Council declines to authorize residency forfeiture hearing after lengthy discussion

Council members discussed a citizen request to schedule a forfeiture hearing under the Norristown Charter concerning the residency of Third District Councilman Dustin Queenan but ultimately took no action to authorize a hearing.

Council President Rebecca Smith said she placed the item on the agenda after receiving a letter on Sept. 4 alleging Councilman Queenan did not reside in Norristown; she said she attempted to contact Queenan several times before finalizing the agenda but did not receive a response. "Holding a hearing would allow Councilman Queenan to respond, to confirm his residency and to speak directly to both counsel and the public," Smith said when introducing the item.

The municipal solicitor read the office’s legal opinion and requirements under the charter. He told…