Council Corner

Council activities and actions

Stay connected with Norristown Municipal Council, learn more about Council initiatives, events, and legislation. This news page highlights policy changes, council procedures, and is updated frequently. Follow municipal social media pages, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

October 2019

	The Government Finance Officers Association announced that The Municipality of Norristown has received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award represents a significant achievement by the municipality. It reflects the commitment of Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, Norristown Municipality had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an the budget serves a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. The report was rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. View the entire budget report.
October 22 - The Norristown chapter of The NAACP held a Meet the Candidates public forum at Theater Horizon located at 401 Dekalb Street. Members from both parties openly engaged in a question and answer panel discussion on topics concerning the voters.	October 12 - Council President mans the council table at the 2nd annual Pitching for Unity Community Softball Game at Eisenhower Middle School. This friendly game is hosted by an array of local organizations in partnership with the Norristown Police Department and sponsored by Municipal Council.
October 7 - Norristown Councilwoman Sonya Sanders and Councilman Derrick Perry attended the annual Pennsylvania Municipal League Summit in Gettysburg over the weekend. They got a chance to exchange information with colleagues, attend workshops and hear from a variety of speakers including former mayor of Philadelphia Micheal Nutter.	Norristown Small Business Assistance Center News: We are happy to announce that Marian and Jasmine Jones, owners of Prestige, Play and Learn received a $19,000 loan to support the expansion of their childcare business on Main St in hashtag#Norristown through the Small Business Assistance Center in partnership with the Enterprise Center. The owners are looking to grow their business after two successful years in business. The Norristown Small Business Assistance Center is a project of the Municipality of Norristown and is funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds the Municipality receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
	October 1 -Norristown teens Marcus Stokes and Devon Grevious were honored at the October 1st meeting for coming to the aid of others during a fire in our community! True definition of heroes who put their lives on the line in concerns of others! In the news.

September 2019

September 25 - Council President held a public Chat and Chew at the Hancock Fire House at 820 West Airy Street. The agenda consisted of development updates from the Planning Director Jayne Musonye, a presentation of the upcoming Census 2020 and a tutorial of the new interactive zoning map. Learn more about the new interactive zoning map with this tutorial video.	September 19 - Norristown Municipal Council congratulates The Norristown Fire Department for being honored this week with an Award of Valor by the National Liberty Museum. Read more.
September 25 - Great evening at State Rep Matt Bradford's Community Resource Day at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. Great to see and be a part of the many resources out there in the community!	September 19 - Vance Community Partners held an Art and Music open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.at 214 Cherry Street for the community. Several members of municipal council were in attendance.

August 2019

August 25 - The Help A Single Parent Organization held a great event with tons of resources for the kids and families at their yearly back to school drive for the community. Municipal Council had an information table as well as donated funds towards the event.	August 24 - Universal Copy and Print hosted a Back to School drive for the community.
August 7, 2019 - Today local community leaders from around #MontcoPa gathered to discuss the upcoming Census2020. They are hard-at-work to make sure each person is counted. A #completecount is critical to the future of local communities like the Municipality of Norristown. #MontcoCounts Photo credit: Montgomery County, PA facebook page	August 13, 2019 - U.S. Senator Bob Casey was in Norristown to meet with County Commissioners Val Arkoosh and Ken E. Lawrence, Jr., Norristown Municipal Council President Sonya Sanders, Councilwoman Valerie Scott Cooper, and Municipal Administrator Crandall Ortiz Jones for updates on projects that will advance the revitalization of downtown Norristown and to tour three successful businesses. Timshel Coffee, Universal Copy & Print Powered by Cadcom and Five Saints Distilling and International Spirits, LLC.
At the August Council work session Norristown Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing universal healthcare and the Medicare for All Act of 2019!

July 2019

Councilman Perry with Camp Kids

July 31 - The Municipality of Norristown announced today the launch of the Council Adopts a Camp Child (CACC) program. The program, spearheaded by the Municipal Council, is dedicated to supporting Norristown children by sponsoring summer camp attendance.

Real more.

Councilman Derrick Perry shakes the hand of Civil Rights activist Charles Evers

July 19 - While in attendance at the National League of Cities conference in Jackson MS Councilman Derrick Perry was fortunate to meet Civil Rights Activist Charles Evers.

Group of people waiting in line to taste test beer at a park

July 31 - The first Trails on Tap event was a big hit! The week-long outdoor evening festival included food, a beer garden, music and the opportunity to ride a kayak or bicycle at Riverfront Park.

two story indoor business offices with people networking

July 5 - Spartan Drywall & Mill City Properties Building hosted a Community Appreciation Event welcoming members of council along with local businesses and organization into their newly revamped space located at 368 Moore Street.

Norristown Municipal Council Members on the float at the 4th of July parade

July 4 - The Independence Day Celebration in Norristown was a huge success due to the work of community organizations and municipal staff. The day started off with a parade through town finishing up a block party on Main Street. Festivities continued at Elmwood Park with a party in the park, all day concerts and fireworks at dusk.

View photo album.

Accreditation Certificate Presentation on July 2, 2019 Council Meeting Pic 2

July 3 - The Municipality of Norristown is proud to announce that its Department of Buildings & Code Enforcement has attained accreditation from the American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) for its Code Enforcement Program. The Municipality of Norristown is the first in Pennsylvania and the second in the country to receive this distinguished recognition, the City of Plano, Texas being the first.
Learn more.

June 2019

Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners (second from left) re-issu

June 11 - The 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges charity blood drive took place at the Montgomery County Human Services Center in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The completion is based on a friendly wager that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department placed against the Norristown Police and Fire Departments to encourage more blood donors out for the event.
Read more.

Gov of PA Wolf takes group photo with Sheriffs office staff

June 7 - Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Shira Goodman of Ceasefire Pennsylvania visited the Sheriff's office in Norristown to talk about common sense gun control in support of Gun Violence Awareness Day. Council President Sonya Sanders was in attendance.

May 2019

May 7, 2019 - In Spring 2019, Norristown was recognized as a

Silver level certified sustainable community by the program!

In earning the Silver certification, Norristown Municipality is acknowledged for its progress in such areas as community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations.

Details about Norristown Municipality’s certification performance website: http://www.sustainablepacommunitycertification.org/users/certified_municipalities.

Norristown Chamber of Commerce SBA Business of the year

May 9, 2019 - At the May 9th Norristown Chamber of Commerce event, local business owner Kym Ramsey of The Willow School received the 2019 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year award from U.S. Small Business Administration.

May 16, 2019 - Norristown Councilwoman Valerie Scott Cooper recently visited with residents of the award-winning and newly built Arbor Knoll town homes.

Learn more about the Progressive Homes.

Student leaders pose with coucil members

May 23, 2019 - The Student Leadership Academy came to a conclusion with the two groups of students presenting ideas to Norristown Municipal Council and family members.

Councilman Hakim Jones at Aclamo presenting to class

May 28, 2019 - Councilman Hakim Jones met with the civic and advocacy class at ACLAMO family services to educate them about Council responsibility and local government.

May 23, 2019 - Norristown Area High School held a Best Buddies event in May, for local students with special needs to make friendships of a lifetime this year with their "Best Buddy!"

See how this program creates an inclusive environment for all students.

See full clip here.

April 2019

April 2, 2019 - The Municipal Council of Norristown voted to approve a resolution committing Norristown to shift away from fossil fuels and pledge to transition the community towards 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2050.

Read full press release.

Promotion of FF Tony Barbato

April 2, 2019 - Norristown Fire Fighter Tony Barbato was promoted to Fire Captain at the April council meeting by Council President Sonya Sanders.

April 5, 2019 - The Norristown Area School District hosted an event with the Harlem Wizards. Councilman Hakim Jones shared the court alongside Commissioner Ken Lawrence.

April 6, 2019 - Norristown was held on a beautiful Saturday, Municipal Council took part in the day's festivities by honoring Ivan age 10 from Stewart Middle School for winning the Fire Truck Naming Contest. Ivan submitted the name Phoenix, chosen out of over 500 submissions by Norristown Area school children.

See more about the day here.

April 6, 2019 - Councilwomen Rebecca Smith and Olivia Brady joined volunteers to beautify the war memorial on Harding Blvd the morning of Norristown Day as part of the Keep Norristown Beautiful program.

Learn more about Keep Norristown Beautiful.

Three women and two men smiling for photo

April 14, 2019 - The Norristown Chamber of Commerce held a fundraiser event with Blues performer D. Mills at the Elmwood Park Zoo. Councilwomen Sonya Sanders and Valerie Scott Cooper attended the event joined by Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones.

Learn more about the chamber.

April 18, 2019 - Councilwoman Valerie Scott Cooper held a Town Hall a the newly built Montgomery Senior Apartments on Powell Street. The evening was filled with informative presentations from the Norristown Recreation Department, Census 2020, Norristown Small Business Assistance Center and Representative Madeleine Dean.

See more photos from the event.

April 18, 2019 - Norristown Municipal Councilwoman Heather Lewis and Municipal Administrator Crandall O. Jones, ICMA-CM were in attendance at the 30th Anniversary Gala for Habitat for Humanity on April 18th with special guest of honor Philadelphia Eagles player and philanthropist Malcolm Jenkins.

April 20, 2019 - Councilman Hakim Jones was instrumental in the planning of the Parents for Education event at the Norristown Public Library. The event promoted advocacy for schools in Norristown, in conjunction with the Norristown Men of Excellence, Urban League of Philadelphia, and PA School Works.

April 23, 2019 - The Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities held its district meeting at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. This event updates members about programs and services around the state. Norristown Municipal Council along with the Municipal Administrator attended the meeting. Learn more about the PML.

April 28, 2019 - Council President Sonya Sanders teamed up with Pastors Almedya to clean up McCann park with students from Norristown Area High School as part of the student leadership academy.

See more photos from the academy here.

March 2019

March 5, 2019 - President Sanders swears in the newest member of the Norristown Fire Department Kevin Murphy.

March 5, 2019 - The Montgomery County Public Defenders Office held their fifth Youth and Law Enforcement Forum at Eagleville Hospital. In attendance were members from Norristown Police Department and Councilman Hakim Jones.

Photo credit: Public Defenders Office Facebook page.

March 9, 2019 - Councilwoman Valerie Scott Cooper attended the National League of Cities Legislative Action Committee meeting at the Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. City officials will learn more about the common challenges affecting cities during workshops and general sessions. Conference delegates will get specialized training to build leadership skills and conduct productive meetings with federal representatives. The National League of Cities is a resource and advocate for the nation's cities and their leaders. Learn more about the NLC.

February 2019

February 5, 2019 - Council President Sonya Sanders swears in first ever career Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lockhart in the Norristown Fire Department. Chief Lockhart started his career 32 years ago, and will also assume the duties of the Fire Marshal. In the News: Norristown Appoints Deputy Fire Chief - The Times Herald	February 13, 2019 - Members of municipal council celebrated the opening of Arbor Knoll, the third development project for Progressive Housing in Norristown. Learn more about the Arbor Knoll Townhome development. In the News: Arbor Knoll community in Norristown holds ribbon-cutting - The Times Herald
February 21, 2019 - Congresswoman Madeleine Dean held an open house for her new Norristown Office located at 101 East Main Street. Hours of operation, constituent services and contact information can be found online. See Press Release Here.	February 23, 2019 - Municipal Council held its annual retreat at Corbett Inc. The day and a half were spent analyzing the strategic direction of the municipality, reviewing progress and planning for 2019 and beyond. See more photos from the retreat here.
February 24, 2019 - A packed housed enjoyed an afternoon of live music, spoken word, vendors and black history exhibits hosted by the Norristown NAACP Youth Chapter & Freedom Fund and partially sponsored by members of Council.	Municipal Council would like to wish the Norristown Basketball Team good luck on their way to State Playoffs!
February 28, 2019 - The Norristown Small Business Assistance Center hosted an entrepreneurship workshop for aspiring food truck and restaurant owners. Look for future workshops and events by visit the SBAC page.	February 28, 2019 - Norristown Police Department’s Chief Mark Talbot was honored at the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Black History Month Celebration. He was recognized for his dedication, commitment, and contributions to the Norristown community.

January 2019

Sonya (Fisher) Sanders - More Information

Sonya Sanders re-elected as President

January 7, 2019 - Councilwoman Sonya Sanders was re-elected as the Municipal Council President at the January re-organization meeting. This is Sanders fourth consecutive year as President. Her term expires on December 31, 2021. (see bio)
Follow Councilwoman Sanders on Facebook.

Heather Lewis elected as Vice President

Councilwoman Heather Lewis was elected to the Vice President role at the January re-organization meeting, this is the first year for the 2nd District councilwoman. Her term expires on December 31, 2019. (see bio)

January 7, 2019 - At the January Council Meeting Tiffany Bobb received the oath of office as an entry level police officer in the Norristown Police Department. Officer Bobb is the fifth female officer hired on the force. Pictured here with Chief Talbot, Judge Hunsicker and Captain Clowser.

In the News: New Police Officers are Ready to Serve the Community After Graduating From MCCC’s Municipal Police Academy - Around Ambler

January 26, 2019 - Council President Sonya Sanders and 4th District Councilman Hakim Jones attended the unveiling of the newly renovated Centre Theater in downtown Norristown.

Learn more about Centre Theater.