Sunday, February 9th: Light Snow Possible Likely for Stone Harbor
There is the likelihood of some snow Sunday into Sunday evening, February 9th. To view the official weather report for Stone Harbor, click on the pdf below:
There is the likelihood of some snow Sunday into Sunday evening, February 9th. To view the official weather report for Stone Harbor, click on the pdf below:
The Stone Harbor Borough Council hired Miranda Duca to be the new Recreation Director for the Borough. The appointment was made during the February 4th, 2014 meeting of Borough Council. Council voted unanimously on the appointment. Duca will replace Van Cathcart, who resigned as Recreation Director last year to take a position in the Middle Township School District.
“We are very fortunate to find someone with a proven, successful record in both athletics and special event planning”, said Stone Harbor Borough Councilwoman Judy Davies-Dunhour, who manages recreation and tourism for the Borough. “Miranda comes to Stone Harbor with a strong background, energy, and commitment to elevate even further the special events and recreational opportunities enjoyed by our residents and visitors”.
For the past five years, Duca has worked in management at the Sand Barrens Golf Club in Swainton where she managed over 100 special events annually, which included golf tournaments, social events, leisure activities, and business meetings. She interviewed, hired, and evaluated 25 staff members and managed all facets of employee relations. Previously she worked as an Event Coordinator at the Cape Resorts Group in Cape May; as a Facilities and Operation Assistant at Villanova University; and as an Assistant General Manager at a sports club in Arizona. Duca worked for the Stone Harbor Department of Recreation for two summers during the mid-90’s.
Duca received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Bloomsburg University in 2003. She currently resides in Dennisville. She will be responsible for all recreation programs and sports camps offered by the Borough of Stone Harbor, and will also coordinate Borough-sponsored special events.
Also during the meeting, Borough Council introduced a new ordinance that will provide free beach tags to all veterans of the United States Military, established a new capital budget for 2014, adopted the 2014 summer trash schedule, and discussed bond ordinances for various infrastructure projects.
The Stone Harbor Police Department added one full time officer and promoted another officer to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. Both actions were taken during the Tuesday, February 4th meeting of the Stone Harbor Borough Council.
Justin Glass was sworn in as the newest full time officer for the Stone Harbor Police Department. Glass resides in North Cape May. He was hired by the department four years ago as a Special Law Enforcement Officer and completed basic training at the Cape May County Police Academy. Officer Glass has worked for the past four summers for the Stone Harbor Police Department, where he also served last summer as a dispatcher. Glass attended Avalon Grove High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Shippensburg University.Michael Workman was elevated to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. Workman resides in Corbin City with his wife Theresa. He was hired by the Stone Harbor Police Department in 2001 as a Special Law Enforcement Officer and eventually was employed by the West Wildwood Police Department and the Atlantic County Sherriff Department. Workman returned to the Stone Harbor Police Department as a full time police officer in 2006. He has become a certified police instructor through the New Jersey Police Training Commission and has conducted training at the Cape May County Police Academy. Workman has served as Acting Patrol Sergeant since June, 2013 for the Stone Harbor Police Department.
The Stone Harbor Borough Council will introduce an ordinance on first reading at its next meeting that will allow the Borough to offer free beach tags to all military veterans. The new ordinance is in response to Governor Chris Christie’s approval of a new state law on January 21st that permits beach communities to offer free or reduced fee beach tags to veterans. Council will consider the policy change at its next meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 2014 at 4:30pm at Borough Hall.
“Stone Harbor wants to address this new beach tag policy provided by the Governor at our first opportunity in order to show our gratitude to all veterans who will visit our beaches for generations to come”, said Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters. “We want to recognize the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Services in order to protect the freedoms enjoyed throughout the country and in our home State of New Jersey”.
Borough Council will consider an ordinance that will amend Chapter 156 that will permit the Borough to issue free beach tags to any individual who has served in any of the Armed Forces of the United States who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and who either have served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability. Veterans will be required to display a beach tag, but no fees will be collected from the veterans. Veterans will simply present documentation consistent with the new state law in order to obtain a free beach tag in Stone Harbor.
Stone Harbor has offered free beach tags to active members of the New Jersey National Guard. The new State law signed by Governor Christie allows this expression of gratitude to be extended to veterans as well.
If approved, the new ordinance will be in effect in time for the summer 2014 beach season in Stone Harbor.
A new year in 2014 provides the Borough of Stone Harbor an opportunity to reflect on many initiatives and projects that were completed during the past year. 2013 presented many challenges in Stone Harbor, but I believe our Borough Council and skilled department heads met those challenges that advanced the Borough for years, and in some cases, decades to come.
Perhaps the single biggest project we managed in Stone Harbor during 2013 was the complete reconstruction of our beachfront. Thanks to future planning efforts, the Borough arranged for a large beach fill project even before the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012. We successfully negotiated with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a total reconstruction of the beaches that met the federal template set before hurricanes Irene and Sandy. Dunes were rebuilt, crossover paths were constructed, and dune grass was planted. I am highly appreciative of the cooperation and understanding by our residents and visitors as this beach fill project reached our 96th Street beach on the July 4th holiday. After Sandy, we all understand: Beaches and dunes provide the first line of defense against any storm. When your community can enjoy a multi-million dollar complete reconstruction of your beach, you accept it graciously, even if work is done during the summertime.Another major accomplishment in 2013 was the passage of a new municipal budget that improved services but kept the line on taxes. Stone Harbor continues to enjoy one of the lowest municipal tax rates in South Jersey at 22.4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Last year, we experienced a tax increase of less than a penny on the municipal tax rate. In 2014, we face much greater challenges with an ambitious capital improvement plan. Through the leadership of our Borough Council, I am confident we will present a lean, effective budget for the coming year.
One factor that will help with our municipal budget for years to come is a new interlocal services agreement with our neighbors to the north, Avalon. For years, we have worked on a plan that would centralize dispatch for the entire Seven Mile Beach community. We finalized that agreement late in 2013 that results in Avalon handling all dispatch calls for Stone Harbor and Avalon, with emergency calls seamlessly handled by county dispatchers. During the first year of this three year agreement, Stone Harbor will save $181,000 in expenses relating to dispatching services, with well over $500,000 in savings during the length of the contract.
Stone Harbor aggressively sought grants for Borough improvements during 2013. The Borough was successful in obtaining a $400,000 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for various improvements at the Municipal Complex, Public Works facility, and the Volunteer Fire Department. The grant funding will be used to improve access and use of these buildings for handicapped individuals. In the fall, the Borough applied for a nearly $100,000 grant from the Cape May County Open Space Board for the construction of our Stone Harbor Freedom Park that will include an artifact from the World Trade Center. We remain optimistic that the Board will look favorably on our application.
The Borough made significant improvements to its communications during 2013. We launched our totally redesigned website, www.stoneharbornj.org that makes it much easier to find information about the Borough. It includes new graphics, a calendar of events, and easy to find links to all departments in our community. In addition, Stone Harbor launched its own emergency management website, www.stoneharboremergency.com. This is the primary source of information for residents and visitors during major storm events or other emergencies that may occur in the Borough.
Mitigation efforts that were addressed in 2013 that will set us up for success in 2014 and beyond. Stone Harbor expects to receive official word soon from the Community Rating System that will improve our rating from a Class 7 to a Class 5. This unprecedented two-class improvement will result in 25 percent discounts in flood insurance for all property owners in our community which will save millions in dollars in flood insurance premiums for years to come. This was achieved thanks in part to our aggressive approach to flood mitigation and better building standards.
As mayor, I was honored to be sworn in as the new President of the New Jersey League of Municipalities for 2014. Through the new year, I will be travelling to virtually every corner of the State of New Jersey to meet with local, county, and state officials on the challenges facing government. These conversations will afford me the opportunity to have a voice for Stone Harbor and Cape May County, and bring new ideas and innovative approaches back to our community so we can do a better job serving you.
On behalf of Borough Council and Borough employees, I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers in Stone Harbor who make this truly the “Seashore at its Best”. Volunteers in our community truly make Stone Harbor a terrific place to live, own a home, and vacation. If you have any thoughts on how we can do our jobs better, please attend a Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm inside Stone Harbor Borough Hall.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Walters
Mayor, Stone Harbor
Friday, May 16th 4 P.M.
Reenactment of First Council Meeting (Ceremonial only) All are invited to enjoy selection of premier Yacht Club appetizers and a cash bar after the meeting.
Yacht Club of Stone Harbor (9001 Sunset Drive).
609.368.1201
Tuesday, July 1st 7 P.M.
Linda Gentile & Jersey Shore Pops Centennial Concert
Borough of Stone Harbor presents Music Through the Decades with Linda Gentile and The Jersey Shore Pops. The 40s Big Band Bash with Music of Glenn Miller. 95th St. and Second Ave. Water Tower Plaza
Enjoy music, food, and a Beer and Wine Garden sponsored by
The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Series continues July 15th, July 29th and August 12th 609.368.6101
Tuesday, July 15th 7 P.M.
Linda Gentile & Jersey Shore Pops Centennial Concert
Borough of Stone Harbor presents Music Through the Decades with Linda Gentile and The Jersey Shore Pops. Sinatra Sings the 50s with Johnny Petillo. 95th St. and Second Ave. Water Tower Plaza
Enjoy music, food, and a Beer and Wine Garden sponsored by
The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Series continues July 29th and August 12th 609.368.6101
Tuesday, July 29th 7 P.M.
Linda Gentile & Jersey Shore Pops Centennial Concert
Borough of Stone Harbor presents Music Through the Decades with Linda Gentile & The Jersey Shore Pops. YESTERDAZE: The 60s starring Jim Yester of The Association. 95th St. and Second Ave.
Water Tower Plaza.
Enjoy music, food, and a Beer and Wine Garden sponsored by
The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
Series continues August 12th 609.368.6101
Saturday, August 9th 7:30 P.M.
The Festival of Lights returns!
Boat Parade begins at 7:30pm at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor (9001 Sunset Drive.) Basin. All are invited to participate with decorated boats and decorated bayfront properties. 609.368.1201
Tuesday, August 12th 7 P.M.
Linda Gentile & Jersey Shore Pops Centennial Concert
The Borough of Stone Harbor presents Music Through the Decades with Linda Gentile and The Jersey Shore Pops. Sizzlin Seventies starring Dan Mauro. 95th St. and Second Ave. Water Tower Plaza. 7PM.
Enjoy music, food, and a Beer and Wine Garden sponsored by
Saturday, September 6th 2:30 P.M.
Stone Harbor Centennial Celebration Parade, Clambake and Concert
Parade begins at 2:30 PM at the 81st St. Recreation Field. Music begins at 2P.M.
Sensational Soul Cruisers begin at 4 P.M. Clambake begins at 5:30 (other foods available).
Games 5 to 7pm. Fireworks at dusk. 609.368.5102
In addition, our friends at Our Saviour Lutheran Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014 alongside the Borough of Stone Harbor’s celebration! What’s planned? Monthly thematic celebrations with exhibits, special programming followed by special coffee hours, except for summer months. All of these events are still upcoming on Sundays, at teh Church at 93rd and Third Avenues!
March 9– Sunday School
April 13–Music programs
May 18–Confirmation
June 8–Weddings
July 13th–Women’s/Men’s Programs, annual Blueberry Festival
August 10th–Bible School
September 14th –Baptisms
October 19th–Finale honoring all members, luncheon to follow at Noon at Stone Harbor Yacht Club
The Stone Harbor Borough Council held its official reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 7th at Stone Harbor Borough Hall. Councilmembers Barry Mastrangelo and Al Carusi were both sworn in to new three-year terms on the Borough Council during the meeting. Councilman Mastrangelo is starting his fifth term on Council and was unanimously appointed Council President for a one year term. Councilman Carusi begins his second term on Council.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Barry and Al back on to the Stone Harbor Borough Council”, said Mayor Suzanne Walters. “Both Barry and Al bring leadership, management, and ideas that will help make Stone Harbor a terrific place to live and vacation in 2014 and beyond”.
During the reorganization meeting, the Stone Harbor Borough Council took action on the following items, dates, and procedures:
-Council meetings will continue to be held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 4:30pm at Stone Harbor Borough Hall with the exception of the third week of November; Council will meet on Monday, November 17th, at 4:30pm.
-Parking meters will be in effect in Stone Harbor from Thursday, May 1st through Wednesday, October 1st, 2014.
-Solid waste/recycling collection will follow the “winter” schedule through June 15th, 2014 and again from September 15th through December 31st, 2014. The “summer” schedule will be followed from June 16th through September 14th, 2014.
-Established bulk trash collection pickup days to occur on the following Mondays: March 10th, May 5th, September 22nd, and October 27th, 2014.
-Re-appointed Michael Donohue as Municipal Attorney; Robert Beinfield as Bond Counsel; Michael Sorensen as Public Defender; Lawrence Pepper Jr. as Labor Counsel; J. Byrne Agency as Risk Management Consultant; and Glen Ortman, Municipal Auditor.
-Entered into professional services contracts with The Wetlands Institute (environmental restoration, management coordination and advice for Borough natural areas) and Richard Stockton College of New Jersey/Dr. Stewart Farrell (coastal monitoring study).
Borough of Stone Harbor
9508 Second Avenue
Stone Harbor, New Jersey 08247
(609) 368-5102
Borough Hall Office Hours 8:30am to 4:00pm
E-mail addresses provided become public information.
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