The State of Illinois has approved a “sales tax holiday” for purchase of back-to-school materials. The holiday applies to the state’s 5% sales tax and will be in effect from Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 15, 2010. The Illinois Department of Revenue provided this information regarding the holiday.

Items eligible for the sales tax holiday include apparel and footwear with a purchase price not to exceed $100. A wide variety of school supplies are also eligible and those items are not subject to the $100 limit. For a list of qualifying items, please see the page 3 of this bulletin.

The normal sales tax rate in St. Charles is 8.0%. Following is the breakdown of the beneficiaries of this tax:

• 5% – State of Illinois
• 1% – City of St. Charles (state share)
• 1% – City of St. Charles (locally imposed home rule tax)
• .25 - Kane County (transportation and public safety tax)
• .75% – Regional Transportation Authority (public transit tax)

For the sales tax holiday, only the State of Illinois tax of 5% is waived.

It makes economic sense for consumers to buy any qualifying items during the sales tax holiday period. And, to maximize the benefit of your purchases, please make sure to shop at St. Charles establishments. The tax revenue that is applied to these purchases will come back to your community to help fund City programs and services.

Over the years, the City has heard concerns from property owners about the imposition of certain code requirements and how those codes have been applied. In response, City Staff began a process of review and revision of City building regulations in November 2008.  We embarked on this effort in order to respond to concerns voiced by elected officials and developers regarding inflexibility of the existing code editions, perceptions regarding the number of local amendments to the codes as onerous, and appeals requesting the City promote base code minimums whereever possible.  Staff worked to update the relevant editions of the model base codes used by the City and to prudently examine the appropriateness of various local amendments intended to strengthen those base codes.  Most of the codes were two to three editions out of date and many of the local amendments had not been scrutinized for many years.

Additionally, in December of 2008, the City Council unanimously approved the formation of a Building Board of Review. This Board includes local professionals in architecture and building trades to provide an avenue for city staff to seek input on the application of certain laws and codes, particularly as it pertains to historic buildings. It also provides an avenue of appeal to property owners and others who would like to have staff interpretations reviewed.

The code evaluation process involved numerous meetings between members of City Staff as well as hearings before the Building Board of Review throughout 2009.  At the conclusion of this process, the Building Board of Review recommended that the City Council adopt the most current editions (2009) of the International Codes, National Electrical Code, and Illinois State Plumbing Code. In addition, the adoption of these codes would reduce the number of local amendments to the International Building Code from 59 to 24 (a decrease of 59%) and the International Fire Code from 65 to 30 (a decrease by 54%). In response to concerns from local homebuilders and the Illinois Association of Realtors regarding the requirement that new single-family homes be equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems, the City Council referred the matter back to the Building Board of Review for further discussion.

On June 8, 2010, the St. Charles Building Board of Review voted to recommend revision and update of the City’s building code manual and forwarded their recommendation for adoption by the City Council of the following building codes and local City amendments to the same.

• 2009 International Building Code
• 2009 International Residential Code
• 2009 International Fire Code
• 2009 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2009 International Mechanical Code
• 2008 National Electrical Code
• 2004 Illinois State Plumbing Code

 The Board further qualified their recommendation as follows:

1. The new code provisions will become effective September 1, 2010;
2. The requirement in the International Residential Code for residential fire sprinkler systems shall be deferred until January 1, 2012.

The City Council adopted the recommendations of the Building Board of Review on July 19, 2010 and the new codes (except the sprinkler requirements) will go into effect on September 1, 2010.

The most debated aspect of this proposal was the requirement to install automated fire sprinkler systems in new single family homes and 2-unit dwellings. This requirement does NOT apply to existing homes, even if additions or alterations are undertaken. This is directly out of page 62 of the 2009 International Code. It is repeated twice, once for townhouse and one for 1 and 2 family dwellings.

“An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system.”

While I cannot predict what the future will hold (a new set of model codes is anticipated in 2012), at the present time, there are no plans to mandate these systems for existing residential buildings with less than 2 units.

In addition, the Council directed City staff to develop an ordinance to require homebuilders to present an option for homebuyers to have a sprinkler system installed. This requirement (commonly referred to as a “mandatory option”) will apply to all 1 and 2-family homes constructed between now and Janaury 1, 2012.

For questions or additional information, please feel free to contact Patrick Mullen, Fire Chief, or Bob Vann, Building Commissioner.

 The Kane County Fair opened yesterday at the fairgrounds in St. Charles.  The 2010 event runs through Sunday and I encourage everyone to attend. The fair provides a great opportunity to learn more about our agricultural heritage and to see how the youth of today are keeping that heritage alive. Also, the fairgrounds has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past 2-3 years, with substantial capital investments having been made. This includes a new exposition facility, enhanced landscaping and walkways, and improved parking facilities.

The fair has a long and established history with the City of St. Charles. For a good summary of some of that history, click here to read Dave Heun’s column from the Daily Herald.

I took the day off yesterday to attend the fair. Below are some photos.

Representatives of government agencies gather at Primose Farm for a monthly intergovernmental meeting.

In St. Charles, residents are served by a variety of governmental agencies that work diligently to provide high quality services, programs, and facilities for the community. These agencies include the City, Park District, Library District, School District, Township, and County. With all of these entities providing services, it can be difficult to understand who is responsible for what. For that reason, it is important that the local government representatives communicate regularly regarding their programs and activities.  The current economic climate will also force more government entities to look at working more closely to serve common populations.  

In St. Charles, intergovernmental meetings are held on a monthly basis. Representatives from the City of St. Charles, St. Charles Park District, St. Charles Library District, St. Charles Community School District, St. Charles Township, and Kane County get together to discuss new projects, upcoming events, organizational initiatives, or other news. The meeting location rotates between city, school, park, and library facilities.  

At the July 8th meeting, the following items were among those discussed:  

1. the establishment of a St. Charles Arts Council;
2. the status of the Arcada Theatre marquee project;
3. bids for the Pottawatomie Park pool improvements;
4. the planning for Belgium Town Park (located on N. 9th Street);
5. the announced retirement of Park District Executive Director Jim Breen;
6. the school district’s expanded role in upgrading and maintaining the pool facility at the Norris Recreation Center; and
7. the library’s proposed building expansion program and community outreach efforts.

These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to get together, network, and communicate. During conversations that I have had with colleagues from other cities and villages, they have expressed admiration for the efforts that we take to work collaboratively. These meetings are just one example of how committed government officials are to serving the residents of the community.

The Union Pacific rail trestle over the Fox River in downtown St. Charles.

The Union Pacific Railroad currently owns and maintains a rail line that traverses the City of St. Charles from the east (DuPage Airport) to west (Randall Road). The line has served several establishments over the years, but closure or relocation of those businesses has prompted the railroad to consider abandoning portions of the line. If that occurs, the use of the corridor as a recreational amenity and utility right-of-way could provide significant benefits to the residents of St. Charles.

In 2003, the City of St. Charles and St. Charles Park District collaborated on the formation of a plan for development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The plan calls for a future trail on the Union Pacific right-of-way. The western terminus of the line is adjacent to the Great Western Trail Greenway, a limestone bicycle and pedestrian path that is owned and maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. The redevelopment of the rail spur as a bike and walking path would connect the existing Great Western Trail with downtown St. Charles and the Fox River bike trail, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian accessibility and providing additional transportation and recreational opportunities to residents throughout Kane County. Extending the bike trail to Tyler Road would facilitate a connection to the Illinois Prairie Path in Geneva via Kirk Road.

In 2008, representatives of Kane County, the Forest Preserve District, the St. Charles Park District, and the City of St. Charles began working cooperatively on acquiring the rail line for the purpose of implementing the 2003 bike/pedestrian plan. Recently, the City and Park District have endorsed the project and agreed to work together, with support from Kane County and the Forest Preserve District, to begin negotiations with the railroad to convert the rail line to alternative use as soon as possible.

At this time, the plan represents a concept that will require more time, effort, and resources to bring to fruition. The entities plan to work with external agencies, like the Rails To Trails Conservancy, to analyze, engineer, fund, and implement the trail.

On Wednesday, June 23rd, the long-awaited and much-needed rehabilitation of the marquee at the historic Arcada Theatre began. 

The project is a collaborative effort of the building owner, Onesti Entertainment (the theatre operator), the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, and the City of St. Charles. The project will be completed as part of the City’s facade improvement program that is available to downtown property owners. Since 1998, the facade program has helped fund the rehabilitation of over 60 buildings. In fact, the program is one of the main reasons that the downtown area is as attractive as it is today.

In addition to improving the appearance of the downtown, the City will be able to use the marquee for informational and governmental messages about our programs, services, or events. This will serve to communicate better with residents, visitors, and others who pass by the theater.

Cooperating with the owner and operator of the Arcada, as well as the Downtown Partnership, on this project is a great opportunity for collaboration to improve the aesthetics of the downtown and improving communication with the community.

For additional details, please click here.

Some of you may have noticed some new art located in downtown St. Charles. It is a mural located on the Pi Pizza Perfection building at the northwest corner of Main Street and 1st Avenue.

St. Charles was selected by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition to receive an interpretive mural telling the story of highway travel in the early 1900s. The mural features the Hotel Baker and Arcada Theatre.

Although Lincoln Highway currently traverses the southwest section of St. Charles (IL Route 38), the mural was placed in downtown St. Charles to take advantage of the greater visibility and to allow motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to enjoy it. You can view a press release regarding the project here.

Special thanks to Pete & Janine Favia, owners of Pi Pizza Perfection as well as residents of St. Charles, for allowing the mural to be erected on their building. Also, special thanks to Kathy Loubsky, Associate Director of the St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau for coordinating efforts with the Lincoln Highway Coalition, Historic Preservation Commission, and City staff  to bring this attraction to downtown St. Charles.

Photos of the mural are provided below. Click on each photo to see it larger.

On Wednesday, June 16th, the City of St. Charles and Charlestowne Mall Investments LLC held a press conference to publicly announce the transfer of ownership and to provide information regarding future plans for the mall. Several members of the news media, business owners, community members, and City staff attended.

The new owners of Charlestowne Mall are reluctant to release any information publicly regarding the specific improvements that they plan to make to the facility. This is primarily because they are still developing their plans and attempting to prioritize the work. However, it is apparent that there is some deferred maintenance that needs to be completed, including parking lot repairs. 

One of the primary goals of the new owners is to stabilize tenancy and work to attract new retail and entertainment establishments. Kathy Kekatos, the General Manager of Charlestowne Mall, will lead that effort.

Mall representatives have said that they have no plans to expand the square footage of the mall or pursue the acquisition of any adjacent property, including the Oliver-Hoffmann property located north of the mall and south of Foxfield Drive.

There can be no question that the City’s economic success is tied directly to the success of the Charlestowne Mall. Right now, the owners feel good about this purchase and the City plans to work with them collaboratively to achieve success. During the next few weeks, City staff will stay in touch with mall representatives to obtain more information regarding their plans and how to facilitate the revitalization process.

Here are some photos from the event. Click on each photo to make it bigger.

On Monday, the City learned that Charlestowne Mall has been sold to a new ownership group led by Mr. Alan Wong. Mr. Wong and his associates are from the San Francisco, CA area and recognize the value of the mall and St. Charles community. They are committed to making Charlestowne Mall a successful family oriented shopping destination.

A press briefing has been called for today at 11:30 am to share details regarding the transaction and to provide information regarding the plans to revitalize the property.

For additional information regarding the recent history of the Charlestowne Mall, click here.

A large and enthusiastic crowd attended the parade to show their support and appreciation for veterans. Unfortunately, rain forced many of them to miss the ceremony that was relocated to the apparatus bay of Fire Station #1 by inclement weather.

The events are organized by a group of community volunteers with the support of several organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5036, American Legion Post #342, local boy scout troops, City of St. Charles, Tri-Cities Exchange Club, and St. Charles Jaycees. Commitee members include Mark Powell, Betsy Penny, Sarah Giachino, Beth Mund, Mike Taylor, Laurie Milbourn, Steve Martin, Doug Walsh, Charlie Brown, and Brian Townsend.

Here are some images from Memorial Day in St. Charles: