utilized drones for several years for a variety of purposes, including inspecting water towers, locating missing persons, assisting firefighters, and monitoring large public gatherings.
We are now preparing to deploy our first Drone as a First Responder (DFR) system in partnership with St. Clair County Emergency Management and the Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB/911). O’Fallon will host one of the County’s DFR units at our Public Safety Facility.
This technology will allow first responders to quickly obtain real-time aerial views of emergency situations, helping officers assess potential threats, coordinate responses, and make informed decisions before entering potentially dangerous environments.
Whether responding to an active threat, searching for a missing person, or managing an emergency during a large public event, drones provide another valuable resource to protect both our first responders and the public.
Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman will join St. Clair County officials and other area police chiefs next Tuesday for a press conference announcing the program.
Employee Chili Cook-Off
We held our annual City Employee Chili Cook-Off this week!
Public Works took home first and third place, while Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman earned second place. I also managed to bring home an award for "Best Dip!"
We held a pumpkin decorating contest as well, with Parks Maintenance winning Best Decorated Pumpkin.
These events are a great opportunity for employees from different departments to get together, enjoy some friendly competition, and have a little fun. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Land Use Code Update – We Want Your Input!
The City continues working to update our Land Use Code and Design Guidelines to implement the goals of Master Plan 2040 and guide future development throughout O’Fallon.
If you were unable to attend our recent public open house, you still have an opportunity to participate.
Our community survey covers the same topics discussed at the open house and allows residents to share their thoughts on the future of development in O’Fallon.
Take the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ofallonil2026
We encourage everyone to participate. Your feedback is an important part of this process.
Crime Free Housing Coordinator and Police Promotions
Following the recent retirement of Crime Free Housing Coordinator Keith Townsend, we are pleased to announce that Police Captain David Matevey will assume the position upon his retirement as a sworn police officer at the end of this year.
Captain Matevey brings considerable law enforcement experience and institutional knowledge to this position. We are fortunate to retain experienced employees who can continue serving our community in new roles.
As a result of Captain Matevey’s retirement, several promotions will take place within the O’Fallon Police Department.
A promotion ceremony will be held January 4, 2027, recognizing:
Patrick Feldhake – Captain
Matt Plassman – Lieutenant
Michael Adamson – Sergeant
Congratulations to these officers on their well-deserved promotions!
Public Works Updates
Pierce/Pinetree Estates Improvements
Work continues on the major infrastructure improvements in Pierce/Pinetree Estates.
Contractors are replacing water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure while making roadway improvements throughout the neighborhood.
Our goal is to complete the first phase before winter, including underground utilities, concrete work, roadway patching, and yard restoration.
Contractors will return in the spring, when asphalt plants reopen, to complete the final asphalt overlay on roads throughout the project area.
We have also addressed dust concerns with the contractor and are requiring additional dust control measures. Increased traffic controls and speed enforcement will continue.
We appreciate residents' patience during this extensive project and encourage motorists who do not live in the construction area to use alternate routes whenever possible.
Water Tower Maintenance
Several City water towers are scheduled to be repainted over the coming months. Staff are working with the contractor to finalize the maintenance schedule.
O’Fallon in Focus – Public Works
Our latest episode of O’Fallon in Focus features Public Works Director Jeff Taylor!
In Episode 4, Jeff discusses downtown streetscape improvements along Lincoln Avenue and State Street, upcoming improvements at Highway 50 and Green Mount Road, and how residents can use the O’Fallon on Demand app to report concerns directly to City crews.
Watch the episode:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1144762391827680
Public Safety Updates
New Police Officers
On Monday, November 16, at 5 p.m., we will hold a swearing-in ceremony for two new O’Fallon police officers, Daniel Collins and Michael Wulf.
We look forward to welcoming both officers to the O’Fallon Police Department!
Fire Department – More Than Responding to Emergencies
October was an exceptionally busy month for the O’Fallon Fire Department, and not necessarily because of emergency calls.
October is National Fire Prevention Month, and our firefighters spent much of the month visiting schools, educating residents, conducting fire drills, and promoting fire safety throughout the community.
During October, our firefighters participated in approximately 25 school visits, safety assemblies, fire drills, and other educational activities.
Our annual three-night Fire Prevention Open House welcomed hundreds of residents each evening. Firefighters also participated in Trunk-or-Treat events and other community activities throughout O’Fallon and Shiloh.
One particularly important initiative was our two-night Smoke Alarm Blitz.
In partnership with Camp I Am Me and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, firefighters went door to door offering free smoke alarm inspections, installation assistance, and fire safety information.
As a result, approximately 25 new smoke alarms were installed in homes throughout our community.
We were also proud to see our Fire Prevention and Life Safety Educator, Sara Stockstrom, receive the Above & Beyond Award during a National First Responders Day event hosted by State Senator Erica Harriss.
Sara was recognized for her outstanding work in fire safety education and community risk reduction. Her efforts have expanded our educational programs and earned recognition at both the state and national levels.
I wanted to highlight these activities because they represent a side of the Fire Department that residents do not always see.
We often measure the work of a fire department by the number of emergencies it responds to. However, preventing emergencies from happening in the first place is equally important.
We cannot measure how many fires are prevented because a child learned an important safety lesson or a homeowner replaced a faulty smoke alarm. But preventing even one serious fire, injury, or death makes these efforts worthwhile.
As our community grows, continuing to invest in fire prevention, personnel, training, and equipment remains essential.
The best fire we will ever respond to is the one that never happens.
For reference, the O’Fallon Fire Department responded to 124 incidents in October, bringing our year-to-date total to 1,154 incidents.
Parks & Recreation Updates
Our Parks & Recreation crews have been busy preparing facilities for winter while wrapping up another successful season.
Some highlights from this week include:
Approximately 10,400 pounds of grass seed have been applied throughout our parks this fall. Recent rainfall has helped new grass begin growing.
Aeration work has been completed, and fall leaf removal and mulching activities are underway.
Irrigation systems at several City facilities have been winterized, with additional work continuing at the Sports Park.
Crews continue repairing holes and ruts throughout our parks and athletic fields.
The ballfield crew installed 630 square feet of bluegrass sod at the Sports Park and completed additional field repairs.
Sports Park ballfields and Blazier Field have been topdressed with sand to improve turf conditions.
Advertising signs are being installed at the Sports Park.
Youth basketball games are underway!
More than 60 children are registered for tonight’s Squishy Trading Event at the Katy Cavins Center.
Holiday programs are now open for registration.
This weekend marks the final major weekend of the Sports Park season, with only SLYSA activities remaining afterward.
It has been another great year at the Sports Park, and I appreciate the hard work of our Parks & Recreation employees who keep these facilities operating throughout the season.
Memorial Corner
We did not receive any bids for the proposed sign project. Staff will divide the work into two separate bid packages, one for the sign and another for sidewalk and site improvements.
Blazier Field Clubhouse
The clubhouse repair project will be discussed at Monday’s Parks and Environment Committee meeting. Pending City Council approval on November 16, repairs could begin shortly afterward and are expected to take approximately one to two weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Veterans Day Observance – November 11
The City of O’Fallon will hold its annual Veterans Day observance on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1111 East Highway 50.
This year’s guest speaker will be Brigadier General Derek Salmi, USAF, from Scott Air Force Base.
The program will also feature Mayor Eric Van Hook, Miss O’Fallon Bethany Wessel, OTHS AFJROTC, VFW Post 805, and other community participants.
The names of veterans newly inscribed on our Veterans Monument will also be recognized.
Pre-service music performed by District 90 fifth graders begins at 10:45 a.m.
Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals and decorations.
Following the observance, VFW Post 805 will host the 2026 Veterans Day Parade. Lineup begins at 12:30 p.m., with the parade stepping off at 2 p.m.
We encourage residents to join us as we recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country.
Upcoming Community Events
Fantastic Fall Festival – November 7
Join us Saturday at Rock Springs Park for the Fantastic Fall Festival!
Activities include hayrides, a bonfire, marshmallows, children’s games, and live music. This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy an evening of fall activities in one of our City parks.
O’Fallon Band Boosters Art and Craft Fair – November 7–8
The O’Fallon Band Boosters will host their 45th Annual Art and Craft Fair this weekend at the OTHS Smiley Campus.
This indoor event is the Band Boosters’ largest annual fundraiser and features a variety of vendors and handmade items.
O’Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade and After Party – November 28
Following the O’Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 28, residents are invited to Community Park for our annual Christmas tree lighting and a variety of activities for children and families.
Downtown District Façade Improvement Grant Program
Applications are now open for the Downtown District Façade Improvement Grant Program!
Learn more and apply:
https://shorturl.at/a4fL1
O’Fallon Public Library Referendum Update
During Tuesday’s election, O’Fallon voters considered an advisory referendum regarding the proposed construction of a new public library.
Approximately 61% of voters opposed the proposal.
The Library Board viewed the advisory referendum as an opportunity to better understand community support for the proposed project.
With the results now known, the Board has a clearer understanding of residents’ preferences and has determined that it will not move forward with the proposed construction of a new library.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the election and provided feedback on this important community issue.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 7 – Fantastic Fall Festival, Rock Springs Park
November 7–8 – O’Fallon Band Boosters Art and Craft Fair
November 11 – Veterans Day Observance and Parade
November 16 – New Police Officer Swearing-In Ceremony
November 28 – O’Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade and After Party
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about what is happening throughout O’Fallon. Whether it is improving our infrastructure, supporting our first responders, maintaining our parks, or planning community events, our employees continue working hard to make O’Fallon a great place to live, work, and visit.
Have a great weekend!
Grant Litteken
City Administrator
City of O’Fallon, Illinois
