Stone Harbor council approves competitive contracting for special events over objections

The Stone Harbor Mayor and Council approved a resolution authorizing competitive contracting for coordination, administration, promotion and execution of the borough’s special events and other public information needs, voting on Feb. 4, 2025 to move the work to a contracted model despite public pushback.

Resolution 2025-S-50 drew objections during the public-comment period from residents and business groups who said the borough’s tourism director and local volunteers have unique institutional knowledge that cannot easily be outsourced. Marnie Lengel, coordinator of the Chamber of Commerce, said the town relies on visitors and that “the Borough depends on tourism and the position of a tourism director who knows and is dedicated to the town is irreplaceable.” Angelo Caracciolo, a resident, also criticized the growing use of the consent agenda and questioned outsourcing non-routine duties.

Councilmember Robin Casper removed the resolution from the consent agenda for separate consideration. On the roll call, Councilmembers Frank Dallahan and Victor Foschini voted No; Robin Casper voted No; Bunny Parzych, Jennifer Gensemer and Ken Biddick voted Yes. The vote was a 3–3 tie; Mayor Timothy J. Carney cast the deciding vote in favor, approving the resolution.

Councilmember Parzych said she expects competing proposals from firms that would provide press-release services and public-information work, describing the intent as soliciting outside firms for event coordination and publicity rather than immediate staff reductions. During later public comment, Parzych reiterated she seeks proposals from companies that issue press releases and provide positive public news.

Opponents said the borough is unlikely to find an outsourcing option that costs less than the current tourism director’s salary and warned of losing local knowledge. Supporters on council did not offer extended floor debate in the public minutes; the resolution passed and the council proceeded to a closed session and later adjourned.

The resolution’s approval means the borough can proceed to competitive contracting steps specified in the resolution; council minutes do not record contract awards or contractor names. Public questions raised at the meeting about which committee placed the item on the agenda were answered after closed session: Mayor Carney said the Administration & Finance (A&F) Committee put the resolution forward. The council adjourned at 7:50 p.m.