As a courtesy to our SHPOA Members, we’re bringing you a summary of each Stone Harbor Work Session and Council Meeting. Intended as summaries, these intentionally don’t have a lot of details and are not a substitute for the official Borough minutes.
Work Session
Natural Resources
Councilmember Robin Casper reported that for Thanksgiving Weekend, the borough would present the Coastal Christmas Island Holiday theme, offering various festive events and family activities throughout the extended weekend.

The Natural Resources Committee met with the Lomax Consulting Group to discuss updates to the Community Forest Management Plan. This plan helps guide the borough’s efforts in managing trees and applying for related grants.

The Beach Sweep on October 18th saw strong community involvement, resulting in significant debris removal from the dunes.

Lastly, following the recent nor’easter, Public Works conducted inspections of all beaches and dunes. Little new damage was reported, except in areas of the south end that were already compromised. The storm had some positive effects, including redepositing sand at the south end and filling in low gullies formed during the summer.

Stone Harbor Museum Presentation
Representatives from the Stone Harbor Museum provided an overview of the museum’s ongoing community engagement efforts. The museum continues to grow with the support of volunteers and interactive exhibits. Residents are encouraged to visit, become members, and consider joining the docent team to support the museum.

Administrative and Financial Reports
Borough Administrator Joseph Clark addressed the topic of employee health care coverage for 2026. Due to an anticipated 40–50% increase in premiums under the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP), the borough is considering a High-Deductible Plan option within SHBP. For this option to work, at least 75% employee participation is required. The proposed plan aims to maintain equal or better care for employees while generating significant cost savings for the borough and its staff.

Finances
Chief Financial Officer Cynthia Lindsay presented the results of the 2025 Best Practices Inventory, a state-mandated assessment by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. Stone Harbor achieved a score of 40 points, exceeding the required minimum of 32 needed to receive full state aid. The survey evaluates ethics, budgeting, transparency, and other operational practices.

Regular Meeting
Council introduced two ordinances which will be voted on in the next meeting on November 3rd, 2025. The first ordinance, 1698, amends the Building Construction code regarding portable storage units. The second ordinance, 1699 allows for emergency appropriation to pay for the reassessment of property in the borough.

To read legislation discussed at the meeting, please click: https://stoneharbornj.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Regular-Meeting-Website.pdf

To view a video of the meeting, please click:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwWmdOP_fwg

NOTE: As you may know, our friends at the Cape May County Herald are offering SHPOA members only an exclusive discount for Herald subscriptions — 25% OFF with code “SHPOA” — and they are also providing your association advertising space in print and online for us to promote the association and the initiatives important to our members.

To subscribe and use the discount, please click on https://capemaycountyherald.com/subscribe/ and use promo code “SHPOA” at checkout to claim your 25% discount. Only valid for new subscribers.
To read past Stone Harbor Council Meeting summaries, please click here: https://www.stoneharborpoa.org/category/borough-meeting-summaries/

To watch recordings of past meetings, please click here: https://stoneharbornj.org/agendameetings/watch-mayor-and-council-meetings-online/