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Norristown praises public-works response and ratifies snow-emergency declaration
Summary
After a winter storm that dropped more than a foot of snow, Norristown officials praised Public Works’ around‑the‑clock response and ratified a Jan. 25 snow‑emergency declaration to preserve eligibility for state and federal disaster relief.
Norristown’s council on Tuesday heard a detailed account of the borough’s response to a major winter storm and ratified a previously declared snow emergency so the municipality can pursue potential reimbursement.
Lieutenant George Naves of Public Works told council the borough saw “the biggest storm that we’ve had in the last 10 years,” with more than 13 inches of snow. He described brining operations using about 4,000 gallons of in‑house brine, a 3,000‑gallon holding tank, two salt bins that hold roughly 700–800 tons each, and the removal or hauling of about 180 truckloads (an estimated 3,600 tons) of snow from Norristown’s business districts. Naves said crews worked in shifts around the clock for several days and that refreezing temperatures, parked cars and residents shoveling snow back into streets complicated clearance operations.
Council members thanked the crews for sustained effort and asked practical questions about how residents should shovel sidewalks. Naves advised residents to clear a 30‑inch walking path on sidewalks and to stack cleared snow on sidewalks or front yards rather than the street.
Administrator Leonard told the council that a snow emergency had been declared earlier (the date given was Jan. 25) and asked the body to ratify that declaration. Solicitor explained ratification is typically required to pursue state and federal grants or reimbursements tied to declared disasters.
By roll call, council voted to ratify the snow‑emergency declaration. The council also moved to continue brining operations ahead of a forecast for additional snow and said staff would return with follow‑up information if needed.
The meeting adjourned after further business.
