Norristown council approves parking consultant and multiple ordinances; tables $45,000 Christmas tree and committee appointments

The Norristown Municipal Council met Wednesday, Aug. 6, and approved a mix of operational contracts and code changes while tabling two items after public comment and council discussion.

Council approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with PMT Consulting for parking management services in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The measure passed in roll call with the majority voting aye and one dissent. Council also approved ordinances amending sidewalk sales rules and adding prohibitions and procedures for parks and recreation, accepted a three-year mechanical service agreement for building systems, and voted to join a governmental settlement agreement in the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy matter.

The actions affect routine municipal operations (parking enforcement and equipment maintenance) and regulatory updates for businesses and park use. The council also elected to postpone two items that drew public scrutiny: a proposed municipal purchase of a 30-foot artificial Christmas tree priced up to $45,000 and appointments to the Norristown Sewer Authority and Recreation Committee.

Key votes and outcomes

- PMT Consulting (parking management): Resolution 25-64, authorize agreement not to exceed $50,000 — approved by roll call (majority aye; Jasmine Griffin recorded “No”). - Sidewalk-sales ordinance: Ordinance 25-05, amend Chapter 278 to clarify sidewalk-sale rules and enforcement — approved by roll call (ayes recorded; no no-votes noted). - Parks and recreation ordinance: Ordinance 25-06, amend Chapter 225 to add prohibitions and authorize adoption of park policies — approved by roll call (ayes recorded; no no-votes noted). - Mechanical service agreement: Resolution 25-65, three-year preventive-maintenance contract totaling $41,250 — approved by roll call (ayes recorded). - Purdue Pharma settlement participation: Motion to approve the governmental entity settlement agreement and bankruptcy plan — approved by roll call (ayes recorded). - HARB Certificates of Appropriateness: COAs for 530 Hamilton St., 512 Hamilton St., 509 Buttonwood St., and 24 E. Oak St. — presented and approved. - Appointments to boards and committees: Resolution 25-62 (two Norristown Sewer Authority seats and one Recreation Committee seat) — motion to table carried by roll call. - Christmas tree purchase: Resolution 25-63 (authorize purchase not to exceed $45,000) — motion to table carried by roll call after public comment and council discussion.

Council procedure and next steps

Council members asked for additional community feedback on the tree purchase and suggested exploring alternatives such as crowdfunding or pilot events before committing large capital. The administration indicated the parking consultant extension would be hourly and used as needed while staff completes the parking ordinance and related equipment rollouts.

The tabling of the committee appointments means the vacancies on the Sewer Authority and the Recreation Committee remain open pending further council discussion. The administration said it would return with additional information on those applicant files.

Council members and staff indicated several approved items (ordinances, maintenance contracts and the settlement participation) are intended to improve enforcement clarity, operational reliability and to secure grant or settlement funds available to the municipality.

Ending

Council adjourned after departmental reports from planning and parks and recreation. Several approved measures are expected to be implemented by staff; tabling on the tree purchase and appointments leaves room for more public input and internal review.