The Stillwater Board of Trustees stood united against “hatred and bigotry” Tuesday night, publicly condemning last weekend’s Charlottesville attack that killed a young woman during a protest there.

“There is no place in today’s America for hatred, bigotry, and anti-Semitism,” said Mayor Rick Nelson, who read a prepared statement written by Trustee Frank Tatum prior to the regular moment of silence to start the monthly board meeting. “No one should be judged by the color of their skin or the religion they practice. Freedom applies to us all and it is our responsibility as Americans to maintain and cherish it for ourselves and others.”

“America was founded on ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness’ and the idea that we are created equal,” the Mayor continued. “Those principles were dishonored on Saturday with the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. A young woman named Heather Heyer was killed when a white nationalist intentionally drove his car into the crowd in which she was standing. Two Virginia state troopers also lost their lives when their helicopter went down nearby. Countless others were seriously injured.”

“The Village of Stillwater condemns these violent acts in the strongest possible terms.”

In other business, village Trustees unanimously approved a two-lot minor subdivision at 23 Nielson Ave. following a short public hearing and an environmental review by the board. The subdivision application was submitted by Joe Zecca and Maureen Patenaude.

The two were asking permission to divide the current 2.4-acre lot into 1.8 acres that would remain with the residential property there, and 0.627 acres on the south side of the parcel that could be used to build a second home. Any new construction, however, would need approval by the board later on.

Also on August 15

• Trustees approved language changes to the village water rates and regulations, and a new water service application for outside water users who wish to connect to the village water supply. The language change was to Section M of the existing water provisions and reads as follows: “In the event of a water break on the owner’s property, the property owner shall be charged Village labor and material to shut off the water service at the curb stop.” The village is attempting to prevent pipes from freezing at village homes while residents are away for extended periods of time over the winter months. They are encouraging those residents to contact the Water Department to have their water shut off before they leave town.
• Mayor Nelson announced that grant money is now available to add bathrooms to the Stillwater Blockhouse. The town, which oversees the Blockhouse, is beginning the preliminary planning process, investigating water and sewer connections there.
• The Village announced that the annual Stillwater Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 28, noon-4 p.m., featuring vendors along Hudson Avenue and the annual Halloween costume parade.
• Trustee Judy Wood-Shaw said the village has applied for a Global Foundaries grant to start up a pickle ball league for people ages 55 and older. The league would be held once a week at The Stillwater Area Community Center. The grant money would be used to buy all the necessary equipment like nets, ball and paddles.