Stone Harbor tables ordinance changing boards and committees after residents raise concerns

Stone Harbor councilmembers voted unanimously on Feb. 4, 2025 to table Ordinance 1676, an proposed amendment to Chapter 25 of the municipal code that governs boards and committees. The ordinance was being considered for introduction but was put on hold so council and staff can discuss it further.

Residents raised objections during public comment, saying the change was not vetted with volunteer committee members and warning it could allow outsourcing of functions historically handled by local volunteers. Angelo Caracciolo described the ordinance as amending a long-standing part of the code that was originally adopted when the borough lacked a full-time recreation director; he said committee members are volunteers who have been trying to keep programs moving in the absence of full-time staff.

Councilmember Victor Foschini moved to table the ordinance; Frank Dallahan seconded the motion. The roll call recorded all votes as Yes, and Mayor Timothy J. Carney said he agreed with tabling the ordinance and encouraged maintaining the current code’s independence for boards and committees.

Resident Joslyn Rich specifically asked for the intent and goals behind the ordinance; council confirmed it would be discussed further rather than introduced at the meeting. The public also linked the ordinance debate to the separate controversy over Resolution 2025-S-50 (competitive contracting for special events), which some residents said reflected a broader push to outsource operational roles.

The ordinance remains tabled. Council did not record further action or a new date for reintroduction in the meeting minutes; follow-up was left to future meetings and committee discussion.