The Village of Stillwater is now a member of the Hudson River Valley Greenway, a statewide organization founded to create a regional approach to developing and protecting lands along the Hudson River.

The Village Board voted June 19 to join the Greenway, established by the Greenway Act of 1991, which now includes 272 communities within 13 counties, all bordering the Hudson River.

The Greenway’s mission is to advance the state’s commitment to the preservation, enhancement and development of the world-renowned scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources of the Hudson River Valley while continuing to emphasize economic development activities and remaining consistent with the tradition of municipal home rule.

Trustee Judith Wood-Zeno said Greenway membership is free and will make the village eligible to apply for quarterly grants of $5,000 to $10,000. These grants can be used for improving waterfront recreation and access, creating parks, purchasing signage and more. Some 84 percent of Hudson River communities are a part of the Greenway, she said, including the Town of Stillwater.

In other business June 19:

• The board heard an annual review of the village’s liability and property insurance policy from long-time agent David Meager. The village is part of the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal or NYMIR, as are nearly 60 percent of municipalities in New York State. Meager explained that the village has blanket coverage of about $6.85 million on all village buildings and their contents with a $2,500 deductible. The village also has $3 million in liability should someone get injured on village property.
• Board members welcomed John Murphy back to the Board of Trustees. Murphy was appointed by Mayor Frank Tatum to fill the seat of Trustee Eunice Marshall, who resigned May 31 for personal reasons. Murphy will serve until the next election on Nov. 6.
• The board held a public hearing to assess the environmental significance of making amendments to the village’s Form-Based Zoning Code. The proposed zoning amendment would exempt for Site Plan Review the connection of necessary utility services in single-family and two-family dwellings. The review revealed no impact on the environment and the board passed a local law amending the Form-Based Zoning Code.
• Trustee John Basile encouraged residents to run for village office during the next election on Nov. 6. Two Trustee seats and the Mayor’s seat are up for election then, each carrying temporary one-year terms. Petitions may be picked up at Village Hall or the Saratoga County Board of Elections. At least 50 signatures are needed to get a spot on the election ballot.
• The board reviewed Stillwater student artwork submitted for the Project Backboard initiative. Project Backboard continues to be under study by the Parks and Recreation Committee.
• The board adopted an updated financial policy for the village.