I hope January and February have treated you all well! As we enter into March, I wanted to share a quick reminder that this Tuesday is Town Meeting day! If you haven’t registered to vote, visit stalbansvt.com/elections.
There will be two important budget articles I’d like to discuss: the annual Budget and the Stormwater Overflow project at Houghton Park. Last year, our community demanded action to address public safety concerns. City council and staff stepped up to the challenge by reinforcing our police staffing initiatives and bringing back the street crimes unit, which has been extremely successful so far. These policing changes have impacted our budget, as outlined in a letter from our city manager (linked here: https://www.stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=9F3C5CF8-B8A0-4023-8721-14AD06B40624&DE=1B9BE2B[…]74A).
The stormwater project is also very important. We are required by law to limit or eliminate stormwater runoff into Lake Champlain, which typically occurs during heavy rainstorms or snow thaws. Residents in Ward 6—the area south of Lake Street and west of Main Street—often experience backyard flooding from these overflows. This project will maintain Houghton Park’s beauty while providing 500,000 gallons of stormwater storage for major storms, which will be processed after each storm ends. Both of these articles are vital to our city’s efforts to reinforce community health and safety.
CITY NEWS
VOTE TUESDAY
7 AM – 7 PM at City Hall, 100 N Main Street. Register to vote: olvr.vermont.gov
SAFETY & SNOW
March may be here, but more snow isn’t out of the question… Public Works reminded us that it’s important not to play in, on, or around roadside snowbanks. Snow removal crews work around the city unannounced, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt.
JOIN A BOARD #GetInvolved
The most effective City Councils depend on commissions and advisory groups to provide guidance that aligns with our community’s desires and needs. Information about these boards can be found on the city website here: stalbansvt.com/boards. We’re continually looking for motivated individuals who want to become more involved in our city. Check out the current board openings at: stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=B3C46B2E-6B0B-40D0-8F53-88D776D64DD0
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out some of the upcoming events in our great city.
– TOWN MEETING DAY – March 4, 7 am – 7 pm at City Hall, 100 N Main Street
– ROTARY HOME EXPO – ST. ALBANS: March 15th & 16th @ Collins-Perley Sports Complex
– SUMMER BLOCK PARTY: It’s coming!! Taking place this July, date & time in an upcoming Wardly News post.
– ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES – March 17 at 5:30 PM at City Hall, 100 N Main Street
– RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE – March 31 at Noon at 14th Star Brewing Company
Every month I try to highlight upcoming events, activities, and community opportunities that are open to the public, are hosted by a non-profit organization or city department, and don’t hold any bias views politically or religiously.
CITY BOARD HIGHLIGHT
Every month I’m going to highlight one of our amazing city boards and commissions. Their work is instrumental in making our city, our home, more wonderful. This month I’d like to highlight the Design Review Board.
The Design Review Board reviews applications for new construction, alterations to existing buildings, and other development projects to ensure they comply with St. Albans’ land use ordinances. Their oversight helps maintain the architectural integrity and visual character of our community while accommodating necessary growth and change.
Join a Board: https://stalbansvt.com/index.asp?SEC=B3C46B2E-6B0B-40D0-8F53-88D776D64DD0
GET INVOLVED
Have a question, concern, or suggestion for our ward? Reach out to me at erik@ward5vt.com or 802-309-0295. I’m here to listen!