Norristown public meetings in 2021

Municipal Council

The Council will review several funding requests, including $675,000 for sewer system evaluations and funds for a skatepark at Poley Park. The session also includes the appointment of a new Police Chief and a $2 million redevelopment grant application.

• $2,000,000 RACP funding application for Main and DeKalb Streets redevelopment
• $675,000 ARPA allocation for sewer system engineering services
• ARPA funds for a new skatepark at Poley Park
• Appointment of Derrick Wood as Police Chief
• Contract with 911 Safety Equipment Inc. for police uniforms

The Norristown Municipal Council approved several resolutions, including allocating $675,000 in ARPA funds for sewer system evaluation and authorizing ARPA funds for a skatepark at Poley Park. The council also approved the appointment of Derrick Wood as Police Chief, approved a cable franchise legal services contract, and tabled an intergovernmental agreement with the Norristown Municipal Waste Authority. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

• Approved $675,000 ARPA allocation for sewer system evaluation (6-0)
• Approved ARPA funds for skatepark at Poley Park (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Derrick Wood as Police Chief (unanimous)
• Approved legal services contract with Cohen Law Group up to $10,710 (unanimous)
• Tabled Intergovernmental Agreement with Norristown Municipal Waste Authority (6-0)
• Approved 2022 Council Meeting Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved consulting contract with Tracie Henry as Special Events Coordinator (unanimous)
• Approved contract with 911 Safety Equipment, Inc. as uniform vendor (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will consider adopting the 2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan and a police mutual aid agreement. Agenda items also include reviewing tax sale bids and ratifying union contract extensions for police and firefighters. Additionally, council will review amendments to property transfer and sewer inspection ordinances.

• Adoption of the 2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan
• Norristown Police Department participation in Montgomery County mutual aid plan
• Three-year audit services contract with Maillie LLP
• Ordinance amending property transfer and sewer lateral inspection rules
• Ratification of contract extensions for FOP Lodge 31 and IAFF Local 2335

The Norristown Municipal Council approved several resolutions and ordinances, including the 2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan, a 3-year audit services contract with Maillie LLP, and amendments to the property transfer and sewer lateral inspection code. Council also ratified memoranda of agreement with the police and firefighter unions, extending their collective bargaining agreements with a 2.85% wage increase for police. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year audit services contract with Maillie LLP (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 21-16 amending property transfer and sewer lateral inspections (unanimous)
• Ratified police union MOA extending CBA to Dec 31, 2022 with 2.85% wage increase (unanimous)
• Ratified firefighter union MOA extending CBA to Dec 31, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved participation in Montgomery County Police Chiefs' Mutual Aid Plan (unanimous)
• Appointed Al Zone to Keep Norristown Beautiful Committee (unanimous)
• Hired Robert Peterson as Norristown Firefighter (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will vote on the 2022 budget and tax rate and select a final candidate for Police Chief from two nominees. The agenda also includes a new lead poisoning prevention ordinance and updates on unlicensed rental properties.

• Adoption of the 2022 Budget and Tax Rate (Ordinance 21-15)
• Selection of a final Police Chief candidate between Frank Lombardo and Derrick Wood
• New Lead Poisoning Prevention and Lead Hazard Control ordinance (Ordinance 21-14)
• Land development plan extension for 408 West Wood Street
• Conditional employment offers for top three entry-level police candidates

The Norristown Municipal Council unanimously adopted the 2022 budget of $47.6 million with a 16 millage rate, and approved the 2022 Consolidated Fee Schedule. They also unanimously approved Ordinance 21-14, adding a new chapter on lead poisoning prevention and lead hazard control, and nominated Derrick Wood as the final candidate for Police Chief. The council denied a HARB appeal for 542 Swede Street and authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-16 regarding property transfer inspections.

• Adopted 2022 budget of $47.6M and 16 millage rate (unanimous)
• Adopted 2022 Consolidated Fee Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 21-14 adding Chapter 200 on lead poisoning prevention (unanimous)
• Nominated Derrick Wood for Police Chief and authorized negotiation (unanimous)
• Approved conditional employment offers to top 3 police candidates (unanimous)
• Denied HARB appeal for 542 Swede Street (unanimous)
• Authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-16 (6-0)
• Directed Solicitor to prepare resolution for 408 West Wood Street extension (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will conduct the first reading of the FY 2022 Budget Ordinance, which proposes retaining a millage rate of 16.0. Other items include approving new disabled parking spaces and changes to traffic movements at Arch and Summit Streets.

• First reading of the FY 2022 Budget Ordinance with a 16.0 millage rate
• Ordinance No. 21-13 regarding prohibited turns at Arch and Summit Streets
• Resolution No. 21-81 for new disabled parking spaces on Astor, Spruce, Moore, and Washington Streets
• Contract award to Systems Solution, Inc (SSI) for cabling and phone services
• Oath of office for entry level police officer Lawrence Keys

The council unanimously approved advertising the FY 2022 budget ordinance, retaining the real estate tax millage rate at 16.0. The total budget for all funds is $47,591,443, with a General Fund of $37,806,998. The council also approved several other items, including a traffic amendment, disabled parking spaces, assessment stipulations, and a contract for cabling services.

• Approved advertising FY 2022 budget with 16.0 millage rate (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 21-13 prohibiting turns near Arch and Summit Streets (unanimous)
• Approved disabled parking spaces at 700 Astor St, 29 E Spruce St, 364 E Moore St, 1232 W Washington St (unanimous)
• Approved assessment stipulations at $2,361.58 for 239, 241, 241½ E Main St (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Systems Solution, Inc. for cabling and phone/intercom services (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 19, 2021 work session (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will review presentations regarding lead poisoning hazards and the benefits of lead-safe certification. The agenda includes requests to advertise the proposed 2022 operating budget and a new lead hazard control ordinance. Additionally, developers will present proposals for townhomes and senior housing.

• Proposed Ordinance 21-14 for Lead Poisoning Prevention And Lead Hazard Control
• Request to advertise the proposed 2022 Municipality of Norristown Operating Budget
• $133,282.98 contract with BP Patterson, Inc for Rapp Alley Storm Water Installation
• 26 townhome development proposal at 600 E. Fornance
• Ordinance 21-13 to prohibit certain turns at Arch and Summit Streets

The Norristown Municipal Council unanimously authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-14, which would add a new chapter on lead poisoning prevention and lead hazard control, and approved the proposed 2022 operating budget for public review. The council also awarded a $133,282.98 stormwater construction contract, approved a police officer eligibility list, and passed a traffic ordinance. All votes were unanimous.

• Authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-14 (Lead Poisoning Prevention and Lead Hazard Control) (unanimous)
• Approved proposed 2022 Operating Budget for public review (unanimous)
• Awarded $133,282.98 contract to BP Patterson, Inc. for Rapp Alley Stormwater installation (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-79 for conditional employment offers to three police officer candidates (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 21-13 prohibiting certain turns near Arch and Summit Streets (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 5, 2021 (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will review fiscal year 2022 pension plan obligations for police, fire, and non-uniform plans. The agenda also includes furniture purchases for the Recreation Center Basement and a fencing change order for Latsahw McCarthy Field.

• Furniture purchase for Recreation Center Basement (Resolution No. 21-73)
• EC Fenceworks Change Order for Latsahw McCarthy Field and The Little League Field Complex (Resolution No. 21-78)
• FY 2022 pension plan obligations (Resolution No. 21-77)
• Historical Architectural Review Board applications

The council approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Minimum Municipal Obligation of $3,151,881 for police, fire, and non-uniform pension plans. It also approved furniture purchases for the Recreation Center basement, a change order for fencing at Latshaw McCarthy Field and the Little League Field Complex, and HARB applications for six properties. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved FY2022 pension MMO of $3,151,881 (unanimous)
• Approved furniture purchase for Recreation Center basement (unanimous)
• Approved change order for EC Fenceworks at Latshaw McCarthy Field and Little League Field Complex (unanimous)
• Approved HARB applications for 23 E Airy St, 520 Church St, 542 Swede St, 543 Astor St (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Sept 15, 2021 work session (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding a zoning text amendment for a multi-family residential district. The agenda also includes requests to increase a contract for utility assistance administration and to reallocate CDBG CV-1 funding.

• Zoning text amendment for PROSOV, LLC development including 371 total units and 568 parking spaces
• $16,000 increase to CGP&H contract for Mortgage & Utility Assistance Program administration
• Reallocation of CDBG CV-1 funds to create a new administrative project line item

The Norristown Municipal Council approved a zoning text amendment to the Multi-Family Residential District, enabling a proposed development with a 192-unit apartment building, 89 townhouses, and 90 multiplex units. Council also approved a $16,000 increase to a CGP&H contract for the CDBG Mortgage & Utility Assistance Program, bringing the total to $54,200, and authorized advertising a CDBG CV-1 funding reallocation. All votes were 4-0.

• Approved minutes from September 7, 2021 (4-0)
• Opened and closed public hearing for Ordinance 21-10 (4-0)
• Approved zoning text amendment for Multi-Family Residential District (4-0)
• Approved $16,000 increase to CGP&H contract, totaling $54,200 (4-0)
• Approved advertisement for CDBG CV-1 funding reallocation (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved a conditional use to amend a previous approval for the Baer Building at 118-120 East Main Street, allowing one commercial floor to be converted into apartments for a total of 17 residential units. The council also approved a redevelopment proposal by M/M Partners for the Main and Dekalb Street parcels, contingent on a satisfactory redevelopment contract. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of salt canopies for $25,897.60, ratified a disaster declaration related to Hurricane Ida, and approved a quitclaim deed for bridge work on Sterigere Street.

• Approved conditional use to amend Baer Building approval for 17 residential units (6-0)
• Approved M/M Partners redevelopment proposal for Main and Dekalb Street parcels (6-0)
• Approved $25,897.60 purchase of salt canopies from Shelter Vision LLC (6-0)
• Approved HARB applications for August 2021 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-74 for quitclaim deed and easement for Sterigere Street bridge work (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-75 ratifying Hurricane Ida disaster declaration (6-0)

Municipal Council

The council is reviewing a $50,000 contract for housing legal services and adjustments to COVID-19 mortgage and utility assistance programs. The session also includes proposed updates to property maintenance and contractor licensing ordinances. Additionally, the council will consider establishing new disabled parking spaces at five locations.

• $50,000 contract to Legal Aid of Southeastern PA for housing legal services
• Amendments to Property Maintenance and Contractor Licensing codes
• New disabled parking spaces on Pine, Jacoby, Fornance, Lafayette, and Buttonwood Streets
• Adjustments to CDBG CV-3 mortgage, rental, and utility assistance programs
• MOU with Borough of Pottstown regarding JAG program funds

The Norristown Municipal Council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including updates to property maintenance and contractor licensing codes, a $50,000 contract for housing legal services, and a grant for police overtime. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

• Approved Ordinance 21-11 adopting 2021 Property Maintenance Code (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-12 replacing Chapter 251 with new contractor licensing requirements (6-0)
• Awarded $50,000 contract to Legal Aid of Southeastern PA for CDBG-CV housing legal services (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-72 accepting police overtime reimbursement grant (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-68 establishing handicapped parking at five addresses (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-71 MOU with Pottstown for JAG grant funds (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-70 authorizing sale of municipal property under $2,000 (6-0)
• Approved CDBG-CV assistance adjustment up to $7,000 per participant (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved several resolutions, including appointing members to the Stormwater Authority, promoting a police sergeant, and appointing a business privilege tax collector. Council also voted to move forward with the procurement process for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, covering items like police vehicles and stormwater utility operations. A request to adjust CDBG CV-3 mortgage/utility assistance was tabled for amendment and HUD notification.

• Approved appointments to Norristown Stormwater Authority (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Corporal James Angelucci to Police Sergeant (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Angela Smith to Keep Norristown Beautiful (unanimous)
• Approved Tri-State Financial Group as Business Privilege Tax collector (unanimous)
• Approved staff to move forward with ARPA procurement process (unanimous)
• Tabled CDBG CV-3 mortgage/utility assistance adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved advertising Ordinance 21-10 for zoning text amendment (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved several resolutions, including a $75,000 contract with Triad Associates for ARPA funding administration, a settlement in the opioid class action lawsuit, and the donation of fire-rescue boats to Upper Darby Township. They also authorized advertisements for two code amendments and tabled a land development plan for 408 West Wood Street.

• Approved Resolution 21-62 to donate fire-rescue boats to Upper Darby Township Fire Department.
• Approved Resolution 21-61, a Memorandum of Understanding with Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.
• Approved participation in the Purdue and Mallinckrodt opioid class action settlement.
• Approved Resolution 21-63 for a $75,000 contract with Triad Associates for ARPA funding services.
• Authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-11 to amend Chapter 239 (Property Maintenance).
• Authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-12 to amend Chapter 251 (Building Contractors).
• Approved preparation of a zoning text amendment for the Multi-Family Residential District.
• Tabled the 408 West Wood Street land development plan extension to resolve issues.

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved the annual payment of $24,024.03 for the Police Department's Records Management System, a 3-year agreement with CODY. They also approved an intergovernmental agreement with Montgomery County Correctional Facility for temporary Central Booking Center participation, and a 1-year $16,200 contract with CitizenLab for community engagement digital services. The meeting included the swearing-in of Officer James McIlwain and public comments on police-community relations and other issues.

• Approved minutes of June 15, 2021 Council Work Session unanimously.
• Approved Resolution 21-58: annual payment of $24,024.03 for Police Records Management System (CODY) unanimously.
• Approved Resolution 21-60: Intergovernmental Agreement with Montgomery County Correctional Facility for temporary Central Booking Center participation unanimously.
• Approved Resolution 21-59: 1-year $16,200 contract with CitizenLab for digital community engagement services unanimously.
• Administered Oath of Office to Entry Level Police Officer James McIlwain.

Municipal Council

The council approved Ordinance 21-06 establishing the Norristown Stormwater Authority, which will manage stormwater fees and projects. They also approved a study's findings on flood hazard revisions for Barbados Island, a contract with ProChamps for foreclosure property registration, and a draft amendment to building contractor licensing. A bid for demolition of 18 East Chestnut Street was rejected.

• Approved Ordinance 21-06 establishing the Norristown Stormwater Authority (6-0).
• Approved the flood hazard study findings for Barbados Island (6-0).
• Approved a 2-year contract with ProChamps for foreclosure property registration (6-0).
• Authorized meeting with Sewer Authority and exempted registration/inspection fees for new construction within 60 days (6-0).
• Approved a draft amendment to Chapter 251 (Building Contractors) (6-0).
• Rejected the $79,375 bid for demolition of 18 East Chestnut Street (6-0).

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved several items, including the purchase and upfitting of four police vehicles, an amendment to the Streets and Sidewalks ordinance, an 18-month lease for a temporary salt barn facility, a 3-year photocopier lease, a tax and lien settlement policy, and a proclamation recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The council also appointed a new firefighter and approved the minutes of the previous work session.

• Approved purchase and upfit of four 2021 Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUV police vehicles (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 21-09 amending Chapter 278 'Streets and Sidewalks' (4-2)
• Approved Resolution 21-56 for 18-month lease at 1310 Stanbridge Street for temporary salt barn (6-0)
• Approved 3-year lease with IPS Global for photocopiers at $110,000 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-54 Tax and Lien Settlement Authorization Policy (6-0)
• Recognized June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (6-0)
• Appointed Ryan Conboy as entry-level firefighter (6-0)
• Approved minutes of May 18, 2021 work session (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved ordinances establishing deteriorated area boundaries for residential (ReTAP) and mixed-use (MTIP) tax exemption programs, and approved several land development requests, including for 820 Thomas Street and 1437 Dekalb Street. The council also approved a $500,000 flood mitigation grant application for the Sawmill Culvert restoration and authorized updates to property maintenance codes. A speed bump policy was moved forward, and a resolution for limited maintenance of private alleys was approved.

• Approved Ordinance 21-07 and 21-08 adopting ReTAP and MTIP deteriorated area boundaries (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-50 for Preliminary/Final Land Development at 820 Thomas Street (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-51 for Minor Plan Land Development at 1437 Dekalb Street (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-47 establishing process for limited maintenance of private alleys (6-0)
• Approved $500,000 DCED Flood Mitigation Grant application for Sawmill Culvert Phase II (7-0)
• Approved updates and amendments to Chapter 239 Property Maintenance (unanimous)
• Approved advertisement of revisions to Chapter 278 (5-1)
• Approved moving Speed Bump Policy forward (vote not specified)

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council approved the appointment of Johnathon Davidson as an Entry-Level Police Officer, the destruction of specific HR and Finance records, and amendments to Local Act 511 tax collection regulations. The council also approved HARB applications for three properties and a proclamation for Building Safety Month. All votes were unanimous 6-0.

• Approved appointment of Johnathon Davidson as Entry-Level Police Officer (6-0)
• Approved destruction of specific Human Resources and Finance Records (6-0)
• Approved amendment and updating of Local Act 511 tax collection regulations (6-0)
• Approved HARB applications for 511 Hamilton St, 616 Dekalb St, 1117 West Main St (6-0)
• Approved proclamation recognizing May 2021 as Building Safety Month (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Council is reviewing several contract authorizations for recreation center repairs and infrastructure projects. Discussions include new disabled parking spaces and a potential process for private alley maintenance. The session also covers the establishment of a Norristown Stormwater Authority.

• $387,936 in contracts for Recreation Center and field flood damage repairs
• $177,836 award to G&B Construction for Arch Street Greenway Project Phase I
• New disabled parking spaces at 521 E. Basin St, 408 E. Moore St, 428 E. Spruce St, and 364 E. Moore St
• $30,000 change order for Sawmill Run Creek Culvert replacement services
• $24,000 contract for a Blight Study and Redevelopment Area Plan

The Norristown Municipal Council held a work session on April 20, 2021, and made several decisions. The most consequential was the appointment of Councilwoman Sonya Sanders to the Norristown Municipal Waste Authority, which passed 4-2 despite public comments opposing it. The council also approved multiple contracts, including $387,936 for recreation center and field repairs, a $177,836 contract for the Arch Street Greenway Project, and a $24,000 blight study for the former State Hospital site. Several other items were approved, including a Verizon right-of-way agreement and a change order for culvert repair.

• Appointed Sonya Sanders to Norristown Municipal Waste Authority (4-2)
• Approved $387,936 in contracts for recreation center and field flood damage repairs (unanimous)
• Approved $177,836 final award to G&B Construction for Arch Street Greenway Project Phase I (5-0)
• Approved $24,000 contract to Mullin & Lonergan for blight study of former State Hospital site (5-0)
• Approved $42,274.13 contract to The Enterprise Center for small business assistance (5-0)
• Approved final land development for 257 E. Main Street (5-0)
• Approved advertisement of Ordinance 21-06 establishing Norristown Stormwater Authority (5-0)
• Approved Verizon Right-of-Way Use Agreement for wireless equipment (5-0)

Municipal Council

The Council will review a bid award for the Sawmill Run Creek Culvert replacement and resolutions for fire equipment and emergency communications systems. The agenda also includes historical architectural reviews and assessment appeal stipulations.

• $719,000.00 contract award to JPS Construction Company for Sawmill Run Creek Culvert replacement
• Resolution 21-31 for the purchase of fire hose and adapters
• Resolution 21-32 for a backup public safety emergency communications system
• Review of March 2021 Historical Architectural Review Board applications
• Approval of assessment appeal stipulations involving Norristown Area School District

The Norristown Municipal Council approved a $719,000 contract with JPS Construction Company for the Sawmill Run Creek culvert replacement. The council also unanimously approved the purchase of a 4-inch fire hose and adapters, a backup public safety emergency communications system, and several property assessment appeal stipulations. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved minutes from March 16, 2021, unanimously.
• Approved Resolution 21-31: Purchase of a 4" Fire Hose and Adapters, unanimously.
• Approved Resolution 21-32: Purchase of a backup Public Safety Emergency Communications System for Police and Fire, unanimously.
• Approved Historical Architectural Review Board applications for 504-06 Swede Street, 559 Buttonwood Street, and 1009 West Main Street, unanimously.
• Approved Resolution 21-33: Bid award to JPS Construction Company for $719,000 for Sawmill Run Creek culvert replacement, unanimously.
• Approved Assessment Appeal Stipulations for 1830 Arch Street (refund of $4,163.60), 1000 Regatta Circle (underpayment of $168,513.75), and 701 Dekalb Street (refund of $6,184.40), unanimously.

Municipal Council

The Council is reviewing several items including police appointments and land development requests. This session includes a proposal to reprogram funds to cover a $46,668 reduction in the FY 2021 budget. The agenda also features discussions on Lafayette Street and potential community gardens.

• Ordinance 21-05: Acceptance of Lafayette Street into the Official Plan
• Reprogramming funds to cover a $46,668 reduction in the FY 2021 budget
• Destruction of 2000 arrest records
• Land development approvals for 15-17 East Fornance St and 26 & 36 W. Wood St
• Appointment of Sunanda Charles to the Stormwater Advisory Committee

The Norristown Council approved several items, including ordinances and land development requests. They approved Ordinance 21-05 to accept Lafayette Street as a public street, accepted $100,000 for easements for the Justice Center project, and approved preliminary/final land development for 15-17 East Fornance Street and 26 & 36 West Wood Street. They also approved a community garden proposal at Thomas Barone Park, subject to additional resident signatures, and directed staff to prepare boundaries for new tax abatement programs.

• Approved minutes from March 2, 2021.
• Appointed Sunanda Charles to the Stormwater Advisory Committee.
• Appointed James McAlvane and Lawrence Keys as entry-level police officers.
• Approved Resolution 21-26 to destroy 2000 arrest records.
• Approved Ordinance 21-05 accepting Lafayette Street as a public street.
• Approved acceptance of $100,000 for easements for the Justice Center project.
• Approved preliminary/final land development for 15-17 East Fornance Street with waivers.
• Approved preliminary/final land development for 26 & 36 West Wood Street with six waivers.

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council will consider several contracts for municipal hall renovations and the Arch Street Greenway Project. The agenda also includes a resolution regarding local minimum wage legislation and the acceptance of Lafayette Street into the official street plan.

• Contracts for Municipal Hall Additions and Renovations: S&S Electrical Services, Inc. ($140,000), Hirschberg Mechanical ($74,530.00), and MJF Electrical Contracting, Inc. ($40,000.00)
• Intent to award G&B Construction $177,836.00 for the Arch Street Greenway Project Phase I
• Resolution urging the PA Legislature and Governor to allow local minimum wage legislation
• Ordinance 21-05 regarding the acceptance of Lafayette Street into the Official Plan of the Streets
• Appointment of Kathy Pfister as Municipal Director of Finance and Tax Collector

The Council unanimously approved contracts for Municipal Hall renovations, including S&S Electrical Services ($140,000), Hirschberg Mechanical ($74,530), and MJF Electrical Contracting ($40,000). It also approved several appointments, including Kathy Pfister as Municipal Director of Finance and Tax Collector, and approved a resolution urging state legislation for local minimum wage. The Council approved assessment appeal stipulations for three properties and the advertisement of an ordinance to accept Lafayette Street into the official street plan. No public comment was made during the meeting.

• Approved minutes from February 16, 2021, unanimously.
• Approved Civil Service Commission appointments: Nadine Hitch (Commissioner, term to 12/31/24), Lauren Hughes (Alternate, term to 12/31/25), and Planning Commission appointments: Precious Thompson, Denise Hall, Joseph Stabler.
• Approved appointment of Kathy Pfister as Municipal Director of Finance and Tax Collector.
• Approved Resolution 21-23 urging PA Legislature to allow municipalities to set local minimum wage.
• Approved assessment appeal stipulations for 320 Johnson Highway ($7,434.24), 910 East Main Street ($45,461.04), and 607 Calamia Drive ($5,732.10).
• Awarded contracts for Municipal Hall renovations: S&S Electrical Services ($140,000), Hirschberg Mechanical ($74,530), MJF Electrical Contracting ($40,000).
• Approved advertisement of Ordinance 21-05 to accept Lafayette Street into the Official Plan of Streets.
• Approved HARB applications for 342 West Marshall Street, 828 West Main Street, and 1201 Dekalb Street.

Municipal Council

The Council will review several land development requests and contract awards for park repairs. Members will also discuss the public posting of rental property owner and inspection information. Additionally, the session includes discussions on tax abatement ordinances and police DNA testing services.

• Flood damage repair contracts for painting ($100,276), flooring ($69,900), fencing ($128,760), and paving ($89,000)
• Contract for Rapid DNA Testing Services with BODE Cellmark Forensics, Inc.
• $35,000 contract purchase from Buxton for Consumer Impact Dashboard and Scout Solution
• Amending HRG professional consultant services for stormwater utility not to exceed $100,000
• Final land development approval for 200 E. Logan Street

The Norristown Municipal Council approved two tax abatement ordinances: a 5-year abatement for new construction (ReTap) decreasing 20% annually, and a 10-year abatement for mixed-use developments decreasing 10% annually. The council also awarded contracts for recreation center flood damage repairs, approved land development projects, and continued a DNA testing contract.

• Approved 5-year tax abatement for new construction (ReTap) (6-0)
• Approved 10-year tax abatement for mixed-use ordinance (5-1)
• Awarded $35,000 contract to Buxton for Consumer Impact Dashboard (6-0)
• Approved final land development at 200 E. Logan Street with 4 waivers (6-0)
• Approved minor plan development at 1417-19 New Hope Street (unanimous)
• Approved $100,276 painting, $69,900 flooring, $128,760 fencing, $89,000 field contracts for flood damage (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of Rapid DNA Testing contract with BODE Cellmark (unanimous)
• Approved donation of 1993 Fire Safety House to Girardville Volunteer Fire Department (unanimous)

Municipal Council

The council approved multiple resolutions, including contracts for sprinkler and remediation services at Municipal Hall, a Black Lives Matter mural design, and a resolution supporting a temporary suspension of foreclosures and evictions during COVID-19. All votes were 6-0.

• Approved $381,200 sprinkler contract with Gordon H. Baver, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved $89,400 remediation contract with Plymouth Environmental Company (6-0)
• Approved Black Lives Matter mural design (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 21-14 supporting suspension of foreclosures/evictions during COVID-19 (6-0)
• Approved removal of Dominic Giuffrida from Keep Norristown Beautiful Committee (6-0)
• Approved Stormwater Advisory Committee appointments (6-0)
• Approved disabled parking spaces at 825 Buttonwood St and 1201 Powell St (6-0)
• Approved assessment appeal stipulations for 751 Astor St and 200 East Airy St (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Council will review appointments to several local boards and committees. Agenda items include awarding a contract for sidewalk replacement and discussing renovation bids for Municipal Hall. A presentation on a proposed mixed-use development is also scheduled.

• $173,400 contract award to NJS Concrete, LLC for ADA ramp installation
• Intent to award $381,200 for sprinkler services and $89,400 for remediation at Municipal Hall
• Proposed mixed-use development at 579 E. Lafayette St.
• New disabled parking spaces at 1108 Swede Street and 700 W. Elm Street
• Amendments to the Abandoned Real Property ordinance

Council chose three residential tax exemption programs for potential implementation, with a 5-2 vote. They also approved several resolutions, including a $173,400 contract for ADA ramp work, appointments to boards, and authorization to advertise an ordinance on abandoned property. All other motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Resolution 21-02 appointments to boards and committees (unanimous)
• Authorized advertisement of Ordinance 21-01 amending abandoned property code (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-03: $173,400 contract to NJS Concrete for ADA ramps (unanimous)
• Amended 2021-2025 Capital Improvements Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-05 amending fee schedule (unanimous)
• Approved disabled parking spaces at 1108 Swede St and 700 W Elm St (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-08 for conditional police officer offers (unanimous)
• Approved intent to award for sprinkler and remediation contracts (unanimous)

General

The Norristown Council will hold a reorganization meeting to elect officers and consider staff reappointments. The Council will also conduct public hearings regarding a zoning change at 700 Sterigere Street and the proposed FY 2021 Community Development Block Grant budget.

• Rezoning of 700 Sterigere Street to Limited Industrial Mixed Use District
• Proposed FY 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget
• Election of 2021 Council President and Vice President
• Resolution 21-01 regarding the reappointment of professional staff
• Review of December 2020 Historical Architectural Review Board applications

At the January 4, 2021 reorganization meeting, Norristown Council elected Derrick Perry as President and Thomas Lepera as Vice President for 2021, with Perry's election unanimous and Lepera's passing 6-1. Council also approved Resolution 21-01 reappointing professional staff, with Councilwoman Sanders recusing herself. During the regular meeting, Council adopted Ordinance 20-17 to rezone 700 Sterigere Street and Ordinance 20-20 for the CDBG FY 2021 budget, and approved a HARB application for 828 West Main Street.

• Elected Derrick Perry as 2021 Council President (unanimous)
• Elected Thomas Lepera as 2021 Council Vice President (6-1, Smith nay)
• Approved Resolution 21-01 reappointing professional staff (6-1, Sanders recused)
• Adopted Ordinance 20-17 rezoning 700 Sterigere Street to LIMU (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 20-20 CDBG FY 2021 budget (6-0, Sanders absent)
• Approved HARB application for 828 West Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved amended December 15, 2020 minutes (unanimous)