St. Charles Council Honors Athlete, Approves Tax Levies, Extends COVID-19 Emergency

Introduction

The City of St. Charles City Council convened on December 21, 2021, for a pivotal year-end meeting. In just over 30 minutes, council members celebrated local achievements, reviewed successful community events, approved key property tax levies, and extended the city’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.

Meeting Overview

Meeting Details

• Date: December 21, 2021

• Duration: 31 minutes, 5 seconds

• Video ID: FvKjEKCT58o

• Presiding Officials: Mayor Vitek and council members

The meeting featured a mix of community recognition, budgetary approvals, and administrative updates, with no new action items assigned during this session.

Key Highlights from the Meeting

Student Athlete Recognition: Ben Davino’s Historic Wrestling Season

The meeting began with a celebratory moment as the council honored Ben Davino, a standout freshman wrestler from St. Charles East High School. Davino achieved an undefeated 32-0 record and captured the 113-pound state championship during a pandemic-altered season. His coach, Jason Powder, praised his dedication and leadership, noting his influence on the school’s wrestling program.

Business Alliance Event Review: Scarecrow Festival and Holiday Homecoming

The St. Charles Business Alliance shared a comprehensive review of its two major 2021 events:

• Scarecrow Festival: Attracted an estimated 75,000 visitors, showcased 85 scarecrow displays, and boosted local business revenue significantly.

• Holiday Homecoming: Featured festive programming, including the Electric Christmas Parade, which returned after pandemic cancellations and drew 25,000 spectators.

Local businesses like Alter Brewing reported record-breaking sales, and award winners included Ozinga (Best in Show) and the St. Charles Fire Department (special recognition).

Approval of Property Tax Levies

City Operating Levy Approval

Following a public hearing with no public comments, the council approved an ordinance for the 2021 City Operating Property Tax Levy, ensuring the city’s operational funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

Special Service Area (SSA) Levies

Nine ordinances were passed to authorize tax levies for Special Service Areas (SSAs 1A, 1B, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 21, and 57). These levies help fund localized infrastructure, maintenance, and improvement efforts.

Extension of COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

The council voted to extend the COVID-19 state of emergency in St. Charles until the next regular City Council meeting. The extension allows city officials to maintain operational flexibility in addressing ongoing pandemic challenges.

Detailed Meeting Timeline

• 0:04: Meeting called to order, roll call, invocation, and pledge of allegiance.

• 1:15: Presentation: Recognition of wrestler Ben Davino’s state championship achievement.

• 5:52: St. Charles Business Alliance presents event reviews.

• 20:07: Omnibus vote approved.

• 20:40: Public hearing for City Operating Property Tax Levy.

• 22:45: Approval of City Operating Levy ordinance.

• 23:12: Public hearing for SSA property tax levies.

• 25:02: Approval of SSA tax levy ordinances.

• 29:34: COVID-19 emergency declaration extension approved.

• 30:30: Meeting adjournment; executive session scheduled.

Conclusion

The December 21, 2021, City Council meeting highlighted St. Charles’ commitment to celebrating community achievements, fostering local business growth, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. With tax levies approved, emergency protocols extended, and successful event reviews in place, the city closed the year on a note of resilience and progress.

FAQs

Who was recognized as a student athlete at the December 21 meeting?

Ben Davino, a freshman wrestler from St. Charles East High School, was honored for an undefeated 32-0 season and winning the 113-pound state championship.

What property tax levies were approved by the council?

The council approved the 2021 City Operating Property Tax Levy and nine Special Service Area (SSA) levies to fund local infrastructure and services.

Did the council extend the COVID-19 emergency declaration?

Yes, the COVID-19 state of emergency was extended until the next regular City Council meeting to maintain operational flexibility.

Which community events were reviewed during the meeting?

The St. Charles Business Alliance reviewed the 2021 Scarecrow Festival and Holiday Homecoming, highlighting visitor attendance, local business impact, and award winners.

How long was the December 21, 2021, City Council meeting?

The meeting lasted 31 minutes and 5 seconds, covering recognition, tax approvals, emergency extension, and event reviews.