Harvey Cedars commissioners adopt three ordinances, set $25,000 emergency fund for fish kills and approve high-school surf team beach use

The Harvey Cedars Board of Commissioners on Monday approved three second-reading ordinances, adopted a $25,000 emergency appropriation to address recent fish kills in Kinsey Cove and Harvest Cove, and cleared a request to allow Southern Regional High School’s surf team to hold practices and scrimmages on the Hudson Avenue beach.

Mayor John M. Imperiale called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. and confirmed the required public-notice postings. Commissioners Joseph F. Gieger and Paul G. Rice joined the mayor at the dais.

The board carried Ordinance No. 2024-23, amending Chapter 21 (property maintenance) and Chapter 3 (police regulations). The ordinance’s posted materials and the second-reading hearing included questions from residents about the new tree rules. Lina Kragie of 8 W. 75th Street asked “what the new tree regulations include”; Mayor Imperiale responded that the ordinance “specifies what can and cannot be planted.” Resident Jim Fritz asked whether bamboo is listed as an invasive species; Commissioner Joseph F. Gieger confirmed bamboo is included on the list.

The board also adopted Ordinance No. 2024-24, amending Chapter 2 as it pertains to the fire department, and Ordinance No. 2024-25, which updates sign rules in the zoning chapter. During the sign ordinance discussion Jim Fritz thanked the board for permitting the Harvey Cedars Taxpayers Association to post meeting signs around town.

On the financial side, the commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2024-108 to create an emergency appropriation in response to fish kills. The approved resolution states, “An emergency appropriation is hereby made for ‘Building and Grounds Other Expenses’ in the amount of $25,000.00,” and cites N.J.S. 40A:4-46 and related provisions. The resolution notes the $25,000 emergency appropriation will be provided for in full in the 2025 budget and requests exclusion from CAPS; certified copies are to be filed with the Division of Local Government Services.

The board also approved Resolution No. 2024-109 to pay bills as presented, and unanimously approved the Southern Regional High School Surf Team’s request to use Hudson Avenue beach for practices and scrimmages Monday–Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. between Sept. 12–30 and Oct. 1–31, with an expected attendance of about 50 people.

Commissioner Paul G. Rice said borough finance staff are starting budget discussions and thanked volunteers who supported the High Point Volunteer Fire Company Dog Day Road Race. Commissioner Joseph F. Gieger reported on a preliminary meeting about new bulkheads tied to the street flooding campaign and noted the first Adopt-a-Street end on Bay Terrace has been completed. Mayor Imperiale thanked Chief Burnaford and the police for their assistance during the road race and said the borough website’s minutes, ordinances and newsletters had been updated. He announced the Sept. 6 meeting is canceled and the next regular meeting will be Sept. 23.

During the public-comment period residents raised several local concerns: Carol Sziklay asked whether there is any borough limit on the number of new houses allowed in a neighborhood; Mayor Imperiale said there is no such limit and he will consult the construction official. Lina Kragie reported exposed spikes from a beach mat on 75th Street and was told the Department of Public Works has been notified. Patrick Greber asked whether replacement trees must match the size of those removed; Commissioner Rice said trees must be replaced but need not match the prior size. Walt Naisby asked which aerators will be installed to help prevent future fish-kill events; Commissioner Gieger said the aerators will float, be anchored and can be removed in winter. Sandy Freeman asked whether the borough has rules for rental advertising signs such as VRBO postings; Mayor Imperiale said no ordinance is currently in place and the borough will review the matter in the fall and winter.

The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.