After several months of planning and revisions, the Village of Stillwater unanimously approved sweeping zoning code changes that will guide future development along the Route 4 corridor. Approval of the expansive document on June 20 followed the last of three public hearing during the 2016-17 year.

The Town and Village of Stillwater have worked in collaboration for months to develop the new zoning code changes and design standards that would promote walkable mixed-use development where there is existing development, protect and preserve rural and historical areas including north of the Village and near the Saratoga Historic Battlefield, and enhance and support economic development and revitalization efforts along the Route 4 corridor. This project involved updating both the Town and Village zoning codes and resulted in individual updates for both jurisdictions.

The goal of this project was to create seamless zoning code and design standards that provide regulatory consistency along the Route 4 corridor and support, maintain, and enhance the unique and historic mixed-use, walkable land use/development pattern in this portion of the Town and Village.

In other business, village Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Randy Rathbun as part-time Superintendent of the Department of Public Work effective July 1. Rathbun, who formerly held that position before leaving the village for a job in the private sector, will work 40 hours a month at an annual salary not to exceed $12,000. Rathbun will be taking classes to renew his sewer license.

Mayor Rick Nelson, in recommending the appointment, said Rathbun will provide the village with another layer of management to help the DPW “perform the duties that need to be done.” DPW Forman Matt Riferburgh will still oversee the day-to-day operations and supervision of the department, he said.

“Randy, with his vast experience in the village, will help us continue to provide top service for our residents,” the Mayor said. “He will help plan major pojects (paving, fire hydrant and valve replacement, etc.), and be available to help solve water and sewer issues. Once he finishes his classes he will bring a second required license to the sewer plant. We are currently paying to sub-contract this work out now. I believe we will have a stronger DPW with him, than without him.”

Rathbun has held many positions within the Stillwater DPW from 1985 until 2005, and has worked full time as Superintendent for Kubricky Construction Corps in Wilton since 2001. He worked as Stillwater DPW Superintendent from 1992-2001.

Also on June 20

• Trustees passed a resolution authorizing Saratoga County to now conduct its annual local elections. Last March, residents voted 60-9 in favor of a special proposition moving the elections from March to November each year when the state (and sometimes national) elections are held. Other villages throughout New York State have decided to go that route in an effort to boost voter turnout and save money. Stillwater will become the first village in Saratoga County to hold its local elections in November of 2019.
• Trustees voted to renew the village’s annual liability and property insurance policy with long-time carrier Adirondack Trust Insurance. Village agent David Meager is expected to give an overview of the new policy at the board’s July 18 meeting.
• Trustee Judith Wood-Shaw proposed purchasing, through the village Parks & Recreation budget, new equipment for Major Dickinson Children’s Park. This would include exercise equipment like a bike and an elliptical training for the adult section, and a special swing for the toddler play section that would enable an adult and toddler to swing together.