Welcome to the Ward 5 newsletter! Stay informed about all the happenings in our vibrant community, from local projects to events and initiatives. Together, let’s make our neighborhood an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
I’m Erik Johnson, running for the Ward 5 City council seat on March 5th. Having one place to find out what’s going on in St. Albans is really important to me. It helps neighbors meet and enjoy our lives together. This newsletter is part of that dream.
Upcoming City Events
︎ Voting for Town Meeting Day @ St. Albans City Hall, Tuesday 3/5 7am-7pm
︎ Vermont Model Railroad Show by NWV Model Railroad @ Collins Perley Center, Saturday 3/9
︎ Home & Recreation Expo by St. Albans Rotary @ Collins Perley Center, Sat & Sun 3/16-3/17
︎ St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festivities, by St. Albans Rec @ St. Albans City Hall, 3/17 2-4
(https://www.facebook.com/events/7767070466639685)
︎ St. Albans Easter Egg Hunt by St. Albans Rec @ Taylor Park, 3/30 10 am
(https://www.facebook.com/events/1586018978877994)
︎ Hard’Ack Hootenanny! by St. Albans Rec @ Hard’Ack, 4/8 12 pm
(https://www.facebook.com/events/408831518331205)
︎ Totality in Taylor Park – Eclipse Celebration, 4/8 2 pm
(https://www.facebook.com/events/1440246603448916)
︎ Maple Festival on Main Street & Taylor Park, 4/26-4/28
(https://www.facebook.com/VermontMapleFestival)
︎ Kingman Fest on Kingman Street, 5/11 5-9 pm
(https://www.facebook.com/KingmanFestVT)
︎ The Klassic (Kingman Street Klassic) in Taylor Park, 7/20 10am-2pm
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064424720471)
Mayor’s Reports from City Council
Mayor’s Reports serve as a crucial platform for our council leadership to share updates directly from their respective wards. These reports not only inform the mayor, staff, and fellow council members but also provide invaluable insights into the specific needs of each ward. By understanding these needs, our leadership can take targeted actions to support our neighbors and ensure their voices are heard and addressed effectively.
Below are the ward reports from the February City Council Meeting:
➨ Ward 1 – Tim Hawkins wasn’t present to report.
➨ Ward 2 – Newell Decker thanked Chad Spooner for his Service.
➨ Ward 3 – Marie Bessette shares it has been fairly quiet. There were a couple domestic issues, but the police handled it.
➨ Ward 4 – Trudy Cioffi shared some chatter on Bishop Street regarding some unusual activity. The residences in question has been reported and are on the Police Department’s list.
➨ Ward 5 – Bob Farrar shared news of a local resident, Roland Lee Webb, who passed away last week. Roland worked for the Police Department for 28 years.
➨ Ward 6 – Chad Spooner would like to see the council add an ongoing note to future agendas addressing hate, respect, etc.
City Projects
Discover the latest developments shaping our neighborhood as we spotlight key city projects directly influencing Ward 5.
1. Potential Grant for Road Repaving
Saint Albans Public Works is collaborating with the state to explore the possibility of securing a grant for repaving Category 2 roads. These roads, as highlighted by Public Works Director Martin Manahan, encompass Upper Welden Street among others. Residents residing along Upper Welden Street have expressed worries regarding the road’s condition, citing concerns about potholes causing damage to vehicles, as well as excessive vehicle speeds.
2. New Water Tank
The city has provided an update on the newly built water tank next to the existing one. This update aims to prevent the need for shutting down this water source, which could lead to higher water costs if we had to rely solely on pumping from Lake Champlain. With the new tank now filled and functioning, the city can proceed to drain the old tank for a thorough inspection. This inspection will enable us to devise a plan for repairing the old tank, ensuring its continued use. Previously, such inspections were carried out at a greater expense using SCUBA divers.
3. Expansion of Policing Services to St. Albans Town
Commencing July 1st, as per a previously signed agreement, the St. Albans police force will extend its patrolling and servicing to St. Albans Town. This agreement facilitates cooperation between the two jurisdictions, allowing officers from either location to respond to requests for support or backup when necessary. For further details on this agreement, please refer to the article in the Saint Albans Messenger dated 12/5/2023. Recently council voted to hire 4 new officers to SAPD in preparation for this extended service.