St. Albans public meetings in 2021

Downtown Board

The St. Albans Downtown Board approved the October 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented, with all in favor except Elizabeth Reed abstaining. The board discussed 30-minute parking space requests, new state mask guidance, and a possible street sign program for side-street businesses, but took no formal votes on these items. Staff reported on holiday events, including the Holiday Raffle, Last Night, and GameFest, and agreed to explore moving SAFF accounts to the city's accounting system.

• Approved the October 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented (all in favor, E. Reed abstaining)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:53 PM by motion of D. Howard, seconded by D. Glidden
• Discussed but took no vote on 30-minute parking space requests, noting enforcement difficulties
• Discussed but took no vote on new state mask guidance, with mixed feelings and referral to City Council
• Discussed but took no vote on a possible side-street business sign program, with no objections
• Agreed to explore moving SAFF accounts to the city's accounting system for transparency
• Discussed holiday events including Holiday Raffle, Last Night, GameFest, and Kingman Street Block Party

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board held a public hearing for Todd Minor's site plan review to construct a garage at 172 North Main Street. The board took a straw poll to continue treating the application as a minor site plan, but no final decision was made during the meeting. The hearing was closed, and the board entered deliberative session without voting on the application.

• Straw poll to continue considering application as minor site plan (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of October 4, 2021 (E. Biron and D. Thayer abstaining)

Downtown Board

The St. Albans City Downtown Board met and received reports on finances, holiday marketing, and events. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; the only action was approving the September 28, 2021 meeting minutes. The Kingman Street sidewalk project is nearing completion, with streetlights and bricks scheduled for early November.

• Approved September 28, 2021 meeting minutes (all in favor, E. Johnson abstaining)

Design Advisory Board

The St. Albans City Design Advisory Board approved two awning applications: new fabric for existing awnings at 65 North Main Street and a new awning at 56-58 North Main Street. Both were approved unanimously with all members in favor. The board also approved the July 26, 2021 meeting minutes as corrected.

• Approved new awning fabric at 65 North Main Street (all in favor)
• Approved new awning at 56-58 North Main Street (all in favor, except R. Lavallee due to connection issues)
• Approved July 26, 2021 meeting minutes as corrected (all in favor, except K. Peltier abstaining)

Planning Commission

The St. Albans Planning Commission discussed the Residential-Professional regulatory amendment proposal, including potential removal of Fairfield and Lake Street from the new zoning district if public opposition arises. Members expressed general support for Design Review Proposed Global Change #1, which would remove DR-2 and DR-3 coverage from certain properties, and requested a design review map. They also requested that Proposed Global Change #2, which would repeal the condition applying Design Review to all National Register and State Register properties outside a Design Review District, be extracted as a separate amendment with an official hearing. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only votes were to approve the August 16, 2021 minutes and to adjourn.

• Approved minutes of August 16, 2021, as presented (all in favor, M.Gawne and Z.Nuse abstaining, A.Paradis not present)
• Moved General Business to immediately follow Approval of the Minutes (procedural)
• Requested C.Sawyer prepare a design review map for Proposed Global Change #1
• Requested C.Sawyer extract Proposed Global Change #2 as a separate proposed amendment and hold an official hearing
• Adjourned at 7:36 PM (all in favor)

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board held public hearings on a sketch plan for a subdivision at 46 Congress Street and a site plan for Northwestern Medical Center's emergency department expansion, but made no final decisions on either. The board postponed the appeal of a parking space denial at 21 Huntington Street to the October 4 meeting. The board also approved minutes from July and August meetings.

• Postponed the appeal hearing for 21 Huntington Street to October 4, 2021
• Heard sketch plan review for subdivision at 46 Congress Street; no decision made
• Heard site plan review for NMC emergency department expansion; no decision made
• Approved minutes of July 5, 2021, as presented
• Approved minutes of August 2, 2021, as presented

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the ongoing historic district update project, including potential boundary changes and a possible French-Canadian district around Holy Angels church. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural, and approval of minutes was tabled due to a lack of quorum after a member left.

• No motions made; meeting lacked quorum
• Approval of minutes tabled due to lack of quorum
• Discussed presenting draft nomination forms in December
• Discussed possible French-Canadian district around Holy Angels church

Downtown Board

The St. Albans City Downtown Board and SAFF board postponed the October Calcutta fundraiser due to COVID-19 concerns and planning issues, with a new date to be discussed in September. The board also approved the July 27, 2021 minutes and discussed other events like Spooky Saturday and Festival of Trees.

• Postponed October Calcutta fundraiser (consensus)
• Approved July 27, 2021 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Design Advisory Board

The St. Albans City Design Advisory Board is meeting to consider a design application for a property on North Main Street. The board will also review meeting minutes and provide sign and enforcement updates.

• Case 2021-003: Application by Katie Walsh for new fabric on existing awnings at 65 North Main Street

Planning Commission

The St. Albans Planning Commission discussed potential changes to Planned Unit Development (PUD) regulations, including a possible 20,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size and limits on DRB waivers, but took no formal votes. The design review proposal was deferred to next month. Minutes from June and July were approved.

• Approved June 21, 2021 minutes (with abstentions)
• Approved July 19, 2021 minutes
• Deferred design review discussion to next meeting
• Adjourned at 7:37 PM

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board approved a conditional use permit for manufacturing at 46 North Main Street (Case #2021-008), with no public comment. The applicant, Lise-Anne Cooledge, plans to hire about 10 part-time employees, with the space closed for production except for some open days and public demonstrations. The board also tabled approval of the July 5, 2021 meeting minutes due to lack of quorum, and rescheduled the September meeting to Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

• Approved conditional use for manufacturing at 46 North Main Street (Case #2021-008)
• Tabled approval of July 5, 2021 meeting minutes due to lack of quorum
• Rescheduled September meeting to Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:30 PM

Downtown Board

The St. Albans City Downtown Board discussed potential 2022 Pride and Juneteenth celebrations, with community members proposing a parade and cook-out in Taylor Park and Main Street. The board was receptive and discussed providing fiscal agency, insurance, and marketing support, but no formal decision was made. The board also approved the June 22, 2021 minutes and discussed various event planning and organizational items.

• Approved minutes of June 22, 2021 (all in favor)
• Discussed 2022 Pride and Juneteenth events — no formal action
• Agreed to sell light blue t-shirts with 2021 design on consignment
• Set tentative Calcutta date for Oct. 8
• Discussed moving Downtown website away from GoDaddy — no action
• Noted Rachael Sink's resignation; Jeremy Perez introduced as new candidate

Design Advisory Board

The St. Albans City Design Advisory Board met on July 26, 2021, with no design review applications to consider. The board approved the February 22, 2021 meeting minutes (3 in favor, 2 abstaining) and received orientation on Land Development Regulations and board procedures. No substantive design decisions were made.

• Approved February 22, 2021 meeting minutes (3-2, with 2 abstaining)
• No design review applications considered

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board approved a conditional use permit for Ashley Murphy to operate a home-based grain business at 62 Bank Street, located in the High Density Residential district. The board also approved the June 7, 2021 meeting minutes and set the next meeting for August 2, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved conditional use for home industry at 62 Bank Street (unanimous)
• Approved June 7, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The St. Albans City Historic Preservation Commission held a special meeting on June 30, 2021, which included a walk around the St. Albans Historic District. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural, and a quorum was lost before any discussion or votes could occur.

• Opened special meeting at 10:10 AM
• Conducted walk of St. Albans Historic District
• No discussion or decisions due to loss of quorum

Design Advisory Board

The regular meeting of the St. Albans City Design Advisory Board scheduled for June 28, 2021, was canceled.

Downtown Board

The St. Albans Downtown Board approved the May 25, 2021 minutes and discussed fundraising strategies, including prioritizing appeals to the public and large sponsors, creating a t-shirt design, and exploring a Calcutta event. No formal votes were taken on these fundraising items; they were discussion items with general consensus.

• Approved minutes of May 25, 2021 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:36 PM (all in favor)

Planning Commission

The St. Albans City Planning Commission voted to hold official hearings at next month's meeting on two proposed regulatory amendments: one to clarify that parking is allowed in front of principal buildings in the Service-Industrial District, and another to ensure compliance with state housing legislation. The commission also tabled approval of the April 19, 2021 minutes due to lack of quorum, but approved the May 17, 2021 minutes as edited. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motion to hold official hearing on S-Ind District parking clarification at next month's meeting (all in favor)
• Approved motion to hold official hearing on state housing compliance amendments at next month's meeting (all in favor)
• Tabled approval of April 19, 2021 minutes due to lack of quorum
• Approved May 17, 2021 minutes as edited (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:28 PM (all in favor)

Development Review Board

The St. Albans City Development Review Board closed the public hearing for Case #2021-002, a second conditional use for a home industry at 195 North Main Street, without the applicant present. The board determined it had enough information to proceed. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included updates on enforcement and administrative filing.

• Closed public hearing for Case #2021-002 (Evelyn Martin, 195 North Main Street) without applicant present (all in favor)
• Approved May 3, 2021 meeting minutes as presented (all in favor)
• Reordered agenda to discuss other business before the hearing (all in favor)
• Moved into deliberative session at 6:56 PM (all in favor)

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board held public hearings for five development cases but made no decisions, tabling all votes until a future meeting. Cases included converting offices to apartments at 120 North Main Street, a home woodworking business at 5 Finn Ave, a school playground and parking change at 235 Lake Street, a 72-unit apartment building at 191 Lake Street, and an 8-unit apartment renovation at 45 Kingman Street. The board also tabled approval of minutes from three prior meetings due to lack of members.

• All five public hearings held, no votes taken
• Case #2022-010 (120 North Main St apartments) hearing held, no decision
• Case #2022-011 (5 Finn Ave woodworking business) hearing held, no decision
• Case #2022-012 (Almond Blossoms Schoolhouse) hearing held, no decision
• Cases #2022-013/014 (191 Lake St 72-unit building) hearing held, no decision
• Cases #2022-015/016 (45 Kingman St 8-unit renovation) hearing held, no decision
• Minutes for Dec 2021, Jan 2022, May 2022 tabled

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission discussed the St. Albans Historic District update project with consultant Lyssa Papazian, focusing on boundary changes and property assessments. No formal decisions were made; the consultant will formalize a timeline for initial and public walk-arounds. The minutes from March 2, 2021, were approved unanimously.

• Approved minutes of March 2, 2021 (unanimous)
• Discussed historic district boundary updates; no action taken
• Consultant to provide formal timeline for walk-arounds

Design Advisory Board

The Design Advisory Board meeting scheduled for May 24, 2021, was canceled. No other business was listed on the agenda.

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board closed the public hearing for Jamie Seeholzer's conditional use application to operate a state-certified day school at 1 Brown Avenue. No decision was made; the board will deliberate in a future session. The board also approved minutes from March 1 and March 4, 2021, and discontinued the automatic recess protocol for Zoom meetings.

• Closed public hearing for Case #2021-006 (1 Brown Avenue day school)
• Approved March 1, 2021 meeting minutes
• Approved March 4, 2021 meeting minutes as edited
• Discontinued automatic recess protocol for Zoom meetings

Design Advisory Board

The scheduled regular meeting of the St. Albans City Design Advisory Board has been canceled.

Click here for City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal to increase the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) maximum debt limit by $2,500,000. Additionally, the council is merging the Recreation and Parks Commissions into a single body.

• Increase TIF maximum debt from $23,000,000 to $25,500,000
• Creation of a new Parks and Recreation Commission with 11 inaugural members
• $7,065,000 in planned infrastructure projects to be paid by TIF funds
• Fonda Brownfield Clean-Up Phase 2 estimated at $3,500,000 total cost
• Kingman Street Project Phase 2 estimated at $1,951,000 total cost

Development Review Board

The regular meeting of the St. Albans City Development Review Board scheduled for April 5, 2021, was canceled. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion.

Design Advisory Board

The regular meeting of the St. Albans City Design Advisory Board scheduled for March 22, 2021, was canceled.

Development Review Board

The St. Albans City Development Review Board held a public hearing for Case #2021-004, a site plan review for 138 Lake Street, but took no action, continuing the case. The board also discussed but did not decide on changing its procedure for recessing meetings during public hearings, deferring a final decision to the next meeting. The next regular meeting was confirmed for April 5, 2021.

• Continued Case #2021-004 (RL Vallee, 138 Lake Street) site plan review without a decision.
• Confirmed next meeting date: April 5, 2021 at 6:30 PM.
• Moved approval of March 1, 2021 meeting minutes to the April agenda.
• Deferred decision on discontinuing automatic meeting recesses to the next meeting.

Planning Commission

The St. Albans City Planning Commission held a special remote meeting and voted to recommend applying to the Vermont Downtown Transportation Fund for the Stebbins and Center Street sidewalks. The motion also authorized Chair Denise Smith to sign the application form. The meeting was brief, with no public comment or other agenda items, and adjourned at 5:35 PM.

• Recommended the application to the VT Downtown Transportation Fund for the Stebbins and Center Street sidewalks
• Authorized Chair Denise Smith to sign the grant application form
• Adjourned the special meeting

Historic Preservation Commission

The St. Albans Historic Preservation Commission approved the February 2, 2021 minutes unanimously. They discussed the Historic District update project, agreeing that Chair Scangas, Vice-Chair Stahl, and Member Bradeen would help review and select a consultant. Updates were given on the City Planning Commission's work, including a new Business-Professional district and a Blighted Home program, but no formal decisions were made on these items.

• Approved February 2, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to have Chair Scangas, Vice-Chair Stahl, and Member Bradeen assist with consultant review and selection for Historic District update

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board opened a public hearing for a site plan review at 138 Lake Street (Case #2021-004) but did not vote on it. The hearing was continued to Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 6:30 PM. The board also approved minutes from its February 1 and February 4, 2021 meetings.

• Continued the public hearing for Case #2021-004 (138 Lake Street site plan review) to March 4, 2021
• Approved the February 1, 2021 meeting minutes as edited
• Approved the February 4, 2021 meeting minutes as presented

Design Advisory Board

The Design Advisory Board approved a site plan recommendation for a new convenience store and gas station at 138 Lake Street, replacing two existing buildings. The approval includes recommendations for a bike rack, brick instead of EIFS, a dumpster enclosure, and reduced canopy branding. The board also approved prior meeting minutes and discussed easing parking requirements for the project.

• Approved site plan recommendation for RL Vallee at 138 Lake Street with conditions (all in favor)
• Approved July 27, 2020 meeting minutes with corrections (3-1, 1 abstaining)
• Approved January 25, 2021 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Decided to submit letter to DRB supporting eased parking requirements for Lake Street project

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board held a continuation hearing for a site plan review at 142-150 South Main Street. The applicant proposed three changes: adding a bike rack, keeping existing landscaping, and relocating a communications tower. No decision was made; the board moved into deliberative session.

• Continued site plan review for 142-150 South Main St (no vote)
• Moved into deliberative session (all in favor)

Historic Preservation Commission

The St. Albans Historic Preservation Commission discussed a grant application for updating the city's historic district, with $18,000 received toward a $30,000 project. The commission agreed to review the RFP draft before the grant is executed in March, and to hire a consultant by May 2021. They also discussed future grant applications and set meeting dates for the year. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes of December 1, 2020 as amended (unanimous)
• Discussed $18,000 grant for historic district update, with city covering remainder
• Agreed to review RFP draft before March grant execution
• Set 2021 meeting dates: March 2, June 1, September 7, December 7
• Adjourned at 6:43 PM (unanimous)

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board continued the public hearing for the City of St. Albans' site plan review for the public safety facility at 142 South Main Street until February 4, 2021. The board also approved the minutes from the January 4 and January 7 meetings. No final decisions were made on any applications; one case was withdrawn and another was continued.

• Continued public hearing for Case #2021-003 (public safety facility site plan) to Feb. 4, 2021
• Approved minutes from Jan. 4, 2021 meeting (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from Jan. 7, 2021 meeting (all in favor)
• Case #2021-002 (Evelyne Martin home industry) withdrawn
• Case #2021-003 (City of St. Albans site plan) continued

Design Advisory Board

The Design Advisory Board approved a site plan for the city's public safety facility at 142-150 South Main Street, with suggestions for LED lighting, bike racks, and landscaping. The board also approved several prior meeting minutes, the 2021 application schedule, and re-elected its officers.

• Approved site plan for public safety facility at 142-150 South Main St. with suggestions for LED lighting, bike racks, and landscaping (all in favor)
• Approved May 18, 2020 meeting minutes with corrections (3-1, one abstention)
• Approved June 22, 2020 meeting minutes with corrections (all in favor)
• Deferred approval of July 27, 2020 minutes due to incorrect submission
• Approved August 24, 2020 meeting minutes with corrections (all in favor)
• Approved 2021 application submittal schedule with possible December date change (all in favor)
• Re-elected KarenMarie Peltier as Chair and Evan Champagne as Vice-Chair (all in favor)

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board held a public hearing on a request by Scott Patterson for a setback waiver to build a two-story garage at 26 Oak Street, but recessed the hearing to January 7, 2021, without a decision. The board unanimously re-elected Rebecca Pfeiffer as Chair, Denis LaPointe as Vice Chair, and City Staff as Clerk, and unanimously adopted revised Rules of Procedure. The board also discussed a policy for decision conditions requiring review and approved minutes from October 7, November 2, and November 9, 2020 meetings.

• Re-elected Rebecca Pfeiffer as Chair, Denis LaPointe as Vice Chair, and City Staff as Clerk (all unanimous)
• Adopted revised Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Approved October 7, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 2, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 9, 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recessed Case #2021-001 (setback waiver for 26 Oak Street) to January 7, 2021, 6:30 PM