Norristown public meetings in 2023

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council will hold a work session to review administrative appointments, redevelopment plans, and municipal contracts. The council is asked to appoint Dr. Jacqueline Bailey-Davis as police chief and direct a development team to draft a formal proposal for the 68-acre State Hospital Grounds site. Additional items include FY2024 budget advertising, a lease for a small business center at 401 DeKalb Street, disabled parking approvals, and a janitorial services contract award.

• Resolution No. 23-88: Appoint Dr. Jacqueline Bailey-Davis as Chief of Police effective Jan 2, 2024
• Motion to select a development team to prepare a formal proposal for the 68-acre State Hospital Grounds site
• Ordinance No. 23-09: Advertise FY2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Proposed Budget
• Lease negotiation for Suite 105 at 401 DeKalb Street to house the Norristown Small Business Assistance Center and Chamber of Commerce
• Resolution No. 23-86: Approve disabled parking spaces at five addresses, including 203 Summit Street and 129 Rosemont Avenue

Stormwater Authority

The Board will consider adopting the 2024 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Staff will also present information regarding the Pollutant Reduction Plan for the municipality's NPDES permit renewal due in 2025.

• Adoption of the 2024 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
• Presentation on the Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP)
• Stormwater updates from the Operations Manager

Municipal Council

The Council will consider adopting the FY 2024 budget and a real estate tax rate increase from 17.00 to 17.25 mills. The agenda also includes approving a $160,000 grant amendment for property acquisition at 14 West Main Street. Additionally, the Council will review the 2024-2028 Capital Improvements Plan and the 2024 Consolidated Fee Schedule.

• Adoption of FY 2024 Budget and real estate tax rate increase from 17.00 to 17.25 mills
• $160,000 grant amendment for commercial property acquisition at 14 West Main Street
• Adoption of the 2024-2028 Capital Improvements Plan
• Adoption of the 2024 Consolidated Fee Schedule
• Purchase of a washer extractor and drying system for firefighting garments

Municipal Council

The Council will discuss the 2024-2028 Capital Improvements Plan and the 2024 fee schedule. The session includes a first reading of Ordinance 23-08 to increase the millage rate from 17.00 to 17.25. Other items include contract awards for security equipment and a new skate park.

• First reading of Ordinance 23-08 to adopt FY 2024 Budget and increase millage rate from 17.00 to 17.25
• $1,000,000 contract award to Spohn Ranch Skate Parks for Poley Skate Park
• $182,891 contract award to CGP&H for rehabilitation professional services
• $120,819 purchase of security equipment from Valley Forge Security
• Public hearing for a mural at 1161 Markley Street

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council will review the proposed 2024 annual operating budget and two mixed-use development proposals. The council is also considering an $800,000 ARPA funding agreement for small business assistance. Additionally, a $1 million contract for Poley Skate Park is up for approval.

• Intent to award $1,000,000 contract to Spohn Ranch Skate Parks for Poley Skate Park
• Request for $800,000 in ARPA funding for small business and economic development
• Purchase of a new Ford Explorer SUV for the Police Chief up to $49,318.00
• Presentation of mixed-use developments at Main & DeKalb and 225 East Main Street
• Establishment of disabled parking spaces on Stanbridge, Haws, Cherry, and Noble streets

Stormwater Authority

The Board will discuss the 2024 proposed budget and Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting also includes a resolution for a new dump truck purchase not to exceed $160,000. Additionally, the Board will consider approving previous meeting minutes.

• Resolution for a 2024 Ford F-550 dump truck purchase not to exceed $160,000
• Presentation of the 2024 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Approval of October 5, 2023, and September 7, 2023, meeting minutes

Municipal Council

The Council will review zoning amendments for amusement devices and a liquor license transfer to 1719 Markley St. Members will also discuss land development at 825 DeKalb Street and a mixed-use project at 48 E Main St. Additionally, the session includes decisions on police vehicle purchases and a new parking enforcement vendor.

• Purchase of three Ford Interceptor SUVs not to exceed $276,000.00
• Three-year contract with United Public Safety Inc. for $139,958
• Zoning amendment regarding 'Amusement devices' and 'Arcade' regulations
• Land development approval for 825 DeKalb Street to expand DeKalb Supermarket
• Purchase of two Ford F-350 trucks with snowplows not to exceed $196,000

Stormwater Authority

The Board will review an annual summary of stormwater operations projects completed during 2022 and 2023. Staff will also lead a discussion regarding the 2024 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

• Annual Summary of 2022 - 2023 Stormwater Operations Projects
• Discussion for 2024 Budget and CIP

Municipal Council

The Norristown Municipal Council will consider several appointments and contract extensions. Items include approving police promotional lists and a speed limit reduction on DeKalb Street. The council will also review pension obligations for fiscal year 2024.

• Reducing the speed limit on DeKalb Street to 25 MPH
• Appointing Bri’Ana Cropps-Hawkins as Recreation Director
• Approving police promotional lists for Corporal and Sergeant
• Extending the IAFF Local 2335 contract through December 31, 2024
• Sharing JAG award funds with Pottstown Borough

Municipal Council

The Council will consider several resolutions including a contract for food hall feasibility at 1 West Main Street and a $1.5 million grant request for the Arch Street Greenway Project. Additionally, officials will discuss reducing the speed limit on DeKalb Street to 25 MPH and renewing a memorandum with the Norristown Chamber of Commerce.

• Contract award to Colicchio Consulting for $32,500 for Food Hall Feasibility & Planning at 1 West Main Street
• $1.5 million PennDOT grant application for Arch Street Greenway Project phases III and IV
• Ordinance to reduce the speed limit on DeKalb Street to 25 MPH
• Purchase of signage from iSIGN Architectural Signage for $22,500
• New professional services agreement with MuniReg, LLC for foreclosure property registration

Stormwater Authority

The Board will meet to review and approve updated impervious area calculations for six specific addresses on Ann Street and High Street. This action is part of the authority's operational oversight.

• Approval of impervious areas for 123 Ann Street
• Approval of impervious areas for 145 Ann Street
• Approval of impervious areas for 825 High Street
• Approval of impervious areas for 827 High Street
• Approval of impervious areas for 829 High Street and 831 High Street

Municipal Council

The Council will review a conditional use application for The Grand at Main & DeKalb. Other items include adopting the 2021 International Fire Code and applying for a justice assistance grant.

• Conditional Use Approval for 'The Grand at Main & DeKalb' mixed-use building
• Hiring of two career firefighters
• Ordinance No. 23-05: Adoption of the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code
• Application for the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
• Resolution No. 23-59: Disabled parking spaces at 633 Noble Street and 321 E. Marshall Street

Council approved a conditional use application for a residential mixed-use development and adopted the 2021 International Fire Code. The body also approved several historical architectural reviews and a grant application for police overtime.

• Approved conditional use for 'The Grand at Main & Dekalb' residential mixed-use development (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-05 adopting the 2021 International Fire Code (6-0)
• Approved HARB applications for 625 Dekalb, 501 George, 503 George, 722 Stanbridge, 713 Swede, and 1028 West Marshall Streets (6-0)
• Approved application for $15,694 in JAG funds for police overtime in high-risk areas (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-59 for disabled parking spaces at 633 Noble Street and 321 E. Marshall Street (6-0)
• Approved assessment appeal stipulations for six former law offices on Swede Street (6-0)
• Approved August 15, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

Municipal Council

Council approved a $500,000 grant application for home building code corrections and authorized the advertisement of updated zoning and fire code ordinances. The body also approved the auction of surplus office furniture and the destruction of eligible records.

• Approved Resolution 23-56 to apply for $500,000 DCED HOME funding for 10-12 homes (unanimous)
• Approved advertising Ordinance 23-06 to update zoning for amusement devices and arcades (unanimous)
• Approved advertising Ordinance 23-05 to adopt the 2021 International Fire Code (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-55 to auction surplus office furnishings via GovDeals.com (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-57 to destroy eligible Planning, Zoning, and HR records (unanimous)
• Decided to return to traditional bidding process for Poley Park Skate Park (unanimous)
• Approved August 1, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Stormwater Authority

The Board will review a request to revise the 2023 Stormwater Budget due to a project carry-over from 2022. The meeting also includes a resolution for a $585,119.00 payment to Anrich Inc.

• Revised 2023 Stormwater Budget request
• $585,119.00 payment to Anrich Inc for 2022 projects
• Acceptance of maintenance bond expiring May 30, 2025

Municipal Council

Council approved a spending plan for $7,575,520 in American Rescue Plan Act funding, primarily targeting recreation centers and parks. The board also approved several historical architectural applications and adopted the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan. A public hearing was held for a mixed-use residential project at Main & Dekalb.

• Approved $7,575,520 ARPA funding for Recreation Center, Roosevelt Field, blight remediation, and parks (5-0)
• Approved Historical Architectural Review Board applications for 129 W. Airy St, 613 Noble St, 825 Dekalb St, and The Grand at Main & Dekalb (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 23-53 for the Montgomery County 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-54 waiver for food trucks at 1210 Stanbridge Street on August 19, 2023 (5-0)
• Nominated Dustin Queenan as Voting Delegate and Crandall Jones as alternate for the Pennsylvania Municipal League (5-0)
• Approved July 5, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Municipal Council

Council voted against participating in a three-year Shotspotter Grant Program. Other actions included approving police equipment purchases and authorizing the disposal of surplus property from the Norristown State Hospital grounds.

• Denied participation in 3-year Shotspotter Grant Program (3-4)
• Approved $199,390.00 payment to Integrated Security Systems, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $22,496.40 purchase of 9 TASER Units and equipment (unanimous)
• Approved disabled parking spaces at 914 West Airy St, 1057 Swede St, and 623 Haws Ave (unanimous)
• Approved disposal of surplus metals and equipment from Norristown State Hospital Building #9 (unanimous)
• Approved opposition to check cashing business application at 524 Dekalb Street (unanimous)
• Approved HARB applications for 500 George St, 17 W. Airy St, 801 W. Marshall St, and 1114 W. Marshall St (unanimous)
• Approved revision to PennDOT Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement (unanimous)

Municipal Council

Council granted land development approval for 25 rowhouses at 600 East Fornance Street and authorized a pilot story trail program in two local parks. The board also approved a police software payment and a grant application for a community camera system.

• Approved Preliminary/Final Land Development for 25 rowhouses at 600 East Fornance Street (6-0)
• Approved cooperative agreement with Norristown Public Library for Story Path Pilot Program at Scag Cottman and Guardino Parks (6-0)
• Approved $24,024.03 payment to CODY Computer Services, Inc. for report management (6-0)
• Approved application for Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program Grant for a community camera system (6-0)
• Approved license agreement with DAJ Brewery for public use of Cherry Street Park at 151 W. Marshall Street for $1 annual fee (6-0)
• Approved minutes from June 6, 2023 meeting (6-0)

Municipal Council

Council unanimously approved revisions to the Municipal Stormwater Management Ordinance to comply with state law. Several resolutions were passed to fund Municipal Hall renovations and networking equipment. The board also approved repairs for the Crawford Park retaining wall and various historical architectural applications.

• Approved Ordinance 23-04 Stormwater Management Ordinance revisions (Unanimous)
• Approved $63,987.16 for Municipal Hall sprinkler system modifications (Unanimous)
• Approved $29,800 for lead abatement at Municipal Hall (Unanimous)
• Approved $36,545 for Seiler & Drury Architecture services for Municipal Hall (Unanimous)
• Approved $23,252.60 for Municipal Hall networking equipment (Unanimous)
• Approved $235,920 for Crawford Park/Pearl Street retaining wall repair (Unanimous)
• Approved HARB applications for 8 property repairs and renovations (Unanimous)
• Recognized June 2023 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (Unanimous)

Municipal Council

The Council will hold a public hearing for Ordinance 23-02 to add a Master Plan section to Chapter 320 Zoning. Additionally, the Council will review preliminary December 2022 financial results and ratify a noise ordinance waiver for PECO work on Marshall Street.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 23-02 regarding land development Master Plan requirements
• Resolution 23-31 to approve the surplus sale of a 1995 Ladder Truck
• Ratification of a noise ordinance waiver for PECO work on Marshall Street
• Review of April 2023 Historical Architectural Review Board applications

Council approved Ordinance 23-02, which amends the Municipal Code to require the submission and approval of a Land Development Master Plan. The board also approved the sale of a surplus fire truck and several historical architectural review applications.

• Approved Ordinance 23-02: Master Plan zoning amendment (5-0)
• Approved sale of 1995 Ladder Truck (5-0)
• Approved HARB applications for 133 W. Airy St, 1230 W. Airy St, and 120 W. Marshall St (5-0)
• Approved Noise Ordinance waiver for PECO emergency work on Marshall Street (5-0)
• Approved April 18, 2023 Council Workshop minutes (5-0)

Municipal Council

The council will review several contract approvals and funding requests. This includes proposals for a new fire ladder truck, streetscape construction, and business recruitment services.

• $2,015,000 purchase of a 100' ladder truck from Glick Fire Equipment
• $733,967 construction contract for Main Street Streetscape Phase IV
• $45,000 contract with Retail Strategies for business recruitment services
• $70,000 ARPA funding for Riverfront Park amenities and a pavilion
• $18,000 agreement to conduct a police chief search

Council approved several high-cost equipment and service contracts, including a new ladder truck and streetscape work. They also authorized funding for park amenities and a professional search for a new Police Chief.

• Approved $2,015,000 purchase of a 100’ Ladder Truck from Glick Fire Equipment (6-0)
• Approved $733,967 contract to Marino Corporation for Main Street Streetscape Phase IV (6-0)
• Approved $45,000 contract with Retail Strategies for commercial retail recruitment (6-0)
• Approved $70,000 in ARPA Funding for Riverfront Park Redevelopment Project Phase 1 (6-0)
• Approved $18,000 agreement with Center for Public Safety Management for Police Chief search (6-0)
• Approved amendment to Resolution 22-86 for Kennedy-Kenrick Land Development phasing (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 23-03 to renew franchise agreement with Comcast (6-0)
• Approved disabled parking spaces at 1106 Astor Street and 616 East Moore Street (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Council will review a construction contract for the Main Street Streetscape project. Other items include police promotions and the sale of fire department vehicles.

• Intent to award $733,967 contract to Marino Corporation for Main Street Streetscape Phase IV
• Promotion of Michael Choiniere to Police Corporal
• Authorization to advertise the sale of two fire department vehicles
• Advertisement for a Comcast franchise renewal agreement
• Public auction of 25 surplus municipal items and vehicles

Council approved a construction contract for the Main Street Streetscape project and a franchise renewal agreement with Comcast. Other actions included promoting a police officer, authorizing the sale of fire department vehicles, and approving HARB applications for two properties.

• Awarded $733,967 Main Street Streetscape Phase IV contract to Marino Corporation (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 23-03 to advertise a 10-year franchise renewal agreement with Comcast (6-0)
• Approved promotion of Officer Michael Choiniere to Police Corporal (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-21 to sell two Fire Department vehicles (6-0)
• Approved HARB applications for 503 Barbados Street and 120 Marshall Street (6-0)
• Approved listing 25 surplus equipment items and vehicles for public auction (6-0)
• Approved March 21, 2023 Council Workshop minutes (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Council will consider a request to pay Integrated Security Solutions, LLC $29,610 for a community camera project site survey. The agenda also includes a presentation of public transit survey results and a request to advertise a zoning ordinance amendment. Additionally, the Council will review assessment appeal stipulations involving the Norristown Area School District.

• $29,610 payment request for community camera project site survey
• Presentation of public transit survey results and analysis
• Request to advertise Ordinance 23-02 regarding zoning 'Master Plan' requirements
• Review of assessment appeal stipulations involving Norristown Area School District

Council approved a site survey for a community camera project and a tax assessment stipulation for 501 Swede Street. They also authorized the advertisement of a zoning ordinance requiring land development Master Plans for large-scale projects.

• Approved Resolution 23-20 for community camera project site survey (4-0)
• Approved Assessment Appeal Stipulation for 501 Swede Street (4-0)
• Approved advertisement of Ordinance 22-02 to add 'Master Plan' section to Chapter 320 Zoning (4-0)
• Approved March 7, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Municipal Council

The Council will vote on joining a national opioid settlement against several pharmaceutical companies and retailers. The agenda also includes grant applications for fire department staffing and equipment. Additionally, the meeting features a Verizon franchise renewal and land development approval for the Elmwood Park Zoo.

• Land development approval for Elmwood Park Zoo Welcome Center at 1661 Harding Blvd
• SAFER Grant application to hire six additional full-time firefighters
• $24,500 AFG Grant application for fire equipment
• Franchise renewal agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC
• Participation in National Opioid Settlement CL-388028

Council approved land development for the Elmwood Park Zoo Welcome Center and authorized the hiring of six full-time firefighters. Other actions included approving a franchise renewal with Verizon and joining an opioid settlement class action suit.

• Approved Preliminary/Final Land Development for Elmwood Park Zoo Welcome Center (5-0)
• Approved hiring of six additional full-time Firefighters (5-0)
• Approved $24,500 Assistance to Firefighter AFG Grant for washer/extractor and gear drying system (5-0)
• Approved 5-year Franchise Renewal Agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC (5-0)
• Approved Opioid Settlement CL-388028 Class Action Litigation Suit (5-0)
• Approved February 21, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Municipal Council

The council will review the 2021 financial audit and discuss several development projects. Items include a budget amendment for CDBG-CV funding and updates on land development phasing.

• $953,527 contract award to Metra Industries for sanitary sewer evaluations
• $193,915 purchase of police department furnishings from Corbett Inc.
• $334,257 budget amendment for HUD CDBG-CV funding
• Rescinding the Poley Skate Park award to rebid the project
• Oath of office for new entry-level police officers

Council approved several infrastructure and police department expenditures, including a sewer evaluation and office furnishings. The body also voted to oppose a medical support center application and re-bid two park projects. Additionally, Council approved the selection of three new entry-level police officers.

• Approved selection of entry-level police officers (6-0)
• Supported amending Land Development Resolution 22-86 for PROSOV, LLC construction phasing (6-0)
• Approved advertising $334,257 CDBG-CV Budget change for Main Streetscape project (6-0)
• Voted to oppose 31 East Fornance Street MAT Support Center application (6-0)
• Approved advertising franchise renewal agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC (6-0)
• Approved $953,527 contract to Metra Industries for sanitary sewer evaluation (6-0)
• Approved $193,915 purchase of Phase II police department furnishings from Corbett, Inc. (6-0)
• Rescinded awards and approved re-bidding for Poley Skate Park and Crawford Park Retaining Wall (6-0)

Municipal Council

The Council will consider whether to appeal a zoning decision regarding a homeless shelter at 800 West Marshall Street. The agenda also includes ratifying a $23,500 fireworks contract and approving a police agreement extension. Additionally, Council Member Lauren Hughes will take an oath of office.

• Potential appeal of zoning decision for Code Blue homeless shelter at 800 West Marshall Street
• Ratification of $23,500 contract with Zambelli Fireworks for July 4th fireworks
• Approval of a one-year agreement with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #31
• Establishment of a disabled parking space at 225 E Elm Street
• Oath of office for Council Member Lauren Hughes

Council voted to appeal a Zoning Hearing Board decision regarding a homeless shelter at 800 West Marshall Street. Other actions included approving a police union agreement and a fireworks contract. The council also appointed three members to the Planning Commission.

• Appealed ZHB decision for Code Blue homeless shelter at 800 West Marshall Street (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 23-12 appointing Omar Livingston, Amber Queen, and Tim Kozack to Planning Commission (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-14 for $23,500 fireworks contract with Zambelli Fireworks (5-0)
• Approved one-year agreement with Lodge #31 of the Fraternal Order of Police including 3% increase (5-0)
• Approved disabled parking space at 225 East Elm Street (5-0)
• Approved HARB applications for 901 Dekalb St, 335 E. Marshall St, 312 Stanbridge St, and 1221 W. Airy St (5-0)
• Ratified Council Meeting Schedule (5-0)
• Approved January 17, 2023 Work Session minutes (5-0)

Municipal Council

Council approved a $1 million contract for the design and construction of Poley Skate Park. Other actions included approving police promotions, purchasing detective division vehicles, and ratifying a collective bargaining agreement.

• Approved $1,000,000 contract to Grindline Skateparks, Inc. for Poley Skate Park (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 6 Detective Division vehicles for $271,375.00 (5-0)
• Approved promotions of Nicholas Dumas, Tyler North, and Jason Hoover (5-0)
• Ratified 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement for Crossing Guide Unit (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 22-09 to vacate Green Street for Kennedy-Kenrick project (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-06 to adopt and re-promulgate Emergency Plan (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-10 for reappointments to Advisory Boards, Committees and Commissions (5-0)
• Approved January 3, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Municipal Council

The meeting includes a reorganization session to elect council officers and administer oaths of office. Council will also consider police promotions, advisory board appointments, and the FY2023 Community Development Block Grant budget. Additionally, members will review a contract for a police services analysis and an amendment regarding responsible contractors.

• $72,185 contract to Center for Public Safety Management, LLC for police services analysis
• Promotion of Michael Bishop to Police Captain and James Angelucci to Police Lieutenant
• Adoption of Ordinance 22-08 for the FY2023 Community Development Block Grant budget
• Amendment to Chapter 133 regarding 'Responsible Contractors'
• Election of 2023 Council President and Vice President

The Council held a re-organization meeting to elect leadership and approve professional staff reappointments. Subsequent actions included approving police promotions, board appointments, and a $72,185 contract for a police services analysis.

• Elected Thomas Lepera as President and Heather Lewis as Vice President
• Approved Resolution 23-01 for reappointment of professional staff (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-04 for appointments to advisory boards, committees, and commissions (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-02 promoting Michael Bishop to Police Captain and James Angelucci to Police Lieutenant (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 22-08 for the FY 2023 Community Development Block Grant proposed budget (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 22-10 and accompanying resolution amending 'Responsible Contractors' regulations (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-03 awarding a $72,185 plus travel contract to Center for Public Safety Management, LLC (unanimous)