Councilman Dave Hammond's Blog

The recent ribbon cutting for the new home of the Community Council of St. Charles County caught my attention because it’s now located in my district. And while I was unable to attend the event, I heard that it was very well attended, and I am pleased to know that.

Community Council has played an extremely important role in our community for nearly 70 years. It was founded in 1954 when a group of concerned citizens formed an “organization of organizations” to “promote the general welfare of the community,” according to the Community Council website.

Today it is so much more. I wanted to learn more and wanted to pass on that information to all of you, so I reached out to Executive Director Todd Barnes with these questions.

DH: What is Community Council’s role in the community?

TB: Over the years, we have helped bring the YMCA to the City of St. Charles, loaned funds to Bridgeway, helped bring Crider (now Compass) to the area, created an Affordable Housing Task Force, created Emergency Weather Response (EWR) for our unhoused neighbors in the winter, and built homes in 2008 and 2009 during the housing downturn. Those are just a few examples, and in short, we find opportunities to solve community issues collaboratively.

DH: What outreach does Community Council do?

TB: Through a partnership with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and over 100 area agencies, organizations, governments, churches, and individuals, we initiated and manage the Coordinated Entry process for our unhoused neighbors. After a trust-building assessment, we link our unhoused neighbors to agencies who have the best possible resource connection for their specific needs. We are extremely proud of Coordinated Entry and the difference it has made for our community.

DH: How do you bring people together?

TB: Community Council hosts monthly networking luncheons where timely, topical, best practices are presented by organizations and individuals. Organizations and agencies can participate by providing a resource table related to that month’s topic. These luncheons create valuable connections for attendees.

Additionally, Community Council members can submit information for our weekly e-newsletter that is distributed to over 3,000 contacts. Information includes community happenings, agency announcements, hiring opportunities and resource connections.

DH: Where can people who need assistance find resources?

TB: There is a searchable resource directory with over 600 connections for a variety of needs at communitycouncilstc.org. And, there is a separate Food Resource Guide on that page that is connected to over 50 partners who provide food and education resources. Those who have questions or need additional assistance can call us by dialing 2-1-1.

DH: How can the businesses or individuals support Community Council?

TB: We are a membership organization. Beyond knowing that your investment in Community Council helps agencies and organizations across St. Charles County, you’ll receive discounts on our events and an e-newsletter to help keep you up to date on what we’re doing in the community.

DH: Is there anything else you want people to know?

TB: Yes. There is an opportunity to become a sponsor or participant at our 25^th annual Community Services Summit. It is held each October at Calvary Church in St. Peters and this year it is from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 10. We have a great agenda filled with excellent speakers and resource providers who serve children and families.

I learned a lot from Todd and appreciate his time. I want to thank everyone, past and present, who over the past 69 years, contributed in some way to make certain this organization continues to be a valuable resource in our community.

Crime continues to be a concern for many of us in St. Charles County. St. Charles County and our municipalities continue to step up operations to combat crime coming to our county. I'm concerned that St. Charles County will not have the resources to meet the needs of our citizens in the near future. 

The County police department is the largest part of the County budget. Since the County budget relies only on sales tax for employee salaries and benefits, something needs to be done. The best solution would be a Proposition "P" that would solely help support the police department. This proposition would be a small new property tax rather than an increase in sales tax. I'm on a fixed income and don't like any tax increases, but Proposition "P" is the only choice that I see that would insure funding for a police department capable of fighting crime in our county. If we have a bad sales tax year, the County will be laying off employees rather than hiring additional police officers. The County is currently short of police officers as it is.

I would like to hear from you if you would support a Proposition "P" to support our police department. Please email me at dhammond@sccmo.org. If you disapprove please tell me why or if you have a better idea I would like to hear from you.

One of this month’s top newsletter stories is about BikeFest 2022 on Aug. 6-7 at Kinetic Park in Dardenne Prairie. And while that park isn’t in my district, it’s close, and this event is well worth some extra coverage.

This is the second consecutive year that Kinetic Park has been chosen to host the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championship Qualifier, and that is quite an honor for St. Charles County. No other park in Missouri will be holding the event this year and people from across the United States – and internationally – will be coming to our county to compete. 

For the first time, we’ll also be hosting the USA Pump Track National Series. While the Red Bull qualifier is for those 17 and up, this new event is for ages 5 and up. It’s truly a family event, and that’s what Kinetic Park is all about. 

While there, participants and spectators alike can enjoy all the park has to offer. Not only is the pump track the largest in the U.S., but the outdoor skate park is the largest in Missouri. A bike playground and skills course now is open, and at Bikefest, there will be special activities and vendors from around the community you won’t want to miss!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the St. Charles County Parks Department staff. With the opening of the new exhibit at the Heritage Museum [link], the Dardenne Creek Blueway opening [link] and a myriad of events and programs, they have been extremely busy. BikeFest weekend is an all-hands-on-deck event and I’m certain it will be a great success.

If your kids are already saying they’re bored this summer, take a look at what all our parks have to offer! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for BikeFest 2022!