The Village Board of Trustees agreed Tuesday night (October 16) to counter a history of vandalism at its recreation areas by installing surveillance cameras that will keep a constant watch over public property.

Trustee Ellen Vomacka said the village is partnering with the American Legion Earl J. Manning Post 490 to purchase and erect cameras at four different locations overseeing the basketball and tennis courts and the ice rinks. Over the years there have been reports of equipment damage to the basketball hoops, fencing and ice rinks, among other areas.

“It’s an issue this body has discussed for many months and it’s time to take action to protect the village’s property and our citizens well being,” Vomacka said.

The cameras, which are now being ordered, will be installed overlooking the courts, pavilion and memorial park area at a cost of about $2,800. The American Legion, which leases the recreation areas to the village, has agreed to pay about $600 of the cost. 24-hour footage will be captured through DVR technology that can be viewed at any time. Signage will also be installed notifying residents that surveillance is being conducted.

In other business, groundbreaking on the long-await Route 4 sidewalk/storm sewer construction project leading to and from Stillwater Central School is one to two weeks away, trustees were told. Final details are being worked out between the contractor, attorneys and New York State Department of Transportation.

Last month, trustees awarded a $397,276 construction contract to A.J. Catalfamo Construction of Hudson Falls for the work, the lowest of eight bidders. Construction is expected to be completed some time in December.

Village Trustees also heard the following reports/updates Tuesday night:

• Sewer Project Update: Sewer project engineers reported that the project is going well on Clinton Court and should be wrapped up by Thanksgiving.
• Fire Department Report: Fire personnel did their house to house drive this month as well as fire safety education at Stillwater Central School October 16 as part of Fire Prevention Week. They also responded to a mutual aid call Sunday, October 14, at a barn fire across the river that took several hours to get under control.
• The Village Board: received and accepted bids for fuel from Bove Fuels, at fixed rates of 3.599 per gallon for oil, and $3.999 per gallon for kerosene.
• The Village Board: also approved the hiring of Michael Davidson as a part time mechanic for the Department of Public Works.
• Trustee Judith Wood-Shaw: announced the next Friday Senior Program would be held on October 26 at the Stillwater Area Community Center.